Located along beautiful Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City, Michigan, is famous for its beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and a rich wine scene It’s also known as The Cherry Capital Of The World! Traverse City is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Here’s how to plan the best weekend in Traverse City!
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Side note: This post was written by Linda, a local of Traverse City, Michigan. This way, you can ensure you are reading the BEST and most accurate one weekend in Traverse City itinerary. Locals know best! Read more about Linda in the Author’s Bio at the end of this post!
Table of Contents
How do I get to Traverse City?
Traverse City has its own Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) serving domestic flights. Visitors traveling from most areas across the country will likely have a layover in Chicago, Detroit, or Minneapolis.
If you are traveling by car, the journey will take about 5 to 6 hours from Chicago, or 4 to 4 ½ hours from Detroit.
There are limited bus and train services to Traverse City. It’s possible to take a train to Grand Rapids, and then transfer to a bus for the remainder of the trip.
Traverse City has a compact downtown area that’s walkable. However, public transportation services are somewhat limited, so you’ll definitely want to rent a car in order to explore the surrounding area.
When is the best time to visit Traverse City?
There are plenty of things to do in Traverse City, no matter what season of the year. Summer is definitely the peak tourist season. Warm and sunny weather makes it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and exploring beautiful beaches.
The National Cherry Festival, which takes place around the 4th of July, attracts thousands of visitors to the area. Winery tours and concerts are also popular during the summer months.
Spring is a quieter time in Traverse City, and a great time to visit if you prefer to avoid the crowds. While March and April may have some cloudy, wet days, the weather really begins to warm up in May.
Spring is a great time to visit the wineries before the crowds of summer arrive. The region’s cherry trees blossom during the month of May, as do wildflowers along woodland hikes. The Traverse City Uncorked Celebration takes place the entire month of May. Wine lovers can take a self-guided tour of local wineries powered by a digital passport that contains special offers and opportunities to win prizes.
Fall is also a lovely time to visit Traverse City. The summer crowds disperse after Labor Day. September and October are an ideal time for wine enthusiasts, as it’s harvest season in the area. You may even be able to participate in grape stomping events!
The weather remains pleasant throughout October. Fall colors are generally at their peak from mid to late October, and there are plenty of stunning scenic drives in the area.
Winter is another highly popular time to visit Traverse City, especially if you enjoy snow sports like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice fishing. You can even hit the trails on a fat tire bike.
Nearby ski resorts, including Crystal Mountain, Shanty Creek and Boyne Mountain offer excellent opportunities for winter recreation. There are plenty of things to do in Traverse City during the winter, even if you don’t ski!
The Traverse City Comedy Fest is one of the biggest events on Traverse City’s winter calendar. Get some laughs in as dozens of comedians perform in several different venues around town.
Traverse City Average Temps by Season
- Winter (Dec-Feb): 30/18, 11 days of rain
- Spring (March-May): 53/32, 8 days of rain
- Summer (June-Aug): 78/57, 7 days of rain
- Fall (Sept-Nov): 58/49, 10 days of rain
***Peak Fall Foliage: Mid-End October
Where should I stay in Traverse City?
From charming bed and breakfasts located in historic homes to luxurious resorts with panoramic views of the lake, there’s something for everyone. For those seeking a closer connection to nature, numerous campgrounds and cabins dot the surrounding areas, providing easy access to hiking trails and water activities.
My personal recommendations:
- Budget-friendly Option: Knights Inn
- Mid-range Option: Bayshore Resort: Just a short walk to the beaches of East Grand Traverse Bay
- Luxury Option: Hotel Indigo: On the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay
- Dog-friendly Stay: Travelodge by Wyndham: Close to the beach with a rooftop bar. Welcomes two dogs of any size in designated rooms for an additional $25 per night.
Sample 3-Day Traverse City Weekend Itinerary
This following itinerary will make planning your trip to Traverse City seamless! It’s the perfect way to spend one weekend in Traverse City! Let the planning begin!
Day 1 in Traverse City, MI: The Village at Grand Traverse, Beach Day, and Downtown.
Morning:
While you’ll definitely want to explore downtown Traverse City, most of the shops and galleries in the heart of downtown don’t open until 10:00 am. So, if you’re an early riser, begin your day by heading to The Village At Grand Traverse Commons, located on 140 beautiful acres just west of Traverse City’s downtown shopping district.
The Grand Traverse Commons began in the 19th century as a state psychiatric hospital. The castle-like buildings have been restored and now are home to upscale restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.
Head inside Building 50 to Cuppa Joe’s, a unique coffeehouse and cafe. Take advantage of the full coffee bar, along with a freshly baked scone. Or you might choose a loose-leaf tea or smoothie made with local ingredients.
Stroll through the Mercato to check out the shops. You’ll find everything from jewelry and art to used books and alpaca products. Then head outside to explore the grounds.
The founder of the hospital, Dr. James Munson, believed that beauty is therapy. As a result, he filled the property with a vast variety of trees for patients to enjoy. Admire the trees throughout the front lawn, and be sure to visit the Botanic Garden.
Head to Spanglish, a Mexican restaurant on the back side of the property. Order chips and salsa and tacos to go, and enjoy lunch at an outdoor picnic table.
Afternoon:
Devote your afternoon to one (or more!) of Traverse City’s beautiful beaches. Exit the Grand Traverse Commons onto Division Street and drive straight to West End Beach. You’ll find a long stretch of sand along the water’s edge and a grassy area that’s perfect for tossing a frisbee with friends. Courts are nearby if you’re up for playing beach volleyball. There is also ample parking and public restrooms.
Clinch Park, right across from downtown, just might be Traverse City’s best-loved beach. It’s located right next to the marina. The park is a great place to relax and enjoy great views of West Bay and Old Mission Peninsula. The beautiful, sandy beach has lifeguards from mid-June through August. There is also a splash pad for young kids to play on. Clinch Park has a snack bar and public restrooms.
Best of all, Paddle TC sits right in the heart of Clinch Park. You can rent kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to head out into the bay, or rent a bike and ride out on the TART Trail, a paved bike path that stretches over 60 miles.
Bryant Park, at the base of Old Mission Peninsula, is another hugely popular beach. This long stretch of beach also has lifeguards on duty from mid-June through August. Bryant Park has playground equipment and a large grassy area, which makes it the perfect place for families with young children who want to play. You’ll also find clean restrooms with changing tables. There are plenty of charcoal grills and picnic tables among tall pine trees.
Evening:
It’s time to explore downtown Traverse City. Front Street is the heart of downtown, lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Nifty Things is a great place to find a unique souvenir to take home. M22 stocks Great Lakes gear and Kilwins makes delicious fudge right in the front of the store.
Stop in at Miner’s North, a family-owned jewelry store where you just might find that perfect piece made with a Petoskey stone. And of course, don’t miss Cherry Republic, where you’ll find all things cherry! You might even decide to take in a movie at the historic State Theater.
Make your way to The Little Fleet, a food truck lot on East Front Street. Unwind on the patio with your favorite drink from the open-air bar, and listen to live music most nights of the week. There’s always a variety of food trucks parked in the lot. On our last visit, our choices included Cordwood BBQ, Happy’s Taco Shop, Traverse City Pizza Company, or a burger from Glendale Ave.
Go for an after-dinner stroll along the water at Clinch Park and take in the sunset. Then drive to the Traverse City Whiskey Company, just south of downtown. Wind down with an Old Fashioned or a Cherry Smash.
Day 2 in Traverse City: Sleeping Bear Dunes and the Leelanau Peninsula
Morning:
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is the crown jewel of northwest lower Michigan. Sunny days can get quite hot in the dunes, so carry extra sunscreen and water bottles with you. Wear comfortable shoes for hiking, and pack a swimsuit and towel.
Make your way to the west side of Traverse City, and drive about 40 minutes on M-72 West. Your first stop should be The Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire, where you can pick up a map and purchase a Park Pass.
Head to the spacious parking lot at the Empire Bluffs Trail. The trail winds through a beautiful beech-maple forest and ends on high bluffs along Lake Michigan. Walk out on the boardwalk overlook and be rewarded with sweeping, panoramic views.
After your hike, head to the beautiful Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. This seven-mile route contains 12 do-not-miss stops along the way. You’ll be treated to gorgeous views of enormous sand dunes, Lake Michigan and Glen Lake. You can also hike or picnic along the way. A Park Pass is required to access the Scenic Drive, but the admission fee is totally worth it!
Afternoon:
No visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes can be considered complete with conquering the infamous Dune Climb. The Dune Climb is the most visited attraction in the park, with over 300,000 people scaling it each year.
Once you’ve made your way to the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Big and Little Glen Lakes. Descending typically involves running or skipping as fast as you can, often resulting in rolling down the dune!
You’ll definitely work up a sweat playing around on the sand. Cool off with a refreshing dip at Glen Haven Beach. This is a popular, family-friendly, and easily accessible beach, with a large parking lot and public restrooms.
Skip stones and swim in turquoise waters. Check out the historic Glen Haven Village, complete with a boat museum, a working blacksmith shop, and a Great Lakes fishing tug.
Insider tip: This climb is also quite challenging so be sure you are prepared. It can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to complete. Only make the trek if you are ready for the challenge (rescues can be VERY expensive). The sand can also get quite hot in the afternoon hours, be sure not to burn your barefeet!
Evening:
There is so much to do in Sleeping Bear Dunes, outdoor lovers can easily spend the entire day exploring numerous trails and beaches. However, if you’re ready to visit another charming coastal town, drive north to Leland.
Leland is famous for its historic Fishtown, a revitalized fishing village that is home to a working fishery and a charter fishing industry. Wander into the renovated shanties that now house shops and food stalls. Pick up some incredible smoked whitefish from Carlson’s, and a sandwich from The Village Cheese Shanty on their freshly baked pretzel bread!
Then, drive on to Suttons Bay and scope out the shops and boutiques for northern Michigan gear, home decor, and Michigan-made art.
End your day at Hop Lot Brewery Co. & Beer Garden, just south of town. Relax at picnic tables under the trees with one of their traditional ales, or opt for wine or cider instead. The full-service kitchen specializes in BBQ. Hang out around the campfire, play some outdoor games, or simply enjoy the stars on a summer night.
Day 3 in Traverse City: Winery Tour on Old Mission Peninsula
Morning:
Hit the Wine Trail on your last day in Traverse City. Drive out to Old Mission Peninsula, an 18-mile narrow stretch of land that extends out into Grand Traverse Bay. You’ll cruise along Center Road, taking in rolling hills, orchards, and views of the Bay on either side.
Start your day by driving to the Mission Point Lighthouse at the tip of the Old Mission peninsula (about 17 minutes from Traverse City) This historic lighthouse is open for tours and has a nice gift shop. There are miles of trails for hiking and biking, or cross-country skiing during the winter. You’ll also find a wide, sandy stretch of beach and public restrooms.
Afternoon:
Retrace your route back to Traverse City. Head to the nearby Old Mission General Store on Mission Road for picnic fare, including pizza, sandwiches, hot dogs, and homemade cherry pie.
Hop over to nearby Haserot Beach to enjoy your picnic. This hidden gem is popular with the locals: off the beaten path and dog-friendly. You’ll enjoy a nice sandy beach and a picnic area.
Then, it’s time to start the quintessential Traverse City winery tour. There are ten different wineries to choose from along Mission Point Penisula.
Start with the modern 2 Lads Winery, the peninsula’s northernmost winery. Their location high on a hill provides great views across the peninsula. 2 Lads specializes in reds and sparkling wines, as well as small lots of white wines. I personally love their sparkling wine. Enjoy relaxed, outdoor seating, along with charcuterie and prepackaged food items.
Venture on to Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery, a family-owned operation. Indulge in wine tasting on the outdoor patio during the warmer months, as you gaze over rows and rows of grapes.
Drive down past the vineyards into the valley below and stroll through The Secret Garden, where 6,000 lavender plants bloom during July and August. Brys sells their lavender products year-round. Consider indulging in some lavender ice cream, or perhaps purchase some lavender soap to take home as a souvenir.
In winter, snowshoe around the estate and then warm up at a cozy fire pit with Spiked Hot Apple Cider or a glass of your favorite wine.
Evening:
If possible, arrange your schedule to be at Chateau Chantal Winery & Tasting shortly before the sun goes down. This winery sits on a high ridge and offers breathtaking views of both Grand Traverse Bays. It is one of the very best spots in the region to view the sunset.
You’ll find over 25 varieties of hand-crafted wine, from very dry to lightly sweet and special wine dinners. Added bonus: Pets are welcome on the West patio. Chateau Chantal also offers B&B lodging if you are interested in a unique place to stay.
Insider Tip! If you are fortunate enough to visit on a Thursday evening during the summer you can make a reservation for Jazz at Sunset. Enjoy listening to a jazz trio while sipping wine and sampling food items. Chairs and tables are available, or bring your own blanket or chair to relax on the lawn.
Other things to do in Traverse City:
- Bike along the TART Trail
- Visit the Interlochen Center For The Arts and take in a concert or performance in this beautiful setting.
- Take in a horse show at Flintfields Horse Park
- Get tickets for a Pit Spitters game at the local baseball stadium
- About halfway up the peninsula, stop at Edmonson Orchards to purchase sweet or tart cherries at their roadside stand. Or spend some time and pick your own.
- More wine tasting at the picturesque Mari Vineyards, which is just 4 miles from downtown Traverse City.
See more things to do and tours in Traverse City on Viator!
Where Else to Eat in Traverse City:
- The Omelette Shoppe & Bakery: Interested in a full breakfast menu before starting your adventure-filled day? Look no further than the Omelette Shop on Cass Street. Locals flock here for the extensive breakfast menu, including 14 different types of omelets, waffles and pancakes, skillets and scrambles, and to-die-for homemade pecan rolls.
- Trattoria Stella: If you happen to be in the vicinity of the Grand Traverse Commons at dinner time, consider dropping into Trattoria Stella. Their talented chefs serve up authentic Italian fare in a charming setting. Dishes are made with fresh, local ingredients and they have an extensive wine list.
- Red Ginger: Looking for a more elegant dining experience? Head to Red Ginger, on Front Street in the heart of downtown for Asian Cuisine.
Other Tips to know before visiting Traverse City:
- Traverse City is known as The Cherry Capital of the World for a reason. Make sure you sample some amazing cherry products along the way!
- Want to fully relax and lean into your tour of the region’s vineyards? Book a wine tour and don’t worry about driving!
- Traverse City is home to a number of high-quality restaurants. They tend to be very busy on weekend nights in the summer. So, be prepared for a wait. Get on the seating list and have a seat at the bar, or put in your name and check out a couple of nearby shops until your table is ready.
One Weekend in Traverse City Map
Here’s a map to make planning your weekend in Traverse City even easier!
What else would you add to this 3-day Traverse City itinerary?
Other Michigan Getaways
About the Author!
Linda Egeler has lived in the area of Traverse City, Michigan for over 35 years. She loves introducing travelers to this magical corner of the world, and is always on the hunt for new adventures in and around her hometown.
You can find her at On To New Adventures where she shares all things northern Michigan and favorite ways to connect to local people while traveling. Follow along on Facebook to catch new posts as they drop, and check out her photos on Instagram.
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