Plan & Stay
Coming to Grand Rapids for an event, attraction, weekend getaway, week-long vacation, family visit or any other reason? We want to help you get the most out of your time here!
How to Plan a Trip
Visit our Trip Planning page to find all sorts of fun things to do during your visit and find answers to common visitor questions like the best ways to get here , what clothes to pack for the season, and local rules about alcohol and cannabis. You can also create a list of activities using the “My Trip” button at the top of each page on this website. It’s a free, easy way to build your Grand Rapids itinerary.
Places to Stay
There’s so much to see and do in Grand Rapids that you’ll likely want to stay at least one night – so check out our Hotels page to browse 100+ hotels, campgrounds, bed & breakfast inns and vacation rentals. You can make your decision easier by narrowing your search by region, nightly rates and a whole host of amenities, including indoor pools, accessible parking, airport shuttles and pets welcome.
Hotel Booking
Many people say travel sites offer the best rates, but booking directly on a hotel’s official website often gives you the lowest price plus special benefits and cancellation flexibility. Our hotel listings let you click straight through to hotel websites.
Ways to Save
Take a look at our Hotel Packages for bundled deals and perks centered around specific themes, such as golf, beer, shopping and romance. Also, consider getting Attraction Pass GR, which entitles you to greatly reduced admission and other discounts at many of the area’s top attractions.
Busy Travel Times
If you’re planning a visit during one of the city’s major events – such as ArtPrize (Sept 17-Oct 3, 2026), the Christkindl Markt (Nov 18-Dec. 23, 2026), World of Winter (Jan 8 - Feb 28, 2027), Butterflies are Blooming (March 1-April 30, 2027) or some of our cultural festivals – it’s a good idea to start early. Tens of thousands of people come to these events, so the sooner you plan, the more choices you’ll have!
Save 50% with Our Attraction Pass
Receive admission into many attractions around Grand Rapids as well as additional exclusive discounts with our Attraction Pass now with adult, children and senior pricing.
FAQ
Visitor Information:
Why visit Grand Rapids?
CNN named Grand Rapids 1 of the 10 Best American Towns to visit in 2024, recommending our “vibrant arts scene, thriving beer culture and family-friendly recreation.” USA Today has named us 1 of the 10 Best Cities Where You Can See Amazing Art, America’s Best Beer City and America’s Craft Beverage Capital. Thrillist says Grand Rapids is “rich in art, food, music and every other big-city amenity, only in a quieter package” and Travel Zoo says Grand Rapids “pairs big-city convenience with small-town charm.” It’s definitely worth a visit!
What should I be sure to visit on my Grand Rapids trip?
Where should I eat in Grand Rapids?
What are you hungry for? Grand Rapids is home to 1,000+ restaurants offering every kind of cuisine. We’ve been named 1 of America’s Top 20 Foodie Cities and Michigan’s Best Food City, partly because our restaurants source fresh ingredients from dozens of family farms and orchards that circle the city.
Read More
How far is Grand Rapids from Lake Michigan?
Where do I park in Grand Rapids?
Is Grand Rapids accessible for people with special needs?
What are the steps for planning a trip?
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned traveler, following these steps will minimize stress and maximize enjoyment:
- Define your trip goals & budget.
- Select destination & timing.
- Book flights & transportation.
- Book accommodations.
- Research and create a rough itinerary.
- Map out activities using a tool like Google Maps.
- Organize logistics & book tickets for popular attractions.
- Finalize and pack.
How do I plan for group travel?
Visit the Group Tour area for group-friendly itineraries, hotels, restaurants and more. We even have help available to assist you!
What is the best trip planner?
The best trip planner for a Grand Rapids visit is My Trip, a free tool on the ExperienceGR.com website.
What is the most forgotten item when traveling?
According to a survey of 1,000+ travelers, the most common items people forget to pack on a trip are:
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Chargers for electronics
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Deodorant
General Information:
What about traveling from downtown to other areas of the city?
The Rapid , Grand Rapids’ easy-to-use public transportation system, operates downtown’s DASH shuttle as well as a fleet of buses that circulate around the city and surrounding suburbs. More than 100 of The Rapid’s buses are equipped to use renewal natural gas (RNG) from the City of Grand Rapids’ biodigester, which breaks down organic waste and turns it into a carbon-negative vehicle fuel.
Why is Grand Rapids called Beer City USA?
Grand Rapids was voted Beer City in nationwide polls in 2012 and 2013, and it has held the title ever since. USA Today has also named us America’s Best Beer Town, America’s Best Beer Scene and America’s Best Beer City (4 years running!).
History of Beer City
What else is Grand Rapids known for?
