Looking for the kind of summer trip that mixes lake life, small-town charm, great food, and nonstop things to do? Traverse City might be exactly what you’re after. This northern Michigan gem checks all the right boxes: beaches, wineries, fresh air, and a pace that somehow manages to be both laid-back and full of energy. Whether you’re traveling with family, your partner, or just getting away for a change of scenery, summer in Traverse City makes it easy to enjoy your time without overthinking it. Here’s what you can expect when you visit and how to make the most of every sunny day.
Summer in Traverse City has a rhythm all its own. Days start early with coffee on the porch or a walk by the bay. Afternoons are for the water, the trails, or a wine tasting. And evenings tend to end with dinner on a patio or a fire pit with a view. It’s not about doing everything. It’s about enjoying what you do.
The energy picks up in the summer months, especially around July and August, when festivals, farmers markets, and lake life all hit their peak. But even with more people in town, it never loses that friendly, easygoing feel. Locals and visitors mix without fuss, and every day feels like a mini celebration of summer.
If the water is what draws you here, you’re in good company. Traverse City sits right on Grand Traverse Bay, and there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy it.
You can spend the day on Clinch Park Beach, lounging on the sand or renting a paddleboard. Or head out on the water with a kayak, jet ski, or boat rental. There are also public access points all around the bay for quieter beach days and sunset swims. If you want a different view, make the drive to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and hike down to Lake Michigan. The water there is just as clear, and the setting feels wild and untouched.
From scenic cruises to beach picnics and everything in between, the water is a big part of summer here. And the best part is, you don’t need a plan. Just head to the lake and go from there.
One of the best ways to get a feel for Traverse City is to taste your way through it. The area is packed with wineries and tasting rooms, especially on Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau Peninsula. You can tour a few in one afternoon, trying local reds, whites, and rosés while taking in the vineyard views.
If wine’s not your thing, there are also a ton of local breweries offering craft beer and laid-back atmospheres. Many of them have outdoor patios, food trucks, and live music in the evenings.
The food scene is strong too. From casual fish shacks and taco spots to upscale farm-to-table restaurants, there’s no shortage of places to eat well. Downtown Traverse City in particular has something for every taste and budget, and it’s all within walking distance.
Not every day has to be packed with Traverse City MI things to do in Summer. Some of the best summer days in Traverse City are the ones that just happen. You might start with a walk on the TART Trail or a morning market, then end up stumbling into a live music event downtown or a street fair you didn’t even know was happening.
You can take a drive up the peninsulas, stop at roadside stands, walk through art galleries, or just post up with a book and a view. For families, there are mini golf courses, nature centers, and public parks all over town. For couples or solo travelers, there are plenty of quiet spots for hiking, swimming, or just doing nothing at all.
There are plenty of places to stay in Traverse City, but vacation rentals give you the most flexibility, comfort, and privacy. At Elevated Homes & Hospitality, we offer a wide variety of short term rentals, whether you want to be right in downtown or tucked along the lakeshore. We make it easy to find something that works for your trip, whether you’re here for the weekend, a week, or longer.
Looking for a condo close to shops and restaurants? We have that. Want a lakefront home with a view and a fire pit? We’ve got that too. Many of our rentals also come with extra features like pet-friendly spaces, hot tubs, game rooms, fireplaces, and even pools.
Traverse City in the summer is the kind of trip that feels good from the minute you arrive. Whether you’re here for the beaches, the food, the wine, or the simple pleasure of sitting still with a view, you’ll find something that sticks with you. Contact us at Elevated Homes & Hospitality to book your Traverse City vacation rental today!
