Top 11 Detroit Day Trips, from Cozy College Towns to Beaches and Lively Cities

Easy Day Trips Near Detroit

Southeast Michigan has a bunch of places for a detour when you’re sitting in Detroit. From small towns to the big cities, these destinations are close enough for a quick drive, just enough to make it home for dinner. Here are 11 of the best day trip options from the Motor City for 2025.

Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor’s got a little bit of everything. 

Just a quick 45-minute drive west of Detroit, it’s an easy getaway. There’s culture, college-town charm, and plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. 

Kick off your day at the University of Michigan Museum of Art. They’ve got a brand-new immersive digital gallery that’s worth checking out. Take a walk through the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Last year, they opened the Butterfly Conservatory and it’s a stunner. 

Once the sun goes down, you can either grab a seat for a live show at the historic Michigan Theater or wander through downtown’s quirky shops and buzzing restaurants. When hunger kicks in, swing by local legend Zingerman’s Delicatessen and try their expanded menu.

When the snow hits, it’s magical views and plenty of recreation. For those visiting in winter, bring a sled and head to prime sledding spots like Huron Hills Golf Course or the Veterans Memorial Park.

Milford

This place still preserves a small-town charm with just enough modern perks to keep things interesting. 

It’s about 40 minutes northwest of Detroit, but it’s packed with cute boutique shops and farm-to-table restaurants, great for a little browsing (or a lot of snacking). 

Start your day wandering through the historic downtown district (there’s plenty of architecture to admire). 

If you want to connect with nature, rent an electric boat at Kensington Metropark and cruise around Kent Lake. You may want to try the Milford Trail which just got an upgrade. Ask anybody, it now connects to the massive Iron Belle Trail system.

Summer is meant for the Milford Memories Festival. If you’re an art enthusiast, explore the exhibits from local artists, grab a bite from a food stall, and indulge in kids’ games. 

Some participate in the 5K race. Try it if you’re feeling ambitious. You can enjoy a picnic at Central Park or a quiet walk along the Huron River. 

Royal Oak

Royal Oak brings together great food and live entertainment.

Stop by the Detroit Zoo. It’s just 20 minutes north of Detroit. They recently opened a new Arctic exhibit with some cool augmented reality features definitely worth checking out. 

Afternoon is when you wander through downtown shops. From trendy boutiques to quirky stores, you’ll probably find something you didn’t even know you needed. 

As night rolls in, grab a seat at the Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre. They’re celebrating 70 years in 2025, so expect some extra-special performances. 

When it’s time to eat, swing by the newly expanded Royal Oak Farmers Market. What’s new? They added a year-round indoor section with fresh, hydroponic produce.

If you’re visiting during the colder months, Winter Blast Royal Oak should be on your itinerary. Ice skate, sled, and play with snow without the long drive up north. 

Port Huron

Port Huron’s beaches, town history, and waterfront views are some of the best in Michigan. It’s about an hour northeast of Detroit, making it an easy day trip.

Blue Water Bridge’s observation deck offers a panoramic look at Lake Huron and the St. Clair River (perfect for shutterbugs looking for their next big shot). 

Right after, you can head to Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, Michigan’s oldest, where a new VR tour brings its 200-year story to life. For history buffs, the Port Huron Museum just opened an interactive Great Lakes exhibit that’s worth a stop.

But if you prefer a slow pace, stretch out on the sands at Lakeport State Park or try a scenic coastal drive. It makes for a lazy afternoon.  

Dearborn

Start your tour at Henry Ford Museum. Add their new “Future of Mobility” exhibit to your itinerary. It highlights next-gen transportation. Then take a step back in time at Greenfield Village. Now they’ve got AR experiences that bring historical figures to life. 

But all the traveling will get your stomach growling. 

And this town has some ethnic flavors. Try Middle Eastern cuisine at one of the city’s legendary spots. Later, you can check out the contemporary art wing at the Arab American National Museum. 

End your day at Ford Rouge Factory. You’ll need a whole day here. Check out the latest in automotive manufacturing up close. It’s only 20 minutes west of Detroit (super close by).

Luna Pier

Luna Pier is the right space for a quiet escape from city life. You might find a crowd at Lake Erie, so make this a weekend trip to avoid the rush.

Most start their trip with a walk on the beach early morning. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the calm waters, or just relax on the shore. 

For lunch, you gotta try the fresh seafood which is served at a waterfront spot. There’s even a new boardwalk and a food truck park for the best outdoor experience. 

Don’t miss out on a tour of the wetlands, just an hour south of Detroit. It’s best for birdwatching. You can then catch the sunset on a dinner cruise from the Luna Pier Harbour Club.

Fenton

This place is an hour northwest of Detroit, bustling with charisma and a modern vibe. 

Lake Fenton’s public beach gives free access, where you can rent kayaks and paddleboards. A stroll downtown is pretty normal, but it’s the Fenton ArtWalk that’s worth the experience. The event brings in local and regional artists.

Want something more extravagant? Mueller’s Orchard and Cider Mill offers a luxurious spread (cider and donuts for a meal). You can burn off the calories with a hike at Seven Lakes State Park in the afternoon. Word is they installed a new accessible trail system last year. 

Cap the day with a fancy dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant, where the local produce takes center stage.

Holly

Holly’s about an hour northwest of Detroit, but it feels like a world away.

Fun fact: it became the first railroad junction in Michigan. And you can witness the town’s historical roots in its well-preserved downtown area, which features buildings dating back to the mid-1870s. 

This place has some amazing mountain biking trails. Check out the latest at Holly Recreation Area, or take a relaxed hike through the woods in the afternoon if you prefer something less strenuous. 

Holly is also well-renowned for the Michigan Renaissance Festival. It’s turning 55 in 2025, with all-new immersive experiences. The town’s restored Holly Hotel is packed with interactive ghost tours and farm-to-table dining.

But if you’re down here in winter, join the annual Holly Dickens Festival. By this time, the streets come alive with characters straight out of a Dickens novel. Literary enthusiasts, this town’s for you. 

Armada

Armada is balanced, a perfect blend of rural charm, nature, and local flavors. It even earned the title “Nicest Place in Michigan” by Reader’s Digest in July 2019. 

You can kick start a tour at the Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, where a new “Cider Science” exhibit lets you see (and taste) the cider-making process. 

If it’s August, don’t skip the Armada Fair. It’s turning 150 years old in 2025.

Afterward, ride the Macomb Orchard Trail, now extended to connect with the Clinton River Trail. Lunch at a farm-to-table eatery, then spend the afternoon antique shopping in town. 

End the day with a visit to a local winery like Blake’s Tasting Room at Armada Center Road or one of the local cider houses. It’s the perfect way to wind down.

Lansing

In 1847, Lansing was chosen as the state capital, replacing Detroit. During that time, the area was mostly wilderness with only a sawmill and a log cabin.

Today? You can stop by the Michigan State Capitol, located a mere 90 minutes away from west Detroit. The new visitor center makes learning more interactive (less boring that is). It also houses the state law library and displays Michigan’s military history. 

But for the true history buffs, the Michigan History Center gives all the deets. It now features exhibits on Michigan’s role in space exploration, an impressive addition.

If you’re feeling hungry, try local favorite SaltRock Brewing Co. or Graham Vineyard and Winery. Then bike or walk the Lansing River Trail, which now stretches over 20 miles. 

You can wind down at Wharton Center for Performing Arts, or catch a Lansing Lugnuts game at Jackson® Field.

Lexington

Lexington’s got that classic Lake Huron beach town feel. The town is about 90 minutes northeast of Detroit and is perfect for a summer getaway.

Your first stop should be the State Harbor, which just got a major renovation. It’s great for boating, beach days, or just enjoying the tranquil waters. 

Wander through town, stop in quaint shops and galleries, and then grab a meal at a local café. Try Doodle’s, they’ve got good reviews and their Pigs n Puffs is pretty filling. As the sun sets, take a walk on the beach and soak in those Lake Huron views.

Lexington County Park is a good spot when you’re traveling with family. They added a new accessible playground and splash pad. But if you’re driving solo, and love live music, drop by Lexington Village Theatre. This year, they celebrate 40 years and the season’s packed with special summer concerts.