I instantly fell in love with Northern Michigan and Traverse City. Nestled in the shoes of the Grand Traverse Bay and known as the Cherry Capital of the World and is also dubbed as the “third coast” this charming city offers a blend of just about everything you would want to eat, see and do. From stunning waterfronts to crystal clear waters that make you think you are in the Bahamas, you are in for a treat in Traverse City. In this blog post I am spoiling you with the best things to do in Traverse City in spring and summer.
Best Things to Do in Traverse City, MI
Flower Fields
Whether you are a peony lover, sunflower lover, lavender lover, hydrangea lover (me!) you are going to love the many flower fields that Traverse City has to offer. The lavender fields at Brys Estate’s Secret Garden are 12 breathtaking acres of lavender, flowers, herbs, and more. I felt like I was Alice in Wonderland while walking through the garden of flowers. It is worth a visit, and it’s free to visit.
Here are some other flower fields to check out:
- Brys Estate Secret Garden
- Harbor View Lavender Farm
- Old Mission Flowers
- Lightwell Lavender
- Moondance Flower Farms
Pro-Tip: Bring your girlfriend or wife and she will love you even more. Thank me later. Also, flower seasons vary, so always check with the farm’s website or call ahead to confirm what’s in bloom and when the best time to visit is.
Related Reads: Super Exciting Road Trip from Chicago to Traverse City
Moomers Ice Cream
Have you ever been to an ice cream shop with over 150 different flavors of ice cream? Yeah me neither. When you are in Traverse City, it does not matter if it is cold outside, you have to try Moomers Ice Cream. The ice cream is so creamy and delicious, you will fall in love with the first bite.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park is an exceptionally breathtaking park and a must visit. With a combination of towering sand dunes and pristine beaches you will see the most amazing views of Lake Michigan.
At the park, you can hike, relax on the beach, go sand boarding down the dunes. I have heard great things about the Empire Bluff Trail which is an easy 1.5 mile hike with impressive views of the dunes and Lake Michigan.
Don’t miss the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, which is a 7.4 mile loop with 12 stops that are quite unmissable. You can pretty much enjoy the views from the leisure of your vehicle window at a leisurely pace.
The Dune Climb has become pretty popular over the past couple of years, but be warned it is quite dangerous. While it takes 60 seconds to go down, it can take 60 minutes to go back up..or more.
Related Reads: Super Exciting Road Trip from Chicago to Traverse City
Old Mission Lighthouse
If you love lighthouses like I do, visit Old Mission Lighthouse located at the tip of the peninsula and has excellent views of Lake Michigan. Here is a fun fact for you about the Old Mission Lighthouse. The lighthouse is located exactly halfway between the equator and the north pole. If that does not excite you, I am not sure what will ;).
If seeing Old Mission Lighthouse was not enough, check out Grand Traverse Lighthouse.
Shop at The Village
For my shopaholics or my window shoppers reading this, make a stop at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. What was once a mental hospital, is now a sprawling shopping center where you can dine, shop or even take a guided history tour. It is pretty cool, and it was super fun to just walk around and explore the commons. They’ve got everything from alpaca shops to bookstores to handcrafted jewelry. I don’t think you will leave empty handed…
Related Reads: Super Exciting Road Trip from Chicago to Traverse City
Great Lakes Chocolate
Do you LOVE chocolate? If yes, do not pass go, proceed immediately to Great Lakes Chocolate and you will find your bliss. This chocolate shop has got just about everything your chocolate fantasies are made of.
They have so many different varieties and you will probably find yourself spending a couple hours there to browse and eat. We got boxed classic truffle chocolates that are as delicious as they are pretty. We tried dark chocolate coconut, Mundo espresso, and dark chocolate cherry Caramel latte with oat milk was amazing. Go for yourself and taste and then report back to me.
Cherry Picking and Cherry Pies
Traverse City is world-famous for its cherries, and is known as the Cherry Capital of the World so you absolutely have to go cherry picking while you’re there! In the summer, the local orchards let people come into their fields and pick their own ripe, delicious cherries right off the trees.
So if you happen to be in Traverse City during cherry season, go cherry picking at Rennies Orchards. They have got so many varieties of cherry that are so sweet and fresh. We had a great u-pick experience at the orchard.
If you have not got enough cherries in your system, indulge in cherry pie at Grand Traverse Pie Company and eat the best cherry pie you will ever have.
Kayak on Lake Michigan
Of all of the ways to experience the natural beauty of the Traverse City area, the best just might be from the water! If you are an adrenaline junkie you can try stand up paddle boarding, or if you want something more relaxed try kayaking or tubing down a calm river. With numerous rental shops offering kayaks, canoes, and SUPs, plus options for lessons and guided tours, getting out on the water should be easy.
Bike TART Signature Trail
I love being able to bike, when I explore new cities. You can see so much in so little time and it is so much fun.
One option is to rent an e-bike from Grand Traverse Bike Tours in Suttons Bay. You can bike miles of paved trails overlooking the vineyards. You can book a tour and they will deliver a picnic lunch while you relax looking over vineyards. It’s amazing. And if it’s raining or you get tired, they will come pick you up. It’s one of our favorite things to do!
Another option is the TART Bike Trail, a 10.5 mile paved pathway that stretches east-west across the city.
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, is another paved pathway between Glen Arbor and Empire. Both of these bike trails have multiple opportunities to stop along the way.
There are many bike rental shops in the area here
Sunset Cruise on Grand Traverse Bay
A super fun excursion while in Traverse City is to take a sunset cruise or a boat tour. There are so many companies offering boat rides across the lake and it is such a cool experience.
The Wind Dancer Experience is a popular all inclusive boat tour where you get to sail on a 60-foot schooner in Grand Traverse Bay.
Sunset sails are so much fun and so romantic, so depending on who you are with in Traverse City, a sunset sail may be the perfect evening activity. The Wind Dancer Sunset is an all inclusive 2.5 hour boat tour offering dinner, snacks and beverages.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly way to see the sights, Discovery Cruises offers a two-hour sightseeing tour at half the cost of other tours. While food and drinks aren’t included, you’ll still enjoy stunning views of the charming beach towns and peninsulas from a comfortable double-decker boat.
Beaches
One of Traverse City’s main draws is its many beaches with their pristine, turquoise water.
Here are some beautiful beaches in Traverse City:
- East Bay Park- great for young families
- Walk of Art Sculpture Park- great for a mini interesting hike to a beach
- Clinch Park- great for being in town near shops and restaurants
- Bryant Park- great for picnics
- Haserot Beach- great for peace and quiet
- West End Beach- great for social groups
- Good Harbor Beach- great for catching a sunset
- Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park- great for picnics and sunsets
Indulge in Local Cuisine
There are plenty of great spots to eat from in Traverse City.
For breakfast:
- Rounds – classic mom and pop shop with country style breakfasts
- Randys Diner– local favorite
- Sparkys– for a good ole hashbrown and eggs
- Bubbas-perfect for breakfast and lunch , cannot get enough of this place
For Lunch:
- Little Fleet- variety of Food Trucks
- Bubbas– again… perfect for breakfast and lunch , cannot get enough of this place
- The Cove Restaurant– lakeside dining experience with views of the Grand Traverse Bay
For Dinner:
- Firefly – casual and sushi for the win
- Slate Steakhouse– pricey italian food and steak
- Pepe Nero– for southern italian cuisine and a happy stomach
For Dessert
- Moomers– MOOOOOOMERS, only the best ice cream in the state. Super yummy
- Great Lakes Chocolate– Their entremets are one of the city’s gems. Get an assortment of truffles. They are incredible
Coffee Shops
If you need a coffee fix, Mundos Coffee will be your fix. I cannot recommend them enough. Try going to local coffee shops and not big chain coffee shops. It 1000x times better.
