Why Go to Ann Arbor
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan, and you'll feel that college-town energy everywhere, especially on football Saturdays, when the whole city turns maize and blue. But Ann Arbor has a personality all its own, and it's a little delightfully quirky.
Keep an eye out for the tiny fairy doors hidden around downtown, and time your visit for fun local festivals like Apple Daze in the fall or FestiFools in the spring. Foodies flock to Zingerman's Deli, where even President Obama stopped for its famous Reuben. Nicknamed Tree Town, Ann Arbor is wonderfully green, too. Paddle or hike along the Huron River Water Trail, and visit the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum in early summer, when the peony garden bursts into bloom.
Whatever the season, Ann Arbor has something to discover, from game days and live music to great food and outdoor fun. I'll plan your stay, whether you're coming for a big game, a campus visit or a relaxed weekend getaway.
BEST FOR
Art lovers, campus visitors, foodies and weekend explorers
BEST MONTHS
May–June and September–October
EXPLORE
Start in the central visitor district, then group nearby attractions to reduce driving time. Check individual opening hours and accessibility before visiting.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Ann Arbor
North America › Midwest › USA › Michigan
College-town creativity, leafy trails and Big Ten energy.
University
Arts
Culinary
Parks
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Pair a campus museum with a Nichols Arboretum stroll, then spend the evening on Main Street.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Check the exhibition calendar and combine the visit with a campus walk.
University of Michigan Museum of Art
A campus art museum mixing historic works with modern exhibitions and a welcoming setting in central Ann Arbor.
Allow time for the planetarium if a show fits your visit.
University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
Interactive science exhibits and fossil displays make this a rewarding stop for families and curious adults.
Wear walking shoes; trails can be muddy after rain.
Nichols Arboretum
Paths wind through wooded hills and river views just beyond campus, with seasonal planting displays.
Check conservatory hours separately from outdoor garden access.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Outdoor gardens and natural trails offer a quiet contrast to the city’s energetic downtown.
Go earlier in the day to browse the market and nearby shops.
Kerrytown Market & Shops
Independent merchants, food stalls and historic streets give this district an easygoing local character.
A university-inspired boutique hotel close to campus, bookstores and downtown dining.
Graduate by Hilton Ann Arbor
Downtown / University of Michigan
Boutique · City
An upscale contemporary hotel near the university’s central campus and medical district.
The Vanguard Ann Arbor, Autograph Collection
Central Campus / Glen Avenue
City
A classic hotel steps from central campus and the shops of downtown Ann Arbor.
Bell Tower Hotel
University of Michigan / Central Campus
Boutique · City
A locally established boutique property with on-site dining and easy access to downtown by car.
Weber’s Boutique Hotel
West Ann Arbor
Family
An all-suite hotel convenient for longer stays, restaurants and downtown university visits.
Residence Inn by Marriott Ann Arbor Downtown
Downtown / Main Street
Family · Value
A comfortable hotel with a pool, a good fit for families and game days.
The Kensington Hotel
South Ann Arbor
Family
A central, good-value hotel within walking distance of Main Street and campus.
Hyatt Place Ann Arbor
Downtown
Value · City
A full-service hotel near Michigan Stadium.
Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel
South Ann Arbor
City
A friendly B&B a short walk from campus and Kerrytown.
Ann Arbor Bed and Breakfast
Near Central Campus
Boutique
A practical, good-value base near the stadium.
Hilton Garden Inn Ann Arbor
South Ann Arbor
Value
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Ann Arbor
High 48°F · Low 33°F · Rain 2.2 in
Fall colors linger along the Huron River, and the football season's biggest rivalry games arrive.
Late spring brings gardens and patio weather; early fall brings colorful trees and lively campus traditions. Football weekends can make hotels scarce, while winter is cold and better suited to museums and restaurants.
Best Times to Visit Ann Arbor
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Explore Main Street for chef-driven dining, Kerrytown for casual cafés and markets, and State Street for student favorites. Look for Michigan produce and locally roasted coffee.
06
Game Day Traffic
University events can restrict parking and roads; plan alternative transport during football weekends.
05
Rental Cars
A vehicle helps reach nature areas and surrounding towns beyond core bus corridors.
04
Amtrak
Ann Arbor station has scheduled rail service; verify route and departure times.
03
Campus Walking
University of Michigan central campus and downtown are walkable, with uneven weather in winter.
02
TheRide Buses
Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority buses serve many city routes; check schedules.
01
Detroit Metro Airport
DTW is a common air gateway to Ann Arbor, with road or scheduled coach transfers.
Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is the principal large airport for visitors; check airport bus and car options. Downtown is walkable, but a car or rideshare helps reach gardens and regional stops.
Getting Around Ann Arbor
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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