We didn’t plan on loving Traverse City. Honestly, it wasn’t even on our radar. But sometimes the best trips aren’t the ones you pin on your pinterest board. Sometimes, they’re the ones that sneak up on you in the name of a summer wedding invite, and before you know it, you’re sipping a local beer on a rooftop overlooking Grand Traverse Bay wondering why no one told you sooner.
Traverse City has that kind of charm. A little coastal, a little Midwest, a lot of cherries. Here’s how we spent four unexpectedly perfect days and how you should too.
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Where to Stay
This was home base, and honestly? A total win. Located right on West Bay and just steps from Front Street, Hotel Indigo nails the balance between boutique cool and comfortable. The rooms are sleek with nautical nods, the beds feel cloud-level plush, and the rooftop bar (more on that later) has the kind of sunset views that make you rethink your screen time. Bonus: you can walk to pretty much everything.
Other notable options
Just a five-minute drive down the bayfront, this luxury resort is perched right on the water with a resort-style pool and upscale lakeside dining. It’s polished, spacious, and perfect for those who want more of a “sit back and unwind” scene. Near Clinch Park and the TART Trail for those sunrise strolls.
Classic, cozy. and right on West Bay with its own private beach. This Victorian-style resort feels like a nostalgic lake house getaway. Clean, comfortable rooms, many with water views, free breakfast. A short drive or walk to downtown. Ideal if you’re looking for a low key, family friendly option with lakefront charm.
Where to Eat
Breakfast
The Towne Plaza Yes, it’s a must. Locals love it, visitors crave it, and that Pork Belly Benny? Run, don’t walk. Nestled downtown just a block from the State Theatre, it’s warm, rustic, and consistently fantastic.
Sugar 2 Salt This hip breakfast spot in the Warehouse District is where the farm-to-fork movement flirts with creative brunch. Try the seasonal toast or their take on hash. Near the Boardman River trail, perfect for a post-brunch stroll.
Blue Heron 2 Café This cozy offshoot of the Cadillac original is tucked next to Oryana Co-op, near the river. A great grab-and-go if you want an almond croissant and strong drip coffee before hitting the road.
Lunch
Raduno A hidden gem in the East Bay neighborhood serving up handmade pastas, sandwiches, and what might be the best meatball sub in the state. Cozy inside but opt for the patio if the sun’s out
The Little Fleet Part food truck park, part community hub, all delicious. Grab a banh mi, poke bowl, or tacos from one of the rotating trucks and sit under string lights with a local cider. Walkable from downtown.
Hexenbelle Tucked inside Common grounds in the Warehouse District, this Palestinian café delivers wildly flavorful mezze bowls and flatbreads. Bonus: it shares a space with Water Bearer Coffee, so it’s a two-for-one vibe.
Dinner
Hotel Indigo Rooftop Bar & Kitchen Come for the view, stay for the lavender honey cocktail and the truffle fries. The menu rotates seasonally but if there’s lake trout on it, order it. Overlooks West Bay and the Marina, golden hour magic included.
Amical A longtime staple on Front Street with European-inspired comfort food. Cozy, elegant, and consistent. The rotating bistro menu always surprises. Try the roasted duck if it’s on.
Red Ginger Sushi in the Midwest that actually slaps. Right downtown, next to the State Theatre, it’s upscale without trying too hard. Grab a spicy tuna roll and a lychee martini and pretend you’re not already planning your return.
Where to Get Coffee
Water Bearer Coffee Located in the Warehouse District, this airy, light-filled café is the kind of place where locals actually hang. Try the honey lavender latte or the seasonal specials, they rotate often and are always beautifully crafted.
Mundos Roasting & Co. A few locations around town but the best one’s tucked off Eighth Street. Hip, minimalist, and home to some of the best espresso in town. Great if you’re heading east out of the city.
Things to Do
Rent a car or hop on a wine tour shuttle and make your way up the scenic 19-mile stretch. Hit wineries like Brys Estate, Chateau Chantal, and 2 Lads, then dip your toes in the bay at Haserot Beach before heading back. A must for views and vino.
Traverse City State Park + Sand Dunes
Head about 30 minutes west to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Climb the dunes, drive Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, and soak in lake views that feel more Pacific Northwest than Michigan. Stop in Glen Arbor for ice cream at Cherry Republic.
It’s about a two-hour drive north plus a 20-minute ferry, but trust us — it’s worth the detour. No cars, just bikes, horses, fudge shops, and lake breeze. Rent a bike and circle the island for a full loop of nostalgia.
This paved trail runs right through town and hugs the bay for miles. Great for morning rides or golden hour coasts. Rentals are easy and abundant.
Launch near the Warehouse District and paddle your way through the heart of town. Calm waters, lush scenery, and just enough adventure.
Wander The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
A redeveloped asylum turned foodie and shopping hub. Stroll the trails, sip at Left Foot Charley winery, or browse handmade goods in historic hallways. Slightly eerie but totally enchanting.
Catch a Movie at the State Theatre
This restored gem is run by the Traverse City Film Festival. It’s got old-school charm and surprisingly excellent popcorn. Worth a stop for the vintage marquee alone.
Bookstores, cherry everything, boutiques, and local galleries. Easy to lose an afternoon here.
Pick up snacks from Fustini’s and Burritt’s Market, spread a blanket, and watch the sailboats roll in as the sky does its thing.
♥ This post contains some affiliate links. If you purchase something I’ve recommended, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I appreciate your support and hope this guide helps you!
How to Get There
Fly directly into Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) which is, praise be, just 10 minutes from downtown. Delta and American run daily flights, especially in summer. Otherwise, it’s a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Grand Rapids or about 4.5 from Detroit.
How to Get Around
Downtown is super walkable, and most everything we did was within a short stroll or ride. For day trips, rent a car. For fun? Try Paddle TC’s cycle boats on the bay or grab an e-bike. Parking downtown can be tight, so go early or use the ParkMobile app to avoid meter drama.
When to Go
Summer (June to August)
Peak cherry season, beach days, outdoor patios, and those dreamy late sunsets. Crowded? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Book early.
Fall (September to October)
Gorgeous foliage, wine harvests, cooler temps. A great time to escape the summer rush and catch the colors along the peninsula.
Winter (December to February)
Quieter, snow-covered, and cozy. Think snowshoeing, fireplaces, and winter wine tasting. The Commons gets extra magical this time of year.
Spring (April to May)
Underrated but beautiful. Cherry blossoms bloom, trails reopen, and the town shakes off winter. A little cooler but fewer crowds.
Lakeside and Historic Lighthouses
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes your views with a side of history, here are a few nearby spots that blend coastal charm. Each one’s an easy drive from Traverse City and perfect for a half-day detour.
Mission Point Lighthouse Located at the northern tip of Old Mission Peninsula, about 25 minutes from downtown
This postcard-perfect white lighthouse was built in 1870 and stands exactly on the 45th parallel — halfway between the Equator and the North Pole. You can climb the tower for a panoramic view of Grand Traverse Bay, explore the beach below, or hike the surrounding trails. Bonus: the drive up the peninsula to get here is reason enough to go.
Grand Traverse Lighthouse At the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula in Leelanau State Park, about an hour from Traverse City
This one’s a little farther but totally worth it, especially if you’re already heading toward Suttons Bay or Northport. Built in 1858, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse now operates as a museum with beautifully preserved keeper’s quarters and Great Lakes maritime history exhibits. The shoreline here feels wild and rugged — bring your camera.
Point Betsie Lighthouse Near Crystal Lake, just south of Sleeping Bear Dunes, an hour from Traverse
This 1858 lighthouse has a bright red roof, dramatic Lake Michigan views, and major romantic energy. It’s still operational and maintained by a nonprofit. Guided tours are available in the warmer months, and there’s a sweet little beach nearby if you want to stay a while. Tip: time your visit for golden hour, it’s unreal.
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons Just minutes from downtown Traverse City
Okay, not a lighthouse but definitely a historic landmark worth your time. This massive 19th-century former asylum has been reimagined into a hub of shops, cafés, trails, and even a winery. Take the guided tour if you want to dive into the slightly eerie, super fascinating history of the place. Then treat yourself to something sweet from one of the local bakeries to shake off the ghost vibes.
Fishtown in Leland About 40 minutes northwest of Traverse City
Not technically a “landmark,” but it might as well be. This preserved historic fishing village still operates with working shanties and docks right on the Leland River. You’ll find weathered wooden buildings, a cheese shop, a fish smokehouse, and boats coming and going like it’s 1925. Feels like stepping into a vintage postcard and yes, it’s very Instagrammable.
Final Thoughts
Traverse City wasn’t our bucket list trip. It wasn’t even our B-list. But sometimes the best kind of travel is the kind that surprises you, the kind that sneaks into your camera roll with no agenda other than showing you a good time.
If you could do just one thing? Drive the peninsula with the windows down, glass of wine waiting at the end, and nothing but lake views in between.
Because the best part about this place? It teaches you how to embrace the detours. And sometimes, the most unexpected trips turn out to be the ones you’ll never stop talking about.
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