Lunch on the Mackinac Island Waterfront
There’s a lot of history and horses on Mackinac Island. There’s also a never-ending supply of incredible natural beauty. Some of the best places to soak in the spectacular views are the two dozen Mackinac Island bars and restaurants that offer outdoor dining ($-$$$). Many of them have seating right on the water! Lunch with a view is a fantastic way to start your weekend on Mackinac Island. And for dessert? World-famous Mackinac Island fudge ($)!Shopping on Mackinac Island
On Mackinac Island, Main and Market streets right downtown are full of interesting shops, one-of-a-kind boutiques and fascinating art galleries ($-$$$). So are Mackinac Island's Surrey Hill, the Mission District and Grand Hill. Check out the Ultimate Guide to Mackinac Island Shopping and spend the afternoon browsing. You just might find that perfect something you didn’t even know you were looking for!Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour of Mackinac Island
Both on the trails of Mackinac Island State Park and throughout town, you’re never far from the soothing clip-clop of horse hooves. In fact, a narrated horse-drawn carriage tour of Mackinac Island ($$) is one of the most popular visitor activities. Did you know you also can book a private carriage tour of Mackinac Island ($$) just for your group? Your personal driver will point out Mackinac Island sights and answer your questions, while recommending the best places to snap photos along the way. You even can rent a Mackinac Island carriage and drive it yourself ($$)!- 7 sights to see on a public horse-drawn carriage tour of Mackinac Island
- Horse-drawn carriage tour options: Public tour vs. Private tour
- Prime Mackinac Island selfie spots
Head to the Spa-ahhh on Mackinac Island
After spending the afternoon walking around from store to store (and maybe a fudge shop or two), it’s time to treat yourself with a relaxing visit to a Mackinac Island spa ($-$$$). Astor’s Salon and Spa at Grand Hotel and Lakeside Salon and Spa at Mission Point Resort offer a wide range of services to unwind any stress and rejuvenate your body and mind!Enjoy Afternoon Tea at Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel
If you hit the spa one day, then you can visit Grand Hotel the next. Even if you’re not staying overnight at Mackinac Island’s most iconic resort, you still can enjoy a self-guided tour of the grounds and the hotel, including a stroll along the world’s longest porch ($). Non-guests also are welcome to take part in the Afternoon Tea ($$), a bygone tradition that’s alive and well on historic Mackinac Island!Explore Mackinac Island State Park
If your group is looking for some action, then check out the many miles of trails inside Mackinac Island State Park. You can hike to picturesque sights including Arch Rock, Sugar Loaf and Fort Holmes for free. Or rent a bike and pedal all the way around Mackinac Island ($) on M-185, the country’s only state highway that's car-free! Some other distinctive outdoor experiences: Get in the water and go paddling around Mackinac Island with Great Turtle Kayak Tours ($$) or saddle up on horseback ($$) either for a guided tour through the state park or to head down the trail on your own.- 10 supernatural sights to see in Mackinac Island State Park
- What to expect on the bike ride around Mackinac Island