Late June Lake Michigan

Question

Looking to plan a last minute 7 day trip to Traverse City and a beach town along Lake Michigan for late June. Flying in to Grand Rapids. Looking for advice on what towns to look at along the lake Michigan… they all seem so cute. We are a 50 year old couple that enjoy breweries, art, moderate hikes, wineries, beaches. Would like to spend a day at Sleeping Bear Dunes and a day doing a wine tour and driving MI-22. Would love suggestions from those in the know as this will be our first time visiting Michigan. Is there anywhere to get more info on wineries in the area? Do you need to book tastings ahead or can you walk in? What are your favorite beach towns to stay? Thanks!

Answer

For a late June trip to Traverse City and along Lake Michigan, you have a wonderful mix of scenic drives, beaches, wineries, breweries, and small charming towns to explore. Since you’re flying into Grand Rapids, you can plan a route that allows you to enjoy both Lake Michigan towns and the Traverse City area efficiently.

Beach towns along Lake Michigan to consider:

Saugatuck/Douglas: These twin towns are known for their art galleries, boutiques, and great beaches. Oval Beach is particularly beautiful and often ranked among the best in Michigan. Plenty of local breweries and cozy inns available.
Holland: Holland is famous for its Dutch heritage, windmill, and Tulip Time (in spring). Holland State Park has wide sandy beaches and walking trails along Lake Michigan.
South Haven: A classic Lake Michigan beach town with a historic lighthouse, marina, and relaxed downtown area. Great for local breweries and lakefront dining.

Once you’re up north in Traverse City, plan at least one full day at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Hiking trails range from easy strolls to moderate climbs with stunning dune and lake views. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is highly recommended for a mix of views without much hiking.

Wine and brewery touring:

The Old Mission Peninsula and Benzie/Leelanau Peninsula near Traverse City are the top wine regions. Popular wineries include Chateau Chantal, Black Star Farms, and Mari Vineyards. Most wineries do allow walk-ins, but late June can be busy, so it’s wise to book tastings ahead for the most popular ones.
Traverse City itself has several craft breweries including Right Brain Brewery, Rare Bird Brewpub, and North Peak Brewing Company.
The MI-22 scenic drive along the Leelanau Peninsula is ideal for combining winery stops, small town exploration (like Leland and Suttons Bay), and lake views.

Sample itinerary suggestion:

Day 1: Arrive in Grand Rapids, explore downtown breweries and get settled.
Day 2: Drive up the coast to Holland or Saugatuck, enjoy beach time and local art galleries.
Day 3: Continue north along Lake Michigan to South Haven or Sleeping Bear Dunes area, check out dune hikes.
Day 4: Traverse City – explore downtown, local breweries, and shopping.
Day 5: Full day wine tour along Old Mission or Leelanau Peninsula, MI-22 scenic drive.
Day 6: More hiking or beach time, optional kayak or paddleboard, relax in small towns like Leland or Suttons Bay.
Day 7: Return to Grand Rapids for departure, perhaps stopping at a winery or brewery en route.

Additional tips:

Check winery websites for reservation policies. Popular spots often recommend reservations, especially on weekends and in summer.
For beaches, early morning or late afternoon visits can avoid crowds.
Consider booking accommodations in one or two towns and using day trips along the peninsula to minimize hotel changes.
If you like outdoor adventure, consider short hikes at Sleeping Bear Dunes like the Dune Climb or Empire Bluff Trail for views of Lake Michigan.

With this plan, you’ll get a combination of scenic drives, beach relaxation, brewery and winery experiences, and easy hikes while making the most of your week in Michigan’s beautiful Lake Michigan region.

Late June Lake Michigan

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