News Summary
Detroit is becoming a popular road trip destination for Michigan residents and Midwestern travelers. Recognized for its cultural and recreational offerings, visitors can enjoy various digital passes that provide discounts at local eateries, museums, and breweries. Accommodations range from top hotels in downtown to surrounding Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties. The city’s culinary scene, shopping venues, and museums promise a delightful experience for all ages. Outdoor activities and major events throughout the year further enhance its appeal as a must-visit location.
Detroit: A Prime Destination for Road Trippers
Detroit is emerging as a leading road trip destination, particularly appealing to travelers from Michigan and the Midwest, located only a couple of hours away from West Michigan and Northern Michigan. In 2025, Travel + Leisure recognized Detroit as one of the 50 best places to travel, highlighting its cultural, culinary, and recreational offerings.
Visitors to the city can take advantage of Visit Detroit digital passes, which provide discounts at various dining spots, museums, and breweries. Four distinctive types of passes are available: the Explore Detroit pass for museum discounts, the Detroit Pizza Pass for savings at pizzerias, the Dining in the D pass for various restaurants, and the Detroit Culture Pass targeting aquariums and cultural attractions.
Accommodation Options
Detroit offers a wide range of hotels catering to different budgets and preferences. In Downtown Detroit, guests can choose from:
- Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton
- Westin Book Cadillac
- The Siren Hotel
- Shinola Hotel
- Detroit Foundation Hotel
For those exploring the surrounding areas, accommodations in Wayne County include:
- The Henry in Dearborn
- The Dearborn Inn near The Henry Ford
- Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth
- Courtyard by Marriott in Livonia
Travelers looking to stay in Oakland County can consider:
- The Daxton Hotel in Birmingham
- The Townsend in Birmingham
- Hotel Royal Oak
- Royal Park Hotel in Rochester
- Somerset Inn in Troy
In Macomb County, popular options include:
- Cambria Hotel in Shelby Township
- Courtyard by Marriott in Warren
- Hyatt Place in Utica
Dining Delights
Culinary exploration is a must in Detroit, where visitors can savor a variety of local dishes. Notable dining spots include:
- Avalon Cafe and Bakery for fresh coffee and baked goods
- Buddy’s Pizza, known for its original Detroit-style pizza since the 1940s
- Detroit Shipping Co., a lively food hall
- Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island, famous for their rivalry in coney dogs
- Grand Trunk Pub, which offers brunch menus featuring local ingredients
- Slow’s Bar BQ, an award-winning BBQ spot
- Sweetwater Tavern, celebrated for exquisite chicken wings
Shopping Experiences
Detroit’s shopping scene is vibrant, with numerous unique stores available, such as:
- City Bird for Detroit-themed clothing and goods
- All Things Marketplace that supports small businesses
- Well Done Goods in Eastern Market for apparel and home decor
- Ink Detroit in Hazel Park for Detroit-themed apparel
- Not Sorry Goods, specializing in eco-friendly items located in Ferndale
- Made in the Mitten, an artisan market for local goods
- Rust Belt Market in Ferndale featuring independent businesses
- Somerset Collection, an upscale luxury mall in Troy
Must-See Museums and Kid-Friendly Spots
No trip to Detroit is complete without visiting its renowned museums:
- Detroit Institute of Arts, offering vast art collections
- Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, emphasizing culture and heritage
- The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village, presenting American history
- Detroit Historical Museum, chronicling the city’s history
- Motown Museum, celebrating the iconic record label
- Arab American National Museum, acknowledging contributions of Arab Americans
- Michigan Science Center, focusing on STEM exhibits
Families can enjoy various kid-friendly activities, including:
- Detroit Zoo with over 2,000 animals
- Belle Isle Aquarium, the oldest in North America
- DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, offering interactive nature experiences
- Tree Runner Adventure Park with ropes courses and zip lines
- C.J. Barrymore’s, a family entertainment center
- PEPPA PIG World of Play Michigan, an indoor play area for young children
Outdoor Activities and Major Events
Detroit’s outdoor scene features numerous activities, including the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, Belle Isle State Park, and the highly regarded Detroit Riverfront.
Major events throughout the year enhance the city’s vibrancy, including:
- Detroit Tigers games at Comerica Park
- Movement Festival, celebrating techno music
- Detroit Jazz Festival, a free summer event
- Arts, Beats and Eats, a festival of art, food, and music
- Detroit Grand Prix for IndyCar racing
This comprehensive guide serves as an essential resource for visitors planning a road trip to Detroit, ensuring a memorable journey filled with food, exploration, and rich cultural experiences.
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Additional Resources
- Washington Post: Midwest Art Museums
- Wikipedia: Detroit
- Little Guide Detroit: Road Trips
- Google Search: Detroit travel tips
- SacTown Sports: Tigers Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Detroit Tigers
- Little Guide Detroit: Summer Weekends
- Google News: Detroit restaurants
