Plan the Perfect Lake Michigan Vacation with the Best Things to Do Near New Buffalo, MI
Planning a trip to New Buffalo and trying to plan the perfect itinerary?
Our local team knows the area inside and out, and we have you covered!! New Buffalo offers dozens of fun things to do, from hiking and kayaking to wine tasting at nearby wineries and picking seasonal fruit at local orchards. Kids and adults alike will undoubtedly have a memorable vacation and find plenty to do in New Buffalo, Michigan!
Explore our list of the best things to do in New Buffalo to learn how to best explore this charming Lake Michigan beach town.
Go Wine Tasting at a Vineyard or Tasting Room
New Buffalo is situated near some of the best wineries in Southwest Michigan. While visiting New Buffalo, book a wine tour with Fruitful Vine Wine Tours or Grape and Grain Tours, or stop by one of the following wineries for a tasting:
- Round Barn Winery & Estate — Enjoy a variety of red and white wines from this family-owned and operated estate in a renovated, turn-of-the-century Amish round barn near New Buffalo.
- Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant — Sip on a glass of Riesling on the scenic outdoor patio or grab a delicious bite to eat in the on-site restaurant at this family-owned winery near New Buffalo.
- Free Run Cellars — Grab a glass of refreshing white wine at Free Run Cellars, a fresh, modern, off-the-beaten-path winery near New Buffalo. Free Run Cellars also has a tasting room at Union Pier.
Are you looking for more places to sample wine near New Buffalo? Check out our complete list of the best wineries near New Buffalo.
Pick Seasonal Fruit at a Family Farm
From hayrides and pumpkin patches in the fall to u-pick fruit and berries in the spring and summer — the orchards, farms, and markets near New Buffalo have a lot to offer! Here are some of the top places to pick or purchase fresh produce near New Buffalo:
- Garwood Farm — Open for U-Pick all summer long, this family farm offers a variety of agritourism options! Pick strawberries and blueberries throughout the summer, or enjoy freshly picked apples in the fall! Be sure to stop by the farm store for local honey and jam, and don’t leave without grabbing warm, pillowy doughnuts and farm-milled apple cider!
- State Line Blueberries — Spend a summer day picking sweet, juicy blueberries right off the bush at this local orchard just south of New Buffalo, MI.
- Farmers Markets — Pick up fresh produce and baked goods at Skip’s New Buffalo European Farmers Market or the New Buffalo Farmers Market during the spring, summer, and fall.
Play a Round of Golf at a New Buffalo Golf Course
Want to get out on the green? Harbor County offers several private and public golf courses to choose from! Head out to one of the following courses to play a relaxing round of golf:
- Grand Beach Golf Course — This public, nine-hole golf course is perfect for New Buffalo visitors. The course offers golf carts for rent, and tee times are not required, making it easy to stop by and play a round of golf on a whim during a vacation to New Buffalo.
- Woodlands Course at Whittaker Woods — Woodlands Course is a scenic 18-hole course with sloping fairways and stunning views. It’s challenging for seasoned pros, but with multiple tee placements, it’s easy for golfers of all skill levels to enjoy.
Looking for more Southwest Michigan golf courses? Read through our list of the best golf courses in New Buffalo for more ideas!
Shop ‘Til You Drop
There are dozens of places to shop in Downtown New Buffalo and surrounding areas. Some of our favorite local shops include:
- The Hidden Gem — This gift shop in the heart of downtown New Buffalo offers local artists’ creations, cards, and other unique finds.
- Indian Summer Boutique — This women’s boutique sells clothing, jewelry, and accessories.
- Sweetwater Boating Supplies — This local shop offers boating supplies, gifts, and a selection of shoes and apparel.
- Antique Stores — Lakeside Antiques, Harbert Antique Mall, or Sawyer Antique Mall are all excellent options for a day of antiquing near New Buffalo.
For a complete list of our favorite shops and antique stores in the New Buffalo, Michigan, area check out this list of the best local shopping in New Buffalo.
Sit Down for a Meal at a Local Restaurant
Need a place to grab a great meal after a day at the beach? New Buffalo offers a variety of local restaurants, from high-end steakhouses to relaxed marina-front dining, where you’d be hard-pressed not to find a great meal!
Here are some of our favorite spots to check out on the dining scene in New Buffalo:
- Bentwood Tavern — Located at the Marina Grand Resort with beautiful views of the harbor, this restaurant serves locally sourced, globally inspired dishes made from scratch
- Skip’s Restaurant and Catering — This award-winning steakhouse serves up delicious hand-carved steaks, prime rib, seafood, and other delicious appetizers, sides, and entrees.
- Villa Nova Pizzeria — This casual, local spot is a great place to grab a slice of pizza, a sandwich, or an Italian dish while hanging out on the patio, which is dog friendly and great for kids!
Need more ideas? We have them! Check out this comprehensive list of restaurants in New Buffalo for more ideas on where to grab a bite. Looking to start your day off with a great brew? Explore our local coffee shops or end the day with ice cream at one of our area’s ice cream parlors.
Spend a Day on the Sandy Shores of New Buffalo
New Buffalo is known as “The Gateway to Michigan” making it the starting point for exploring Southwest Michigan’s stunning 16-mile stretch of shoreline. With so many miles of beautiful beachfront, visiting New Buffalo and not spending a day at the beach would be a mistake!
Here are some of the best beaches and parks in Southwest Michigan you’ll want to check out
- New Buffalo Beach — This is the closest public beach to New Buffalo and the home of the Chuck Ritter Memorial Lighthouse. You can also let the kids play on the playground or walk to the nearby shops and restaurants in Downtown New Buffalo.
- Weko Beach — This beach and campground are fantastic for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The beach also offers a beautiful boardwalk, two observation decks overlooking the wooded dunes, a restroom, and a concession stand.
- Warren Dunes State Park — This 1,500-acre park is a popular location for hiking and camping offering three miles of gorgeous shoreline. It sits on a rugged dune formation that overlooks Lake Michigan.
Learn more about where to rent beach gear in New Buffalo and other outdoor activities to enjoy during your time in Harbor Country!
Enjoy a Kid-Friendly Activity for the Whole Family
Traveling to New Buffalo with kids? You’ll be pleased to learn there are dozens of family-friendly activities in Southwest Michigan to entertain adults and kids of all ages!
Here are some of our top recommendations:
- New Buffalo Railroad Museum — This free museum is on the former site of the largest train yard in Southwest Michigan. It features interactive exhibits that detail New Buffalo’s rich history as a railroad hub for the Pere Marquette and Chesapeake & Ohio.
- Captain Mike’s Fun Park — This five-acre amusement park is 15 minutes north of New Buffalo and offers go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages, an arcade, and other fun activities for the whole family.
- Washington Park Zoo — Get up close and personal with 90+ species of animals, including tigers, lions, bears, eagles, and peacocks, at this 15-acre zoo in Michigan City.
- Fishing – The fishing around New Buffalo, Michigan is second to none! Find the best local spots for Fishing Near New Buffalo here.
Plan a Lake Michigan Vacation in New Buffalo, Michigan, with Third Coast Vacations
Looking for the perfect vacation home to use as your home base for exploring the New Buffalo area? Our local team is ready to help you find the perfect place! We have more than 60 homes in the Harbor Country area from luxurious lakeshore homes to pet-friendly properties perfect for the whole family! Click to check out our portfolio of vacation homes, or give us a call! Our team would love to help you plan your next favorite vacation!
