Southwest Travel Guide
Grand Rapids
Popular places to visit
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.
Van Andel Arena
Catch an event at Van Andel Arena during your trip to Grand Rapids. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
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.
Heritage Hill Historic District
Lining the streets of this old residential area are more than 1,000 houses of 60 different designs. Spot Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece among these historic homes.
Top hotels in Southwest
Sonesta Hotel Grand Rapids Airport
Room semi-clean, room cold Bedding had holes in sheets, stains on top cover Staff very courteous Parking very convenient
Reviewed on 28 Mar 2026
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
Great hotel, very plush, very friendly. Great location for concerts with it being connected to Van Andel.
Reviewed on 28 Mar 2026
Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown
Great location!!!! A lot do in this area: bars, restaurants, parking, venues, desserts, movie theater, the downtown market, etc. Everything is walkable. The hotel was cleanly and the staff were pleasant and helpful.
Reviewed on 29 Mar 2026
Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown by IHG
Friendly and accommodating staff. It was so nice to have a restaurant on site. Parking is easy for being downtown. It was a comfortable stay.
Reviewed on 29 Mar 2026
Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids Downtown
The breakfast was gross,cold. The room was clean,hotel was clean. Hot tub and pool were out of order on Sunday due to high levels of chlorine levels. When we got into the hot tub on Saturday It immediately burned our eyes so we got out. The hot tub also turned my wedding ring grey/tarnished. For ...
Reviewed on 29 Mar 2026
Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel
La persona de recepción, fue grosera con unas personas en linea, esperando check in
Reviewed on 25 Mar 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.
East Hills
While visiting East Hills, you might make a stop by sights like Heritage Hill Historic District and LaFontsee Galleries.
Downtown Grand Rapids
While visiting Downtown Grand Rapids, you might make a stop by sights like Broadway Grand Rapids and DeVos Performance Hall.