A car is the practical requirement for visiting Muskegon. The attractions are spread across several kilometres — downtown, the waterfront museums, Hackley and Hume Historic Site, Muskegon State Park (5 km north), and Michigan's Adventure (10 km north) do not form a walkable cluster.
Downtown and the waterfront are the exception: the USS Silversides, LST 393, and the Lake Express terminal are all within easy walking distance of each other along the channel, and the downtown museums and restaurants are a 10–15 minute walk from the waterfront. If you are staying downtown, you can manage the central attractions on foot.
Muskegon State Park is best reached by car via Scenic Drive, which runs along the ridge between Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan. In summer, parking at the day-use beach areas fills up on warm weekends; arrive early.
Muskegon Transit System operates local bus routes connecting downtown, the commercial corridors, and some neighbourhoods, but the routes and schedules are designed for commuters rather than visitors. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) operate in the city, though availability outside peak hours can be limited compared to larger cities.
Cycling is feasible in the flatter parts of the city, and Muskegon has developed sections of trail along the waterfront and connecting to the state park. The Musketawa Trail runs east from Muskegon toward Grand Rapids for those who want a longer day ride.