Traverse City, MI

Travel Guide
Traverse City showing a sunset, a city and landscape views
This Michigan city offers a thriving food and wine scene as well as scenic beaches and beautiful lakes.

Food and wine lovers will enjoy the natural bounty of the Traverse City area while outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in the dense forests and along the beautiful waterfront pathways.Known as the “Cherry Capital of the World,” Traverse City produces up to 75 percent of the tart cherries grown in the United States. Many cherry orchards are located near the city and reveal their colorful blossoms in spring. To coincide with the cherry harvest in July, the city hosts the annual National Cherry Festival, which attracts more than half a million visitors.As well as cherry trees, the fertile land of the area is home to many vineyards. Stop at a tasting room and try some locally produced chardonnay or pinot noir, among other varietals. The Traverse City area is situated at the 45th parallel, which is the same as many world-famous wine regions, such as Bordeaux and Côtes du Rhône.Hops are also a popular crop in the region, and beer enthusiasts can enjoy craft brews at local breweries and pubs. The craft brewing and wine scene is matched by a thriving dining scene, and many restaurants and cafés in the city use local produce, such as cherries, apples and mushrooms.To make the most of Traverse City’s beautiful surroundings, it’s a good idea to rent a car. Just a short dive from the city you’ll find spectacular forests, wetlands and beaches. Families will enjoy the quiet surroundings of the Traverse City State Park, where there are opportunities for kayaking, swimming, boating and other water activities. The plunging dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are another local highlight. Here, towering bluffs of sand stand 450 feet (137 meters) over the Lake Michigan shore. Adventurous travelers can even go scuba diving at the Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve, home to several sunken wrecks. If you prefer to keep dry, try teeing off at one of the area’s many golf courses or browse the city’s shops to see local handmade arts and crafts.

Where to stay in Traverse City

The Baywatch Resort
The Baywatch Resort
3 out of 5
1529 US 31 N, Traverse City, MI
The price is $106 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
$106
per night
Oct 1 - Oct 2
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Traverse City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,103 reviews)
"Love the room with bay view overlooking the beach, such a great view & able to walk out the door & you are on the beach & can walk up & down the beach! They did change the breakfast though & bring your choices to your door each morning. Staff was wonderful, very accommodating!"

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023

The Baywatch Resort
Grand Beach Resort Hotel
Grand Beach Resort Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1683 US 31 N, Traverse City, MI
The price is $111 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
$111
per night
Oct 1 - Oct 2
Stay at this beach hotel in Traverse City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,445 reviews)
"The Grand Beach Resort was the perfect place to stay away from the active hubbub of family. It was quiet, and the room was comfortable. We stayed there two nights to rest up from hiking, wine tasting and boating. The staff was welcoming and I loved getting the welcome text message. The lobby coffee ..."

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023

Grand Beach Resort Hotel
Blossom Hotel & Suites Traverse City
Blossom Hotel & Suites Traverse City
2.5 out of 5
1614 US 31 North, Traverse City, MI
The price is $110 per night from Sep 24 to Sep 25
$110
per night
Sep 24 - Sep 25
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Traverse City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,520 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2023

Blossom Hotel & Suites Traverse City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
♛ 539 Bay St ⁀➷ 2BDR Lake View 1st Floor Condo steps to Beach! ➠ 103E
♛ 539 Bay St ⁀➷ 2BDR Lake View 1st Floor Condo steps to Beach! ➠ 103E
Traverse City
Stay at this condo in Traverse City. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a patio. Popular attractions West End Beach and Traverse City Visitor Center are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
Great time!
"Everything very nice & satisfactory. Its not beach front its across a busy boulevard. Bay view would be better discription. Couple things to note, there is no Front door entrance-they are labeled East or West door. Was a bit confusing. No parking pass in unit to put in our car during our stay. Could ..."

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2023

♛ 539 Bay St ⁀➷ 2BDR Lake View 1st Floor Condo steps to Beach! ➠ 103E
Pinestead Reef Resort
Pinestead Reef Resort
4 out of 5
1265 N US Highway 31 N, Traverse City, MI
Stay at this 4-star beach apartment in Traverse City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (363 reviews)
Pleasant
"Our stay was pleasant. Although it is a smoke free resort, there were people smoking marijuana after dark and charcoal grilling on the lawn( which is strictly prohibited by the resort). The resort people should do some walk through during the evening hours."

Reviewed on Aug 30, 2023

Pinestead Reef Resort
Waterfront Silver Lake Home w/ Private 40’ Dock!
Waterfront Silver Lake Home w/ Private 40’ Dock!
Traverse City
Stay at this beach vacation home in Traverse City. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Turtle Creek Stadium and Bass Lake ...
10/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
We will be back
"We had a lot of fun in Traverse City with friends and family. The house was plenty to host, and everything worked as advertised. We will be back, but next time when the lake isn’t frozen over!"

Reviewed on Apr 19, 2023

Waterfront Silver Lake Home w/ Private 40’ Dock!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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