How to Vacation in Traverse City with Your Dog
- Mar 30
- 6 min read
Even before moving to Traverse City in 2020, it was one of my favorite spots to visit with my dogs. The lakes, beaches, and trails, coupled with the area’s numerous dog-friendly cafés, wineries, and shops, make this a great spot to be with your furry friend.
Here’s what to do in Traverse City with your dog on your next summer vacation up north.
What to Do
Hit the Beach or Grab a Board
There are plenty of dog-friendly beaches in the area. Mission Point Lighthouse and Park at the tip of the Old Mission Peninsula is one of them. Head to the lighthouse parking area, or you’ll also find direct beach access points off M-37 as you get close to the lighthouse. Hanging out here will put you right on West Grand Traverse Bay on a beach that doesn’t typically get crowded. If you’re planning to swim, bring water shoes as the bottom is rocky, though the beach is sandy.
Another good bet is to venture to Leland, about twenty-five minutes from Traverse City. Van’s Beach is located within a few minutes of the quaint downtown, putting you right on Lake Michigan. Its proximity to Leland also makes this a fun spot, allowing for a little exploring after your beach time.
Since moving to the area, one of my favorite things to do is paddleboarding, and my dogs love to join me. There are plenty of great access points to West and East Grand Traverse Bay, where you can drop your board in. If you need to rent a board, they are typically available at the Traverse City State Park Beach on East Bay or at Clinch Park Beach on West.
Hiking and Walking Trails
There’s no shortage of trails in the area. Getting on the TART Trail in Grand Traverse or Leelanau County is always an easy way to go. There are plenty of spots to choose from on the trail, whether you’re looking to be right in town or closer to nature.
The aforementioned Mission Point Lighthouse and Park also has great hiking trails in a forest along the water. Well-behaved dogs are allowed off-leash there.
In Leelanau County, two of my favorite trails are along the lakeshore, offering incredible views of Lake Michigan and all its blue hues. Check out Empire Bluff Trail or Clay Cliffs, and be sure to follow any park-specific dog rules posted on the signs. In both spots, you’ll have an uphill hike on the way in, but the views are worth it! And of course, it’s all downhill on the way back.
Go Shopping
In downtown Traverse City, visit Contigo Dogs, a locally-owned boutique with plenty of treats, toys, and supplies for your best friend. They often have events for dogs, like pack walks, which are listed on their website and social media channels. Two blocks from there is M22, a local outdoor lifestyle store with all sorts of gear—mostly for us humans. They allow dogs in the shop and usually have a water bowl out.
Pets Naturally is another great store to visit with your pup. They have a dog bakery, where you can find freshly baked treats and seasonal goodies.
Take in a Baseball Game
The Traverse City Pit-Spitters are a team in the Northwoods League. Their games are always a blast, with plenty of fun activities for everyone in the family, and good food and beverages at the stadium. Look for their Bark and Brew Nights, typically on Tuesdays, to bring your dog to a game.
Explore Fishtown
In Leland, you’ll find historic Fishtown situated along the Leland River, which empties into Lake Michigan. It’s one of the last working fishing districts on the Great Lakes. Its weathered shanties, fishing boats, and wooden docks bring charm, as do some cute shops and restaurants.
If you go to Fishtown, grab a sandwich or a wrap at The Cheese Shanty. Note that they’re cash-only and a to-go spot, but there are plenty of places to sit and eat along the lakeshore or river.
Where to Eat and Drink
Food Trucks and More
The Little Fleet is a must-visit location in downtown Traverse City. With a bar and a Sichuan cooking joint inside and an array of food trucks outside in the summer, there’s plenty to choose from—and it’s generally all great stuff. Note that the Little Fleet tends to get crowded in the summer, particularly on weekends. If a crowd might not work for you or your pet, opt for a weeknight visit when it’s less busy.
Pizza and Beer Gardens
If you’re looking for a beer or pizza, the laidback back patio at Hopscotch on the East side of town is a great spot. Their brick-oven pizza is excellent, including the gluten-free crust. Closer to downtown, The Filling Station is another favorite of mine. Set in an old train depot, their unique outdoor space is covered. And they also have terrific pizza. Set right in downtown, MiddleCoast is another good spot with their spacious patio and fire pit. They are known for their flatbreads and serve up a variety of other great food options.
Ice Cream
Moomers is a family-operated ice cream spot that sits just off its dairy farm on the West side. They’ve earned national recognition for their unique flavors and all-around great ice cream. Good Morning America named them America’s Best Scoop Shop. And when it comes to your dog, they’ve got you covered. They have a special pup cup that my dogs are obsessed with that comes with tiny bones on top. If you’re staying here to eat your ice cream, there’s seating outside, and if you’re lucky, you may spot their cows in the distance, which only adds to the experience.
Coffee (and Other Goodies)
Head out on the Old Mission Peninsula or stop on your way back from the Lighthouse at Right Bower Kitchen and Coffee. They have a covered patio attached to the building, where you can bring your pup. Count on Right Bower to serve up a great coffee or tea, along with lots of pastry options and more substantial fare from their full menu.
In Leelanau County, Dunebird is a unique stop that’s part winery and coffee bar. Perfect to pair with a visit to Leland, it sits just a few minutes away on the way towards Northport. Their outdoor seating starts on the patio adjacent to the tasting room and continues out along a meadow with the vines in the background. Whether you’re in the mood for a coffee or a wine, you can’t go wrong.
Wineries
The Traverse City area is home to more than fifty wineries. With many of them offering dog-friendly patios, it’s almost hard to choose some favorites, but that’s a good problem to have. My usual go-to with our dogs is Left Foot Charley (or Left Paw Charley, as we like to call it when they’re with us). With one of the region’s notable winemakers at its helm, Left Foot offers some of the best wine in the area, in addition to ciders, including the ever-popular Cinnamon Girl. Grab a seat on the outdoor patio at their urban winery located in Traverse City proper at the historic Grand Traverse Commons.
About halfway out on the Old Mission Peninsula, you’ll find Bonobo Winery. Its tasting room overlooks West Grand Traverse Bay and may have one of the best views of any winery in the area. And the great news for your pup is that they have a large outdoor space with plenty of seating and, of course, their signature bonobo monkey mural.
Continue a little further out on the Old Mission Peninsula, and you’ll find Bowers Harbor Vineyards. They’ve been making wine since 1991 and know a thing or two about making a great bottle. If you visit, you might be greeted by one of their friendly vineyard dogs, who also appear on many of their labels. Very much a dog-friendly spot, bring your furry friend along, and sit outside in the midst of their vines.
Where to Stay
Depending on your travel group or preferences, getting a pet-friendly Airbnb or VRBO may be the way to go, giving you and your dog space to spread out.
If a hotel stay is more in the cards, the Hotel Indigo is pet-friendly and comfortable, and is located downtown just across the street from the beach. Before moving to the area, this was my favorite spot to stay in Traverse City. Another option would be the Best Western Plus. It’s set a few minutes outside of downtown, but still very central, and might be a little more affordable than the Indigo.
On the East side of town, Koti would also be worth checking out, offering a middle ground between an Airbnb and a hotel, with design-forward cabins.
Of course, with any place, be sure to check on any pet requirements in advance. Some properties may require a pet fee, deposit, or proof of vaccination.
Wherever you stay, have an amazing time exploring Traverse City and all the unique nearby towns with your best friend!
