{"id":2355,"date":"2020-07-22T01:56:16","date_gmt":"2020-07-22T05:56:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ourdaysoutside.com\/staging\/?p=2355"},"modified":"2026-02-17T14:55:45","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T19:55:45","slug":"25-best-activities-in-traverse-city-michigan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ourdaysoutside.com\/staging\/25-best-activities-in-traverse-city-michigan\/","title":{"rendered":"40 Best Activities in Traverse City: Complete Guide for Families, Foodies & Outdoor Lovers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out this list of the best activities in Traverse City to find your next adventure!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head to the Beach!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Platte River Point Beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Peterson Road Beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Empire Village Beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Esch Road Beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5. Port Oneida Beach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water Activities In Traverse City<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Float the Platte River<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7. Canoeing\/Kayaking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want something closer, you can chose to go right in the bay of Lake Michigan. You can rent at Paddle TC<\/a> right downtown at Clinch Park. Just be prepared for some waves! Another option within the city is the Boardman River or Boardman Lake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Paddle Boarding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> in the city of Empire is another option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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9. Rent a Boat or Jet Ski<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> for rentals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hiking Trails In Traverse City<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Brown Bridge Quiet Area<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> for different trail options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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11. The Dune Climb<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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12. Old Indian Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. Empire Bluff Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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14. Alligator Hill Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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15. Pyramid Point Trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Family Friendly Activities in Traverse City<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

16. Cherry Picking at Third Coast Fruit Co.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sure, you could just buy a bag of cherries, or…you can pick your own at Third Coast Fruit Co.<\/a>! 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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17. Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although this one’s a 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

18. Great Lakes Kid’s Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you need activities in Traverse City for the kids on a rainy day, this museum<\/a> is a great option. They have a play place as well as interactive exhibits to appeal to kids of all ages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

19. Go For a Bike Ride<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Biking is one of the best activities in Traverse City, with plenty of family-friendly trails and convenient bike rental shops along the way\u2014perfect 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n