view of lake michigan from the trails two people running them

Traverse City

Traverse City is a special place, a place we return to time and time again. For others, it's your first time heading up north to discover all the region has to offer. Whether you choose to visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes, take a scenic drive to see the cherry blossoms, play outdoors, or take a lighthouse tour, you will find that spring serves up plenty of adventures.

This page is full of ideas for exploration, from the best spots for an afternoon hike to the incredible wineries of the Traverse Wine Coast. Find information about our restaurants, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, lodging options and itineraries. You can also find ideas for how to venture beyond the city and find the hidden gems of Antrim, Benzie, and Leelanau Counties.

This year looks a little different for travelers, but rest assured Traverse City hotels, restaurants, and local businesses have plenty of safe ways for you to enjoy your visit. No matter how you choose to spend your vacation, you'll find you're in a pretty great place.

guy and girl sitting outside restaurant having lunch

man and woman sitting on a bench looking at each other on shore of the lake

guy and girl riding bikes, shes on a pink bike and he is on a black bike

three ladies enjoying a glass of wine outside a white tent at a vineyard

two girls running along the dunes the lake is off in the distance

family of five enjoying the boardwalk, mom and dad are holding hands and the three kids are on a bike

The 4 Best Traverse City Wine Tours

U.S. News - April 2021

#7 Small Town for Craft Beer

USA Today - 2021

The Best Bike Trail in Every State

Leelanau TART Trail

Reader's Digest - October 2020

Stay Safe in Traverse City

Are you thinking about visiting soon? If so, it's likely you are wondering what COVID-19 requirements are in place. Traverse City and the surrounding regions are following local, state and federal guidelines to ensure safety, health and peace of mind. Take a couple of minutes to learn what a trip to TC can look like for you.

Sleeping Bear Dunes

Are there mountains in northern Michigan? You bet! We refer to them as "mountains of sand" otherwise known as the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. A year-round attraction, it is a special place where time slows down and where you can connect with each other.

Cherry Blossoms

The cherry orchards will soon be blossoming. If you've never seen several million cherry trees all flowering at once, you need to get up here and take a look! Flowers start to appear in May and they tend to peak around the middle of the month.

rows of cherry trees all blossomed out for spring

Golf

Choose from 17 championship courses and get ready to hit the links!

Wine Tasting

Welcome to the Traverse Wine Coast! Located on the 45th parallel, our wine country boasts two unique peninsulas with a fantastic diversity of tasting rooms and wineries. All of the tasting rooms offer unique experiences and are relaxed, friendly, and fun!

three ladies talking while drinking red wine

Pet-Friendly

What's a vacation without your best friend? The same natural attractions that make the area a popular place for outdoor recreation - miles of trails, open spaces and long beaches - make it popular for canine adventurers.

two dogs on the beach biting on the same stick, sunny day and white sand

Fly Into Traverse City

Traverse City's Cherry Capital Airport is a full-service commercial airport offering major airline service to over 300 domestic and international destinations. Find nonstop flights from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Air Lines, Elite Airways and Allegiant.

Leelanau Trail

The Leelanau Trail has been designated as a Pure Michigan Trail.

Beaches

No salt, no sharks and incredibly blue water! With miles of Lake Michigan coastline to explore, from Benzie County to Leelanau, Grand Traverse and Antrim Counties, northern Michigan's beach options are endless.

two girls on the shoreline, laughing and looking at the water

Regions

There's no place like northern Michigan. Up here, you can discover the shops, restaurants, and historical sites of downtown Traverse City. Sip a glass of wine on the Leelanau Peninsula. Wander a wooded trail in Antrim County. Paddle your way through Benzie to Lake Michigan's shore.

sunset behind point betsie over the water

Dining

Whether you prefer elegant dining at a waterfront restaurant, grabbing take out for a picnic at Lake Michigan, or sitting outside on a patio, Traverse City's restaurants will never fail to satisfy your inner-foodie.

person at a table with a flight of craft brews

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