Traverse City Honeymoon Guides

Congratulations, newlywed! It’s time to plan a relaxing and fun getaway with your love. In Michigan, there’s no better place for a honeymoon than Traverse City! Beautiful bays, amazing wineries, and delicious food are all part of the package in this Traverse City honeymoon guide. 

When to Go

Traverse City is beautiful any time of year, but for a more exclusive and romantic time away, we recommend traveling in the spring or fall. While summer inundates the area with tourists, the shoulder seasons are quieter and slower while still offering all the same amenities. However, please note that some restaurants may be closed in the off-season, so if you plan on making reservations call ahead to confirm they’re open! 

What to Pack

If you’re traveling to Traverse City during the shoulder seasons, make sure to pack plenty of layers! The weather in Northern Michigan during the spring or fall is pleasant, but often variable near the water. It will probably be windy as well, so we recommend a jacket! You’ll also need a swimsuit or two, sunscreen, and a few nice outfits for your fancier dinners.

Where to Stay

Northwest Michigan offers dozens and dozens of hotels, inns, and cottages for rent, offering something for every different taste. Options range from remote and cozy to easily accessible and all-inclusive. 

For couples looking for an all-inclusive experience, we recommend one of the local resorts. Delamar Traverse City is a full-service resort featuring onsite yoga, an artisan restaurant, heated outdoor pools and cabanas, and a Couples Getaway package that comes with sparkling wine, a cheese plate, and complimentary late checkout. They also offer partnerships with local businesses that provide an exclusive experience. For example, at Mari Vineyards you can taste their cellar-aged library wines that are exclusively for Delamar guests.  Plus, if you’re a Midwest native check out their special local rates. 

Hotels like the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa offer a little bit of everything for couples celebrating their nuptials. Located a little east of town, you’re guaranteed some peace and quiet, while also having the convenience of onsite dining, a spa, a fitness center complete with classes, a golf course, and an arcade and axe-throwing game room. Cherry Tree Inn & Suites offers the standard hotel amenities, but will also connect you with local tours and do all the planning for you! Check out their options for join-in or private wine, beer, and distillery tours, and make sure you sign up for their Romantic Getaway package that comes with complimentary local wine and chocolate truffles.

Couples who want to stay close to downtown would do well with one of the local hotels, like Hotel Indigo Traverse City, which is located on the waterfront and is within walking distance of dozens of bars, restaurants, and shops. Local rentals are also a great option, like the Modern Historic Firehouse, Top of the Shoppe, or this Luxury TC Loft — all are only blocks away from downtown. 

Alternatively, couples could choose to stay closer to the source at one of the local wineries featuring onsite inns. Black Star Farms Inn, The Inn at Chateau Grand Traverse, and Chateau Chantal all offer beautiful accommodations with bay views and, of course, amazing wine. 

Where to Eat

Treat yourself while you’re away and make some reservations at some of the area’s incredible restaurants. If you’re staying at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, or don’t mind the drive, we recommend eating at Aerie. Not only is the food delicious, but the panoramic views are breathtaking. 

Located up the Old Mission Peninsula, the Boathouse Restaurant is farm-to-table and utilizes local ingredients as much as possible. Enjoy your meal while gazing at that beautiful sunset view! Trattoria Stella, a top-tier Italian restaurant, is located at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. The historic 1884 hospital complex also features shopping and hiking options for before or after dinner. For something a little more funky, check out Hop Lot Brewing in Suttons Bay. With a wide variety of brews and a menu full of goodies like nachos, tacos, and sandwiches, it’s a great casual spot to eat and relax. Hop Lot also offers outdoor games and campfires in the woods. 

What to Do

The Traverse City area offers many different activities from active to relaxing, and everything in between! Start the trip off right with a toast to your new life! Check out the many wineries in the area — we recommend signing up for a tour to make it easy on yourself. Make sure to check out the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail or the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail to plan your trip efficiently!

Northwestern Michigan is beautiful — there’s no arguing that! Make sure you enjoy the views to their full potential by getting out on the water. Companies like Seaside Sailing Excursions and Nauti-Cat Cruises offer a variety of excursions on sailboats or catamarans. The sunset cruises are our favorite! 

If you’d like to be a little more active, then there are plenty of trails to explore. The Traverse City Area Recreation Trails (TART) is 10.5 miles long and includes paved and wooded sections. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards for day trips on West Grand Traverse Bay or Boardman River. Check out The River Outfitters or Paddle TC.

Local spas offer a quiet and romantic experience. Grand Traverse Resort & Spa offers couples massages conveniently located in the resort. If you’re closer to downtown, Solitude Float Spa offers both float and massage therapy, while Urban Oasis Salt Spa is the only salt spa in Northern Michigan. 

When looking for a little excitement, look no further than Turtle Creek Casino and try your hand with lady luck. Of course, downtown Traverse City also offers dozens of shops and local theaters. You can also see a show at the City Opera House! 

Traverse City – The Ideal Honeymoon Destination

No matter where you stay or what you do, Traverse City is the perfect place to kickstart your new life with your partner. Enjoy your time together as you relax and play in Northern Michigan!