Grand Traverse Bay
Grand Traverse Bay
5
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47 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
103 reviews
Excellent
85
Very good
15
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Amy M
Lewes, DE95 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
We spent only one night in Traverse City on Grand Traverse Bay. After arriving, I knew we made a mistake in our planning. I didn’t anticipate loving the bay and the city so much. It is gorgeous and has the perfect balance of beach life and city amenities. The bay was clean and clear with families of ducks swimming around. I would have loved to paddle board or kayak the bay. I rarely want to return to places for a second visit, but I will return to Grand Traverse Bay on a future vacation.
Written 24 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RICART75
Peru, IN2,082 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
On our last trip we spent a day in the area, this time we stayed for six.
We had lodging with a marvelous view of the east section of the Bay. On a couple of the days, when it was too icy/snowy outside to be worth the hassle of venturing forth, we spent some relaxing time watching the waves, under the clouds & snow (aided by the glow of the fireplace).
We did spend several days driving around the Bay; up & down the peninsulas, to & from the lighthouses. There were mile-after-mile of amazing views to explore and enjoy; and dozens (if not hundreds) of opportunities to pull over and leisurely take in the scenery and/or listen to the waves.
Add in the inviting small towns, natural/historic landmarks, numerous wineries, endless cherry orchards, loads of shopping/dining options, etc.; and Grand Traverse Bay and its surrounding environs make for an engaging destination.
We had lodging with a marvelous view of the east section of the Bay. On a couple of the days, when it was too icy/snowy outside to be worth the hassle of venturing forth, we spent some relaxing time watching the waves, under the clouds & snow (aided by the glow of the fireplace).
We did spend several days driving around the Bay; up & down the peninsulas, to & from the lighthouses. There were mile-after-mile of amazing views to explore and enjoy; and dozens (if not hundreds) of opportunities to pull over and leisurely take in the scenery and/or listen to the waves.
Add in the inviting small towns, natural/historic landmarks, numerous wineries, endless cherry orchards, loads of shopping/dining options, etc.; and Grand Traverse Bay and its surrounding environs make for an engaging destination.
Written 20 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vacationeer_9
Topeka, KS66 contributions
Oct 2022
We were amazed how beautiful Grand Traverse Bay is, as well as the entire UP.
Beautiful views, magnificent colors. What a state!
Beautiful views, magnificent colors. What a state!
Written 17 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RICART75
Peru, IN2,082 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
We spent several hours driving around the bay.
There were some beautiful homes on one side, and even more beautiful views of the bay and surrounding area on the other.
A truly pleasurable way to spend an afternoon.
There were some beautiful homes on one side, and even more beautiful views of the bay and surrounding area on the other.
A truly pleasurable way to spend an afternoon.
Written 21 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris Evans
Cincinnati, OH7 contributions
Oct 2020
The water in Grand Traverse Bay is so clear - it reminded me of the Caribbean. The early morning hours were a particularly magical time. We enjoyed riding bikes along the shore and sailing on a boat tour.
Written 14 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe M
Detroit, MI1,514 contributions
Sep 2020
Wow this is a great place to just set and look at the water. The sun set is spectacular. everyone should see this
Written 11 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John C
Goodyear, AZ274 contributions
Aug 2020
This is a large bay off of Lake Michigan with plenty of water activities, hotels and resorts, restaurants, wineries and attractions.
Written 6 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Connie L
Houston, TX210 contributions
Jul 2020
Our Michigan friends had told us how lovely Grand Traverse Bay was....they understated it if anything. The water is so clear, the different shades of the water were unbelievably gorgeous. The water is cool on a hot summer day as well, perfect for a swim!
Written 3 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
theoljohnnyboy
New Florence, PA1,528 contributions
Jul 2020
While it is not as appealing as open Lake Michigan is, Grand Traverse bay does have lots of beautiful spots to get in the water, take in the sunsets, and lots of other fun activities to enjoy and savor.
Written 19 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy hagar
5 contributions
Jul 2020
Clean beaches. Clear waters. Plenty of space. Great day for relaxing. Hanging with family. Excellent destination.
Written 18 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anton B
1 contribution
if the plans are correct, we would be visiting the area,would like to fish the bay in late july august time
Anton B
1 contribution
what are kinds of fish in the bay
Rex B
Pendleton, IN58 contributions
"Between May and October, there is no consistently better place to be fishing in America than Traverse City, Michigan. Diversity is the key: Lake Michigan with salmon and steelhead; Grand Traverse Bay with some of the best smallmouth pockets and carp flats in America; and more rivers and natural lakes filled with trout, bass, and panfish than you can begin to touch in one season." -- Field & Stream
Neal36
South Bend, IN
Is there a fee to park or enter here?
MichiganMom71
Clarkston, MI459 contributions
As far as I know, there are only park fees where there is an official "park", like the area near the Northport lighthouse. The general area of Grand Traverse Bay is a public road with many places you can stop along the bay and relax, sightsee, picnic, etc.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Grand Traverse Bay
- Hotels near Grand Traverse Bay:
- (0.28 km) Mitchell Creek Inn
- (0.36 km) Hampton Inn Traverse City
- (0.55 km) Lakeside home on East Bay in Traverse City. Perfect location. A/C. Fireplace.
- (0.78 km) Pinestead Reef Resort
- (1.25 km) Blossom Hotel & Suites Traverse City
- Restaurants near Grand Traverse Bay:
- (0.40 km) Culver's
- (0.37 km) Denny's
- (1.12 km) Red Mesa Grill
- (2.74 km) Reflect Bistro Inside Cambria Suites Hotel
- (2.14 km) The Cottage
- Attractions near Grand Traverse Bay:
- (0.38 km) Up North Tours LLC
- (0.54 km) Traverse City State Park
- (2.73 km) Traverse City Wine And Beer Tours
- (3.15 km) Traverse Bay Tours
- (1.34 km) Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf