Things to Do in Petoskey, Michigan

There’s a reason I keep coming back to Petoskey. Every time I crest the hill on US-131 and catch that first glimpse of Little Traverse Bay sparkling in the sun, I know I’m in for something special. Whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong fan, let me show you what makes this northern Michigan town one of my favorite escapes.

In a Nutshell: Petoskey, Michigan

Petoskey sits near the tip of Michigan’s mitten on the shores of Little Traverse Bay, about 60 miles north of Traverse City. It’s known for its charming Gaslight District with 170+ shops and restaurants, beautiful sandy beaches, the iconic Petoskey stone, and connections to Ernest Hemingway. The 26-mile Little Traverse Wheelway connects Petoskey to Charlevoix and Harbor Springs. It’s a year-round destination — summer for beaches, fall for color tours, winter for skiing at Nubs Nob and Boyne Highlands.

⭐ Quick Picks

🏆 Can’t-Miss: Gaslight District — 170+ shops, galleries, and restaurants on brick-lined streets
🏖️ Best Beach: Petoskey State Park — wide sand, clear water, Petoskey stone hunting
🚴 Best Trail: Little Traverse Wheelway — 26 miles of paved shoreline trail
🍽️ Best Restaurant: City Park Grill — a Hemingway haunt with classic pub fare and live music
🌅 Best View: Petoskey Pierhead Lighthouse at sunset
🪨 Best Souvenir: A Petoskey stone you found yourself on the beach

What’s Inside This Guide

• About Petoskey, Michigan
• When to Visit
• Can’t-Miss Experiences
• Where to Eat & Drink
• Where to Stay
• Family & Accessibility Tips
• Day Trips & Nearby Towns
• Insider Tips
• Good to Know Before You Go

About Petoskey, Michigan

Petoskey sits near the tip of Michigan’s mitten, where rolling hills meet the blue waters of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay. It’s a place where Ernest Hemingway spent his boyhood summers, and you can still sense that storybook magic in the forests, the historic downtown, and the golden glow of a Lake Michigan sunset.

What I love most about Petoskey is how it blends small-town charm with a surprising amount of things to do. You’ll find fudge shops and art galleries, sandy beaches and scenic bike trails, plus a friendly local vibe that makes you feel right at home. It’s the perfect spot for a summer beach trip, a fall color tour, or a snowy winter adventure.

When to Visit Petoskey

Spring brings wildflowers, quiet trails, and the best time to find freshly uncovered Petoskey stones on the beach. Summer is peak season — warm days, cool nights, and perfect beach weather for swimming, paddleboarding, and stone hunting along the shore. Fall is when the hills explode with color, and a drive along the Tunnel of Trees is absolutely unforgettable. Winter means skiing at nearby Nubs Nob and Boyne Highlands, snowshoeing through quiet forests, and cozying up by the fire in downtown.

Can’t-Miss Experiences in Petoskey

Explore the Gaslight District

Downtown Petoskey’s Gaslight District is pure Michigan charm — brick sidewalks, historic buildings, and more than 170 shops, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Grab a coffee at Petoskey Coffee Co (formerly Populace), browse for local art, and don’t leave without sampling fudge or ice cream at Kilwin’s Chocolate Kitchen. I always find something new every time I wander these streets.

Beach Days on Little Traverse Bay

Petoskey is home to some of the prettiest beaches in Michigan. Petoskey State Park has wide, soft sand, crystal-clear water, and plenty of space to spread out, plus camping, hiking, and accessible pathways. Magnus City Park Beach is great for families with picnic areas and easy water access. Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is a quieter spot with dunes, nature trails, and an observation platform. And just across the bay, Zoll Street and Zorn Park Beaches in Harbor Springs both offer amenities and lifeguards in summer.

Hunt for Petoskey Stones

No trip to Petoskey is complete without searching for Michigan’s official state stone. These ancient coral fossils — roughly 350 million years old — have a distinctive hexagonal pattern that’s easiest to spot when wet. Look along the shoreline, especially after a storm or in early spring when waves have freshly uncovered them. Find one, polish it up, and you’ve got a pure Michigan souvenir.

💡 PRO TIP: The best Petoskey stone hunting is at Petoskey State Park and Magnus City Park Beach. Walk slowly along the waterline and look for the honeycomb pattern on wet stones. Early morning before the crowds hit gives you the best pickings.

Bike or Hike the Little Traverse Wheelway

This 26-mile paved trail runs from Charlevoix through Petoskey to Harbor Springs, hugging the shoreline with stunning bay views the entire way. I love biking here at sunset or taking a morning walk through Bayfront Park, where you’ll find playgrounds, picnic spots, and an ADA-accessible fishing pier.

Bear River Valley Recreation Area

For a little adventure off the beaten path, check out the Bear River Valley. Forested trails, whitewater rapids, and peaceful spots to sit and listen to the water — it’s a great place to escape the crowds and connect with the northern Michigan wilderness. The trail starts right in town, so it’s an easy add to any Petoskey visit.

Petoskey Pierhead Lighthouse

Take a stroll along the breakwall to the iconic red lighthouse at the mouth of the harbor. The views across Little Traverse Bay are incredible, especially at sunset. Just watch your step — the rocks can be slippery when wet.

Local Arts & Culture

Don’t miss the Crooked Tree Arts Center, which hosts art exhibits, performances, and classes year-round. There’s always something happening in Petoskey — from concerts in Pennsylvania Park to art fairs and the popular Gallery Walk series in summer.

Where to Eat & Drink in Petoskey

Petoskey’s dining scene punches well above its weight for a small town. Here are my favorites:

• City Park Grill — This is the one you can’t skip. Originally built in 1875, the building was once a billiard parlor where a young Ernest Hemingway bellied up to the mahogany bar — the same bar that’s still there today. Classic pub fare, craft cocktails, live music on weekends, and karaoke on Fridays. Don’t miss the fresh whitefish or the house-ground burgers off their applewood grill. (432 E Lake St, Petoskey · (231) 347-0101 · Open daily 11:30 AM–9 PM)
• Palette Bistro — Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a rooftop deck and stunning Little Traverse Bay views. Seasonal menu with small plates, wood-fired dishes, and a European wine list. Happy hour (40% off small plates, discounted drinks) is one of the best deals in town. Great for date night. (321 Bay St, Petoskey · (231) 348-3321 · Open daily, lunch & dinner)
• Beards Brewery — A downtown Petoskey craft brewery with 20 rotating taps, sandwiches, pizza, and a view of the bay from the upstairs taproom. Casual vibe with board games and vinyl records. Live music on weekends and trivia nights. (215 E Lake St, Petoskey · (231) 753-2221 · Closed Mon; check website for seasonal hours)
• The Beacon — Right downtown facing Little Traverse Bay, with excellent burgers, steaks, creative cocktails, and one of the best happy hours in town (3–6 PM daily). Weekend brunch is worth setting an alarm for. (319 Bay St, Petoskey · Open daily 11 AM–10 PM)
• Stafford’s Pier Restaurant (Harbor Springs) — Fresh Great Lakes fish, hand-cut steaks, and creative cocktails right on the water overlooking Harbor Springs’ yacht basin. Dudley’s Deck is one of the most famous outdoor dining spots in northern Michigan. Worth the 15-minute drive. (102 E Bay St, Harbor Springs · (231) 526-6201)
• Petoskey Coffee Co — Located in the former Populace Coffee space in downtown Petoskey, this is your morning caffeine fix before a day of exploring. Open daily 8 AM–5 PM. (207 Howard St, Petoskey)
• I always try to sample something uniquely Michigan — whether it’s whitefish, cherry pie, or a scoop of local ice cream. My favorite treat last time was a slice of Four-Berry pie at the Sweet and Savory Pie Company on US-31. Highly recommend.

Where to Stay

The Inn at Bay Harbor — Lakefront luxury on Little Traverse Bay with a spa, two restaurants, golf, a private beach, and stunning sunset views. This Marriott Autograph Collection hotel is the splurge-worthy option. Rooms from around $250/night in season. (3600 Village Harbor Dr, Bay Harbor · (231) 439-4000 · About 10 minutes south of downtown Petoskey)

The Perry Hotel — A historic boutique hotel built in 1899 and the only hotel in downtown Petoskey. Hemingway stayed here in 1916, paying 75 cents for his room. Today it features 79 individually appointed rooms, many with balconies overlooking Little Traverse Bay, plus three on-site dining options including the H.O. Rose Dining Room. Walk to everything in the Gaslight District. (100 Lewis St, Petoskey · (231) 347-4000 · Rooms from $175/night)

Petoskey State Park Campground — For those who love sleeping under the stars. The campground sits right on Little Traverse Bay with easy beach access and hiking trails. Reservations open six months in advance through Michigan DNR and popular summer weekends fill fast. (2475 M-119 Hwy, Petoskey)

Downtown Inns & B&Bs — Several charming options within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Check VRBO and Airbnb for vacation rentals with bay views.

Family & Accessibility Tips

Accessible beaches: Petoskey State Park and Zorn Park Beach in Harbor Springs offer Mobi-Mats and beach wheelchairs for easy access to the water. Pet-friendly spots: Magnus City Park Beach and Zoll Street Beach allow dogs in certain areas — check the rules before you go. Kid-friendly: From skipping stones to biking the Wheelway to exploring the Bear River trails, there’s plenty to keep families busy. Strollers work well in downtown and on the paved trails.

Day Trips & Nearby Towns

Harbor Springs — Just across the bay (15 minutes), with its own charming downtown, beaches, shops, and restaurants. A must-visit.

Charlevoix — A short drive south, known for its iconic drawbridge, Earl Young’s “mushroom houses,” and a beautiful waterfront connecting Lake Michigan, Round Lake, and Lake Charlevoix.

Tunnel of Trees (M-119) — One of Michigan’s most scenic drives, winding 20 miles from Harbor Springs to Cross Village through a canopy of towering hardwoods. Absolutely spectacular in fall.

Mackinaw City — About 45 minutes north, your gateway to Mackinac Island and home to the Mackinac Bridge.

Insider Tips for Your Petoskey Trip

• Sunsets are non-negotiable. Make time to watch the sun dip into Lake Michigan from the Pierhead Lighthouse breakwall or Bayfront Park. It’s the best free show in northern Michigan.
• Parking: Downtown has both free and metered parking. Arrive early in summer for the best spots, especially on weekends.
• Pack layers. Even in July, evenings by the lake can get cool. A light jacket or hoodie is your best friend.
• Check the local events calendar. Petoskey hosts farmers markets, concerts in the park, Gallery Walks, and seasonal festivals throughout the year. There’s almost always something happening.

Good to Know Before You Go

How to Get to Petoskey

By car: Petoskey is about 4 hours north of Grand Rapids via US-131, about 4.5 hours from Detroit via I-75 to M-32, and roughly 1 hour north of Traverse City via US-31 along the gorgeous Lake Michigan shoreline. From Chicago, it’s approximately 5–6 hours via I-94 to I-196 to US-131.

By air: The closest commercial airport is Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, about 60 miles south. Major carriers including American, Delta, and United offer service. From TVC, it’s a scenic one-hour drive north on US-31. Pellston Regional Airport (PLN) is only 20 minutes away but has limited service (primarily seasonal).

Getting around: You’ll want a car for getting to Petoskey, but once you park downtown, you can walk to most things in the Gaslight District, Bayfront Park, and the Pierhead Lighthouse. The Little Traverse Wheelway connects Petoskey to Harbor Springs and Charlevoix by bike, and bike rentals are available locally.

Booking & Planning Tips

Book accommodations early for summer. Petoskey fills up fast from late June through Labor Day. If you’re camping at Petoskey State Park, reservations open six months in advance at midnrreservations.com and popular weekends go quickly.

Parking: Downtown Petoskey has a mix of free and metered street parking plus public lots. In summer, arrive early — especially on weekends and during events like the Fourth of July or Petoskey Restaurant Week.

Cell service: Coverage is generally good in town and along US-31, but can get spotty on back roads and in wooded areas. Download offline maps before heading out on scenic drives like the Tunnel of Trees.

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Exploring Northern Michigan? Check out our guides to Traverse City, Charlevoix, Mackinaw City, and the Tunnel of Trees for more northern Michigan adventures.

Why I Keep Coming Back

Every trip to Petoskey leaves me with a new favorite memory — whether it’s spotting a local artist painting along the bay, finding that perfect Petoskey stone, or catching the last glow of sunset from the lighthouse pier. There’s a rhythm to life here that draws you in, no matter the season. If you haven’t experienced the magic of Petoskey yet, I hope this guide inspires you to plan your own adventure.

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About the Author
Jill Halpin is a Michigan travel expert and founder of MyMichiganBeach.com, one of the state’s leading travel resources. Based in Michigan, Jill appears regularly as a TV travel contributor on WDIV Detroit, Fox17 West Michigan, Fox2 Detroit, and Fox32 Chicago. Her travel expertise has been featured in The Detroit News and across major digital outlets. See more media features.

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