Things to do in  Traverse City

Nicknamed the “Cherry Capital of the World,” Traverse City is known for being home to the National Cherry Festival. Every summer, an estimated 500,000 people attend. The northern Michigan city is also known for its proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, local vineyards, and year-round skiing, kayaking, and hiking.

Three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Traverse City if you want to fully experience the area’s nature, history, and cuisine. Offering year-round outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, kayaking, fishing, and biking, the area is a nature enthusiast’s dream. Beach days, wine tours, and sightseeing can quickly fill up any vacation itinerary.

Every spring, Traverse City cherry blossoms herald the end of the harsh northern Michigan winter. Old Mission Peninsula is the best place to see the blossoms, and, if you’re inclined, enjoy a wine tour. Hiking and cycling, especially at nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, is also very popular in the springtime.

Locals often divide their free time between Downtown Traverse City and the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, both of which offer a variety of restaurants, stores, cultural venues, and events. In the summer, you’ll find many Cherry Capital folks at downtown beaches like West End Beach and Bryant Park Beach.

Yes. Traverse City is the perfect home base for enjoying northern Michigan’s plentiful winter activities. Nearby resorts Crystal Mountain and Mt. Holiday are great for skiing and snowboarding. For those who prefer to keep their outdoor activities on a level surface, there’s also cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.

Yes. You’re never far from a beach in Traverse City. There are six within walking distance of the historic downtown, including West End Beach, Volleyball Beach, and Bryant Park Beach. A quick drive to Leelanau Peninsula yields several more beaches, including Suttons Bay Beach and Van’s Beach.