Grand Rapids Hotels, Events, Restaurants, Things To Do & Vacations

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Skip navigation Skip to main content Plan your trip to Grand Rapids! Grand Rapids, Michigan

From world-class attractions and outdoor recreation to nationally ranked food and craft beverage scenes – Grand Rapids, Michigan is filled with unexpected surprises. Discover why we're America’s Best Beer City, the nation’s Craft Beverage Capital, and a Top 20 U.S. Foodie City. Get an eyeful of spectacular art and an earful of live music. Explore our endless opportunities for family fun. Make your travel dreams come true in Grand Rapids!

Plan Your Trip Dynamic Variation: Default Grand Rapids is No. 8 on the list [of America's Best Towns to Visit] thanks to its vibrant arts scene, thriving beer culture and family-friendly recreation. - CNN Inagural List of America’s Best Towns to Visit in 2024

World of Winter Festival

Visit Grand Rapids during the World of Winter Festival which features more than 20…

Holly Kell for Experience GR

Flights of Flavor

Flights of Flavor are unique food and/or drink pairings that let you sample multiple…

Aly Zuiderveen for Experience GR

Become a Beer City Brewsader!

Eight "stamps" in your passport and you become an official Beer City Brewsader! Get…

Events

Resolutions to Keep During Your Next Trip to Grand Rapids

• by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Ideology for Experience GR
Must Read
• 9 min

Want a New Year’s resolution you can stick to? Resolve to have more fun in 2026. Make time…

Experiences

A Luxury Travel Guide to Grand Rapids

• by photo by Courtesy of AHC Hospitality
Must Read
• 14 min

Grand Rapids is known for its affordability – but that doesn’t mean you can’t…

Experiences

Take a Spa & Wellness Trip to Grand Rapids

• by photo by Dorelle Brock for Experience GR.
Must Read
• 6 min

Grand Rapids, Michigan is a city known for its vibrant food and drink culture – think Flights…

Food

Breakfast in Grand Rapids

• by photo by Addison Causley for Experience GR
Must Read
• 11 min

Breakfast lovers in Grand Rapids are a passionate bunch, as we found out when we asked our social…

Community

Exploring Cherry Street in Grand Rapids

• by photo by Bryan Esler for Experience GR.
Must Read
• 8 min

While downtown Grand Rapids boasts the city’s largest concentration of shopping and dining…

Weddings

Grand Rapids: A Winter Wedding Wonderland

• by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Trudy Holtz Photography
Must Read
• 4 min

With ample churches, ballrooms, event halls, and beautiful “River City” scenery, Grand…

Shopping

Unique Shopping in Grand Rapids

• by photo by Rashelle Whiteharris for Experience GR
Must Read
• 10 min

Grand Rapids is a great place to browse one-of-a-kind stores overflowing with items you won't…

Shopping

Antique Your Way Through Grand Rapids

• by photo by Raelyn Nicole Photography for Experience GR
Must Read
• 7 min

While Grand Rapids is hailed as a city that successfully reinvented itself for the 21 st century, it…

Experiences

Your Romantic Getaway Weekend Itinerary in Grand Rapids

• by photo by Experience Grand Rapids
Must Read
• 7 min

Grand Rapids has been named 1 of 16 Incredibly Romantic Midwest Getaways by TripAdvisor and 1 of the…

Experiences

A Guide to Solo Travel in Grand Rapids

• by photo by Mod Bettie for Experience GR
Must Read
• 7 min

Whether you’re a seasoned solo traveler or you’re just thinking of taking your first…

Community

Locally Owned & Operated LGBTQIA+ Businesses to Check Out

• by photo by Addison Causley for Experience GR
Must Read
• 17 min

Grand Rapids is home to many locally owned and operated LGBTQIA+ businesses. The city is now a…

Food

Grand Rapids Restaurants with Great Vegan Options

• by photo by Rachelle Welling for Experience GR
Must Read
• 14 min

Surveys generally put the count of vegans in the U.S. at 2-6% of the population. That may not seem…

Experiences

Dog-Friendly Spots in Grand Rapids

• by photo by Rachel Greiner for Experience GR
Must Read
• 8 min

Grand Rapids is a great place for people who prioritize the happiness and well-being of their canine…

Experiences

A Vegan & Sustainable Weekend Itinerary for Grand Rapids

• by photo by Nick Irwin for Experience GR
Must Read
• 12 min

Vegan and vegetarian lifestyles often go hand in hand with a desire to live, work and even travel in…

Boutique Hotels in Grand Rapids

• by photo by Courtesy of The Ada Hotel
Must Read
• 5 min

For an immersive getaway that reflects the local culture and provides a truly original experience…

Drinks

10 Reasons Grand Rapids is America's Craft Beverage Capital

• by photo by Experience GR
Must Read
• 5 min

These days, most everyone who enjoys good beer knows that Grand Rapids produces some of the…

Courtesy of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Visiting Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in the Winter

• photo by Courtesy of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
• 6 min

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is an iconic tourist destination in Grand Rapids. Named…

Aaron Peterson for Experience GR

West Michigan Winter Sports

• photo by Aaron Peterson for Experience GR
• 6 min

One of the distinct benefits of living in West Michigan is that we can enjoy the beauty of all four…

Rachel Greiner for Experience GR.

Must-Try Spots Featuring Nonalcoholic Beverages

• photo by Rachel Greiner for Experience GR.
• 11 min

Grand Rapids is Beer City USA, home to 40+ craft breweries offering an astonishing array of beer styles…

Ashley Wierenga for Experience GR

A Local's Guide to Finding Sweet Treats in Grand Rapids

• photo by Ashley Wierenga for Experience GR
• 7 min

If you’re trying to shop locally more often, this list is for you. And if you love dessert, this…

Aaron Peterson for Experience GR

Cannonsburg Ski Area: Ski Lessons, Snowboarding, Tubing, & More

• by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Aaron Peterson for Experience GR
• 6 min

If you like to get out and get active in winter, we’ve got the perfect destination for you right…

Bryan Esler for Experience GR

Indoor Places Where Adults Can Play Like Kids

• by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Bryan Esler for Experience GR
• 8 min

Tired of kids having all the fun? We have solutions for you! There are a growing number of attractions…

Alina Albin for Experience GR

The Inside Scoop on Secondhand Shops & Thrift Stores in Grand Rapids

• photo by Alina Albin for Experience GR
• 10 min

Grand Rapids is bursting with local shopping destinations that will help you maintain your personal style…

Brian Craig for Experience Grand Rapids

A Local’s Guide to Accessible Hotels in Grand Rapids

• by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Brian Craig for Experience Grand Rapids
• 12 min

Every year, visitors and locals alike enjoy the sights and sounds of Grand Rapids’ vibrant…

Buy Your Pass

Save 50% with Our Attraction Pass

Receive admission into many attractions around Grand Rapids as well as additional exclusive discounts with our Attraction Pass now with adult, children and senior pricing.

Buy Your Pass featured events From: To: Search

Jan 20

World of Winter 2026

January 20, 2026 Downtown Grand Rapids

Feb 28

20th Annual Winter Beer Festival

February 28, 2026 LMCU Ballpark

Mar 11

LaughFest 2026

March 11, 2026 Various Locations

Mar 14

St. Patrick's Day Parade 2026

March 14, 2026 Calder Plaza see all events GR

Annual Event

Feb 28

20th Annual Winter Beer Festival

February 28, 2026 LMCU Ballpark GR

Annual Event

Jan 20 January 20, 2026 - April 26, 2026

As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic

• Grand Rapids Art Museum

Quick View Jan 20 January 20, 2026 - March 15, 2026

Jaume Plensa: A New Humanism

• Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Quick View Jan 20 January 20, 2026 - April 26, 2026

Parisa Ghaderi: For Dancing in the Streets

• Grand Rapids Art Museum

Quick View Jan 20 January 20, 2026 - August 16, 2026

The Matter of Awe: Landscapes in Art

• Grand Rapids Art Museum

Quick View Jan 20 January 20, 2026 - April 26, 2026

Tyrannosaurs: Meet the Family

• Grand Rapids Public Museum

Quick View Jan 23 January 23, 2026 - February 28, 2026

Abby's Hand Drawn Photo Booth @ World of Winter

• Grand Rapids Art Museum

Quick View Jan 23 January 23, 2026 - February 1, 2026

Glen Lewis - Featured Abstract Artist

• Cocoon Art Space

Quick View Jan 24 January 24, 2026

AllArtWorks Nature & Animals, Paintings by Carol Berger

• AllArtWorks

Quick View Feb 06 February 6, 2026

Sculptural works of ceramicist Robyn Smith - Solo Show Opening Night

• Cocoon Art Space

Quick View Feb 07 February 7, 2026 - March 1, 2026

Natural Connections: The sculptural works of ceramicist Robyn Smith

• Cocoon Art Space

Quick View Mar 01 March 1, 2026 - April 30, 2026

Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming

• Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Quick View May 01 May 1, 2026 - November 1, 2026

CHIHULY at Meijer Gardens Presented by Macatawa Bank

• Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Quick View May 07 May 7, 2026 - August 2, 2026

The Spirit of Independence: Artists’ Reflections on Freedom

• Grand Rapids Art Museum

Quick View May 29 May 29, 2026 - September 6, 2026

Decadent Spirit: French Art at the Turn of the Century

• Grand Rapids Art Museum

Quick View

Get the Inside Scoop!

Locals know where all the best places are from the best pizza to the stores to shop. Check out all the local's guides so you don't miss out!

Local's Guide to the Best Espresso Martinis in Grand Rapids

Local's Guide to the Best Espresso Martinis in Grand Rapids

Local’s Guide to Weekend Brunch in Grand Rapids

Local’s Favorite Pizza Places in GR

Locals’ Guide to Hot Dogs in Grand Rapids

The Local’s Guide to the Best Nachos in Grand Rapids

A Local's Guide to Finding Sweet Treats in Grand Rapids

Local’s Guide to Party Venues in Grand Rapids

Locals’ Guide to Frozen Yogurt Shops in Grand Rapids

Locals' Guide to Grand Rapids' Taco Scene

Locals’ Guide to Breweries with Great Food

Locals' Guide to Grand Rapids Mimosas

Locals' Guide to Grand Rapids’ Dance Floors

A Local's Guide to GR Comic Book Shops

Local's Guide to Grand Rapids Donut Scene

Local's Guide to Sports Bars in the Grand Rapids Area

A Local's Guide to Eating Out after 10PM in Grand Rapids

A Local’s Guide to Accessible Hotels in Grand Rapids

Locals’ Guide to Grand Rapids Ice Cream Shops

Local’s Guide to U-Pick Apple Farms & Orchards

1/19 Samantha Denman for Experience GR

Family-Friendly Things to Do with Kids in Grand Rapids

• by Experience Grand Rapids photo by Samantha Denman for Experience GR
• 8 min

Grand Rapids is where kids and families come to Play Their Way, in every season and all year ‘round. It’s jam-packed with things to do for every kind of kid and every kind of family, so you can plan a…

Haley Chicoine for Experience GR

Things to do with Teens in Grand Rapids

• photo by Haley Chicoine for Experience GR
• 6 min

Traveling to Grand Rapids with a teenager? The city and region offer plenty of possibilities to satisfy even the hardest-to-please adolescents. Whether your teen prefers outdoor adventure or indoor…

Grand Rapids will Dream Grand and Grow with future developments

GR FAQ

Visitor Information:

Why visit Grand Rapids?

CNN named Grand Rapids 1 of the 10 Best American Towns to visit in 2024, recommending our “vibrant arts scene, thriving beer culture and family-friendly recreation.” USA Today has named us 1 of the 10 Best Cities Where You Can See Amazing Art, America’s Best Beer City and America’s Craft Beverage Capital. Thrillist says Grand Rapids is “rich in art, food, music and every other big-city amenity, only in a quieter package” and Travel Zoo says Grand Rapids “pairs big-city convenience with small-town charm.” It’s definitely worth a visit!

Where is Grand Rapids?

Grand Rapids is located in West Michigan, about 185 miles from Chicago and 157 miles from Detroit, by car. It’s just 30 miles or so from the clean, sugar-sand beaches of Lake Michigan.

Where should I eat in Grand Rapids?

What are you hungry for? Grand Rapids is home to 1,000+ restaurants offering every kind of cuisine. We’ve been named 1 of America’s Top 20 Foodie Cities and Michigan’s Best Food City, partly because our restaurants source fresh ingredients from dozens of family farms and orchards that circle the city.

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Is Grand Rapids accessible for people with special needs?

Grand Rapids was named the #2 U.S. City for People with Disabilities in 2017 and we’re always striving to get even better. Check out some of our accessibility features.

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What's the airport like?

Airports Council International named Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) the #1 airport in North America in its size class, and the easiest, most enjoyable and cleanest airport of any size. GRR is served by eight airlines connecting to 35+ non-stop destinations and conducting more than 140 flights each day.

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Is downtown walkable?

Very – you can walk to 200+ downtown hotels, restaurants, breweries, shops, museums and entertainment venues within the space of 10 minutes. You can even walk with an alcoholic beverage in hand, as long as you stay within the very spacious boundaries of the Downtown Refreshment Area.

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How far is Grand Rapids from Lake Michigan?

Lake Michigan is about 30 miles due west of Grand Rapids. There are 20+ Lake Michigan beaches and five lakeshore communities (Grand Haven, Holland, Muskegon, Saugatuck/Douglas and South Haven) within a 30-60 minute drive of downtown Grand Rapids.

General Information:

Why is Grand Rapids called Beer City USA?

Grand Rapids was voted Beer City in nationwide polls in 2012 and 2013, and it has held the title ever since. USA Today has also named us America’s Best Beer Town, America’s Best Beer Scene and America’s Best Beer City (4 years running!).

History of Beer City

What else is Grand Rapids known for?

Grand Rapids is also recognized for its art, food, craft beverages, outdoor recreation, live music and family-friendly atmosphere.

What about traveling from downtown to other areas of the city?

The Rapid , Grand Rapids’ easy-to-use public transportation system, operates downtown’s DASH shuttle as well as a fleet of buses that circulate around the city and surrounding suburbs. More than 100 of The Rapid’s buses are equipped to use renewal natural gas (RNG) from the City of Grand Rapids’ biodigester, which breaks down organic waste and turns it into a carbon-negative vehicle fuel.