Michigans Leelanau Peninsula has so many beautiful spots and fun places to visit. This is located in Michigans “pinky”- North of Traverse City. I vacation here a couple of times a year, here are my favorite things to do.
Map
Sections
7
Sutton’s Bay
Omena
On The Road Between Towns
Lake Leelanau
Glen Arbor
Leland
Sutton’s Bay
We love this beach! The sand is clean, there’s a playground for kids and a huge sand pile for them to play on. A nice roped off swimming area provides a safe place to swim and look for rocks. Public bathrooms nearby too!
Suttons Bay Beach
One of our favorite place to sit at the bar or outside on a nice day and have a drink and a good meal. They have a great breakfast buffet on Sundays but their normal breakfast, lunch and dinner menus also hit the spot. Casual and cozy.
V.I. Grill
My favorite winery. The wine is fantastic and the staff is always so friendly. Sit outside or in, either way it’s a beautiful setting. Their food is fantastic with gourmet selections and great wine pairings. Or just pop in for a tasting!
Gilchrist Farm
The cutest old timey movie theater! Perfect activity for a rainy day, the movie theater plays current movies or classics. Check out what’s playing that week on the posters outside the theater!
The Bay Theatre
The farmers market on Saturdays always has the best produce and local goodies. Get the cherries, as that’s what “Up North” Michigan does best!
Leelanau Farmers Market Sutton’s Bay location
Great breakfast place! And connected to the candy shop next door.
45th Parallel Cafe
Great lunch and dinner spot. My husband loves the fish and chips here!
Streetside Grille
Cute and cozy spot to sit inside for lunch or dinner, but we also love to sit outside on the patio or at the outside bar in the summer. The Brie with honey is a favorite.
North Country Kitchen and Bar
A great bookstore with lots of options. Great place to grab something to read on your vacation. The staff is super helpful and friendly.
Bay Books
Beautiful views, friendly staff, amazing ciders!
Suttons Bay Ciders
Great place to hang outside and have a beer! Sit out in the woods in the summer or in a heated igloo in the winter. Big sand pit for kids, concerts, yard games and delicious food/beverages!
Hop Lot Brewing Co. & Beer Garden
Omena
Great restaurant on Omena Bay. Beautiful views.
Knot Just a Bar
Connected to Knot Just A Bar, this tasting room also overlooks Omena Bay. Gorgeous views for tasting delicious wine!
Leelanau Wine Cellars Tasting Room
On The Road Between Towns
Try your luck at this cute casino located on M-23 between Sutton’s Bay and Omena. Lodging available here as well.
Leelanau Sands Casino
Gorgeous look out point over Lake Michigan. Be prepared for a hike!
Pyramid Point Trail
Gorgeous beach and great place for Petoskey stone hunting!
Christmas Cove Park access
Very tip of the peninsula. Check out the lighthouse and the beautiful park. Amazing playground for kids.
Leelanau State Park
Nice winery to stop and have a tasting at!
45 North Vineyard & Winery
Lake Leelanau
Lovely winery on Lake Leelanau. Gorgeous views, snacks and wines. Walk down to the dock to see wildlife! We saw a baby Mink the last time we were there.
Boathouse Vineyards
Also has a spit in Sutton’s Bay, this is a great place to taste locally made spirits! Do a tasting or have a cocktail, either way you can’t go wrong!
Northern Latitudes Distillery
Great spot to rent boats by the hour or day. Take the boat out on beautiful Lake Leelanau for a fun day!
The Narrows Yacht Club
Love this place for lunch! Order at the counter and sit inside the cozy restaurant or outside on a nice day! Delicious food!
Fiddleheads Lake Leelanau
Glen Arbor
A must see, must do if you’ve never been. Huge sand dunes to walk up and run down! And if you aren’t tired at the top you can walk a bit further to have a fantastic view of Lake Michigan.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (U.S. ...
Great spot for lunch or dinner. Cash only
Art's Tavern
Great place to bring the kids and have a meal, drinks and fulfill all your cherry needs!
Cherry Republic | Glen Arbor
Family friendly restaurant with mini golf and live music!
River Club Glen Arbor
Leland
Quaint, unique and beautiful. This old Fishtown has been well restored and is loved by all. Take a walk through the historic buildings turned shops and enjoy the scenic views on the water!
Historic Fishtown
Our favorite restaurant in Leland. The Cove is a great place to sit and have a nice meal and Bloody Mary (or Chubby Mary if you’re brave) while looking over Fishtown and the water. Rick’s cafe is below if you’d rather have an up close water view and ...
The Cove
A favorite among locals and tourists alike. The best sandwiches around!
Village Cheese Shanty
Northport
Cute place to shop and grab a bite to eat
Yard & Lake
Great family friendly restaurant. Has bowling and pool. Some arcade games as well.
Northport Pub & Grille
Cozy vibes inside, beer garden outside with some covered seating. Wood fired pizzas are the best!
The Mitten Brewing Company-Northport
There’s a great playground for kids and public restrooms down by the marina that my kids love! Great place to take a break.
