When summer arrives in Door County, you have the chance to enjoy a range of outdoor and local experiences. Our area offers activities suited for families, couples, and solo travelers looking for relaxation or adventure.
You can find fresh ways to spend your summer days by exploring some of the most popular things to do in Door County. Whether you enjoy nature, great food, or local traditions, there is something here that will make your trip memorable.
A kayak tour at Cave Point is a great way to see Door County’s natural beauty from the water. Paddling along the Lake Michigan coastline, you can get close to the tall limestone cliffs and watch how waves have shaped them over time.
This area is known for its unique underwater caves and clear water. Kayaking lets you look into the caves and see parts of the park that can’t be seen from land.
Some caves are only visible from the water, making this one of the best ways to explore the area. Guided tours are a good option, especially if you are new to kayaking.
A guide will help you stay safe and give you interesting facts about local geology and wildlife. Calm weather days are best for these tours since waves can make paddling and exploring caves difficult.
You can join a group through local companies such as Door County Kayak Tours or Peninsula Kayak Company. Most tours provide everything you need, like kayaks, paddles, and life jackets.
Seeing Cave Point from a kayak is different than seeing it from a trail. The views—water splashing against rocks, the open lake, and sometimes even ducks or fish—are peaceful and memorable.
This activity works well for families, couples, and anyone who enjoys being on the water.
Image source: Visit Fish Creek
If you enjoy swimming, Fish Creek Public Beach offers a comfortable and inviting spot directly across the street from Fresh Coast Motel. The sand beach is well-kept and provides plenty of space for families, friends, or anyone looking to relax or play in the sun.
There is a marked swimming area for your safety, making it easy to swim or wade without worries about boat traffic or deeper water nearby. Kids and adults can enjoy the shallow entry and gentle waves.
The beach features a swim pier and a raft, which can be a fun place to rest or jump into the water. You’ll also find a viewing dock that gives a nice look out over the bay.
Bathrooms and a bathhouse are located nearby, which helps make your visit more comfortable. If you plan to spend more time, there’s also space for picnics and plenty of room to spread out a towel.
Those who want other activities can find a kayak launch at the beach as well. Fish Creek Public Beach is a convenient stop, with all you need for a relaxing summer day by the water.
More about this spot is on the Fish Creek Public Beach guide.
Image source: Al Johnson’s
If you are in Door County, you should stop at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant. This family-owned restaurant is well-known for its Swedish pancakes, which are served with lingonberries and other toppings.
The restaurant has a unique look. Goats can often be seen grazing on the grass roof, making the building stand out.
It is a popular place for both locals and visitors. You can enjoy Swedish pancakes at any time of day, not just for breakfast.
Al Johnson’s also offers other Swedish dishes and baked goods. The dining area is cozy and has simple Scandinavian style.
The atmosphere is welcoming and family friendly. If you are interested, a small shop, or butik, is attached where you can buy Scandinavian items.
If you visit during the summer, the outdoor scene is lively and busy. The restaurant is located in Sister Bay, making it easy to visit while exploring other nearby attractions.
Stopping here can add a unique taste and experience to your trip. The goats on the roof and the traditional menu have made it a memorable stop for people visiting Door County.
If you enjoy being outdoors, you should visit The Ridges Sanctuary. This nature reserve has one of the most diverse ecosystems in the Midwest.
You can walk along five miles of hiking trails that go through forests, wetlands, and along peaceful ridges and swales. Trails are open from dawn until dusk, so you can plan your visit for when it fits your schedule.
Kids can hike for free, making this area a good choice for families. There are also summer camps for children if you want to sign up your kids for a week of adventure and discovery.
Camps are held in the mornings, Monday through Friday. As you explore, you may see a variety of plants and animals that are special to this region.
Signs along the trails help you learn more about the local habitat. The Ridges Sanctuary is open year round and is family friendly.
If you want to see native flowers, go birdwatching, or just enjoy a calm walk, this is a solid pick in Door County. Guided tours and other educational programs are sometimes available.
These activities can help you and your group learn about the unique ridge and swale landscape that makes the sanctuary so important.
If you want to try horseback riding while you are in Door County, Kurtz Corral is a good choice. It is located in Sturgeon Bay and has been offering guided rides for many years.
You do not need to have any riding experience to join a ride. Riders of all abilities are welcome, and children as young as six can take part in trail rides.
For kids under six, arena rides are available. Guided trail rides at Kurtz Corral usually last about an hour.
The trails travel through an old orchard and green forests, giving you a chance to see the natural beauty of the area. Each rider is matched with a horse that fits their comfort level.
The horses are gentle and well taken care of. Staff members help you feel confident and safe before you set out on the trail.
Booking a ride is simple and done online. Rides cost $75 per person for a one-hour guided trail ride.
This makes it easy to plan ahead and reserve your spot in advance. If you want more information or want to schedule a ride, visit the Kurtz Corral website.
Horseback riding here can be a great way to do something different and enjoy Door County’s outdoor scenery.
You can enjoy a relaxing day at Lakeside Park beach in Jacksonport right along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The beach offers free admission, making it easy for you and your family to visit without planning ahead or buying tickets.
The sand is soft, and you’ll find it’s a nice place to swim, play, or take a walk. Restrooms and picnic tables are available, so you can bring your own lunch and stay comfortable.
The area is known for its family-friendly amenities. Safety is important here, and you’ll find tips posted to help make your visit secure.
There isn’t a lifeguard on duty, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on children while they’re in the water. Jacksonport’s Lakeside Park also hosts events like the Polar Bear Plunge, Maifest, and Cherry Fest during the year.
If you visit at the right time, you might catch one of these local traditions. If you’re looking for more than swimming, you can enjoy the park’s open green spaces for games or relaxing.It’s easy to spend a full afternoon just enjoying the views and fresh air. Learn more about what the park has to offer at the Lakeside Park Beach in Jacksonport and see why it’s a favorite spot in Door County.
Taking the ferry to Washington Island is a popular way to explore something new in Door County. The ferry crosses Death’s Door Passage, which is a well-known stretch of water between the peninsula and the island.
The trip gives you a unique view of Lake Michigan and the surrounding nature. You can bring your car, bike, or walk onto the ferry.
When you arrive at the island, you will notice it feels different from the rest of Door County. The island is quieter and less crowded, which makes it an easy place to relax.
There are activities for everyone on Washington Island. You can find hiking trails, beaches, and local shops with treats and souvenirs.
Many people like to rent bikes or bring their own to tour the island at their own pace. Don’t forget to visit local restaurants or stop by a farm stand.
Some families also enjoy bird watching or picnicking near the water. If you plan your trip, you can check the ferry schedule and rates online.
The ferry runs year-round, but summer is the busiest season. Make sure to arrive early, especially on weekends.
Summer brings warm days perfect for outdoor fun, but crowds and weather patterns can change your plans. Planning ahead helps you make the most of your Door County trip.
Early summer, especially June, is less crowded, and you can enjoy cherry blossoms or even early cherry picking. July and August bring fuller schedules of local events, farmers’ markets, and beach activities.
If you want warmer water for swimming and boating, late July into August is ideal. Popular beaches and parks like Peninsula State Park get busy on weekends and holidays, so plan visits during weekdays or early in the day.
Local restaurants and attractions fill up quickly, so make dining reservations and purchase activity tickets before you arrive. Summer sunsets are beautiful in Door County.
Reserve evenings for watching the sunset at spots like Sunset Park in Sturgeon Bay or the waterfront in Fish Creek.
Pack clothes you can layer, as mornings and evenings can be cool even in July. Bring a lightweight jacket, t-shirts, shorts, and long pants.
Sunscreen and sunglasses are important, as the sun reflects off the water and sand. If you plan to hit the water or hike, include sturdy shoes, a hat, and a refillable water bottle.
It helps to have a swimsuit, quick-dry towel, and water shoes for the lake or a beach day. Bug spray is useful, especially for wooded areas in state parks.
Use a daypack to keep gear organized. Check weather updates before heading out, and toss in a rain poncho or compact umbrella for surprise showers.
Door County is known for its lively festivals, unique traditions, and friendly small-town atmosphere. You get a chance to meet locals, taste regional foods, and see the creativity that the area is known for.
Door County hosts festivals nearly every month during the summer. Outdoor food events give you a taste of local treats, while parades and art fairs fill the streets.
The Door County Fair is a highlight, offering carnival rides, live music, and agricultural displays. Families love the simple games, classic Ferris wheel, and friendly animals.
Music lovers can catch concerts on the waterfront or in local parks. Cultural celebrations often feature art booths, craft shows, and food tents.
You can try cherry desserts or local fish recipes while exploring rows of handmade goods. Many events, like the Harmony by the Bay Concert Series, invite you to relax and meet others while listening to live music.
For a full list of annual happenings, check out our calendar of Door County festivals & events.
Shopping, dining, and exploring local shops help you discover the heart of Door County. Many businesses are family-owned and sell items you can’t find anywhere else.
Local markets are filled with fresh produce, homemade jams, and artisan goods. You can stop by a roadside stand for homegrown cherries or visit a bakery for sweet rolls.
Local restaurants often use fresh ingredients from the area’s farms and waters. Art galleries feature pottery, paintings, and jewelry by Door County artists.Many also host events, such as craft workshops or food tastings, that let you join in the local culture. Find unique places to eat and shop on the Sturgeon Bay Door County community site.
