Parking Downtown in May

Question

I'm planning a visit to Saugatuck on either Memorial Day weekend, or the following weekend. I'm wondering how bad parking gets downtown during this time? I found an AirBnb that I really like in Fennville, but I've been told that the Interurban bus doesn't run this far. Would you recommend only staying somewhere that the Interurban runs to, or is driving and parking downtown pretty doable?

Answer

Saugatuck is a popular destination, particularly around Memorial Day weekend, which marks the unofficial start of the summer season. As such, parking in the downtown area can get busy, especially during weekends, holidays, and peak tourist seasons. Here’s what you can expect and some tips to help you decide whether staying in Fennville or closer to Saugatuck makes sense for your trip:

Parking in Downtown Saugatuck During Memorial Day weekend and the following weekends in May, parking in Saugatuck can be a challenge, especially in the most popular areas near shops, restaurants, and attractions. However, it's not impossible to find parking—there are several parking lots and street parking options available. The key is to arrive early in the day or later in the evening when the crowds start to thin out.

Street Parking: There is some street parking available in downtown Saugatuck, but it fills up quickly during busy times. Be prepared to walk a little bit if you don’t get a spot right next to your destination.
Public Lots: Saugatuck has several public parking lots, and these can be a good option, but they can also fill up quickly on busy weekends. Look for lots located a short walk from downtown for easier access.
Private Parking: Some restaurants and shops offer private parking for their patrons. If you plan to visit specific places, check in advance to see if they provide parking for customers.
Parking Fees: Some of the parking areas charge a fee, particularly the lots near the riverfront and the main shopping areas. Be sure to bring change or a credit card for these fees.

Staying in Fennville Fennville is about a 15-minute drive from Saugatuck, and while the Interurban bus doesn’t run that far, driving from Fennville to downtown Saugatuck is fairly straightforward. If you don’t mind driving and parking, it’s definitely doable, especially if you enjoy staying in a quieter, more rural area. Fennville has its own charm with wineries, farms, and a slower pace of life, which can be a nice counterpoint to the hustle and bustle of Saugatuck.

Pros of Staying in Fennville: The Airbnb you’re looking at in Fennville might offer more space and potentially lower costs compared to staying in Saugatuck itself. Plus, Fennville is much quieter, which means you can relax away from the crowds after a day in Saugatuck.
Cons of Staying in Fennville: The main downside is the need to drive into Saugatuck, especially on busy weekends. While parking is doable, you may need to be patient during peak times. If you’re planning on enjoying alcohol or a leisurely dinner in Saugatuck, driving back to Fennville might not be ideal if you’re concerned about navigation or parking late at night.

Should You Stay in Fennville or Closer to Saugatuck? If you don’t mind driving, staying in Fennville could be a great option. It gives you the peace and quiet of a smaller town while still being close enough to Saugatuck for easy access to its attractions. However, if you'd rather avoid the hassle of parking and want to be able to walk around the town and the beach, staying closer to downtown Saugatuck would be more convenient, though you’ll have to contend with the busier parking scene during peak times.

If you enjoy a more tranquil setting and don't mind a short drive to Saugatuck, Fennville is a solid choice.
If avoiding driving and parking is your priority, you might want to consider staying in or closer to Saugatuck, even if it means higher accommodation costs.
Alternatively, you could consider booking a parking space in advance if you decide to stay in downtown Saugatuck to ensure convenience.

Final Thoughts
In summary, if you’re prepared to drive and park, staying in Fennville can offer a more peaceful and potentially more affordable stay. However, if you’d rather have easy access to Saugatuck’s vibrant downtown without worrying about parking, staying closer to the town center might be worth the extra cost and convenience. Either way, parking in downtown Saugatuck is manageable with a bit of planning, so it comes down to your preferences for convenience versus a quieter stay.

Parking Downtown in May

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