The Best Scenic Drives Around Traverse City

Traverse City is just a small part of what makes this part of the world special, and when you take these best scenic drives in Northern Michigan, you will fall in love. Exploring areas beyond downtown Traverse City and discovering Northern Michigan at your own pace will give you a vacation experience that just can’t be topped.

The Old Mission Peninsula is where we think you should start your Traverse City road trip, offering an iconic route that is a must for first-time visitors. The incredible water views along this 16- to 19-mile stretch of road will make the journey serene. To further the peaceful vibe, stopping at any of the 11 wineries is a must. Chateau Grand Traverse offers a great stopping point, with casual tastings, exclusive Barrel Room experiences, and amazing views of the grapes.

• Address: 12239 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686

• Hours: 11 AM to 5 PM Sunday-Thursday

• 11 AM to 6 PM Friday-Saturday

• Phone: (231) 938-6120

• Visit the Tasting Room

Historic Landmarks and Local Attractions

The Mission Point Lighthouse is another logical stop on your road trip along the Old Mission Peninsula, adding a touch of charm and history to your adventures. Built in 1870 and recently restored, the lighthouse is open for viewing from May through October, and on weekends in November.

• Address: 20500 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686

• Visitor Info

Known as the “little finger” of Michigan’s mitten, the Leelanau Peninsula offers more waterfront views, vineyards, and shops to explore. Leland is perhaps one of the more charming small towns to consider visiting, offering a fun break midway through your scenic drive around Traverse City. Ranked as one of the top 20 towns in the US for its beauty and charm by Travel & Leisure, its historic Fishtown is a collection of fishing shanties that photograph beautifully.

Scenic Waterfront Views Along the Way

Most of your drive on the peninsula will be filled with waterfront views, but if you want sweeping panoramic views and old town charm, we suggest a visit to the Grand Traverse Lighthouse. Built in 1858, the lighthouse is located on the northern tip of the peninsula, offering rocky shoreline views and the chance to climb to the top in the summer and fall months.

• Address: 15500 Lighthouse Point Rd, Northport, MI 49670

• Learn More

Vineyards, Orchards, and Local Shops

There are 25 wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula, many of which offer their own shops and vineyards, including Chateau Fontaine, a family-owned winery. Their tasting room has been open since 2000, and their chardonnay grapes are what make them most successful. An online wine shop will let you buy your favorite from anywhere in the country.

• Address: 2290 S French Rd, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653

• Hours: 12 PM to 6 PM Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday

• 12 PM to 7 PM Wednesday, Sunday

• Phone: (231) 256-0000

• Plan Your Visit

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is known as one of Michigan’s most famous scenic areas, offering sandy beaches, towering bluffs, and the Empire Bluff Trail that will lead you to panoramic views.

This protected area is where you will take some of your best photos on your scenic drive around Traverse City. Using a wide-angle lens and shooting at golden hour (about an hour after sunrise or before sunset) will give your photos an edge that will make you print, frame, and hang them. The Lake Michigan Overlook is one of the best spots for pictures, featuring panoramic views of the shoreline, Empire Bluffs, and Platte Bay.

A Traverse City road trip offers a different kind of shine during fall color season, and the landscape's vibrant beauty makes it a popular vacation destination.

Peak Fall Foliage Routes Near Traverse City

If you have ever visited the two peninsulas, you can already imagine that both provide a colorful drive that will take your breath away. The M-22 highway wraps along the Leelanau Peninsula on both coasts and through some of the most idyllic small towns in the area, offering plenty of opportunities to stop, pull over, and snap photos.

Scenic Stops Along Forested Roads

If you really want to immerse yourself in the fall foliage experience, we highly recommend driving through the “Tunnel of Trees” found in Harbor Springs. This 20-mile winding road takes travelers along the bluffs that overlook Lake Michigan, offering a canopy of leaves in every fall color imaginable.

Where to Find the Best Photo Opportunities

All the places listed here offer great photo ops, but we also suggest stopping by the Bonobo Winery on Old Mission Peninsula to take pictures from the wooden seat of its unique swing overlooking the vineyard. Your best pictures may be the ones taken of your loved ones on the swing, creating a memory you can hold in your heart forever.

• Address: 12011 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686

• Hours: 1 PM to 8 PM Monday-Thursday

• 12 PM to 9 PM Friday-Saturday

• 12 PM to 6 PM Sunday

• Phone: (231) 282-9463

• Reserve a Tasting

The beauty of a Traverse City vacation lies in discovering that any road trip can offer the best scenic drive in Northern Michigan, including a coastal drive along Lake Michigan with stops in charming lakeside communities such as Petoskey. Known for its views of the lake, Victorian architecture, and its historic gaslight district, we suggest adding this town as a stop on your itinerary. Searching for Petoskey Stones is a popular free activity, but be sure to leave what you find for others to discover as well!

Beach Stops Worth Adding to Your Route

Good Harbor Beach is one of the most popular beach stops in the area, offering uncrowded beaches and sweeping views of North Manitou Island and the Fox Islands on a clear day.

• Location: Good Harbor Bay Trail, Maple City, MI 49630

Life on the road can be exciting, especially when your scenic drives around Traverse City bring you home to Elevated Stays. Reserve your favorite Traverse City vacation rental today and rediscover the joys of travel!