Day 1: Beach & Downtown
A full day of sand, sun, kid-friendly attractions and great eats.
1
Start your day at Silver Beach for sandcastle building, swimming and plenty of splash-filled fun. For a quieter spot, head to Jean Klock Park, or visit Tiscornia Beach for pier and lighthouse views. Pack beach essentials like towels, sunscreen and sand toys so you can settle in and enjoy a carefree morning by the water.
2
Walk to Silver Beach Pizza, a kid-friendly favorite right by the beach with views of Lake Michigan and the Whirlpool Compass Fountain. The menu has a big selection of items kids will love and here’s a fun fact: the restaurant is also home to the Amtrak train station.
3
Explore the Silver Beach Center, where you can ride the hand-carved animals on the Silver Beach Carousel and learn about the days when Silver Beach was home to a lakeside amusement park. Inside the carousel house, you’ll also find model trains, a band organ, coloring sheets, games and more. Then head to the Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone, a hands-on space with water tables, climbing structures and interactive exhibits designed for curious minds. Bring a little cash or a few quarters for the smaller attractions.
4
Enjoy dinner at Clementine’s Too, a casual spot along the St. Joseph River. The menu has plenty of choices for both kids and adults, but be sure to try their famous onion rings, a local favorite.
5
After your meal, head back toward Silver Beach for a walk along the pier. It’s the perfect place to watch the sun set over Lake Michigan, see sailboats gliding by and listen to the waves gently lapping the shore.
See You In The Morning
You will find more fun to enjoy tomorrow.
Day 2: Fun & Exploration
A mix of water, play and downtown shopping.
1
Start your day with a splash at the Whirlpool Compass Fountain, a 200-foot splash pad just steps from Silver Beach. Kids love running through the spray from the large water jets that arch overhead every fifteen minutes.
2
Stroll through the downtown shops, where you can pop into two fun toy stores, tempting chocolate shops, a cozy bookstore and a specialty olive oil store. Treat yourself to a sweet snack or an ice cream cone before lunch.
3
Head to the Mason Jar Cafe, known for its fresh, creative meals made with locally sourced ingredients. You can still order breakfast well into lunchtime, so pancakes and omelets are always an option. If there’s a bit of a wait for a table, take a short stroll through the nearby Arts District to check out its colorful murals, galleries and shops.
4
On weekends, take a mini train ride at Eden Springs Park, or climb inside the St. Joseph lighthouse for sweeping views of Lake Michigan. If it gets a bit rainy, Slackers Family Fun Center is a great indoor option with arcade games, laser tag and more.
5
Enjoy dinner at Azul Tequila Mexican Grill, because who doesn’t love tacos paired with warm chips and fresh salsa? The restaurant is vibrantly decorated, creating a fun, colorful setting for your meal. Afterward, take a walk along Lake Bluff Park and see if there’s live music at the local bandshell.
See You In The Morning
You will find more fun to enjoy tomorrow.
Day 3: Nature & Departure
Enjoy hands-on museum fun, explore the outdoors and wrap up with a final bite before heading home.
1
In the morning, visit the Curious Kids’ Museum in downtown St. Joseph for hands-on fun that’s perfect for younger visitors. Kids can climb, build, create and explore interactive exhibits that spark imagination and curiosity while letting them play and learn at the same time.
2
Head to Sarett Nature Center for kid-friendly hiking trails that wind through forests, wetlands and along the river. Walk high above the forest floor on the canopy boardwalk and let the kids burn off energy at the nature playground. If you have extra time before departure, climb the towering dunes at Warren Dunes State Park for sweeping lake views or wander the peaceful paths and gardens at Fernwood Botanical Garden.
3
A Quick Bite Before Hitting the Road
Wrap up your trip with one last meal in St. Joseph, talking about your favorite moments from the getaway. End on a fun, casual note with burgers and fries or a final scoop of ice cream.
Thanks for joining us!
We hope you enjoyed your travels throughout Southwest Michigan. Check out other trips that you can take on our influencer itineraries page.
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