4-Day May Itinerary in Detroit and Ann Arbor for University of Michigan Graduations

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Avalon Bakery Woodward. Their pastries and bread are freshly made and perfect for fueling up. Then spend a couple hours at the Detroit Institute of Arts. This renowned museum boasts an extensive collection of art spanning different periods and cultures, and the building is a 1920’s Beaux Arts beauty. Don't miss the Diego Rivera murals depicting Detroit's industrial history. They are amazing.

For lunch, try Traffic Jam & Snug. This quirky restaurant is known for its eclectic menu featuring dishes made from scratch and its on-site bakery and brewery. I can recommend the Jam Burger. After lunch, head over to the Motown Museum, also known as Hitsville USA, which was the original home of Berry Gordy when he was growing up. Tickets need to be booked in advance, and the guided tours really showcase the legendary Motown record label and its impact on music history through exhibits.

For dinner, eat at Selden Standard in midtown Detroit. It made it on the 2024 USA Today restaurant of the year list. This was my favorite meal of the trip, served family style and seasonal menus change often. We loved the Ribeye, Lamb Ragu Pasta, and the fresh fish.

Start with breakfast at Dime Store, located inside the Chrysler House, formerly known as the Dime Building. They serve all-day brunch, using the freshest ingredients with a friendly vibe. Then spend your morning exploring Belle Isle Park. This island park offers a variety of attractions, including the Belle Isle Aquarium, Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, and Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Stroll or bike ride around the island to take in the scenic views.

Head back downtown to Bucharest Grill for lunch. This popular and trendy spot serves delicious Middle Eastern-inspired sandwiches, including their famous shawarma. Walk off lunch at Downtown Detroit Riverwalk, with its fantastic views of the Detroit skyline and Windsor, Canada, as you walk along the riverfront. You can also rent bikes or take a cruise for a different perspective. We rented One Bird scooters and covered a lot of ground! Tonight, treat yourself to dinner at Parc! This elegant and upscale restaurant offers contemporary American cuisine with stunning views of Campus Martius Park.

If you are staying at The Shinola Hotel, like we did and highly recommend, book reservations for San Morello, the restaurant attached to the hotel. It’s a very popular brunch spot with clever dishes like Breakfast Spaghetti, which was delicious with a white sauce and a soft egg on top. We also enjoyed the lamb meatballs and malted waffle.

Spend your late morning exploring Eastern Market, one of the largest historic public markets in the United States. Browse through the stalls selling fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local products. Eastern Market is only open on Saturdays!

If you are still hungry head to Supino Pizzeria within the market for lunch. This beloved pizza joint in Eastern Market serves delicious thin-crust pizzas with a variety of toppings.

For the afternoon I’ve saved my favorite – The Henry Ford Museum, a fascinating wealth of American culture, comprised of two parts: the indoor Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and the outdoor Greenfield Village is in Dearborn. The indoor museum is astounding, what the New York Times calls “One of the world’s coolest museums”. It’s got planes, trains, and automobiles and much more.

Enjoy dinner at Wright & Co. located in a historic building in downtown Detroit, offering small plates and craft cocktails in a chic and stylish setting. We loved dishes like roasted bone marrow, duck confit poutine, and shrimp ceviche and the atmosphere is fun and lively.

In Detroit, stay at The Shinola Hotel, a boutique hotel that combines Detroit's rich history with contemporary design and craftsmanship. Very chic with a clubby vibe it includes three dining options, and fun amenities like complimentary bikes and Shinola bicycles for purchase. They have an attached boutique featuring the Shinola leather brand which is iconic in Detroit. I loved the exceptional service and fantastic location.

In the morning drive 1 hour to Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, known for its vibrant arts scene, eclectic dining options, and beautiful parks. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Zingerman's Delicatessen. Try their famous sandwiches, bagels, and pastries made with locally sourced ingredients. Then take a stroll through the University of Michigan campus. It is very beautiful with historic buildings, beautiful architecture, and lush green spaces. Don't miss landmarks like the Law Quad and the Michigan Union.

Head to Kerrytown Market & Shops for lunch. This charming area is home to a variety of eateries, including the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, where you can find fresh, local produce and artisanal goods. Then walk around State Street and Main Street, Ann Arbor’s charming downtown area. There are tons of unique shops, art galleries and bookstores, and it's very lively.

If you are still up for more walking, drive to Gallop Park River Walk which is a gorgeous nature path where you can really admire the lushness of Michigan.

Make reservations for dinner at Dixboro Project in old town Dixboro a few minutes from Ann Arbor. It’s very stylish with great cocktails and famous for pizzas – our favorite was mushroom. We also enjoyed a great Ribeye and the Passion Fruit Tart for dessert.

After such an active day, relax at Weber’s Boutique Hotel in downtown Ann Arbor. This cozy hotel has stunning architecture and is very charming.