Traverse City holidays
Nestled between Lake Michigan, rolling hills and fruit orchards, Traverse City is the best of the Midwest with a cherry on top. Beyond getting on the water and beachcombing, you’ll be switching between browsing boutiques, picking your own fruit and touring wineries. Lofty sand dunes and ski resorts await when even bigger adventures come calling on your holiday to Traverse City.
Traverse City holiday highlights
MEGANRENAESTUDIOS
Wild dunes and trails
To the west of the city, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is where sand dunes rise 140 metres above pristine lake shorelines. If it’s your first visit, start by cruising to viewpoints over dunes and through lush forests on Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. Then kick back on secluded beaches or explore nature trails. Making the ‘Dune Climb’ is a must on a holiday to Traverse City.
Wine coast
The sloping, fertile terrain of Traverse City makes it a major player in the Midwest wine scene. You’ll find about 50 wineries concentrated around the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas. But these aren’t just places to sip fruit-forward rieslings and rosés — most wineries blend tasting with farm-to-table cuisine and exquisite views. Sample your favourites along the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail and Old Mission Wine Trail.
Where to stay
Staying in Downtown Traverse City puts you near the lakefront, beaches and plenty of galleries, restaurants and shops. Check out East Munson Avenue for stylish and relaxed accommodation options overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. And the family-friendly hotels here are perfectly positioned for urban activities and adventures in nature.
Traverse City: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
High season
July – August
Low season
November – March
/
Caption
Photographer name
Things to do in Traverse City
Beaches
With golden sands and far-off blue horizons, the town’s lake beaches can feel like the seaside. Bryant Park, Clinch Park, East Bay Park and West End Beach are popular spots near downtown. Feeling adventurous? Cruise Lake Michigan on a kayak or paddle boarding tour. Or venture a little further to Old Mission State Park, home to the historic Mission Point Lighthouse.
Shopping
Kick off your shopping tour on Front Street in Downtown Traverse City. You’ll find Victorian-era buildings lining brick footpaths leading to antique shops, bookstores, boutiques and galleries. Peruse speciality stores for one-of-a-kind finds in the Warehouse District and at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. If brand-name fashion is your thing, Grand Traverse Mall has over 100 retailers.
Places to eat
Traverse City is the ‘Cherry Capital of the World’, something that’s reflected in the food and drink scene. You can’t leave town without ordering a slice of Michigan ABC (apple, blueberry and cherry) crumb pie or sampling Grand Traverse Distillery’s cherry-infused vodka and whisky. From bakeries and beer gardens to authentic Asian, Greek and Mexican cuisine, the dining options here satisfy every craving.
FAQs about Traverse City holidays
With the wonders of Lake Michigan, wineries and water sports on your doorstep, a holiday to Traverse City will not disappoint. Throw in some boutique shopping and superb eats, and you have some of the finest small-town living in the Midwest.
February brings the coldest days of the year. Set off on your Traverse City trip then and you can expect lows of -16ºC (3ºF).
Most people you meet will likely be speaking English. Brushing up on some local greetings and phrases can be a great way to break the ice and connect with people during your city break in Traverse City.
With temperatures peaking at 27ºC (81ºF), July is the hottest month in Traverse City.
Three days is perfect for a holiday in Traverse City. You’ll have enough time for some downtown shopping, beachside relaxation and a winery tour or a visit to Sleeping Bear Dune National Lakeshore. If you prefer to take things slow and spread out your sightseeing, consider staying for a full week.
The airline you fly with, your departure airport, and the timing of your trip can impact the cost of a city break in Traverse City. Prices for Traverse City flights and hotels can vary widely, but planning in advance and being flexible with travel dates can help you bag savings.
Your holiday to Traverse City should be an enjoyable experience, as the city is generally considered safe. Still, you'll want to take some commonsense precautions. Be alert in crowded areas and make sure valuables like your wallet and phone are out of sight. A money belt or lockable backpack is a smart travel essential wherever you go.
The United States dollar (USD) is what you'll be using for everyday expenses and activities during your trip to Traverse City.
The wettest month is October, which receives an average rainfall of 12 cm. But don't let that put a damper on your Traverse City trip — there's still loads to do indoors like indulging in retail therapy, visiting an art gallery, or checking out cosy cafes.
Offering warm, sun-drenched days perfect for getting outdoors and hitting the water, summer is always a favourite time for a holiday to Traverse City. It’s also the time of year for the National Cherry Festival. Snow arrives in November, when powder hounds gear up for downhill thrills at Hickory Hills Ski Area and Mt Holiday.
