Traverse City Michigan Travel Guide

I grew up in one of the most beautiful places in the world, Traverse City, Michigan. With its abundance of fresh water, incredible dining focused on fresh, local ingredients and outdoor activities galore, it’s one of the most special places to visit. Whether you choose to come for a summer weekend or a winter visit, there’s something to do anytime of year! From where to stay or where to eat, this post is your ultimate Traverse City, Michigan travel guide for a true visit like a local!

TRAVERSE CITY MICHIGAN TRAVEL GUIDE

HOW TO GET TO TRAVERSE CITY

Traverse City does have a great small airport, Cherry Capital Airport, with a few direct flights or you can easily connect through Detroit or Chicago. Flights are pretty pricey during the summer months as it’s prime traveling time, but if booked enough in advance you can get a great price. You can also easily do a car trip from Detroit (4 hour drive) or Grand Rapids (2 hour drive) if you have the time and want to save a few bucks and see more of the great state of Michigan.

WHERE TO STAY

Traverse City is known for its incredible resorts that line the beaches on M-72 and M-22. Rentals are a little harder to come by in TC, but I recommend finding a spot near downtown or West Bay so you can easily walk to the beach or shopping/dining. If you’re looking for a full hotel/resort experience, a few favorites to stay!

Grand Traverse Resort & Spa

The Grand Traverse Resort has everything you need with the spa, restaurants, pool, beach access and golf courses (where my dad is the head pro!) so perfect to stay at if you have a car.

Delamar Hotel

The Delamar Hotel is new to the Traverse City hotel scene and it’s been such a wonderful addition. The hotel is newly renovated and has an amazing restaurant right along the water. With walking distance to downtown, it’s great for visitors without a car.

Hotel Indigo

Another great new hotel addition, Hotel Indigo is also a great downtown hotel (love their rooftop bar!) and ideal for visitors who want to be right near dining and shopping and the beach across the street.

WHAT TO DO

Get On The Water

Traverse City is surrounded by beautiful fresh water, including Lake Michigan and the bays. Rent a boat, try stand up paddle boarding or just lay on the beach to enjoy the true gem of Northern Michigan.

Hike Sleeping Bear Dunes or Pyramid Point

If you’re looking for some physical activity with a view, head towards Sleeping Bear Dunes. This national lakeshore is composed of mouth-dropping views and giant sand dunes and one of the most beautiful and iconic areas of Northern Michigan. I love hiking Pyramid Point which is a smaller hike with out of this world views of Lake Michigan at the top.

Take A Winery Tour

Traverse City features more than a dozen local vineyards, all located along the Old Mission Peninsula as well as some on the Leelanau Peninsula as well. My friends and I love renting a bus/driver to take us around to a few different spots so we can explore safely all afternoon. A favorite for bachelorette parties too! Some of my favorite wineries include:

Bonobo Winery

Chateau Chantal

Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery

Bowers Harbor

Mawby Vineyards

Rove Winery

See A Movie at The State Theatre

Academy Award-winning director Michael Moore helped renovate this shuttered historic downtown movie house in 2007. Today, The State Theatre is the ideal spot to catch a new release or classic favorite.

Explore M-22

If you follow the Lake Michigan shoreline of the Leelanau Peninsula, you’ll journey on M-22. This scenic drive is composed of stunning lakeshore views. It also features adorable small towns like Suttons Bay and Leland, making it perfect for a day’s worth of adventures.

Drive Through The Cherry Orchards

Traverse City is known as the cherry capital of the world (the National Cherry Festival takes place every July!). Make sure to not only enjoy all the delicious cherry treats, but take a scenic drive through the beautiful orchards.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

Red Ginger

Even living in NYC, I crave Red Ginger sushi! Get a ton of appetizers and rolls to share, like my favorites the crab rangoon, calamari and Dynamite Roll.

Farm Club

One of my must visits every time I’m home is to Farm Club, which is a farm, restaurant, brewery and market nestled in Leelanau County. I love coming here for lunch and then visiting a winery or two after.

Chef’s In

A favorite for sandwiches (a Northern Michigan must) is this long time sandwich spot where you can custom make the perfect beach meal. Their sandwich bread is the absolute best!

Outpost

A newer spot to downtown, Outpost has been my new favorite to grab coffee and pastries from. They also have homemade breads and grab and go options.

Mama Lu’s

A fun taco spot for delicious Mexican and the best margaritas in town. Make sure to get the queso and churros to end the meal!

MODERN BIRD

This James Beard finalist restaurant is a must visit for seasonal small plates and unique cocktails. Come here with a group and share lots of dishes, especially their homemade bread with ranch butter and unique desserts.

PepeNero

Located in the Grand Traverse Commons, a quick drive from Downtown TC, this is a favorite spot for my family when we’re craving incredible Italian food.

The Burrow

I love the airy vibes and location of The Burrow with their California inspired menu (with a Michigan twist). A dish for everyone here with great views of the water across the street.

Amical

A longtime downtown French spot with indulgent dishes and adorable café feels.

Artisan at The Delamar

Newer to the Traverse City scene, the Artisan within The Delamar Hotel is a beautiful spot right along the water that’s ideal for a Sunday brunch or a more special dinner any night of the summer.

The Little Fleet

If you’re with a group of people who are all in the mood for something different, this is the place to be. This lot features a variety of food trucks and an amazing bar for a refreshing cocktail.

Boathouse Restaurant

Nestled on the shores of beautiful Bowers Harbor, the Boathouse is a place we always head to in the summer for a special night. Take in the gorgeous views of the bay and enjoy an incredible meal for a perfect night.

Trattoria Stella

Located in The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, this Italian restaurant features the freshest local ingredients and incredible meals. It’s perfect for a romantic date night.

Grand Traverse Pie Company

You can’t visit Traverse City without having a slice of cherry pie. With locations all around the state, the original Grand Traverse Pie Company is the place to go to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The Towne Plaza

The BEST blueberry pancakes ever. We love sitting outside in the courtyard with a stack of their giant pancakes and a mimosa.

Traverse City Whiskey Co.

Not only can you come to this distillery for a great cocktail and apps but you can also come to pick up a few bottles of this locally made whiskey to bring back home! One of my favorite gifts to give.

THE DAIRY LODGE

A classic Midwest soft serve ice cream spot that is my favorite place to end a Traverse City summer day.

WHERE TO SHOP

Ella’s

Ella’s features a mix of some of my favorite brands, vintage finds and eclectic home pieces. You’re always guaranteed to find something you can’t resist buying!

Cherry Republic

If you want to bring the local flavors and favorite treats of Traverse City home with you, stop in the world’s largest exclusive retailer of cherry food creations. It features everything from cherry barbecue sauce to addictive chocolate-covered cherries.

M22

Show your love for Northern Michigan wherever you go by bringing home a piece of clothing featuring the iconic M22 logo, which will connect you with anyone who loves it, too.