Best Getaways for Couples in Michigan

1. Detroit

If your idea of the perfect getaway is a packed itinerary, then you and your partner will want to head to Detroit, Michigan's largest city. Detroit has everything a bustling couple might want: world-class museums, top-tier restaurants and bars, and even a bustling theatre scene.

If you want to get the full tourist experience, be sure to book a couple of nights at the Detroit Marriott in the Renaissance Center. You'll have the best views from Detroit's biggest skyscraper. For a more intimate experience, head over to the Siren Hotel; this art deco-inspired boutique hotel has all the right touches for a romantic weekend away.

Featured Attractions:

• Detroit Institute of Arts - The Detroit Institute of Arts is open 6 days a week with extended hours in the evenings on Friday nights! It makes for a leisurely date night as you stroll through collections of some of the world's most famous works including pieces by Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso.
• Belle Isle - Belle Isle is a 982-acre park open all year long located in the middle of the Detroit River and is the perfect location for a short date or day-long exploration. Visit the many unique sites on the island, including the Belle Isle Nature Center and the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory or have a picnic at the picturesque ‘Sunset Point’ and take in views of the Detroit and Windsor skylines.

2. Mackinac Island

Located at the very top of the Mitten, right between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, is the beautiful Mackinac Island. Perfect for a day-trip or a lengthier stay, this island boasts an old-fashioned romantic charm with soda shops, horse-drawn carriages, and dazzling scenery.

For the ultimate Mackinac Island trip, you have to stay at the amazing Grand Hotel. Opened in 1887, this historic hotel offers only the most luxurious amenities including several unique dining options, afternoon tea, and croquet on the great lawn.

Featured Attractions:

• Mackinac Island Bike Trail - Bring your own bikes or rent ones on the island in order to check out the incredibly scenic Mackinac Island Bike Trail. This 8.2 mile trail takes you all around the island with notable stops along the shore line as well as at the famous Arch Rock. Bring a picnic basket and you and your partner can even have lunch on a secluded beach.
• Horseback Riding - Stop by Cindy's Riding Stable to experience Mackinac Island from one of the most unique vantage points: the back of a horse! Guided and unguided horseback tours are offered throughout the summer and all skill levels are welcome.

3. Auburn Hills

If you're looking for a calmer getaway then you'll want to check out Auburn Hills, a small city just 40 minutes north of Detroit. Auburn Hills has plenty of cute attractions perfect for couples as well as delicious restaurants. It is also the home of Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, Michigan's largest indoor outlet mall.

To elevate your Auburn Hills stay, book a few nights at the 4-star Royal Park Hotel, which specializes in everyday luxury and offers standard rooms and suites if you want to splurge.

Featured Attractions:

• SEA LIFE Aquarium - Get up close with over 250 amazing underwater species and 2,000 creatures including sharks, rays, green sea turtles and more! To get any closer, you'd have to get wet! Touch a giant sea star and anemone in the Interactive Touchpool and walk with sharks inside Michigan's only Underwater Ocean Tunnel.
• Topgolf - Topgolf is way more than just a high-tech driving range — it's a sprawling all-weather entertainment venue! You'll enjoy the swanky lounge serving signature cocktails & spirits, great food, adult atmosphere and more! Compete against each other to see who gets the high score or show off your golfing skills (or laugh together about the lack thereof!)

4. Traverse City

If your ideal couples getaway includes sampling some of the best wines Michigan has to offer, then you're going to want to visit Traverse City. Traverse City is the second largest city in Northern Michigan and is also the home to around 40 different wineries. Add in the unique shopping and amazing restaurants, and Traverse quickly becomes the perfect destination for a romantic weekend.

If you really want to make Michigan wine the highlight of your trip, book your stay at the Chateau Chantal Winery & Inn, located on Old Mission Peninsula. This exclusive bed and breakfast and winery only has a handful of rooms so be sure to book early!

Featured Attractions:

• Clinch Park Beach - This is arguably the most popular beach in the area with lots of open space and concessions. It is also just right across the street from the downtown area making it easy to grab lunch or do a little shopping. A beach day is the perfect way to take a break from all that wine you'll be trying!
• Kayak Brewery Tours - Traverse City is not just known for its wine; it also has some wonderful craft breweries! And this tour is the most unique way to try some of them. Hop in a kayak and head down the Boardman River; take in the beautiful sights and sounds of Traverse City while also getting to stop at 4 different breweries. The delicious beers will be like a reward for all that paddling!

5. Grand Rapids

If you're looking for a bustling metropolis on the west side of the state, look no further than Grand Rapids, Michigan's second largest city. Grand Rapids has everything a couple would need for a romantic getaway: interesting museums, delicious restaurants, and even special festivals taking place throughout the year.

To add a bit of historic ambiance to your visit, book a stay at the Amway Grand Plaza. The hotel is currently broken into two sections with the first being modeled after the original early 1900s Pantlind Hotel and the second being a new sleek modern glass tower. Whichever side you stay on, you're guaranteed luxury.

Featured Attractions:

• John Ball Zoo - If you're looking for a cute excursion featuring tons of adorable animals, you'll want to head to the John Ball Zoo. You'll see a wide variety of animals from tigers, penguins, red pandas, and more! Also if you're a member of another AZA Accredited zoo, you can get discounted tickets!
• Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - What could be more romantic than walking hand-in-hand through a beautiful garden dotted with amazing sculptures? The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park offer just that with over 150 acres of gardens and 200 different pieces of art.

6. Charlevoix

Nestled between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix is the beautiful city of Charlevoix. Charlevoix is unique in that it is an isthmus, which means it is surrounded on two sides by large bodies of water. But that isn't the only interesting thing about this Northern Michigan city. It also offers plenty of history, culture, and charm. Visit and you too will see why renowned author Ernest Hemingway spent so many of his summers here.

And no visit to Charlevoix would be complete without a stay at The Earl, one of the city's top hotels. This recently renovated boutique hotel focuses on a mid-century modern aesthetic and they just opened a new rooftop bar which gives guests spectacular views of the area.

Featured Attractions:

• Mushroom House Tours - One of Charlevoix's most popular attractions are the Mushroom Houses. Designed by famed architect Earl Young, these unique cottages look like they should be in the Shire rather than Michigan. Drive around with an experienced guide and learn all of the history behind these peculiar homes.
• South Pier Lighthouse - Take a sunset beach stroll to the South Pier Lighthouse, which has been protecting sailors in the area since 1885. The scenic views of Lake Michigan from the pier just can't be missed.

7. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park

If you're a nature-loving couple looking to get away from it all then you'll definitely want to take a trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. This National Park offers numerous camping opportunities and vigorous activities including biking, swimming, and hiking.

While not luxurious, the best way to get the full Sleeping Bear Dunes experience is to pack your outdoor equipment and camp right in the park. And really what's more romantic than cuddling up together under the stars?

Featured Attractions:

• Manitou Islands - If you're a couple of major nature lovers, head to the Manitou Islands. These nature refuges are perfect for bird watching, camping, and hiking. On North Manitou Island, you'll find a small historic village and on South Manitou Island you can explore the lighthouse and keepers quarters.
• The Dune Climb - You can't visit Sleeping Bear Dunes without climbing the dunes themselves. Start at the Dune Center, located at the bottom of the climb, and then begin the strenuous trek up the dune, which ends with a beautiful view of Glen Lake. Don't worry though, the walk back down is much easier!

8. Frankenmuth

Just an hour and a half north of Detroit, you'll find Frankenmuth, Michigan's own 'Little Bavaria.' This quaint little city has its roots in German culture, which can be found in the architecture, food, and more. It's like a visit to Germany without the extra expense. Be sure to get a world famous chicken dinner before you leave!

If you want to stay close to downtown and really soak up the Bavarian culture then the best place to stay is the Bavarian Inn Lodge. This classic German inn is located right on the banks of the Cass River and is just a short distance away from Main Street. There is even an adults-only courtyard with pool and whirlpool for those late-night romantic dips.

Featured Attractions:

• Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland - At the size of 1½ football fields, Bronner’s is the world’s largest Christmas store that is open 361 days a year. Be completely surrounded by the sights, sounds, and the spirit of Christmas as you browse through over 50,000 trims and gifts. Pick out a special Christmas ornament to remember your trip by or even plan a cute couple's scavenger hunt around the store!
• Bavarian Belle Riverboat - Take a romantic ride down the Cass River on an authentic Stern Driven Paddlewheel riverboat. This one-hour tour will show you all the best sights Frankenmuth has to offer. You can even enjoy snacks and soda during the trip.

Related:

• 13 fun things to do in Frankenmuth

9. Suttons Bay

If you're looking for beautiful views and small town charm, you'll want to make a visit to Suttons Bay in Northern Michigan. This coastal village lies midway up the eastern shore of the Leelanau Peninsula right on the beautiful Suttons Bay, from which it got its name. Enjoy a variety of activities from water sports to wine trails when you visit!

And if you want to enhance your Suttons Bay stay, be sure to book a few nights at the Inn at Blackstar Farms. This quaint bed & breakfast offers luxurious amenities including a sauna, farm-fresh breakfasts, and complimentary wine every night.

Featured Attractions:

• Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail - The Leelanau Peninsula has 20 different award-winning wineries so why not make a day of it and follow this guide to go on a tasting tour. You'll be able to enjoy the beautiful views Northern Michigan has to offer while also getting to sample some delicious wines!
• Bahle Farms Golf Course - Take a 'swing' at this 200-acre 18-hold golf course located in the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula. Compete to see who can get the best score while also taking in some pretty breathtaking views.