Saugatuck or Ludington MI (vacation with preschoolers)
 

I am planning a vacation with my 3 and 5 year old. We went to the beach at Ludington last year and loved it. It was clean, and the water was very shallow.

Do you think that Saugatuck is better than Ludington (if going with preschool aged kids)? I am trying to decide between the two. We plan to stay for one or two nights.

We are also looking for lodging similar to Comfort Inn in those areas. Any suggestions? We will probably try to plan the trip when there is some festival going on so that we have any activity to attend.

You'll want to post your question on the United States board, tagged New York. Hardly anyone reads "Travel Tips & Trip Ideas" forum.

I'm from the area and I go to Saugatuck every year. A better choice, but in the same area would be South Haven, about 45 minutes south. Saugatuck is generally more of an adult atmosphere, with lots of art galleries and shopping (also a large gay community, not a bad thing just not kid-focused). The beaches in South Haven are more kid-friendly in my opinion and there are great parks, especially Kid's Corner park south of the river. There is really only one beach in Saugatuck, Oval Beach, and there has been a weird dropoff right at the water's edge some years that can be dangerous for kids. The blueberry festival is always a hit in South Haven. Golden Brown bakery downtown has great donuts and cookies. I can't compare it to Ludington as I've never been, but I've spent a week in South Haven for the past 18 years of my life and I've loved it every time.