Traverse City, Michigan, is one of the best places to visit in the summer. This breathtaking destination in Northern Michigan’s Lower Peninsula blew me away with its natural beauty! If you’re wondering what to do in Traverse City, you won’t be disappointed by its breathtaking lakes that make for great water activities, renowned wineries, incredible dining options, quaint farm stands, and perfect shopping opportunities.

Overall, Traverse City is a four-season destination, offering something for everyone! Located on Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, this charming bayside city is renowned for being the “Cherry Capital of the World.” In fact, the surrounding region produces many of the USA’s cherries.

What I love about Traverse City, Michigan, is that its airport, TVC Airport, offers nonstop flights to and from major U.S. cities, including New York City, Boston, Charlotte, Atlanta, Phoenix, Houston, and many more.

Even though it’s a small city population-wise, Traverse City is growing amongst those looking for the perfect vacation. Because it includes everything from adventure to relaxation, 7 million people visit Traverse City annually!

I visited the Cherry Capital in August 2026. Discover what to do in Traverse City during a 3-day summer vacation.

 **Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like. This blog post is in partnership with Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, Traverse City Tourism, and Traverse City Airport.

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Traveling to Traverse City, Michigan:

As I mentioned above, Traverse City offers nonstop flights from many major airport hubs throughout the United States. Traverse City (TVC) Airport, also known as Cherry Capital Airport, serves United, Delta, American, JetBlue, Allegiant, Sun Country, and Avelo Airlines. You can find affordable flights through Skyscanner.

TVC Airport is stunning and super easy and efficient to fly in and out of. It was such an enjoyable experience with zero stress, unlike that of many other major airports.

What is particularly exciting is that TVC Airport is planning a multi-year expansion and renovation project designed to accommodate growing passenger traffic while modernizing and enhancing the terminal facilities.

If you’re wondering what to do to get to and from the airport to your accommodation in Traverse City, there are a plethora of options you can choose from. During my 3-day summer itinerary, I stayed at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, which had its own shuttle that transported guests to and from the airport.

Since I visited Traverse City on a group trip with Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, they organized transportation for all 3 days. However, when you plan to visit on your own or with friends and family, I recommend renting a car. It’s the best way to get around the entire destination and visit more secluded areas.

Other ways to get to and from the airport include rideshare and taxi services, as well as the public bus, called BATA. The BATA bus’s Route 14 operates from TVC Airport to the Hall Street Transfer Station downtown, four times a day for only $3 USD. It also offers a “Link on Demand” service that you can book through the TransLoc app.

Click here if you are planning a road trip around the United States and want to rent an RV.

Where to Stay in Traverse City during the Summer:

Undoubtedly, the best place to stay in Traverse City, Michigan during a 3-day summer getaway is Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Owned and operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, it offers the ultimate Northern Michigan resort experience.

Although Grand Traverse Resort is renowned as a family-focused destination, it offers something for everyone to enjoy. Located on the resort grounds are three championship golf courses, including The Bear, which was designed by Jack Nicklaus, along with indoor and outdoor pools, a relaxing spa, private Beach Club, fitness center, tennis courts, miles of walking trails, meeting spaces, event venues, and five restaurants, including a marketplace and shops.

When you stay at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, there are a few options you can book.

The Tower offers aerial views of Traverse City, the bay, the golf course, and the surrounding area. The Hotel features newly renovated rooms. Condos are great for those who want convenient access to the golf course. Suites and Homes are perfect for larger groups.

During my time at this beautiful property, I stayed in The Tower. It boasts 15 stories of cozy rooms with aerial views. The rooms also include cloud-like beds, a spacious en-suite bathroom, high-speed Internet, a flat-screen television, a coffee maker, a fridge, and comfy robes.

Weather in Northern Michigan during Summer:

Since Traverse City is on the western edge of the Eastern Time Zone, it gets more daylight in the summer than most other states in the Eastern USA. In June and July, the sun sets in Traverse City between 9:15 and 9:30 pm.

Summer in Northern Michigan offers warm, pleasant days with plenty of sunny and partly cloudy weather, making it perfect for beach days, boat trips, and golf outings. Situated on the 45^th parallel, halfway between the equator and the North Pole, Traverse City has cooler evenings. Be sure to bring a light jacket, especially if you plan to be on the water or dine outdoors.

Below are the average temperatures in Traverse City during the summer:

June: Average highs in the mid-70s°F and lows in the mid-50s°F, with around seven days of precipitation.

July: Average highs in the lower 80s° and lows in the lower 60s°F, with around six days of precipitation.

August: Average highs in the upper 70s°F and lows in the upper 50s°F, with around seven days of precipitation.

September: Average highs in the lower 70s°F and lows in the lower 50s°F, with around eight days of precipitation.

What to do in Traverse City, Michigan: 3-Day Summer Getaway

From its farm-to-table dining scene to award-winning wineries, water activities, and charming downtown fun, Traverse City, Michigan offers many memorable things to do.

Discover what to do in Traverse City during the summer with this 3-day itinerary.

Day 1: Arrive at TVC Airport

After landing at TVC Airport later in the morning, take the Grand Traverse Resort shuttle to the hotel. When you arrive, check into your hotel room and settle in.

Have a Relaxing Afternoon at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa:

Since it’ll be around lunchtime when you arrive, I suggest walking over or taking the resort’s golf cart to The Grille Restaurant. It’s located inside Grand Traverse Resort’s golf Clubhouse.

Overall, this lovely restaurant offers delicious lunch and dinner options with views of the 18^th hole on the picturesque Bear course. Nothing beats a local Michigan craft beer with a savory turkey club sandwich and fries on a resort vacation.

After lunch, enjoy the walking trails around the resort and then head over to the outdoor pool that overlooks The Tower. It’s the perfect way to relax before a lovely evening at a Northern Michigan winery.

Enjoy Sunset Dinner and Drinks at Bonobo Winery:

If you’re on a girls’ trip and are wondering what to do in Traverse City during a 3-day summer getaway, I suggest visiting one of the many incredible wineries along Old Mission Peninsula.

Traverse City is one of the country’s most notable cool-climate wine regions. Being on the 45^th parallel, which is the same latitude as some of the world’s most famous wine regions like Bordeaux in France and Piedmont in Italy, Traverse City leans into a variety of cool-climate varieties from Riesling to Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir to Lemberger.

Co-owned by brothers Todd and Carter Oosterhouse, Bonobo Winery is located on Old Mission Peninsula and offers breathtaking views of its vineyards and West Grand Traverse Bay. The winery has seven grape varieties across its 25-acre vineyard: Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Pinot Meunier, and Cabernet Franc.

Bonobo Winery features a rustic yet elegant ambiance. Appreciate a wine tasting, savor a small plate, take a stroll through the vineyards, jam out to live music, and enjoy many photo spots, including a magnificent sunset view on the winery’s deck.

Click here to book an Old Mission Peninsula wine tour.

Day 2: Rest and Relax in Traverse City

The next morning, fuel up with an incredible buffet breakfast at NIIJII Restaurant in Grand Traverse Resort. My favorite part of the buffet is the omelet station! You can also savor traditional breakfast items, from pancakes and French toast to potatoes and bacon/sausage.

Treat Yourself to a Spa Morning:

If you’re visiting Traverse City for some r&r and are wondering what to do in the resort, you must book a wonderful service at Spa Grand Traverse. During a spa morning, you can enjoy massage therapies, facial treatments, nail care, hair services, and more. All products used are natural and help renew your senses.

During my 3-day getaway, I enjoyed a well-needed aromatherapy massage. It included a full-body Swedish massage with a personal choice of essential oils. This massage was the perfect way to truly unwind.

While you’re enjoying a spa morning, you can also relax in the sauna and lounge areas with a cup of cherry tea.

Spend a Summer Afternoon at the Beach Club at Grand Traverse Resort:

If you’re wondering what to do on a beautiful sunny day in Traverse City, then you must enjoy an afternoon at one of the beaches along Grand Traverse Bay.

As a guest of Grand Traverse Resort, you can take the shuttle to the private Beach Club. It’s nestled along the sparkling East Grand Traverse Bay.

Along the beach are lounge chairs. There is also a Beach Club pool, fire pit, and watersport activities that you can enjoy from Blue Sky Boat Rentals. Additionally, you can order drinks and snacks from the on-site Fin’s Sandbar.

There was nothing better than enjoying a beach day after the spa. I was amazed at how crystal clear the bay was. The water was a bit chilly, but I still enjoyed strolling along the beach and taking in the breathtaking views.

Savor a Delicious Dinner in Traverse City:

On my second evening in Traverse City, I enjoyed a special Michigan-style, farm-to-table dinner paired with a local wine tasting. This isn’t an experience open to the public, but I wanted to share it anyway because it was so much fun watching the planes take off at sunset.

During this memorable dining experience, my group and I savored a five-course meal. It included a cheese plate; Caprese salad as an appetizer; agnolotti pasta with sweet corn and sage brown butter for the first course; roasted chicken for the second course; and grilled peaches with honey mascarpone, brown butter streusel, and lavender honey for dessert.

The local wines served that evening were from Mawby Winery, Bonobo Winery, Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery, and Bowers Harbor Vineyards. Nothing disappointed!

For foodies wondering what to do in Traverse City during a summer vacation, I suggest visiting the following for dinner:

• The Cooks’ House (An upscale locally-sourced restaurant.)
• Trattoria Stella (A Tuscan-style Italian restaurant located in an old state hospital.)
• Boathouse Restaurant (A European-style waterfront dining experience.)
• Farm Club (A casual but superb farm-to-table restaurant, working farm, and distillery.)

Day 3: Explore the Best of Traverse City, Michigan

Of course, a summer trip to Traverse City must include experiencing its culture. Before heading out to enjoy the best of Traverse City attractions, grab a coffee-to-go and a breakfast sandwich from Grand Traverse Resort’s Marketplace.

See Mission Point Lighthouse:

If you’re a history buff and are wondering what to do in Traverse City during a 3-day summer getaway, I suggest heading to the tip of Old Mission Peninsula to see the picturesque lighthouse.

The Mission Point Lighthouse, also known as Old Mission Lighthouse, was built in 1870 on Grand Traverse Bay. It was established after a ship struck a coral reef and sank before reaching the shore, highlighting the need for a warning light.

When you visit the Mission Point Lighthouse, you can walk through it, which now operates as a small museum. It is volunteer-run and open every day from 10 am to 5 pm. The lighthouse is closed on Tuesdays.

Even when the lighthouse is closed, you can still visit the park from 9 am to 10 pm. While you’re at the park, you can walk out onto the beach, which offers spectacular views of the glistening bay. Additionally, explore the woodland hiking trails from this beautiful beach.

Listed on the National and State Historic Registers, the Old Mission Lighthouse sits on the 45^th parallel. What’s cool about the lighthouse is that it runs a keeper program. You can stay in the lighthouse and experience what original caretakers would have lived like.  

Wine Taste at Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery:

The best place to visit for a lovely lunch and afternoon wine tasting is Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery on Old Mission Peninsula. It’s family-owned and the largest winery estate on the peninsula at 155 acres.

After retiring, Walter and Eileen Brys planted 53,000 vines in 2001 on what was once a cherry and apple farm and opened a tasting room in 2005. This award-winning winery now grows eight varietals: Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Gewürztraminer.

When you visit Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, you can enjoy trying a variety of different red and white wines in the beautiful tasting room. Depending on which wine you liked most, take it with you to the deck for breathtaking views of the endless vineyards and East Grand Traverse Bay. From there, savor a delicious charcuterie board for lunch.

While you’re at Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, you must tour the production room and take their fun Wine Wagon Tour. You’ll be given a wine lanyard to hold your glass so nothing spills. On this tour, you’ll go through the stunning vineyards, see the guesthouse, and make your way down to the Secret Garden.

The Secret Garden is a 12-acre oasis with lavender plants, colorful flowers, and an herb garden. During your visit, browse the gift shop for lavender-inspired products, cool off with a refreshing frosé, and enjoy delicious salads and sandwiches in this peaceful setting.

Stroll through Downtown Traverse City:

A 3-day escape to Traverse City, Michigan must include a stroll through the charming downtown area. The main pedestrian street in downtown Traverse City is called Front Street.

While you’re making your way through downtown, check out the Postcard Mural, which is located on the side of the Kilwins Chocolate building. A few other iconic landmarks are the historic Perry Hannah House, the State Theatre, and Park Place Hotel.

Since Traverse City is the “Cherry Capital of the World,” be sure to stop by Cherry Republic. It’s the top place to purchase local cherry products, from dried cherries to chocolate-covered cherries, baking products, and merchandise.

Fustini’s is another great spot to visit, with many different varieties of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. While you’re at Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars, you can enjoy your own tasting, purchase gift baskets, get ideas for cooking, and even try some food samples. Overall, there are over 800 pairing options, all crafted with a focus on quality.

If you’re looking for a sweet treat and are wondering what to do in downtown Traverse City, then you must visit Grand Traverse Pie Company. Michigan natives Mike and Denise Busley decided to learn the craft of pie making while living busy corporate lives in San Diego. They opened their original Traverse City bakery in the early 2000s and now sell around 500,000 pies a year, with shops throughout Michigan and Indiana.

When in the “Cherry Capital of the World,” you must try Grand Traverse Pie Company’s top-selling Cherry Crumb pie. It is mouthwateringly delicious! You can also enjoy savory pies, like pot pie, along with salads, soups, and more.

Over 95% of the ingredients Grand Traverse Pie Company uses are sourced from Michigan companies.

Sail West Grand Traverse Bay during Sunset:

For those wondering what to do on a summer evening in Traverse City, Michigan, it’s a must to experience a sunset sail with the Wind Dancer. This 63-foot custom Colvin schooner offers day sails, sunset cruises, happy hour experiences, and private charters.

This luxurious experience includes a two-and-a-half-hour sail that allows you to witness a magical sunset over West Grand Traverse Bay. It includes an open bar and a farm-to-table, picnic-style meal. (I enjoyed a margarita, a turkey and avocado sandwich with local potato chips, and fresh, locally made fudge for dessert.)

During the sail, our captain and crew also shared the schooner’s history, and we captured many beautiful moments.

You can book sailing experiences with the Wind Dancer from late May into mid-October. I recommend booking your sail in advance, especially during the prime summer months.

Day 4: Depart Traverse City

On the final day of your summer escape to Traverse City, you’ll check out of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa and head back to fly home.

Optional: Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

If your flight is later in the day or you decide to extend your vacation, I recommend a day of golf at Grand Traverse Resort, relaxing at the private Beach Club, or visiting the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Overall, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is considered one of Northern Michigan’s most iconic natural landmarks. It’s located 20 miles west of Traverse City along Lake Michigan’s eastern shore. The dunes are the world’s largest collection of freshwater sand dunes and are perched atop glacial deposits from the Wisconsin Glaciation.

Please note that it’s a hazard to hike down the dunes to Lake Michigan. With a 450-foot drop, the climb back up can be treacherous, especially in extreme heat and with no shade. A lot of people suffer from heat exhaustion and dehydration, and a park rescue mission can cost up to $3,000 USD.

Entry to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore costs $25 USD per standard vehicle. It costs more for commercial vans, buses, and tours. The $25 passes are valid for seven consecutive days.

In addition to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Northern Michigan is also home to many farm stands that are worth a visit.

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I hope you all enjoyed discovering what to do in Traverse City, Michigan during a 3-day summer vacation. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

Basic Facts of the United States:

Currency: United States Dollar, Capital: Washington D.C., MI State Capital: Lansing, Time Zone: Most of Michigan is on Eastern Standard Time, except for the Upper Peninsula, which observes Central Standard Time

*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities, and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.

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