The ULTIMATE Ludington, Michigan Travel Guide
Growing up in Michigan, Ludington was THE place to be. Every summer, my family would pack up the car, blast some classic rock, and head west for beach days, lighthouse climbs, and the BEST Superman ice cream you’ll ever have. It was our tradition, since my grandparents called Ludington home. But then… I grew up, things changed, I traveled the world. I started chasing new coastlines and moved across the country to California.
Along the way, I never forgot about Ludington, and I always wanted to find a way to return.
Finally this summer, I revisited for the first time in over a decade, and WOW. This place is even more special now. It’s charming and peaceful, yet packed with things to do. If you’ve been sleeping on West Michigan (or Michigan in general) this is your wake-up call!
I thought this trip would be a little nostalgic, maybe a bit quiet. But Ludington showed up with rooftop dinners, breweries with fire pits, gorgeous hiking trails, and so many nearby activities. There’s so much to do, you could honestly stay for a week and still have more to explore.
Here’s how I spent my time and everything I’d recommend if you’re planning a trip of your own:
Things to Do in Ludington
1. Beach Days and Lighthouse Treks
Start with Stearns Park Beach — it’s totally free and walkable from downtown. We posted up with snacks, watched the waves, and even played a little shuffleboard (yes, really). If you’re up early or staying late, walk the breakwall to the Ludington North Breakwater Light. Sunrise or sunset? Both are gorgeous.
Pro tip: if you walk the breakwall around 9am, you’ll see the iconic and historic SS Badger head across Lake Michigan to Wisconsin! You can even give a wave farewell to all the people on board.
Want something more wild and adventurous? Head to Ludington State Park, it's a dream and if you’ve never seen Lake Michigan, you’ll be shocked by the views here. There are 25 miles of trails, two beaches (Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake), and the most iconic lighthouse, Big Sable Point Light. You’ll need to hike 2 miles to get there, but it's 100% worth it for the views and the striped 1800s-era vibes.
2. Museum Time (I love a little history wherever I go!)
Okay, adulting perks: I loved the Historic White Pine Village and the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum. They’re quirky, local, and full of cool stories from Michigan’s past. Plus, if you’re a photo lover like me, these spots are super aesthetic.
3. Water Adventures & Nature Fix
You can rent kayaks at Hamlin Lake, which is a super peaceful outdoorsy activity perfect for families or couples. You can also do pontoon boats or paddleboards, and there’s mountain biking nearby if you’re feeling sporty.
Where to Eat & Drink in Ludington
Food in Ludington = I am IMPRESSED! I’m still dreaming about the ice cream (from House of Flavors, of course) and the Reuben sandwich I had. Here’s what stood out:
Breakfast & Casual Bites
Café 106 for the cutest little brunch vibes
House of Flavors — a MUST. Get the ice cream. Then get more. It’s fine. My new favorite flavor was the Carrot Cake. Trust me.
The Sandbox at Stearns Beach for gourmet sliders, seasoned fries, and ice cream by the water.
Dinner with a View
STIX — near the state park with a massive biergarten, live music, and lawn games (!!). Loved the food truck options, too.
Blu Moon Bistro — adorable rooftop patio and amazing seasonal dishes. This is where I had the delicious Reuben!
Jamesport Brewing Co. & Ludington Bay Brewing — local beer, outdoor patios, and the perfect golden-hour hang!
The Perch on Hamlin Lake — This new dining spot is literally “perched” on a bluff overlooking Hamlin Lake! Enjoy dinner - or just come for cocktails with a view on the lower level patio. You can even arrive by boat!
Something Sweet + Coffee
Kilwin’s for fudge and chocolate-y joy
Red Rooster Coffee — cozy, friendly, and the iced drinks hit just right
HumaniTea if you're more of a tea person (or just need a midday reset)
Where to Stay in Ludington
There are a few great options, depending on your vibe:
Camp at Ludington State Park if you're outdoorsy! Those campgrounds are beautiful and right near the best beaches!
In-town hotels, historic bed & breakfasts or cute cottages for walkability to the beach and restaurants.
Want a unique experience? Look for lakefront options on Hamlin Lake! I stayed at Sunset Bluff Resort and LOVED IT. It felt like our own little private getaway. It’s tucked right on the lake with the most peaceful views and golden-hour magic every single night.
We had a cute little yellow A-frame house (think cozy cabin vibes but with all the essentials) and our very own fire pit just steps from the lake. We made s’mores, watched the sky turn cotton candy pink, and cracked open some delicious Ludington Bay Brewing beers. You know those places that instantly relax you the moment you arrive? This was that!
Best Local Shops in Ludington
Wander Ludington Avenue and South James Street downtown for boutique shopping, gifts, and bookstores. And don’t miss the Outdoor Social District where you can sip a drink from a local bar and stroll around with it!
Here are some of my favorite shops:
Sexy Nomad: I was so impressed with this shop! It reminded me of something I’d find along my world travels. It has some of the BEST curated vintage clothing, Moroccan jewelry, ceramics, and handmade treasures I’ve seen in a vintage shop in a while. It feels like stepping into a wanderluster’s dream and I wanted to buy everything! It’s a MUST visit when shopping in Ludington.
Sister Bees: The CUTEST store with incredible natural products. You’ll find natural skincare, beeswax products, Michigan honey, and thoughtful gifts. I also love that this is a local women-owned business!
The Windowsill Used & New Books: I love visiting bookstores wherever I travel, and this place is so cozy and has the loveliest staff! I had to pick up a new romantasy read while I was there and they have a really great selection.
Coming back to Ludington as an adult was like re-reading a childhood book and finding new magic in every chapter. There’s something grounding about returning to a place that helped shape you and realizing it’s still just as beautiful, just as fun, and somehow even more vibrant than you remembered.
If you’ve never been to West Michigan or haven’t been in a while, put Ludington on your list! It’s a small town with a huge heart and plenty to explore.
Let me know if you go! I’ll be over here already planning my next trip back. For more planning information check out PureLudington.com! I’ve also linked my LUDINGTON MAP of saved locations, restaurants, and bars below!
