Pinball Pete’s
Established in the 1970’s, and originating in Lansing, MI, it’s a classic visit, located downtown Ann Arbor on South University Ave. You can enjoy a wide variety of classic arcade games, take home valuable prizes, and even more valuable memories. If you’re looking for a fun time out with friends or a place to go on your own with a retro feel to it, pop a couple of quarters in the long-lived games and you’ll have a great time!
The Diag
The Diagonal, better known as The Diag, is the heart of the University of Michigan’s campus. Across from Ann Arbor’s State Street, it features the iconic “M” block and several of the university’s oldest and most beautiful buildings. Across from several popular restaurants, The Diag is a lovely place to host a picnic or do some honorable sightseeing paired with an ice cream cone from Michigan Creamery.
Joe’s Pizza
Originally opened in NYC and expanded to Ann Arbor in 2019, nearby Pinball Pete’s and The Diag is Joe’s Pizza. Widely loved by students, the popular New York style pizza joint has won best pizza in Ann Arbor for the fourth consecutive year. If you’re in the mood for a late-night, budget-friendly pizza slice downtown, be sure to stop by Joe’s Pizza.
The Big House
The Michigan Stadium, or the Big House, is an Ann Arbor staple. Built in 1927, the Big House was the largest college-owned stadium in the nation and holds that title to this day. With the stadium’s famous flashing blue and yellow lights, loud bells and energetically chanting fans, it would be impossible to skip out on experiencing the team with the most all time wins at the Big House during football season.
Nickels Arcade
A charming alleyway connecting State Street to Maynard, this shopping-focused walkway featuring Carvan Gift Shop, Bivouac, and Comet Coffee has an overhead cover and a beautiful 261-foot-long mosaic-tiled corridor. It’s a great spot to do some casual shopping, take photos, or shorten your commute through the city!
The Creature Conservancy
The Creature Conservancy is a nonprofit organization located on Ann Arbor Saline Road. Opened by Steve Marsh in 2005, the conservancy houses 100 species, ranging from Al the Alligator to Kya the Clouded Leopard. The rescue holds special events, such as Reptile Encounters or Birds and the Bees Trivia. This conservatory is the perfect place for any animal lover or interested child to visit and is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
A 300-acre garden with a variety of outdoor displays and nature trails for exploring with friends and family, and it is part of the organization Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. Containing multiple gardens, a conservatory including three separate climates filled with plants from across the globe, multiple trails and a campus farm, the Matthaei Botanical Gardens appeals to both children and adults, and would be a great place to visit regardless of age.
Kerrytown Farmers Market
At the Kerrytown Farmers Market, you’ll find the most tight knit communities around, with the Kerrytown location celebrating its 106th anniversary in 2025. The market hosts vendors selling fresh produce, home-baked goods and artisan items. Whether you’re doing a grocery trip or looking for a head-sized cinnamon roll, walking the market down Detroit Street is the perfect way to start your day in the city.
Argo to Gallup River Trail
If you’re looking for a casual summer activity or a good way to get your vitamin D in, taking a trip down the Argo Cascades to Gallup River is the perfect way to spend a sunny day. The Argo Livery offers tubes, kayaks, and canoes for rent that can be taken down the 3.7 mile trail to Gallup Canoe Livery. Popular with locals, paddleboarding this trail is also recommended! Along the trail, there are several great spots to pause and bask in the sun if needed.
Zingerman’s
Zingerman’s is a great lunch, dinner, or dessert option for those visiting Ann Arbor. After opening in March of 1982 in a historic building on the corner of Kingsley and Detroit Street, the restaurant became a local sensation quickly. With locations all around town, such as Zingerman’s Roadhouse, Zingerman’s Bakehouse and Zingerman’s Next Door Café, finding the famous sandwiches or chocolate desserts is simple and highly recommended.
