Discover Why St. Joseph is One of Michigan’s Most Romantic Destinations

Romance comes naturally in St. Joseph, Michigan. With pristine Lake Michigan beaches, mesmerizing sunsets and a charming Victorian-era downtown, this lake resort escape feels timeless and intimate. Linger over candlelit meals, sip local wines and craft brews and wake up to sweeping waterfront views. Known as “Michigan’s Most Romantic City,” St. Joseph is a favorite for getaways, weddings and honeymoons. Here’s how to celebrate your love story in this picturesque lakeside town.

Where Are the Most Romantic Places to Stay?

Book a hotel package to help you say “I love you.”

Lake views and all-suite comforts at The Boulevard Inn & Bistro

The Boulevard Inn & Bistro is a beautifully appointed all-suite hotel in the heart of downtown St. Joseph. Overlooking tree-lined Lake Bluff Park and Lake Michigan, it’s an ideal retreat after romantic adventures around the city. Treat yourselves with a seasonal or year-round package such as Ice Fest, Valentine’s Day, Winter Getaway, Romance on the Boulevard and Sweet Dreams. Some thoughtful extras include chilled champagne or wine, dinner credits at the Bistro, chocolate-dipped strawberries and late checkout.

Private balconies at The Inn at Harbor Shores

Along the St. Joseph River’s inner harbor, the Inn at Harbor Shores offers easy access to Lake Michigan, the resort’s Jack Nicklaus signature golf course and dining at Plank’s Tavern on the Water, Rise and Vine and The Grille. All guest rooms feature a sliding glass door leading to a private balcony where you can gaze at the stars. If you arrive in your boat, an onsite marina offers access to the St. Joseph River and Lake Michigan. Special romance-enhancing packages include an Art of Romance, A Valentine’s Night, Stay and Play, Romantic Retreat and a Rejuvenation Spa Indulgence.

Where Are the Best Romantic Restaurants?

Discover the talents of local chefs at restaurants like Schu’s Grill & Bar, Clementine’s Too and the Bistro on the Boulevard, offering locally sourced entrees, and Lake Michigan or St. Joseph River views.

Within a short drive, you can enjoy chef-crafted dishes in romantic settings such as Grande Mere Inn overlooking the dunes and Lake Michigan or Tosi’s Restaurant with its Italian Garden and Tuscany Rooms serving time-honored family recipes.

Create special moments on the Makers Trail

Set the stage for romance with mouthwatering foods and handcrafted beers, wines, ciders, spirits and cocktails in a variety of magical settings along Southwest Michigan’s Makers Trail. From private igloos and fire pits to indoor fireplaces and live music, you’ll find an amorous atmosphere to create the perfect date. 

With over 50 destinations to discover, here are some of our most romantic stops. The award-winning Dablon Vineyards & Winery serves its exceptional wines in a beautiful outdoor setting overlooking the vineyards or inside by a gorgeous stone fireplace, where plush couches invite you to snuggle in. Or wind your way through the countryside to Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant, located in the midst of vineyards and River St. Joe, a farmstead brewery that combines farm-fresh air with locally-grown foods, beers and ciders.

Find the idyllic picnic spot

Want to discover a secluded spot for a picnic? Southwest Michigan has many parks along its lakes and rivers. Spread a blanket and feast from a basket or cooler filled with favorite foods and beverages from local delis or restaurants. And don’t overlook a winter picnic. Bundle up and snuggle close along Lake Bluff Park.

What Are The Most Romantic Beaches?

St. Joseph is home to some of America’s most idyllic freshwater beaches, where soft, golden sand sings beneath your feet and the glistening waters of Lake Michigan roll toward beloved historic lighthouses. These shores invite unhurried hand-in-hand strolls, gathering smooth beach glass or sitting together beneath a blanket as the waves provide a gentle soundtrack. 

Popular beaches near downtown include Silver Beach County Park, Lions Park Beach, Tiscornia Park and Jean Klock Park. Each provides front-row seating for truly unforgettable sunsets. In the winter, these beaches will captivate you when nature shows its icy artistry, transforming the shoreline and piers into enchanting waterscapes. 

Where Can I Find Romantic Gifts?

St. Joseph is one of the most walkable downtowns in Michigan. Explore its unique boutiques, sweet shops, art galleries and bookstores for heartfelt gifts, stylish fashions, jewelry and one-of-a-kind artwork. Make additional creative discoveries in the nearby Benton Harbor Arts District, where local artists showcase and sell inspiring works in their studios.

Where Can I Find Scenic, Peaceful Hiking Trails?

Often, the best way to say “I love you” is simply being together. That’s easy to do year-round on St. Joseph’s peaceful nature trails. The John & Dede Howard Family Recreational Trail and the Harbor Shores Nature and Fitness Trail System or Sarett Nature Trails in nearby Benton Harbor offer calm settings along Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph and Paw Paw Rivers. You can hike, bike or kayak, too.

You can find many more trails down the road from St. Joseph. One favorite for couples is Mt. Tabor Trails. It winds through vineyards, woods and fields between Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant and Round Barn Estate. As you hike or snowshoe, you can sip craft wine, beer or spirits.

Where Can We Go Ice Skating?

Link arms as you glide and do figure eights across indoor and outdoor ice rinks in or near St. Joseph. Rosy cheeks, warm hugs and steamy cups of hot chocolate will bring you back again and again.

How Can I Treat My Sweetheart to a Spa Day?

Ahhh. Whether you give a spa day to your special someone or plan a day of luxurious pampering for you both, there are several choices in the St. Joseph area. The Spa at Harbor Shores immerses you in a tranquil space complemented by personalized treatments. Other notable options include Affinity Salon & Spa, Revive Spa and The Aesthetics Lounge and Spa. Whether a soothing massage or a rejuvenating facial, this will be a highlight of your visit. 

Where Can We Hear Live Music, See Shows or Take Creative Classes?

These experiences are abundant year-round in the vibrant arts and entertainment scenes of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College features national and regional concerts and theatrical performances, and Silver Beach’s Shadowland Pavilion offers summer concerts with a backdrop of Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph River. 

For a more intimate setting, the Livery Microbrewery, downtown Benton Harbor, pairs craft beer with live music. Just down the street, the GhostLight Theatre delivers professional-quality plays, films and performances. A quick drive away in Three Oaks, The Acorn hosts an eclectic list of seasoned and rising stars. For more ideas, check the events calendar when making your plans.

Another way to spark romance? Creating something together. A couple’s cooking class at The Culinary Cottage in downtown St. Joseph, a painting class at nearby JLN Studio in Stevensville, a glass-blowing art or jewelry-making class at Benton Harbor’s Water Street Glassworks, or a contemplative retreat or gardening workshop at Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve in Niles all offer a unique bonding experience.

Plan Your Romantic Getaway

Ready to plan your romantic interlude in St. Joseph? Our Culture & Romance itinerary is an easy way to start. We also fill Valentine’s Day with sweet things to do. Whenever you visit, you’ll fall in love with being here. Book your romantic stay soon.