Southwest Travel Guide
Grand Rapids
Popular places to visit
John Ball Zoo
Visit the native and exotic animals who live at John Ball Zoo during your trip to Grand Rapids. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Let your kids run wild at the sand pits and tree house while you inspect the sculptures and floral displays in this park’s various gardens.
Van Andel Arena
Catch an event at Van Andel Arena during your trip to Grand Rapids. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
Gerald R. Ford Museum
Take a holographic tour of Ford’s White House and see a piece of the Berlin Wall in this tribute to the 38th president in the town where he was raised.
Grand Rapids Art Museum
The sleek design of the modernist building reflects the gorgeous contemporary artworks within. Learn how to make art fun in the workshops and camps.
Heritage Hill Historic District
Lining the streets of this old residential area are more than 1,000 houses of 60 different designs. Spot Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece among these historic homes.
Things to do
Fun Gnocchi Making Class With local Chef in Grand Rapids
Top hotels in Southwest
Sonesta Hotel Grand Rapids Airport
Easy parking, great check in offered many dinner options nearby.
Reviewed on 1 Apr 2026
Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown by IHG
Great option for staying downtown with friends, and where I stay every time I visit the city. Parking is great and staff is friendly.
Reviewed on 1 Apr 2026
Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown
In a great location everything we wanted to do was within 10 min walking distance also very nice rooms
Reviewed on 1 Apr 2026
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
Everything was excellent. The only complaint we had is that a microwave is not a standard amenity.
Reviewed on 2 Apr 2026
Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids Downtown
Good
Reviewed on 1 Apr 2026
Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel
La persona de recepción, fue grosera con unas personas en linea, esperando check in
Reviewed on 25 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Southwest
Roosevelt Park
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Roosevelt Park and surrounding area, you can visit Downtown Market and Van Andel Arena.
Heartside
Heartside is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Van Andel Arena and Grand Rapids Children's Museum while in the area.
Heritage Hill
While visiting Heritage Hill, you might make a stop by sights like Heritage Hill Historic District and Voigt House Victorian Museum.
Garfield Park
Garfield Park might not have many top sights, but Downtown Market and Grand Rapids Children's Museum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
East Hills
While visiting East Hills, you might make a stop by sights like Heritage Hill Historic District and LaFontsee Galleries.
Downtown Grand Rapids
While visiting Downtown Grand Rapids, you might make a stop by sights like Broadway Grand Rapids and La Grande Vitesse.
