Dog-Friendly Traverse City, Michigan
From bayfront walks and winery patios to pet-friendly hotels and off-leash play, Traverse City makes an easy Up North getaway with your dog.
Traverse City, MI
Best for Off-Leash Play
Traverse City's dedicated off-leash dog park inside Slabtown Corner, with fenced areas, benches, water, and waste stations.
Best Walks & Outdoor Time
A scenic 4-mile loop just south of downtown with paved, boardwalk, and gravel sections that works well for leashed walks.
Leashed dogs are allowed in the park along the bayfront, though not on the beach itself.
Best Dog-Friendly Sips & Bites
Leashed dogs are welcome on the patio and lawn, and staff note pups can also walk through the vineyard.
A fittingly named Old Mission Peninsula deli with a dog-friendly patio and easy stop before or after winery visits.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Traverse City
Hampton Inn Traverse City
Reliable chain stay across from the bay with pet-friendly rooms and grassy areas for walks, convenient for beach access and quick drives downtown.
1000 U.S. 31 North, Traverse City, MI 49686
Visit WebsiteTru by Hilton Traverse City
Modern, budget-friendly option with practical hard-surface flooring and a location near bike paths and downtown access.
3572 N U.S. 31 S, Traverse City, MI 49684
Visit WebsiteDays Inn & Suites by Wyndham Traverse City
Value-focused stay across from East Grand Traverse Bay with easy parking and a straightforward dog policy for road-trippers.
1870 US-31 North, Traverse City, MI 49686
Visit WebsiteTravelodge by Wyndham Traverse City MI
Affordable pet-friendly base near Route 31 and Highway 72 with designated dog rooms and relief areas on site.
704 Munson Avenue, Traverse City, MI 49686
Visit WebsiteBest Western Plus Traverse City
Comfortable mid-range option on Munson Avenue with easy access to downtown, the bay, and pet relief areas.
305 Munson Avenue, Traverse City, MI 49686
Visit WebsitePark Place Hotel & Conference Center
Downtown landmark hotel that puts you within walking distance of Front Street, the waterfront, and several patio stops.
300 East State Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Restaurants & Patios
Bad Dog Deli
Casual sandwich shop on Old Mission Peninsula with a dog-friendly patio, craft beer, and an easy stop on a winery day.
14091 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686
Visit WebsiteFolgarelli's Market & Wine Shop
Local favorite for award-winning sandwiches and picnic-friendly provisions near downtown.
424 W Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Visit WebsiteThe Omelette Shoppe
Popular breakfast stop with outdoor seating for dogs and a strong menu of omelets, pancakes, and brunch classics.
1209 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49686
Visit WebsiteSilver Spruce Brewing Company
Laid-back brewery on Eighth Street with a spacious covered patio, fire pits, and frequent food truck service.
439 East Eighth St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Visit WebsiteMulligan's Pub & Grill
Golf-club-adjacent pub with a handful of dog-friendly outdoor tables and a classic burger-and-sandwich menu.
2430 W Crown Dr, Traverse City, MI 49685
Visit WebsiteGrand Traverse Pie Company
A dependable casual stop for breakfast, lunch, soup, sandwiches, and a slice of pie with your pup nearby.
525 W Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Parks, Trails & Activities
Wags West Dog Park
Traverse City's dedicated off-leash dog park with fenced play areas, benches, water, and waste stations.
Slabtown Corner, corner of Bay and Division Streets, Traverse City, MI 49684
Visit WebsiteBoardman Lake Loop Trail
A 4-mile loop just south of downtown with a mix of pavement, boardwalk, and gravel, ideal for scenic leashed walks.
Multiple access points including Hannah Road and Medalie Park, Traverse City, MI 49686
Visit WebsiteClinch Park
Bayfront green space with paths and waterfront views; leashed dogs are allowed in the park but not on the beach.
111 E Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City, MI 49684
Visit WebsiteBeitner Park
Quiet riverside park with trail access, picnic space, and a launch area for paddlers looking for a less urban outing.
2651 Beitner Road, Traverse City, MI 49686
Visit WebsiteBonobo Winery
Old Mission Peninsula winery with patio and lawn seating where leashed dogs are welcome, plus vineyard stroll potential.
12011 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686
Visit WebsiteChateau Grand Traverse
Dog-friendly winery stop with shaded patio seating and broad vineyard views on Old Mission Peninsula.
17015 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686
Visit WebsiteA Dog-Friendly Weekend in Traverse City
This two-day plan mixes easy walks, patio meals, and scenic peninsula stops without overloading your dog.
Day 1: Downtown + Bayfront Day
Start with breakfast at The Omelette Shoppe, then walk your dog along Clinch Park and the bayfront paths. Keep pups leashed and skip the beach sand area.
Check into your hotel, then head to Wags West Dog Park for off-leash play. Afterward, browse downtown Traverse City on foot and grab lunch or an early snack at Folgarelli's Market & Wine Shop.
Settle in on a dog-friendly patio at Silver Spruce Brewing Company or Grand Traverse Pie Company, then take a sunset stroll near Front Street and the waterfront.
Day 2: Old Mission Peninsula Day
Drive up Old Mission Peninsula and stop at Bad Dog Deli for a casual lunch setup or picnic supplies. If your dog needs a walk first, do a shorter leashed outing before winery stops.
Visit Bonobo Winery and Chateau Grand Traverse, both good options for leashed dogs outdoors. Keep water handy and plan around shade in warmer months.
Return to town for dinner at another patio spot like Mulligan's Pub & Grill, then finish with a relaxed leashed walk on part of the Boardman Lake Loop Trail.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Petoskey
70 milesA classic northern Michigan lake town with waterfront walks, downtown shopping, and easy day-trip appeal.
Charlevoix
50 milesKnown for marina views, beaches, and a compact downtown that works well for a relaxed dog-friendly outing.
Frankfort
40 milesA smaller Lake Michigan town near scenic drives and outdoor recreation west of Traverse City.
Leland
25 milesA charming harbor village with Fishtown access and a slower-paced peninsula day trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on restaurant patios in Traverse City?
Usually yes, if the restaurant chooses to allow them. Michigan law allows dogs in outdoor dining areas under certain conditions, but each business sets its own policy, so it's smart to call ahead.
Is there an off-leash dog park in Traverse City?
Yes. Wags West Dog Park is Traverse City's dedicated off-leash dog park and is located within Slabtown Corner at Bay and Division Streets.
Can dogs go to the beach in Traverse City?
Policies vary by location. At Clinch Park, leashed dogs are allowed in the park but not on the beach itself. Michigan state parks generally allow pets in many areas, but not on designated swim beaches unless a pet-friendly beach area is specifically posted.
What part of Traverse City is best for staying with a dog?
Downtown is best if you want walkability to patios and the waterfront, while the Munson Avenue and US-31 corridor gives you more budget-friendly pet-friendly hotels with easier parking and quick access to trails and the peninsula.
Are Traverse City wineries dog-friendly?
Some are. Bonobo Winery welcomes leashed dogs on the patio and lawn, and Chateau Grand Traverse also offers dog-friendly outdoor space. Always confirm current policy before visiting.
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