Explore Traverse City

Planning fun in Downtown Traverse City?
Below are assorted activities to fill your day and night.

Outdoor Activities

There is plenty to explore in Northern Michigan, from bike and hike trails to bodies of water, such as East and West Grand Traverse Bays, Long Lake, Cedar Lake, and Silver Lake – all great spots to get outside and enjoy time on the water! Reviewers have dubbed Traverse City a ‘Tuscany with water’ with the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas known for their picturesque views and popular award-winning wineries.

outdoor activities traverse city

SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE

“Famous for its views and hiking the Dunes. Nationally recognized as one of the most beautiful places in the country.”

WEST GRAND TRAVERSE BAY’S CLINCH PARK AND MARINA

Clinch Park is where local festivals take place and is home to watersports rentals, a splash pad, and the beautiful Clinch Beach.

DUNCAN L. CLINCH MARINA

“Sandy beach, park with splash-pad, public restrooms, and quick service foods.” 

TC WATERSPORTS

“TC Watersports has just about every watercraft and service you could ask for, and they deliver almost anywhere!”

PADDLE TC

Kayak and SUP rentals or Kayak Brewery Tours — see the Boardman River and Traverse from a unique perspective.”

TC CYCLE PUB 

“This TC Pub is a 14-passenger bike bar used to tour Traverse City’s breweries and eateries! The TC Circle Cycle seats 4-6!”

PIRATE’S COVE 

“World Class Adventure Golf with two 18-hole courses! Also has go-carts, bumper boats, and a den room!”

PIT SPITTERS BASEBALL  

“The official Traverse City baseball team, the Pit Spitters!”

HICKORY HILLS RECREATION AREA

“Hickory Hills Recreation/Ski Resort offers a ski resort in the winter and the off-season has miles of trails for hiking and biking! The park is also very popular due to the award-winning Disc Golf with two 18-hold courses!”

 JACOB’S FARM 

“Jacobs Farm is a 40-acre centennial farm cultivated by artisans who share the same unwavering passion for agriculture, wine, food, and service.”

MT. HOLIDAY

“Mt. Holiday offers ziplining, ski and snowboarding, tubing, base camp, and dining!”

Restaurants & Food

Don’t go hungry! Traverse City has a little something delicious for everyone. From breakfast to barbecue to brews, explore the many eateries that line this city.

THE OMELETTE SHOP

“Folksy local breakfast chain serving omelets, quiches, pancakes & sandwiches, plus baked goods.”

NORTH PEAK BREWING COMPANY

SEE ALSO: DRINKS & NIGHTLIFE

“Hearty pub fare & house-brewed beers served in an 1899 building that once housed a candy factory.”

POPPYCOCKS

“This is an old standard in TC that has always served excellent food and drinks in the heart of downtown. Their menu is creative.” 

THE LITTLE FLEET

“The Little Fleet name comes from the establishment’s “little fleet” of food trucks! There is something here for everyone: sushi, burgers, tacos, barbecue, and much more.”

ARTISAN

“Artisan Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern offers a unique and innovative dining experience with magnificent views of Lake Michigan.”

APACHE TROUT GRILL

“Located on the water, with a stunning view of Grand Traverse Bay. Signature dishes include hand-cut choice steaks, fresh seafood, ribs, and more.”

S2S SUGAR TO SALT

“Sugar 2 Salt is a locally focused and seasonally driven breakfast restaurant and catering kitchen located in The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.”

Drinks & Nightlife

Transition into the vibrant Traverse nightlife with amazing breweries and wineries. Choose from an assortment of
drinks and atmospheres, from cool and casual to sophisticated and sultry.

LOW BAR

“Take the elevator down to the basement and find northern Michigan’s most extensive list of rare bourbon, scotch, tequila gin, rum, and vodka.”

THE WORKSHOP BREWING COMPANY

“Great food and music. Beer and wine. Fun spot in the warehouse district.”

MAMMOTH DISTILLING COCKTAIL LOUNGE

“Great spirits and cocktails with a dream staff of great mixologists. The coolest low key and sophisticated bar in TC.”

7 MONKS TAPROOM

“This boisterous and group-friendly location is great for casual dining and get-togethers with old friends.”

BREW

“Enjoy a great cup of coffee or visit in the evening for drinks.”

THE PARLOR
H&L SOCIAL AT HOTEL INDIGO

“Enjoy the beautiful weather and views from the rooftop bar!”

Specialty Attractions & Shopping

Looking for something different to experience? Shop for antiques or satisfy
your inner artist with museums, theaters, paint-your-own-pottery, and more.

CHERRY REPUBLIC

“A must-visit spot for everyone. They have free samplings (including wine) and everything from food to wine made with local cherries.”

ANTIQUITIES WAREHOUSE OF GRAND TRAVERSE

“Discover a warehouse full of unique items for the home including a large collection of doors, tables, stools, lighting, and more.”

THE VILLAGE AT GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS

“Created from the ruins of the Historical Traverse City State Hospital, this beautiful compound hosts a multitude of delicious restaurants, bakeries, local retailers, coffee shops, a brewery, and a winery!”

HANDZ-ON ARTPAINT YOUR OWN POTTERY

“Enjoy time painting while you’re in town and receive the finished pieces right to your doorstep when you get home.”

DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER

“The Dennos Museum Center seeks to engage, enlighten and entertain its audiences through the collection of art, and the presentation of exhibitions and programs in the visual arts, sciences and performing arts.”

WAREHOUSE MART 

“Traverse City’s destination for unique boutiques and local services. The MRKT offers indoor shopping in a refreshing atmosphere!” 

MOOMERS

“Over 150 flavors of premium ice cream with milk processed right on the farm!”

INCREDIBLE MO’S

“Entertainment Center that features 16 bowling lanes, escape rooms, laser tag, casual dining and a full arcade!”

CITY OPERA HOUSE

“One of forty eight opera houses in Michigan that promotes and nurtures City Opera as a hub for connecting people to the arts and each other!”

OLD TOWN PLAYHOUSE

“A volunteer-based organization promoting quality theatre experiences for the people of Northwest Michigan!” 

TRAVERSE CITY COMEDY CLUB 

“Eager to build the community with inspiring MCs at the Traverse City Comedy Club!” 

STATE THEATRE AND BIJOU BY THE BAY

“After nearly 20 years of presenting one of the best film festivals in the country, bringing the top filmmakers in the world here to our wonderful little town by the bay!”

Beaches

CLINCH PARK

“Clinch Park has picnic tables, bike racks, TART Trail access, lifeguards, a snack bar, and restrooms.”

HASEROT BEACH

“It boasts a variety of features, including a sandy beach on a protected bay, restrooms, picnic facilities, a playground, and a boat launch.”

NORTH BAR BEACH

“The shallow, crystal clear waters of North Bar offer a great place to for swimming, skim boarding, sand dam building, and general splashing around as well as kayaking and paddle boarding.”

GOOD HARBOR BAY BEACH

“Good Harbor Beach features wonderful sunset views on Good Harbor Bay. To the west, you can see Pyramid Point and to the north, the Whaleback and North Manitou Island.”

WEST END BEACH

“West End Beach is a popular beach destination with a sandy water’s edge and grass area for relaxing or throwing the frisbee with friends.”

EAST BAY PARK

“East Bay Park is perfect for all ages with a beach, public restrooms, and play structure. The shallow depth at the water’s edge is ideal for little swimmers to splash around and enjoy a day at the beach.”

TRAVERSE CITY STATE PARK

“This popular beach offers 700 feet of sandy beach on East Bay. Beach goers can enjoy the bathhouse, the picnic area, and ample parking.”

BRYAN PARK BEACH

“The large sand area and shallow depth of water make for perfect swimming. The park has a grass area that is shaded by a tree canopy and also has a play structure for those taking a beach break.”

OLD MISSION PENINSULA PARK

“This pretty little park, located smack dab on the 45th parallel at the tip of the Old Mission Peninsula, has several miles of developed trail and about 40 acres of forest and abandoned orchards that can be explored.”

POWER ISLAND

“Power Island includes 15 primitive campsites, a boat dock, picnic areas, trail systems, and sandy beaches.”

MAPLE BAY PARK & NATURAL AREA

“This property is known for its beautiful sunflowers planted on both sides of the highway by local farmers on leased land as well as wonderful hiking trails leading to 2,586 feet of pristine shoreline on East Grand Traverse Bay.”

beaches traverse city

Seasonal Events

Don't miss these once-a-year events!