- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Traverse City
Traverse City's story begins with lumber baron Perry Hannah, whose influence shaped the Victorian architecture lining Sixth Street. The most imposing structure is the former State Hospital, uniquely built on the Kirkbride Plan to promote healing through design.
Grand Traverse Bay offers 130 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. West of town, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has a 450-foot dune climb. A lesser-known challenge for those visiting Traverse City is the rigorous 3.5-mile Dunes Trail to the lake.
Beyond being the Cherry Capital, the region's two peninsulas host over 40 wineries. One of the best reasons to visit Traverse City is in spring, when local chefs forage for prized morel mushrooms, creating unique seasonal dishes you won't find year-round.
- Traverse CityUnited States
- Traverse CityUnited States
- Traverse CityUnited States
- Traverse CityUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, fewer crowds
- Jul-Augwarm & busy
- Wintercold, snow possible
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Layers
- #Sunscreen
- #WaterBottle
- #SwimSuit
- #Camera
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 with beaches & day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #SleepingBearDunes
- #OldMissionPeninsula
- #TraverseCityBeach
- #LeelanauStatePark
- #DowntownTraverseCity
- #CherriesHarbor
- Sunset at Old Mission Lighthouse
- Visit local wineries
- Explore Traverse City State Park
- Biking the TART trail
- Try cherry pie
Recommended Hotels in Traverse City by Experience
Things to do in Traverse City
Discover
Exploring Traverse City reveals stunning natural beauty and cultural gems. Discover the towering dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the clear waters of Grand Traverse Bay, and the Inuit art collection at the Dennos Museum Center.
Experience
Cycle the scenic TART Trails, sample award-winning wines on the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas, or attend the annual National Cherry Festival. Enjoy sailing on the bay, hiking local trails, or catching a film at the State Theatre.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
National park with towering dunes and Lake Michigan views.
Front Street
Main downtown street with unique boutiques and galleries.
Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail
Scenic drive with numerous wineries and beautiful bay views.
Dennos Museum Center
Museum featuring Inuit art and diverse traveling exhibits.
State Theatre
Historic downtown cinema for films and live events.
Sailing on Grand Traverse Bay
Popular activity on a deep freshwater bay of Lake Michigan.
TART Trails
Paved trail network for biking, walking, and running.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
The main entry is Cherry Capital Airport (TVC). To get from the Traverse City airport to city center, use taxis, rideshares, or a hotel shuttle. For those wondering how to get to Traverse City by car, I-75 connects from the south. No passenger train service exists.
Getting Around
Explore using public transport in Traverse City via BATA buses, including the free Bayline route along Grandview Parkway. A Traverse City shuttle bus or ride-sharing is also available. A car rental in Traverse City is best for exploring the peninsulas and beyond.
Local Essentials
When you plan a trip to Traverse City, book lodging and car rentals early, especially for summer festivals. Driving in Traverse City requires patience during peak season. Cards are common, but carry cash for farmers markets. Cell service can be spotty on peninsulas.
Where to Stay in Traverse City
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Traverse City's local cuisine by tasting fresh-caught whitefish and iconic cherry pie. The dining scene embraces a farm-to-table ethos. Enjoying a local craft beer on a lakeside patio is a cherished summer ritual.
Enjoy
For where to eat in Traverse City, try Trattoria Stella's rustic Italian, book ahead. The Little Fleet is a vibrant outdoor bar with food trucks, check lineup. Grab a slice at cozy Grand Traverse Pie Co, try seasonal.
Trattoria Stella
Italian cuisine in a former asylum. Intimate, reserve ahead.
The Cook's House
Celebrated farm-to-table tasting menus. Book well in advance.
Red Ginger
Upscale Asian fusion and sushi bar. Chic vibe, dress smartly.
Apache Trout Grill
Fresh seafood with waterfront views. Expect a wait in summer.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Traverse City's heritage through events rooted in its agricultural history. The must-see National Cherry Festival began in 1910 as a 'Blessing of the Blossoms' ceremony, evolving into a major celebration of the region's top crop.
Enjoy
Discover contemporary Traverse City cultural activities through film and music. The city hosts a renowned Film Festival and a vibrant Summer Microbrew & Music Festival, showcasing indie films and a diverse lineup of musical artists.
National Cherry Festival
An eight-day July celebration with parades, airshows, and concerts.
Traverse City Film Festival
A film festival presenting independent and classic movies.
TC Summer Microbrew & Music Festival
An August festival featuring hundreds of craft brews and diverse music.
Traverse City Beer Week
A November celebration of craft beer with tastings and events.
Friday Night Live
August downtown block party with live music and food vendors.
Great Indoor Folk Festival
A free February event with folk and acoustic music.
Traverse City Restaurant Week
February culinary event with special prix fixe menus at local eateries.
Lovely Lakeside City
Traverse City is a great getaway. The downtown area along Front Street has so many unique shops and places to eat. It's really walkable, and you can get great views of the bay from almost anywhere. It was a perfect long weekend trip.
Great Winter Trip
We had a solid ski weekend here. The slopes at Hickory Hills were great for the kids and not too crowded. The town itself is cozy in the winter, and we found some really good comfort food after a long day on the slopes.
Beautiful Fall Scenery
Traverse City was beautiful in the fall. The drive up the Old Mission Peninsula with all the leaf colors was stunning. We stopped at a few wineries and the views over the water were incredible. The city itself has a very relaxed feeling.
Perfect Summer Beach Town
The town is perfect for a summer beach trip. We spent most of our time at Clinch Park Beach, which is right near downtown. The water is so clear and blue. It is an ideal spot for just kicking back and enjoying the sun and sand.
Classic Summer Vacation
This place has a great summer energy. Lots of families and activity around the water. The shops are cute and we had some of the best cherry pie I've ever tasted. It felt like a classic American summer vacation spot.
A Quiet Winter Break
A very pleasant and quiet winter destination. The snow made everything look picturesque. We enjoyed walking through town, popping into cafes, and even saw a movie at the beautiful old State Theatre. It's very peaceful this time of year.