Traverse City, MI

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Traverse City Tourism
Photo provided by Pure Michigan
Photo provided by Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Traverse City Tourism
Photo provided by Pure Michigan

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

Traverse City featuring ballooning

Downtown Traverse City

If you're spending some time in Downtown Traverse City, Clinch Park Beach and Clinch Park are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Traverse City
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Slabtown

If you're spending some time in Slabtown, Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Slabtown
Old Michigan state hospital. This tunnel was used for the steam pipes that heated all the buildings. They were similar tunnels that people use to go between the buildings in the winter. Read more https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traverse_City_State_Hospital

Grand Traverse Commons

While visiting Grand Traverse Commons, you might make a stop by sights like Village at Grand Traverse Commons and Left Foot Charley.

Grand Traverse Commons
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Indian Woods

If you're spending some time in Indian Woods, Front Street and Grand Traverse Bay are top sights worth seeing.

Indian Woods
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Holiday Hills

If you're spending some time in Holiday Hills, Grand Traverse Bay and Mt. Holiday Ski Area are top sights worth seeing.

Holiday Hills
Delamar Traverse City
Delamar Traverse City
4 out of 5
615 E Front Street, Traverse City, MI
$389 nightly
The price is $430 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$430 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Traverse City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,021 reviews)
"Very nice!!!"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Delamar Traverse City
Hampton Inn Traverse City
Hampton Inn Traverse City
2.5 out of 5
1000 U S 31 N, Traverse City, MI
$229 nightly
The price is $254 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$254 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Traverse City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Great location, yummy breakfast, and very dog friendly."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Hampton Inn Traverse City
Grand Beach Resort Hotel
Grand Beach Resort Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1683 US 31 N, Traverse City, MI
$266 nightly
The price is $294 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$294 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Traverse City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,029 reviews)
"Good spot for family vacations!"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Grand Beach Resort Hotel
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.
Kasa Gold Coast Inn Traverse City
Kasa Gold Coast Inn Traverse City
3 out of 5
4612 US-31, Traverse City, MI
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Traverse City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Popular attractions Traverse City Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (90 reviews)
Charming and pet friednly!
"Had a great stay. We had a pup and it was very accomodating for us and her. We will absolutely be back!"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Kasa Gold Coast Inn Traverse City
Kasa 539 Bay Street Traverse City
Kasa 539 Bay Street Traverse City
4 out of 5
539 Bay St, Traverse City, MI
Stay at this 4-star condo in Traverse City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Front Street and Traverse City Beach ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
"Great property , perfect location, right opposite to clinch park and perfect for cherry festival"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Kasa 539 Bay Street Traverse City
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 helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (544 reviews)
"Love the view and private beach!! Beautiful sunset 🌅"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Pinestead Reef Resort
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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