Southwest
Grand Rapids
Popular places to visit
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.
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.
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.
Things to do
Fun Gnocchi Making Class With local Chef in Grand Rapids
Top hotels in Southwest
Sonesta Hotel Grand Rapids Airport
Room was clean, but the view was nonexistent. Room 317 has you looking at the hotel HVAC system and an access door. Other than that everything else was very good.
Reviewed on 24 Feb 2026
Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown by IHG
Excellent location if you’re attending an event at the Van Andel.
Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026
Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Rapids Downtown
Breakfast menu was limited but was good enough to get full. Lots of trouble with keys not working for garage and pool. No towels were available when swiming and the pool is only 4ft maxn though it said heated pool the pool was cold. Also an $18 parking fee was added per night that I was not aware ...
Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026
Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown
Good service friendly staff
Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026
Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown
Room was awesome! Lovely suites, very clean and the staff was outstanding. Location was ground zero for van andel and nearby bars. Cool 2nd story pool with city views
Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Grand Rapids East, MI
Bathroom exhaust fan visibly dirty and could not regulate heat - either too cold or too hot . Set temp between 69-72 thermostatic off
Reviewed on 23 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.
