South Bend Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Basilica of the Sacred Heart featuring a park and heritage architecture
Basilica of the Sacred Heart which includes flowers, a park and heritage architecture
South Bend featuring a city
South Bend
South Bend

This thriving metropolis is known for its revered colleges, arts and entertainment centres, great shopping, restaurants, parks and plazas, and rich local history.

South Bend is a charming city with diversity in its arts, history, universities and shopping. Begin your stay exploring downtown. Find local, regional and international goods as well as boutique and handmade arts and crafts. Dining options are plentiful, with everything from counterculture coffee and ethnic foods to fine dining. 

The colleges in South Bend foster a vibrant community of intellectual, scientific, artistic and sporting pursuits. See the iconic gilded Golden Dome and the statue of Mary on the main building at the University of Notre Dame. 

Arts are big in South Bend so enjoy seeing a show or hearing the symphony orchestra play at the beautiful Morris Performing Arts Centre. Originally built in 1921, the Morris Performing Arts Centre is on the National Register for Historic Places. 

If you are a history buff, be sure to walk through the Oliver Mansion and Centre for History, the Victorian mansion that was Joseph D. Oliver’s house he was the inventor of the chilled plough. Visit the indoor museum at the Military Honour Park and take the little ones to the children’s museum. Discover how Christian faith influenced life in South Bend at the Taylor Memorial Chapel and the Grotto of Our Lady at the University of Notre Dame.

With an array of parks and recreational centers, South Bend offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activity. Take a morning stroll through the city’s parks and gardens on the designated Riverwalk trails. Visit the wildlife oasis of Rum Village Nature Centre and walk or bike through the woodlands. Take the kids to the Potawatomi Zoo and discover scientific gems and historical artifacts at the Hannah Lindahl Children’s Museum.

South Bend is in North Central Indiana, 96 miles (155 kilometres) east of Chicago. The most efficient way to get around is by Transpo, the local bus system. If you choose to drive, the city is easy to navigate and taxis are readily available.

Where to stay in South Bend

University of Notre Dame showing a garden, wild flowers and heritage architecture

Northeast South Bend

Though Northeast South Bend may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Compton Family Ice Arena and Morris Performing Arts Center.

Northeast South Bend
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Harters Heights

Harters Heights might not have many top sights, but Compton Family Ice Arena and Notre Dame Stadium are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Harters Heights
South Bend featuring signage and flowers

Downtown South Bend

While visiting Downtown South Bend, you might make a stop by sights like Morris Performing Arts Center and Studebaker National Museum.

Downtown South Bend
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Wooded Estates

While there might not be top attractions in Wooded Estates, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Compton Family Ice Arena and Notre Dame Stadium.

Wooded Estates
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Near Northwest

Near Northwest might not have many top sights, but South Bend Civic Theater and Morris Performing Arts Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Near Northwest
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Northshore Triangle

Northshore Triangle might not have many top sights, but South Bend Civic Theater and Morris Performing Arts Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Northshore Triangle
La Quinta Suites by Wyndham South Bend Notre Dame Area

La Quinta Suites by Wyndham South Bend Notre Dame Area

3 out of 5
52554 STATE ROAD 933, South Bend, IN
The price is Rp1.609.330 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
Rp1.609.330
Rp1.850.729 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,061 reviews)
"Nice big room and it was clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

La Quinta Suites by Wyndham South Bend Notre Dame Area
Doubletree Hotel South Bend

Doubletree Hotel South Bend

4 out of 5
123 N Dr. Martin Luther King BLVD, South Bend, IN
The price is Rp1.749.848 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
Rp1.749.848
Rp2.012.326 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Wish the AC would have worked in the common areas."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Doubletree Hotel South Bend
Larkspur Landing South Bend

Larkspur Landing South Bend

2.5 out of 5
52709 Indiana State Route 933, South Bend, IN
The price is Rp1.380.481 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
Rp1.380.481
Rp1.587.554 total
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Nice room"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Larkspur Landing South Bend
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Argyle on Mass Ave

The Argyle on Mass Ave

4 out of 5
615 N East St., Indianapolis, IN
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Indianapolis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Lucas ...
9/10 Wonderful! (128 reviews)
"I really liked this place and I think we would come back!! However, I do wish that there was more lighting at the entrance of this location! At night it can be pretty dark and more light would help make it feel safer. And it would be great if there was possibly free parking or even a discounted rate… ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

The Argyle on Mass Ave
The Villas at French Lick Springs

The Villas at French Lick Springs

3 out of 5
8718 W State Road 56, French Lick, IN
Stay at this 3-star condo in French Lick. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (245 reviews)
French Lick an amazing place to vacation!
"It was amazing! The staff was wonderful! The atmosphere was amazing! I have informed family and friends looking to rest in a friendly place to go there!"

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

The Villas at French Lick Springs
CozySuites at Block20

CozySuites at Block20

2.5 out of 5
423 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Lucas Oil Stadium and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (54 reviews)
"A clean suit with all the appliances you need. Very close to downtown.easy access to Grocery and restaurant. We enjoyed our stay there."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

CozySuites at Block20
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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