A Local’s Ultimate Guide to Visiting Traverse City, Michigan

If you’re planning a trip to Northern Michigan, Traverse City should be at the top of your list. It’s the perfect base for exploring Lake Michigan beaches, wine country, and endless outdoor adventures. Plus, it has that small-town feel while still offering plenty to do. Even after traveling all over the world, this area is still one of my favorite places, and I’m lucky to call it home.

Because I’m a traveler too, I know what kind of info actually helps when you’re planning a trip. So I wrote this Traverse City travel guide to be practical, personal, and packed with local insight. I cover when to visit, where to stay, what to eat, what not to miss, and links to deeper guides if you want to dig in. It’s a long one, so feel free to jump to the parts that matter most to you.

affiliate disclosure: Please note this post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I personally use and believe in. Your support makes it possible for me to provide valuable travel content. Thank you!

What is Traverse City Known For?

Traverse City might be a small town, but it’s earned a big name for a few iconic things. From lake views and wineries to scenic drives and world class beaches, here’s what puts it on the map:

• Being the Cherry Capital of the World (and the National Cherry Festival)
• Its gorgeous Lake Michigan beaches and sunsets
• Proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
• Scenic wine trails on Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas
• A walkable downtown packed with local restaurants, breweries, and shops

Best Time to Visit Traverse City

The best time to visit Traverse City really depends on what you’re looking for. It’s one of those places that can be worth visiting in all four seasons (eh, maybe not winter unless you’re from downstate wanting to do a cozy weekend cabin rental). Spring, summer and fall are generally going to be the best time for most people to visit. One of the best things to do here is beach days and water activities so in order to take part in that I’d recommend summer for sure.

Personally, my favorite months here are August and September. The water is warmest for swimming, it’s generally not too buggy and especially as we get into September the crowds start to thin out.

Quick Picks by Season

• Summer (June–August): Peak season. Think beach days, camping, festivals and busy downtown streets.
• Fall (September–October): Usually great weather in September and crisper air going into October with beautiful fall colors.
• Winter (December–March): Quiet, cozy. Great for outdoor winter activities and cozy cabin rentals.
• Spring (April–May): Fewer crowds and cherry blossoms. Great for restaurants and wineries.

Let’s talk about the National Cherry Festival

Traverse City hosts the National Cherry Festival every summer, during the first week of July. It’s one of the busiest weeks of the year, with airshows, parades, concerts, and a massive uptick in crowds.

Should you come during Cherry Festival week?

Honestly? If you’re just trying to visit Traverse City for all the usual things—wineries, beaches, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and exploring the area—this is not the week to come.

The only reason I’d recommend visiting that week is if you’re specifically planning to do Cherry Fest. This is mostly going to be for families driving from other parts of Michigan or neighboring states. It is definitely not ideal for the average visitor just looking to enjoy everything the area has to offer. It’s busy, crowded, and harder to get around.

Local tip: Book accommodations early—it’s the hardest week of the year to find a hotel or campsite last-minute.

How Many Days to Spend in Traverse City

For just wandering around downtown Traverse City, you could technically see the highlights in a day. But most travelers come for more than just the town itself. Between the beaches, wineries, scenic drives, and nearby day trips, there’s a lot to fill a long weekend or full week.

Here’s what I’d recommend:

• 2–3 Days (Weekend Trip): Stay downtown or nearby, walk around downtown, spend a day wine tasting on Old Mission or Leelanau Peninsula, and squeeze in a beach day and a visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes.
• 5–7 Days (Longer Stay): Rent a cottage or head to a campground and settle in. Spend time in town, get in lots of beach days and maybe even float a river. Explore nearby small towns like Leland, Glen Arbor, or Suttons Bay, and spend a full day at Sleeping Bear Dunes. Great option if you’re visiting in summer or fall and want to slow down.

Even if you’re short on time, Traverse City makes a great weekend getaway. But if you have the flexibility, staying longer lets you experience more of what makes this part of Michigan so special.

Where to Stay in Traverse City

If you’re planning a budget-friendly trip to Traverse City, try to visit in spring, late summer, or fall. These shoulder seasons have far lower hotel and rental rates—but still offer great weather (especially in early fall, when the water is still warm enough to swim).

Best Areas to Stay

Where you stay depends on what kind of trip you’re planning:

• Downtown Traverse City is ideal for walkability. You’ll be close to shops, restaurants, breweries, and beaches like West End and Clinch Park. Great for couples, weekend trips, and first-time visitors.
• East Bay (US-31 hotel corridor) has more chain hotels and some waterfront options. Best if you’re traveling with kids or want easy access to the State Park Beach.
• Leelanau Peninsula (10–20 minutes out) offers lake homes, countryside views, and a slower pace. A great choice for longer stays, or anyone looking to explore more beyond town.

Local Tip: If you’re planning lots of day trips to the Leelanau Peninsula or Sleeping Bear Dunes, consider staying downtown or on the west side of Traverse City. You’ll avoid the hassle of driving through downtown traffic if you’re heading out from the east side every time.

Quick Picks: Hotels in Traverse City

If you’re not sure where to stay, here are a few solid options to get you started.

🥇 Top-Rated Hotels

• Delamar Traverse City – My #1 pick. Lakefront and downtown. Walkable, stylish, and a lot of amenities.
• Cambria Hotel – Modern, upscale feel and consistently great reviews. Great restaurant, good location.

💸 Budget-Friendly Options

Solid value picks in and around Traverse City.

• Fountain Point Resort (Lake Leelanau) – A family-friendly, historic property on a huge lakefront estate. Not downtown, but great for exploring Leelanau Peninsula and beach days. Summer rates as low as $100/night.
• Anchor Inn (just up Leelanau Peninsula) – Cute rooms and cabins near the water with good shoulder season pricing and still decent rates in summer.
• Grand Traverse Motel – On the east side of downtown. Walkable to some parts of town and bikeable.
• Howard Johnson by Wyndham – Chain hotel close to State Park Beach and Bryant Park. Not as walkable to downtown, but accessible via bike or Bayline.
• Travelodge by Wyndham – Similar to above, basic and close to downtown.

When to Book

For summer and fall visits, book as far ahead as you can. Especially if you’re looking to camp, rent a lake house, or stay during Cherry Festival or fall color season. That said, last minute getaways can work, especially in spring or if you’re flexible on where you stay.

Things to Do in Traverse City

Traverse City is packed with things to do. Whether you’re into beaches, wine tasting, hiking, or breweries. Here are some of my favorite ways to spend a day:

Hit the Beaches

• Stay in town with spots like Clinch Park or Volleyball Beach
• Or head further out of town to the gorgeous beaches along Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Bike the TART Trail

Ride from downtown all the way to Suttons Bay, or for a shorter ride do an out and back to Farm Club or cruise around the Boardman Lake loop.

Day Trips & Scenic Drives

• Sleeping Bear Dunes: Glen Haven, Dune Climb, and the Pierce Stocking Drive
• Leelanau Peninsula: Leland + Fishtown, Suttons Bay, Glen Arbor and Empire
• Old Mission Peninsula: Lighthouse + scenic views + wineries

Downtown Strolling & Shopping

Pop into Penny Lane, taste all the cherry samplers at Cherry Republic, browse Horizon Books, and walk along the waterfront.

Explore The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

Wander the old State Hospital Grounds, now transformed into one of the most unique spots in town.

• Shop the underground halls of The Mercado
• Grab coffee at Highgrounds
• Eat at Trattoria Stella or Sugar 2 Salt
• Walk through Historic Barns Park and gardens

Outdoor Fun

• Paddleboard or kayak the bay on a calm day, or float down the Boardman or Platte River.
• Local hiking favorites: Hickory Meadows, The Commons, Deyoung Natural Area
• Or head out to the lakeshore to hike Pyramid Point or Empire Bluffs

Eat & Drink Local

Traverse City is full of farm-to-table restaurants, wineries, cideries, breweries, and distilleries. There is plenty to do in this category. I will expand on this below.

Extra Experiences

• Book a sailing or catamaran cruise on Grand Traverse Bay
• Check out the Dennos Museum or Music House Museum
• Check out the Sara Hardy Farms Market right downtown in Traverse City 

Where to Eat in Traverse City

We’ve got some great restaurants in Traverse City. I’ll give you a little rundown below.

Budget Eats

Whether I’m home or traveling, I’m all about having great experiences without overspending. If you’re looking for affordable meals, local favorites and happy hours, check out my full guide for Cheap Eats in Traverse City.

Some Favorites

Farm-to-Table:

• Farm Club – Modern, seasonal food in a gorgeous indoor-outdoor space (bikeable via the TART Trail!)
• The Cooks’ House – Tiny, chef-driven, and a local gem for foodies. $$$.
• Modern Bird – Creative menu and great cocktails.
• Sugar 2 Salt (S2S) – Thoughtful ingredients and beautiful plating.
• Taproot – Locally sourced comfort food.

Splurge-Worthy:

• Stella’s – Fine dining inside The Commons
• Modern Bird – Creative, seasonal dishes in a stylish downtown space.
• Boathouse – Elegant waterfront dining on Old Mission Peninsula.

Lunch Spots:

• Hexenbelle – Part coffee shop part delicious food menu. The shakshuka is my favorite. Vegetarian.
• Raduno – Amazing pasta and sandwiches.
• Grand Traverse Pie Company – Known for their pies, but also solid for lunch salads, quiche, and sandwiches.

Breakfast / Brunch:

• Sugar 2 Salt – Excellent brunch, seasonal and local
• The Omelette Shoppe – A local staple
• Archie’s Social House – Trendy café with great food and vibes

Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries in Traverse City

Traverse City is known for its wineries, but you’ll also find a ton of breweries, cideries and distilleries.

Wineries

There are two main wine trails:

• Old Mission Peninsula – Known for stunning views of the bay and big patios. The wineries are all fairly close together.
• Leelanau Peninsula – More spread out with gorgeous scenic countryside views.

If you only want to visit one or two, pick based on views or convenience. If you’re visiting and tasting at several, I highly recommend a wine tour or having a designated driver.

Local Tip: Left Foot Charley is a great winery + cider spot in town if you want to stay downtown. Plus you can access it off the free Bayline bus route.

Planning a wine day?

Start here with my guide to my top 10 must visit wineries in Traverse City.

Cideries

• Left Foot Charley – Known for their delicious cinnamon girl cider
• Tandem Ciders – Super cute, small cidery with great countryside views
• Sutton’s Bay Ciders – One of the best views

Breweries

• Workshop Brewing Co. – Right downtown, great after a beach day across the street
• Earthen Ales – Great brewery in the Grand Traverse Commons
• Silver Spruce – On 8th street close to the Boardman lake loop and downtown
• Right Brain – Right off of the Boardman lake loop, a local favorite. They have pinball and arcade games.
• Rare Bird – Right downtown next to lots of restaurants and bars
• Loco Boys – Newer spot on this list, a great option on west front street
• Hop Lot – Up near Sutton’s Bay this spot is a whole destination while their huge beer garden and igloos in the colder months

Distilleries

• TC Whiskey Co. – Great hangout spot with an awesome patio, cute lights and just a good vibe. I recommend the TC Cherry Sour.
• Mammoth – Great spot often with live music.

Cocktails & Bars

• Low Bar – Underground cocktail lounge with speakeasy vibes. Best cocktails in town.
• U&I Lounge and Brady’s Bar – My favorite local dive bars.

Outdoor & Adventure in Traverse City

Traverse City is an outdoor lovers paradise. My favorite things to do here are all of the outdoor activities.

Best Outdoor Activities by Season

• Summer: Hit the beach, explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, kayak or paddleboard, bike the TART Trail, catch a sunset and have a beach bonfire.
• Fall:  Fall color hikes, drive scenic routes, and visit cideries.
• Spring: Cherry blossoms, and great hiking and biking weather.
• Winter: Bundle up for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

Hiking

• In town: Hickory Meadows, The Commons, and DeYoung Natural Area
• Or head out to the lakeshore to hike Pyramid Point or Empire Bluffs

Beaches

My go to spots in town are Volleyball Beach or West End Beach. Or head out to the lakeshore for the many amazing beaches along Lake Michigan.

Visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes

Plan a full-day trip and go by car. Pack a swimsuit and lunch, stop in Glen Arbor or Empire, hike something scenic (Empire Bluffs or Pyramid Point), and finish with a swim in Lake Michigan.

Need gear? You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and bikes all summer long.

Couples activities & Nightlife in Traverse City

Planning a romantic weekend or looking for something fun after a beach day?

Romantic Things to Do

• Bike the TART Trail or lounge on the beach, then grab drinks downtown
• Cozy up at The Parlor or Low Bar for craft cocktails
• Grab a nice dinner out—I’ve rounded up my favorite budget friendly date night spots in my Cheap Eats in Traverse City post, if you’re looking for something casual but still cute for date night.

Sunset Spots & Rooftop Views

• Head to the Open Space and Marina downtown for a sunset stroll
• Drive out to Esch Beach or Mission Point Lighthouse for a beautiful Lake Michigan sunset
• The rooftop bar at Hotel Indigo isn’t my favorite bar, but it is an iconic view

Live Music, Bars & Low-Key Nightlife

• Kilkenny’s, The Workshop, The Pub, and The Parlor often host live bands
• Mammoth Distilling and Rove Winery often have solo sets
• Jacob’s Farm is a fun seasonal hang with live music and space to roam
• The Alluvion is a great venue to check out for live shows and music
• Want dancing? Encore is your best bet for a club-style vibe.
• The Coin Slot — A fun and casual arcade bar downtown

How to Get to Traverse City & Getting Around

Flying In

Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) has nonstop flights from major hubs like Chicago, Detroit, Denver, and Minneapolis. It’s a small airport, easy to navigate, and just 10 minutes from downtown.

Do You Need a Car?

Yes. If you just wanted to stay downtown you could technically get by without having a car. There are beaches, hiking, restaurants and everything you would need within walking distance and accessible by the free busline.

But if you’re planning to visit wineries, Sleeping Bear Dunes, or nearby towns, you’ll absolutely want to rent a car, or drive your own up if you’re coming from elsewhere in Michigan or surrounding states.

Let’s be honest: you pretty much need a car here if you want to experience the best of the area.

Driving to TC

If you’re coming from downstate or nearby states, driving is the best option. You’ll want the flexibility to explore beyond town, and road tripping through Northern Michigan is part of the fun.

What About Parking?

Locals love to complain, but I honestly feel it really isn’t that bad. There’s parking downtown (free after 6pm and on Sundays), plus plenty of areas to park and walk in a few blocks. Yes, it gets busy during Cherry Festival and peak weekends, but you’ll still find a spot if you know where to look (I’ve got a few favorites in my free guide – coming soon). I am always able to find parking and still enjoy all of my activates throughout the summer even when it’s busy.

Public Transportation & Biking

Traverse City has a free Bayline bus operated by BATA that loops through downtown and along the hotel strip, take advantage of it so that you can just stay parked at your hotel and not have to drive into downtown. Downtown is also very walkable, and biking is a great option in summer, especially if you’re bringing your own.

Helpful Extras for Planning Your Visit

Just a few more things to help you plan. What to pack, how to avoid the busiest beach days, and a quick weekend itinerary to get you started.

Sample Traverse City Itinerary (2-Night Trip)

Here’s a simple weekend itinerary to give you an idea of how to structure your trip. You can always mix and match based on your pace and interests.

Friday

– Arrive in the afternoon

– Stop at a winery on Old Mission or Leelanau Peninsula

– Dinner downtown (Stella’s, The Burrow, or The Flying Noodle)

Saturday

– Brunch at Sugar 2 Salt or Hexenbelle

– Pack sandwiches and head to Sleeping Bear Dunes for a day trip

– Hike Empire Bluffs or Pyramid Point and do the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

– Have dinner in Glen Arbor or Empire, then catch sunset at Esch Beach

– Head back to TC for drinks or live music downtown

Sunday

– Bike the TART Trail in the morning

– Beach day or relax with brunch before heading out

What to Pack by Season

Summer (June–August):

T-shirts, shorts, sundresses, sandals, swimsuit, and a light jacket for evenings—it is colder by the water.

Fall (Sept–Oct):

Boots, jeans, layers, and a jacket. It cools down fast, especially near the lake.

Spring (April–May):

Light jackets, layers, and waterproof shoes just in case. April can still be quite chilly and the range of hot to cold in May can be quite drastic.

Winter (Nov–March):

Dress warm. Bring a winter coat, boots, base layers, gloves and wool socks. If you’re skiing or snowshoeing, pack accordingly.

Money Saving & Local Tips

• Book early—hotels get pricey fast, especially in July and during Cherry Festival
• Unless you’re coming for Cherry Fest itself, don’t book your trip during that week
• Visit in spring or fall to skip the summer crowds but still get beautiful weather
• Avoid beach crowds by going to beaches in the late afternoon and early evening

FAQs About Visiting Traverse City

📚 More Traverse City Guides

Planning your trip? These posts dive deeper into specific parts of the area and will help you make the most of your visit:

• 🥂 10 Must-Visit Wineries in Traverse City
• 💸 Cheap Eats in Traverse City: Where to Eat on a Budget

Save This Guide for Later on Pinterest