8 days in Petoskey, Saugatuck & Empire Itinerary

Petoskey is a city and coastal resort community in the U.S. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Petoskey: Mackinac Bridge (in Saint Ignace), Mackinaw City (Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse & Colonial Michilimackinac) and Traverse City (Mission Point Lighthouse, Beer Tastings & Tours, &more). There's still lots to do: stroll through Little Traverse Wheelway, wander the streets of Historic Gaslight District, immerse yourself in nature at Petoskey State Park, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Cross In The Woods National Shrine.

To find more things to do, ratings, photos, and tourist information, read our Petoskey online trip itinerary planner.

New York City to Petoskey is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Traveling from New York City in August, things will get little chillier in Petoskey: highs are around 75°F and lows about 58°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Saugatuck.

Saugatuck is a city in Allegan County in the U.S. On the 14th (Wed), stroll around Windmill Island Gardens, stop by American Spoon, then make a trip to Butler Street, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Oval Beach. Here are some ideas for day two: find something for the whole family at Nelis' Dutch Village and then enjoy the sand and surf at Holland State Park Beach.

For photos, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Saugatuck online holiday planner.

You can drive from Petoskey to Saugatuck in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and flight; or do a combination of bus, train, and taxi. In August, daytime highs in Saugatuck are 80°F, while nighttime lows are 60°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Empire.

Empire is a village in Leelanau County in the U.S. On the 16th (Fri), enjoy the sea views from Point Betsie Lighthouse, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Lake Michigan Beach Park, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Keep things going the next day: trek along Empire Bluff Trail, admire all the interesting features of Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, and then have a few drinks at Lake Ann Brewing Company.

To see photos, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Empire trip itinerary builder website.

Drive from Saugatuck to Empire in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or do a combination of taxi and bus. When traveling from Saugatuck in August, plan for little chillier days and about the same nights in Empire: temperatures range from 75°F by day to 58°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Sat) to allow time to travel back home.