Traverse City

Travel Guide
Traverse City
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 colourful 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 metres) over the Lake Michigan shore.

Adventurous travellers 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

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Slabtown

Slabtown might not have many top sights, but Village at Grand Traverse Commons and Clinch Park Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Slabtown
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Holiday Hills

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Holiday Hills and surrounding area, you can visit Mt. Holiday Ski Area and Traverse City State Park.

Holiday Hills
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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
Sugar Beach Resort Hotel
Sugar Beach Resort Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1773 US 31 N, Traverse City, MI
The price is RM318 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
RM318
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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 reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,241 reviews)
"Beds were so comfortable. Staff was wonderful and made sure we had everything we needed"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Sugar Beach Resort Hotel
Grand Beach Resort Hotel
Grand Beach Resort Hotel
2.5 out of 5
1683 US 31 N, Traverse City, MI
The price is RM358 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
RM358
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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 reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,653 reviews)
"We were in Traverse City for a mother/daughter weekend in March and we were pleased with everything at the resort. We had a room on the first floor with access to the beach and although we did not go to the beach, we enjoyed the lovely view from our room. The beds were very comfortable and our room ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Grand Beach Resort Hotel
Bayshore Resort
Bayshore Resort
3 out of 5
833 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM376 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
RM376
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this beach hotel in Traverse City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,017 reviews)
"As a couple we’ve stayed here many times for long weekends, and never been disappointed. The resort is always clean, and the entire staff always pleasant and welcoming. There is currently road construction in the area that takes a little navigation, and the hotel even called me before our stay to ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Bayshore 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.
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. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (414 reviews)
"Room was very spacious with nice amenities. Check in could not have been better!"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Pinestead Reef Resort
Waterfront Silver Lake Home w/ Private 40 Dock!
Waterfront Silver Lake Home w/ Private 40 Dock!
3.5 out of 5
Traverse City
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly cottage in Traverse City. Enjoy free parking, an arcade/game room, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Turtle Creek ...
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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