Nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, New Buffalo, Michigan, is a charming small town that offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, vibrant local culture, and family-friendly activities. Just an hour and a half drive from Chicago, it’s an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. Since I love small trips from Chicago I wanted to share what our trip looked like in my New Buffalo Michigan Travel Guide.
New Buffalo, Michigan – Family Friendly Destination
The number one draw to New Buffalo is the family friendly environment. Everything is walkable from the beach to hotels and restaurants. The beach offers a safe and enjoyable environment for children, while the town’s restaurants and shops provide ample opportunities for both relaxation and adventure. The close proximity to Chicago adds to its appeal, making it a practical choice for a spontaneous family trip.
It’s located about 70 miles east of Chicago and takes about an hour and half to drive there. So you can do a day trip or stay a night or two for a long weekend. It’s a straightforward drive and offers a glimpse of the Midwest countryside.
Breathtaking Beaches
The crown jewel of New Buffalo is its beautiful beach. Stretching along Lake Michigan, the sandy shores are perfect for a day of sun and fun. The beach is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the lake and the nearby dunes. Families will appreciate the shallow waters, which are ideal for young children to splash around safely. The beach also features a snack deck, picnic areas, restrooms, and a playground, making it easy to spend an entire day by the water. And our hotel, the Marina Grand Resort offers beach chairs and towels for you to take with you for the day. This was a great amenity of the hotel.
Lodging in New Buffalo, Michigan
Lodging in New Buffalo varies from smaller hotels to more cozy AirBNBs. I’m a hotel gal at heart so we stayed at the Marina Grand Resort . I was pleasantly surprised by the hotel. The guest rooms were mildly updated with current finishes, but there was a tub and shower curtain, which I am not a fan of. The lobby though was super nice. Very spacious with a cute little breakfast bar that served a delicious breakfast. At night the break fast doubles as a traditional lobby bar with a wide selection of snacks and beverages. I highly recommend the hotel.
Dining Options in New Buffalo, Michigan
New Buffalo boasts a variety of dining options that cater to every taste. All of the restaurants are family friendly and few require reservations. The relaxed vibe makes you feel like your in a small east coast town. Some restaurants we love include:
- Redamaks
- The Stray Dog
- Casey’s
- Beer Church
- Oink’s Dutch Treat
- Brewster’s
- Terrace Room
- Bentwood Tavern
Unique Shopping Experiences in New Buffalo, Michigan
New Buffalo’s shopping scene is a delightful mix of quirky boutiques, antique shops, and artisanal stores. It’s a small stretch and if you’re coming from Chicago, you may feel underwhelmed. But I personally love the small shops that are carefully curated with t-shirts, home goods and souvenirs for everyone. You can probably see all the shops on the main street within an hour or two.
New Buffalo Michigan Travel Guide – Daily Itinerary
We took three days for our New Buffalo trip and it was the perfect amount of time. Given we have a 2 and 5 year old, we move slow and our days aren’t packed. We plan time for resting, but no one is every resting. Here is what we did.
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