What Is the Best Town to Stay in Door County? [2024]

What is the best town to stay in Door County? This post will help you decide between Door County’s quaint villages and cities.

Have you stayed at one of these locations? Or, do you have questions about any of these spots? Talk to us in the comments at the end of the post!

Image depicting a sunset over Door County with the text best town to stay in Door County.

Best All-Around Town to Stay in Door County: Fish Creek

Collage with a sunset over Green Bay, a map of Door County, a mother and child in Green Bay, and superimposed text: Fish Creek, WI.

Fish Creek is the best all-around town to stay in Door County. As the gateway community to Peninsula State Park and in the heart of Door County’s tourist area, Fish Creek combines natural beauty with amenities like shopping and restaurants. Music lovers will love the weekly free, live music performances in the park, and the farmers’ market will delight your eyes as well as your taste buds. Combine all of this with a classic and walkable downtown, and you can’t go wrong staying in Fish Creek.

Decided you want to stay in Fish Creek? Check out our post on Fish Creek’s best hotels.

Best Town to Stay in for Couples: Sister Bay

Collage with a sailboat, goat, and shoreline scene along Green Bay in Door County. Superimposed text reads: Sister Bay, WI.

With 1,900 feet of public waterfront, and Northern Door County’s largest selection of restaurants and businesses, Sister Bay is the best town to stay in Door County for couples. If you are looking for a romantic getaway with your loved one, you won’t be disappointed by staying here.

Decided you want to stay in Sister Bay? Check out our post on Sister Bay’s best hotels!

Best Town to Stay in for Families: Egg Harbor

Collage of a cherry orchard, a sunset over Green Bay, and a sailboat with the superimposed text: Egg Harbor, WI

A public beach with gentle water and offering equipment rentals and quick access to Egg Harbor Fun Park and The Farm means that families will love to stay in Egg Harbor. Make sure to check our posts on Amazing Things to Do in Door County with Kids and Best Things to Do in Door County with Teens to make the most of your family vacation to Egg Harbor.

Want to continue your exploration on staying in Egg Harbor? Check out our post on Egg Harbor’s best hotels!

Best Town to Stay in to Get Away from Crowds: Washington Island

Collage with the Washington Island Stavkirke, a sunset over Lake Michigan, and a lavender field. Superimposed text says: "Washington Island, WI."

Washington Island is the best town to stay in to get away from crowds, and the competition isn’t even close. This is largely due to the difficulty of getting to Washington Island. But, this effort will pay off with a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere on one of the Great Lake’s few inhabited islands.

Highlights of Washington Island include the Jackson Harbor Ridges Natural Area, School House Beach, and the Stavkirch. Round out your Washington Island trip with a day trip to Rock Island State Park, one of the most unique parks in the entire Lower 48. Rounding out these great experiences are the fresh seafood you can obtain on this island, caught daily in the nearby waters of Lake Michigan.

Best Town to Stay in Door County on a Budget: Sturgeon Bay

Collage with a picture of the Door County Maritime Museum, the steel bridge, and a sailboat with the text super-imposed: Sturgeon Bay, WI

Sturgeon Bay is the best town to stay in Door County on a budget. You don’t have to break the bank to vacation in Door County. Sturgeon Bay will give you quick access to all of the attractions in Northern Door County, but you will find more budget-conscious places to stay and places to eat in Sturgeon Bay. Check out our post on Free Things to Do in Door County to round out a vacation to Door County that will be friendly on your pocketbook.

Want to make Sturgeon Bay your home base? See our post on Sturgeon Bay’s best hotels.

Best Town to Stay in for Natural Beauty: Ellison Bay

collage of the Lake Michigan Shoreline, the Porte des Morts passage, and a cherry orchard. Superimposed text reads: Ellison Bay, WI

Ellison Bay is one of the smallest communities in Northern Door County, which means that natural beauty takes center stage. And, there is lots of natural beauty to encounter. Visit Newport State Park, climb Ellison Bluff at Ellison Bluff State Natural Area, or paddle the bay of Ellison Bay to encounter that beauty.

Best Town to Stay in for Salmon Fishing: Baileys Harbor

Collage with the Cana Island Lighthouse, cherry orchard, and a sunrise over Lake Michigan. Superimposed text says: "Baileys Harbor, WI."

Bailey’s Harbor lies on the shore of Lake Michigan, and several salmon fishing charter outfitters operate out of here. If you want to hook some of the largest and most challenging sport fish in the Midwest, look to Bailey’s Harbor. After a day in the water, Baileys Harbor has become one of the best culinary locations in Door County!

Want to stay in Baileys Harbor? Check out our post on the best hotels in Baileys Harbor.

Best Town to Stay in Water Sports: Egg Harbor

Collage of a cherry orchard, a sunset over Green Bay, and a sailboat with the superimposed text: Egg Harbor, WI

Egg Harbor’s marina, equipment rentals, and large, protected harbor with gentle waters mean that even novices can enjoy a wide range of water sports. Whether you like standup paddleboarding, water skiing, tubing, sailing, kayaking, or just lying on the beach, Egg Harbor has you covered.

Want to continue your exploration on staying in Egg Harbor? Check out our post on Egg Harbor’s best hotels!

Best Town to Stay in for a Girls’ Weekend: Ephraim

Collage of a cherry orchard, Anderson's Dock, and a sunset over Green Bay with the text superimposed: Ephraim, WI

Your girlfriends will love to meet up with you in Ephraim. This quaint village has plenty of shopping and dining, including Hello Door County’s pick for Best Door County Restaurant for a Girls’ Weekend.

Make Ephraim your place to stay in Door County at one of this village’s best hotels.

About the author
Mark Stoneman
Hi! My name is Mark! I have been a resident of Door County for almost ten years now, and I'm glad to help you say "Hello" to Door County. I believe that travel helps to change lives, and because of that, I want to help you improve your life through travel.

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