Brews on the Lakeshore

Beach Views and Comfortable Stays

Grand Haven may not be the largest city in West Michigan, but it stands out as a quintessential summer destination. In the warmer months, it feels like a small piece of Florida–only missing palm trees–with lake breezes, sandy beaches, and a lively downtown. The social district has grown recently, adding more food trucks, outdoor seating, and gathering spaces. For its size, Grand Haven also has a notable number of breweries and bars, making it a popular stop for craft beer enthusiasts.

Grand Haven may feel like a big destination, but a trip to West Michigan’s “Florida” doesn’t have to drain a bank account. There are plenty of affordable places to stay, including the Holiday Inn, Best Western Beacon Inn, and Bluewater Inn and Suites.

For an even more budget-friendly option, camping is a great way to experience the area. Grand Haven State Park Campground, PJ Hoffmaster State Park, and Highway to Haven Campground all offer access to Lake Michigan’s stunning beaches. If you’re looking for something more private, Grand Haven also has no shortage of stylish vacation rentals, many with beautiful beach views.

Brews on the East Side

Being the only one of the few breweries that are on the East side of Grand Haven, Burzurk Brewing Company is a great place to start. Opening in 2020, Burzurk embraced a bold and retro-inspired style that fits well with the area’s vibe. The brewery offers a mix of classic and creative beers, from Mexican lagers and IPAs to more unique flavors. Popular picks for those who prefer lighter brews include Elisa Made Me Brew This, a wheat beer with orange and lemon peel, coriander, and peppercorn, and Luna’s Love, a strawberry cream ale. For those who enjoy hoppier or darker beers, the menu has plenty to explore, along with a selection of ciders and seltzers.

Continuing the beer trek on the East side of Grand Haven lies something of a gallery to a brewery’s art studio. The Unicorn Tavern, a restaurant with an extensive and well-curated beer list, features flavors brewed across West Michigan. Highlights include The Duke Says Nein and Kranz from Archival Brewing in Grand Rapids, known for its ancient beer recipes (see Archival Brewing: From Archives to Biergarten, Unique Brews in Grand Rapids for more about this interesting brewery), as well as Roeselare from Perrin Brewing, and Rainmaker and The Night Swimmer from Stormcloud Brewing in Frankfort. Local favorites from Grand Haven’s own Odd Side Ales and The Grand Armory Brewing Company also make an appearance. In addition to its impressive beer selection, The Unicorn Tavern offers a solid range of non-alcoholic drinks and a menu focused on German-inspired dishes.

Two Breweries Serving Michigan’s Best in Grand Haven

Crossing the highway into downtown Grand Haven brings you to some of the city’s standout breweries, crafting some of West Michigan’s favorite beers. Odd Side Ales and The Grand Armory Brewery sit just a few blocks apart, with plenty of unique shops, restaurants, and cafes in between to round out the experience. Check out Odd Side Ales and Grand Armory Brewing Company: Two Breweries Serving Michigan’s Best in Grand Haven for a deeper dive into the atmosphere, flavors, and ideal afternoon itinerary for brewery hopping between these two local favorites.

Exploring Grand Haven’s Brewery Scene Year-Round

In the summer, a brewery tour through Grand Haven offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant and lively atmosphere. Seasonal events like the Saturday farmer’s market, the annual art festival, the Coast Guard Festival, and the extravagant exhibition of Grand Haven’s Fourth of July fill the streets. All events have attractions between breweries, each visit to a brewery becomes part of the larger celebration of Grand Haven’s culture. 

Even in winter, Grand Haven’s brewery scene is worth exploring. Events like the annual New Year’s Eve ball drop and Winterfest, which features both indoor and outdoor activities, make for a fun seasonal outing. With Winterfest celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, it remains a staple of the city’s winter events, perfect between brews.

From the growing social district to the welcoming breweries scattered throughout the city, there’s always something to explore in Grand Haven. No matter the season or side of town, it is a destination where great brew, local culture, and lakefront scenery come together to create a memorable experience.