Things To Do
Mt. McSauba Recreation Area
This is a favorite among locals for hiking, scenery, and a sandy dune beach.
Belvedere Golf Club
There are many golf courses in the area, and this one is located very close to downtown. Open to the public most days outside the hours of 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM.
John Cross Fisheries
Stop here for local fresh-caught fish.
Mushroom House Tours
Check out the unique stone houses and establishments built by famous local architect Earl Young.
The Back Lot Charlevoix
An indoor restaurant/bar and outdoor beer garden with food trucks.
Royal Farms
Located just south of Charlevoix, this apple orchard offers a cafe and wine tasting room, gift shop and bakery counter, apple picking, and a corn maze.
Castle Farms
A castle rich in history, with beautiful gardens and iconic architecture. Call for updated hours and be sure to visit the new Castle Pub.
Michigan Beach Park
A beautiful sandy beach next to the South Pier Lighthouse. Walk along the pier to downtown Charlevoix and the drawbridge.
Gypsy Distillery
This one-of-a-kind distillery built in a former equestrian center is home to Gypsy Spirits.
Bay Harbor
About 20 minutes north of Charlevoix, the village of Bay Harbor offers exceptional views of Lake Michigan, shops, dining, and more.
Crooked Tree Golf Club
A stunning golf course on the hilltop with glimpses of Lake Michigan.
Petoskey State Park
Sandy beaches, dunes, and hiking trails, about 30 minutes north of Charlevoix.
Beards Brewery
A local favorite for lunch, dinner, and craft beer!
The Back Lot Beer Garden- Petoskey
Just like it's Charlevoix counterpart, the backlot in Petoskey offers an indoor restaurant bar, and an outdoor beer garden with food trucks.
Little Traverse Wheelway
A paved trail perfect for biking and walking along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Gurney's Harbor Bottle Shop
A local's favorite spot for a bottle of wine and killer sandwiches.
Tom's Mom's Cookies
If you make it up to Harbor Springs, be sure to stop at this cookie shop, an area icon that's full of small town charm.
Tunnel of Trees
Make a day trip to Harbor Springs, and enjoy this 20-mile scenic drive with fun stops along the way. Start out at Tom's Mom's Cookies to get a snack for the road, visit the bustling Pond Hill Farm, and check out the small town shops in Good Hart. Ask for directions to the nearby beach if you're up for a little adventure. The tunnel of trees scenic drive ends in Cross Village, where you can have a one-of-a-kind dining experience at Legs Inn Polish restaurant (as a heads up, wait times here can be long).
Boyne City
Another waterfront town about 20 minutes from Charlevoix, Boyne City is full of charm, with lots of shops, a couple breweries, great restaurants, and recreation parks.
Beaver Island
Accessed by the Beaver Islander ferry from downtown Charlevoix, the largest island in Lake Michigan is a nature lover's retreat!