Weekend Getaways to Traverse City: The Perfect 2-3 Day Itinerary
Why Traverse City Is Ideal for a Short Getaway
There are many reasons our midwestern town is beloved by travelers, including its easy access from major Midwest cities. The Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) isn’t a major hub, but many major airlines offer direct flights to Traverse City at reasonable prices.
Once you get here, there are many things to do, ranging from visits to wineries (Bowers Harbor Vineyards is dog-friendly) to beach days at local parks (Clinch Park Beach is a local favorite) and everything in between. If you choose to stay in downtown Traverse City, you will find a variety of activities located in a compact area.
Planning Your 2-3 Day Weekend Getaway to Traverse City
Once you’ve picked your travel dates and booked your rental property, it’s time to plan what you’ll be doing over your weekend getaway to Traverse City. We’ve put together a sample itinerary below to help show what’s available to you.
Day 1: Arrival, Downtown Exploration, and Waterfront Views
At long last, the day you’ve been waiting for so long has arrived. You’ve reached Traverse City, and it is time to check into your vacation rental; check-in is 4 PM. The first night is usually a free night, when you will unpack, relax, and maybe enjoy a nice dinner out.
We recommend a stop at Bushell’s Kitchen & Cocktails. Offering elevated comfort food, their deviled eggs, shrimp & grits, and carrot cake will make your mouth water.
Address: 127 S Union St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Hours: 3 PM to 8 PM Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday
3 PM to 9 PM Friday-Saturday
This may also be the perfect time to explore Front Street, the center of everything in Traverse City. If you don’t visit Cherry Republic, a shop that celebrates that delicious fruit, we can promise you will regret it forever.
Address: 154 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Hours: 9 AM to 9 PM
Phone: (231) 932-9205
The waning moments of the day, however, may be the ones that impact you most, offering the most breathtaking sunset that you have ever seen. The aptly named Sunset Park, located on Front Street and offering bay views, is where we suggest you head to on your first evening in town.
Address: 635 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686
Amenities: Parking, picnic tables, playground
Day 2: Beaches, Wineries, and an Elegant Dinner
You don’t have to wake early to see the sunrise unless you want to, but if you do, another aptly named park, Sunrise Peace Park on Union Street, is where you should go. Its compact beach is peaceful, shaded by trees, and is reached by “hiking” down a steep set of stairs.
Address: 741 Birchwood Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686
Amenities: Parking
This morning can be as busy or as relaxing as you like, spending it at the beach or hiking along the trail at the Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area. Traverse City Wine & Beer Tours offers a great way to while away some afternoon hours, and because not everyone is a wine drinker, most travelers appreciate a good beer.
Address: 3402 N Four Mile Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686
Phone: (231) 499-2656
When evening falls, this first evening after a full day in town might be the perfect time to enjoy a fine meal at the Boathouse Restaurant. A special occasion escape serving up surf and turf with stunning views, the restaurant isn’t cheap, but the peaceful vibe and great food will make it worth every penny!
Address: 14039 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686
Hours: 4 PM to 9 PM
Day 3: Brunch and Local Attractions Before Departure
The weekend certainly went by fast, wouldn’t you say? Suddenly, it is day 3, and your early hours will be spent packing and checking out. Check out time is 10 AM, which is also the perfect time for brunch.
Sisters is one of the newer restaurants in Traverse City, offering breakfast, brunch, and lunch from its spot on Front Street. Serving their omelets, waffles, and biscuits and gravy on plates that look like they came from your grandma’s kitchen, they also make a mean Bloody Mary.
Address: 542 W Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Hours: 8 AM to 2 PM
These last few hours in Traverse City deserve to be savored, and you may want to engage in a little shopping action on Front Street. Nifty Things is full of cool stuff that will make beautiful souvenirs, and Critter’s Clothing and Souvenirs also offers wonderful souvenirs.
Bonus Adventure in Traverse City
As you dine, shop, and hang out at the beach, you may think that life is absolutely perfect, but there is one more adventure in Traverse City that you may not have considered. Our hometown is known as the Cherry Capital of the World, as this region provides up to 75% of the world’s tart cherries.
Go ahead and contemplate that thought for a minute, and then head over to take a peep at the World’s Largest Cherry Pie Pan! Crossing this roadside attraction off your bucket list can be a delicious activity, as it also has the world’s largest cherry pie recipe listed; you just will have to pare it down for family use!
Address: 3424 Cass Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684
Tips for Booking a Weekend Getaway Rental
Every property we offer is sure to be loved, but everyone has their favorite. If you want to ensure you get the one you love most, be sure to book early—especially during our summer peak season, when everyone wants to be in Traverse City. It is recommended that you book at least 6 months in advance, but if you are planning to be here for the National Cherry Festival, 9 months or more is best.
Saving money is important to travelers, and our life hack for saving on vacation rentals is to book directly whenever possible. Elevated Stays offers deals that you won’t find on other online platforms, and yes, we often charge less for the same properties you might find elsewhere. Finally, midweek dates are always cheaper, so if your 2- to 3-day getaway doesn’t have to be a weekend, consider booking midweek.
Book Your Traverse City Weekend Stay
Now that you have learned all the ways a Traverse City weekend getaway is going to be an exciting and comfortable one, it is time to make your choice. Booking directly through Elevated Stays will ensure that you save money on your dream vacation rental. So go ahead and browse all available rentals, comparing properties and locations on our website. Now is the perfect time to secure your perfect getaway!
