Day 1
Day 1 Activity
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is an essential Michigan attraction that was named the world’s best sculpture park by LuxuryColumnist in 2020. Take the afternoon to stroll around this park which offers Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory, a variety of themed indoor and outdoor gardens, nature trails and more spanning over a total of 158-acres!
Travel Tip
A visit to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park can range from two to eight hours, depending on what you choose to explore. If your time is limited, consider a tram tour to see all the must-see sculptures in a shorter amount of time.
Day 1 Dining
Brewery Vivant
Brewery Vivant, with its pub located inside an old chapel, offers a unique brewery experience with European-inspired brews. The Grand Rapids area offers local breweries with some of the best and most creative flavors—and there are 40+ breweries to choose from.
Travel Tip
Download the Beer City Brewsader® app and check in to eight participating breweries to win a free t-shirt. You can start your Brewsade® on this trip and return to Grand Rapids to complete your journey.
Day 1 Lodging
Embassy Suites Downtown
The stylish Embassy Suites Downtown is conveniently located downtown in Grand Rapids. The area offers 80+ hotels in the region, you can choose the one that best fits your budget, amenity needs and location preferences.
Travel Tip
Check out Grand Rapids Hotel Packages for special values, deals and perks.
Day 2
Day 2 Dining
Anna’s House
Anna's House is a family-owned and operated diner that won the Grand Rapids Magazine poll for Best Breakfast in 2021 and celebrates all dietary lifestyles with a variety of dishes to choose from.
Travel Tip
Anna’s southwest location (Grandville) is closest to your activities for the day—and it’s right across the street from RiverTown Crossings mall should you want to do a little shopping.
Day 2 Activity
Millennium Park
One of the nation’s largest urban parks, Millennium Park offers swimming, boating, fishing, a splashpad and 18 miles of hiking and biking trails—all just five miles from downtown Grand Rapids.
Travel Tip
Rent a canoe, kayak, rowboat, paddleboard or paddleboat to explore two lakes and nearly four miles of shoreline.
Day 2 Dining
Rise Authentic Baking Co.
You can try delicious gluten-free, vegan and soy-free options at this from-scratch bakery, including sandwiches, smoothies and sweets.
Travel Tip
Grab your lunch to go and enjoy it while visiting the John Ball Park, which is right around the corner.
Day 2 Activity
John Ball Zoo
As Michigan’s fourth most-visited cultural attraction, John Ball Zoo is home to 2,200 animals, plus family-friendly adventure experiences that allow children to better learn about the world’s wildlife.
Travel Tip
Download and purchase the Culture Pass GR to enjoy discount admission to the zoo and other cultural attractions.
Day 2 Activity
Mertens Rooftop
This outdoor venue offers French-inspired food and beverages along with unrivaled views of the Grand Rapids skyline and beautiful sunsets.
Travel Tip
Make your plans well in advance and arrive early, as this is a very popular summer destination.
Day 2 Activity
Studio Park
Studio Park is a downtown entertainment complex that includes a nine-screen movie theater, concert venue, restaurants and retail stores, offering something for everyone in one stop.
Travel Tip
Keep an eye out for special events and activities on the piazza in front of Studio Park all summer long.
Day 3
Day 3 Dining
San Chez, a Tapas Bistro
Located downtown, San Chez offers Spanish-inspired breakfast and delicious brunch options that have helped it earn 30+ dining awards since 1992. Breakfast is served daily until 2:00 PM, so feel free to sleep in!
Travel Tip
If you have allergies, check out San Chez's curated menus to find delicious meals that fit your specific needs.
Day 3 Activity
Museum Hop
Five downtown museums—the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum and Grand Rapids Public Museum—are located within a 10-minute walk or free bus ride of each other.
Travel Tip
The Culture Pass GR entitles you to discount admission at any of these museums, as well as John Ball Zoo.
This is only a small sampling of what Michigan’s second largest city has to offer, so you’ll certainly be excited to visit again to experience it all in Grand Rapids. To learn more, visit ExperienceGR.com.