A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort
For a pure golf vacation, A-Ga-Ming is the place to go. The resort on the shores of Torch Lake in Kewadin, about 25 miles northeast of Traverse City, has two golf courses right on site, plus two more a little farther north. Together, these four outstanding courses make up one of the finest stay-and-play opportunities in Michigan:
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Golfweek named Sundance the Top Golf Resort Course in America in 2022, and it earned Michigan Golf Course of the Year honors in 2023.
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The Torch is rated 4 stars by Golf Digest and features an iconic par-3 overlooking the splendor of its namesake Torch Lake
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A-Ga-Ming also offers the 4.5-star Antrim Dells overlooking beautiful Lake Michigan, about 15 minutes north of the resort lodging, and a few miles farther along U.S. 31, the pristine Charlevoix Country Club.
An awesome thing about A-Ga-Ming is that you can pair great places to play with spectacular places to stay. Choose from one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom accommodations right along the Torch and Sundance courses, including condos and townhomes with private decks, grills, and breathtaking views of Torch Lake.
With the variety of golf courses and lodging options, the stay-and-play packages at A-Ga-Ming are amazing. Plus, wherever you play, you’re never far from a tasty place to eat. Duffers Bar and Grill is even within walking distance of all the A-Ga-Ming accommodations.
Crystal Mountain Resort
For a family vacation where golf is just one of many things to do, check out Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, about 30 miles south of Traverse City. A popular ski destination in the winter, Crystal Mountain offers different kinds of family fun all summer long.
In addition to two championship golf courses, the resort is home to Michigan’s only alpine slide, which sends you speeding down two 1,600-foot curved tracks with tunnels, dips, and high-bank turns! The Park at Water’s Edge features a gigantic outdoor swimming pool and water playground, along with a rock-climbing wall and high ropes course. There’s also the award-winning Crystal Spa for full-body rejuvenation and the fascinating Michigan Legacy Art Park with wooded walking trails through an outdoor gallery of sculptures.
Crystal Mountain has more than 260 places to stay with space for 2 to 14 guests and, in some cases, pets as well. Options range from hotel rooms in the heart of the village to mountaintop townhomes, cottages in the woods, condos, bungalows, and more.
The resort also has plenty of food for every taste, from pizza and subs to fine dining and a coffee and wine bar, too. Plus, there’s a specialty market right on site where you can stock the kitchen in your room.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
The 900 acres of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa are home to 54 holes of golf, including The Bear, designed by the great Jack Nicklaus and ranked as the 18th toughest course in America, and The Wolverine, designed by Hall of Famer Gary Player. There are also lots of things to do off the course.
Here’s a rundown of just some of the resort amenities:
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Private beach club with paddleboards, kayaks, jet skis, and more
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Spa Grand Traverse with a comprehensive menu of relaxing treatments for your hair, skin, nails, and body
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Two outdoor swimming pools and two indoor pools, including a water playground and slide
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Five indoor and four outdoor tennis courts as part of a 100,000-square-foot fitness center and health club
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A Gallery of Shops, including eight unique retail stores and the Marketplace with a variety of grab-and-go sandwiches and salads, along with baked goods and sweet treats
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The Den Entertainment Center with arcade games, virtual reality experiences, axe-throwing, boutique bowling, and an escape room
The iconic 17-story glass tower at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa offers rooms with stunning views. Other resort accommodations include hotel rooms, suites, condos with private patios or balconies, and resort homes for larger families or groups.
On-site restaurants offer everything from beach bites and pub fare to fine dining in venues such as a golf side patio and a tower-topping lounge with panoramic views.
Grand Beach & Sugar Beach Resort Hotels
Located right on East Grand Traverse Bay with more than 300 feet of waterfront, the Grand Beach Resort Hotel and its sister property, the Sugar Beach Resort Hotel, combine to create one incredible destination in the heart of Traverse City. Both buildings have 100 rooms, including many with patios or balconies right on the beach. The properties offer one- and two-bedroom accommodations as well as family suites and luxury villas with space for up to 10 guests.
Other resort amenities include a large, heated indoor swimming pool and spa, fitness center, arcade, and complimentary breakfast. There are also watersports rentals available right on-site, so you can get out on the bay on a paddleboard, kayak, jet ski, pontoon, or ski boat. Plus, the TART Trail runs right nearby, giving you easy access by bike to downtown Traverse City’s charming Front Street.
Along with abundant natural recreation on the water side of the Grand Beach and Sugar Beach resort hotels, across the street is Pirate’s Cove. You can play miniature golf on the iconic Blackbeard’s Challenge, get behind the wheel of a go-kart on the Billy Bones Race Track, and engage in bumper boat battles, too. There’s also Blackbeard’s Den Game Room with video games and prizes.
So many other family-friendly attractions are also nearby, such as Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where you can scale the towering Dune Climb, the Great Lakes Children’s Museum, GT Butterfly House and Bug Zoo, Traverse City Pit Spitters minor league baseball games, and more.
Choosing the Right Family Resort
Finding the right family lodging in Traverse City comes down to your crew’s daily rhythm. Consider these factors:
Water Access: Decide whether you want a resort directly on the water, or a family hotel with a pool where weather isn’t a factor.
Space to Breathe: Traveling with a large family? Book condo-style properties with full kitchens and separate bedrooms.
What's The Plan: What are you and yours into? Golf? Watersports? Hiking? Relaxation? Each of Traverse City’s family-friendly resorts offers a variety of kid-friendly activities.
On-Site vs. Off-Site: Seeking a self-contained vacation with dining, hiking, and activities on property? Look for all-inclusive properties on the outskirts of town. Want to explore local boutiques and restaurants? Choose a waterfront spot near downtown.
Planning a Summer Family Stay in Traverse City
As with any vacation, planning is key to a successful family trip. Summer is peak season, meaning the best resorts fill up months in advance. Book accommodations by early spring to secure your preferred property, room layout, and dates.
Traverse City’s summer calendar is packed with events and festivals! For maximum enjoyment, plan your vacation around the event of your choice. From fairs to fireworks championships, and concerts to cherry festivals, you’ll find summer events that will please even the grumpiest family member.
It’s also easy to pack your itinerary with local must-see spots. Spend mornings engaging in kid-approved activities like fruit picking or dune climbing, and afternoons on our powdery sand beaches. If you opt to stay outside downtown, you’ll have room to roam and access to trails while remaining just a 15-minute drive from summer festivals and restaurants.
The hardest part may be deciding how to spend your time. Find the resort that’s right for your family, then start mapping out your Traverse City summer.
