by Molly Isaac
posted on May 9, 2026
Looking for the best things to do in Traverse City? Northern Michigan’s standout lake town blends sugar-sand beaches, vineyard-covered peninsulas, soaring high dunes, and a downtown that feels lively and laid-back at the same time.
A lot of the region’s natural beauty sits beyond the city itself, from Sleeping Bear Dunes to winding lake roads and small harbor towns, which is exactly why having a car makes such a difference here.
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Traverse City: What you need to know
- The best things to do in Traverse City
- Day trips and scenic drives from Traverse City
- Traverse City by interest
- Frequently asked questions about visiting Traverse City
Traverse City, MI: What you need to know
- Location: Northwestern tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, located on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay — a bay of Lake Michigan.
- Getting there: Fly into Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), with direct flights from Chicago, Detroit, Denver, and Minneapolis, or drive from Chicago (5 hours) or Detroit (4 hours).
- Getting around: A car is essential for getting the most out of Traverse City — the wineries, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and nearby peninsulas are all a short drive away but not accessible on foot or by public transportation. Downtown itself is very walkable. Browse cars on Turo in Traverse City.
- Best time to visit: Summer (June–August) for beaches, festivals, and peak winery season. Fall (September–October) for fall foliage, harvest season, and quieter crowds. Spring brings cherry blossoms (late April–early May). Winter is quiet and cozy, ideal for skiing and snowshoeing.
- How many days: Two to three days cover the highlights comfortably. Five to seven days lets you slow down, explore nearby towns, and fully settle into the northern Michigan pace.
- Don’t miss: National Cherry Festival (first week of July — the city’s biggest event, drawing 500,000+ visitors), Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and the Old Mission Peninsula wine trail.
The best things to do and see in Traverse City
Traverse City gets even better beyond downtown. Some of northern Michigan’s most memorable places are found down winding peninsula roads, beside quiet stretches of shoreline, and in small lake towns you almost stumble across by accident. Whether you’re chasing vineyard views, towering dunes, or hidden beaches, there’s plenty to discover beyond the city limits.
1. Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the centerpiece of any Traverse City trip — visit for lush forested trails and towering dunes with spectacular views over Lake Michigan.
There’s a huge range of ways to experience the park, from the 7.4-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and its famous Lake Michigan overlooks to the steep Dune Climb, beach days at Empire Beach, and hiking trails ranging from short lakeside walks to longer backcountry routes.
For visitors wanting to go further, ferries also run to North and South Manitou Islands, where hiking, camping, and remote stretches of Lake Michigan coastline feel worlds away from the mainland.
The park sits around 30 minutes west of Traverse City, so having a car makes a huge difference, and entry requires a $25 vehicle pass valid for seven days — though the America the Beautiful pass also covers admission.
Tip from the author: Drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive close to sunset if you can — the light across the dunes and Lake Michigan becomes extraordinary in the evening — easily one of the best views anywhere in the Midwest.
2. Drive the M-22 scenic route
- Distance: 116 miles (full loop around the Leelanau Peninsula)
- Drive time: 2.5–3 hours without stops; allow a full day
M-22 is one of the most celebrated scenic drives in the Midwest — a winding two-lane road looping around the Leelanau Peninsula through cherry orchards, dense forest, dune country, and small towns along Lake Michigan’s shoreline.
Stops along the route include Glen Arbor for restaurants and Sleeping Bear Dunes access, Leland’s historic Fishtown waterfront, Suttons Bay’s laid-back harbor atmosphere and worthwhile galleries, and wineries scattered across the peninsula.
Fall is when the drive is arguably at its best, with the forests and orchards turning striking shades of red, orange, and gold. Cherry blossom season in late spring can also be spectacular, when parts of the peninsula briefly burst into full bloom.
This is exactly the kind of northern Michigan drive best explored with a car, and Turo makes it easy to find the right vehicle for a full day on M-22’s back roads.
3. Wine tasting on the Old Mission or Leelanau Peninsula
Traverse City’s wine scene deserves far more attention than it gets. With vineyard-covered hills and tasting rooms overlooking the water, it’s the perfect place for a long, relaxing afternoon and the ultimate girls’ trip destination.
Old Mission Peninsula sits around 15–20 minutes from downtown Traverse City. It’s a narrow strip of land splitting Grand Traverse Bay with wineries lining both shores, and it offers stunning views from almost every tasting room.
The Leelanau Peninsula feels more rural and spread out, with a greater concentration of wineries alongside towns like Suttons Bay, Northport, and Leland, plus seasonal farm stops and beautiful lavender fields during summer.
Well-known stops include Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery and Chateau Chantal, both known for their views and highly regarded wine portfolios, though it’s worth checking current tasting hours and reservation requirements before visiting.
Tip from the author: Visit on a weekday if possible — weekends in peak summer can get busy fast. It’s also better to book wine tours in advance, especially if you want the best outdoor seating overlooking the vines and bay. Alternatively, rent a car and nominate a designated driver to travel between vineyards at your own pace.
4. Spend a day at the beach
Traverse City feels built around the water. Bright blue bays, long sandy beaches, and cold freshwater swimming spots appear around almost every corner — from lively stretches near downtown to quieter Lake Michigan shoreline backed by a windswept forest.
Some of the best beaches include:
- Clinch Park Beach: The most central beach in Traverse City, right off downtown, with a marina, shallow waters, and easy access to restaurants, cafés, and nearby shops. It’s the local go-to for an after-work swim or an easy beach afternoon.
- West End Beach: A popular local beach on the west arm of Grand Traverse Bay, a short drive from downtown; peaceful, easy swimming, and a classic northern Michigan summer atmosphere. It’s especially beautiful in the evening when the light starts reflecting across the bay.
- Traverse City State Park Beach: A wide stretch of soft sand along East Bay known for its shallow, calm water and family-friendly feel. It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon here.
- Esch Road Beach (Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore): A more remote Lake Michigan beach reached via a gravel road through thick forest. With towering dunes nearby, rolling waves, and far fewer people, it feels noticeably wilder than the beaches closer to town.
5. Attend the National Cherry Festival
The National Cherry Festival completely transforms Traverse City. Held over eight days during the first week of July, the festival draws more than 500,000 visitors with air shows over Grand Traverse Bay, the Cherry Royale Parade, live music, carnival rides, and cherry-themed food.
It has a party atmosphere that feels more like a giant summer celebration than a traditional small-town festival — locals genuinely love it, and generally, it’s worth planning around.
It’s also the busiest week of the year in Traverse City, with heavier traffic, larger crowds, and significantly higher accommodation prices. If you want cherry season without the festival intensity, the harvest itself usually runs from late June through mid-July, when U-pick orchards and local farm markets are full of fresh cherries without quite as much noise.
Other popular times to visit include the Traverse City Film Festival in summer, Traverse City Beer Week in November, and the spectacular fall color season across northern Michigan in October.
6. Visit Mission Point Lighthouse and Old Mission Peninsula
At the tip of Old Mission Peninsula sits Mission Point Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse dating back to 1870 along the 45th Parallel. Surrounded by calm bay water, a sandy beach, and wide-open lake views, it’s one of the more peaceful attractions near Traverse City and an easy place to spend a slow afternoon.
The drive up Old Mission Peninsula is part of the experience itself, passing cherry orchards, vineyards, roadside farm stands, and water views on both sides of the road.
It makes an ideal half-day trip from Traverse City: stop at a winery or two (with a designated driver), walk around the lighthouse grounds, and picnic beside the water before heading back into town. Rent a car on Turo to make exploring the peninsula so much easier, especially if you want to stop along the way.
7. Explore downtown Traverse City
Downtown Traverse City has a far stronger food and shopping scene than most people expect from a city this size. Around Front Street and the surrounding blocks, you’ll find independent restaurants, cozy cafés, local boutiques, breweries, and galleries all within easy walking distance of each other.
- Grand Traverse Pie Company: A local institution famous for its fruit pies, especially cherry. A must-stop while visiting the Cherry Capital of the World.
- The downtown brewery scene: Traverse City has a strong craft brewery culture, with multiple taprooms and brewpubs clustered within walking distance of each other around downtown.
- Shopping on Front Street: A pedestrian-friendly stretch of independent boutiques, bookstores, galleries, and small local shops that stays lively throughout summer and fall.
- Village at Grand Traverse Commons: A striking former Victorian-era state hospital campus transformed into a huge complex of restaurants, cafés, shops, apartments, galleries, and wooded walking trails just outside downtown.
8. Get outdoors on the TART Trail
The TART Trails are a network of paved and natural-surface paths linking downtown Traverse City with beaches, parks, neighborhoods, and surrounding areas.
Open year-round, the trails are popular for walking, cycling, inline skating, and cross-country skiing once the snow arrives.
It’s the perfect outdoor activity, with sections of the trail running directly along the waterfront and connecting naturally to bike rental shops, breweries, and restaurants along the way.
Dogs are also welcome on leash, making it a great option for visitors traveling with pets.
Day trips and scenic drives from Traverse City
One of Traverse City’s greatest strengths as a base is the variety of excellent day trips within easy driving distance.
Leelanau Peninsula and Fishtown, Leland
Fishtown is one of the most photographed spots in Michigan — a collection of weathered cedar fishing shanties lining the Leland River, now filled with independent shops, galleries, and waterfront restaurants. The drive there along M-22 is part of the appeal, passing vineyards, cherry orchards, and stretches of Lake Michigan shoreline. It’s only 30 minutes from Traverse City, depending on stops and traffic.
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is known for horse-drawn carriages, Victorian architecture, and its famous fudge shops. Getting there from the Traverse City area involves roughly a three-hour drive north followed by a ferry crossing, making it a full-day excursion. The fact that cars are not allowed on the island is part of what makes the experience feel so distinctive.
Interlochen Center for the Arts
About 20 minutes south of Traverse City, Interlochen Center for the Arts hosts internationally recognized performances in music, dance, and theater on a wooded campus surrounded by lakes. It’s worth checking the schedule before your trip, as it draws in some major artists.
Traverse City by interest
Whether you’re here for beaches, wineries, outdoor adventures, or simply a beautiful waterfront backdrop for photos, Traverse City makes it easy to plan the trip around your own itinerary.
Things to do in Traverse City for families
From beaches and cherry orchards to dunes and waterfront parks, Traverse City makes family trips feel easy.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes: The famous Dune Climb is one of those things kids remember long after the trip ends, while the nearby beaches are calm and great for swimming.
- Traverse City State Park Beach: Shallow water, soft sand, and plenty of space make this an easy beach day for families with younger kids.
- National Cherry Festival (July): Live music, carnival rides, parades, and cherry-themed food give downtown Traverse City a full summer festival atmosphere.
- Cherry picking at a local U-pick orchard: A genuinely fun northern Michigan experience — and the perfect excuse to grab fresh cherries, donuts, and cider straight from the farm stand.
- Clinch Park Beach and Marina: Central, walkable, and easy to reach from downtown hotels, with a beach, playground, and marina all in one spot.
Things to do in Traverse City for food and wine lovers
Traverse City has become one of the Midwest’s most underrated places to eat and drink, with wineries, breweries, restaurants, and waterfront bars spread across the region.
- Old Mission Peninsula wine trail: Vineyard tasting rooms, award-winning Rieslings, and stunning bay views make this one of northern Michigan’s best wine drives.
- Leelanau Peninsula wineries: More wild and dispersed, with charming small towns, relaxed tasting rooms, and beautiful scenery between stops.
- Grand Traverse Pie Company: Famous for cherry pie and fruit pies made with local flavors and produce — don’t leave town without grabbing a slice.
- Downtown dining scene: Traverse City has an unusually strong concentration of independent restaurants, breweries, and cocktail bars for a city this size.
- Traverse City Food & Wine Festival: A summer celebration of local wineries, breweries, chefs, and regional produce from across northern Michigan.
Things to do in Traverse City for outdoor adventurers
Outdoor adventures are part of daily life around Traverse City.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes hiking and beach days: The Empire Bluffs Trail is a local favorite for dramatic Lake Michigan views without a huge hike.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding on Grand Traverse Bay: Calm water and easy rental access make the bay ideal for a slow summer day outdoors.
- TART Trail cycling: Rent a bike and follow the waterfront trail network through beaches, parks, breweries, and neighborhoods around town.
- Pyramid Point Trail: A relatively short 2.7-mile hike with sweeping cliff-edge views over Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands.
- Winter skiing and snowshoeing: Crystal Mountain and Shanty Creek Resorts are both within easy driving distance for winter trips.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Traverse City
What is Traverse City known for?
Traverse City is best known as the Cherry Capital of the World, with the surrounding region producing a huge share of the country’s tart cherries and hosting the famous National Cherry Festival every July.
It’s also become well known for its wineries, lake beaches, and easy access to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the wider outdoor scenery of northern Michigan.
When is the best time to visit Traverse City?
The best time to visit Traverse City really depends on the kind of trip you want.
Summer is the busiest time to visit Traverse City, when beaches, wineries, cherry season, and festivals are all in full swing — though accommodation prices rise quickly around the National Cherry Festival in early July.
Fall is a favorite for many visitors thanks to the color change across M-22 and the Leelanau Peninsula, while spring brings cherry blossoms and quieter streets.
Winter is cold but beautiful, and the best time for travelers who love skiing, snowshoeing, and cozy northern Michigan weekends.
Do you need a car in Traverse City?
If you want to experience the best of the region — from Sleeping Bear Dunes and the M-22 drive to wineries, beaches, and nearby towns like Leland and Glen Arbor — having a car makes a huge difference.
If you’re only planning to stay around central Traverse City, you can walk around the downtown area and use the free BATA bus routes.
A car gives you the flexibility to explore northern Michigan properly, especially once you start heading beyond downtown.
How many days do you need in Traverse City?
A long weekend is enough to experience many of Traverse City’s biggest highlights — think a day at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, an afternoon wine tasting on Old Mission Peninsula, and evenings spent around downtown and the waterfront.
With five to seven days, the pace becomes far more relaxed, giving you time for the full M-22 loop, smaller lakeshore towns, beach days, wineries, and slower drives through northern Michigan — which is really the best way to experience the region.
What is the National Cherry Festival?
The National Cherry Festival is an eight-day summer festival in July, celebrating the region’s cherry harvest. Air shows, parades, live music, carnival rides, cherry-themed food, and more than 150 events bring over 500,000 visitors to Traverse City each year.
It’s a great experience if you’re specifically planning around it, but be aware that it’s also the city’s busiest and most expensive week to visit.
Plan your Traverse City trip with Turo
Traverse City is best explored with a car, a loose plan, and enough time to take the scenic route. That’s how you end up at a quiet beach, a hilltop winery, or a small fishing village that feels untouched by time.
On Turo, with a wide selection of vehicles available and flexible pickup options, start exploring minutes after flying into Cherry Capital Airport. From lake roads and cherry orchards to Sleeping Bear Dunes and the Leelanau Peninsula, the best parts of the trip are often the detours you didn’t plan for.
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Molly Isaac
Molly has road-tripped, hiked, and country-hopped across Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and the U.S. — but her favorite thing is still waking up somewhere new. Some of her best memories? Sailing through the Philippines, eating her way through Portugal, and climbing so many mountains she’s lost count. She’s passionate about chasing natural wonders, meeting new people along the way, and sharing tips that turn trips into lifelong memories.
