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Summer Getaway Trip in Port Huron, Michigan

Port Huron has big city amenities and all the small town pleasantries. As the hub of Michigan’s Thumbcoast, it’s a perfect location for day-tripping & discovering the region’s 140-mile shoreline. This is part of a series of quick trip ideas highlighting adult getaway options along the coast. Stay, play & feel refreshed when you visit Port Huron, the Maritime Capital of the Great Lakes.

Aerial photo by T. Shaw Photography.

3 days in the Maritime Capital

Every getaway starts with where you choose to sleep. Overnight options are plentiful in Port Huron. From a boutique-style hotel to a Blue Water Bridge view and everything in between. For a complete list of all the Port Huron accommodations, click the button below.

Photo, CityFlats Hotel – Opening June, 2022

DAY 1

LUNCH TIME

Kate’s Downtown is one of the favorite scratch made lunch spots. Visitors & locals alike love the friendly feel here. Our menu picks are:

  • Iced Pineapple Matcha
  • Huron Avenue Sandwich
  • Made with Love Cookies

CULTURE

Port Huron Museums has free admission this summer! Visit Michigan’s oldest lighthouse, Huron Lightship, Thomas Edison Depot & the Carnegie Center. They also have themed, narrated trolley rides & walking tours. Coming soon, explore the original speakeasies from Port Huron’s prohibition era!

DINNER TIME

The Vintage Tavern has a roof deck with spectacular views in a beautifully renovated 1800’s building. Our menu picks are:

  • Wine Flight
  • Artisan Cheese & Capicola Platter
  • Farm-to-Table Grilled Ribeye
  • Bread Pudding with Bourbon Glaze

ENTERTAINMENT

Downtown has an official Social District! It’s fun to stroll from one band to another with an adult beverage. In the summer there are three outdoor stages within the district, Military St. Pocket Park, the Beer Garden at McMorran & Quay St. Park. Click the link to see the full schedule.

Photo by the Raven Café

DAY 2

BREAKFAST

The Raven Café is a cozy, Edgar Allan Poe themed eatery with an outdoor deck overlooking the river. Our menu picks are:

  • Deadman’s Reach Dark Roast
  • Spinach, Bacon & Cheese Quiche
  • Fresh Fruit

PICNIC BASKET

Get your cooler ready for a day at the beach! The Country Style Marketplace is a gourmet, boutique grocer downtown. They have ready-made foods, snacks and drinks. It’s the perfect place to get ice and stock your cooler for a picnic lunch.

FUN IN THE SUN

The sandbar is calling! The most popular beach is at Lakeside Park, we recommend you arrive early. It’s a crowd favorite because it has smooth sandbars, anchored boats, concessions & sports. If you prefer a quieter beach, try the north end of Lighthouse Beach, Krafft Rd. or Keewahdin Beach.

Photo, Lighthouse Beach

DINNER TIME

Casey’s is a must-see place to unwind with a drink. The upbeat atmosphere is a great place to watch the game & dine outdoors in the fresh air. Our menu picks are:

  • Ron Burgundy Drink
  • Michigan Cherry Salad
  • Tempura Lime Fries with Mango Habanero Sauce
  • Tiger Shrimp Tacos

WALK IT OFF

If you indulged in too much deliciousness at Casey’s, walk it off at the Blue Water River Walk. See freighters passing, art sculptures, urban wetlands & shoreline reefs. The south end of the trail has a tunnel of murals by local artists. The north end has the Great Lakes Maritime Center.

DAY 3

BREAKFAST

Freighters Eatery & Taproom, inside the DoubleTree Hotel & the Blue Water Convention Center, is a great place to enjoy the sunrise with views of the Blue Water Bridges & Canada. Our menu picks are:

  • Pineapple Mimosa
  • Glazed Doughnut Waffle & Bacon
  • Huron Light Veggie Omelet

RIVER CRUISE

Step aboard the iconic Huron Lady II sightseeing cruise. Enjoy the scenery on this 1.5-hour narrated cruise going under the Blue Water Bridge into Lake Huron from the St. Clair River. If you prefer to captain your own boat & explore the lake, rent a boat at Jay’s Marine Boat Rental.

COCKTAILS & LUNCH

The CityFloats barge bar is a fun, relaxing way to have lunch. Onsite at the CityFlats Hotel you’ll find the Fair Weather Grill, the Kitchen & small bites at the Bar. Our menu picks are:

  • Margarita Flight
  • Main Street Margherita Flatbread
  • Fresh Fruit

More in Port Huron

Port Huron has so many wonderful things to see, places to eat & fun shops. The downtown district has boutiques with Michigan-made products & specialty gifts! Use the interactive map for a complete list of all the small business shopping & dining while visiting. We hope to see you here, enjoy your stay & come back again!

Paddle the Canal in Port Huron

Other Articles in the Getaway Series

Article by Katie Stepp, Blue Water Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

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