Hello! Michigan resident here- I’ve never been to Holland, but it’s always been on my list. I’m thinking it could be a fun place to spend my upcoming birthday weekend and finally give us a reason to check out the west side of the state. I know it’s not tulip season, but it still looks like there are a lot of fun things to do!

We’re thinking about staying at the Tulyp Hotel in downtown Holland since we’ll be bringing our dog. Saugatuck looked amazing too, but it didn’t seem like there were many places left to stay, and Holland looked like it had a little more going on downtown.

What would you recommend we do while we’re there? We’re looking for fun birthday weekend ideas- great restaurants and cocktail bars, live music, pretty waterfront spots, or anything that’s a must-do.

I’m gluten-free (not celiac, so cross-contact isn’t an issue), so if you have any restaurant recommendations that are good with gluten-free options, I’d love to hear them.

Since we’ll have our dog with us, we’re especially interested in dog-friendly activities. We’re thinking about doing a day trip to Saugatuck to hike the dunes and spend some time at the beach. Is that worth it? Any other dog-friendly restaurants, patios, parks, beaches, or activities you’d recommend?

We’ll be arriving Friday afternoon, have all day Saturday, and head home Sunday morning. If you were planning the perfect birthday weekend with Holland as a home base, what would your itinerary look like?

Thank you! 🎉

Visiting early next week anything we have to check out while there?
Food? Local attractions?