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 Center. Originally built in 1921, the Morris Performing Arts Center is on the National Register for Historic Places.

If you are a history buff, be sure to walk through the Oliver Mansion and Center for History, the Victorian mansion that was Joseph D. Oliver’s house he was the inventor of the chilled plow. Visit the indoor museum at the Military Honor 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 Center 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 kilometers) 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 East Race Waterway and Compton Family Ice Arena.

Northeast 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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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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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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River Park

While River Park isn't home to many top sights, Potawatomi Zoo and East Race Waterway are some notable places to visit nearby.

River Park
Larkspur Landing South Bend
Larkspur Landing South Bend
2.5 out of 5
52709 Indiana State Route 933, South Bend, IN
The price is £78 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£78
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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! (967 reviews)
"Remember you asked. Cleanliness: Room exc. dining area- while clean nothing was sanitized after people ate at tables and counter. Serving spoons were caked up should have replaced."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Larkspur Landing South Bend
Baymont By Wyndham South Bend
Baymont By Wyndham South Bend
2.5 out of 5
215 South Dixie Way, South Bend, IN
The price is £59 per night from 2 Jul to 3 Jul
£59
2 Jul - 3 Jul
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (105 reviews)
"Roselyn is an interesting neighborhood because it is right outside of Notre Dame being from Indianapolis and not familiar with the South Bend area generally most of the hotels around that place I would never stay at and give #1 star too. We were in a hotel that was close by for the better part of ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Baymont By Wyndham South Bend
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 £89 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
£89
30 Jul - 31 Jul
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Great folks, great location Hilton should be proud!"

Reviewed on 8 Jun 2025

Doubletree Hotel 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.
2 Miles from NOTRE DAME, Brand New Spacious House!
2 Miles from NOTRE DAME, Brand New Spacious House!
South Bend, IN
Stay at this holiday home in South Bend. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Notre Dame Stadium and Four Winds ...
9/10 Wonderful! (16 reviews)
"stayed to visit a new area with family and enjoyed it"

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2025

2 Miles from NOTRE DAME, Brand New Spacious House!
Historic property is a comfortable, peaceful, and safe  place to stay.
Historic property is a comfortable, peaceful, and safe place to stay.
South Bend, IN
Stay at this cottage in South Bend. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Four Winds Casino South Bend and Notre Dame Stadium ...
10/10 Exceptional! (70 reviews)
Triathlon base camp
"Great cozy cabin. Easy to find. Super quiet. Older building with lots of charm. Old pine walls and ceiling were perfect nostalgia, brought back childhood memories.Hosts were extremely friendly too."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Historic property is a comfortable, peaceful, and safe place to stay.
Freshly renovated 4 bedroom just 2 Miles to Notre Dame
Freshly renovated 4 bedroom just 2 Miles to Notre Dame
South Bend, IN
Stay at this holiday home in South Bend. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Notre Dame Stadium and Four Winds Casino South ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (28 reviews)
Great Home
"The home was really nice, newly renovated. The host was really nice and accommodating. I would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Freshly renovated 4 bedroom just 2 Miles to Notre Dame
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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