Find Out Which Michigan City Made Good Housekeeping’s List of Top Family-Friendly Destinations in 2024
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As the home to one of the nation’s biggest annual festivals as well as a multitude of indoor and outdoor recreational activities, Traverse City is a special place for anyone who visits, no matter what time of year.
That’s why we weren’t surprised to see that the staff at Good Housekeeping agreed and recently named Traverse City as one of its must-see cities for 2024.
The Cherry Capital of the World joins a list that includes cities spanning coast to coast, including Santa Fe, New Mexico; New Orleans; Rapid City, South Dakota; and Tucson, Arizona.
Described by a Good Housekeeping tester as a triple threat, Traverse City was lauded for its family-friendly wineries, busy and thriving downtown, scenic beach spots, and for being a city with something that appeals to every family member.
“Traverse City appeals to parents as much as it does to kids. If you’re looking for a family getaway on which you can be in touch with nature while still being in a town that has a lot of great food, wine, and beer options, Traverse City is the spot.”
– Good Housekeeping
Traverse City Michigan: Three Vacations in One
Good Housekeeping described visiting Traverse City as three vacations in one: A town where visitors can enjoy shopping and nightlife downtown, scenic beaches, and locally-owned wineries.
Explore the Traverse Wine Coast
Michigan has more than 150 wineries in the state and more than three dozen of them are located in the Traverse City area.
The wines made along the Traverse Wine Coast can be found in stores, but visiting them offers a new experience entirely, including a chance to sample wines straight from the source and view scenic vineyards.
Wineries such as Rove Estate Vineyard and Winery, Left Foot Charley, and Bonobo Winery create award-winning, world-class wines and offer guided vineyard tours, private tastings, and scenic views to enjoy the perfect glass of wine.
Visitors in the area should drink responsibly, but should also take their time exploring these marvelous local wineries and sipping Michigan-made wine.
Stroll Through Scenic Downtown Traverse City
As a hub of culture, education, and business in Northwest Michigan, there always seems to be something going on in Traverse City.
Traverse City’s downtown includes historic buildings on State and Front streets, which are home to scenic galleries, popular restaurants, and unique boutiques.
Hungry shoppers should stop for a bite at The Towne Plaza, which has been dishing out pork-inspired dishes for more than a decade. The restaurant offers original dishes with locally sourced ingredients that leave customers happy.
Residents and visitors can take a relaxing stroll downtown or soak up a little bit of culture at the Dennos Museum Center or the City Opera House.
Soak Up the Sun on a Traverse City Beach
Spending time at the beach is one of the best things visitors of any age can do in Traverse City. The area has a great mix of options, including beaches right on Lake Michigan and beaches on inland lakes.
Just west of downtown Traverse City is West End Beach, which has a bay-front park and is a popular choice for swimmers and kayakers. Traverse City State Park and Beach, part of which is on Grand Traverse Bay, offers opportunities for camping, fishing, bicycling, and more.
Several beaches in the area also connect to Traverse City’s TART trail system, which allows visitors easy access to exploring the area’s hiking trails, scenic outlooks, and more.
Explore More of the Best Traverse City Can Offer
Traverse City is always brimming with activity and offers year-round fun that appeals to all visitors. Whether travelers want to soak up the sun on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, explore a unique, walkable downtown, nosh at a locally owned restaurant, or enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding area, the possibilities for adventure are endless in Traverse City.
Traverse City’s Cherry Festival delights visitors of all ages each summer and can be (no pun intended) the cherry on top of a visit here. The festival caters to everyone, allowing foodies, music aficionados, and those who just love the fun atmosphere of festivals. The celebration features several annual events, including a grand parade, a pit-spitting contest, and cherry-inspired foods.
Michigan’s Cherry Capital is also the perfect spot to explore with kids. The city has many family-friendly activities that are very inexpensive or completely free.
Families can search for treasure while geocaching, enjoy time at the beach, visit museums, tour lighthouses, and much more.
Downtown Traverse City is always bustling with activity, but the city and the surrounding area are an absolute paradise for those who love the outdoors. The Traverse City area has numerous bike trails with numerous scenic views and riverfront access for quick, refreshing swims, photography, family picnics, and more.
Have Your Own Memorable Traverse City Adventure
Whether you want the 3-in-1 vacation experience or you’re set on one specific activity, Traverse City has something for everyone. Traverse City is an all-season family-friendly destination in the USA that offers a chance for visitors to have their own awesome adventure.
So make your way to this Northwest Michigan destination today! From sandy beaches to unique boutiques to scenic trails, Traverse City has all the ingredients visitors need to have fun; the only limit is the imagination!