15 Fun Things to Do in Traverse City, Michigan
This post contains affiliate links which means that I will make a small commission if you purchase a product after clicking on any of them, at no extra cost to you.
I recently fell in love with Northern Michigan, and Traverse City (aka the Cherry Capital of the World!) honestly blew me away! If you’re looking for things to do in Traverse City, Michigan, get ready to feel spoiled with options. This charming town is an amazing place to visit, especially in the summer and fall. As someone who loves to escape the Florida humidity, I found Traverse City to be such a refreshing destination.
From the best wineries I’ve ever been to—where they’ve mastered the art of crafting light, crisp white wines—to the stunning waterfront, Traverse City truly has it all. The pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters are a sight to behold; I had no idea Michigan had parts that looked like this!
Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, wine tasting, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Traverse City is a must-visit spot that will leave you enchanted and wanting more.
Best things to do in Traverse City, MI
Enjoy the beaches
Traverse City has some absolutely stunning beaches, and that’s coming from a Florida girl! With crystal-clear waters and soft, sandy shores, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Clinch Park Beach is a local favorite (and where we spent most of our beach time), offering beautiful views and a convenient location right in town. The water may be a little chilly, but it feels incredibly refreshing on a hot summer day.
Paddle TC is also conveniently located at Clinch Park Beach and you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or even bikes!
Winery hop
Traverse City is a dream come true for wine lovers. The region is home to some of the best wineries I’ve ever visited! They truly mastered the art of light, crisp white wines that are perfect for a summer day. A tour of the wineries on the Old Mission Peninsula is a must! We did a wine tour which was perfect because we got shuttled to some of the top wineries and didn’t have to worry about who was going to be DD!
There is a 4-hour wine tour which includes 3 wineries, but I recommend spending the $10 extra bucks to do the 5-hour wine tour of 4 wineries and includes all of my faves!
Some of my favorite Old Mission Peninsula wineries include Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery and Chateau Chantal, both known for their stunning views, welcoming atmospheres, and delicious selections. Each winery offers a unique experience, so be sure to visit as many as you can!
Explore the flower fields
Traverse City’s flower fields are magical, especially in the summer when everything is in full bloom. The lavender fields at Brys Estate’s Secret Garden are especially enchanting and conveniently located. Besides lavender, you’ll find a variety of other flowers in bloom, adding to the picturesque beauty of the area. I truly felt like everywhere we looked there were gorgeous flowers blossoming.
Here are some flower fields in Traverse City you may want to check out:
- Brys Estate Secret Garden
- Old Mission Flowers
- Harbor View Lavender Farm
- Moondance Flower Farms
- Lightwell Lavender
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
A visit to Traverse City isn’t complete without exploring the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This natural wonder offers a variety of activities, from hiking and scenic drives to relaxing on the beach. We did the Empire Bluffs Trail when we went, which is a pretty easy 1.5-mile hike with stunning views of Lake Michigan and the dunes.
The Dune Climb is another highlight— and while we weren’t prepared to dedicate the time to attempt it, we did see plenty of adults and kids going for it! It has plenty of wind-blown sand for climbing and a rewarding view of Glen Lake at the top.
Don’t forget to take the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a 7.4-mile loop with 12 stops that provide breathtaking overlooks of the dunes and lakeshore. Stop #9 of the scenic drive gives you a view of Glen Lake from the top of the dunes without having to attempt the hike.
The park costs $25 per vehicle, but if you have an America the Beautiful Pass, that works too!
Check out the cute coffee shops
Traverse City has a thriving coffee scene with plenty of adorable and cozy coffee shops to choose from. It’s wild how many good options there are! Two of my go-tos were Mundos Roasting Co. and Hexenbelle. Mundos has three different locations. Mundos 305 had a chic environment and one of the best strawberry matchas I’ve ever had! And Hexenbelle had delicious lattes and the most gorgeous aesthetic.
I honestly didn’t have a bad cup of coffee my entire trip though! So if you have the time be sure to check out all of my favorite coffee shops in Traverse City.
Mission Point Lighthouse
While exploring the wineries on the Old Mission Peninsula, be sure to visit the Mission Point Lighthouse. This historic lighthouse, located at the tip of the peninsula, offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The lighthouse itself is charming and full of history, making it a great spot for photos. There’s also a beautiful beach nearby where you can relax and enjoy the serene waters.
Go cherry picking
Traverse City is known as the Cherry Capital of the World, so cherry picking is MUST for your list of things to do in Traverse City. During the summer, local orchards open their fields to visitors, allowing you to pick your own delicious cherries. It’s a fun and family-friendly activity that gives you a taste of the region’s agricultural heritage. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the flavor of fresh-picked cherries!
I actually thought I didn’t like cherries and tried them for the first time here, I was pleasantly surprised! Some were more tart than others, so pick depending on your preferences. The more ripe ones were sweeter to me.
Grab a drink at a local hangout
Traverse City has a vibrant nightlife with plenty of local hangouts where you can enjoy a drink. Whether you’re into craft cocktails, live music, or just a laid-back atmosphere, you’ll find something to suit your taste.
We loved Low Bar for amazing craft cocktails with a cozy vibe and the Coin Slot is a great spot if you want games and live music!
Visit the oldest distillery in Michigan
For a unique tasting experience, head to Grand Traverse Distillery, the oldest distillery in Michigan. Known for its handcrafted spirits, this distillery offers tours and tastings that highlight the art of distillation. You can sample a variety of spirits, including vodka, whiskey, and gin, all made from locally sourced ingredients. It’s a fascinating and flavorful experience.
We shared a tasting experience which is $5 and allows you to try four spirits. My favorite of the ones we tried was their Chipotle Vodka! After the tasting experience, we were so impressed we had to grab a couple of cocktails. The espresso martini was incredibly smooth and Remi was obsessed with his painkiller.
Have some cherry pie
No trip to Traverse City is complete without indulging in some cherry pie. Grand Traverse Pie Company seemed to be the go-to spot, and after one bite we knew exactly why. Their cherry pie is legendary, featuring a perfect balance of tart cherries and sweet, flaky crust. While you’re there, don’t hesitate to try some of their other pie varieties too. Our favorite ended up being the peach and peach and cherry crumble!
If you’re looking for one of the most delicious things to do in Traverse City, this is it!
Visit one of the last commercial fishing villages on the Great Lakes
Leland, Michigan is a charming little town 40-minutes outside of Traverse City. We visited Leland for lunch after leaving Sleeping Bear Dunes and fell in love with its quaint atmosphere!
Make sure you explore the adorable shops and grab lunch at the Village Cheese Shanty, famous for its delicious sandwiches (note: they are cash only). Leland’s unique history and picturesque setting make it a great addition to any Traverse City itinerary if you have an afternoon to spare!
Indulge in local cuisine
Speaking of delicious things to do in Traverse City, you of course need to explore the variety of local restaurants. There are plenty of great spots to choose from!
For lunch, places like The Little Fleet and The Filling Station Microbrewery are great laid-back options. The Little Fleet has a variety of food trucks and The Filling Station has some delicious flatbreads and beer! We also were obsessed with our chicken salad sandwich from Grand Traverse Pie Company.
For dinner, Red Ginger is a top choice if you enjoy Asian cuisine in an elegant setting. Their lobster fried rice was a 10/10!
Boat tour
The water is so stunning in Traverse City, I’m sure you’re going to want to spend a bit of time on it! There are plenty of different boat tour options for you to choose from. One popular tour is The Wind Dancer Experience where you get to sail on a 60-foot schooner in Grand Traverse Bay for a relaxing afternoon. Lunch, snacks, and alcoholic beverages are included!
Another option is a 2-hour sightseeing tour with Discovery Cruises. This tour is half the price of the previously mentioned tour, but it does not include any food or drinks. With this boat tour you’ll get to explore the beautiful beach town scenery and peninsulas from the comfort of a double-decker tour boat!
Day trip to Mackinac Island
If you have a decent amount of time in Traverse City, you may want to consider taking a day trip to Mackinac Island. It’s just a scenic 2-hour drive and a 20-minute ferry ride away. It is such a beautiful place! It’s like a step back in time with its historic charm and natural beauty.
You won’t find any cars on the island, so the only way to explore the island is on foot, by bicycle, or by horse-drawn carriage. Visit iconic landmarks like Fort Mackinac and Arch Rock, or simply relax on one of the island’s picturesque beaches. Indulging in a slice of Mackinac Island fudge, and admiring The Grand Hotel are also musts!
Whether you spend a day or just a few hours on Mackinac Island, it’s sure to be a highlight of your Traverse City adventure.
Cherry Festival
If you’re visiting Traverse City in early July, you’re in for a treat with the National Cherry Festival. This annual event celebrates everything cherry-related with parades, concerts, cherry pit-spitting contests, and of course, plenty of cherry treats to sample.
It’s a lively and colorful festival that showcases Traverse City’s status as the Cherry Capital of the World! If you do go during this time be prepared for hotel rates to be higher and larger crowds.
Where to stay in Traverse City
When visiting Traverse City, you’ll find a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are three great options to consider:
- The Baywatch Resort— Located outside of the downtown area, closer to the Old Mission Peninsula, The Baywatch Resort is a peaceful retreat with easy access to the scenic peninsula. This resort is perfect if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle while still being a short drive from Traverse City’s main attractions. It’s beachfront and they include beach chairs and umbrellas for your use.
- Hotel Indigo Traverse City— Situated in a prime downtown location, Hotel Indigo has epic beachfront views and a trendy rooftop bar. As an IHG girly, I always lean towards these hotels. Although we didn’t stay here on our visit due to wedding party accommodations, this hotel is perfect for anyone wanting to be in the heart of downtown with stunning views.
- Grand Traverse Resort and Spa— This resort is decently priced and looks absolutely stunning! Although it’s out of the downtown mix, it offers great amenities and a fantastic outdoor pool. If you prefer a quieter stay with the convenience of on-site amenities, this is a wonderful choice.
Prices vary depending on the time of your visit, and things tend to book up quickly in Traverse City. My best advice is to book well in advance to lock in prices and availability. Check out all options available and compare prices for your dates here.
Are you ready to experience the best things to do in Traverse City?
I hope you’ve enjoyed this cherry-picked list of the best things to do in Traverse City! From its stunning beaches and award-winning wineries to the charm of Mackinac Island and the excitement of the Cherry Festival, there’s something here for everyone. Whether you’re savoring cherry pie, exploring sand dunes, or relaxing on a boat tour, Traverse City offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. I have no doubts that you are going to fall in love with this charming city just as much as I have!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Midwest blog posts:
