South Bend

Travel Guide

Basilica of the Sacred Heart showing heritage architecture and a garden
Basilica of the Sacred Heart featuring flowers, heritage architecture and a park
South Bend showing a city
South Bend
South Bend

This thriving metropolis is known for its revered colleges, arts and entertainment centres, great shopping, restaurants, parks and plazas, and rich local history.

South Bend is a charming city with diversity in its arts, history, universities and shopping. Begin your stay exploring downtown. Find local, regional and international goods as well as boutique and handmade arts and crafts. Dining options are plentiful, with everything from counterculture coffee and ethnic foods to fine dining.

The colleges in South Bend foster a vibrant community of intellectual, scientific, artistic and sporting pursuits. See the iconic gilded Golden Dome and the statue of Mary on the main building at the University of Notre Dame.

Arts are big in South Bend so enjoy seeing a show or hearing the symphony orchestra play at the beautiful Morris Performing Arts Center. Originally built in 1921, the Morris Performing Arts Center is on the National Register for Historic Places.

If you are a history buff, be sure to walk through the Oliver Mansion and Center for History, the Victorian mansion that was Joseph D. Oliver’s house he was the inventor of the chilled plow. Visit the indoor museum at the Military Honor Park and take the little ones to the children’s museum. Discover how Christian faith influenced life in South Bend at the Taylor Memorial Chapel and the Grotto of Our Lady at the University of Notre Dame.

With an array of parks and recreational centers, South Bend offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activity. Take a morning stroll through the city’s parks and gardens on the designated Riverwalk trails. Visit the wildlife oasis of Rum Village Nature Center and walk or bike through the woodlands. Take the kids to the Potawatomi Zoo and discover scientific gems and historical artifacts at the Hannah Lindahl Children’s Museum.

South Bend is in North Central Indiana, 96 miles (155 kilometers) east of Chicago. The most efficient way to get around is by Transpo, the local bus system. If you choose to drive, the city is easy to navigate and taxis are readily available.

Where to stay in South Bend

University of Notre Dame showing a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and wild flowers

Northeast South Bend

Though Northeast South Bend may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Compton Family Ice Arena and Morris Performing Arts Center.

Northeast South Bend
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Harters Heights

Harters Heights might not have many top sights, but Compton Family Ice Arena and Notre Dame Stadium are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Harters Heights
South Bend showing flowers and signage

Downtown South Bend

While visiting Downtown South Bend, you might make a stop by sights like Morris Performing Arts Center and Studebaker National Museum.

Downtown South Bend
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Wooded Estates

While there might not be top attractions in Wooded Estates, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Compton Family Ice Arena and Notre Dame Stadium.

Wooded Estates
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Near Northwest

Near Northwest might not have many top sights, but South Bend Civic Theater and Morris Performing Arts Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Near Northwest
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Northshore Triangle

Northshore Triangle might not have many top sights, but South Bend Civic Theater and Morris Performing Arts Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Northshore Triangle
Wingate by Wyndham South Bend/Notre Dame

Wingate by Wyndham South Bend/Notre Dame

3 out of 5
52890 State Rt 933 N, South Bend, IN
The price is €71 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
€71
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (754 reviews)
"I was expecting a restaurant but it was not open."

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Wingate by Wyndham South Bend/Notre Dame
Doubletree Hotel South Bend

Doubletree Hotel South Bend

4 out of 5
123 N Dr. Martin Luther King BLVD, South Bend, IN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €106 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€106
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Overall very nice, quiet and very clean."

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Doubletree Hotel South Bend
Larkspur Landing South Bend

Larkspur Landing South Bend

2.5 out of 5
52709 Indiana State Route 933, South Bend, IN
The price is €84 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
€84
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Nice room"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Larkspur Landing South Bend
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
2 Miles from NOTRE DAME, Brand New Spacious House!

2 Miles from NOTRE DAME, Brand New Spacious House!

South Bend
Stay at this vacation home in South Bend. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Notre Dame Stadium and Four Winds ...
9/10 Wonderful! (17 reviews)
"Overall, our stay was comfortable. The listing is accurate. The accommodation was peaceful and quite, very good things. Some additions had have been excellent. Ceiling fans in the bedrooms as one. There were not issues in communicating with the host. They were very accommodating, to the point of ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2025

2 Miles from NOTRE DAME, Brand New Spacious House!
Historic property is a comfortable, peaceful, and safe  place to stay.

Historic property is a comfortable, peaceful, and safe place to stay.

South Bend
Stay at this cottage in South Bend. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Four Winds Casino South Bend and Notre Dame Stadium ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (75 reviews)
"Everything was as advertised and very clean .I'd definitely go here again"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Historic property is a comfortable, peaceful, and safe place to stay.
5 bedroom 2 bathroom house, Walk to Notre Dame, safe area

5 bedroom 2 bathroom house, Walk to Notre Dame, safe area

South Bend
Stay at this vacation home in South Bend. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Notre Dame Stadium and Four Winds ...
Notre dame trip
"Not bad"

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2024

5 bedroom 2 bathroom house, Walk to Notre Dame, safe area
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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