Southwest Travel Guide
Grand Rapids
Popular places to visit
Van Andel Arena
Catch an event at Van Andel Arena during your trip to Grand Rapids. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.
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.
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.
Downtown Market
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Downtown Market during your trip to Grand Rapids. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.
Top hotels in Southwest
Sonesta Hotel Grand Rapids Airport
Staff was very nice and the room was clean!
Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Grand Rapids East, MI
Very nice room. Nice facility.
Reviewed on 29 Jan 2026
Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown by IHG
Really nice staff!
Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026
Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids Downtown
Great stay and convenient location.
Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026
Spark By Hilton Walker Grand Rapids North
Room was very clean, the only thing is I left my shoes behind and when the housekeeping staff found them they threw them away!
Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026
Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown
Room was great! The staff was very friendly and helpful. Area was great- very walkable, tons of shops and museums nearby. Also within a two minute walk of the arena, which was nice as we had gone to a hockey game! Check out the President Ford Museum, the Public Museum, the ice rink at Rosa Parks ...
Reviewed on 22 Jan 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.
Downtown Grand Rapids
While visiting Downtown Grand Rapids, you might make a stop by sights like Broadway Grand Rapids and DeVos Performance Hall.
John Ball Park
While visiting John Ball Park, you might make a stop by sights like John Ball Zoo and Public Museum of Grand Rapids.
