Get more out of your getaway by doing less. That’s the idea behind “soft travel,” a trend that encourages vacationers to slow down, enjoy local culture and savor the simple pleasures of a destination. Instead of stressing out over planning every detail of your travel itinerary, choose a place that lets you truly unwind and focus on relaxation, mindfulness and meaningful experiences that nourish your mind and body.
Grand Rapids is just such a place. It’s Michigan’s second largest city, filled with big-city culture, dining and nightlife, but the pace is easier and more laid-back than just about any city its size. You can commune with nature just minutes from a walkable downtown, visit world-class attractions without booking in advance and immerse yourself in the rhythms of everyday life without feeling like a tourist.
Here are a few ideas for a relaxing vacation in Grand Rapids.
With spacious accommodations and a full range of amenities, the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel provides a convenient and luxurious stay.
Photo by Nick Irwin for Experience GR
Where to Stay for a Relaxing Grand Rapids Getaway
The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids are both luxurious accommodations offering elegant rooms, calming river views, indulgent spa treatments and impeccable service. For a more intimate experience, check out CityFlatsHotel, where “eco-chic meets boutique” and The Finnley, offering five boutique rooms and contactless check-in.
Calming Grand Rapids Coffee Shops
Enjoy a leisurely cup of joe at any of 45+ local coffee shops as you decide what you feel like doing that day. Choices include Madcap Coffee, which has received national recognition for its coffees, roasting profiles and innovative drink recipes, and Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge, whose warm and cozy loft-like space invites you to linger.
Coffee in Grand Rapids
- 11 min
Beer isn’t the only brew Grand Rapids does exceptionally well – local coffee roasters also enjoy widespread acclaim. And like the area’s renowned beer scene, our coffee culture is rooted in community…
Relaxing Things to Do in Grand Rapids
Soft travel is about engaging in restful, rejuvenating experiences that align with your personal interests rather than societal expectations for a “fun” vacation. Here are some suggestions for simple and easy things to do that will lift your spirit and boost your mental health:
Embrace Nature
Hundreds of miles of land and water trails beckon you to hike, bike, snowshoe, paddle and access the healing power of nature. From a downtown riverwalk to a section of the 4,800-mile North Country Trail just 20 minutes away, you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle and explore the Grand Outdoors to your heart’s content. You can also launch a kayak at Riverside Park, bask on the beach at Millennium Park and watch salmon leap a functional work of art at Fish Ladder Park – all within five minutes of downtown.
Appreciate Art
Experiencing art activates the pleasure centers in our brains and makes us feel happy. Get your glee on at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, an oasis of art and nature named the nation’s #1 sculpture park by USA Today. Tour the Grand Rapids Art Museum, whose building is itself a work of art. Take a self-guided tour of outdoor street murals and community legends sculptures. Attend a ballet, opera, symphony, theater or live music show, if the spirit moves you – same-day tickets are almost always available.
You'll find it easy to relax and unwind at the countless spas in Grand Rapids.
Photo by Dorelle Brock for Experience GR
Get Pampered
Visit a day spa for the ultimate in soothing relaxation. Treat yourself to a lavish dining experience at MDRD (pronounced “Madrid”), one of only five AAA 4-Diamond restaurants in Michigan. Indulge in an adult beverage as you soak up the sights and sounds in our Outdoor Refreshment Zones.
Get in Touch with the Past
Travel back to a simpler time by strolling the sidewalks of the Heritage Hill Historic District, Michigan’s largest and finest collection of 19th and early 20th century houses. Visit the Streets of old Grand Rapids exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Explore historic lighthouses under the dazzling glow of a Lake Michigan sunset.
Dream Grand and Go Softly to Grand Rapids for your next getaway – and you won’t feel like you need a vacation to recover from your vacation!