Suttons Bay Ciders
Sip unique ciders with stunning West Bay views. A relaxed atmosphere with friendly staff and a cozy bonfire.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour views
Suttons Bay Ciders
Best Time
Golden hour views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sip unique ciders with stunning West Bay views. A relaxed atmosphere with friendly staff and a cozy bonfire.
"The view is absolutely amazing, one of the best in the area, and the staff are super friendly!"
🎯 Try a Cider Flight
Sample a variety of ciders to find your favorite. Many visitors rave about the diverse flavors!
🚗 Parking can be tricky
Parking spots are limited; arrive early or be prepared to park creatively.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic West Bay Views
Deck and patio areas
Breathtaking vistas of the bay, perfect for sipping cider and soaking in the scenery.
Diverse Cider Selection
Tasting bar
Explore a wide range of ciders, including unique flavors like jalapeño and seasonal specials.
Cozy Bonfire Area
Outdoor seating area
Relax by the fire pit for a warm and inviting atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Views & Variety
Plan for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Try a Cider Flight
Sample a variety of ciders to find your favorite. Many visitors rave about the diverse flavors!
🚗 Parking can be tricky
Parking spots are limited; arrive early or be prepared to park creatively.
🔥 Bonfire vibes
Enjoy the relaxing bonfire area, especially in the evenings. It's a favorite spot for many!
🐶 Dog-friendly patio
Bring your furry friend along to enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Try a Cider Flight
Sample a variety of ciders to find your favorite. Many visitors rave about the diverse flavors!
🚗 Parking can be tricky
Parking spots are limited; arrive early or be prepared to park creatively.
🔥 Bonfire vibes
Enjoy the relaxing bonfire area, especially in the evenings. It's a favorite spot for many!
🐶 Dog-friendly patio
Bring your furry friend along to enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces.
📅 Check for events
They sometimes host live music, adding to the lively atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Suttons Bay Ciders for its breathtaking West Bay views and the incredibly friendly staff. The wide variety of ciders, including unique flavors, is a major draw, as is the cozy bonfire area. While parking can be a challenge, the overall experience is highly recommended for its atmosphere and quality.
"Suttons Bay Ciders is such a great place! The view is absolutely amazing, one of the best in the area, and the staff are super friendly and welcoming. They offer a wide variety of ciders; we tried 11 different kinds, and many of them were fantastic. They even have some unique flavors, like a Jalapeño cider you won’t find just anywhere, and honestly, I really liked it!
My wife’s favorite part (besides the view) was the bonfire area. It’s so relaxing and makes for an amazing experience overall. If you’re in the Traverse City area, this place is definitely worth checking out!"
Amir Kazemi
"I dropped by Suttons Bay Ciders a bit before they were officially open, but the owner was there and welcomed me in. He was very friendly, and the place looked quite nice. I was able to sample several of their ciders in a flight and enjoyed them on the patio overlooking the bay. The view is wonderful, and the ciders were excellent. This is definitely a good place to stop if you like cider and want a great view of the west bay, and it’s worth the trip."
Mateo Gebon
"Ten stars forever! But kind of using this review as a suggestion box to make an already amazing place ever better :)
Suttons Bay Ciders is a permanent fixture in our Up North routine, and genuinely one of my favorite places in the world. We come up from Detroit several times a year, and it’s the #1 thing we look forward to. The view over the bay is stunning, as is the cider (we always leave with growlers of Ginger and Sidra for our Lo Rogers. Also gotta get the cherry slush, when it’s in season—YUM.), and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. We’ve caught full moon rises, watched the fall colors roll in, met the kindest people across the bonfire, sang The Edmund Fitzgerald in unison with perfect strangers, and always try to get Gordy the dog to love us. Too many memories to count.
Okay now for the suggestion: Please consider moving the porta potty 🙏 We usually camp out in that corner of the property with our dog because it’s one of the more low key spots. Hearing the door slam, getting the occasional whiff—it kinda kills the magic. Especially now that y’all serve pizza, it’s not the most appetizing to eat next to. Maybe I’m picky! Totally get the hillside issue, but a raised pad in the parking lot (or somewhere further from the hang spots) would go a long way.
All that said: we’ll be back again and again to this very special place no matter what. Much love ❤️"
Daron Simon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Suttons Bay Ciders is located in Suttons Bay, Michigan, on the Leelanau Peninsula. It's accessible by car, offering scenic drives through Northern Michigan. If you're coming from Traverse City, it's a straightforward drive north along M-22. Many visitors arrive as part of a wine or cider tour, with services like NoMI Tours offering transportation.
Public transportation options directly to Suttons Bay Ciders are limited. It's best to plan for a personal vehicle, ride-sharing service, or a dedicated tour if you're not driving yourself.
From Traverse City, take M-22 North towards Suttons Bay. The drive itself is beautiful, especially along the lake. The journey typically takes about 30-40 minutes.
Yes, parking can be limited, especially during peak times. Visitors often find themselves parking creatively or arriving early to secure a spot.
Absolutely! NoMI Tours specifically mentions visiting Suttons Bay Ciders as part of their wine tours, offering a convenient way to experience the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no tickets are required for entry to Suttons Bay Ciders. You can walk in and order ciders or flights.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's always best to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
There is typically no admission fee to enter Suttons Bay Ciders. You pay for the ciders and any food you order.
While walk-ins are common, for larger groups or specific requests, it might be beneficial to contact them directly to inquire about advance bookings for tastings.
As a cider producer and seller, standard age restrictions for alcohol consumption apply. Visitors consuming alcohol must be 21 years or older.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with stunning views of West Bay. Visitors often enjoy the outdoor seating, bonfire area, and friendly staff.
They offer a wide variety, including sweet, off-dry, and hopped ciders. Unique flavors like jalapeño and seasonal options like cherry slush are highlights.
Yes, it's generally considered family-friendly, especially during daylight hours. The outdoor space allows kids room to roam, and the views are enjoyable for all ages.
Yes, dogs are welcome, particularly in the outdoor seating areas. Many visitors enjoy bringing their pets along.
The deck overlooking West Bay offers incredible photo opportunities. The bonfire area and the general landscape also provide scenic backdrops.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, they offer food options, including pizza, which is a popular choice for visitors.
Food offerings typically include pizzas and other snacks to complement the ciders.
Policies on outside food can vary. It's best to check with Suttons Bay Ciders directly to confirm if outside food is permitted.
Specific dietary options like vegetarian or vegan choices would depend on their current menu. Inquiring directly is recommended.
Suttons Bay Ciders operates more as a tasting room and bar with food service, rather than a full-service restaurant.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon, especially during golden hour, offers beautiful lighting for photos of the bay and landscape. Sunset can also be spectacular.
The deck overlooking West Bay is a prime spot. The bonfire area, vineyard rows (if applicable), and the general scenic surroundings are also great for pictures.
Absolutely! The flights of cider, with their varied colors and presentation, make for appealing shots.
Generally, personal photography is welcome. However, professional shoots or commercial use might require prior permission.
Capture the expansive bay views, the cozy bonfire atmosphere, close-ups of the cider flights, and candid moments with friends or family.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the focus is on cider, the availability of food like pizza makes it easier to manage younger appetites. Consider bringing some activities for the kids to keep them entertained, especially if you plan to linger. The dog-friendly policy also means well-behaved family pets can join in on the fun.
🐶 Dog Lovers
Many visitors mention bringing their dogs and enjoying the experience together. It's a great opportunity for your dog to relax in a scenic environment while you sample some delicious ciders.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
The stunning views and diverse cider selection offer a refreshing break from driving. Plan your visit to coincide with the late afternoon for optimal lighting for photos and a more relaxed atmosphere before the evening crowds.
Be prepared for potentially limited parking, especially on weekends, and consider arriving earlier in the day to maximize your time and ease of access. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Cider Making
They offer everything from sweet and off-dry varieties to more adventurous hopped and even jalapeño-infused ciders, ensuring there's a flavor profile for every palate. Visitors can experience this variety firsthand through tasting flights, allowing them to sample multiple ciders and discover new favorites.
Beyond the cider itself, the experience is enhanced by the passion of the owners and staff. Their welcoming nature and willingness to share insights about their craft contribute to the overall enjoyment.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Suttons Bay Ciders
Golden hour, just before sunset, bathes the landscape in a warm, inviting light, perfect for capturing the serene beauty of the location. Beyond the grand vistas, the cozy bonfire area offers a different kind of photographic charm. Capturing the flickering flames against the twilight sky or the relaxed ambiance of people gathered around creates intimate and atmospheric images.
When visiting, consider framing shots that include elements of the experience: a hand holding a cider glass with the bay in the background, candid moments of friends enjoying the atmosphere, or even your dog relaxing on the patio.
A Local Favorite: Community and Atmosphere
The outdoor seating and bonfire area are central to the experience, providing a relaxed setting for socializing and enjoying the surroundings.
Even with minor suggestions, like the placement of the porta-potty, the overwhelming sentiment is one of deep affection for the place.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit