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 Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas known for their picturesque views and popular award-winning wineries.

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 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 water craft 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 
PIRATE’S COVE
PIT SPITTERS BASE BALL
HICKORY HILLS RECREATION
AREA JACOB’S FARM
MT. HOLIDAY

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.”

BRASSERIE AMIE

“Casual French brasserie serving hearty fare like sausage & lentils, eggs benedict & crêpes.”

Drinks & Nightlife

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

Specialty Attractions & Shopping

Looking for something different to experience? Shop for antiques or satisfy
your inner artist with museums, theaters, pottery classes, 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 over 8,000 square feet 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 ART – PAINT 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
MOOMERS
INCREDIBLE MO’s
CITY OPERA HOUSE
OLD TOWN PLAYHOUSE
TRAVERSE CITY COMEDY CLUB
STATE THEATRE AND BIJOU BY THE BAY

 

Seasonal Events

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