Top reasons to visit Traverse City
- Stunning Natural Scenery: Traverse City boasts breathtaking landscapes with picturesque lakes and beautiful beaches, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Outdoor Adventures: Visitors can indulge in various activities, including skiing, hiking, and exploring recreational areas, ideal for adventure seekers.
- Charming Neighbourhoods: The city features vibrant streets with delightful restaurants, unique shops, and charming hotels, creating an inviting atmosphere.
- Romantic Getaways: With tranquil spots and scenic views, Traverse City is perfect for couples seeking a romantic escape.
- Diverse Accommodation Options: A range of resorts and hotels cater to all preferences, ensuring a comfortable stay in this lovely locale.
Find great hotels in Traverse City
Discover the perfect accommodation in Traverse City, where a variety of resorts and hotels cater to families and adventure seekers alike. Whether you're seeking a beach getaway or a relaxing retreat, the area offers a range of options to suit your needs. From well-reviewed hotels to charming resorts, your ideal lodging awaits in this picturesque locale.
- Grand Beach Resort Hotel: Nestled along the serene shores of Traverse City, the Grand Beach Resort Hotel is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers seeking a delightful beach experience. With a commendable guest rating of 9.2 out of 10, this accommodation offers direct access to the beach, allowing guests to indulge in sun-soaked relaxation. The hotel provides essential amenities for a comfortable stay, making it particularly appealing for those looking to combine leisure and business travel seamlessly.
- Blossom Hotel & Suites Traverse City: A haven for adventure seekers, the Blossom Hotel & Suites boasts a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10. This budget-friendly hotel offers a dynamic atmosphere, perfect for those eager to engage in outdoor activities. With a range of adventure sports available nearby, including ice skating, snowboarding, and snow tubing, guests can easily immerse themselves in the excitement of Traverse City's natural landscapes. The hotel also accommodates business travellers, ensuring a well-rounded experience for all.
- The Baywatch Resort: With a commendable 9.4 out of 10 guest rating, The Baywatch Resort stands out with its inviting beachside location. This 3-star property is ideal for those looking to enjoy the tranquillity of the beach while having the conveniences of business travel at their fingertips. Guests appreciate the direct beach access, which enhances the overall experience, allowing for leisurely strolls along the shore or relaxing with a book by the water. The resort combines comfort with a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring a memorable stay.
Where to stay in Traverse City
Traverse City, Michigan, offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures, stunning scenery, and romantic getaways. This charming city is perfect for those seeking picturesque landscapes and vibrant neighbourhoods. Explore the beauty of the surrounding areas, where family-friendly activities abound alongside tranquil spots for couples. With its unique blend of city life and natural beauty, Traverse City is an ideal destination for a memorable vacation.
- Old Mission Peninsula: Nestled around the stunning Grand Traverse Bay, Old Mission Peninsula is a picturesque destination perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures and romantic getaways. Visitors flock to this scenic area to indulge in its lush vineyards and charming farms, especially during the peak season from June to August. The peninsula boasts various recreational areas and golf courses, providing ample opportunity for relaxation and leisure. Nature lovers will appreciate the proximity to pristine lakes, beautiful beaches, and a national state park, making it an ideal spot for hiking, swimming, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets.
- Downtown Traverse City: The vibrant heart of Traverse City, Downtown offers an eclectic mix of cultural attractions, shopping, and culinary delights. With its charming streets lined with unique boutiques and cosy cafes, this area is a must-visit for those looking to soak in the local atmosphere. Peak visitor numbers occur during the summer months, particularly from June to August. The downtown area is not only a hub for shopping but also a gateway to stunning lakes and national parks, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're strolling by the waterfront or exploring local eateries, Downtown Traverse City promises a delightful experience.
- Greilickville: Greilickville, a quaint village near Traverse City, is an inviting destination for outdoor lovers and those seeking serene landscapes. With seasonal visitor peaks in June to July and October, it provides a charming escape from the bustle of city life. The village is surrounded by recreational areas and offers access to ski resorts for winter sports enthusiasts. Visitors can explore nearby lakes, national state parks, and majestic dunes, making it an ideal spot for hiking, skiing, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
Things to do in Traverse City
Shopping
In Traverse City, you can explore the Grand Traverse Mall, featuring a variety of shops for clothing and gifts. If you're up for a drive, head to the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, where unique boutiques offer local crafts and artisanal products.
Recreation
Experience the tranquil atmosphere at Crystal Spa, where you can indulge in rejuvenating treatments and soothing massages. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers stunning landscapes and hiking trails, perfect for connecting with nature and enjoying the fresh air.
Adventure
In Traverse City, explore the stunning landscapes on a kayaking adventure through the crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan. Experience the thrill of hiking the scenic trails of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where breathtaking views await at every turn.
Nightlife
Traverse City's nightlife offers a mix of vibrant bars and live music venues. Begin your evening at The Workshop Brewing Company for craft beers, then enjoy live performances at The City Opera House. For a lively atmosphere, check out North Peak Brewing Company for socialising and local brews.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Traverse City
Traverse City offers numerous ways to save during your visit. Enjoy free activities such as exploring Front Street, Traverse City State Park, and Spider Lake. For transport, consider cycling or walking, as the area is pedestrian-friendly. To optimise accommodation costs, visit during the cheaper months of March or December to January, with Tuesdays being the least expensive days to stay. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices and consider bundling your hotel, flight, and activities for the best deals and exclusive discounts.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing in Traverse City is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay in Traverse City are March and December to January, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Traverse City is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Traverse City is Friday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation in Traverse City with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Traverse City
Traverse City is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking romantic getaways, boasting stunning lakes, picturesque beaches, and charming streets. Visitors can explore various attractions that highlight the area’s natural beauty, including breathtaking views and nearby resorts. Whether you're interested in relaxing by the beach or immersing yourself in the scenic outdoors, Traverse City offers a delightful experience for all travellers.
- Front Street: Experience the vibrant heart of Traverse City along Front Street, where you can explore charming shops, delightful cafés, and local art galleries. The inviting atmosphere makes it a great spot for a leisurely stroll or to indulge in some people-watching.
- Traverse City Beach: Enjoy the sun, sand, and serene waters at Traverse City Beach. This picturesque stretch offers a relaxed vibe, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply unwinding while taking in stunning views of the Grand Traverse Bay.
- Mission Point Lighthouse: Visit the historic Mission Point Lighthouse to appreciate its cultural significance and breathtaking scenery. The surrounding park area provides a lovely setting for a picnic while learning about the lighthouse's storied past.
Best time to go to Traverse City
The best time to visit Traverse City is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is very cloudy with no rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Traverse City
Flying into Traverse City, Michigan, is convenient with Traverse City Airport (TVC-Cherry Capital) located 5km from the city centre. Notable hotels nearby include the Great Wolf Lodge Traverse City and Hotel Indigo Traverse City, both rated 3.5 stars. Another option is the Grand Traverse Resort And Spa, situated 8km away. For those considering Pellston Regional Airport (PLN), located 111km from Traverse City, the Pellston Lodge is a comfortable choice just 322m from the airport. Alternatively, Escanaba Airport (ESC-Delta County) is 156km away, with options like Magnuson Grand Pioneer Inn and Suites only 3km from the airport.