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 acclaimed theatre scene and great live music.
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.
Top hotels in Southwest
Sonesta Hotel Grand Rapids Airport
Clean room great staff
Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026
Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown by IHG
Didn't get food
Reviewed on 4 Apr 2026
Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown
Great stay. Everyone was friendly and hotel was clean. Great location downtown
Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
The view was incredible, but the experience was more “standard hotel room” than I expected based on other times I have stayed in the Curio Collection hotels. And it took the shower almost five solid minutes to get kind of warm.
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids Downtown
Clean room and convenient location
Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Grand Rapids East, MI
We were completely blown away by this hotel! The rooms were spacious and clean, the pool area was warm and well taken care of (the kids had a blast!), we didn’t even know about the arcade so that was an amazing surprise, breakfast was delicious with so many choices! We would highly recommend this ...
Reviewed on 6 Apr 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 DeVos Performance Hall.
