Ann Arbor is a quaint and delightful city, nestled in the heart of Michigan. It’s a perfect destination for a memorable weekend escape. After attending college here, I completely fell in love with all Ann Arbor has to offer. I put together the ultimate one weekend in Ann Arbor itinerary so you can experience this hidden Midwest Gem too!
In this 3-day Ann Arbor itinerary you will explore a diverse culinary scene, meander through picturesque streets adorned with captivating art, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of a bustling college town. It’s truly a great Midwest Getaway!
Side note: This post was written by Sam a former local of Ann Arbor. This way, you can be sure you are reading the best and most accurate 3-day Ann Arbor itinerary. Locals know best! See the author’s bio at the end for more information.
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Table of Contents
How do I get to Ann Arbor?
Detroit (DTW) is the closest major airport to Ann Arbor (43 miles), but there are smaller regional airports as well. If you do not want to drive yourself, there are even shuttles from DTW to the campus of the University of Michigan!
However, I would definitely recommend renting a car right in Detroit, it makes Ann Arbor much more accessible. That way, you are able to fully enjoy this adventurous 3-day Ann Arbor itinerary!
Taking a road trip? 94 will take you right through the city and then you can spend time exploring all Detroit has to offer as well!
What is the best time to visit Ann Arbor?
If you’re not university-aged, you may prefer to visit Ann Arbor in the summer. Many of the students have left the city for the summer, but there is still tons to do.
In the summer, Ann Arbor is home to Top of the Park, a free admission festival on the campus of the university that shows movies, hosts musicians, and serves up a variety of food. The Ann Arbor Art Fair is hosted every July and attracts close to half a million visitors.
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy Pure Michigan – take in a football game and visit one of the many cider mills in the surrounding areas.
Winter in Ann Arbor is not for the faint of heart, but the campus does look beautiful covered in snow. If you plan your visit November – March, make sure you pack plenty of warm clothes.
Spring can be hit or miss with the weather, but if you’re lucky enough for sun, it can be a great time to visit. Festifools is a famed Ann Arbor tradition hosted every spring – large paper Mache puppets are paraded through the downtown.
Where should I stay in Ann Arbor?
A few hotels are situated close to the campus, some close to the walkable downtown, and most are a bit further out near the highway. If you are looking for something a bit more cozy than your average hotel, there are several cute bed and breakfasts and VRBO’s throughout the town.
Ann Arbor Hotel Recommendations:
- Budget-friendly Option: Hampton Inn Ann Arbor South – in non-peak times, rates can be as low as $120 a night. It’s on the outskirts of town, but still a quick drive to all the best things to do in Ann Arbor.
- Mid-range Option: The Bell Tower Ann Arbor – Guests will appreciate the beauty and proximity to the city’s center in this mid-range Ann Arbor hotel.
- Luxury Option: Graduate Hotel is a great luxury option that is located super close to campus
- Dog-friendly Stay: Sheraton Ann Arbor is a great dog-friendly stay in Ann Arbor! There is a 55 pound limit and a $75 pet fee per stay.
- Unique Option (if applicable): Lots of VRBO options in Kerrytown have the full character of Ann Arbor. Stone Chalet B&B is a great option!
Sample 3-Day Ann Arbor Weekend Itinerary
Day 1 in Ann Arbor:
Morning:
Pick up a Fragel at MD Bagel Fragel to start your day! What’s a fragel? A fried bagel – a raisin bagel that’s deep fried and covered in cinnamon sugar. These are made to order so you can get a warm fragel within 5 minutes of ordering.
Now that you’ve carbo-loaded, make your way over to the Arb (Nichols Arboretum) to visit the Peony Garden and hike the many trails. Dog friends are welcome in the Arb as long as they’re on leash.
Afternoon:
Start with lunch at Zingerman’s Deli in Kerrytown. Opened 40 years ago by two Michigan graduates, this location prides itself on high quality ingredients and exceptional customer service. Bonus – there are lots of free samples as you walk through the store. Walk around Kerrytown after lunch and explore local retailers.
Evening:
Head to Jolly Pumpkin for dinner – a spot known for its truffle fries and wide range of craft beer. Then end your night by seeing a movie at the Michigan Theater – a mainstay of Ann Arbor since 1928.
Day 2 in Ann Arbor:
Morning:
Start with a Muffin Delight at Afternoon Delight. A Muffin Delight is a hot muffin split open and filled with your choice of frozen yogurt. Not feeling a sweet start to your day? Afternoon Delight serves more traditional breakfast items as well.
Then head to the University of Michigan’s Museum of Natural History. Here you can check out the interactive exhibits, watch researchers work, and maybe even catch a show at the planetarium.
Afternoon:
Pick up lunch at Frita Batido’s – opened by Eve Aronoff, a former Top Chef contestant, in 2010, the location serves Cuban-inspired eats, including the famous Fritas, a burger on an egg bun topped with fries. The Batidos are milkshakes.
After lunch, walk over to Main Street to hunt for fairy doors. Fairy Doors dot the front of local businesses and you can leave a little present if you’d like.
Evening:
Grab dinner at Aventura, a Tapas restaurant just off of Main Street.
If you plan your weekend accordingly, you can catch a show at The Ark, an acoustic music venue that hosts more than 300 shows a year.
Day 3 in Ann Arbor:
Morning:
Start your day with brunch at Sava’s, just up State Street from the main University of Michigan campus.
After breakfast, head over to the Diag in the middle of the University of Michigan Central Campus. Don’t step on the M in the center – it’s a superstition for students that if you step on the M, you will fail your first exam.
To further see parts of UofM tradition, you can walk under the Engineering Arch, just off the Diag. Rumor has it that kissing someone under the arch means that you will marry them.
Just north of the Diag is the University of Michigan League and the fountain. Students walk through the fountain towards Central Campus during Orientation. Then, as they graduate, they walk the other way through the fountain as they’re leaving the University.
Afternoon:
Lunch at Tomukun offers a Korean barbecue section to cook on your table top or a full menu of Asian food if you want to order from the kitchen.
After grabbing lunch, head back over to campus and check out the famous University of Michigan Law Quad. The Law Library is stunning visually, and after you’ve taken in the books, head out for some beautiful views in the quad and enjoy the (hopefully) nice weather.
Evening:
For your last dinner, grab a meal at Zingerman’s Roadhouse. Opened in 2003, this restaurant focuses on American comfort food made with the highest quality ingredients from around the US. Grab an order of Sweet Potato Fries for the table to share, complete with spicy mayo as you decide what to eat.
The smothered grits covered in a mix of vegetables sauteed in a spicy vinaigrette are a favorite of mine, as are any of the macaroni & cheese on the menu. Don’t be fooled, this isn’t basic boxed mac n cheese – these pastas are covered in decadent cheeses and delicious toppings.
If you’re not too full from the Roadhouse, grab some ice cream at Washtenaw Dairy, a longtime Ann Arbor favorite.
Other things to do in Ann Arbor
- Explore the Ann Arbor Hands on Musuem
- Catch a game at the Michigan Stadium
- Tour the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
3 Days in Ann Arbor Map
Feel free to download this map to use it to help in your Ann Arbor weekend planning!
One Weekend In Ann Arbor Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in the Ann Arbor that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Ann Arbor itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Ann Arbor!
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Ann Arbor” Itinerary?
More Michigan Getaways…
About the Author!
Sam is a two-time University of Michigan graduate and lives in Chicago. Married to an Ann Arbor native, she & her husband frequently make the drive east on 94 to visit their alma mater.
She is the writer behind the website Points and Postcards where you can get all the Travel Hacking advice. And, be sure to follow along on Instagram for more quick tips! I mean, who doesn’t love saving money and traveling more?!
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