South Haven Lighthouses Reviews

It's just cool to have a lighthouse on the pier! Classic red lighthouse that you can walk out to (keep little ones close - no railings, but the pier is wide). So pretty against the lake and sky! This is not a lighthouse that you can go into and tour. However, lots of people (visitors and locals), love to watch the sunset out on the pier or at the beach adjacent to it. Perfect way to end the day!

Got some very cool fall sunset pictures of this lighthouse. Love walking down the pier to the lighthouses. Yes you take a chance, once you get to that one spot, but isn't life all about taking those chances? Calm and clear day, when we went, I would not go all the way out, when it is stormy, or the waves are high. So nice seeing these lighthouses being preserved for future enjoyment.

I usually visit South Haven at least once a year. This past summer, I made it twice. I enjoy the walk from downtown to the lighthouse and back. The red lighthouse with the original catwalk creates fantastic photos. Like most lighthouses along piers in the lake towns of Lake Michigan, it is not open to the public.

It's a pretty view, unfortunately cloudy most days and high winds.. it's cool to look at and take photos! But after that, we caught ourselves just walking that pier for no reason after shopping around downtown

We loved walking out to the lighthouse and watching the boats go by at sunset. Definitely a must do when in the area.

This is a classic lighthouse providing a beautiful photo opportunity when in South Haven. Easy to walk to from downtown and good parking close by.

Part of South Haven's famous Harbor Walk, the Lighthouse has interesting history and makes a beautiful backdrop for pictures of the old sailing ships leaving from or returning to the harbor.

We walked to the lighthouse and sat on the pier to watch the sunset. The sunset was beautiful. I would recommend parking in town and walking by the harbor and then to the pier and lighthouse - very scenic houses and boats on the way.

A peaceful walk out to the lighthouse will be rewarded with a gorgeous view of the sunset and boats going by. Linger for awhile after the sun goes down.

This is a small lighthouse, but it is a local iconic landmark, and as such, it is a must see for any SoHa visitor.

Really enjoyed the area. Unfortunately it was being refurbished which is a good thing. We will have to come back some other time to view the Light House completed.

The lighthouse is a little from downtown but you can park fairly close to the pier. Concrete on the pier is in bad need of repair but we did not have a problem navigating with a wheelchair.

From a paid city lot at the beach or metered street parking, it is a comfortable walk to this beautiful lighthouse. It can be chilly when the wind is up but well worth the short stop or a long day at the beach.

It's a very small lighthouse but it's something interesting to walk down and look at. Note that the pier is not designed for public access - there is cracked and uneven concrete so don't expect it to be wheelchair accessible. Unfortunately it was a gray rainy day when we were visiting but it was still nice to get out and view the beach and shoreline.

We walked out to this lighthouse on a beautiful and slightly windy day. Got a little wet as the waves were crashing into the concrete pier. Makes for some nice photos though.
You cannot go up into the lighthouse. It is closed off.
Be careful with your young children. They can be swept away if it is a windy day with big waves. On a calm day it would be a very nice walk for children.

What a wonderful site, to see waves coming across Lake Michigan and the Lighthouse in South Haven, MI. What a beautiful sunset. Really nice beach north of "inlet"

Good photo opportunity of the lighthouse, lake and beaches. We used this as a quick stop over while headed North. It was worth it.

Just came to South Haven for lunch while traveling from Traverse City to Chicago. Decided to check out the lighthouse. Nice walk on nice wide surface and fun to see the pretty boats. Beautiful beach! We took a pic of the lighthouse bc of course you have to. It’s nothing overwhelming but it’s still fun. Check it out as the walk is not long.

This lighthouse really doesn't need a picture, as its easily the most photographed lighthouse on Lake Michigan. Weekend crowds forced a long walk down to the beach in a brutal sun.

Nice day for a walk to the lighthouse. Got some good pictures. I like how dog friendly the whole place is.

We had a very pleasant walk to the red lighthouse at sunset and found it a great place to enjoy the evening and to get some great photos.

This is a must do in South Haven. We actually walked out to the lighthouse twice during our stay. Be aware the cement isn't level so it's important to watch your step but worth the beautiful view of Lake Michigan and back at the shore. Our second walk was after we'd had nighttime storms and the water was very rough and splashed up on the pier in several spots. All the pictures we took turned out fantastic!

We were making quick trips to area lighthouses as we drove up to the upper peninsula. This one was very pretty but I was particularly impressed with the beach. There was an area for children to play, a decent sized beach, and even actual flushing toilet restrooms and a small area with shops/food just right off the beach. The homes in the area are gorgeous. I would definitely come back and spend more time here.

This place is lovely, good place to go for a walk with that special someone or any friend.
Lots of places to seat and watch the beach or the sky. Very peaceful and joyful! Just what the soul needs :)

The distinction of this lighthouse, compared to the several hundreds left along the Michigan Lake Shore, is worth the visit.

Definitely a top site for South Haven the lighthouse is awesome because it has great parking with easy walking access (without even stepping on the sand if you don’t want). It’s fun to walk out and explore, though there are no railings and small children should be watched very closely. We watched the sunset each night and the lighthouse was a fixture in most of my pictures. A must see for anyone visiting South Haven.

Walk out to the end. Look at the lighthouse. That's 15 minutes if you walk slowly. I enjoyed watching the boats come in and out of the channel for a bit while munching on a snack.

South Haven is such a great spot! The beach is beautiful. Love walking the pier. Lighthouse is nice.

Great location to walk about. Iconic Lighthouse right on the shores of Lake Michigan with a long park and walkway and a small food and gift shop too!

Beautiful! It was windy and chilly but not bad for February. The waves weren’t high despite the wind so it was a good visit. Worth seeing if you like lighthouses. It’s not a long walk out there, but it is uneven. We pushed a stroller to the end, but it was a bit bumpy ride where the concrete squares join, I’m not sure how a wheelchair would be, especially the heavier ones, you’d have to weave around some spots at least, but might be doable.

This was my first Michigan lighthouse and it didn’t disappoint. I was able to take some great shots of it at sunset and take in the whole vantage point. Great lighthouse with history. Definitely worth a visit anytime but sunset is really special.

It was a eight minute walk from town to the waterfront, than another ten minutes to the lighthouse. (I enjoy walking, but had the wrong shoes on for this walk.) It seems like everyone comes to enjoy the sunset.

I was trying to find a spot to review the town itself. We thought it was a beautiful town with an extensive beach system, shops, and places to eat. We were there on a hot July day with the sun shining brightly and it was beautiful. . We were impressed with the huge amount of large boats docked along the Black River that flows into Lake Michigan. They even have a draw bridge. Lots of smaller boats in the River who do not go out onto Lake Michigan itself.
There are two major boardwalks that go to lake Michigan along the Black River. They lead to different beaches. If your are facing Lake Michigan and you take the boardwalk on the left side of the Black River you will go to the South Beach. It is the one with the light house and fairly calm waters. The boardwalk on the right side of the Black River leads you to the North Beach which has heavy waves. Both are beautiful beaches.
It is a very popular town and so it is difficult to find parking. If you find parking, stay put and walk to where you want to go. If you have an RV don't even think about going into this town. We saw no places for RV's to park.
We enjoyed our day and can see why so many people make it a destination place.

South Haven has a great pier and a picturesque lighthouse standing in the distance. It’s a long walk to the end of the pier but there a lots of benches along the waterway, watching the different sizes of boats that make their way into the harbor! If you can wait the sunsets are beautiful! Pay attention to the time change if you’re coming from Illinois!!!

We walked out on the pier to the lighthouse on a Monday evening near sunset. There were more people than I expected for a Monday evening, but it wasn't overly crowded. Unfortunately, a cloud bank and incoming weather front impeded any colorful sunset, but it was nice anyway.

Absolutely love SOHA, it’s my happy place! I try to spend a couple of romantic days every summer with my husband and then a few days in the Fall with our whole family. The downtown is quaint with several great restaurants. The lake and beaches are beautiful no matter the weather! And we love the farmers market!

I enjoyed my time in South Haven. The walk out to the lighthouse is great when the weather is nice. Loved the beaches and views.

Nice casual walk to the end of the pier. We went at sunset and took beautiful pictures. Annoying drone fliers were everywhere, obnoxious.

We stopped downtown South Haven & visited the Farmer's Market. After walking around there, we walked the 2-3 blocks past the Marina & to the lighthouse. The area on the way to the lighthouse was beautiful. However, note that the pier to the lighthouse is uneven & the tide could splash onto the pier. The pier is not really ADA friendly, so be careful. We enjoyed watching the boats & the people from the pier.

Nice trip to the beach at South Haven late afternoon. Love the waves, the beach, the birds, and the lake. Kinda just calms you right down.

We liked the South Haven lighthouse for its profile set against Lake Michigan. We came here during a day when the waves were crashing up on the pier so that we got soaked (it was fun) & one evening for sunset when the water was calm, and the sky was beyond beautiful. Be careful walking on the pier because, not only can you get wet from the waves but there are spots that are uneven. Try to catch a sunset as we did. The colors of the lighthouse against the sky are amazing.

While the Beach is spacious the parking is limited. We were the on July 6th thinking the holiday crowd would be gone... WRONG.
We had to park 4-5 blocks away, Monroe Blvd. and Monroe St. (crazy coincidence)
It is very popular for a reason. Beautify scenery and very clean.

Very windy the day before, waves going up over the pier, but the next day was very calm and sunny. Walked the pier to the lighthouse, family's fishing and taking pictures. Been to South Haven many times but first time here, beautiful!!!

Fun place to see when in the area. Historic lighthouse with great views on lake Michigan. Easy walking path that does get wet with high water and waves so be prepared.

We enjoyed seeing all the beautiful boats at the marina when we walked out to the lighthouse. They have made it very accessible to walk and be right there.

This is such a great light house and if you love light houses, don't miss this one. I love that you can walk the pier and get really close up. The history in the are is well marked with plaque up and down the pier so you get a really sense of South Haven's past.

This lighthouse has one of the best and photographic settings especially for sunsets. Easily accessible and you don't have to trudge through lots of sand to get to it, meaning you can walk on all concrete (although not all smooth). Parking lot is close and handy, you can also get great views from a nearby bluff, or you can even take the beautiful walk to the lighthouse from downtown after dinner.

This was our 2nd visit to this pier and lighthouse. Nice beaches, a fairly substantial amount o parking, and a nice walk out to see the lighthouses that are in good condition. There are more attractive lighthouses along the MI west coast, but it is a solid stop to enjoy the setting and the town.

We experienced total relaxation on our improptu trip to the South Haven Lighthouse, which included sweeping views of Lake Michigan, a playground for my little one, soft sand, light waves and fresh air while we took in the sunset at the edge of the pier. This trip makes for a perfect summer evening.

We visited in late fall, a lot of the shops were closed. It is a beautiful little town! It is right on the waterfront. The harbor is beautiful, and the marinas are gorgeous! Quaint little restaurants make the ambiance nice!

The lighthouses provide a peaceful place to walk, a great place to take pictures any time of year. Great place to fish or sit and read a book.

The lighthouse lived up to its expectations. Strong winds when we visited prevented us from walking out to the lighthouse, but the waves lapping over the walkway out to it were rather exhilarating. I’m an amateur photographer, and the conditions made for some excellent photographs. There is ample parking and a nice beach for walking and any other beach activities. This was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Sat on the end of the pier in front of the lighthouse to watch the sunset. Amazing weather and amazing sunset. Boats pulling into the harbor was fun to watch as well. A must do!!!

Absolutely beautiful! Very easy to walk to the lighthouse with kids as long as the waves aren't high. It's a must to go at sunset

Careful it can be slippery. Its a nice little stroll out to the end. Its just as fun to watch the boats go in and out of the marina.

We had about an hour in South Haven, and spent some of it downtown shopping, and then decided to stroll down to the water. We stumbled across the lighthouse and were pleasantly surprised to see the water was calm and it wasn't too crowded.

We were able to walk all the way to the end and spent some time watching the boats pass by. This would be a beautiful place to watch the sun set.

The lighthouse itself is very picturesque, and evokes one's sense of wonder about a time gone by. If you're looking for a nice photo opportunity, this would make a great location.

The lighthouses are not used to guide commercial ships into the harbor any longer but in the 19th century lighthouses were busy with ships in and out carrying lumber, fruit, and passengers. South Haven hosts the Michigan Maritime Museum with info on that time and a first hand experience , sailing on the Friends Good Will , a replica of a Lake Michigan Sloop.

Tradition for most visitors. Great views and perfect spot to take pictures of lake, family, boats, and shoreline.

Breathtaking sunset. Quaint little town with lots of unique shops and restaurants. Beach has white sand and it was fun to watch kids in their jackets run up and down the shoreline.

We parked a couple blocks from pier and walked over to see the light house. Nice area and we enjoyed the view.

Took my 6 & 8 year old nieces - they loved walking around the Lighthouse and pier. Water can crash over - which they loved! Beautiful view.

The lighthouses are great and iconic pieces of southwest Michigan. The beaches are well kept and clean. Great for swimming, boating and more.

Go up by St Basil Church or Kids Corner park and check out the view from there looking back at lighthouse. Pure Michigan.

South Haven is a fun little area with a decent number of things to do. It's fun to walk the catwalk down to see the lighthouse which seems to be well-maintained. Fun people watching. Nice areas to catch the sunset. Popular beaches.

Every time we visit South Haven, we always take a walk to the Lady in Red. Sunsets on the end of the pier are always gorgeous.

To me, all lighthouses are held to this standard. The walk to the lighthouse is very nice and the views are awesome!

Beautiful area & lovely walk to the Lighthouse from downtown South Haven. Beach was gorgeous! Loved watching the boats enter & leave the harbor.

Seen many now. Her busy part of the town. Did no have any safety ledge or anything for walk on blank to get to lighthouse

This lighthouse and pier is very relaxing (even in windy weather) and great for photos of the lighthouse and surrounding areas. Worth the walk!

This is wonderful on a sunny summer day. There is a beach (South Beach) at the beginning of the walk to the lighthouse. It includes swings and other kid friendly items The beach is GORGEOUS. Lake Michigan: Salt free, neither sharks nor jelly fish. There can be rip currents, so pay attention to the warning flags. The concrete structure to the Lighthouse is about 100 yards long. Lots of tripping hazards. Diving or jumping from the area into the like is strictly forbidden because it is VERY dangerous. From the Lighthouse you can see miles of pritine shoreline, gorgeous sailboats and motor boats and you might catch a glimpse of "Friends" a converted Prirate Ship complete with cannon.

We live only about 20 miles away so we go to the S.H. beach mostly just to look. The light house is always one place we like to see. In winter sometimes just covered in ice or large chunks of ice gathered around it. In summer beautiful sun sets and sometimes giant waves crashing the pier. Walking the pier is very fun, just watch your step because some places the concrete is uneven. We just don't get tires of this spot!!!

We really enjoyed going to the beach area. We visited during the day but then returned in the evening to watch the gorgeous sunsets. The beach was clean and very easy to access.

Went here recently for a quick weekend getaway. I was never in South Haven before and fell instantly in love. The downtown is very cute and is easy to explore on foot. There is a farmers market on Saturdays in the downtown pavilion near the clock. We ate and Clementine's which was top notch.
Make sure you spent the day at the beach and stay long enough to watch one of the most beautiful sunsets. This destination is a must see!

This is great light house to visit. Easy access and great views! The grandkids loved it and now look forward to finding more Michigan light houses.

We took a walk down the pier after our dinner to snap a few pics and the lake is beautiful. A must see if you're in town!

South Haven is such a great spot! The beach is beautiful. Love walking the pier. Was surprised to see waves coming up over the pier. Never seen so much water on the pier like today.

It was one of those rare blue sky days for my trip to Michigan. It was crazy windy but the scenery is so beautiful you just don’t mind. Sailboats and wind surfers entertained us and loved the lake water crashing against the moorings.

Here's one of the classic Great Lakes lighthouses, welcoming all who come by water. The pier goes out a fair ways, and the boat watching is always a pleasure.

My daughter and I needed a vacation that was fun , but also a distress free time , we found it at our little piece of Heaven in Bangor. The cottage had everything that we could have needed . Being a tent camper I took everything under the sun not knowing what to expect. We didn’t need a thing except our food and clothes. I would recommend this cottage to anyone that truly wants Fun and a Relaxing get -away . We will definitely do it again!!!

Came with friends as we tour the lighthouses of Michigan. Nice walk out to it. Didn't get wet. Not too long. Great beach. Bring a chair and sit a spell

The South Haven Lighthouse is a photographer's point of interest from several vantage points and any time of day. Very dramatic at sunset. Daytime brings many different activities to the area: boating, swimming, fishing, etc. The pier is a nice long walk in itself. It felt like I was on the ocean without having to travel so far.

We moved to South Haven a year ago. We walk out every chance we get. It is usually really peaceful. Occassionally crowded and watch the uneven and broken pavement! Also the dogs can be a nusance. They are technically (posted city ordinance) not allowed but inconsiderate pet owners don't seem to think that rule applies to them.

We always like to venture to the lighthouse and see the views. During the winter its equally beautiful because of the ice and snow. Just be careful and make sure it's safe to walk the pier, if you choose to. It can be very dangerous and slick!

We were traveling along the Lake Michigan shoreline and visited quite a few lighthouses. Our first stop was at South Haven, where we saw the beautiful South Haven Lighthouse. A bonus was a tall ship!

We don't have the ability to climb the towers any more, but we certainly can take pretty pictures. The beachgoers were offering their bodies to the sun, and the cool lake breeze made the walk on the pier quite comfortable.

South Beach. Parked along the street. There is also a parking lot closer to the beach. The walk from the street is easy. The beach and Lighthouse view from the street is good. You can walk the catwalk to the lighthouse. Great place for pictures and watching the sunset. Saw several families with children. And young adults. There is a playground. A snack bar snd bathrooms. Also showers.

Clear water and fine sand make this beach inviting. Lots to do in the local area, restaurants, hotels, shops. Parking charges from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Weekends overcrowding can be an issue.

So sad to arrive and find the lighthouse wrapped for renovations on our October 1, 2016 visit. We did enjoy the views of the marina.

Went for a walk after eating too much for dinner and the light house offers pretty views and photo ops.

This pier walk is shorter than the one in Grand Haven. We saw visitors fishing on the pier and of course lots of tourists taking pics. If you visit the South Beach make it a point to walk on the pier !

Nice walk to watch the fishermen in the morning. May be unsafe for families with small children as there are no railings.

The pictures are great, but it is hard to do justice to the actual lighthouse. It actually very beautiful.

always a nice place to visit and a nice walk down to it for a great view of the sunset. Just watch your steps going to it. Looks really cool in the winter also

Cute shops, restaurants, beaches, and a pretty lighthouse pier. Lovely homes in town and by the beach. I can see why it's such a popular place for people living in the area to vacation.

My husband and I walked part of the harbor walk and out to the lighthouse! It was a beautiful sight. Rays of sunshine out over the lake made a beautiful background for the red lighthouse. Bonus, we were able to find parking close to the pier. It was a special visit for me, being it was my first visit to Lake Michigan and my first lighthouse!

I can't tell you why but I love the lighthouse! Maybe it's the history, maybe it's the water. Whatever it is, I love walking down the pier to see her. The repairs to the structure turned out perfect. I hope she'll be standing for many more generations to come!

Pretty view and clean beach. It was very windy and cold today, but it made for some great photos and videos.

This was my first time to see light houses. The ones in Michigan are awesome. Each one is unique within itself

Beautiful view on a cold rainy day in October. Would love to go back in the summer but it was worth the trip.

I grew up on this beach, walking the pier, and family picnics. I love to come here now as an adult and just walk the pier and watch the boats come in and out of the canal. Very peaceful. Nice people all around.

Walking at the beach and along the pier was very nice. We got some great pictures and some beautiful weather to do this. It was kind of expensive to park at the beach ($10) just to go walk the pier, but I still think it was worth it.

I'm not sure why people get so hung-up on these places.. it was just a landmark. But the scenery was amazing. It was a beautiful cold sunny day.. Sky was blue and the lake was too..

If it was a summar day, I'm sure we could've gone to the beach.. but it was too cold this time.

The lake, the Lighthouse pier, the restaurants, the people, the sunsets! Just a relaxing getaway to rejuvenate. What's not to love!

Even in the dead of winter with waveburgs along the shoreline it is still a beautiful and an experience no one should miss. Walked out onto the pier, which was still a bit icy and listening to the waveburgs and ice cracking with the smooth movement of the water beneath was simply amazing. It reminded my grandkids and wife of the movie Titanic it was so quite while hearing nothing but ice cracking.

There's something about a lighthouse that attracts us all. There's something about a sunset that captures us all. Dusk in South Haven offers the best of both worlds and, when the sky permits, there sure are a lot of people who show up. On the pier at the lighthouse and all along the beachfront. A nice experience. Make it happen.

Nice stroll to the lighthouse down the concrete pier. Watch your step though, the concrete can be hazardous due to wear from the elements. Relaxing though. Sunsets are amazing!!!!!

Good place to go!!! We had a great time there!!! Lots of good restaurants! Beautiful sunsets 🌅 my little ones love the souvenir store and ice cream shop. My teens love the lighthouse pier and the beach. It was lots of fu for everyone:)

A friend and I got here on a weekday afternoon, summer 2018. We enjoyed walking all the way to the lighthouse on a warm midsummer evening. We stopped several times and sat on benches to watch the boats going in and out of the harbor. When we finally made it out to the lighthouse, we stood for about an hour watching the sunset. It was so pretty! We took a slow walk back, watching boats on the water side, and motorcycles lit with decorative lights on the settled side. It was a relaxing evening.

It was a perfect weather day. We walked from downtown, where we had a late breakfast, down the walkway past the beach to the very end where the Lighthouse is. Great place to enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan and watch the boats / yatchs enter and leave the harbor. Great thing to do when the weather is beautiful. There are also picnic tables and grills along the walkway between the marina and the lighthouse where lots of people were hanging out with a picnic lunch.

One of the prettiest we have visited. Easy access and close parking without having to walk through a lot of sand.

The United States Lifesaving Service morphed into the U.S. Coast Guard in 1918. The original wooden lighthouse (built in 1871) was replaced in 1903 with the current steel structure. The pier was extended several times and the current structure moved to its 1,200 foot location off shore. The catwalk remains from which the lighthouse keeper would approach in bad weather to tend the light. It is NOT open to tour but you can enjoy the walk along the pier to the end and circle the base of the light (calm water only). It's located on the South Beach with plenty of parking and remember it's red (as opposed to the green one on the North pier) to orient sea captains as to the rule of Red-Right-Return. Returning from the sea the red light is on the right.

Don't miss this iconic lighthouse when you're in the southwestern Michigan area. The beach there is large and sandy--this year, that is a boon, when water levels are very high and many beaches are diminished. You can bring a pole and do a little fishing. But be careful if you like to swim--don't swim too close to the pier, which can be dangerous.

Was able to get some nice pics of the lighthouse, beach and sunset after a nice dinner. Gets a bit crowed around it on a holiday weekend but worth a visit.

We made this a side trip on our way home from a road trip. The light house, and the town of South Haven, was worth the added time to our drive. Nicely cared for, great to walk around. I am so glad we made the stop.

Do not miss an opportunity to see the Lighthouse! We visited at sunset and it was absolutely gorgeous! We didn't have a problem finding a parking space in October.

I've been to this place twice and imagine that I will come back. It takes some time to get to the Lighthouse on the bridge over the water but it's a pretty fun walk, or run. I'm not sure if you can go in the Lighthouse but at the bottom you look over Lake Michigan at the amazing of the sunset ( which is the best time to visit it). It's a must see when you head to South Haven.

You don't get to go inside the lighthouse. It's a longgggg walk! There's a beach nearby. There are pretty views of the lake from the end of the dock.

We did a day trip from Chicago to Grand Haven Michigan but ended up only spending a few hours there before driving to South Haven. I liked South Haven better for a few reasons - one of which was this lighthouse haha. I'm a photographer and was looking forward to photographing the lighthouse in Grand Haven only to find out that it was under construction when we got there, so I was happy that we went to South Haven so that I could get some good photos of this lighthouse! Fortunately, there was a brilliant sunset that night so I could some stunning photos of this lighthouse from the beach. Would definitely recommend coming here. You can walk on the pier all the way out to the lighthouse and sit and watch the boats go by. The beach next to the lighthouse is also really nice. It has soft white sand and the water was pretty warm when we went. The surrounding area is nice as well - there are a lot of little shops and restaurants to explore. Not sure what else there is to do outside of that though. I will definitely come back to South Haven in the future!

Nice downtown area, clean and COVID aware. Almost everyone was wearing a mask all the time. The walk out on the jetty is beautiful!

A trip to South Haven wouldn’t be complete without going to South Beach to see the lighthouses. The view is absolutely beautiful! We arrived in the early evening so not quite time for sunset. The sidewalk leading towards the pier was in great shape, but my goodness; the pier area was rough. Watch your step. One misstep and you may trip and/or fall. The light looks very well maintained on the outside, and it’s clearly a local attraction given the number of visitors. Take a chair. Watch the boats pass. Soak up some sun.

South Haven is a beautiful attraction/tour city with plenty to do. Plenty of shopping, north beach, south beach and restaurants.

This south Haven icon lives up to its hype.
Beautiful day or night. You can walk all the way to the edge. It is accessible from the state park . There is parking and benches near by to sit and watch the boats and sun set

Love, love, love this place. The town, the lighthouse, the beach, the whole experience was wonderful. Clean, peaceful, and relaxing, perfect for a our road trip, but we can't wait to go back and stay longer.

Nice walk out to lighthouse, Unique style and color. Clean area and easy to park and get around. Pier is long enough to give a good view of the cost.

This is a beautiful red lighthouse. Easy to get to, just walk down the concrete path and there you are. Bigger waves here than the other beach areas we were at. Beach was very crowded. An ice cream shop and souviner shop that has everything you need for the beach is right here.

You cannot go wrong without visiting the lighthouse, because it is only 1 of 4 left on Lake Michigan of that nature. It is simply something you have to see if you come through South Haven.

Nice walk out to lighthouse and seeing all the boats and families in the area. It almost looks like the water and sky meet. Gorgeous sunset!

Walking on this pier is so nice, it’s wide and stable. The water is very high right now so it was splashing up over the sides. Thanks s lights up at night just after sunset too! So beautiful!

This pier is lovely and is a very nice walk out to the lighthouse. Their are no tours offered but you can walk up to the lighthouse. This whole park is a bustling place. Lots of great picnic areas on the harbor which had many stunning views. If you are a lighthouse enthusiast this place is a must as are all of Michigan’s lighthouses.

South Beach was a favorite beach during our visit to South Haven. It was worth the $10 parking. Walking out to the lighthouse was nice. The concession stand served a small menu. Hot Dogs, Pretzels, Nachos, Popcorn. They also have a small gift shop as well. The playground was nice. My daughter (3) spent lots of time on the playground. While my teens enjoyed the Lake and the waves. We probably spent 4 hours there. We spent much of that time in the water.

As an old PA farm boy, I was impressed with the South Haven lighthouse as suitable for holding livestock fodder as well as warning unwary Lake Michigan shipping. I kid: Actually, this was one of the more impressive of the handful of lights we paused at in a short week touring Michigan. Too many others were just enough off the beaten track for us to spend the extra time getting close. South Haven itself was a pleasant community: Visited two winery shops on main street.

The Lighthouse in South Haven, MI is a short downhill walk from the downtown area. You'll have great views as you stroll from the downtown area to the lighthouse. Once at the pier, you'll have to decide if it's too windy and wet to walk down to reach the actual lighthouse. You'll have excellent views of boats on the water as well as overall people watching around this area. The South Haven beaches are great too!

What a picture perfect sight. We visited it 3 times during our short stay in South Haven. The first time we stopped we came in from the dunes when the waves and wind were crazy. We enjoyed seeing the waves and ice formations. We came back a few days later and watched an amazing sunset. We returned to see it even later with the lights on the walkway.

We love South Haven, and have been going for several years. We always have to walk out to the lighthouse at least once, we enjoy watching the boats coming and going, and the view of the lake at sunset is breathtaking. I have to say, though, that we noticed this year that the concrete is getting more and more uneven, so definitely watch your step.

Loved the water and the lighthouse. It was a rainy day but the shops and restaurants were busy. Spent the day with family.

South Haven is one of our favorite western Michigan places to spend some time. We always walk out to the lighthouse, watch the boats come in and out of the Kalamazoo River channel and take a good look at the big lake. Great beach with crystal clear and just cool enough to swim this visit. Dogs can walk out the pier to the lighthouse but the beaches do not allow them :(.

Parking was a mess. But it was worth the walk. Lots of places along the inlet to set. But nothing near the light house. Wish we could have went inside .

The beach and lighthouse in South Haven are fantastic. Did not expect to see as many waves on the lake, but it was my first visit. I am duly impressed.

Walked out to the lighthouse. There were amazing views. Could see ships and sailboats from the parking lot.

Walked through farmers market. Good local produce options under large roof area. Good music performances. Walk toward lake through many shops along street. Walk clear out to light house.

South Haven is a lovely coastal town, full of friendly and helpful people and beautiful views. The beaches are great for kids with soft sand, and the views are stunning. You cannot enter the lighthouse but a walk along the pier, and to sit and watch the boats etc is very relaxing. There is food/drinks available from a kiosk on the South Beach and moments of benches/tables to use.

I have lived in Indianapolis all of my life and I had no idea that a beach was 3.5 hours by car! South Haven lighthouse beach area was really nice. Clean, easy to get to, lots of parking and so close to the water! Pack a cooler and enjoy! We will be going back next year for sure!

It's a pretty red lighthouse. It's on a nice beach. It is a nice walk to see it up close. It makes for a romantic setting as the sun sets.

Park up the hill in town and enjoy a leisurely walk down past the marina and out past the beach on to the pier for a closeup look of the lighthouse. Beautiful sunset view, or perfect morning stroll with your coffee. Will get crowded on perfect Michigan summer weekends, so avoid the congestion at the beach parking lot.

Worth a walk or bike ride down the river to the light house, and around/ down the coast. Beautiful setting. Cool pier to the lighthouse, though it is low so on choppy water can be wet, so prepare your shoes accordingly!

The pier is great and lighthouse walk good, plenty wide, but know the walking surface is/can be uneven in spots, so elderly and others keep this in mind.

I biked down which allowed me to stay dry as there were pools of water on the pier. Biking took a little negotiation due to the unevenness and ramps etc. Had to pay attention and go slow.
But well worth your walk or bike ride!

A nice walk by the marina. Good for pictures, especially at sunset. The area is very beautiful. Good time.

The South Haven lighthouse is beautiful wearing winter coats or bathing suits. Each season displaying beauty.

This is a really neat place to walk to, especially after a good meal. The lighthouse is out on a pier that is very scenic. You can watch the boats coming into the harbor on one side and people on the beach on the other side. This is a great location to watch the sunset.

This light house is always beautiful. Sunsets and normal days are so scenic. Waves break over the seawall and the beach is perfect. All near the cute downtown.

We enjoyed walking on the pier to see this lighthouse after dinner to watch the sunset. Unfortunately the clouds blocked the sunset. But it was still a fun thing to do. We parked our car at the South Beach parking lot. Parking is free there after 6 pm. We got drinks at the concession stand and headed out onto the lighthouse. It's a fun walk out on the pier with lots of people walking back and forth but plenty of room for everyone.

There's plenty of interesting things to see at this lighthouse. There were all kinds of boats coming in and out. There were people fishing off the pier. We saw one guy catch a huge channel catfish. There was this one drone flying up and down the pier. There were people walking dogs. You see people swimming at the beach.

I would recommend checking out this lighthouse and pier if you're in South Haven.

Love this area! So beautiful. Beaches and lighthouse were worth the visit. $10 to park all day. The consession stand had very good ice cream!

Cold blustery day, winds were whipping and the waves were extreme. Wish we could have walked out on the pier, but common sense kicked in. Look forward to returning again in the summer. Breath taking in the winter.

We visited recently on an incredibly windy day. Because of that we were unable to walk out to the lighthouse as the whole thing was under water. Even so, it was incredible to experience the sheer power of the water. Amazing.

Loved the signs with the history of the lighthouse at the beginning of the pier. The lighthouse was not huge but it was neat to see and the view of Lake Michigan from the end of the pier was great!

this was not impressive to others I have seen at all. We did enjoy the walk out to it but it was not something we would do again.

Our campground suggested we go to the pier where the lighthouse is located to see the sunset. The Sunday night we went was overcast because a storm was blowing in but it was still very pretty. We were amazed at the number of people on the pier and in the water. I walked down the pier to the lighthouse. Warning..... be very careful as the walkway can get VERY slick in certain places. In fact, I fell hard in one spot. Still, a good place to watch the sunset.

This is a beautiful lighthouse with a long catwalk. Love sitting on the beach and watching the sunset with the pier in front. When the lights turn on, on the catwalk it’s beautiful.

A beautiful site during the day or night, when the pathway is lit with white lights. Charming to view either on the shore or out in the lake. A nice walk out to the light house with the lake lapping around the sides of the walk., and easy to reach from the public beach nearby. Love this lighthouse so much that I have a painting of it in my house!

Everyone congregates here for beautiful sunsets! It’s a fairly easy walk out to the pier but not really wheelchair friendly. Too many holes and uneven surfaces. DO NOT venture out when it is windy, icy or waves are cresting on the pier. People have lost their lives doing that!

I have wanted to see this lighthouse for years and after having been nearby many times, we finally made South Haven a destination. What a gorgeous lighthouse and great town. We went to South Beach, where the lighthouse is located, our first night in town. There was sustained wind and the waves were huge. We enjoyed watching all the surfers on their boards taking advantage of the huge waves. The pier was closed because of the weather. It was awesome watching the gorgeous sunset over the water with the sun hitting the lighthouse. When we went back out in the morning, it was like a completely different place. It was so calm and quiet. The pier was open and we got to walk right up to the lighthouse and touch it. There are many benches from which to sit and look at the lake and lighthouse. There is nice playground equipment for kids. I recommend visiting if you can.

It was cold and super windy when we went but we did enjoy the walk to the lighthouse and watching the large waves crashing up against it.

We love visiting lighthouses. The walk to the lighthouse was nice. We sat
on the pier enjoying the peacefulness. Later we watched the sunset over the lake and lighthouse. It was absolutely beautiful!

Like its twin to the north in Grand Haven, this is one of those lighthouses whose level of attraction really seems to depend upon the weather...and whether or not the catwalk is illuminated. Stormy weather, high waves, fog all serve to enhance its appearance. Unfortunately, I was here when none of these conditions prevailed, and although we stayed till dusk, the lights on the catwalk never came on. Maybe it was the time of year? (We were there in April.) It might pay to investigate beforehand whether there's some sort of schedule, and then plan your visit accordingly. As it was, the ugly concrete pier and stubby light tower, shorter than the one at Grand Haven, were nothing to get excited over.

The lighthouse and beach is gorgeous. At night the pier is lit up. During our stay in South Haven( end of March) it was chilly and there were high waves.

Visiting here a lot of shops weren’t open yet( they were seasonal) and what shops that were open closed kind of early.

You can't take a trip to S. Haven without taking a walk on the pier to see the lighthouse. It's pretty any time of the year too!

Loved the walk along the piers to visit the lighthouse. Great way to enjoy the view of the lake and enjoy a beautiful day.

But what the heck do you expect this time of year. It was nice to be able to walk up close to light house and take photos.

We visited the South Beach for the Mermaid Megafest on Memorial Day weekend with our kids & grandkids. Everyone had a great time
at the beach and on the lighthouse pier :)

Be sure to stop by the main lighthouse in South Haven as part of your overall trip. You will get the true feell of Lake Michigan, especially if you walk to the end of the pier.

This is a beautiful place. right by the south beach where we sat on a sunday evening and watched the parasailors.... it was great......

We found it and once we got out of the car we were pounded by the strong winds and crashing high waves. WOW, it was exhilarating. Beach sand was blowing and beating off you.
Plenty of pay for parking. Beach looked inviting but couldn't get past the blasting sand. Would love to go there again but without the wind.

I love just sitting and watching the water. It is a really pretty and quiet on off season. Still pretty other times just very busy

We drove up from St. Joseph along the Blue Star Hwy until we saw a little red lighthouse into our view. Beautiful view with clean beach!! We parked on the street to take a walk. Nice breeze in summer day! We planed to come back at next time.

Love sitting on the pier watching the sunset and seeing the lighthouse. The sunset can be beautiful here.

Our extended family has traveled to South Haven for many years. A must to any trip is a walk out to the Lighthouse. I have always been intrigued by lighthouses anyway, so to me this is the perfect place to be. The walk is easy and beautiful.

We have been there 3 times now and will go again. No matter what time of day you walk down to the lakefront their is something beautiful to see. The pier is wide and the lighthouse is quaint. It is not one you can go into but it is a neat pier area. Boats come and go from the channel at all hours and they are a sight to see themselves. Will keep coming back.

We look forward to seeing the lighthouse every time we go to South Haven. It is a nice walk out to get a picture or to have it as a backdrop when you are taking pictures of the sunset. Such a beautiful presence!

Pleasant walk with a beautiful view to the lake. Very windy and a bit of a walk to get there from our resort but worth it.

My boyfriend and I took a walk out to the lighthouse at night. It was very pretty with the moon reflecting off of the water, and there was another couple out there, too. It was a very nice last minute decision!

It is a very nice walk along the pier and looking out into the lake. The lighthouse itself is not very impressive, however, in all fairness I have seen some pretty famous lighthouses like Cape Hattress in NC or even Little Sable in MI that are more impressive. That being said, it is worth the walk along the pier to look at the lighthouse.
Definitely an attraction for the area worth the time to see.

Nice walk pre-dinner in South Haven. Not a whole lot to see here but I'm glad we went. South Haven is just such a lovely town.

The lighthouse looks,fantastic since it was newly refurbished. The restoration made it look like new! Stroll out and watch the boats go in and out of the harbor. Municipal boat slips are plentiful in South Haven so there are always new boats to see. There is nothing like a South Haven sunset from the end of the pier!

This was one of the best lighthouses on our tour around Lake Michigan to see lighthouses. Easy and long walk out and found fishermen really enjoying the waters.

Stopped along on our cross country motorcycle trip. What waves! I've seen much smaller ones on the sea.

We had a running joke in our family about hubby liking lighthouses. Kids all grown now and THEY wanted to see lighthouse at South Haven. We walked out from South Beach. Very pleasant experience. Nice temps and breeze. Very photogenic. A couple of advisories.

1. Surface of concrete rough so watch your step.
2. Be sure to hold your kiddos hands. No guard rails. In fact if you have children who can’t appreciate your instructions, don’t go out. Enjoy view from beach.

This is the second time traveling to South Haven. The pier was pretty much covered with water due to large amounts of rain. You cannot go into the might house from what we can tell. It is ok to see. Nothing exciting however.

The pier is kinda neat to walk on and watch the boats go by, or fish on if you like. The lighthouse wasn't that impressive, but nice to take a picture.

This Red lighthouse still has the railing that the Grand Haven Lighthouse is missing. There is also a wonderful beach. PAID parking.

I have yet to figure out why everyone wants to walk to the end of the pier, take a selfie and post it up on FB, but that seems to be a regional thing as I see it on FB all summer long. That being said, from town to end and back is something like 1 mile and change depending on where you park.

They have plenty of benches for you to rest along the way, and bathrooms and a concession stand there at the base of the pier before you make the hike next to the parking lot. There is a little ladder at the end where the lighthouse is if you to climb to the top for your FB selfies I suppose.

Lastly, this is on SOUTH BEACH in South Haven, so if this is your cup o tea, make sure you are on this side of the river.

Nice way to watch the sunset. Within walking distance from downtown. Nice area. Way crowded but did have several people present to watch the sunset

A beautiful walk along the pier - the sight of the lighthouse with a Michigan Sunset. The sight is even more beautiful when you look back at it when you are on a sailboat. This is what makes South Haven, South Haven!
People graffiti the lighthouse but it always gets repainted. Do NOT jump off the pier! Every year someone does, or gets taken by a big wave. If the waves are going over the pier, avoid it. Also don’t swim too close to the pier. Several people have died over the years by getting pulled underneath. Just be careful, and enjoy the beauty.

We were back in South Haven this year for a quick weekend trip and decided to spend a day at the beach. We spent the morning shopping in the shops in South Haven, just poking in and out of different places. The weather was perfect and cool this time around, unlike last year's unseasonably hot weather. There was a wonderful breeze down on the beach, pretty still up by the shops. We found a tight little place close to the water so we could easily get in and out if we wanted too when we got too hot. We parked at one of the meter spots because we only planned on being there for a few hours and didn't want to pay the $7 parking fee for the main lot and were too lazy to walk from some of the spots up in the shopping area. We paid $2 for 2 hours at the meter which was fine. We had chairs and our beach stuff and just sat on the beach and read. We got in the water for a bit - it was VERY COLD - but you got used to it rather quickly but it was chilling to get in at first. It was fun to watch the boats go in and out of the harbor. We got drinks at the snack shack - very thankful they have that close by. People were friendly and it was a family atmosphere. We took a walk out to the lighthouse and saw mama and her babies swimming. South Haven is one of our favorite places to visit - hope to be back again soon.

We love this lighthouse & enjoy daily walks/runs/rides to & from. Perfect setting for a beautiful Lake Michigan sunset!

We walked the pier and settled in for the sunset that was stunning in color. it is so fun to watch this beauty with others that enjoy it. We all get super quite at the last few minutes and that is rare these days.

Great view at the end of the walkway along the South Haven Lighthouses. Wide flat surface which can accommodate lots of people so you don't feel overwhelmed. At the end is a lovely virwpoint looking across to the beach and out on Lake Michigan. Lovely!

Very good place and very nice. We enjoyed this place so much. We have no problem at here. Still a cool place to visit here. It was nice weather we have today

It’s a good photo opportunity for a photographer, though at sunset, everyone becomes a photographer and rushes to the end for the sunset shot. It has an interesting history and worth the walk but on a windy day be prepared for wet feet.

Wear sandals or flip flops because the water breaks over the pier. The views are great and the history fascinating.

If you're in the South Haven area this is a mandatory stop. Just a Short Walk down the pier leads you to this iconic lighthouse at the entrance to the Black River.

Watching the local fishing boats coming in from a day on the water is both relaxing and a integral part of the lake shore lifestyle.

Take some great pictures or just sit and watch the sunset, it's the perfect short excursion.

We walked out to the lighthouse in South Haven. Lots of fishermen casting into the lake. Lake trout and salmon graced lots of buckets and there were lots of smiles as dinner was anticipated! We strolled pn following the welcoming red beacon.

It's something to do as a distraction from the beach if you are looking for a break.

Be careful where there is standing water on the concrete pier.... the bottom is likely very slippery.

You walk down the pier on a warm evening, a gentle breeze blowing, watching the boats returning to the harbor after a day of watersport. It is all quite beautiful and you do not want to miss experiencing this Michigan landmark on the beach.

Superb Lighthouse! A wonderful setting to view a stunning sunset on the evening we visited. I was able to get some great photos. The lighthouse is well maintained with a wide pier to provide ample room to walk out to the end and enjoy the scenery.

Nice colors and lines for photo ops.
I likes the view from the beach off to the side mor than straight on from the walkway out to the lighthouse.

It was a short walk from Phoenix St, and was absolutely beautiful. It was windy on the pier, so we had to be careful. I definitely recommend, but there is no guard tail, so be careful with kids.

Very nice! A lot lf cold wind at this time but it's very beautiful lake!!!
Come here to see it! :) :p

We like to go to South Haven for their fireworks show. It was on the 3rd this year. They are doing a beach reclamation so much of the beautiful beach was off-limits. The usable beach was fenced off. What we heard was that some people got inebriated & rowdy last year & a brawl broke out so this year you had to pass through security checks to enter the beach area-no alcohol. It was foggy from the Canadian fires & marine layer (we could barely see the lighthouse), so we decided to go back to St Joe (where we were staying) & watch their display.

This lighthouse is very old! It stands on the south pier of the Black River that empties into Lake Michigan! Many people take their fishing poles and either sit on the pier or have chairs, and fish off of the end of the pier! The Ice, during the winter months makes beautiful patterns on the lighthouse with the wave action of the water, with the high winds during the winter! Many times, there have been stories with pictures in the Chicago papers of the South Haven Lighthouse over many years!

We walked to the lighthouse our last trip. It is a nice walk and very scenic. You might want to drive closer instead of walking from downtown like we did. It's a bit of a hike if you're not used to walking.

Standing at the end of the pier is just mesmerizing for me.
Just keep in mind the risks of walking out.

It's amazing how beautiful Michigan is! This beach shows what Michigan is all about! It's a must-see when in Michigan!

The walk to the light house is beautiful. The concrete is a bit broken and can be slick so be careful! The views are amazing..we could have stayed there for hours just enjoying the view!

A relaxing and beautiful spot to enjoy the water, and a gorgeous sunset. The paid parking is a little confusing, and it would be helpful if the rates and how to pay had more clarity. All in all, it was beautiful spot to see for the first time, and revisit many times.

Loved the festival. Lots of craft vendors. Lovely town, ice cream, shops, wine, food! And nice view of lake and the south beach not over crowded. Family atmosphere, totally. Small children were dancing on the lawn near marina while musicians played kids songs, perfect day.

I've laid on the beaches in the Bahamas, the Florida Keys and Miami Beach. I've rode the bike trail of Venice Beach and walked and eaten along the Santa Monica Pier and laid on the beach in all those places. I am fund of them all but the South Beach in South Haven Michigan is by far my most favorite place to be at around the forth. The fireworks on the 3rd are spectacular you don't want to miss it. The downtown Boardwalk has foodie for the Foodies and I'm a foodie. :)

I love to watch the ships come and go from the lighthouse! It’s my favorite Michigan lighthouse. It’s also cool on a windy day to watch the waves crash up on the sea wall

Such a delightful little town. Very nicely laid out. There were a lot of people but it did not feel crowded. We parked on Water Street (for free) and walked out the pier to the lighthouse. The river on one side and the lake on the other. So fascinating that the river is deep brown and quite opaque. The lake on the other side of the pier is a beautiful greenish blue and you can see into it to watch the fish swimming by. If you look carefully you can see angelfish feeding in the grasses. It was a lovely walk.
We then walked back up the sidewalk into the town to browse in the stores. A good number of interesting little places to shop or eat. We even found two antique malls just off the main drag.
This is a great place to visit for couples and families.

Short easy walk on a nice pier. Lighthouse is probably 3 stories and it’s not one you go can go inside but nice backdrop for a picture! It is at the point where the river blows into the lake so it’s fun to watch the boats coming and going and the different waters mixing. Lots of folks fishing off the pier too and location is clean. Food vendor at the end of the pier with snacks and drinks and nice beach.

Enjoyed our weekend in South Haven and the beach was nice as well. We walked the pier that has the lighthouse on it early on Sunday morning. It was quiet and not many people up and about yet so we knew we could check out the lighthouse and get some pics. It's a nice lighthouse but it is small and you can't go inside to check it out but other than that it's a nice photo op to add to your travel experiences.

Absolutely spectacular! Very well kept IL boardwalk! Daughter loved splashing in puddles along our walk to the beautiful light house!! Highly recommend visiting! Sunset is majestic!!

If you are visiting South Haven take a walk to the light house. The waves were high so we had to fold up our pants but we were glad we did!

This is your typical Lake Michigan light house. Great to take some photos with the family. A must see when in South Haven.

A stunning red lighthouse. Great to view from the bluff in South Haven or from the dunes north of the river. And a walk out on the pier for a close-up look is a must, no matter how many times one has done so previously.

South Haven is one of those great little town in Michigan that is easy to get to and very relaxing. Every time we visit we. Always say, why have we not visited sooner. Great place for a peaceful visit.

Great views of Lake Michigan along with beautiful scenic views. The town is quaint with beautiful homes. Many shops & restaurants are available for all styles & tastes.

The many faces of lake Michigan seen thru an accessible lighthouse on a walkable pier. Light station on north side also accessible for walking and fishing.

Enjoyed the easy walk to see this small light house. Nice view of Lake Michigan. Can imagine in the summer this could be a congested area, but coming in November, we had lots of place to park our car close to the sidewalk leading to the pier this lighthouse sets on. There is a beautiful large beach adjacent to the pier. We saw many fish in the waters right off the pier. I would hesitate to take toddlers on this pier - no barrier to prevent them from tumbling into the water. FYI - Pavement is quite uneven in spots.

Enjoyable short walk out to the lighthouse. The view of Lake Michigan is beautiful and the history of the lighthouse very interesting.

Wonderful park, adjacent beach and breathtaking sunsets. Always our destination as the sun goes down.

We took a walk down the pier and checked out the lighthouse. There were a lot of people out and about and we got to see people fishing and swimming on the beaches. It was a nice walk and the kids enjoyed it.

I arrived in Southhaven early and was able to find a parking place right downtown. And I walk to the lighthouse which was about a mile round trip. Really nice Beach area. The lighthouse is at the end of the boat Marina so it was fun to watch the boats go through the channel. The town itself was full of restaurants and little beach shops. Once you get out of the lighthouse area the rest of the town is pretty run down. So the concentrated area where it would be considered the tourist area is very small parking is definitely at a premium.

If you visited the South Beach area and would like a good walk, check out the SH lighthouse. Cool history of the lighthouse with a great view of the beaches and the unobstructed lake. It’s also cool if you’re a people watcher or a boat lover. Or a boat people watcher.

You walk out on a pier to see the lighthouse. We walked out to it after eating dinner just for the exercise.

The beach is very clean and walking to the lighthouse was very nice. The beach is very close to shopping. The only thing is that you have to pay parking and the police is always checking.

The pier extends over Lake Michigan to the lighthouse. You can walk on it or fish on it. The signs advise that it is at your own risk, but many people are willing to chance it. On a calm day, a beautiful walk, on a stormy day , it could be treacherous. Nice beaches on both sides of the pier.

The Lighthouse on the South Beach Pier is awesome. The view walking down the pier to the lighthouse is just fabulous. Enjoy the beach, the waves but watch out - those waves sometimes come up and over onto the pier - you might get a little wet!

If you're in South Haven, visiting the beach and lighthouse are a must! The shops and restaurants are great also. There's a lot of real-estate offices for a reason. Everyone wants to live there.

It’s a fun walk out on the pier. I’ve seen this lighthouse in pictures all my life so it was cool to see it in person. Park in town and enjoy to walk along the harbor.

The light house sits on the southern break water wall of the entrance to the harbor. Always busy, but a nice place to watch the sun sit. The main road thru town takes you there with a turn around at the beach. Parking can be a challenge, and most times if you find a spot in town to park, it's just a short walk down the hill.

We enjoyed our visit. Walked out to the lighthouse. Lots of people doing the same thing. Very friendly area. Parking for a fee at meters and a lot.

We love to walk from downtown South Haven, down the hill, past the beach, and out along the pier to the light house. There are benches and grassy areas to sit overlooking the river and watching the boats head out.
The lighthouse pier isn't actually designed for public use, but it's easy to stroll out there if you have good use of your legs. (Wouldn't recommend a walker; wheelchair or stroller possible). Keep small kids close--there's nothing to keep them from falling over.
A simple pleasure. As far as I know, you can't go in the lighthouse.

An ideal way to enjoy an awesome panoramic view of the water is to take a peaceful walk to the Lighthouse. It was fun to see families out enjoying themselves swimming, boating and fishing together but the area could be improved with public restrooms (rather than port-a-potties) and a fun tiki bar on the water for adult beverages. Watch your step as the concrete on the pier is in very poor condition. Unfortunately, you have to watch your foot placement instead of viewing the water as you travel out but once you reach the lighthouse, it's spectacular!

We had a girls weekend in South Haven. Loved the lighthouse and the town. We ate at Clementines restaurant. Please get the onion rings,they come on a wooden dowel with ranch dip. They are to die for, my mouths watering writing this. Lol. We went to Cranes apple orchard restaurant down the road. Everything’s homemade loved it.

This was the last lighthouse that visited on our trip. There is no gift shop or information center that we could find. It is also hard to get good photos of the lighthouse due to the amount of people that were there. The lighthouse is in great condition just wish there was more info about the history.

Loved this walk from the Parking lot down the Pier walk. Watching the Boats go in and out. Did not walk all the way out to the lighthouse which was not very impressive.

I LOVE lighthouses and it was this reason we visited South Haven. We walked down the pier all the way to the lighthouse. I took multiple pictures. The lighthouse, catwalk and pier are very well maintained. We liked it here so much we came back the next day to swim & paddleboard at South Beach where I could lay on the beach and look at the lighthouse all day!

So enjoyed visiting South Haven lighthouse and seeing the crashing waves of Lake Michigan and biking the Kal- Haven bike trail.

We visited the beach and lighthouse on three different days and there was free parking this time of year, the beaches were not crowded and they are very clean. There are picnic areas and good playgrounds for the kids. Beautiful views and gorgeous sunsets.

Great subset views in the evening. And around noon on Sunday is a good time to just sit there and watch all the boats and yachts go in and out of the channel

We consider this iconic, working lighthouse our Mecca year-around. Every sunny weekend we beach it on either the south beach that allows easy access to the lighthouse pier, or the north beach with access to the parallel breaker pier. The light-house was renovated in 2016, stripping 12 layers of paint and replacing with it's current blazing red color. The pier has an iron catwalk lit at night-time. The channel is busy with boats of all sorts, including a replica tall-ship. Every one who visits walks the pier to the light-house, especially during the always beautiful sunsets. I love to visit during the cold , icy winters when the light-house takes on a magical transformation.

Our first night in South Haven afforded us the weather and temperature to walk all the way out to the lighthouse but alas, too cloudy for a sunset. Next 3 night were crazy windy and cold but equally enjoyable experience. The walk out from town is very pretty along the river. The wind was so nuts, the rollers coming in from the lake were raging over the side walls, pretty amazing. The walk to the actual lighthouse was not accessible on the windy nights but the sunset from the beach was as gorgeous as anything I've seen even from Key West Don't miss this, well actually your can't miss this while in South Haven. If you don't like to walk, it is viewable from the end of Phoenix St. as is the sunset. There is also ample parking and lots of people do drive down to the beach at sunset.

The lighthouse is very pretty. But there's nothing to it - walk the length of the pier, see it up close, walk back.

fun time walking down the pier and taking pictures with the lighthouse, water was high so be careful

This was our first trip to Michigan and I specifically came to see the lighthouses!! This was our first stop and I wasn't disappointed. Not only was the lighthouse a focal point and just beautiful, I was also enjoying the path to get there with the clear water and rocks. You could see the fish and the beach area great. I came back again in the evening to catch the sunset and it was gorgeous. I was able to get some really fantastic shots with my camera. Will return again for sure.

We went to South Haven with some of our adult children. We saw many sites including the Light House. South Haven is an older town, but still, it is clean and well-kept. The view of the lake is really nice. We had a really nice day there sight-seeing, doing lunch at Clementine's and shopping. I hope we get to go back again soon.

The beach was busy, but not over crowded. The water was a little cold, though I’ve heard that’s to be expected! The light house was gorgeous, but it was a little upsetting to see the graffiti along the sides! Still worth the trip! I had a great time with my family, and it was definitely a memorable experience!

Walked down the pier, took some pictures, and walked back. Not too much to do other than that at the lighthouse. There is a very nice riverwalk that takes you into downtown. There are several restaurants and shops to go to there. Everything was very clean and friendly people around. Great area to visit!

Basically, it is an old lighthouse that was retired by the US government and given to the people of South Haven, then restored. It is nice enough, but a round trip 0.6 mile walk on a hot day, to reach a lighthouse that is not open to explore and has very little signage on it? Meh.

Here is your photo op. Come visit this great area and time it for a beautiful sunset. This is a wonderful place to walk and take it in. Right down the street from the downtown "main drag".

Beautiful area! Great place to takes so pretty neat pictures with sun, sand, water and a lighthouse!

The lighthouse sits on the end of a not very long pier at the end of South Beach. It makes for a perfect sunset to walk or sit on the pier at the end of the day. Just fun to see, but smaller than I was imagining.

The lighthouse was covered up and under construction this fall when we stopped. It's not picture ready yet, but I'm sure it's getting some much needed TLC.

Beautiful way to take in some of the nicest views of the lake. Good stop for nature lovers and/or history buffs.

We walked out to the end of the pier to checkout the South Haven Lighthouse and town upon arriving. While visitors can not go up into this lighthouse, it is a beautiful piece of history. The location on the cement pier gives visitors a great view of both Lake Michigan and the north & south beaches along the harbor. It is on the south beach area with vendors to enjoy the beach, refreshments etc. The view looking back into the town of South Haven from the lighthouse is very nice too. Note: with very young children and the elderly, this is a healthy walk from top of the hill in town to the lighthouse and back, but worth it.

The South Haven lighthouse is great! It sits at the end of an old concrete pier that is about 30-35 feet wide. The views are stunning - especially at sunset. We visit annually and have never been disappointed. The people are always friendly too. Great photo ops! This is THE place to relax.

The lighthouses and surrounding area are great. Spent a week there, and we are adding it to our go again list!
Had children with us, 4 of them ages 3 and down. Nap time along the beach and waves is great!

The lighthouse sits out on the end of a pier accessible by a pier. The nearby beach is well-maintained and easily accessed from town and with a fair amount of parking. The lighthouse is automated and not as charming as some of the "ancient" ones along Lake Michigan.

Don't miss strolling down to or driving past the South Haven lighthouse. The lake views are ever changing, day to day, hour to hour. Come see the juxtaposition of the sandy beach with snow mounds on it while watching the spectacular sunset. This great lake is something to behold and the lighthouse is the cherry on top!

This is a beautiful lighthouse and a must see when you are in South Haven. It's a bit of a walk out on the pier but worth braving the chill in the air in November. Enjoy the sound of the waves crashing on the sea wall!

The best time to shoot this place is at "blue hour", after the sun has set. The sky still has color, detail and substance. A little later there is enough darkness for the pier lights and the lighthouse to come on.

Can't go in the lighthouse but a lovely set up & walk down to it. Very glad we took time to come look at it. There are bathrooms nearby that are very nice & clean. Also a playground and beautiful beach area. Would be a lovely area to come picnic at during the summer

I love walking out to the lighthouse after having a nice meal downtown! It’s a great walk for morning afternoon and night! I love watching the boats come in and out of the river.

The waves were almost as high as the lighthouse and roaring up the inlet. My grandson was amazed at the power of the lake. He took many photos and now he understood how this lighthouse could be covered in ice during the winter. Better than just a day at the beach

Michigan has many old time lighthouses. The South Haven South Pier Lighthouse was lit in 1872, and is still operational. The tower is a shortened version of the Muskegon South Pierhead Light, and replaced an 1872 wooden tower. The catwalk is original and still links the tower to shore: it is one of only four that survive in the State of Michigan. (From Wikipedia). I really enjoyed my day in South Haven. Beautiful channel and marina on the Black River.

Good for a 10 minute walk. Great photo op. Not much else to say!!! Had to be done. Very windy out there.

Wear a jacket and enjoy the view! The water was high and close to the walkway, but not rushing over.

We were there twice and enjoyed the lighthouse, Piers and the story line photos up and down both sides of the piers and in town. The piers could be a bit more walking friendly but then it may become an attraction to skate boards and scooters...

Nice walk out to the lighthouses. The views of Lake Michigan and the beaches make this a must do in South Haven.

We took "First look" wedding photos at lighthouse, and they are fabulous - adds to the charm of lovely South Haven!

We enjoyed walking down to the lighthouse...the day we went it was a bit windy and cool but enjoyed the atmosphere and walk.

The light house is a main attraction here in south haven, right at the edge of the boat exit you can look out over Lake Michigan and enjoy the beautiful view. Lit up at night it’s as beautiful as ever. 10/10

The weather was great, the lighthouse is neat, the park was nice, strolling thru the shops was nice too. Will definitely go back.

Beautiful during the day and at night. Try to visit when you can. It is one of the nicest lighthouses on Lake Michigan. Take plenty of pictures!!

We live a hectic and busy life style, but coming up here for the day, or for a few days, helps us recharge our life! Walking along the streets, and stopping in the shops is just great, whether you do it in the spring, summer or fall!

The people of South Haven are very proud of their lighthouse and it probably is the most photographed thing in South Haven. We love the fact that you can walk right up to it. So beautiful at sunset.

I loved south haven. We were there for one day with little kids. Played at the playground across the street from Lake Michigan. Beach was clean, not busy in the morning, has a small splash pad next to the beach. Nice board walk and town. Would of love to stayed more than a day.

Picturesque red lighthouse near downtown South Haven; you just have to walk out to the end of the pier! Wheel chair accessible, so we we're able to take my mother in law out for a great view of the boats entering South Haven's harbor. Convenient parking nearby as well. Great family activity.

Nothing fancy; big red lighthouse with a plaque on it - yet... you walk out far enough where you are in Lake Michigan - and if you go at sunset - you get a great experience. There are food and drink places nearby - and you can walk along the beach as well as the pier.

Very nice place. We enjoy it very much. Never know how far we where out in the water . Nice good place. Never know the USA government donated the light house

This is a Wonderful spot for Family or couples its so neat to see the lake Up Close.....And to walk out their is a neat experience....Its great in the Winter, Summer or anytime.

The waves were amazingly high from remnants of Laura, but time spent there was beautiful. Watching the wind surfers was terrific.

We went here for the day, hung out at the beach and went for a walk out to the lighthouse. You can't go in this one. But it's nice to see it. Very well kept.

South Haven is a beautiful little resort town. Most things were slowing down for the fall when I visited, but I will definitely plan on visiting again next summer.

Make sure you check out the beautiful beaches and lighthouse, along with the numerous shops down main street.

The recently renovated lighthouse in South Haven stands in the harbor, welcoming all to the beautiful beaches and of course, Lake Michigan. Hundreds come to watch her at sunset. She came a an iconic feature of this sweet little resort town. Walk out to the end of your he pier to experience the vastness of the lake. It's awesome!

The lighthouse was beautiful! This was the first time I visited in the winter. It was beautiful with the ice.

What I loved about this lighthouse is the long catwalk, in which the South Haven South Pierhead Light stood at the very end of it. In Lake Michigan, at the tip of the Black River, stands this beautiful read lighthouse. The view is spectacular. If I lived local to this light, I would visit it at least once a month.

South Haven Lighthouse is a prime and can't be missed attraction on a visit to South Haven.  I was there on a nice weekday afternoon at the end of July and the place was busy with visitors.  I was lucky to find free street parking in downtown, and then walked to the lighthouse (less than a mile) mostly downhill.  The pier is within a short walk from the South Beach parking area, but the parking lot has a hefty fee.  I took the path of the Maritime District Harborwalk from downtown; the path has interesting plaques about South Haven history posted frequently along.  It was a very enjoyable and scenic walk.  The historic lighthouse sits at the end of a long concrete pier, and during my visit the lake waves were pouring water onto the pier.  But, still it was an enjoyable walk.  One striking observation is indeed how 'blackish' the Black River water is from the blue lake water.  No access was open to go to the top of the lighthouse.

The views of Black River, Lake Michigan and the beaches (North & South beaches) make the Lighthouse a must do in South Haven, and really, it can't be missed.  

We walked all the way down to the lighthouse. It is a great place to watch boats, and I am sure the sunset. The pathway is very wide and easy to walk. The concrete is in great condition so even wheelchairs can go. It is right on the beach so easy access.

After having a difficult time finding parking, we tool a nice walk around the area, including going all the way down to the lighthouse. We watched the boats come in for a while and walked around. Their walking paths are nice and wide. Parking is a challenge due to the crowds, so I would not stop here unless you can combine it with other things to do, like hang out at the beach for a bit or take a walk downtown for shopping. If you do go, parking is $10 and you pay at kiosks peppered throughout (tip: take a pic of your license plate before you walk to the kiosk - you will need that)

The beach is a great stop. Spend the day here, walk the pier, and you must be here during the sunset.

It's a short walk out to the light house at South Park. It's interesting to watch the boats sail in and out of the Black River. There's a lovely sand beach there, a concession stand and clean bathrooms. It's a great place to watch the sunset!