When we started putting together the BEST OF DOOR COUNTY, we realized just how many amazing things there are to see and do across the peninsula. We’ve been visiting, living, working, day-tripping here for decades and some of the places on this list are tried and true. Some are brand new to us. But all, we believe, are worth the visit. If you’re coming to Door County for the first time, check this list (and Part 1!) to begin your planning! And if you really want to make your stay a memorable one, start here to secure a stay at one of our many luxury vacation rentals.
That’s first. And then..
The best… COFFEE!
This is going to be tough. We couldn’t narrow it down to just 5. If you’re a coffee drinker, like we are, you don’t want to drive all around the county for that first bev of the day! So we broke it down by location. Most of these places have great baked goods to grab with your coffee. Some go beyond that. This year we are loving the cheddar biscuit sandwiches and homemade quiche from Shiny Moon Cafe in Fish Creek. The word is getting out about Happy Coffee, so prepare for long lines if you go at peak times. But we highly reccommend! We’ve waited awhile at Ephraim Coffee Lab, where coffee meets science. It was worth the wait! And Sip and Sway all the way for the ambiance!
- Happy Coffee – Sister Bay
- Zero Sum – Sister Bay
- Brew Coffeehouse – Ellison Bay
- Kick Ash – Ellison Bay
- Ephraim Coffee Lab – Ephraim
- Leroy’s Coffee – Ephraim
- Sip! – Ephraim
- Sway – Baileys Harbor
- Blue Horse – Fish Creek
- Shiny Moon Cafe – Fish Creek
And there’s more! If you’re to the south, visit Door County Coffee in Carlsville. To the east in Baileys Harbor, Roost & Banter is just darling. To the far north, in Gills rock, stop by Cuesta. If you’re boating in Fish Creek, Bayside Coffee is just steps away. And in Egg Harbor, give Cupola Cafe or Buttercups Coffee a try!
The best… PIZZA!
We’ve written about pizza before. And we will again. We love pizza. Who doesn’t? (If you know someone who doesn’t, maybe don’t include them in your trip to Door Co!) We like wood fired. Thin crust and sourdough crust. Fancy pizza and bar pizza. We like sit down and take out. And we like homemade. You’ll find all of that in this short list!
- Della Porta
- ZaZa’s Pizzeria
- Inland
- Bayside/Husby’s
- On the deck at DiSalvo Lakehouse
ZaZa’s Pizzeria in Sister Bay is our new fave. It’s take out only, with fresh ingredients and a crisp cracker crust. Inland Pizza, located in quiet Baileys Harbor, offers gourmet pizza on a sourdough crust. Cute space for dining in, and the food is so tasty! You can read about the others here and you can make-your-own when you stay at DiSalvo Lakehouse and use your personal outdoor pizza oven!
The best… TRAILS
The Ridges Sanctuary is beautiful anytime of year. Located in Baileys Harbor, it’s a great option for all ages and abilities. Much of the trail is a boardwalk, but also continues on into traditional trails. Note there is a $5 trail fee for adults. Hikers 18 and younger are free!
Eagle Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Door County. Located at Peninsula State Park, it is a two mile loop that takes you through the trees, along the water, and past the cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment. It is also the most difficult hike on our list. Hotz Trail in Newport State park is slightly longer. But if you want a shorter walk, or maybe even longer, other loops in the park range from 1 to 7 miles long.
Some of our most favorite trails are located within the Door County Land Trust! We love Three Springs, especially in the fall, and just discovered Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal trail that leads to the shore of Lake Michigan. If you’re looking for a nice, quick .75 mile loop, give Heins Creek trail a go!
The best… PATIOS
Of course, this list isn’t a year round list. (But we have seen some places, like Door County Brewing, light up some bonfires in the winter months.) But these places make Door County even more special! We love sitting outside under the big yellow umbrellas of Stabbur, watching the goats on the roof next door at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant. The vibe at Twelve Eleven can’t be beat. Sipping wine, listening to live music… we can’t get enough. Chives Food Trucks are great for when you feel like an elevated picnic experience. Hill Street’s open air bar is the best for meeting up for margaritas and people-watching as the tourists make their way up and down Main Street. We also love Sip! for when you want to feel fancy, sipping a mimosa at brunchtime.
And we also highly recommend One Barrel for the kids, Pearl for cozy wine sippin’, La Piazza for the Italian flair, The Boathouse for its view over Sister Bay Marina, Barringers for when you want Oysters, and The Shoreline for the best views in Gills Rock. Speaking of…
The best… VIEWS
The best views in Door County are all around you. Just open your eyes, and take in the sights wherever you are. You will find water views in most every town and village. East side for the sunrises, and west side for fabulous sunsets. And here are a few of the most stunning:
- Eagle Tower, Peninsula State Park
- Cana Island Lighthouse
- Ellison Bluff County Park
- Cave Point County Park
- Sunset Beach in Fish Creek
Other great views can be seen from the lookout towers at Potawatomi State Park in Sturgeon Bay and at Mountain Park on Washington Island. Sometimes the views from home are the most memorable. Northern Door Vacation rental properties offer some of the best views! For spectacular sunrise views, head to the Lake Michigan side. (DiSalvo Lakehouse) For sunsets, it doesn’t get better than being on the Bay. May we suggest booking Marina Luxe at Sister Bay Marina? Here you can enjoy watching the sunsets from the balcony of this second-floor unit in the heart of downtown Sister Bay, with the marina just steps away.
