Summertime in Traverse City is for sticky cherry juice fingers, a waffle cone full of Moomers melting in your hand while you make it to the beach, and rosé that disappears from the glass before it ever gets warm.
I’ve been coming Up North since I was little, but this summer felt especially golden. The dahlias were in bloom at Farm Club, the lavender fields at Brys were humming with bees, and we spent long hours watching the sun set over the harbor with bratwursts, baked goods, or soft serve in hand—sometimes all three.
Here’s everything I loved this season, from perfect picnic spots to breezy wine tastings, hikes with a view, and the places I’ll be dreaming about until next July.
Where to Eat & Drink in Traverse City This Summer
The Mill — Glen Arbor
This place makes me feel like I’ve been let in on a very good secret. You’ll find it just outside Sleeping Bear Dunes, tucked along a shady little creek. Go for the matcha and the molasses (it tastes just like the ones my grandma used to make).
They’ve also launched a dinner series called Supper, but it books out fast. I didn’t get in this time, but it’s at the top of my list for next year.
The Outpost — Downtown Traverse City
From the same team as The Mill, this is a more casual spinoff right downtown. Great spot to grab a breakfast sandwich and coffee before heading to the water or hitting the farmers market. Bonus: their packaging and branding are very cute.
Franks 231 — Traverse City
I almost didn’t include this because I want to gatekeep it—but it’s too good. Franks is a newer spot from a Farm Club alum focused on sausage-making, and it’s the best bratwurst I’ve ever had. Eat it on a paper tray in the sun and don’t overthink it.
Farm Club — Traverse City
I’ve written about Farm Club before, but in summer it levels up. Everything’s blooming—especially the dahlias—and the energy on the patio is equal parts wine-soaked and sun-kissed. It’s where you go when you want to pretend you live here full-time.
Bardon’s Wonder Freeze — Downtown Traverse City
This one’s been around forever and still somehow feels like a hidden gem. They serve Moomers and some of the best soft serve I’ve had (I always ask for extra sprinkles). Take it to-go and eat it at Sunset Park, five minutes away.
Things I Loved Doing In Traverse City This Summer
Visit the Sara Hardy Farmers Market
Wednesdays and Saturdays, right downtown. In summer, it’s overflowing: heirloom tomatoes, flats of cherries, big bouquets from Peninsula Petals. Even if you’re not cooking, it’s worth walking through with a coffee in hand.
Wander the Secret Garden at Brys Estate
After your tasting at Brys, head down the hill to the Secret Garden. Lavender fields, a little shop with boxed lunches and drinks, picnic tables under the trees. There are lawn games too, but honestly, just sitting with your shoes off is enough. It’s quiet and spacious and smells incredible.
Hike Along Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes
Pyramid Point is still my favorite hike in all of Sleeping Bear. It’s short, steep in parts, and gives you a wide, endless view of Lake Michigan at the top. Don’t climb down (really, don’t)—just take your time up there, then follow the loop back through the meadows. The drive out is beautiful too: old barns, overgrown fields, gravel roads through Port Oneida.
Have a Picnic at Greilickville Harbor
This is where I go when I want water views without the crowds. It’s just a few minutes from town, with picnic tables, benches, and clean bathrooms. I usually stop at Tom’s for a baguette, some cheese, maybe a deli salad, and take it straight here. You can stay for sunset or just hang out for an hour in the late afternoon breeze.
Swim and Sunbathe at Glen Haven Beach
Soft sand, clear water, and none of the chaos you’ll find at Clinch or Empire. It’s right next to a row of preserved historic buildings, which gives it a kind of quiet, old-timey charm. Feels like the kind of beach you’d read about in a kid’s book.
Drive the Back Roads of Port Oneida
Even if you’re not hiking, make time to just drive. This stretch of land near Sleeping Bear is full of open fields, old wooden barns, and preserved farmhouses that feel almost too cinematic to be real. It’s the kind of place where you want to pull over for no reason. Best with the windows down, no GPS.
Find a Farmstand on the Mission Peninsula
You’ll pass a dozen on your way up the Peninsula—wooden signs, chalkboard pricing, a little box for cash. Some have cherries and peaches, others are just coolers with jam or eggs. You don’t need a plan. Just stop when something looks cute.
Extras, If You Have Time
Moomers at the Farm
Yes, you can get it downtown (and at just about every grocery store in the region). But there’s something about eating a scoop right where it’s made—watching the cows, picking a bench, and letting the day slow down.
Sunset at Old Mission Lighthouse
It’s the northernmost point on the Peninsula, and the drive there is half the experience. On a clear evening, bring a blanket and stay until the lake turns glassy and blue.
Live Music at Farm Club
They don’t always advertise it far in advance, but Farm Club sometimes hosts small outdoor music sets in summer. You’ll hear it floating across the field while you sip something cold.
Shop the Little Downtowns
If you’ve got a lazy afternoon to kill, wander downtown Suttons Bay or Leland. Cute bookstores, boutiques, coffee shops. Not necessarily essential—but relaxing, and a good way to wear sandals and not rush.
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
Mostly useful as a backup plan for heat or clouds. The old state hospital buildings are strangely beautiful, with cafes, trails, and quiet corners. Good for an afternoon when the water feels too loud.
Catch a Movie at the State Theatre
Run by volunteers and a little bit frozen in time, this historic theater downtown is part of what gave the TC Film Fest its charm. The programming leans thoughtful and low-key, and the air conditioning is excellent if the day’s gotten too hot.
Walk the Boardman Lake Trail
If you’re in town and want something low-effort, the trail around Boardman Lake is flat, peaceful, and easy to access. Not a destination hike, but a good reset between meals.
Have a G&T on the Patio at The Little Fleet
You could do dinner here too, but I like it best around 4pm when it’s still bright out and a little breezy. Their gin & tonic is sharp and refreshing, and the food trucks rotate just enough to feel new.
My Favourite Traverse City Wineries to Visit
Brys Estate
Start with a tasting flight or grab a glass of their signature frosé—it’s light, crisp, and kind of perfect on a hot summer day. The tasting area overlooks neat rows of green vines with a sliver of the lake off in the distance. It’s bright, breezy, and exactly where you want to be midafternoon.
2Lads Winery
Just up the road from Brys, but a completely different vibe. Sleek, minimal architecture. Floor-to-ceiling windows. The kind of place that makes you want to whisper. The wines lean clean and modern too—lots of balance, nothing syrupy or cloying. It’s biodynamic, if you care about that kind of thing (I do). Sit outside if you can. You’ll get that same long view of vines running toward the bay, but with fewer people and more quiet.
Mari Vineyards
A bit more dramatic in architecture and branding—stone buildings, castle-like vibes—but they take their winemaking seriously. Their wines lean more old-world in style, and their reds tend to be stronger than most you’ll find in the region. Worth it if you want something a little more structured or romantic-feeling.
Black Star Farms
If you’re willing to venture just beyond the Old Mission Peninsula, Black Star Farms is a longtime favorite. Their fruit brandies are interesting if you want something different from wine, and the setting—especially around the inn and Pegasus Barn—is lush and tucked away.
Best Beaches In and Around Traverse City
Glen Haven Beach
Still my favorite. It’s got soft sand, clear water, and none of the chaos you’ll find at Clinch or Empire. It’s right next to a row of preserved historic buildings, which gives it a kind of quiet, old-timey charm. Like a scene out of a kids’ book.
Greilickville Harbor
My go-to for sunset picnics. It’s close to town, with tables, benches, and just enough breeze to keep things comfortable. Way less crowded than West End or Clinch, and you can almost always find parking.
Haserot Beach
If you’re driving the Old Mission Peninsula, stop here. It’s calm, low-key, and has a small-town feel that makes you want to stay longer than you meant to. Great for swimming if you don’t want to fight the downtown crowd.
Good Harbor Bay
More secluded, more rugged. Bring a book or someone you don’t need to talk to. The shoreline gets a little crowded but the views are beautiful. We usually don’t get much cell service, which honestly feels like a perk.
My Favourite Summer Hikes
Pyramid Point
If you only have time for one, make it this. A short climb gets you to a dramatic Lake Michigan overlook—blue on blue for as far as you can see. Don’t hike down the bluff (really). Do wander the meadow loop on your way back. The whole thing feels like a secret you’re glad you didn’t keep.
For more information, check out the Alltrails.
Empire Bluff Trail
Just outside Sleeping Bear. Slightly longer than Pyramid but less steep. The boardwalk at the top gives you sweeping views of the lake and dunes. Great in the early morning when it’s still quiet.
For more information, check out the AllTrails.
Alligator Hill
Underrated and usually pretty empty. Wooded, peaceful, and a bit more of a workout. On clear days you’ll get nice views of Glen Lake and the Manitou Islands from the overlook.
For more information, check out the AllTrails.
Brown Bridge Quiet Area
Close to my family’s cabin, so I end up here a lot. It’s quiet, lightly wooded, and changes just enough with the seasons to keep it interesting. You’ll find river views, open meadows, and those long boardwalks that creak a little when you walk across them. Great for a solo loop when you want to clear your head or stretch your legs before dinner.
For more information, check out the AllTrails.
Boardman Lake Trail
Not a destination hike, but good for a slow morning or stretch break between meals. Flat, easy, and loops around the lake with little shade breaks and a few docks. Great if you don’t want to commit to a full day outdoors.
For more information, check out the AllTrails.
Where to Stay Around Traverse City
I usually stay at my family’s cottage, so I haven’t done the full hotel circuit—but these are places I’ve bookmarked for friends, scoped out in person, or heard consistently great things about.
Delamar Traverse City
Right on the water and walkable to downtown. Sleek without feeling sterile, and ideal if you want to park the car and not think about it again until checkout.
Island View Cottages
A small row of old-fashioned lakeside cottages that feel like a love letter to summer. They’ve been run by the same family since the 1950s and still have that quietly nostalgic, no-frills charm. A good fit if you’re after simple comfort and easy access to the lake.
Sleeping Bear Inn – Glen Haven
A recently restored historic inn nestled right along the shore in Glen Haven. It’s quiet, scenic, and walkable to one of the best beaches in the area. You can wake up, walk outside with a coffee, and be on the sand in two minutes. Feels like a cabin weekend without having to actually book a cabin.
Inn at Black Star Farms
If you’re planning to focus more on wine and downtime, this one’s tucked into vineyard country with trails, a tasting room, and a fireplace bar. Great for couples or slower-paced getaways.
Vacation Rentals
Some of the best options aren’t in town at all. Look toward Spider Lake, Long Lake, or anywhere along the Old Mission Peninsula. I always look for places with outdoor space—especially if you’re coming up with friends, a dog, or just want to sit outside after dark with a drink.
What to Pack for a Summer Trip to Traverse City
Nothing too complicated. You’ll spend most of your time somewhere between the lake, a trail, and a picnic table. Just pack the stuff that makes that easy.
- Swimsuit + towel — one for swimming, one for drying off in the car after
- Hiking sandals or old sneakers — you’ll thank yourself on the bluff trails
- Linen or cotton layers — especially for dinner or when the wind kicks up
- A soft sweatshirt — for farmstand mornings and sunset picnics
- Bug spray + SPF — trust me, you’ll need both
- Tote bag or daypack — useful for farmers markets, beach snacks, or cherry overload
- Cash — most roadside stands are still the honor-system kind
- A paperback or book of crosswords — for Good Harbor or Greilickville quiet hours
- Cooler bag (optional, but worth it) — for wine, cherries, leftovers, or roadside cheese
Final Notes on Summer in Traverse City
Summer here is the kind you carry with you—the kind that lingers in the folds of your beach towel or the cherry stains on your favorite tote. Whether you’re driving back with sand still on your ankles or dreaming up next year’s picnic route, I hope this guide gives you a few new places to love.
And if you’re planning a shorter stay, I’ve shared exactly how I spent a recent weekend up north—hiking, swimming, wine tasting, and watching the sun set over the bay. You can find my full two-day Traverse City itinerary right here.
