How to Explore Ludington, Michigan

This is a guest post by Raimee Iacofano Remy Travel.

Growing up in Michigan, Ludington was the place to be. Every summer, my family packs up the car, blasts some classic rock (think Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac, and the occasional Lynyrd Skynyrd sing-along) and heads west for a beach vacation, climbing lighthouses, and eating the best Superman ice cream you’ve ever tasted. This is an annual tradition for us since my grandparents called Ludington home.

As a kid, this felt like pure magic. Falling asleep to the sound of waves, chasing seagulls barefoot on the beach, sticky fingers of melted cones somehow always dripping to my elbows. Ludington is more than just a vacation spot to us, it’s a special place to make memories as a family!

But then life happened. I’ve grown up. Things have changed. I started traveling the world, chasing new coastlines, and eventually moved to California. My summer became less about beach towels and bonfires on Lake Michigan and more about airports, new countries, and places on my bucket list.

However, Ludington is always in the back of my mind. No matter how many cliffs I hike in Ireland or wander through temples in Asia, a part of me wants to come back. To see if it still has the same magic or if I just don’t have it anymore.

Finally, this summer, I returned for the first time in over a decade. And…wow. Ludington is even more special now. It’s charming and peaceful, yet packed with things to do. If you’ve been sleeping in West Michigan (or Michigan in general), this is your official wake-up call.

I thought this trip would be a bit nostalgic, maybe a quiet stroll down memory lane. Instead, I was completely surprised by Ludington’s rooftop dinners, breweries with fire pits, gorgeous hiking trails, and the many adventures nearby. Honestly there is so much here you could stay for a week still Leave a list of things to do “next time.”

If you’re planning your own trip to Ludington, here’s how I spent it and everything I recommend.

Ludington Attractions

1. Beach Day and Lighthouse Tour
First stop: Stearns Park Beach. It’s completely free and within walking distance of the city center, which I love. We packed plenty of snacks, people-watched, and even played a little shuffleboard (yes, there are free shuffleboard courts right by the beach!). The sand is very soft, the atmosphere is very laid-back, and the sea water is an endless deep blue, making you forget that you are not at the sea.

If you get up early, or are willing to stay up late, you can walk along the breakwater to Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouse. The lighthouse is stunning at sunrise and sunset, giving the lake a completely different mood each time. Pro tip: If you depart around 9 a.m., you’ll board the SS Badger, a historic coal-fired car ferry across Lake Michigan to Wisconsin. As is tradition, waving goodbye to the ship’s passengers feels like walking straight out of small-town America.

For something more exciting, head to Ludington State Park. It’s often called the “crown jewel” of Michigan’s state parks—and now I get it. The 25-mile trail winds through forests, dunes and beaches, with stops at Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake. Highlight? Hike to Big Sable Point Lighthouse. It’s about two miles each way, but the trail is scenic and rewarding: a tall, striped lighthouse built in the 1800s that towers over the waves. It’s the kind of place that makes you stop and think, “Wow, I can’t believe this is in Michigan.”

2. Museum time (because I have a crush on history)
One of my favorite travel quirks is that no matter where I go, I always visit at least one museum. In Ludington, I discovered two gems:

• Historic White Pine Village: An outdoor museum featuring more than 30 historic buildings, from one-room schoolhouses to old courthouses. Walking around felt like I was traveling back to a simpler time, which gave me a new appreciation for Michigan’s roots.
• Port Ludington Maritime Museum: If you like Great Lakes history, lighthouses, or boats, this is perfect. It’s located in a former Coast Guard Station and has fun interactive exhibits and vintage charm.

Bonus: Both of these spots are extremely photogenic, so bring your camera.

3. Water adventure and nature restoration
If you love the outdoors, Ludington is basically paradise. You can rent a kayak on Hamlin Lake for a peaceful paddle, or take a pontoon boat if you want more of a party atmosphere on the water. Paddleboarding is another fun option – it’s a great way to get some exercise, and you can see the lake from a completely different perspective.

No water? There’s also mountain biking, disc golf and plenty of hiking trails. Ludington truly is the best of both worlds: small-town charm combined with endless outdoor adventure.

Where to eat and drink in Ludington

I’ll be honest: I didn’t expect the food in Ludington to be this good. But wow. From the breakfast spot to the brewery, I was impressed.

Breakfast and snacks

• 106 Cafe: Comfortable and cute, perfect for brunch. Their omelets were delicious after a morning walk.
• Flavor House: The most iconic ice cream shop in town. I grew up eating Superman here, but this trip I discovered carrot cake ice cream and let me tell you – it changed my life.
• Stearns Beach Sandbox: Right on the water, serving gourmet sliders, flavored fries and ice cream. Perfect beach and cool food!

Enjoy dinner while admiring the view

• Sticks: Close to a state park with a large beer garden, live music, and even lawn games. It’s part restaurant, part entertainment center.
• Blue Moon Bistro: Lovely rooftop terrace serving seasonal dishes. This is the place where I had the best Reuben sandwich in my life (I don’t say that lightly).
• Jamesport Brewing Company and Ludington Bay Brewing Company: Two great breweries with outdoor patios, perfect for prime time.
• Hamlin Lake Bass Inn: A newer location perched (literally) on a cliff overlooking a lake. Come for dinner or just enjoy a cocktail on the lower level patio. Bonus: you can even arrive by boat.

Sweets + coffee

• Kilvin’s: Gummy + chocolate = heaven.
• red rooster coffee: Comfortable, friendly, and serving iced lattes, perfect for enjoying after a hot day.
• Humanity Tea: If you like tea or just need a break between activities, this place is perfect.

Where to stay in Ludington

There’s something for every type of traveler here.

• camping: Ludington State Park has beautiful campgrounds to get you close to nature.
• city ​​center: Stay in a historic inn, hotel or B&B with easy access to beaches and restaurants.
• Lakeside: If you’re looking for something a little special, check out Hamlin Lake rentals. i live in Sunset Cliff Resortand it’s perfect.

We have a small yellow A-frame house that has a cozy cabin vibe but all the essentials are there. The best part? Private fire pit by the water. Every night we grilled s’mores, watched the marshmallow sunset, and cracked open a local beer from Ludington Bay Brewing. It’s the kind of place that instantly relieves stress and makes you feel like you’re right where you’re supposed to be.

Ludington’s best local shops

When I travel I always make time to browse the local shops – it’s one of the best ways to get a feel for a small town. In Ludington, I found some gems along Ludington Avenue and South James Street:

• sexy nomad: My favorite! A well-designed store selling vintage clothing, Moroccan jewelry, ceramics and handmade treasures. It feels like entering a global market—but right here in Michigan.
• bee sisters: Women-owned products filled with natural skincare, beeswax products and Michigan honey. What a thoughtful place to send gifts.
• Old and new books on the windowsill: Comfortable, welcoming, and full of great reads. I picked up a romance novel (obviously). The staff were so friendly and it reminded me why I always go to independent bookstores when I travel.

Returning to Ludington as an adult is like rereading a childhood book and discovering new magic between the lines. It feels grounded, nostalgic, and fresh. There is something powerful about revisiting the places that shaped you and realizing that they are just as beautiful as you remember them, and sometimes even better.

If you’ve never been to West Michigan, or it’s been a while, put Ludington at the top of your list. This is a town with a big heart, stunning scenery and a community that makes you feel at home.

Believe me! I’m already planning my next trip back home. Maybe, just maybe, it will become a tradition again.

For more planning information, check out PureLudington.com.

Raimee Iacofano grew up in Michigan. Eight years ago she started traveling the world and working on helping creators improve their social media (she even worked for me for a few years). She has since started her own business to help people travel smarter and off the beaten path. When she’s not traveling the world, she lives in Los Angeles. Follow her amazing videos Instagram and Tik Tok and download her free guide on her website, Remy Travel.