One of the best things about staying in Bellaire is how much of northern Michigan is within an easy drive. Base yourself here and you can be on Lake Michigan in Charlevoix in under an hour, or at Sleeping Bear Dunes for the afternoon.
Day trips at a glance
| Destination | Road miles from Bellaire | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Central Lake | About 8 | A quick drive up the Chain of Lakes |
| Alden | About 11 | Torch Lake's public beach, a small downtown |
| Elk Rapids | About 26 | A harbor town on Grand Traverse Bay |
| Charlevoix | About 27 | Lake Michigan, the pier and lighthouse, shops |
| Traverse City | About 37 | Restaurants, wineries, shopping |
| SkyBridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain | About 30 | A 1,200-foot suspension bridge high above the trees |
| Petoskey | About 49 | A historic downtown on Little Traverse Bay |
| Harbor Springs | About 56 | A small resort town and scenic drives |
| Sleeping Bear Dunes | About 60 | Dunes, beaches and big Lake Michigan views |
| Mackinaw City | About 93 | The Mackinac Bridge and ferries to Mackinac Island |
Charlevoix
About 27 miles north, Charlevoix sits between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, with a lively downtown, a channel lined with boats, and a pier out to its red lighthouse. Sunset from the pier is the classic finish to the day.
Elk Rapids
About 26 miles southwest, Elk Rapids is a small harbor town on Grand Traverse Bay at the end of the Chain of Lakes. It has a walkable downtown with shops and cafés and a beach right in town. It's an easy half-day trip.
SkyBridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain
About 30 miles northeast in Boyne Falls, SkyBridge Michigan bills itself as the world's longest timber-towered suspension bridge: about 1,200 feet long and up to 118 feet above the ground, with a glass-floored section in the middle. A chairlift ride to the top is included with your ticket. Hours and prices change by season, so check Boyne Mountain's site. It's spectacular during fall color.
Traverse City
About 37 miles southwest, Traverse City is the region's biggest town, with restaurants, shopping, wineries on the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas, and beaches on Grand Traverse Bay. It's also where you'll fly in, at Cherry Capital Airport. See getting to Bellaire.
Petoskey and Harbor Springs
About 50 to 55 miles north. Petoskey has a historic downtown above Little Traverse Bay, and Harbor Springs is a small, polished resort town across the bay. Combine them in one day. In winter, The Highlands and Nub's Nob ski areas are right by Harbor Springs: see ski resorts near Bellaire.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
About 60 miles west, Sleeping Bear Dunes has towering dunes, scenic drives, and some of the best beaches on Lake Michigan. It's a full day from Bellaire, so leave early. A National Park pass is required.
Mackinaw City
About 93 miles north, at the top of the Lower Peninsula. See the Mackinac Bridge and catch a ferry to Mackinac Island. It's a long day, best for a longer stay.
Planning tips
- Leave early in summer. Popular spots like Sleeping Bear and Mackinaw get busy by late morning.
- Plan around sunset. Charlevoix, Elk Rapids and the Lake Michigan shore all face west.
- Check for events. Summer festivals can mean heavy traffic and tight parking.
- Rainy day? Traverse City has the most indoor options. More ideas in rainy day things to do.
Where to stay
Bellaire puts all of these within a day trip, and you come back to a hot tub instead of a hotel room. White Birch Cabin and Seven Pines Chalet in Ellsworth are even closer to Charlevoix, about 20 minutes away.
Overlook Bellaire
A 2021 modern home on 10 private acres above Bellaire, looking out over Intermediate Lake. Sauna, cold plunge, hot tub and a game room.
Check dates and book direct →
White Birch Cabin
A newly built log cabin on 100 feet of private Lake Michigan shoreline, with a barrel sauna, kayaks and a paddleboard, and a big lakefront deck.
Check dates and book direct →
Seven Pines Chalet
A cabin on 1.6 wooded acres with a private trail to a Lake Michigan beach, a hot tub under a gazebo, a game room and two fire pits.
Check dates and book direct →Frequently asked questions
How far is Charlevoix from Bellaire?
About 27 road miles north.
How far is Sleeping Bear Dunes from Bellaire?
About 60 road miles west. It makes a full day trip.
Can you visit Mackinac Island from Bellaire?
Yes, as a long day trip. Mackinaw City, where ferries leave for the island, is about 93 miles north.
Sources
Road distances measured from downtown Bellaire with OpenStreetMap routing. Checked October 2026.