First Time Visitor's Guide To Traverse City
Why Traverse City Should Be on Your Vacation Bucket List
So, why visit Traverse City? There are many reasons this Midwest town could become the vacation destination you'll never forget, including its stunning location along Grand Traverse Bay. Its clear turquoise waters run deep, carved into granite cliffs that go down as far as 650 feet. Because it is sheltered by two peninsulas (Old Mission and Leelanau), the water stays calm and peaceful, something families with younger children appreciate.
Something for Every Type of Traveler
Even better than Grand Traverse Bay, however, is the realization that Traverse City offers something for every type of traveler. Nature lovers will fall in love with its pristine landscape and plethora of hiking trails, while foodies will gorge on farm-to-table goodness at the best restaurants. A walkable and thriving downtown satisfies urban aficionados, as will our vibrant arts and culture vibe, and history buffs will be thrilled at the thought of visiting historic lighthouses and more.
The Best Time to Visit Traverse City
Every season is the best time to visit Traverse City, but some seasons may appeal to you more, depending on your traveling desires.
Summer for Beaches and Water Activities
Did you know there are over 20 beautiful beaches in the Traverse City area? Or that each of those beaches offers a variety of water activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing? Summer lovers will definitely have a blast in our hometown, with West End Beach offering a great kayaking adventure.
Fall for Colors and Wine Country
Peak wine season hits in the fall, when our trees explode with the fiery colors of autumn leaves, so it only makes sense to combine the two. Mari Vineyards, 8175 Center Road, offers the perfect place to sip and savor fall foliage, providing an experience you will never forget.
Winter and Spring Travel Opportunities
For many, traveling in the winter isn’t their favorite thing to do, but for skiers, this is the ONLY time of year they like to explore. The Mt. Holiday Ski Resort, open from mid-December through mid-March, serves as a reminder that Traverse City offers many layers of fun as a vacation destination. Spring is when the cherry blossoms bloom, perfuming the air with their fragrance and adding a touch of romance to your stay.
Must-Visit Attractions in Traverse City
Explore Downtown Traverse City
The downtown area of Traverse City is a study of contrasts. Offering sophisticated restaurants (Red Ginger, 237 E Front Street) and elegant, high-end boutiques (Cali’s, 241 E Front Street), travelers may feel as if they have stepped into a sophisticated big city.
Relax at Clinch Park Beach
As we mentioned earlier, there are over 20 beaches in town, and the dichotomy of elegant city adventures and laidback beach days is never as evident as when you spend some time relaxing at Clinch Park Beach. Located in the downtown area, sandy shores, a splash pad, and seasonal lifeguards make a day at the beach an ideal activity for a family-friendly Traverse City trip.
Visit the Village at Grand Traverse Commons
We don’t have enough words to explain all the adventures you can have in this lifestyle center, but a quick peek will show you elevated shops, restaurants, and guided tours. In its former life, the Village at Grand Traverse Commons was known as the Traverse City State Hospital, and many of its tours explore history, offering glimpses at unrenovated patient cottages and its 1883 steam tunnels.
Take a Scenic Drive Along the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas
Another fact that you may not know is that this part of Michigan is wine country, offering wineries that make Napa Valley wines pale in comparison. Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas are home to some of the best wineries in the world, including Shady Lane Cellars (Leelanau Peninsula) and Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery (Old Mission Peninsula).
The Old Mission Peninsula is a 17-mile-long stretch of road offering wineries and stunning views, with the Center Road Ridge Pull-Off being the ideal spot to enjoy panoramic views of the West and East arms of Grand Traverse Bay. If your journey to Traverse City brings you to the Leelanau Peninsula, our Traverse City travel guide writers suggest stopping to take pictures at Pyramid Point.
Where to Eat During Your Traverse City Vacation
The best vacations often have the best memories centered around meals. Enjoy time at restaurants serving fresh, local food (Farm Club, 10051 Lake Leelanau Drive) and at waterfront restaurants that make every occasion special (The Boathouse Restaurant, 14039 Peninsula Drive).
Of course, your favorite meals may be the ones you enjoy at home in our Elevated Stays cozy sanctuaries. There are many benefits to having a full kitchen in your vacation rental, including saving money and keeping your family healthy. Our kitchens will offer high-end appliances, including wine refrigerators and Keurigs, and if you pop into the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market (203 South Union Street), you can enjoy meals that are farm-to-table fresh.
Tips for Planning a Stress-Free Traverse City Vacation
When you visit Traverse City, you will want to experience a range of emotions, but you won’t want to feel stressed. Fortunately, we have a few tips that will help you plan a stress-free vacation, starting with choosing Elevated Stays for your accommodations. And because you want what you want, booking those accommodations early is a wise idea, ensuring that the escape you fall in love with is the one you get.
Although it can be tempting to fill every minute of your itinerary with adventures and experiences, we have always found that flexibility with your schedule can be the most fulfilling. Balance activities such as kayaking, shopping, and hiking with moments of relaxation, including visits to local wineries or sunset toasts from the back of your retreat. There will be days when you wake up and decide you want to stay in and explore the luxury amenities of your Michigan sanctuary, and because you planned a flexible itinerary during your first-time visit to Traverse City, you won’t have to sacrifice any other adventures! You built relaxation right into the schedule.
Where to Stay in Traverse City
Now that you understand why you want to plan a Traverse City trip, it is time to discuss accommodations. Choosing the right home base is important, and Elevated Stays is proud to offer the best vacation rentals in town. Our Traverse City vacation home rentals offer space, charm, and all the cozy comforts of home. The price of a vacation rental is surprisingly economical, especially when you realize that our fully equipped kitchens encourage you to eat at least a few meals at home.
We hope this Traverse City travel guide has given you more than a few reasons as to why visitors return to this breathtaking part of Michigan year after year. But knowing that you can have a different experience in every season may be the most compelling reason, and we encourage you to check that out for yourself. Reserve your favorite Elevated Stays serene sanctuary today!
