Day trip · About 40 minutes southwest
Valparaiso, Indiana
"Valpo" is the rainy-day rescue: go-karts and mini-golf for the kids, a drive-in movie at dusk, and one of the region's best downtown dining scenes.
Go-kartsand mini-golf at Zao Island
Drive-indouble features at the 49er
Downtownrestaurants around Central Park Plaza
Popcorn Festand festivals all year
- Kidsgreat with kids
- Adultsgrown-up pick
- Everyonefun for all ages
Family fun
For the day the lake is too choppy.
Downtown dining
Make a night of downtown Valpo.
Around the square
Everyone- Blackbird CaféCoffee, breakfast and lunch a block off the square.
- Don Quijote RestauranteSpanish tapas and paella; a Valpo institution.
- Main + LincolnCocktails and a seasonal menu on the courthouse corner.
- Meditrina Market Café (directions)Mediterranean plates and a small market for the drive home.
- PareaGreek-inspired dinner at Franklin and Indiana.
- Roots Market CaféFresh, local café fare for an easy lunch.
Just outside downtown
- Industrial Revolution Eatery & GrilleBurgers and comfort food in a factory-themed room the kids will like.
- Kelsey's Steak HouseOld-school steaks and seafood out on US-30.
- Tomato Bar Pizza BakeryPizza and salads, quick and family-friendly.
Shows & festivals
Curtain up.
Valparaiso University
EveryoneSee the striking Chapel of the Resurrection, or catch a Valpo basketball game in season.
Visit website
Festivals
EveryonePopcorn Festival, Summer Rhapsody, the Food & Wine Festival, Valpo Brewfest (adults) and Holly Days. Check dates before your stay.
Event infoHours, seasons and event dates change. Check before you go.
Keep exploring
More day trips from Sandy Shores.
- Michigan City, IndianaYou're already here
- New Buffalo, MichiganAbout 15 min east
- Indiana Dunes & Harbor CountryAbout 25 min either way
- The treasure mapEvery place above, pinned from the house
- Plan your stayCheck-in, bands, the golf cart, what to pack
- Trip guidesKids in Michigan City, the Dunes, Chicago by train, packing
Photo credits
- Porter County Courthouse Valparaiso Indiana by Kiwithing, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- 49er Drive-in P6220033 by Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Taltree Arboretum - panoramio by hakkun, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Memorial Opera House 217 by Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Chapel of the Resurrection before Sunset by Mjschep, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Valpo 08 Popcorn by Chris Light (talk), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Go-kart course by Jaireeodell, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Lincolnway in downtown Valparaiso by Dennisyerger84, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Franklin east of Courthouse by Chris Light, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Day trip out, fire circle back home.
Summer weeks go fast. Check open dates and today's rates on the Beachwalk Vacation Rentals website.