Petoskey weekend scene

Weekend itinerary

Bayfront, Gaslight District, and Bay View

Walk Bayfront Park and the Gaslight District on Friday, use Saturday for Little Traverse Bay and Harbor Springs, then visit Bay View before the drive home.

By Cal Mercer — a Second Star Guide itinerary

Bayfront Park, the Gaslight District, and Little Traverse Bay each have a separate place in this two-night route.

Best length

2 nights

Two nights cover downtown, the waterfront, one bay outing, and Bay View without turning Harbor Springs or M-119 into a rushed extra.

Stay

Apple Tree Inn

Spring Street boutique hotel with Little Traverse Bay views; downtown and Bayfront Park require a short drive.

Main activity

Little Traverse Bay

Use Bayfront Park, one open Wheelway segment, a cruise, a paddle, or a shore walk as Saturday's main bay activity.

Trip shape

One bay day

This route combines downtown and Bayfront Park on Friday, one Little Traverse Bay outing on Saturday, and Bay View on Sunday.

Illustrated walking and cycling path beside Little Traverse Bay
Bayfront Park and open Wheelway sections provide the in-town shoreline portion of the weekend; check the current closure before riding farther west.
Illustrated downtown Petoskey street scene
The Gaslight District concentrates coffee, shops, breweries, and restaurants above Bayfront Park.
Illustrated sailboats at a Little Traverse Bay marina
Cruises, paddling, and marina walks depend on current weather, water conditions, and operator schedules.

Friday

Gaslight District and Bayfront Park

Check in, walk downtown for dinner, then use the pedestrian tunnel for the marina or breakwall if daylight and weather allow.

Saturday

Little Traverse Bay and Harbor Springs

Start with coffee downtown, choose an open Wheelway segment, cruise, paddle, or shore walk, and drive around the bay only if Harbor Springs fits the available hours.

4:30 PM

Afternoon

Return through the Gaslight District

After the shoreline outing, browse downtown or stop at the Little Traverse History Museum when its current hours align.

Sunday

Bay View before departure

Use a currently open breakfast or coffee stop, then see Bay View's cottage streets and institutional buildings without treating private homes as attractions.