A trip to Holland during spring is a bucket-list experience. Located in Michigan’s western Lower Peninsula, near Grand Rapids and Lake Michigan, Holland is renowned for its Dutch heritage and the annual Tulip Time Festival. The city truly comes to life during spring, and it almost feels like traveling to Europe without leaving the U.S. Even though Holland is small enough for a day trip, there is plenty to explore in the area for an entire weekend, especially if you’re traveling from farther away. In this dog-friendly weekend guide to Holland, Michigan, I will share beautiful tulip destinations and fun things to do.
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Day 1: Arrive in Holland, Michigan
Arrive on Friday afternoon to give yourself plenty of time to explore Holland and the surrounding areas on the weekend. I chose to stay in neighboring Saugatuck, about a 20-minute drive south.
I arrived with Loki right in time for sunset. It was a lovely evening, and since my dog is a big beach fan, I made my way to Douglas Beach Park. This small park allows dogs if you visit between October 1st and April 30th.
Keep in mind that late April and early May can be quite chilly, so dress warmly if you’re heading to the beach. Alternatively, relax at your rental place and get some sleep so you have plenty of energy to explore the next day.
Day 2: Explore all tulip locations and go to the beach
Let’s dive into my dog-friendly guide to Holland! Start your day early to avoid crowds – especially if you’re visiting during the Tulip Time Festival or on a weekend. Early mornings and evenings are the best times to walk your dog comfortably, especially during busy festival days.
Start your day at Window on the Waterfront
Start your day at Window on the Waterfront. This beautiful park features 100,000 tulips and is free to enter. It is also a perfect spot for sunrise or sunset if the weather cooperates.
Visit the iconic Windmill Island Gardens
Next, head to Windmill Island Gardens, the most popular must-see location with 150,000 tulips, and an authentic Dutch windmill brought straight from the Netherlands. This is the only paid tulip attraction in this itinerary, but totally worth it.
Doors don’t open until 9 am, and the park fills up quickly. Dogs are allowed to walk through the tulip lanes, but they are not permitted inside buildings, including the windmill.
PRO TIP: If you visit Holland before the Tulip Time Festival, you may notice that many tulip beds are fenced. These fences help prevent deer from eating tulips. The fences don’t get taken down until the beginning of the Tulip Time Festival. In my opinion, fences ruin the experience and make photography more challenging. It’s something to keep in mind when planning your visit.
Stop at Centennial Park
A bit smaller than other attractions, Centennial Park features 48,000 tulips. This Victorian-style park includes a traditional Dutch fountain and a gazebo. I especially loved the benches surrounded by blooming tulips.
Grab a bite to eat at DeBoer Bakery
By now, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. A trip to Holland wouldn’t be complete without trying some Dutch cuisine. DeBoer Bakkerij offers traditional favorites such as ham and pea soup, croquettes, pigs in a blanket, Gouda cheese, and almond coffee cake. The “Taste of the Old Country” is a great option if you want to sample a little bit of everything.
Explore downtown Holland
A stroll through charming downtown is a relaxing way to spend the afternoon. You’ll find an additional 38,000 tulips planted along the streets, creating a colorful and picturesque atmosphere. Many businesses and patios are dog-friendly.
Drive through the tulip lanes
Tulip lanes are a unique attraction in Holland. Take a scenic drive through six miles of curbside plantings that wind through residential neighborhoods. You’ll see an additional 250,000 tulips along the way. This page provides more information about tulip lanes.
Stop by Big Red Lighthouse
The Big Red Lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in Michigan and is located within Holland State Park. Dogs are welcome in the park outside of designated swimming areas. They are allowed on trails, in the campground, and at the dog beach along Lake Macatawa.
Michigan state parks charge a fee for entry. You can purchase a day pass, and prices vary for in-state and out-of-state visitors.
Stroll the beach at Tunnel Park
Tunnel Park is a fun and free alternative. The entrance leads through a tunnel carved into the dune. From the top, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Lake Michigan and may even spot Big Red in the distance.
Dogs are allowed off-season (October 1–April 30).
Let your dog enjoy off-leash life at Kirk Park, a dog-friendly beach
If you visit during peak beach season, many beaches will not allow dogs. Consider visiting Kirk Park, located about 20 minutes north of Holland. It features a small off-leash dog beach and is free to enter.
Day 3: Hike dog-friendly dunes and explore neighboring Saugatuck
Hike at Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Spend your Sunday morning at Saugatuck State Park. This dog-friendly park features 2.5 miles of sandy shoreline and 13 miles of shaded trails.
The shortest route to get to the beach is the 0.75-mile Beach Trail. From there, enjoy a walk along the shore and choose one of the other trails for your return if you’d like a longer hike.
All Michigan state parks charge a day-use fee. If you plan to visit multiple parks, consider purchasing a Recreation Passport for better value. You will find more information on this page.
Stroll through Saugatuck downtown
After your hike, explore the charming downtown area of Saugatuck. Browse local boutiques, grab a bite to eat, or relax with a coffee.
Some locally recommended spots include:
- Uncommon Coffee Roasters
- The Butler
- Phil’s Bar & Grille
- Penny Royal Café
Many businesses are dog-friendly, and some even provide water bowls and treats. It’s always a good idea to ask before entering with your dog.
Climb Mount Baldhead before heading home
If you’d like one last adventure, visit Mount Baldhead Park. Climb the 303 steps to the top of the dune for panoramic views of the Kalamazoo River. It’s a bit of a workout, but the views are worth it.
Logistics for planning your dog-friendly Holland trip
Best time to visit Holland, MI, during tulip time
The Tulip Time Festival takes place in early May each year and lasts for 10 days. If you want to experience more than just blooming tulips and participate in various events celebrating Dutch heritage, visiting during the festival makes the most sense.
Dogs are allowed in outdoor public spaces and parks. However, keep in mind that this is the busiest time to visit, and some crowded paid events may not allow dogs. If the festival is your main interest, consider visiting with your dog during the week and avoiding weekends.
If you simply want to visit Holland in the spring and still see thousands of blooming tulips while avoiding the largest crowds, plan your trip either a week before or a week after Tulip Time. Tulips bloom at different times, so you’ll still find plenty in bloom.
If you’re planning to spend time at the beach, note that most beaches only allow dogs during the off-season (October 1–April 30).
How much time to spend in Holland, MI
One to two days is usually sufficient, depending on your travel style and interests. Holland is a relatively small town, and most tulip attractions are located close to one another, making it possible to see them all in a single day.
If you prefer to explore at a more relaxed pace, a weekend is a better option. Since Holland was a few hours’ drive for me, a day trip didn’t feel practical. Instead, I stayed for the full weekend and took time to explore areas outside of Holland as well.
Where to stay in Holland, MI
You might be wondering why I chose to stay in Saugatuck instead of Holland. The truth is, I started searching for dog-friendly accommodation about a month before my trip and couldn’t find anything that fit my needs, so I expanded my search area.
Saugatuck turned out to be an excellent choice. Not only is it smaller than Holland, but it’s also very walkable. Since late April is well before the busy beach season, the area felt peaceful and just as dog-friendly.
If you plan to stay in Holland, be sure to book your accommodations early. The city offers a variety of dog-friendly options, from hotels to unique vacation rentals, including some located right in the heart of downtown.
Downtown Holland is very walkable and features several dog-friendly patios. If you’re more interested in outdoor access, the west side near Lake Michigan or Lake Macatawa is a great area to stay.
I wouldn’t recommend camping this early in the season, as temperatures during my trip dropped to 30s°F at night. If you don’t mind a 15–20 minute drive, Saugatuck or nearby Douglas are great alternatives.
Overall
Visiting Holland, Michigan, in the spring is a truly unique experience. The city is filled with colorful tulips at every turn, and its Dutch heritage creates a charming European feel. Beyond the flowers, you’ll find plenty of outdoor adventures, including beaches, dunes, and scenic state parks.
If you’re traveling with your pup, Holland and the surrounding areas offer plenty of dog-friendly places to explore. I hope this dog-friendly weekend guide to Holland, Michigan, will help you plan your perfect trip. Happy exploring!
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