Plan & Stay
Coming to Grand Rapids for an event, attraction, weekend getaway, family visit or any other reason? We want to help you get the most out of your time here!
Visit our Trip Planning page to find all sorts of fun things to do during your visit and build a personalized itinerary of activities. You’ll also find the answers to visitors’ most frequently asked questions, from the best way to get here to seasonal packing tips to local alcohol and cannabis laws.
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.
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.
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 (now-Dec. 23, 2025), World of Winter (Jan. 9-Mar 1, 2026), Butterflies are Blooming (March 1-April 30, 2026) or some of our cultural festivals – it’s a good idea to start early. Tens to hundreds of thousands of people attend each event, so the sooner you start planning, the more options 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!
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.
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How far is Grand Rapids from Lake Michigan?
Where do I park in Grand Rapids?
Is Grand Rapids accessible for people with special needs?
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?
