Things To Do
in Traverse City
Traverse City is a charming city located in northern Michigan, known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant arts scene. It is situated on the shores of Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay, offering visitors picturesque views and plenty of outdoor recreational activities. The city is also famous for its cherry orchards and delicious locally-produced wines.
With its quaint downtown area and friendly locals, Traverse City is a popular destination for both tourists and residents alike.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $75
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk along the sandy shores of Traverse City Beach. Enjoy the sunrise while savoring a cup of coffee from a local café.
Explore the charming downtown area filled with unique shops and local eateries. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample local cherry products, a local specialty.
As the sun sets, head to a beachside restaurant for a delicious dinner. Take a stroll along the waterfront to end your day on a relaxing note.
Visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for breathtaking views and hiking trails. Start with a visit to the visitor center to plan your adventure.
Spend your afternoon hiking the dune trails and enjoying the stunning vistas of Lake Michigan. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic areas.
After a day of exploration, drive back to Traverse City and enjoy dinner at a local diner. Reflect on your day while enjoying a cherry pie for dessert.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including lakes and forests.
- Known for its vibrant cherry orchards and fruit production.
- A variety of outdoor recreational activities available, such as hiking, fishing, and skiing.
- A thriving local food and wine scene, with many restaurants and wineries.
- Cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as the National Cherry Festival.
- Family-friendly atmosphere with a strong sense of community.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors.
- Seasonal fluctuations in tourism can affect local businesses.
- Harsh winter weather conditions that may not suit everyone.
- Higher cost of living compared to some other areas in Michigan.
- Limited public transportation options.
- May feel isolated for those used to urban living and amenities.
Best Activities in Traverse City
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning waters of Grand Traverse Bay by renting a kayak or joining a guided tour. Enjoy beautiful views and the serene natural surroundings.
Take on the scenic trails of Sleeping Bear Dunes, offering breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and unique sand dune landscapes.
Ride along the picturesque Leelanau Trail, which connects Traverse City to the village of Suttons Bay, featuring beautiful views of vineyards and forests.
Visit local wineries and vineyards located in the stunning Leelanau Peninsula, known for its picturesque landscapes and award-winning wines.
Join a fishing charter for a chance to catch salmon and trout on the expansive waters of Lake Michigan, guided by local experts.
Enjoy a relaxing day at Clinch Park, featuring a sandy beach, swimming, picnic areas, and playgrounds, all conveniently located near downtown Traverse City.
Experience the great outdoors by camping at Traverse City State Park, which offers hiking trails, lakefront access, and campsites surrounded by nature.
Take a drive along the scenic M-22 route, offering breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, rolling hills, and charming small towns.
Tours
Uncover the best of Traverse City with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Traverse City
Visit one of these nice places.
Located on the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay, offers stunning views of the water and great photo opportunities.
Scenic drive with views of vineyards, cherry orchards, and the crystal blue waters of both East and West Grand Traverse Bays. Plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
Historic former mental asylum converted into a unique shopping and dining destination. The expansive grounds offer picturesque views for photography.
Food in Traverse City
Traverse City Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A local favorite, these wings are marinated in a tangy cherry barbecue sauce, offering a sweet and savory flavor. They can be savored at The Filling Station Microbrewery.
Must-Try!
Originating from Cornish miners, these hearty meat and vegetable pies are a staple in Traverse City's food culture. They can be found at Cousin Jenny's Cornish Pasties.
Made with the region's famous cherries, this pie is a must-try dessert. It can be enjoyed at Grand Traverse Pie Company, known for its delectable pies.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Traverse City better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Open on Saturdays, this market offers a wonderful array of local produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and ready-to-eat snacks, providing a true taste of Traverse City's culinary offerings.
The city's streets are known for hosting a variety of food trucks offering diverse cuisines, from gourmet tacos to wood-fired pizzas, providing a delightful and mobile dining experience.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Traverse City is known for its natural beauty, including lakes, forests, and parks. It's important to respect the environment by following local guidelines, practicing Leave No Trace principles, and being mindful of wildlife.
The community values locally-owned shops and restaurants. Patronizing local establishments and engaging with the community in a respectful way is appreciated and contributes to the local economy.
Traverse City has a relaxed and laid-back pace of life. Visitors and newcomers are encouraged to embrace this slower rhythm, be patient, and engage in friendly conversations with locals.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Traverse City with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Traverse City
Ensure a smooth experience
In Traverse City, it is customary to tip service workers such as waitstaff, bartenders, and taxi drivers. The standard tipping rate is typically around 15-20% of the total bill before taxes. Tipping is seen as a way to show appreciation for good service and is expected in restaurants and bars.
Payment practices in Traverse City are similar to those in other parts of the United States. Most establishments accept credit and debit cards, and cash is also commonly used. Mobile payment options are increasingly popular. Upon receiving the bill, customers can choose to pay by card or cash, and it is common to add the tip to the total when paying by card.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Traverse City.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Traverse City, with blooming cherry blossoms, pleasant weather, and fewer tourists. It's a good time for outdoor activities and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Traverse City, with warm weather, bustling beaches, and numerous festivals and events. It's a great time for water activities, wine tours, and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Fall is known for its stunning foliage in Traverse City, with vibrant autumn colors creating a picturesque landscape. It's also the time for harvest festivals, wine tasting, and enjoying the local produce at farm markets.
Winter transforms Traverse City into a winter wonderland, offering opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, and enjoying cozy indoor activities. The area's wineries and breweries also offer winter-themed events, making it a unique time to explore the local beverages.
Traverse City at Night
Hiking in Traverse City
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning area featuring dunes, beaches, and forested trails with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.
Offers a mix of hiking trails surrounded by wooded areas, as well as access to beautiful sandy beaches.
A scenic trail that connects various lakes in the area, providing a peaceful hiking experience amid nature.
A popular hiking destination known for its spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands.
Accessible by ferry, this remote island offers beautiful natural trails and pristine wilderness for adventurous hikers.
Aiports
How to reach Traverse City by plane.
Located in Grand Rapids, approximately 150 miles southwest of Traverse City, it serves as a major international gateway to Michigan.
Located in Detroit, about 250 miles south of Traverse City, this is one of the busiest airports in the United States.
Located in Chicago, Illinois, approximately 300 miles southwest of Traverse City, it is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world.
Also located in Chicago, approximately 280 miles southwest of Traverse City, Midway serves as a secondary hub for domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Traverse City, primarily consisting of non-Hispanic whites.
A significant demographic group that includes those of various Latin American origins.
A smaller demographic group primarily consisting of individuals of African descent.
Includes individuals from various Asian backgrounds, though they represent a smaller percentage of the population.
Individuals who identify as belonging to two or more racial categories.
This group includes a mixture of various racial and ethnic backgrounds not classified elsewhere.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Traverse City is known for its scenic golf courses, attracting both locals and visitors for recreational play.
Basketball is popular at both youth and adult levels, with local leagues and tournaments held throughout the year.
The area boasts beautiful trails and scenic routes, making running a favored outdoor activity among residents.
With its proximity to Lake Michigan and other bodies of water, sailing is a popular sport for those who enjoy boating.
During winter, snow skiing attracts many enthusiasts to the nearby slopes, offering various runs for beginners and experts alike.
Traverse City has numerous biking trails, making cycling a popular choice for both leisure and competitive events.
Soccer is widely played among youth and is supported with local clubs and leagues for different age groups.
Ice hockey has a strong following in Traverse City, with local teams and events throughout the winter months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Traverse City.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Traverse City boasts a range of eateries offering creative and satisfying vegetarian and vegan dishes, including The Good Bowl and Harvest Restaurant, ensuring that plant-based eaters will find delightful options.
Several restaurants and cafes, such as Sorellina and Red Ginger, cater to gluten-free diets, providing a diverse selection of dishes without compromising on taste or quality.