Whether Traverse City is your destination or you plan to travel through the area on your way to/from the Upper Peninsula, it’s a fantastic vacation destination. Many people come to this part of Michigan to enjoy Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and sip on a few glasses of wine at top Michigan wineries – but there are so many more things to do in Traverse City that are just as fun, adventurous, and beautiful.

Aside from being a mecca for wine enthusiasts, the Traverse City area is a rich haven for outdoor enthusiasts. From the sparkling waters of the Grand Traverse Bay to the miles of hiking and biking trails throughout the surrounding peninsulas, you’ll have no trouble finding adventure. It’s also the cherry capital of the world, and aside from hosting the National Cherry Festival each summer, it is a great place to eat, drink, and pick all the cherries your heart desires.

These things represent a small fraction of the many things to do in Traverse City. We’d love to share our favorite parts of this incredible city – and the surrounding peninsulas – with you this year. Summer is peak travel time to our Traverse City Bed and Breakfast, and now’s your best chance to plan your vacation. Our Inn and winery is located about 15 minutes outside Traverse City on the beautiful Leelanau Peninsula and is the ultimate oasis in this breathtaking part of the state.

We have everything you need to enjoy your time here, too – lodging, onsite trails, an equestrian barn, wine tasting, a delicious restaurant, and exceptional hospitality. Don’t miss your chance to visit us this year. Book your room at our Traverse City Bed and Breakfast today!

Things to do in Traverse City This Summer

Traverse City is home to four seasons of fun and adventure – but it’s hard to argue with a warm summer day spent on or around Grand Traverse Bay’s gorgeous, sparkling waters. This city and its surrounding peninsulas really are a wonderful place to relax and get away. Whether you’re just here for a few days or have a full week in the area, you won’t have trouble finding plenty of exciting things to do in Traverse City.

Part of what makes Traverse City such a great destination for getaways is the diverse array of activities you’ll find here. From shopping, adventuring on land or water, or sampling fantastic food and wine, there’s something for everyone here. Springtime is the perfect time to plan a summer or fall escape to the area. To help you plan, we’ve compiled a list of ten of the best things to do in Traverse City & surrounding areas.

Traverse City is the most popular jumping-off point for visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Though there are plenty of great beaches, hiking trails, biking trails, and more to explore along the lakeshore, one of our favorite ways to admire the scenery of this spectacular area is on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. It’s absolutely magical in the fall.
Biking is one of the most popular things to do in Traverse City, and there are some great trails here to enjoy, including the TART Trails. Our favorite is the Leelanau Trail.
You can’t come to Traverse City in the summer and not get out on the Bay! There’s nothing better than the warm sun on your face and the wind in your hair – and experiencing this beautiful area by water is one of the most popular things to do in Traverse City. We offer a sailing package and more at our Traverse City Bed and Breakfast.
Whether you’re looking for a way to unwind after enjoying a full day of adventure or want to make a few days of it, one of the best things to do in Traverse City is wine tasting. There are plenty of great places to do it, too, including at our winery and tasting room at Black Star Farms. We’re just one of many fantastic Michigan wineries on the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas.
While exploring the area, don’t miss visiting area lighthouses, like the Mission Point Lighthouse or the Grand Traverse Lighthouse.
If you’re looking to do some shopping while you’re here, there’s one place you must visit: The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. This collection of historic buildings has been remodeled and repurposed into modern boutiques that will delight any avid shopper.
The Traverse City area is also home to several fantastic art galleries and one of the leading small art museums in the Midwest, the Dennos Museum.
If you’re looking for a warm, relaxing day, head to one of the local area beaches. This is always one of the most popular things to do in Traverse City, and it’s easy to see why!

Best Traverse City Bed and Breakfast

With so many fantastic things to do in Traverse City and the surrounding areas, you’ll definitely want to plan to stay for a few days. There are a lot of options for lodging, but there’s nothing that compares to our stunning Traverse City Bed and Breakfast. Apart from being a wonderful and relaxing place to unwind, with exceptional hospitality, our Traverse City Bed and Breakfast offers everything you need in a getaway and more.

We’re not in Traverse City, but just outside of it on the Leelanau Peninsula. We’re about a 15-minute drive from downtown, but it’s a drive that’s more than worth your while. Enjoy sweeping, pastoral views and easy access to some of the best things to do in Traverse City.

Here, you’ll find 160 acres of trails, a vineyard, a farm, and more to explore, in addition to fantastic onsite wine-tasting facilities, an excellent restaurant, and comfortable, well-appointed accommodations. In short, our Traverse City Bed and Breakfast has everything you’ll need for a memorable getaway – and then some!

Guests have a choice of clean and contemporary guest rooms. Inside each, you’ll enjoy a range of modern amenities, including a welcoming bottle of house wine upon check-in. In the morning, we’ll treat you to a delicious, chef-made breakfast, and in the evening, we’ll treat you to a hospitality hour with wine and small bites. For dinner, join us at Bistro Polaris, and, of course, enjoy at least one fantastic and complimentary wine tasting while you’re here.

You’ll find that our Traverse City Bed and Breakfast will meet – and even exceed – every expectation you have of staying at a bed and breakfast. We know after one stay here, you’ll want to return time and again to enjoy this special place. Book your room with us today!