Tucked Away on Michigan’s Coastline Lies a Picturesque Artsy Town with Charming Streets and Serene Waters

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Tucked Away on Michigan's Coastline Lies a Picturesque Artsy Town with Charming Streets and Serene Waters

With more than 3,000-miles of pristine coastline, Michigan is dotted with countless beach towns that beckon summer travelers to an escape in paradise. Harbor Springs, located at the far tip of the lower peninsula in Little Traverse Bay, is one of those quintessential resort towns with beautiful beaches, towering dunes, and a blue-washed harbors filled with boats anticipating the sail. Lining the water stand mansions of the rich and famous that have been in the families for generations. 



AT just under 1.5-square-miles, Harbor Springs is a quaint but satisfying destination that boasts cottages to rent, comfy inns for relaxing, historic hotels, and luxury resorts with all of the latest amenities, even national chains. Coupled with a charming downtown, a plethora of outdoor recreation, and tons of gourmet dining options, this place will simply enchant you. 

The easiest way to get to Harbor Springs is to fly to Detroit, take a connecting flight to Pellston (PLN), and then it’s just a 30-minute drive. The Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City is about 75-miles away or you could fly to the Gerald Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids (GRR) and drive 175-miles north.



Enjoy summer festivals and the fruit of the bounty in Harbor Springs

weekly farmer's market in Harbor Springs, Michigan

Take a stroll along historic Main Street and stop in the cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. Stop into Yummies for old-fashioned ice cream treats, many made with local Michigan fruits. Tom’s Mom’s Cookies has chocolate-chip cookies that seem like they’re as large as the state. For something hearty, make Legs Inn your favorite spot for dinner with its authentic Polish cuisine like kielbasa and pierogi’s. Enjoy farm-to-table delicacies with Mediterranean influence at Otis Harbor Springs.

Embarking on a journey to Pond Hill Farm is quite the adventure with its organic farm, brick-oven pizzeria, vineyard, and live music. Curious travelers will also want to take a one-hour cruise of Little Traverse Bay aboard a historic water taxi that used to shuttle wealthy residents around Harbor Point, all while enjoying the tales and triumphs of the locals and the bay’s history. 



The two most popular beaches are Zorn Park and Sturgeon Bay Beach. The former is smaller, lodged between two private marinas with cooler water temps from the artesian springs. The latter is known for its 3-miles of sandy beach, more seclusion, and spectacular sunsets. Outdoors enthusiasts can climb the dunes at Petoskey State Park before swimming in Lake Michigan.

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Don’t miss the annual shindigs like the Bay Harbor Art Festival and the Waterfront Wine Festival, highlighting the best of Michigan vintages as well as the weekly Farmer’s Market. Much like Michigan’s other unique and entertaining small towns, Harbor Springs offers so much for any vacation itinerary.

Harbor Springs turns into a winter wonderland

ski lift and snow in Harbor Springs, Michigan

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.