Perfect Summer Date Spots in West Michigan

West Michigan is known for its many beautiful beaches and parks so you have a plethora to choose from.

The Grand Haven State Park is probably the most popular in the area because of the gorgeous view of Lake Michigan and the lighthouse which makes for a nice walk, hand-in-hand. With over 100 campsites, you can set up a tent somewhere and spend a night under the stars.

Oval Beach in Saugatuck has been recognized multiple times, including being named 1 of 5 best beaches in the U.S. by MTV. Right along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, what's not to enjoy? Lay out a couple towels and have a relaxing day at the beach with your loved one.

Walk under one of Michigan's only remaining historic bridges at Fallasburg Park in Lowell. You can also walk along the hiking trails and of course have a picnic while you're there.

Other parks and beaches, in W. MI, include Holland, Ludington, and Pentwater.

One of the best parts about it being summertime is going to a restaurant and eating outdoors. Especially when you can have an amazing view to go along with it.

Rose's is not only romantic but it overlooks Reed's Lake, making it a perfect date night (or day) restaurant. The menu has enough to satisfy you both with a mixture of dishes including Mediterranean, Italian and American.

This is for all the beer-loving couples! Not only will you get to sample over 100 beers but the event also offers live entertainment, games and food. All of these things combined makes for a perfect date - even if it's a first - because it's a laid-back and fun type of event. Also, after a few beer samples your first-date jitters will most likely subside.

Grand Rapids on Tap is Saturday, July 16th from 3-7pm at Calder Plaza. You can purchase your tickets here.

When it comes to a date, you can NEVER go wrong with the zoo. You can hold hands and bond over the different animals you saw throughout the day.

If you're both adventurous and feeling up for it, you can even go zip-lining or conquer the ropes course together.

Because John Ball Zoo is celebrating 125 years this year, they have different events planned throughout the summer that could be worth attending.

Not only is this an out-of-the-box kind of date but it's an excuse for you and your date to get physically close together. There's nothing more intimate than dancing, but swing dancing lets you do that without being invading.

Lessons are held every Tuesday night, at different locations throughout Grand Rapids, such as Rosa Parks Circle, the Blue Bridge or at Ah-Nab-Awen Park. It doesn't matter what level of dancer you are the point is to get out and have some fun!

Here's a list of upcoming swing dancing dates.

Saugatuck is easily one of the nicest places in West Michigan, if not the nicest. It's a small town with lots to do!

As you walk through the downtown area you'll come across a lot of cute (and unique) local shops and a variety of restaurants that offer different types of food. Escape from the bustle of downtown by walking or relaxing alongside the beach or lake.

If a day isn't enough.. make a weekend out of it, especially if you're trying to plan a couple's getaway. Saugatuck was just named the "best small town weekend escape" by USA Today. Make it extra romantic and book a B&B to stay at.

Invite other couples to go with you or make it a special trip for just the two of you. Regardless, you're going to have a good time.

The city also has events scheduled throughout the summer which you can plan around.

A warm day + baseball + hot dogs + beer = Perfect Day.

Not only is a Whitecaps game fun but it takes off some of the pressure that goes along with a date. The nice thing about baseball is that it's for everyone, which means you can go on a group date or individual.

Here's a schedule of games.

Anyone can take their date to a movie but take your date to the drive-in!

Get the feel of what a classic date is like going to the Getty Drive In in Muskegon. The Getty has four outdoor screens making you feel like you've been transported back to the 1940's and 50's.

Plus, you're in the comfort of your own car so no one can get mad at you if you're paying attention to each other and not the movie.

If you've never been to a drive-in theater before, here's a list of FAQ.

Again, anyone can take their date to a movie but it's summertime so take your date to see a movie in the park!

Every other Friday, in the summer, Movies in the Park is held at Ah-Nab-Awen, which is right along the banks of Grand River. A movie is shown on a giant projector so everyone can see!

Get a blanket, set up a picnic and enjoy your Friday evening. Oh, and the best part, is that it's totally free! Talk about a cheap (yet amazing) date.

The Movies in the Park dates for this year are:

• June 3
• June 17
• July 8
• July 22
• August 5
• August 19

If you're an adventurous couple, than you'll definitely want to check out The Treetop Adventure Park which opens this month (5/20)!

It's literally a trail along the treetops which according to the website is

...comprised of zip lines, swinging logs and even large fisherman nets..."

Get a glimpse before it opens here.

Because who doesn't want to make out under fireworks?

The Amway Family Fireworks gives you a full day's worth for a date. You've got live music, entertainment, games and food all before the fireworks show at night. BONUS: It's free to attend/get in!

This year the event will be held on Saturday, July 2nd.

Frederik Meijer Gardens will give you the most beautiful setting for a date. With over 150-acres of indoor and outdoor gardens and sculptures to see and walk through, you can spend a couple of hours or an entire day here.

The Japanese garden is a must-see exhibit featuring gorgeous waterfalls. Also, perfect for the butterflies in your tummy while you're on your date, check out the butterfly maze.

There's a lot to do and see so plan out your visit.

If you have a chance, and love music, attend one of the concerts being held at Meijer Gardens this summer. Here's a list of Summer Concert Series shows.

A festival is always a good date idea and Festival of the Arts is at the top of the list.

Held every summer, the festival features different types of art, food, activities and entertainment from all cultures.

The event is free, which makes for another cheap (yet amazing) date.

Festival of the Arts is June 3-5th.

It's a warm night, you're laying on a blanket on the grassy hill, you've got a picnic, music playing and your love by your side... sounds like another perfect summer date.

The Grand Rapids Symphony puts on different concerts, in July, for you to choose from. This year, the event kicks July 14th with a classical fireworks show. Concerts will also feature music of Queen and The Beach Boys.

Special events are also scheduled this year, including a David Bowie tribute band on August 2nd and Boyz II Men will be live in concert on August 4th.

For more information and ticket prices click here.

Take advantage of summer in West Michigan as much as possible! A boat cruise is perfect for someone who doesn't have a boat... or does and just wants to do something a little different.

On The Grand Lady Riverboat, in Jenison, you'll see and get a history lesson on the route used by travelers in the 1800's. There are different types of cruises to choose from such as a picnic cruise which is held on Sunday afternoons or a Happy Hour Cruise which features live music on Thursday evenings. For calendar and tickets click here.

In  Muskegon, the Port City Princess, will take you on a cruise on Muskegon and Lake Michigan where you'll see historic ships and lighthouses. The Princess holds regular (scenic, lunch & dinner) and themed cruises so you have a lot to choose from. Here's a list of planned cruises for the summer.