Ann Arbor is a city with a wonderful split personality. On one hand, it’s a globally recognized hub of academia, buzzing with the energy of the University of Michigan. On the other, it’s a thriving midwestern town with a world-class food scene, a deep love for the arts, and beautiful natural landscapes.
For a visitor, this is fantastic news! It means there’s something for everyone.
But it also presents a challenge: how do you fit it all in? A generic list of “top ten things to do” won’t capture the unique spirit of the city or, more importantly, what matters most to you.
As a dedicated travel agency in Ann Arbor, we believe the best trips aren’t just planned; they’re designed. They are custom travel itineraries built around your interests, your pace, and your idea of a perfect day.
This guide will pull back the curtain on how we approach designing a trip to Ann Arbor. We’ll share the essential building blocks of any great visit and provide three sample itineraries that you can steal, adapt, or use as inspiration for your own adventure.
TL;DR: A Great Travel Itinerary Crafted to Your Taste
The short of it: a great Ann Arbor itinerary balances iconic sights with local gems. We recommend dedicating time to campus landmarks like the Law Quad, exploring the culinary scene in Kerrytown and Main Street, and enjoying nature at Nichols Arboretum.
Building a custom itinerary around your interests—whether it’s football, food, or family fun—is the key to a memorable trip.
The Building Blocks of any Great Ann Arbor Itinerary
Before we jump into day-by-day plans, it helps to know the key ingredients that make Ann Arbor so special. A great custom itinerary will almost always draw from these four core experiences.
The University of Michigan Experience
You can’t talk about Ann Arbor without talking about the University of Michigan. The campus is woven into the fabric of the city, and its stunning architecture and cultural institutions are must-sees for any visitor.
- Must-Visit Spots: The Diag (the heart of Central Campus), the breathtaking Law Quad (it looks like something out of Hogwarts), and the U-M Museum of Natural History.
- Don’t Miss: The University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA), which has a phenomenal collection and is completely free to visit.
The Culinary Scene
For a city of its size, Ann Arbor has an incredible food scene that punches way above its weight. From iconic delis to award-winning restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
- The Icons: No trip is complete without a visit to Zingerman’s Delicatessen in the historic Kerrytown district. Be prepared for a line, but the sandwiches are worth it.
- The Hubs: Main Street is lined with some of the city’s best fine dining, while the Kerrytown Market & Shops offer artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and more.
Arts, Culture, & Music
Ann Arbor is a cultural powerhouse. It’s home to historic theaters, independent art galleries, and one of the most respected folk music venues in the country.
- Key Venues: The Michigan Theater (a beautifully restored 1920s movie palace), The Ark (for incredible live music), and the Power Center for the Performing Arts (for touring shows and university productions).
Outdoor Escapes
When you need a break from the city buzz, a local travel agent should be able to point you to some beautiful, calming green spaces. They’re just a short walk away!
- Top Picks: Nichols Arboretum (known to locals as “The Arb”) is a vast, beautiful park with trails winding down to the Huron River. Gallup Park is another favorite, offering canoe, kayak, and paddleboat rentals.
Steal These Ideas: 3 Sample Custom Travel Itineraries for Ann Arbor
Using those building blocks, we can start to craft itineraries tailored to different types of travelers. Here are a few examples to get you started.
Itinerary #1: The Wolverine Welcome Weekend (For Alumni & First-Timers)
This 3-day itinerary is perfect for anyone who wants to soak up the quintessential Michigan experience.
- Day 1: Campus Classics & Downtown Charm
- Morning: Start your day at The Diag, the iconic heart of Central Campus. From there, take a leisurely stroll to the Law Quad to admire its stunning Gothic architecture—it’s one of the most beautiful spots in the entire state.
- Afternoon: Dive into history at the U-M Museum of Natural History. The dinosaur exhibits are a huge hit, and the planetarium is fantastic.
- Evening: Head to the State Street area for dinner. We love Frita Batidos for its fun, vibrant atmosphere and delicious Cuban-inspired street food. Afterwards, catch a classic movie or a concert at the historic Michigan Theater.
- Day 2: Game Day Spirit & World-Class Art
- Morning: Immerse yourself in art at the UMMA. The collection is incredibly diverse, from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces.
- Afternoon: If it’s a football Saturday, this afternoon is all about tailgating and heading to Michigan Stadium, “The Big House,” for a game. If not, take a short trip to North Campus to visit the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
- Evening: Explore the charming Kerrytown district, then settle in for an unforgettable night of music at The Ark, one of the country’s most beloved venues for folk and acoustic music.
- Day 3: Nature, Neighborhoods, & A Farewell Treat
- Morning: Get a dose of nature at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. The conservatory is a lush, tropical paradise, and the outdoor trails are perfect for a peaceful walk.
- Afternoon: Wander through the Old West Side, a beautiful historic neighborhood filled with unique homes. Grab a coffee from a local shop and just enjoy the scenery.
- Evening: For your farewell dinner, choose from one of the many acclaimed restaurants on Main Street. It’s the perfect way to cap off your Ann Arbor experience.
Itinerary #2: The Ann Arbor Food & Arts Tour (For the Creative Palate)
This 3-day plan is for the traveler whose heart (and stomach) leads the way.
- Day 1: A Taste of Kerrytown & Main Street
- Morning: Head straight to the Kerrytown Market & Shops. If it’s a Wednesday or Saturday, the Ann Arbor Farmers Market will be in full swing right next door.
- Afternoon: It’s time for the main event: Zingerman’s. Grab a massive, life-changing sandwich at the Zingerman’s Delicatessen, or consider taking a hands-on baking class at their nearby Bakehouse.
- Evening: Enjoy a sophisticated dinner on Main Street, followed by a craft cocktail at a speakeasy-style bar like The Last Word.
- Day 2: Art & Global Flavors
- Morning: Spend a few hours getting lost in the impressive collection at the UMMA.
- Afternoon: Browse the unique shops and street art murals around the South University area.
- Evening: Take your taste buds on a trip around the world at one of Ann Arbor’s fantastic international restaurants. Afterwards, catch a play or dance performance at the Power Center.
- Day 3: Hands-On Fun & Local Brews
- Morning: Get creative with a workshop at the Ann Arbor Art Center or spend your time gallery-hopping downtown.
- Afternoon: Walk off all that delicious food with a scenic stroll through “The Arb.”
- Evening: Keep it casual for your last meal with a visit to a local brewery like Arbor Brewing Company or Jolly Pumpkin, known for their great food and even better beer.
Itinerary #3: The Ultimate Family Fun Weekend (Kid-Approved!)
This 2-day itinerary is packed with activities that will keep kids of all ages happy and engaged.
- Day 1: Hands-On Discovery & Dinosaurs
- Morning: Go directly to the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. With hundreds of interactive exhibits, it’s a place where kids are encouraged to touch everything.
- Afternoon: Head over to the U-M Museum of Natural History. The giant dinosaur skeletons are always a showstopper for any age group.
- Evening: Enjoy a relaxed, kid-friendly dinner. Pizza House is an Ann Arbor institution with a massive menu, or try Chela’s for delicious and quick tacos.
- Day 2: Outdoor Adventures & Sweet Treats
- Morning: Head to Gallup Park to burn off some energy. You can rent canoes, kayaks, or paddleboats to explore the Huron River, and the park has fantastic playgrounds.
- Afternoon: Take a short drive to Domino’s Farms to visit the petting farm. Kids will love getting up close with the animals.
- Evening: End your trip on a sweet note with a scoop (or two) from a local ice cream shop like Washtenaw Dairy or Blank Slate Creamery.
The Secret to a Perfect Trip? Making It Personal
These sample itineraries are great starting points, but the magic of working with a travel advisor is the ability to create a trip that is 100% you. A true custom itinerary goes beyond just listing activities.
Are you celebrating a special occasion? An advisor can weave in romantic elements, like securing a reservation at the perfect restaurant or finding a hotel suite with a fireplace.
A great advisor gets to know you: your travel style, your budget, your must-haves, and your deal-breakers. By learning about you and your travel dreams, they can take these building blocks and arrange them in a way that just works, creating a seamless, stress-free experience from start to finish.
Ready to build your own custom Ann Arbor adventure without the planning headache? Give us a call, and let’s start creating your perfect itinerary today!