Experience

 

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS & DAY TRIP IDEAS

Traverse City is Northern Michigan's attraction destination. No matter the season, there is always something fun and unique to do that will excite all ages. From skiing, hiking, swimming, and boating to unique cuisine, wineries, and breweries, Traverse City will satisfy everyone’s interests and taste buds. 

WATERSPORTS

Enjoy the best of East Grand Traverse Bay, with watersport rentals right at the resort.

TART TRAIL

Traverse Area Recreation Trail (TART) is part of U.S. Bicycle Route 35. It offers 10.5 miles of paved, non-motorized trail through Traverse City before connecting with the Leelanau Trail (which runs another 17 miles to Suttons Bay).

WINERIES

Thanks to the wonders of the 45th Parallel (the shared latitude for Italy’s Piedmont region and Bourdeaux in France), you can experience what thousands of wine enthusiasts have already discovered: the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail—the perfect wine destination for creating a day full of memories with friends or your next weekend retreat.

MICROBREWERIES

Mmm. Liquid bread. Maybe it’s the plaid shirts, the gnarly beards, or maybe it’s the killer folky playlist floating over the taps…whatever the je ne sais quoi, breweries somehow all say “you’re welcome here.” Well, you’re about a dozen times welcome in TC. Each brewery and taproom brings its quirk to the pub table, yet all share a foundation to showcase our land. Whether Empire hops, asparagus, whiskey, farm-raised pork, apples, or a whole cherry pie—there’s a pint for that, and we’re raising it. But so is CNN Money, listing us among America’s Best Beer Towns. It's no wonder we have Traverse City Beer Week every November!

GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is now one of the largest historic preservation and adaptive reuse developments in the country. Once an asylum, it is now a hip neighborhood for dining, shopping, and coffee sipping.

DOWNTOWN

Experience Traverse City with one of the most charming downtown areas in America, just 4 miles away from shopping, dining, and entertainment on Front Street.

SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE

Ever feel like you’ve stood on top of the world? This is the place to get a taste. Hovering over 400 feet above the vibrant Lake Michigan baby blues, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a treasure that never fails to awe—Good Morning America named it the Most Beautiful Place in America!  Make sure to check out Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, take a tour, scout out a few trails for a hike, bike ride, or snowshoe, or get a killer workout in at the infamous Dune Climb.

RESTAURANTS 

The region has become a culinary destination. You’ll find a variety of  restaurants ranging from casual to chic that utilize local ingredients to showcase the best of what the area has to offer. Check out a few of our partner restaurants during your stay. 

Apache Trout Grill 
West End  Tavern
The Omelette Shoppe
Boones Prime Time Pub

EAST BAY BEACH DISTRICT

Explore East Bay Beach District, where the sun meets the shore. The Beach District is a thriving sector on the east side of Traverse City boasting beautiful parks, vibrant restaurants, bustling retail & service locations and multiple recreational opportunities.