Last Updated on February 20, 2026 by Audrey
One of our favorite places in the entire state of Michigan to visit is easily Traverse City and the surrounding area. And it’s not just Michiganders who enjoy this spot. It’s one of the biggest tourist destinations in our state, with good reason. There’s such an abundance of activities in Traverse City that there’s sure to be something for everyone in every season!
Traverse City is characterized by stunning beaches and lake views, great hikes, plenty of amazing spots to eat and drink, and so much more! Check out what downtown has to offer, take a little drive out on the peninsula, or head over to explore Sleeping Bear Sand Dune National Lakeshore.
Check out this list of the best activities in Traverse City to find your next adventure!
Head to the Beach!
When choosing activities in Traverse City, beaches are an obvious choice. There are plenty within the city limits if you’re looking to stay in town, but if you don’t mind taking a little drive out to the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore, there are a bunch of hidden gems! Here’s a roundup of some of the best beaches in the area:
1. Platte River Point Beach
Even though this one is a 45 minute drive from Traverse City, it’s definitely our favorite beach in the area. It’s located along the beautiful Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore. And even though it’s a popular destination, the beach is spacious and can accommodate large crowds.
This is also where the Platte River empties into Lake Michigan, which provides a warmer option for swimming if you’re not into the cold temps or rough waves of Lake Michigan. And the view of the dunes along the coastline is unbeatable!
2. Peterson Road Beach
This is a spacious but secluded beach in the city of Honor. The shoreline is a mix of sand and stone, which makes it a great place to hunt for Petoskey stones. You also have a beautiful view of the Empire Bluff and Sleeping Bear Point Bluff along the shoreline in the distance.
3. Empire Village Beach
This beach is located right downtown in the city of Empire. It has a spacious beach area, pavilion, and playground. Fires are also allowed in designated rings.
4. Esch Road Beach
This beach is a little more narrow (depending on water levels) and admittedly harder to locate if you’re not from the area. But there’s plenty of coastline to explore, beautiful views of the dunes, and not as many people to contend with.
5. Port Oneida Beach
Tucked away between two points, this is a cozy little beach spot. You’ll have to descend down a steep wooden stairway to access it, but there are generally fewer crowds here.
Water Activities In Traverse City
They don’t call Michigan the Great Lakes State for nothing! Aside from the big ones, there is an abundance of other inland lakes and rivers to provide plenty of water recreation opportunities. It’s no wonder that so many of the best activities in Traverse City involve water!
6. Float the Platte River
One of our absolute favorite activities in Traverse City is floating the Platte River! You can also canoe or kayak, but it’s the perfect lazy, scenic river to grab a tube and just float while you relax and enjoy the view.
We brought our own tubes and put in at the El Dorado boat launch and floated for approximately 1.5 hours. If you want an even longer float, you can put in at the Fish Weir, the M22 bridge, or at Riverside Canoe where you can rent a tube and get shuttled back. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to plan ahead for how you’ll get back to your car afterwards!
7. Canoeing/Kayaking
There are plenty of options if you’re a fan of canoeing or kayaking. As mentioned above, the Platte River is a beautiful spot about 40 minutes outside of Traverse City.
If you want something closer, you can chose to go right in the bay of Lake Michigan. You can rent at Paddle TC right downtown at Clinch Park. Just be prepared for some waves! Another option within the city is the Boardman River or Boardman Lake.
8. Paddle Boarding
Paddle boarding is one of the activities in Traverse City that you have to try at least once! It’s such a unique experience to glide over the water while balancing upright on a board. And even if you don’t feel confident about standing or you want to try it with younger kids, you can always sit and paddle!
Paddle TC at Clinch Park downtown right on the bay has rentals available. The River Outfitters on Boardman Lake also have rental options. Sleeping Bear Surf and Kayak in the city of Empire is another option.
9. Rent a Boat or Jet Ski
Nothing beats being out on the water on your own boat or jet ski! Explore the coastline, check out one of the islands, or put the anchor down and relax out in the bay! Check out TC Water Sports for rentals.
Hiking Trails In Traverse City
Another great choice for activities in Traverse city is hiking! There are plenty of trails to chose from for varying skill levels. Some are close to the city, but head out to the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore for the best ones! These are some of our favorites:
10. Brown Bridge Quiet Area
This is a nice option about 20 minutes outside of the city. You’ll stroll through beautiful evergreen woods and rolling grassland hills with a view of the river. Check here for different trail options.
11. The Dune Climb
Located within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, this is one of the more strenuous activities in Traverse City! You’ll climb a steep dune with nothing but loose sand underfoot. Once you get to the top, enjoy a beautiful view of Glen Lake and surrounding farmland. This one’s great for the kiddos to run around and get some energy out!
12. Old Indian Trail
There are two loops you can choose from on this one, each about 2.5 miles long. You’ll hike through forest and end on top of some dunes with views of Lake Michigan below. This is one we still have yet to try, but I’ve been told that even though these loops are longer, the hike is a little easier.
13. Empire Bluff Trail
This is our absolute favorite hike that we do over and over again! It’s a moderate 1.5 miles round trip. Like many trails in the area, you’ll hike though forest and end with a beautiful view from the top of a dune right above Lake Michigan. We’ve done this hike in all seasons with our kids from the time they were babies!
14. Alligator Hill Trail
Alligator Hill has 9 miles of trail options, but they’re divided up into three loops so you can choose shorter routes. We just recently did the 1.5 mile hike from Stocking Road Trailhead up to Island Lookout.
The hike is moderate with one decent climb through sand, but we managed it while I was six months pregnant with our almost four-year-old in tow. You’ll primarily hike through forest and end at the top of the hill with a view of Lake Michigan, the Manitou Islands, and coastline below.
15. Pyramid Point Trail
One of the most popular and highly rated trails in the Sleeping Bear Dunes area, this is a moderate 2.7 mile loop. You’ll hike through forest, meadows, and end on the dunes with a beautiful panoramic view of Lake Michigan.
Family Friendly Activities in Traverse City
16. Cherry Picking at Third Coast Fruit Co.
Sure, you could just buy a bag of cherries, or…you can pick your own at Third Coast Fruit Co.! If you happen to be in town in July, you should definitely include this in your itinerary. Stroll the picturesque orchard on Old Mission Peninsula as you pick your own fruit. Check the website online in advance as their open dates are completely dependent on whether the cherries are ripe!
17. Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park
Although this one looks like your typical tourist trap right on the main drive, we fully think it’s worth it! Between the pirate themed golf course, go-carts, and bumper boats, there’s something for everyone in our family and we visit again and again.
18. Great Lakes Kid’s Museum
If you need activities in Traverse City for the kids on a rainy day, this museum is a great option. They have a play place as well as interactive exhibits to appeal to kids of all ages.
19. Go For a Bike Ride
Biking is one of the best activities in Traverse City, with plenty of family-friendly trails and convenient bike rental shops along the way—perfect whether you want a quick cruise or a longer scenic ride. Trails vary in length and scenery, so you can pick the best fit for your crew and plan stops for parks, beaches, food, or viewpoints.
- TART Trail (downtown + waterfront + neighborhoods + State Park access; rentals nearby)
- Leelanau Trail (17 miles, Traverse City to Sutton’s Bay; nature areas, vineyards/farmland, lakes/ponds)
- Boardman Lake Trail (4 miles around Boardman Lake; parks, Oryana, Filling Station, Right Brain Brewery)
- Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (~22 miles, paved; Sleeping Bear Dunes with stops like Empire, Glen Arbor, and trailheads)
20. Great Wolf Lodge
One of the most popular activities in Traverse City is the Great Wolf Lodge! Kids and adults alike will have a blast on the water slides, lazy river, and play areas. There’s also an arcade and bowling alley for some additional options.
21. GT Butterfly House and Bug Zoo
We visited this for something different on our way out during one of our trips to Traverse City! Wander around and look at different bug exhibits and stroll around the exotic butterfly room. One even landed on me and seemed content to hang out there for almost the entirety of our stay!
22. Eat Ice Cream at Moomers
If you’re looking for activities in Traverse City, Moomers is a must! You’ll drive a little outside of downtown to a picturesque farm where you can eat ice cream and look at the cows grazing in their open pasture.
23. F and M Park
Even on vacation, we try to find a playground in the area for the kiddos. We happened to stumble across this one and have visited it multiple times since! It’s located a block away from Lake Michigan in the middle of an adorable neighborhood.
The playground is shaped like a train, which was an instant hit with our kids. There are picnic tables, a gazebo, and a lot of open space. As you can see, we like to visit no matter the season!
24. Jacob’s Farm
This is a cute farm outside Traverse city that you can visit for food and drinks. They also have a u-pick orchard depending on what’s in season, a corn maze in the fall, and a kid’s zone. Check in advance for hours or to see what’s in season!
25. Zip Line at Mt. Holiday
If you’re looking for a little excitement, check out the zip line at Mt Holiday! You’ll hike in a beautiful wooded area and climb towers to access multiple zip lines. Check the website in advance for requirements!
26. Clinch Park
One of the most popular activities in Traverse City is Clinch Park, which is located right by the Marina a block from downtown. There’s a kid’s water park and beach area. TC Paddle is located right here, so you can rent canoes, kayaks, bikes, etc. It’s also fun to watch all the boats that sail across the bay! This is literally in the middle of everything, so expect it to be busy during the summer months!
Beautiful Drives In And Near Traverse City!
27. M-22 To Fishtown in Leland
Fishtown is a historic fishing village about 40 minutes outside of Traverse City. Take a scenic drive north on M-22 along the Lake Michigan shoreline and you’ll eventually head west over to the town of Leland. Walk along the docks and check out the shops, including a smokehouse where you can buy fresh-caught fish from the lake.
28. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Head out to Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore and take this scenic loop drive through the park. There are several stops along the way where you can get out and view Glen Lake, vast sand dune bluffs along Lake Michigan, and the iconic wooden covered bridge.
Note: There is a fee to enter the scenic drive since it’s located on National Park land.
29. Old Mission Peninsula
The drive out on Old Mission Peninsula is considered one of the most iconic activities in Traverse City. You’ll see gorgeous shoreline scenery, beautiful homes, and rolling hillsides dotted with vineyards and orchards. The drive ends at the tip of the peninsula at Mission Point Lighthouse where you can see the historic lighthouse, old cabin, and stroll the beach.
Best Places to Eat in Traverse City
30. Hop Lot Brewing Co. and Beer Garden
Hop Lot is one of our favorite places to eat and get drinks year round! It’s located in Sutton’s Bay, a 20 minute drive north on M-22 from Traverse City. They have a spacious outdoor area where you can hang out while casually ordering food and drinks. In the winter there are fire pits and igloos that make the outdoor space continue to be inviting even in cold temps.
31. Pizza and Drinks at The Filling Station
The Filling Station is located in an old train station and fittingly still has train themed menu items and decor. You can even sit outside in a dining area next to the tracks. There are a lot of unique pizza options or you can of course stick to a standard pepperoni! This is by far our favorite pizza place in town!
32. Burgers at Oakwood Proper
There are quite a few places to get burgers in Traverse City, but Oakwood is our favorite! We make sure to stop here every time we’re in town. The inside is quite small, so grab your order to go or sit at one of their outdoor tables when the weather is nice.
33. Get donuts!
There are several great places to get donuts in Traverse City! Check these spots out:
- Peace, Love, and Little Donuts of Traverse City – If you like donuts that are super sweet and decked out with all the toppings, this is the place for you!
- Potter’s Bakery – If you like traditional, old school donuts, they’ve got you covered. (This is where I sent my boomer parents who were looking for apple fritters and nutty donuts. 😂)
- Third Coast Bakery – If you have any allergies or dietary preferences, head to Third Coast Bakery! The donuts are moist and delicious (and not just by gluten free standards).
34. Grab some coffee
Traverse City has some amazing coffee options! While you’re in town, make sure to check out some of these spots:
- Mundos HQ
- Higher Grounds Trading Co.
- Seismoto Coffee Bar
- Common Good Bakery
- Third Coast Bakery
Even More Activities in Traverse City!
35. Camp at Traverse City State Park
When it comes to activities in Traverse City, I couldn’t leave out camping! A lot of people may opt for the hotels and resorts, but there are plenty of nice areas for camping nearby if that’s your thing! This campground is located right off of the main drive that leads you into downtown Traverse City and is right across the street from Lake Michigan.
36. Go rock hunting at Peterson Park
Peterson Park is in Northport, MI, so you’ll take approximately a 50 minute drive north on M-22, almost to the top of the Leelanau Peninsula. If you’re looking for a rock hunting spot without a crowd, the drive is worth it. There’s a large stretch of beach that’s perfect for rock hunting, but most of the crowds from Traverse City don’t make it up that far.
37. Stop at a roadside stand or visit the Farmer’s Market
As you’re driving in and around Traverse City, you’re sure to pass by some roadside stands and markets! Pull over and check them out or head to the farmer’s market downtown to shop locally grown produce, flowers, and handmade goods.
38. See the Flowers
There are so many ways to see the flowers in Traverse City! During the month of May the cherry trees in the orchards are covered in gorgeous blossoms! If you just take a drive outside of town you’re sure to get a glimpse. In July, visit the Lavender fields at Harbor View Nursery and Lavender Farm. If you’re in town late July though early September, stop at a sunflower field!
39. Visit a Winery
Traverse City is known for it’s wineries! There are several located on Old Mission Peninsula and plenty of others dotting M-22 between Traverse City and Sutton’s Bay. Stop in for sipping and gorgeous views of the vineyards!
40. Go Shopping Downtown
There are so many shops downtown that you’ll definitely want to take the time to explore some of them. You’ll find everything from bookstores, tourist shops, homemade goods, outdoor gear, art and jewelry, and so much more! You’re sure to find some souvenirs that really capture the essence of this northern Michigan destination!
I hope you enjoyed browsing all of the activities in Traverse City, Michigan! There truly is something for everyone in this magical destination! Whether you enjoy spending time outdoors, shopping, or trying delicious food and drinks, this is sure to be your place.
If you want some travel ideas and insider tips for another beautiful northern Michigan destination, check out our recommendations for the city of Petoskey!
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