Planning a Traverse City vacation can be daunting, but for a good reason: There’s simply so much great stuff to see and do. Finding the perfect lodging is a big part of that equation these days, as visitors seek to snag spots that are destinations unto themselves — the ideal vacation home is no longer just about location, but also amazing amenities like fully stocked kitchens, waterfront access, adventure gear like bikes and paddleboards and kayaks, even thoughtful touches like free wood waiting next to the firepit.
If you’re looking for the perfect cabin, cottage or condo for your next Traverse City trip, we’ve rounded up a dozen to get you started. Each is highly rated on the vacation rental site VRBO.com; bookmark them for future travels or let them inspire dreaming of your next escape.
The following listings were active and accepting reservations at the time of publication. Be sure to fully check each listing for any special guidelines and specific policies, especially for pets and kids. More Michigan listings are available at VRBO.com.
This luxury Traverse City vacation rental is tucked away in the historic Grand Traverse Commons. | Photo courtesy VRBO
Luxury Suite in the Village: It’s not hard to see why this spacious stunner of a vacation rental has all five-star reviews: The 2,300-square-foot condo in the historic Grand Traverse Commons is beautifully appointed with dining, hiking, and shopping mere steps away. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps 8. Full listing here
This luxe condo in Traverse City puts you in the heart of all the vacationland action. | Photo courtesy of VRBO
Brown’s Bayside Retreat: This spacious, sparkling Traverse City condo offers quick access to all the local amenities plus luxe details like a fully stocked kitchen and all new appliances. Guest reviews rave about the location and great communication from the host. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 8. Full listing here
A charmer of a lakefront vacation rental with its own beach near Traverse City, Mich. | Photo via VRBO
Charming Lakefront Cabin with Boat Ramp on a Sandy Beach: This freshly renovated cutie sits on Rennie Lake, a rustic-vibes, all-sports lake about 15 minutes southeast of Traverse City. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, sleeps 5. Full listing here
Reviewers raved about the location of this charmer in downtown Traverse City. | Photo courtesy VRBO
Traverse City Front Street Victorian home: A newly remodeled apartment in a sweet Victorian boasting tons of charm plus a killer location just two blocks from the beach. Amenities include plenty of parking onsite, an outdoor grill, smart TV and more. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, sleeps 8. Full listing here
A dock with a beautiful view of West Grand Traverse Bay is one of the amenities at this private carriage house. | Photo courtesy VRBO
Private carriage house on West Grand Traverse Bay: This beachy waterfront carriage house includes 100 feet on West Grand Traverse Bay. It’s close enough for quick trips to Traverse City but also far enough away to offer quietude even during peak tourism seasons. The waterfront firepit for bonfires and s’mores is an added bonus. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, sleeps 4. Full listing here
The serene view of High Lake from this Traverse-area vacation rental. | Photo courtesy of VRBO
Cozy House on High Lake: This charmer of a tiny house sits alongside 50-acre High Lake, with a kayak and canoes ready for you to go adventuring. Reviewers loved the location, which offers a restful, peaceful stay while still being close to the action in Traverse City. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, sleeps 2. Full listing here
This sweet vacation rental sits on Spider Lake, just south of Traverse City. | Photo courtesy VRBO
Spider Lake Lakefront Cottage: From serene waterfront sunrises to a boatload of lakehouse amenities (paddleboards, paddleboat, enough kayaks for a whole crew), this cottage on Spider Lake packs everything you’d want for a northern vacation. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, sleeps 6. Full listing here
This well-reviewed Traverse-area vacation rental dishes up lovely views of the Boardman River. | Photo courtesy of VRBO
Waterfront Cottage on the Boardman River: There’s just something extra dreamy about being on a river. This Boardman River cottage comes fully stocked, complete with a riverside firepit for soulful stargazing in any season. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 6. Full listing here
Stay in the heart of Traverse City at this sparkling-new condo. | Photo courtesy VRBO
Top floor condo for 2 in the heart of downtown Traverse City: A brand-new condo (with parking!) that puts you in the center of Traverse City’s incredible dining and shopping — not to mention walking distance from the sandy shores of Grand Traverse Bay. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, sleeps two. Full listing here
Billed as “Bay Bliss,” this beachfront vacation condo in Traverse City has room for four guests. | Image courtesy VRBO
Bay Bliss At The Beach In Traverse City: Explore the Traverse City region then come home to a sandy beach and sunset views right outside your door at this bayfront condo, freshly updated with new appliances. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, sleeps 4. Full listing here
Stay steps from the waterfront and just a short distance from downtown Traverse City in this sweet four-person beach house. | Photo courtesy of VRBO
Beach House Within Walking Distance of Downtown Traverse City: Reviewers (including one who has returned to this spot four times) raved about the sunsets and location of this little beach house, located just a 15 minute walk from downtown. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, sleeps 4. Full listing here
A quaint, pet-friendly cabin on Chandler Lake near Traverse City. | Photo courtesy of VRBO
Cabin on Chandler Lake: A sweet lakefront vacation rental just 10 or so minutes from Traverse City, with all the charm you’d hope to find in a tucked-away Up North cabin. Perfectly sized for a solo retreat, best-friends getaway or couples trip. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, sleeps two. Full listing here
Find more Michigan vacation rentals at VRBO.com.
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