Michigan waterfront areas that are senior citizen friendly

Question

Hi everyone,

I have searched the forums a bit but can't find anything specific to my family's situation! We consist of three generations who vacation together, and my grandma is the oldest at 78 - can't get around too well. She likes to vacation places where she can sit on a porch and directly look at an ocean or Great Lake. So we always primarily look for beachfront/waterfront properties to rent. We've typically done the Carolinas around end of August, but we're hoping to stay closer to home this year during the same timeframe (Cleveland/Columbus is home, preferably six hour drive max), and Michigan is a good bet. Does anyone know of solid areas/towns where we could find relatively reasonably priced beach/waterfront homes on either shore of Michigan? We are open to Lake Michigan or Lake Huron - not picky. Our lodging budget is around $5,000 max for a week or so. We have lots of homes saved on Vrbo and Airbnb in various towns, but the options are overwhelming! Thanks for any help or insight anyone can provide.

Answer

It sounds like you're looking for a relaxing, family-friendly vacation spot in Michigan with great views of the water and easy access for your grandma. Fortunately, Michigan offers some wonderful waterfront locations on both Lake Michigan and Lake Huron that are perfect for senior-friendly vacations. Here are some towns and areas that might be a great fit for your family:

1. Saugatuck/Douglas (Lake Michigan)

Why it's great: Saugatuck is a charming small town on Lake Michigan, known for its art galleries, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. It offers many rental homes and cottages with waterfront views and easy access to the beach. Many properties here feature porches with scenic lake views, and the area is relatively senior-friendly.
Accessibility: The town is walkable, with easy access to restaurants and shops. The beach areas are more accessible than other spots, and many rentals offer easy access to the waterfront without a lot of stairs.
Things to do: If your grandma enjoys nature, the Saugatuck Dunes State Park offers beautiful views and trails that are fairly easy to navigate.

2. Traverse City (Lake Michigan)

Why it's great: Traverse City is a larger town on Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, offering an abundance of waterfront rentals with great lake views. Traverse City is well-known for its cherry orchards, wineries, and vibrant downtown, so it has plenty of things to do while still maintaining a calm, peaceful atmosphere near the water.
Accessibility: Traverse City has a lot of wheelchair-accessible areas, and many of the vacation rentals offer porches with easy access to lake views. The town itself is easy to navigate, with many restaurants and shops within walking distance of the beach.
Things to do: For a mix of nature and culture, consider a visit to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore or a relaxing boat tour on the bay. Traverse City is also famous for its film festival in the summer.

3. Charlevoix (Lake Michigan)

Why it's great: Charlevoix is a lovely, quiet town located on the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix. It’s known for its beautiful Victorian-style homes, waterfront rentals, and easy-going atmosphere. There are many rentals available with lakefront porches, perfect for relaxing and watching the water.
Accessibility: Charlevoix’s beaches and many rentals are senior-friendly, with easy access to the water. The town’s streets are also quite walkable, and there are several scenic parks that are easy to access.
Things to do: Charlevoix offers a relaxed vibe with charming shops, local restaurants, and nearby attractions like the iconic Castle Farms. The area is also known for its lovely gardens and quaint harbor.

4. Harbor Springs (Lake Michigan)

Why it's great: Harbor Springs is another small, picturesque town located on Lake Michigan. It offers stunning waterfront views and quiet, charming streets that are perfect for a relaxing vacation. Many rentals are on or near the water, with easy access for all ages.
Accessibility: Harbor Springs is known for being a walkable town with plenty of senior-friendly amenities. Many of the lakefront homes have porches with beautiful views, and the town offers a lot of accessible outdoor spaces.
Things to do: The nearby Petoskey State Park offers beautiful hiking trails with stunning lake views. The town also boasts local boutiques, parks, and restaurants, which provide a relaxing atmosphere for family visits.

5. Mackinaw City (Lake Huron)

Why it's great: Mackinaw City, located near the iconic Mackinac Bridge, is a popular destination for those looking to experience Michigan’s beauty. This area offers plenty of beachfront rentals and scenic views of Lake Huron, with many properties having easy access to the shore.
Accessibility: Mackinaw City is generally very accessible for seniors, with lots of flat walking areas, and many of the properties are on ground level or have easy access to the waterfront. It’s also less crowded compared to some of the other towns, making it a peaceful getaway.
Things to do: Mackinaw City offers fun family-friendly activities like the Mackinaw City State Historic Park, the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, and boat tours to Mackinac Island. It’s a great base for outdoor enthusiasts, with a lot of history and natural beauty nearby.

6. Port Austin (Lake Huron)

Why it's great: For a more off-the-beaten-path option, Port Austin on Lake Huron offers a quiet, peaceful setting with stunning waterfront views. There are several beach houses and cottages in the area, many with easy access to the water and porches perfect for sitting and enjoying the lake breeze.
Accessibility: Port Austin is a small, easy-to-navigate town with a more relaxed vibe. The waterfront rentals tend to be more private, and many are located right on the shore with minimal stairs.
Things to do: Port Austin has a quaint harbor, local shops, and outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching at the nearby Port Crescent State Park. It’s also a great spot for those looking to enjoy some quiet time near the water.

Additional Tips

Timing: For late August, you’re likely to get some great weather, but also some increased demand for rentals. Booking early and keeping flexibility on dates can help you secure a good deal.
Accessibility Needs: When choosing your rental, be sure to ask about accessibility features such as ramps, wide doorways, and elevator access if needed for your grandma’s comfort.

Each of these locations offers a relaxing, beautiful experience with great waterfront views and accommodations that should suit your family's needs. Good luck with your search and I hope you find the perfect spot for your family vacation!

Michigan waterfront areas that are senior citizen friendly

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