The Best Small Town Gay Vacation Spots

Saugatuck and Douglas are harbor villages that celebrate diversity—small-town America at its best! Here LGBT visitors can turn back the pages of time to enjoy a simpler life where no one hurries, and no one hurries you; a place where everyone is special and everyone is welcome. Recently The National Trust for Historic Preservation selected Saugatuck/Douglas as one of the "Dozen Distinctive Destinations" in the U.S. and the writers and editors of Midwest Living Magazine ranked Saugatuck/Douglas fifth among the top 100 vacation destinations in the Midwest.

For over a century, artists have been drawn to the area’s towering dunes, pristine beaches and natural splendors of this jewel-like setting on Lake Michigan's eastern shore. Today that artistic heritage persists through strong ties to the Art Institute of Chicago with its affiliated summer school at Ox-Bow as well as a broad spectrum of art galleries and art-based activities and events. Consistently named one of America's top 25 arts destinations, it's no wonder the area has become known as “The Art Coast of Michigan”!

It's easy to understand why Michigan’s governor named Saugatuck one of Michigan's 19 "Coolest Cities." The town's Oval Beach is ranked one of the top 25 beaches in the world by Condé Nast and one of the top two in the USA by National Geographic Traveler. More recently, the Chicago Tribune rated it number one out of the Midwest’s five best beaches and the USA Today readers votes us #1 Weekend Getaway in the US.

Our great art-doors offers a place to rest or play any time of the year. Whether you come for an executive retreat, a corporate meeting, a family reunion or your own romantic getaway vacation, you'll be glad you discovered the treasure that is Saugatuck and Douglas. See you soon!
Felicia V. Fairchild, Executive Director
Saugatuck-Douglas CVB

Your Travel Guide to the Gay Friendly Small Towns of Saugatuck and Douglas, Michigan

Welcome to GaySaugatuckDouglas.com, the travel guide to the gay friendly small towns of Douglas and Saugatuck, Michigan. Here, you will find the information you need to visit the Saugatuck Douglas area, one of the best gay travel destinations in the U.S.

There is something about Saugatuck & Douglas, Michigan...

that makes them two of the most gay friendly small towns in the country. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender tourists all find something difficult to define but easy to recognize, like magic. Best of all, it is everywhere you look.

It's in the world-renowned beaches, such as Oval Beach in Saugatuck. Nestled between the refreshing waters of Lake Michigan and our gorgeous sand dune forest, our pristine beaches provide days of sun and sport, breathtaking sunsets, and evenings of delight and wonder. With accolades including being named one of the top 25 beaches in the world by Condé Nast and one of the top two beaches in the USA by National Geographic Traveler, Oval Beach may easily become one of your favorite gay vacation spots.

It's in the shops and restaurants. With over 140 gay owned and lgbt friendly companies, the shopkeepers and staff of the businesses featured on this site are proud to be among the most welcoming of gay friendly travel destinations. So many unique shops and galleries, restaurants, and lodging options to choose from, you can find just about anything your heart desires, and some things you can't find anywhere else.

It's in the arts. We're called the "art coast of Michigan", and for good reason: no matter how your tastes run, we have something here for you. We have several world-class galleries, artist studios, and museums waiting for your arrival. The world-renowned Ox-Bow art school is here, as well as summer stock theatre.

It's in the people. For decades, our residents have made Saugatuck and Douglas Michigan's most gay friendly small towns by welcoming Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender visitors with open arms. We have LGBT Pride. We are proud of our reputation as a place where people from all walks of life can come and find themselves simply by being who they are.

Most importantly, it's in you. Simply put, we wouldn't be who we are without the continued support of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community, and so we work hard to make your visit as fun and memorable as possible. We know there are many reasons why you and thousands of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender persons choose Saugatuck & Douglas Michigan as your gay vacation spots every year, but there is only one reason why you keep coming back: you're always welcome here!!

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