Traverse City is one of the best locations for a beach vacation. It boasts spectacular views of the Grand Traverse Bay in Lake Michigan and has many attractions to offer. Here, you may experience kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, and so much more.
The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was named the “Most Beautiful Place in America” a few years ago, making it a must-visit. If you’re here during November, you can enjoy the Traverse City Beer Week. Some vineyards here include Bowers Harbor Vineyards and Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery. For a scenic stay, read on for the top lakefront hotels in Traverse City, Michigan.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to lake. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 27, 2025.
1. Bayshore Resort (from USD 99)
Choose this charming hotel with an indoor pool and private beach area to soak in the sun. This property provides air-conditioned cozy rooms with free WiFi, beverage makers, and breathtaking views of the bay from some rooms. Soak in the hot tub to unwind and relax after a day of sightseeing.
This family-friendly hotel also has laundry facilities and daily housekeeping to ensure your hygiene. With restaurants and fast food chains nearby, you’re spoilt for a choice of meals.
Bayshore Resort
Address: 833 East Front Street
4.49 km (2.8 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
2. Delamar Traverse City (from USD 190)
Spend your vacation right by the gorgeous Clinch Park Beach when staying in this hotel. While some rooms in this hotel offer spectacular views of the bay, you can rest assured about the comfort of all the accommodation options. Moreover, it is close to the airport, and its central location lets you enjoy several surrounding attractions such as the Centre Ice Arena and Clinch Park.
Enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast to start your day right. Then hop into the hot tub or sauna to unwind after a day of outdoor activities such as zip lining and hiking.
Delamar Traverse City
Address: 615 E Front Street
4.12 km (2.6 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
3. Hotel Indigo Traverse City, an IHG Hotel (from USD 165)
This lakefront hotel close to Clinch Park Beach provides air-conditioned rooms, with some having gorgeous bay views. This 3.5-star hotel is located in the shopping district and has on-site shopping and golfing facilities. Enjoy American cuisine and happy hours in the in-house restaurants, too.
The rooms are spacious and boast dedicated workspaces for your convenience. If you are craving outdoor adventure during winter, you can go skiing and snowshoeing near here. It is also close to culturally significant areas such as the Old Town Playhouse and City Opera House.
Hotel Indigo Traverse City by IHG
Address: 263 W Grandview Parkway
3.45 km (2.2 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
Other lakefront accommodations in Traverse City, Michigan
4. East Bay Escape
Stay at this unique house with hexagonal interiors and enjoy a long stretch before the East Grand Traverse Bay. You’ll witness spectacular waterfront views from the dining area, living room, and kitchen. This place is perfect for bigger travel groups and families.
Get free gym access and several discounts on bus reservations, nearby outdoor activities, and other rental services. Spend a peaceful vacation by the lake with a local quiet time that adds to the serenity of this location.
Traverse City, Michigan, United States
3.8 km (2.4 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
Top guest reviews
Location:
roomy house with great location on the lakeRead more reviewsCleanliness:
very comfortable and clean
5. Boardman Ridge Penthouse
This condo above the Broadman Lake Trail can host up to four guests. Savor the gorgeous lake views, especially from the bright living area with huge windows. You can visit with kids as provisions for children are present. Unwind amidst the calm serenity of the location from your private patio and outdoor seating.
There’s a dining table and an island with chairs. The spacious house allows everyone in your group to spread and relax. The kitchen has all the necessary devices and cooking basics. Internet and parking are also available for your ease.
Traverse City, Michigan, United States
2.4 km (1.5 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse City
Top guest reviews
Host:
katy was attentive helpful and very knowledgeable regarding the areathe property manager was incredibly responsive attentive and wonderful to work withcheck-in was simple and the owner and management company are extremely friendly and responsiveLocation:
very clean and new the location is awesomeCleanliness:
we had a terrific time and this beautifully decorated impeccably clean and super cozy spacious condo style vacation propertyit was so bright airy comfortable and immaculately cleanwe cannot say enough good things this place was very nice and cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the living room has a huge couch a couple of chairs large tv and fireplacethe second bedroom had a very comfortable queen bed and two large closetsa nice open floor plan with a fully furnished kitchen a sit at island and dining room tablethe king bed was very comfortable
6. Island View Cottages (from USD 535)
Island View Cottages offer a peaceful retreat amidst the greens with a magnificent beach view. Enjoy direct waterfront access through a dock. The host also offers other cottages and larger houses with beach access that can host bigger travel groups if you wish.
Commuting from downtown Traverse City is made easy with free on-site parking and its proximity to brew buses for wine tours. The cottage consists of a well-equipped kitchen and a well-stocked bathroom. Heating, cooling, and more are present to keep your stay secure and family-friendly.
Traverse City, Michigan, United States
4.62 km (2.9 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse CitySuperhost
Accommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
friendly staff and other gueststhe hosts were communicating super quicklyhosts were very friendly and called before check in to make themselves availabletom was also very kind and responsive whenever we needed anythingi felt comfortable safe and the staff were helpful with suggestions for the areaLocation:
cute cozy and close to everythingbeautiful location in a very rustic cabinit is the perfect location in traverse cityclose to restaurants quiet and an amazing location next to the beachnica area and close to the funCleanliness:
clean and just steps to the beachthe beach is clean and a nice spotthe cottages were clean neat and welcomingright on the beach which is clean and clear watercozy & clean with a vintage family summer cottage vibeRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the view from the room was greatgood small touches like sand toys grills foot buckets kitchen items fire pits etc
7. Private house with gorgeous bay views (from USD 7129)
Enjoy scenic views of the bay from the rooftop deck or head straight to the beach, located just steps away from this private accommodation. The Broadman River offers great hiking and fly fishing experience, while Bayfront Park offers rental for bikes, kayaks, and more for your outdoor adventures.
Enjoy quality time with your peers with the outdoor barbeque grill. Relax in the private hot tub with a gas fire pit on the deck to add to the aesthetics. There’s a well-stocked gourmet kitchen for meals and over 30 eateries nearby to satisfy your taste buds.
Traverse City, Michigan, United States
3.39 km (2.2 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse CityAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Host:
bob provided great trips on the area and was very responsive to a few questions we hadLocation:
we could walk to downtown easilyperfect location central to everything in traverse citythis is an amazing home close to downtown and the waterRead more reviewsCleanliness:
very clean definitely would recommendit is extremely clean comfortable and spaciouseverything was clean and comfortable and felt like home away from homespotless beautiful design and great deck views
8. Cozy loft located downtown (from USD 548)
This loft has gorgeous waterfront views from the recently renovated porch on the second floor. Live in the historic Darrow building, one of the best locations for tourists to explore the surrounding region. Access the downtown restaurants and amenities easily from this location or go for wine tours.
This accommodation has all the necessary arrangements and family-friendly amenities for a comfortable stay. The outdoor area features barbeque facilities, and the kitchen is well-furnished with all necessities. WiFi and parking facilities are also available.
Traverse City, Michigan, United States
3.54 km (2.2 mi) from Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Traverse CityAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Host:
the hosts were great and responded very promptlyanna is a great host and super responsiveexceeded expectations and also a great hostplenty of space and the hosts were very helpful and responded quicklyLocation:
the location is greatwonderful space with an ideal locationwalking distance from beaches restaurants and attractionsit's in a great location to explore the entire areanice location and quieter than i was expectingCleanliness:
the house was clean and well stocked with sheets blankets towels and dishesit was very clean and the beds were extremely comfortablethe airbnb itself was very clean and nicely decoratedit was super clean and had everything we neededthe place was cleanRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
we loved the view & the roomy comfortable living room & kitchencharming apartment with unbelievable sunriseit’s so cozy and the view of the bay is awesomethe beds were comfortable and there was plenty of space to spread out
Visit Traverse City, Michigan!
Plan a trip to this spectacular location as soon as possible. For a comfortable and affordable stay, consult the above listing for the best lakefront options and enjoy.
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