Day 1
Day 1 Activity
Sailing on the Tall Ship Manitou
A true highlight of a northern Michigan getaway is sailing on Grand Traverse Bay. Head for an afternoon or evening of tall ship sailing on the Manitou. Traverse Tall Ship Co. brings kids and adults alike the opportunity to sail aboard their 1800s replica cargo schooner, Tall Ship Manitou.
Travel Tip
Depending on weather conditions, ask the crew members if you can help hoist the sails!
Day 1 Dining
The Little Fleet
Snacks, lunch, dinner and craft beverage options make this food truck lot a diverse option for families with kids of all ages and appetites. Once you arrive, take a quick walk around The Little Fleet before making your meal choice.
Travel Tip
Look for parking on State Street or in one of the downtown Traverse City public parking lots, all located just a short walk from The Little Fleet.
Day 2
Day 2 Dining
Green House Café
Right downtown in Traverse City is the Green House Café! Both indoor and outdoor seating are available for you to enjoy delicious breakfast options for the whole family.
Travel Tip
Save room for one of their delicious and generously-sized muffins. Sharing is encouraged amongst family members.
Day 2 Activity
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is set on the northern coast of Lake Michigan and is known for its towering, scenic dunes of the Dune Climb. It’s only a short drive from Downtown Traverse City and includes views of North and South Manitou Islands. Don't forget to experience the incredible overlooks along Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive!
Travel Tip
Stop by the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire. It has a museum, maps and information about the park, as well as information about becoming a Junior Ranger.
Day 2 Activity
Relax along a Beach
There are miles of beautiful Lake Michigan beaches where you can bodysurf the waves, make sandcastles or take a long peaceful walk. If you're visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes, Esch Road Beach is the perfect place to stop and relax along Lake Michigan's blue waters.
Travel Tip
The area's beaches are known for rock finding, so keep an eye out for special stones like Petoskey or Leland Blue Stones!
Day 2 Activity
Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor
Visit the mothership location of Cherry Republic! Get snacks or a meal at the Public House and treat the kiddos to some ice cream. Find everything cherry-themed in their gift shop or sample fruit wines in their tasting room.
Travel Tip
Don’t leave without purchasing milk or dark chocolate-covered cherries. They are just the right amount of chocolate-to-fruit ratio for your sweet tooth cravings.
Day 2 Dining
Get an Afternoon Pick-Me-Up from Espresso Bay
Grab a coffee or tea in Downtown Traverse City on the corner of Cass and Front Street. Known for its Michigan- and Traverse City-themed coffee drinks and flavors, Espresso Bay serves up beverages that will give you just the pick-me-up that you (and your family) may need.
Travel Tip
Adults order a Bay Chiller (a blended espresso drink), and kids can choose from their selection of real fruit smoothies.
Day 2 Dining
Pangea’s Pizza
Offering artisan pizza and more, even the pickiest of eaters will find something yummy at Pangea's Pizza. Another option is Harrington’s By the Bay. This spacious restaurant has bayside views and plenty of meal options. Both restaurants are favorites of locals and visitors alike.
Travel Tip
If the weather permits, try to find a seat on the rooftop patio at Pangea's Pizza where you can enjoy a view of Grand Traverse Bay.
Day 2 Dining
Go Wine Tasting!
Traverse City is widely known for its wineries. Don’t miss out on the exciting fruit-forward and beautifully balanced wines offered at the area's 40+ wineries, some of which include cozy lodging options and award-winning flavors.
Travel Tip
Family-friendly tasting rooms include Black Star Farms Suttons Bay (walk around the farm to see the farm animals before wine tasting), 45 North Vineyard & Winery, Bowers Harbor Vineyards and Left Foot Charley.
Most tasting rooms have outdoor seating and plenty of wiggle room for the whole family.
Day 2 Activity
Catch the Sunset at Clinch Park Marina
Bring the kids to play at Clinch Park Marina and stay for the sunset at the adjacent Open Space Park. Walk along the marina, play at the Clinch Park playground and relax by the water.
Travel Tip
Arrive an hour before sunset to allow plenty of time for exploration.
Day 3
Day 3 Dining
Red Spire Brunch House
Red velvet pancakes. Need we say more? Red Spire Brunch House is a breakfast and brunch lover’s dream.
Travel Tip
Take time to explore the shops and grounds at the historic Village at Grand Traverse Commons where this restaurant is located.
Day 3 Activity
Go for a Mural Tour
Take a walking tour of downtown Traverse City to see the colorful murals painted on buildings and in the alleyways. There is a total of eight murals downtown, and far more around the region, to discover some wonderful family picture spots.
Travel Tip
There is more than murals in Traverse City—try to locate the other street art located through the city!
Day 3 Activity
Golf in Northern Michigan
Experience some of the best golf that Michigan has to offer with views of the region’s stunning natural beauty. There are many golf courses to tee up at in the Traverse City area, including the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Crystal Mountain and A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort
Travel Tip
Check for golf specials in the Traverse City area while planning for stay and play packages to make the most of your trip.
This itinerary will help you get started in experiencing Traverse City, but there is certainly so much more to explore. To learn more about all the adventures and relaxation you can find in this northern Michigan destination, visit traversecity.com.
For accommodation options during your getaway, visit traversecity.com/hotels.