Best Dog Friendly Activities in the Grand Haven Area

Activities

What would we do without our furry, four-legged family members? Our pets have become such a large part of our lives that it is hard to imagine having to do anything without them. Luckily in the Grand Haven area you don’t have to! There are plenty of places to go and things to do that are just as much fun for you as they are for your dog. We have have compiled a list of the best pet-friendly places to go and things to do in the Grand Haven Area. So grab your leashes and head this way!

Dog Friendly Beaches

The Grand Haven area is famous for our sandy, Lake Michigan beaches. So naturally, we have a couple beaches that dogs are welcome to let loose and enjoy. Kirk Park on Lakeshore Drive features an off-leash dog beach and on-leash hiking trails. Grand Haven City Beach just south of Grand Haven State Park welcomes dogs on-leash between Memorial Day and Labor Day before 11am and after 5pm. Before Memorial Day and after Labor Day, dogs are welcome on-leash at anytime.

Dog Friendly Parks & Outdoor Spaces

One of the best parts of the Grand Haven Area is the plethora of parks and natural areas that we all enjoy year round. Many of these parks and outdoor spaces have on-leash policies including North Ottawa Dunes, Kitchel Lindquist Dune Preserve, Hofma Preserve, Ottawa Sands, and Duncan Woods. The Grand Haven Area is also home to several dog parks like East Grand River Park, Coast Guard Park, Spring Lake Central Park, and Grand Ravines Park. Rounding out the list of dog accessible outdoor spaces are Mulligan’s Hollow Park, Hemlock Crossing, Eastmanville Farm, and the trails at PJ Hoffmaster State Park.

Grand Haven’s famous Boardwalk & Piers are also open for to you and your dog to walk along as long as your pup is on-leash.

Dog Friendly Lodging

Cancel the stay at the kennel because with these pet-friendly lodging options, your four-legged friends can be a part of your Grand Haven area adventure. While Serendipity Resort & Suites and Lake Michigan Cottages offer select pet-friendly units, Rodeway Inn-Grand Haven, and Rodeway Inn-Coopersville are open for you and your pup anytime you plan a trip to the Grand Haven Area.

Dog Friendly Dining Options

While there is a local ordinance that prohibit pets from being allowed inside restaurants, there are many eateries in the Grand Haven Area that have patios and will accommodate your pup. Downtown Grand Haven restaurants including The Kirby House, The Copper Post, and  will allow your dog to sit next to you, on-leash, just on the other side of the patio barrier. If a cafe or coffee house is more your speed, then Stanz Cafe, Aldea Coffee and Rainy Days Cafe are great options for you, seeing that they also allow pets on-leash, just on the other side of their patio. If you want to walk the boardwalk and the downtown area but still plan on grabbing a snack, you can stop by Dairy Treat, Pronto Pups, Butch’s Beach Burritos, and then head out to the pier to watch the sunset without leaving your pet. In the cooler months or on rainy days, give our friends at Electric Hero, Toasted Pickle, and Mama Mia’s Pizzeria a call for delivery and to-go options! For even more pet-friendly dining options in the Grand Haven Area, check out BringFido’s list!

Dog Friendly Shops & Businesses

The Grand Haven Area has a variety of unique shopping options both downtown Grand Haven and beyond. If you’re shopping for your pet, bring them along and check out Must Love Dogs and Ebby’s Pet Bakery & Boutique. When it comes to clothing stores in Grand Haven, there are many options for you and your four-legged friend including Borr’s Shoes and Accessories, Marushka/Michigan Rag Co, That Hat, Carlyn & Co, and Buffalo Bob’s. If you and your pet are in the market for a gift or any number of things, make sure to stop by Studio JSD, MACKite, Blueberry Haven, Vintage Green Antiques, Calico Cat, West Michigan Pawn, or Tlaquepaque Garden Art. Rounding out our list of Grand Haven area pet-friendly shops and businesses is our office at the Grand Haven Area Convention and Visitors Bureau!

Festivals & Events

The Grand Haven area has a long list of popular festivals and special events year-round, but unfortunately some of them are for humans only. Luckily there are many that are just as much fun for you as they are for our pets. With shows running from the beginning of May until the end of September, the Grand Haven Musical Fountain offers a 20 minute water, light, and music show that you and your pet can enjoy together. Enjoy some live music at Thursdays at the Point at Mill Point Park in Spring Lake. Grand Haven’s Winterfest offers the Family Dog Pull where dogs of all breeds and sizes race for all of the glory!

What are your favorite things to do around the Grand Haven area with your pup? Let us know in the comments below! Also be sure to share your dog’s vacation photos with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for a chance to be featured on our social channels and maybe in a future blog post!

Title photo: Tototoo Photo