Things to do in Traverse City

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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

Full bar service

Guided Sightseeing Cruise on West Grand Traverse Bay

￥7,844
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Guided Sightseeing Cruise on West Grand Traverse Bay
Manitou Moomers Ice Cream Sail

Manitou Moomers Ice Cream Sail

￥11,046
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Manitou Moomers Ice Cream Sail
4 winery Traverse City Old Mission Peninsula Wine Tour

MOVIE STARS NON-BUS Traverse City Old Mission 4 Winery Tour

￥12,487
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
MOVIE STARS NON-BUS Traverse City Old Mission 4 Winery Tour
Wind Dancer Happy Hour Sail

Wind Dancer Happy Hour Sail

￥36,235
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Wind Dancer Happy Hour Sail
Andie's NON BUS 4-winery Traverse Leelanau Peninsula Wine Tour

MOVIE STARS NON-BUS Leelanau Peninsula Wine Tour

￥14,248
per adult
MOVIE STARS NON-BUS Leelanau Peninsula Wine Tour
MOVIE STARS NON-BUS Old Mission Afternoon / Sunset 3 Winery Tour

NON-BUS Old Mission Afternoon / Sunset 3 Wine Tour - ICE COLD AC

￥11,687
per adult
NON-BUS Old Mission Afternoon / Sunset 3 Wine Tour - ICE COLD AC
NON BUS MOVIE STARS Cherry Red Tahoe RST Traverse City Wine Tour

MOVIE STARS KARAOKE Wine Tour

￥12,647
per adult
MOVIE STARS KARAOKE Wine Tour
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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 downtown. 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 and neighborhoods 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 Clinch Park are top sights worth seeing.

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

Central

When in Central, you can plan a visit to City Opera House and Clinch Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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 might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like City Opera House and Clinch Park Beach.

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

Traverse Heights

While visiting Traverse Heights, you might make a stop by sights like Traverse Area District Library and Boardman Lake.

Popular day trips from Traverse City

A waterfall cascading over rocks in a forested area with autumn foliage.

Cedar

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 sunset over a calm body of water with a distant landmass.

Lake Leelanau

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

Interlochen

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 neighborhoods, Indian Woods is 3 kilometers away from downtown, while Slabtown is 2 kilometers away from the city center 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 vacationing 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 neighborhoods, 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.