Southwest Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Popular places to visit
Van Andel Arena
Catch an event at Van Andel Arena during your trip to Grand Rapids. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.
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 acclaimed theatre scene and great live music.
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.
Downtown Market
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Downtown Market during your trip to Grand Rapids. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.
Our pick of the best Southwest Hotel Deals
Sonesta Hotel Grand Rapids Airport
Rooms are clean, staff is nice, and the location is great. The mall is right across the street and there are other places of interest within minutes of the hotel. Our go to when in Grand Rapids.
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026
Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids Downtown
Check in was super fast, room and all other areas of hotel were spotless. Apparently you’re supposed to request the shuttle a day and a half before you want it otherwise it’s not always available. They originally told us we wouldn’t have use of the area shuttle because we had not requested it, but ...
Reviewed on 15 Feb 2026
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Grand Rapids East, MI
Very nice the staff gentlemen was a littel un personal but overall it was a great time.
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026
Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown
Clean, spacious, and great location.
Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
We were in town for a concert. The staff was fantastic and very accommodating. The room was large, with a good view and clean.
Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026
CityFlatsHotel - Grand Rapids, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Staff was great! Room could have used a bit more attention.
Reviewed on 9 Feb 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.
Downtown Grand Rapids
While visiting Downtown Grand Rapids, you might make a stop by sights like Broadway Grand Rapids and DeVos Performance Hall.
John Ball Park
While visiting John Ball Park, you might make a stop by sights like John Ball Zoo and Public Museum of Grand Rapids.
