Cruise the M-25 Coastline

Head out early to Marine City's Palmer Park to watch the beautiful morning sunrise on the St. Clair River, the lower portion of Michigan's sunrise coastline. Watch the freighters go by with a breakfast picnic in tow to begin your blissful morning.

Drive twenty minutes north to Port Huron and spend a part of your morning walking the Blue Water River Walk, a one-mile stretch of coastline that sits on the St. Clair River's edge of the US and Canada. The path is another great spot to watch freighter traffic, as well as enjoy the array of public art that lines the pathway.

After walking the riverwalk, you'll stop at the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, Michigan's oldest lighthouse, which was built in 1829. Weather permitting, you can take a guided tour where you will learn about the history of the lighthouse. The tour will take you on a tower climb all the way to the top of the lighthouse for stunning views of Lake Huron.

As you head out from the river walk, you will start your drive alongside the coastal highway of M-25, a 147-mile two-lane scenic highway running alongside Michigan's thumb.
Your first stop off of the highway will be for an eclectic outdoor lunch experience at Lakeshore Smokehouse, a barbecue joint across from the beach. Lakeshore Smokehouse is unique for its delicious summer BBQ and grounds, complete with a fairy garden, pond, teepees, hammocks, and a playground.
The restaurant is only open on the weekends, Friday to Sunday. If you are taking the route on a weekday, it is recommended packing lunch for a picnic on the beach.

After lunch, make your way across the street to Lakeport State Park, a public beach and camping spot on the coast of Lake Huron. This rocky beach is great for rock collecting and some of the best scenic views of the lake. Relax, splash in the water and soak up the sun before continuing on the rest of the day's journey.

Hop back on the scenic M-25 and stop off at the quaint beach resort town of Lexington. Here, you'll walk alongside a public beach, gift and antique shops, and the must-stop Lexington General Store. Built in the 1850s, the shop offers an example of a typical old-time general store, complete with gifts, souvenirs, penny candy, and original creaky floors. If the store is closed on your visit, meander through the charming downtown.

After exploring downtown Lexington and the General Store, make your way to the end of Huron Avenue toward the water. A scenic harbor on Lake Huron, the waterfront area of Lexington features a sandy beach, freshwater views, and a butterfly garden. Spend some time walking the harbor and catching the views before dinner.

You'll make your way from the harbor to The Windjammer, a beachside bar and grill with stunning views of Lake Huron from the marina. For dinner, choose from delicious seafood or steak options and a classic Michigan cherry salad before you continue your trek up the coast. Note that the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays—if that is the case, head over to a restaurant on Main St. a block over.

Drive up the thumb coast during sunset and end the night stargazing at the Dark Sky Preserve located at Port Crescent State Park. One of the six dedicated dark sky parks in Michigan, dark sky reserves are dedicated spots for clear stargazing, and if you're lucky, meteor showers and the Northern lights. Make sure to check the night sky forecast for visible planets, brightness, and showers.

End the night at the nearest hotel before beginning your adventurous day in Port Austin in the morning. The hotel provides complimentary breakfast and coffee in the morning.