What to do in Traverse City, MI

Activities, attractions and tours

A city street lined with buildings and trees during sunset.
A vineyard with a white building in the background.
A group of people sitting at tables in a restaurant with a mural on the wall.
A vineyard at sunset with rows of grapevines and a tree in the foreground.
A golf course with autumn foliage, sand bunkers, and a clubhouse.

Things to do

Sunset Cruise Experience on West Grand Traverse Bay

Sunset Cruise Experience on West Grand Traverse Bay

฿1,635
per adult
Sunset Cruise Experience on West Grand Traverse Bay
Full bar service

Guided Sightseeing Cruise on West Grand Traverse Bay

฿1,635
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Guided Sightseeing Cruise on West Grand Traverse Bay
Manitou Moomers Ice Cream Sail

Manitou Moomers Ice Cream Sail

฿2,309
per adult
Manitou Moomers Ice Cream Sail
Gorgeous Views at Chateau Chantal Winery

5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 4 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula

฿2,644
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 4 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula
The 5 Hour Old Mission Peninsula Traverse City 4 Winery Tour

The 5 Hour Old Mission Peninsula Traverse City 4 Winery Tour

฿2,611
per adult
The 5 Hour Old Mission Peninsula Traverse City 4 Winery Tour
Romantic Sunsets at Bonobo Winery on our Sunset Wine and Distillery Tour #moviestarswinetours

NON-BUS Old Mission Sunset AFTERNOON Wine & Distillery Tour

฿2,644
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
NON-BUS Old Mission Sunset AFTERNOON Wine & Distillery Tour
Traverse City: Morning Sail with Local Anishinaabe Guide

Traverse City: Morning Sail with Local Anishinaabe Guide

฿2,242
per adult
Traverse City: Morning Sail with Local Anishinaabe Guide
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What to do in Traverse City

Stay near popular Traverse City attractions

A coastal town with a large body of water, dense residential area, and a prominent church.

Traverse City Beach

10.0/10 (1 review)
Traverse City's beaches offer crystal-clear waters along Grand Traverse Bay with sandy shores just steps from city centre. Enjoy Clinch Park's splash pad or West End's volleyball scene for a perfect summer day.
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Where to stay in Traverse City

Find the best Traverse City areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Traverse City
Learn more about Traverse City
A city street lined with buildings and trees during sunset.
Photo by Traverse City Tourism
Open Photo by Traverse City Tourism

Downtown Traverse City

If you're spending some time in Downtown Traverse City, Clinch Park Beach and City Opera House are top sights worth seeing.

A white building with a red roof, surrounded by green grass and trees.

Central

Central might not have many top sights, but City Opera House and Clinch Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

A brick tunnel with a light at the end.
Photo by Theodore Black
Open Photo by Theodore Black

Grand Traverse Commons

While visiting Grand Traverse Commons, you might make a stop by sights like Village at Grand Traverse Commons and Left Foot Charley.

A park with benches overlooking a body of water and a city skyline in the distance.

Old Towne

While Old Towne isn't home to many top sights, City Opera House and Traverse Area District Library are some notable places to visit nearby.

A park with benches overlooking a body of water and a city skyline in the distance.

Traverse Heights

If you're spending some time in Traverse Heights, Traverse Area District Library and Boardman Lake are top sights worth seeing.

Day trip destinations from Traverse City

A sandy beach with people standing on the slope overlooking the sea.

Maple City

An aerial view of a vineyard with rows of grapevines, a road, and scattered buildings.

Grawn

A sandy beach with gentle waves, a clear sky, and a forested hillside in the background.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Traverse City worth visiting?
With a mix of distilleries and craft breweries and adventure sports, there's no shortage of things to do in Traverse City. While you're here, head to Traverse City Beach, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Traverse City?
After you've visited popular attractions like Traverse City Beach and Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, spend the rest of your day discovering Traverse City's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Traverse City?
The top tourist attraction in Traverse City is Traverse City Beach, so be sure to add it to your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Traverse City?
Three days will give you plenty of time to tick off popular city sights, such as Traverse City Beach, Great Wolf Lodge Water Park and Clinch Park Beach. The average stay in Traverse City is two days. If you have the urge to extend your escape, Williamsburg isn't far away.
Is Traverse City a walkable city?
That depends on what you want to do and see in Traverse City. Several sights, including Great Wolf Lodge Water Park and Clinch Park Beach, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Traverse City's best neighbourhoods, Indian Woods is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Slabtown is 2 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Traverse City with kids?
Planning what to do in Traverse City with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or little ones, there's no shortage of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Traverse City for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor explorer, there's a range of things to do in Traverse City for adults.
Are there free things to do in Traverse City?
From visiting parks to wandering around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Traverse City. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Traverse City Beach is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing activities.