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Day trips from: Traverse City

  • Writer: Sun Country
    Sun Country
  • 1 day ago
  • 2 min read
Child paddleboarding on clear water, holding a yellow paddle. A docked boat with a blue cover is in the background on a sunny day.

Fly nonstop to Cherry Capital Airport and step into a place that feels like summer on rewind. Traverse City, Michigan, is delightful on its own—but the real adventure begins when you rent a car (we make it easy with our Avis and Budget rental options right at the airport) and hit the road. 


We’ve mapped out the perfect Northern Michigan day trip—starting in Traverse City and leading you through scenic drives, lakeside towns, and unforgettable stops along the way. 

Person sitting on sandy dune overlooking a vast blue lake under a clear sky, near a tree. Calm and reflective mood.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Start with a classic: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, just 40 minutes west of town. Cruise along M-22, a route that’s all lake views and roadside farm stands, and you’ll find soft golden dunes and postcard-perfect overlooks. Climb the iconic Dune Climb if you’re feeling adventurous, or take it easy on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive—either way, the views are unreal. 


If your ideal afternoon leans more toward sipping than sand hiking, set your sights on the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. Just 30 minutes from Traverse City, it’s dotted with cozy tasting rooms and scenic vineyards. Think crisp whites, cherry reds, and relaxing views that make you want to linger a little longer. 

Cups of cherries on a wooden crate with "Cherries!" text at a market. People in the background, colors vibrant and summery.

From there, the day is wide open. Drive 35 minutes to Glen Arbor, home to Cherry Republic—an iconic spot for cherry everything, from wine and soda to salsas and snacks. It’s playful, quirky, and pure Michigan. Or head north to Leland’s historic Fishtown, where weathered fishing shanties line the docks, now filled with shops, smokehouses, and sweet views of the marina. 

Wooden path on sandy dune overlooking a vast blue lake and distant forested hills, under a clear sky. Calm and serene atmosphere.
Empire Bluff Trail

Looking for a short hike with a big payoff? Drive 35 minutes to Empire Bluff Trail. The hike’s just under two miles roundtrip, but the views over Lake Michigan stretch for miles and feel completely untouched. 


If you’re in the mood to slow down, swing through Suttons Bay—25 minutes north—for boutique shops, wine tasting rooms, and a relaxed lakeside vibe. Or head 25 minutes south to Interlochen Center for the Arts, where you can catch a summer concert or explore the galleries tucked into the pines. 

Man photographing coastal view from a car; text promotes Avis and Budget car rentals in an orange banner.

Wrap up your day back in Traverse City with dinner along Front Street or a sunset stroll at Clinch Park Beach. Maybe even grab a scoop of cherry ice cream while you’re at it (locals will tell you it’s a must). 


Fly in. Pick up your rental car. And let your day trip unfold. Because in Traverse City, the best memories are often just one scenic drive away. 

  

 

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