The Ultimate Day Trip Guide: How to Spend a Day in Traverse City for Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Lindsay & Justin
- Jun 27
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 4
Wondering how to spend a day in Traverse City? Look no further! As meticulous planners who have spent countless hours researching and testing every aspect of this destination, we're here to save you valuable planning time. Traverse City isn't just another Michigan getaway – it's the "Cherry Capital of the World" with over 75% of the nation's tart cherries grown in the surrounding orchards. Beyond its famous fruit, this lakeside paradise boasts some of the most pristine freshwater beaches in America, award-winning wineries along the 45th parallel (the same latitude as renowned wine regions in France), and outdoor adventures for every season.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll share our tried-and-tested itinerary that perfectly balances active exploration, culinary delights, and natural wonders. You'll discover hidden gems that most tourists miss, learn the best times to visit popular attractions to avoid crowds, and get insider tips on maximizing your day in this outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Whether you're looking to hike scenic trails, paddle crystal-clear waters, sample farm-to-table cuisine, or sip locally-crafted beverages with stunning views, we've personally vetted every recommendation to ensure your Traverse City adventure is nothing short of spectacular.
Table of Contents: Discover how to spend a day in Traverse City
Morning Activities: Scenic Viewpoints to Start Your Day
We spent our morning biking the Leelanau Trail from Traverse City to Suttons Bay and absolutely loved it! The paved trail offered stunning views of vineyards, wildlife, and Grand Traverse Bay with plenty of spots to stop and snap photos. The 16-mile stretch is fairly flat and perfect for casual riders, plus there are numerous wineries you can stop at along the way! (pinned in our Michigan Google Map). If you prefer forests and dunes, the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail provides a completely different but equally beautiful experience.
👉 Leelanau deserves a trip in itself! Read more about our favorite things to do in Leelanau
ALTERNATIVE: For mountain biking enthusiasts - If you're looking for some thrilling trail action, Glacial Hills Pathway offers over 30 miles of well-maintained single-track trails for all skill levels. The green loops near the trailhead are perfect for warming up before tackling the more challenging blue and black sections. This network is a hidden gem for mountain bikers visiting the Traverse City area (we have pinned this location in our Michigan Google Map).
Midday Adventures: Active Exploration Options
Swimming spots for cooling off: Torch Lake public access to the sandbar - After working up a sweat, we drove 30 minutes to Torch Lake where the Caribbean-blue waters and soft sand were absolutely perfect for a refreshing dip! The public access point was easy to find, though street parking filled up quickly on hot days. The shallow sandbar extends far into the lake, creating a unique swimming experience where you can walk hundreds of feet out while still touching the bottom. On your way back to Traverse City from Torch Lake, be sure to stop at Short’s Brewery Pull Barn Taproom in Elk Rapids. They’re known for their Soft Parade Shandy and wildly experimental beers.
For a more peaceful water experience - If you're seeking tranquility rather than a vibrant social scene, we recommend renting kayaks right in downtown Traverse City and paddling along the crystal clear waters of Grand Traverse Bay and the Boardman River (rental spots pinned in our Michigan Google Map). The morning light dancing on the water creates a magical experience, and you might spot wildlife like loons and bald eagles! Getting an early start helps you avoid afternoon winds and gives you the calmest water conditions, plus you'll be out before the party boats and jet skis hit the water.
👉 Pro Tip: Prefer a guided tour? Try the Kayak, Bike & Brew tour which is 4 hours of biking, kayaking, and craft beer tasting fun!
Afternoon Culinary Experiences: Farm-to-Table Delights
We spent an incredible afternoon exploring Traverse City's renowned food scene!
🍽️ The Commons, a former state hospital turned culinary marketplace, offered us amazing local dishes with ingredients sourced directly from nearby farms (we have pinned this location in our Michigan Google Map). You can even enjoy some crisp hard ciders and white wines while relaxing on the sunny patio of Left Foot Charley.
🍽️ For a more casual experience, we hit up Little Fleet's food truck lot where we enjoyed tacos made with locally caught whitefish while taking in views of the bay. The variety of trucks rotating throughout the season means you'll always find something new!
🍽️ We couldn't resist stopping at Gallagher's Farm Market where we picked our own cherries and sampled their famous cherry salsa and dried cherries. The u-pick experience was so much fun and gave us treats to enjoy throughout our trip! (They are open 9am-6pm everyday during the cherry season. Cherries are $3.00/lb and they accept cash or credit)
🍽️ No visit to Traverse City would be complete without exploring at least one winery. Tour Chateau Chantal on Old Mission Peninsula where you can taste award-winning wines while gazing over vineyards stretching toward the water. The passionate staff explained how the peninsula's microclimate creates perfect growing conditions for cool-climate varietals.
Evening Experiences: Sunset, Ice Cream, & Breweries
In the evening, you’re in for a treat! Order an ice cream flight from Moomers Homemade Ice Cream and indulge in their famous Cherries Moobilee (cherry ice cream loaded with chocolate chunks and cherries). The ice cream shop is located on an actual working dairy farm with adorable cows visible from the outdoor seating area!
One of our favorite Traverse City memories was watching the sunset at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore from the Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook (exact location in our Michigan Google Map). The golden light reflecting off the massive dunes as the sun dipped below Lake Michigan created an absolutely breathtaking scene that we'll never forget.
If you’re a fan of craft breweries, Traverse City is the place to be! No perfect day in Traverse City is complete without an evening brew tour. Below are some of our favorites in the area:
🍺 Hop Lot Brewing Co. (the most up-north Michigan vibes you’ll ever find at a brewery)
🍺 Filling Station Microbrewery (located in an old train station)
🍺 Right Brain Brewery (experimental beers in an arcade setting)
👉 Discover more of our favorites in our complete guide to Traverse City Breweries
Seasonal Variations: Tips for Different Times of Year
🌞 Summer (June-August) - Best for: Swimming, water sports, cherry season. The National Cherry Festival occurs during the 4th of July weekend. Temperature: 70-85°F. Note: Highest crowds and accommodation prices; book at least 6 months in advance for summer visits.
🍁 Fall (September-October) - Best for: Foliage viewing, apple picking, wine harvest events. Visit Jacob's Farm for apple picking and corn maze. Temperature: 50-70°F. Note: Old Mission Peninsula vineyards are particularly stunning with fall colors.
❄️ Winter (December-March) - Best for: Cross-country skiing at Hickory Hills, snowshoeing. Temperature: 20-35°F. Note: Warm up at The Workshop Brewing Company with craft cocktails and fireside seating.
🌸 Spring (April-May) - Best for: Wildflower hikes at Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area, local interactions. Temperature: 45-65°F. Note: "Quiet season" means easier restaurant reservations at popular spots like Trattoria Stella.
FAQ Section: Everything You Need to Know
What is the best time of year to visit Traverse City for outdoor activities?
🌞 Summer (June-August): Perfect for water activities, 75-85°F
🍁 Fall (September-October): Spectacular foliage, fewer crowds, 50-70°F
❄️ Winter (December-March): Great for snow sports, 20-35°F
Where can I find the best local food in Traverse City?
🍽️ Sara Hardy Farmers Market: Fresh local produce (Wed/Sat).
🍽️ The Little Fleet: Food truck lot with rotating local cuisine.
🍽️ Farm Club: Farm-to-table dining with on-site ingredients + their own craft beers.
🍽️ Sweet treats: Moomers Ice Cream and Grand Traverse Pie Company.
🍽️ The Commons: Multiple artisanal food vendors in historic building.
👉 Discover more of our favorites in our complete guide to Traverse City Restaurants
Are there any hidden gems in Traverse City that most tourists miss?
💎 Grand Traverse Commons underground steam tunnels.
💎 Boardman Lake Trail: Peaceful water views away from crowds.
💎 Pyramid Point: Spectacular views with fewer visitors.
💎 Tandem Ciders: Exceptional ciders in a rustic barn.
💎 DeYoung Natural Area: Uncrowded lakeside trails.
What should I pack for a day of outdoor adventures in Traverse City?
🧤 Layers (temperatures fluctuate 20+ degrees daily)
🩴Water shoes for rocky beaches
🧴Sunscreen (water reflects sun)
💧Refillable water bottles
📱Waterproof phone cases
🦟 Bug spray (especially in wooded areas)
🪖Cycling gear if biking
Can I experience Traverse City's highlights if I have mobility limitations?
Yes! TART Trail is paved and wheelchair-accessible.
Clinch Park offers free beach wheelchair rentals.
Most wineries on Old Mission Peninsula have accessible tasting rooms.
Music House Museum is fully accessible.
Adaptive sports equipment available through Disability Network Northern Michigan.
How can I avoid crowds during peak tourist season in Traverse City?
Visit attractions before 10am or after 4pm.
Explore south end of Sleeping Bear Dunes (we loved tubing down the Platte River).
Dine at popular restaurants during weekday lunches.
Visit Old Mission Peninsula on weekdays.
Stay in nearby communities like Elk Rapids or Suttons Bay.
Traverse City truly offers something magical for every outdoor enthusiast, no matter when you visit. From morning hikes along pristine trails and refreshing dips in crystal-clear waters to afternoon culinary adventures highlighting the region's farm-to-table delights and evening wine tastings with spectacular views - your perfect day in Northern Michigan is waiting to be discovered.
Remember that this itinerary is just a starting point! Feel free to customize your day based on your personal interests, whether you're a foodie, adventure seeker, or relaxation enthusiast. Traverse City's diverse offerings mean you can craft an experience that's uniquely yours.
Ready to start planning your Traverse City adventure? Download our free smart travel planning guidebook filled with insider tips. And don't forget to follow us @Noms.Brews.Views on Instagram for daily travel inspiration, behind-the-scenes looks at our Michigan explorations, and to share your own Traverse City memories with our community of fellow adventurers!
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Any questions on planning your trip to Traverse City? Let us know in the comments below, we respond to every single one 👇
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