Suttons Bay Michigan
A charming lakeside village on Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula, known for its quaint shops, beautiful bay views, and vibrant craft beverage scene.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Suttons Bay Michigan
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming lakeside village on Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula, known for its quaint shops, beautiful bay views, and vibrant craft beverage scene.
"Suttons Bay: Where Lake Life Meets Laid-Back Luxury, offering a delightful escape with shopping, dining, and stunning views."
🚶♀️ Walkable Downtown
Suttons Bay is incredibly walkable! Park your car and explore the charming streets and shops on foot. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Sunscreen is a Must
The beach has limited shade, so pack plenty of sunscreen and hats to stay protected. :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Quaint Downtown Shopping
Front Street
Explore a delightful array of unique boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops offering local crafts and treasures.

Marina Park Beach
Lakeside
Enjoy the calm waters of West Bay, perfect for families, with a playground and picnic facilities nearby.

HopLot Brewing Co.
Brewery and Beer Garden
Experience a top-rated beer garden with delicious food, craft brews, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Ciccone Vineyard & Winery
Leelanau Hills
Savor wine with breathtaking views of Grand Traverse Bay at this vineyard with Italian heritage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Lakeside Charm
Discover Local Flavors & Finds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walkable Downtown
Suttons Bay is incredibly walkable! Park your car and explore the charming streets and shops on foot. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Sunscreen is a Must
The beach has limited shade, so pack plenty of sunscreen and hats to stay protected. :sunwithface:
🍻 Top-Rated Beer Garden
Don't miss HopLot Brewing Co. – it's a must-visit for its atmosphere, food, and drinks! :beer_mug:
🍷 Wine Tasting Views
Enjoy stunning bay views while tasting wine at Ciccone Vineyard, owned by Madonna's family. :wine_glass:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walkable Downtown
Suttons Bay is incredibly walkable! Park your car and explore the charming streets and shops on foot. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Sunscreen is a Must
The beach has limited shade, so pack plenty of sunscreen and hats to stay protected. :sunwithface:
🍻 Top-Rated Beer Garden
Don't miss HopLot Brewing Co. – it's a must-visit for its atmosphere, food, and drinks! :beer_mug:
🍷 Wine Tasting Views
Enjoy stunning bay views while tasting wine at Ciccone Vineyard, owned by Madonna's family. :wine_glass:
🛍️ Unique Shopping Finds
Discover a ridiculous shopping scene with many cute boutiques and art galleries. :shopping_bags:
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Marina Park offers a great beach for kids, a playground, and picnic spots. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Suttons Bay is praised for its charming, walkable downtown filled with unique shops and galleries, alongside its beautiful lakeside setting at Marina Park Beach, which is ideal for families. Visitors appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and the quality of local dining and beverage options, particularly the highly-rated HopLot Brewing Co. Some find parking can be challenging during peak times, and the beach, while family-friendly, can get crowded and lacks shade.
"Though this beach can get a little busy it's a great place to snack on your new delicious goodies whether that be fudge, ice cream or something else from the cute little local stories! Though many people do swim here it's not one of my favorite places especially with the marina just on the other side but they have the playground volleyball so there's still a lot to do even if you decide not to swim. There are no trees on the beach so I can get pretty warm in the sun there are some trees for their back so don't forget your sunscreen 🌞"
Jack deRoche
"Easy parking, cold water, beautiful view and some public restrooms during regular hours or portalets otherwise. Good city beach, even if not Michigan’s best. Great for families/kids."
Luke Striebich
"Very nice and very clean. Plenty of parking around the area too. Public restrooms were good and clean as well."
Aaron
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Suttons Bay is a short and scenic drive from Traverse City, typically about 25 minutes via M-22 North. Many visitors find it convenient to drive, as parking is available in town. :car:
Public transportation options directly to Suttons Bay are limited. Renting a car or using ride-sharing services from Traverse City is the most common way to reach the village. :bus:
Suttons Bay is very walkable, especially its downtown area. For exploring further afield, like to nearby wineries or beaches, a car is recommended. :walking:
Suttons Bay is centrally located on the Leelanau Peninsula. It's a short drive to towns like Northport and a bit further to Leland and Glen Arbor, making it a great base for exploring the region. :map:
Yes, driving along M-22 offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding countryside as you approach Suttons Bay. :camerawithflash:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Suttons Bay itself is a village, and there are no general admission tickets required to enter or explore the town. Individual attractions like wineries or breweries may have their own entry fees or tasting costs. :ticket:
Shop and restaurant hours can vary, especially by season. Most businesses in the downtown area are open daily during the summer months, with reduced hours in the spring and fall. It's always a good idea to check individual business websites for the most up-to-date information. :clock:
Marina Park Beach in Suttons Bay is a public beach and generally free to access. There are no specific entry fees, though parking may be metered or limited during peak times. :moneywithwings:
While some wineries and breweries, like HopLot, are very popular and may benefit from reservations, especially for larger groups or during peak season, many do not require them for general visits. It's best to check their specific policies online. :calendar:
Costs can vary widely depending on your activities. Budget for shopping, dining, wine/beer tastings, and potential accommodation. The village itself is free to explore. :dollar:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Suttons Bay offers a fantastic mix of activities! You can enjoy shopping in the quaint downtown, relax on Marina Park Beach, visit local wineries and breweries like HopLot, and take in the beautiful lake views. :star:
Absolutely! Marina Park has a great beach with shallow water, a playground, and picnic areas. The town is also very walkable and has a friendly atmosphere for families. :child:
Suttons Bay boasts a 'ridiculous shopping scene' with numerous cute boutiques, art galleries, and gift shops offering unique finds, clothing, and local crafts. :gift:
Marina Park Beach is a popular spot for swimming, known for its calm and shallow waters, making it ideal for families. Other nearby Lake Michigan beaches also offer swimming opportunities. :swimmer:
HopLot Brewing Co. is a highly recommended spot, often praised as one of the best beer gardens. Ciccone Vineyard & Winery offers beautiful views and wine tasting. :beer_mug:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Suttons Bay offers a variety of dining options, from casual pubs like Boone's Prime Pub (known for massive Bloody Marys!) to charming cafes and restaurants with lake views. Many spots focus on fresh, local ingredients. :forkandknife:
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes within walking distance of Marina Park Beach, making it easy to grab a bite after a day by the water. The Little Beach Club restaurant is also noted as having a good vibe. :ice_cream:
You can definitely find local flavors! Look for places serving fresh fish, cherries, and other regional produce. Many shops also offer local fudge and ice cream. :cherries:
While specific menus vary, many restaurants in Suttons Bay are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's always best to inquire directly with the restaurant about their current offerings. :leaf:
Dining prices can range from casual and affordable at pubs and cafes to mid-range for sit-down restaurants. You can find options to fit most budgets. :money_bag:
📸 📸 Photography
The charming downtown streets with colorful boutiques, the scenic views from Marina Park Beach overlooking Grand Traverse Bay, and the picturesque vineyards like Ciccone are all fantastic photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light over the bay, creating stunning reflections and warm tones. Mid-day can be bright, but the vibrant colors of the shops and the blue water are also very photogenic. :sunriseovermountains:
Consider capturing the vibrant glass art at Bayside Gallery, the unique Bloody Mary creations at Boone's Prime Pub, or the cozy atmosphere of HopLot Brewing Co. with its igloos in winter. :art:
Landscape photography of the Great Lakes, lifestyle shots of shopping and dining, and architectural details of the historic buildings are all popular. Capturing the essence of 'Pure Michigan' is a common theme. :lake_boat:
Generally, it's polite to ask permission before taking photos inside private businesses, especially art galleries where the focus is on the artwork. Many shop owners are happy to have you share their space if you ask. :iphone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Suttons Bay's Charming Downtown
Beyond shopping, the downtown area is also home to a variety of restaurants and cafes. Whether you're looking for a casual bite, a hearty meal, or a sweet treat like fudge or ice cream, Suttons Bay has options to satisfy every craving. The proximity of these establishments to the shops and the beach makes it easy to transition from browsing to dining. Some spots, like Boone's Prime Pub, are even known for their unique offerings, such as massive Bloody Marys, adding a fun element to the culinary experience. The overall vibe is laid-back and friendly, contributing to the village's appeal as a relaxing getaway.
Lakeside Fun at Marina Park
While the beach is a highlight, some visitors note that it can get busy during peak times and lacks natural shade, so sunscreen and hats are essential. Despite this, the convenience of having a beach right behind the downtown area, with easy access to shops and restaurants, is a major plus. The park provides a lovely setting to relax, enjoy the beautiful views of the bay, and experience the quintessential 'Pure Michigan' lakeside atmosphere.
Wineries and Breweries: A Taste of Northern Michigan
For beer lovers, HopLot Brewing Co. is a standout destination, frequently lauded for its exceptional beer garden. It boasts a cozy atmosphere, delicious food, and often features live music, making it a vibrant spot year-round, even offering heated igloos in the winter. Visitors rave about the quality of the craft beer and the overall experience, with many calling it a must-visit when in the area. Exploring these local establishments provides a delightful way to sample the flavors of Northern Michigan and enjoy the region's natural beauty.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit