Downtown Traverse City captures the essence of northern Michigan charm along Grand Traverse Bay. Historic 19th-century buildings house unique shops and eateries along bustling Front Street. The waterfront beckons with sandy beaches and a marina perfect for summer adventures. Cultural gems like the State Theatre and City Opera House anchor the vibrant arts scene. Clinch Park offers beachfront relaxation just steps from downtown's energy. Local breweries and farm-to-table restaurants showcase regional flavours and cherry-inspired cuisine. During summer, the area comes alive with festivals celebrating everything from cherries to independent films.
Grand Traverse Commons showcases Victorian-Italianate buildings from a former psychiatric hospital, now transformed into a creative hub. Art galleries, studios, and boutiques fill the historic red brick structures with new life. The Village houses local shops, restaurants, and a year-round farmers market. Tree-lined pathways connect buildings across manicured grounds, offering peaceful spaces for visitors. Left Foot Charley winery and artisan studios provide authentic northern Michigan flavours. The campus-like atmosphere makes for easy exploration of this unique historic district.
While Old Towne might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Traverse Area District Library and Clinch Park Beach.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Traverse City
Traverse City Beach
10.0/10 (1 review)
Nothing says vacation like spending a carefree day at Traverse City Beach, a popular beach in Traverse City. Discover the area's lively festivals, or seek out its local tours.
Photo by Fauncefus
Open Photo by Fauncefus
Front Street
9.2/10 (3,678 reviews)
During your visit to Traverse City, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Front Street. Stroll along this family-friendly area's beaches, or simply enjoy its restaurants.
Traverse City State Park
8.8/10 (1,220 reviews)
You can take time to visit Traverse City State Park during your travels to Traverse City. Wander the beautiful beaches in this family-friendly area.
Photo by Andrea De La Torre
Open Photo by Andrea De La Torre
Clinch Park Beach
8.8/10 (971 reviews)
If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Clinch Park Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Traverse City. Discover the area's lively festivals, or seek out its local tours.
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
8.4/10 (61 reviews)
Enjoy a fun-filled day at Great Wolf Lodge Water Park during your visit to Traverse City. Discover the area's shops, or seek out its local tours.
Village at Grand Traverse Commons
8.8/10 (660 reviews)
You can enjoy retail therapy at Village at Grand Traverse Commons during your stay in Traverse City. Wander the beautiful beaches and lakeside in the area.
Turtle Creek Stadium
8.0/10 (188 reviews)
Catch an event at Turtle Creek Stadium during your trip to Traverse City. Wander the beautiful beaches and lakeside in this family-friendly area.
Grand Traverse Mall
8.2/10 (477 reviews)
You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Grand Traverse Mall during your trip to Traverse City. Stroll along the area's lakeside or experience its lively festivals.
"Clean rooms. Soft beds. Big bath tub/shower. Hot tub and pool on site indoors. Breakfast was standard toast muffins cereal type. Close to amenities. 10/10 would stay again."
"This hotel has some of its rooms (those in the middle) with an interior wall to avoid being outside. Each end of the hotel has rooms directly outside and the traffic is very noisy. If choosing this hotel, choose an interior room. The upper floor rooms have balconies and we experienced a downpour so water puddled on the balcony so we could not use it. What we didn't realize was that the rain came down, the sliding glass doors allowed rain on
the carpet, and soaked my backpack. Before we could...
"We ended up staying here as a hail mary to salvage our long weekend in the area when our VRBO turned out to be a health hazard. Since we were traveling with a dog, our options were very limited in TC during a busy summer weekend. I have deep gratitude in my heart for the staff at this hotel for welcoming us in in the middle of the night while one of us (me) was coming down with the stomach flu, another was coming down from an allergic reaction to something at the disgusting VRBO, the dog needed...
"They have a water issue that has been neglected for sure. The entire night we slept it smelled like damp. I don't know if it's underneath the carpet or not, but with how much moisture was in the air they may be dealing with some sort of mold issues? All's I know is that I was starting to feel sick the next morning waking up. The smell was herrendous. I woke my husband up and asked him to get us out of there and he jumped up and did. When we arrived the room was not ready and it took another half...
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
How much does a Traverse City vacation package cost?
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Traverse City getaway. However, factors like the season, choice of hotel and length of stay will influence how much your vacation to Traverse City costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Traverse City?
December, January and February are the best times to search for cheap Traverse City vacation packages. Choosing to travel in less busy months means you can usually find reduced prices on flights and hotels.
How many days is enough for Traverse City?
To get the most out of a Traverse City vacation, we recommend staying for 2 days. Divide your time between discovering Clinch Park Beach, Great Wolf Lodge Water Park and other top attractions, on top of exploring neighbourhoods like Indian Woods and Slabtown. If you've got some time to spare, add a tour or day trip to your Traverse City vacation itinerary.
Is it worth booking a vacation package to Traverse City?
Traverse City has all the ingredients you need for an amazing trip — adventure sports, fishing and distilleries and craft breweries are just the start. Whether you'd like to check out attractions such as Front Street and Clinch Park Beach, or take the road less travelled, there's plenty to explore on your Traverse City vacation.
How to find the best Traverse City package deals?
Finding a cheap Traverse City package deal is a breeze with Expedia. Once you've entered your destination and trip dates under our "Packages" tab, set your budget range, apply some filters and see what's available. You can fine-tune your search by "Amenities," "Property type," "Guest rating" and more. Order the results by "Price: low to high" to view the most economical Traverse City package deals. Want a simple trick to get even more savings? Be flexible with your departure dates and consider going away on a weekday, when prices are often lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Traverse City vacation as a package?
Expedia vacation packages are designed to make your money go further. Bundle your hotel, flight and car rental into one great-value price and you could save hundreds of dollars. You'll generally land a better deal than booking each component separately. And you'll still have the flexibility to create a personalized Traverse City vacation by choosing your preferred airline, accommodation type and car class.
When to book a vacation package to Traverse City?
Enjoy incredible bargains by reserving your flights in advance with Expedia. If being spontaneous is more your thing, snap up one of our last-minute deals for an impromptu Traverse City trip.
How to plan a trip to Traverse City?
Choose your travel dates: What you plan to do in Traverse City and your favourite season can help you decide when to travel.
Set a budget: Consider expenses like transportation, flights and meals when calculating how much to save for your trip to Traverse City. Then, pick a property that works with your budget, whether that's an economical option or a lavish retreat.
Decide your trip length: Consider how long you'd like to spend discovering Traverse City. Plan your itinerary so you can get to all the activities and attractions you're interested in at a comfortable pace.
Bundle your accommodations and airfare: Once you've nailed down your trip dates and duration, book the perfect Traverse City vacation package for you.
Traverse City is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and couples alike, offering a blend of scenic beauty and adventure. Popular activities include exploring recreational areas, hitting the slopes at ski resorts, and embarking on exciting day trips. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy top sights, embark on day cruises, and indulge in delightful wine tours, showcasing the region's charm and bounty.
Shopping
Traverse City offers unique shopping at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, featuring local boutiques and artisanal goods. If you're up for a drive, visit the Grand Traverse Mall for a wider selection of stores, including popular brands and family-friendly entertainment options.
Recreation
Experience the excitement at Turtle Creek Stadium, where you can catch thrilling sports events. For a unique adventure, skate at Centre Ice Arena, perfect for both fun and fitness. Enjoy family fun at Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, featuring whimsical courses that guarantee a delightful day.
Adventure
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park offers thrilling water slides and wave pools, perfect for family fun and adventure. For winter sports enthusiasts, Mt. Holiday Ski Area provides excellent skiing opportunities and sports vibes. Crystal Mountain, located 40.2km from Traverse City, features skiing and stunning outdoor experiences amidst breathtaking scenery.
Nightlife
Traverse City’s nightlife is vibrant and welcoming. Start at the bustling Little Fleet for craft cocktails and food trucks. For live music, check out The Ground Floor. If you prefer a laid-back vibe, enjoy drinks at the popular Right Brain Brewery, where local brews shine.
Find the best attractions in and around Traverse City
Traverse City, Michigan, is an idyllic destination for outdoor enthusiasts and couples seeking a romantic getaway. Renowned for its picturesque lakes and beautiful beaches, the area offers a variety of attractions such as Traverse City Beach and Traverse City State Park. Visitors can immerse themselves in the stunning scenery while enjoying the local tourism scene, making it an ideal spot for a memorable vacation experience.
Clinch Park Beach: Enjoy the sun and sand at Clinch Park Beach, located only 483m from downtown Traverse City. This beach offers a relaxing atmosphere perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports, making it a great spot to unwind and soak up the local vibes.
Clinch Park: Clinch Park is a family-friendly urban park located in the heart of Traverse City. With its lush green spaces, playgrounds, and picnic areas, it’s perfect for outdoor activities, making it an ideal place for families to gather and enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Haserot Beach: Situated within Traverse City, Haserot Beach presents another beautiful lakeside retreat. Known for its scenic views and peaceful ambiance, it’s a lovely spot for swimming or simply relaxing by the water's edge.
Best time to go to Traverse City
The best time to visit Traverse City is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is very cloudy with no rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Traverse City
Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically March and December to January) for more affordable package holidays to Traverse City.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.