15 Fun Things to Do in Traverse City, Michigan
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I recently fell in love with Northern Michigan, and Traverse City honestly blew me away! The best things to do in Traverse City, Michigan are the kind of trip moments that sneak up on you: a glass of crisp white wine with vineyard views, a beach that looks way too clear to be real, cherry pie you keep thinking about, and probably at least one “wait, this is Michigan?!” moment.
Traverse City is known as the Cherry Capital of the World, but cherries are only the beginning. You have crystal-clear beaches, Old Mission Peninsula wineries, flower fields, cute coffee shops, fresh lake views, and easy day trips all packed into one dreamy little area.
It is especially magical in the summer and fall, when you can spend the morning on the water, the afternoon sipping wine, and the evening downtown with cocktails or cherry pie. This guide covers the Traverse City activities I would actually recommend, plus a few practical tips for your trip.
Best Things to Do in Traverse City, MI
If You’re Short on Time…
1. Enjoy the Beaches
Traverse City has some truly stunning beaches, and that is coming from a Florida girl who is very spoiled when it comes to water. The beaches here feel different than what I’m used to seeing in the Midwest: clear, calm, refreshing, and surrounded by that classic Northern Michigan scenery.
Clinch Park Beach is the easiest beach to add to your Traverse City itinerary because it is right in town. We spent most of our beach time here, and I loved that we could be on the sand, walk the waterfront, grab coffee, and head back downtown easily.
The water can definitely be chilly, but on a warm summer day it feels so refreshing. Paddle TC is also conveniently located at Clinch Park, so you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, bikes, or e-bikes if you want to turn your beach stop into more of an adventure.
2. Winery Hop
Winery hopping was easily one of my favorite things to do in Traverse City. The area is especially known for light, crisp white wines, and I swear every tasting came with either a pretty patio, a vineyard view, or some unreal backdrop!
A tour of the wineries on the Old Mission Peninsula is a must if you want the fun without figuring out who has to drive. We did a wine tour, and it was perfect because we got shuttled between some of the top wineries and could just enjoy the day.
Definitely check out this 5-hour wine tour that takes you to four wineries on Old Mission Peninsula. Some of my favorite Old Mission Peninsula wineries include Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery and Chateau Chantal, but honestly, the whole peninsula is gorgeous.
3. Flower Fields
Traverse City’s flower fields are magical, especially in summer when everything is in bloom. This was one of those little trip details I did not expect, but suddenly I was stopping every five minutes because the fields, roadside stands, and gardens were just too pretty!
The lavender fields at Brys Estate’s Secret Garden are especially dreamy and easy to pair with a winery day on Old Mission Peninsula.
Here are some flower fields in Traverse City you may want to check out:
4. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
A visit to Traverse City is not complete without exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It is about a 40-minute drive from Traverse City, and it gives you some of the most dramatic views of the whole trip: sand dunes, Lake Michigan, scenic overlooks, beaches, and hiking trails.
Empire Bluff Trail
We did the Empire Bluff Trail, which is a 1.5-mile hike with beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the dunes. I would call it very doable, but still bring water and wear actual shoes because the overlook is way more enjoyable when you are not regretting your footwear decisions.
The Dune Climb
The Dune Climb is another classic stop. We were not prepared to dedicate the time to fully attempt it, but we saw 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.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Do not skip the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a 7.4-mile loop with 12 stops and some of the easiest big-view moments in the park. Stop #9 gives you a view of Glen Lake from the top of the dunes without having to attempt the full climb, which is my kind of scenic efficiency.
The park currently costs $25 per private vehicle for a standard entrance pass, but if you have an America the Beautiful Pass, that gets you in for free. I would double-check the official park site before you go since fees and seasonal access can always change.
5. Coffee Shops
Traverse City has a thriving coffee scene, and cafe hopping quickly became one of my favorite little rituals on this trip. It is wild how many good options there are for a city this size, especially if you love cute interiors, house-made syrups, and coffee shops that feel like part of the experience.
One of my faves was Mundos Roasting & Co. It has multiple Traverse City locations, and Mundos 305 had a chic environment plus one of the best strawberry matchas I have ever had.
I honestly did not have a bad cup of coffee the entire trip, so if you are even remotely caffeine-motivated, make time for my full guide to the best coffee shops in Traverse City.
6. Mission Point Lighthouse
While exploring the wineries on Old Mission Peninsula, be sure to continue all the way to Mission Point Lighthouse. It is located at the tip of the peninsula!
The lighthouse is charming, photogenic, and full of history, and there is also a peaceful little beach nearby where you can slow down for a bit.
This is a great add-on when you want a break between tastings or you just want to see another side of the peninsula beyond the wineries.
The lighthouse interior is seasonal, but the surrounding park, beach, and trails are open year-round.
7. Go Cherry Picking
Traverse City is known as the Cherry Capital of the World, so cherry picking feels like one of those classic things to do in Traverse City you have to do at least once. During the summer, local orchards and farm stands around the region make it easy to get your cherry fix.
It is a fun, family-friendly way to experience the area’s agricultural side, and there is nothing quite like tasting cherries this close to where they were grown.
If you are visiting earlier or later in the season, check with farms before you go since U-pick availability depends on the crop and timing.
I actually thought I did not like cherries before this trip, but Traverse City quickly changed my mind. Some were more tart than others, so pick based on your preferences. The riper ones tasted sweeter to me, and now I fully understand the cherry obsession.
8. Grab a Drink at a Local Hangout
Traverse City is not a huge party destination, but it does have plenty of fun local hangouts when you want a drink after dinner. It’s less chaotic nightlife, more craft cocktails, live music, patios, games, and easygoing vacation energy.
We loved Low Bar for amazing craft cocktails and a cozy, tucked-away vibe. If you want something more casual, The Coin Slot is a great spot for games, drinks, and live music.
9. Visit Grand Traverse Distillery
Grand Traverse Distillery is actually the oldest distillery in Michigan, and it is a fun change of pace if you want to try local spirits between all the wine, cherries, and lake time.
You can sample a variety of spirits, including vodka, whiskey, and gin, all made from locally sourced ingredients.
We shared a tasting experience where we got to try a few spirits, and my favorite was the Chipotle Vodka. After the tasting, we were impressed enough to stay for cocktails. The espresso martini was incredibly smooth, and Remi was obsessed with his painkiller.
10. Have Some Cherry Pie
No list of things to do in Traverse City is complete without having 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 had the perfect balance of tart cherries and sweet, flaky crust. While you are there, do not hesitate to try some of their other pie varieties too. Our favorite actually ended up being the peach and cherry crumble, which I am still thinking about!
11. Visit One of the Last Commercial Fishing Villages on the Great Lakes
Leland, Michigan is a charming little town about 40 minutes from Traverse City. We visited for lunch after leaving Sleeping Bear Dunes, and it ended up being such a sweet little detour.
Make time to wander the adorable shops, walk around historic Fishtown, and grab lunch at Village Cheese Shanty (cash only and open seasonally), which is famous for its sandwiches.
12. Enjoy Some Local Restaurants
Speaking of delicious things to do in Traverse City, you definitely need to make time for the local food scene. This is not one of those destinations where meals feel like an afterthought.
There are food trucks, breweries, pie shops, waterfront-adjacent spots, and elevated dinner options, so you can keep it casual or make it a whole night.
For lunch, The Little Fleet and The Filling Station Microbrewery are both great laid-back options. The Little Fleet has a variety of food trucks, and The Filling Station has flatbreads and beer that are perfect after a busy morning of exploring. We were also obsessed with our chicken salad sandwich from Grand Traverse Pie Company.
For dinner, Red Ginger is a top choice if you want Asian cuisine in a more elegant setting. Their lobster fried rice was a 10/10!
13. Boat Tour
The water is so stunning in Traverse City that you are probably going to want to spend at least a little time on it. If you do not want to rent your own boat, a boat tour is an easy way to enjoy Grand Traverse Bay without needing to plan much.
The Wind Dancer Experience is a popular option 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 one is usually a more budget-friendly pick, but it does not include food or drinks. With this boat tour, you get to enjoy the beach town scenery and peninsulas from a double-decker tour boat.
14. 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 is a scenic 2-hour drive and a 20-minute ferry ride away, so it is a longer day, but it is absolutely memorable if you are trying to make the most of a Northern Michigan trip.
Check out all the details on how to get from Traverse City to Mackinac Island if you are interested. Once you are there, you will not find any cars on the island, so you explore on foot, by bicycle, or by horse-drawn carriage.
Visit Fort Mackinac, Arch Rock, The Grand Hotel, and, obviously, make time for fudge.
15. Cherry Festival
If you are visiting Traverse City around late June or early July, you may overlap with the National Cherry Festival. This annual event celebrates everything cherry-related with parades, concerts, cherry treats, family-friendly events, and plenty of festival energy.
It is a lively, colorful way to experience Traverse City’s status as the Cherry Capital of the World. Just know that if you visit during festival week, hotel rates can be higher and crowds will be bigger, so book early and expect downtown to feel extra busy.
Where to Stay in Traverse City
Where you stay in Traverse City depends on the kind of trip you want. If you want to walk to restaurants and coffee shops, stay closer to downtown. If you want more of a beachy, relaxed feel, look at waterfront hotels a little outside the center. And if you are planning lots of winery time, being near Old Mission Peninsula can make your days feel easier.
Here are a few Traverse City hotels I would keep on my radar:
- The Baywatch Resort: A chill, beachfront stay just outside downtown near Old Mission Peninsula. This is a great pick if you want peaceful lakefront vibes while still being a short drive from restaurants, wineries, and downtown.
- Hotel Indigo Traverse City: A downtown option with waterfront views and a rooftop bar. I would look here if you want to be close to restaurants, coffee shops, the waterfront, and downtown exploring.
- Grand Traverse Resort and Spa: A little removed from downtown, but super pretty with resort-style amenities. This is a solid pick if you want a more laid-back stay with a pool, spa, golf, and extra space.
Booking a Hotel in Traverse City?
Hotel prices can vary quite a bit depending on when you visit, and accommodations often book up quickly during the summer, fall, and especially around the National Cherry Festival. If your travel dates are set, I recommend booking as early as possible to lock in the best rates and availability.
Compare Traverse City Hotel PricesAre you ready to experience the best things to do in Traverse City?
I hope this helped you narrow down the best things to do in Traverse City! This trip was such a fun mix of beaches, wineries, cherry everything, scenic drives, cute coffee shops, and small-town charm, and I truly think Traverse City is one of those places that is easy to fall in love with.
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Midwest blog posts:
Things to Do on Mackinac Island
