2026 Grand Rapids Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

Hey, wanderlusters! 🌍 If you’re plotting a course to Grand Rapids, let me drop a little gem 💎 on your map: Canopy by Hilton in the heart of downtown. Here's the lowdown on this urban retreat: 🛏️ Space to Breathe: The rooms here are like a breath of fresh Michigan air - spacious and oh-so-inviting. You’ll have room to stretch out after your city adventures. 🧼 Sparkling Clean: Cleanliness is next to godliness, and this place is positively divine. Expect spotless surroundings that’ll make you feel right at home. 🍽️ Taste the Local Flavor: Your taste buds are in for a treat with the local cuisine served up at Canopy. It's a culinary tour without leaving the comfort of the hotel! 📍 Prime Spot: Nestled right where you want to be, this hotel is a stone's throw from all the downtown action. Plus, the views? Absolutely unbeatable. So, if you're in the market for a stay that combines comfort with convenience, Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown is your go-to spot. 🌆 Happy travels! ?? 131 Ionia Avenue SW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503

📍 Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton, 187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 🏛️ Step back in time at the iconic Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids! This gem blends the grandeur of the early 20th century with modern luxury. The historic Pantlind section, opened in 1913, boasts one of the world's largest gilded ceilings and opulent crystal chandeliers, reflecting its status as one of America's top hotels back in the day. 🌆 Contrast the old-world elegance with the contemporary 29-story glass tower offering stunning river views. The Amway Grand Plaza isn't just a hotel; it's a landmark where the past's splendor meets today's comfort. 🚶‍♂️Located in the heart of Grand Rapids, you're a stone's throw away from cultural hotspots, buzzing markets, and riverside walks. Whether you're here for history, luxury, or a city adventure, this hotel is your perfect base! 🏨✨

#passionpassport Grand Rapids city in Michigan is beautiful place to live and visit. It’s calm and not very crowded. There are many great places to visit. From food street in downtown to visiting to Lookout park, some of the beautiful and old buildings and famous restaurants which serve best and delicious food. There are many hotels to stay and Riverfront and churches are also should be in the list of visiting and seeing. This can be included when visiting Holland for Tulip festival. #passionpassport #beautifuldestinations #travelinsipiration #traveladdict #travelusa #travel Photography #happylife

#passionpassport A hop, skip and a jump away from the sparkling shores of Lake Michigan, spend your day basking on a beach then before you know it, you're back in the city to enjoy a night on the town. 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. A nice place to live and explore USA. There are many restaurants and hotels to stay and spend quality time in Grand Rapids. #beautifulhotel #beautifuldestinations #passionpassport #downtown #michigan

Hyatt Place at Grand Rapid is beautiful property and located just in the perfect location. It’s very near to many tourist attractions and the River front. There are multiple restaurants nearby and can walk to to riverside park, cathedral and restaurants. Rooms were spacious, clean and comfortable. Breakfast provided by hotel had many options from bread, fruits, Eggs, juices and jams. Bar in Hotel is nice have many options to choose from. Hotel staff was friendly and very kind. They were very to accommodate any request. it was a pleasant stay at Hyatt. #hotel #grandrapid #michigan #travel #usa #usatravel

I love how spacious the bathroom is.

The coffee and tea here is amazing.

Lovely vacation

#falladventures What is this Place? Tucked within the renowned Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, the Richard and Helen DeVos Japanese Garden is an 8-acre oasis of serene beauty. This authentic garden features a peaceful koi-filled pond, a traditional tea house, graceful bridges, and meticulously curated landscapes. In spring, it bursts to life with blooming cherry blossoms, azaleas, and vibrant new greenery, creating a magical backdrop for a family day out. Why This Place for a Spring Family Trip? Spring transforms this garden into a wonderland of color and life, perfect for young explorers. It’s a place where kids can marvel at the darting koi fish, listen to the gentle sounds of waterfalls, and enjoy the thrill of crossing zig-zag bridges. The garden offers a perfect blend of education and entertainment, making Japanese culture accessible and fun for all ages. Your Perfect Spring Family Itinerary · Morning (10:00 AM): Start at the main conservatory’s Butterfly Exhibit! Then, head to the Japanese Garden. · Mid-Morning (11:00 AM): Explore the garden’s loop. Pause at the koi pond, cross the drum bridge, and spot blooming cherry trees. Let the kids lead the way! · Afternoon (12:30 PM): Enjoy lunch at the on-site café, then let the kids play in the interactive Children’s Garden within the larger park. Top Tips for Families · Koi Feeding: Check the schedule for koi feeding times—it’s a captivating event for kids. · Bloom Watch: Visit between late April and May for the best chance to see cherry blossoms and azaleas in peak color. · Scavenger Hunt: Create a simple list of items to find: a pink blossom, a stone lantern, a waterfall, and a zig-zag bridge. · Comfort First: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket—spring weather in Michigan can be unpredictable! Hashtag: #SpringFamilyAdventure Watch your family’s wonder grow with every blossom. This garden is a perfect day of shared discovery and joy.

#falladventures What is this Place? Nestled within the expansive Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Richard and Helen DeVos Japanese Garden is an 8-acre sanctuary of tranquility and beauty. This is not just a garden; it's a immersive cultural experience featuring a serene koi-filled pond, a authentic tea house, graceful bridges, and winding paths that encourage exploration and quiet discovery around every corner. Why This Place for a Family Trip? This garden offers the perfect introduction to Japanese culture in a familiar, family-friendly setting. It’s a place of active discovery where kids can be captivated by the vibrant, swimming koi fish, marvel at the intricate details of a tea ceremony house, and enjoy the fun of crossing zig-zag bridges. It beautifully blends art, nature, and play. Your Perfect Family Itinerary · Morning (10:00 AM): Start at the main conservatory to see the tropical butterflies (a surefire kid-pleaser) before heading into the Japanese Garden. · Mid-Morning (11:00 AM): Explore the garden's loop. Pause at the koi pond, cross the dramatic drum bridge, and peek into the tea house. Let the kids lead the way and set the pace. · Afternoon (12:30 PM): Enjoy lunch at the on-site café and then explore the rest of the sculpture park, where kids can interact with larger-than-life art. Top Tips for Families · Koi Feeding: Check the schedule for supervised koi feeding times—it’s a mesmerizing spectacle for all ages. · Scavenger Hunt: Create a simple list of things to find: a red bridge, a stone lantern, a giant koi, and a waterfall. · Hands-On Fun: Participate in the family activities often offered in the Children's Garden within the larger park. · Membership Value: If you're local or planning a long visit, a family membership offers great value for repeat adventures. Hashtag: #GRFamilyDay Find a world of peace and wonder tucked away in Michigan. The DeVos Japanese Garden is a cultural adventure that feels both a world away and perfectly close to home.

My favorite trip moments and stops in Grand Rapids by far was the food! We started off the trip officially by attending the Asian Pacific Festival that was being held in the area with free entry, which not only featured different pieces of art and collectibles but also had a large amount of Asian foods around that were amazing to not only see but try! We also made a stop for frozen yogurt and explored the restaurants and dessert parlors around the hotel we were staying at but these were the most memorable stops that we actually ate at. My other favorites were HopCats which I was beyond thankful to find, even if it wasn't intentional. The food was delicious (especially the fries, those were absolutely addictive), and the staff was inviting and friendly. That place will forever be on my "must stop" list after that! My family also took the time to visit Brown Butter Crêperie & Cafe, although the parking needs to be paid for- we arrived here on a Sunday when it was free parking. They had a variety of items including specialty drinks and crêpes for the season, the food was delicious but wasn't too filling. The cafe itself was small and felt homey, it was an inviting place where you seat yourself and go up to order, I'd love to come back here as well!

June 14th-15th Itinerary Day1:Parking, Cheer Championship, Asian Pacific Festival, Check-in at hotel at 4pm, swimming, Dinner at HopCats, Swimming, bedtime! Day2: Swimming, pack-up/check out at 11am, parking paid, breakfast at Brown Butter Crêperie & Cafe, Drive home! 🏨 Accommodation: Amway Grand Plaza 🍴 Food Recommendations: HopCats Cosmik Fries! (Staff and food were a 10/10 & I'd eat there every day if I could!) 📌 Tips: Always set money aside for separate expenses! Paid parking was an accumulated charge + Deposit as opposed to the parking being taken from the deposit as I was told. #familytravel Also, prepare for crowds! A pricier hotel does not mean less people especially in a busy area.

The wydham has very good costumer service I love it here the breakfast is so good

This hotel was great must check out

Hey, wanderlust buddies! 🌍✈️ Let's chat about the JW Marriott Grand Rapids, a gem that's got travelers talking. Nestled in the heart of the city, this spot is a blend of luxury and convenience that'll make your stay unforgettable. 🏨💖 First off, the rooms are what dreams are made of – spacious enough to twirl around in and spotless from corner to corner. 🛏️✨ Whether you're in town for business or pleasure, you'll find your room equipped with all the goodies to make your stay comfy and connected. But it's not just about where you lay your head, right? The hotel's amenities are top-notch. Imagine unwinding at a spa that whispers relaxation or taking a dip in a pool that's just the right kind of cool. 🏊‍♀️💆‍♂️ And for the foodies, the dining is divine – local flavors meet world-class culinary skills on a plate! Now, let's talk about getting around. This place is smack-dab in the sweet spot of Grand Rapids, which means you're steps away from the city's vibrant heartbeat – museums, parks, and all the local hotspots. 🌆🚶‍♀️ So, if you're plotting your next city escape, pin the JW Marriott Grand Rapids on your map. It's where comfort meets chic, and your travel tales are waiting to be written. 📍235 Louis St NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503

The 1975 is a band from the UK, and their Still ... at their very best tour will continue in North America on September 16th, followed by performances in San Diego, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Tampa, Nashville, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Chicago, Boston, New York, Montreal, Toronto, and Salt Lake City! Let's look forward to it! The 1975 has extended their global Still…At their Very Best Tour into next year. On Thursday (August 31st), the band led by Matty Healy announced 22 new shows in the UK and Europe for February and March 2024, including two nights at London's O2 and their biggest European show ever.

#falltrip

Sam Hunt ซูเปอร์สตาร์เพลงคันทรี่ประกาศเดินสายแสดงคอนเสิร์ตในปีหน้า ทัวร์นี้จัดขึ้นเพื่อตอกย้ำพรสวรรค์ของศิลปินที่ได้รับการเสนอชื่อเข้าชิงรางวัล Diamond-selling และแกรมมี่ถึง 5 สมัย Hunt ได้รับการยกย่องจาก The New York Times ว่าเป็น "ศิลปินจากค่ายเพลง MCA Nashville กระแสหลักฝีมือสุดล้ำ" โดยจะเริ่มการแสดงที่ Grand Rapids ในวันที่ 22 ก.พ. และจะแวะที่ Louisville, Nashville, Milwaukee, Green Bay และที่อื่นๆ ด้วย Brett Young ศิลปินคันทรี่ซึ่งมียอดขายระดับแพลตตินัม และ Lily Rose นักดนตรีมากความสามารถอีกคนจากจอร์เจีย จะมาเป็นแขกรับเชิญสุดพิเศษ

Country music superstar Sam Hunt has announced that his Outskirt Tour will begin in 2024. The tour will feature the talents of five-time Grammy-nominated, mega-selling artist Sam Hunt. Recognized by The New York Times as “the most innovative mainstream Nashville performer,” Hunt will begin in Grand Rapids on February 22 and visit Louisville, Nashville, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and more. Joining him as special guests will be multi-million-selling country artist Brett Young and another talented Georgia native, Lily Rose.

Country superstar Sam Hunt has announced his 2024 Outskirts Tour. The tour showcases the talents of this five-time Grammy-nominated, diamond-tier artist. Recognized by The New York Times as "Nashville's most innovative mainstream performer," Hunt will kick off in Grand Rapids on February 22, traveling to Louisville, Nashville, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and more. Special guests include multi-platinum country artist Brett Young and talented Georgia musician Lily-Rose.

Country music superstar Sam Hunt announced that he will launch the "Outskirts Tour" in 2024. Sam Hunt is a five-time Grammy Award nominee and a Diamond Recording Artist. In this tour, he will present his unique musical charm to the audience. Sam Hunt, who has been named "the most innovative mainstream Nashville musician" by the New York Times, will kick off the tour on February 22 in Grand Rapid and will then perform in Louisville, Nashville, Milwaukee and Green Bay. Special guests include platinum-selling country artist Brett Young and Georgia talent Lily Rose.

Country music superstar Sam Hunt has announced his Outskirts Tour will kick off in 2024. This tour is set to showcase the talents of the five-time Grammy nominee and Diamond-selling artist. Recognized as "the most innovative mainstream Nashville performer" by The New York Times, Hunt will kick things off in Grand Rapids on Feb 22, with stops in Louisville, Nashville, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and more. Joining him are special guests Brett Young, a multi-Platinum-selling country artist, and Lily Rose, another talented musician from Georgia.

gra#tripblazers #Grand Rapids Grand Rapids

This is the view from my window in my room.