Ann Arbor · Washtenaw County, MI

Road trips from Ann Arbor

Scout analyzed 98 Ann Arbor places and surfaced the ones that actually fit road trips.

Places analyzed

98

Matches

24

Typical spend

$20

Typical visit

1.4 hr

Scout-verified spots

Decode Ann Arbor - #2 in the USA

Mitchell

Decode Ann Arbor - #2 in the USA

Decode Ann Arbor is an escape room for groups of friends or family, taking about 75 minutes to complete a puzzle. Expect to spend $30-40 per person. This is an activity on its own, suitable for an afternoon or evening outing.

ArtsAdventurousPlayful
$30–$40 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking
Timber Trace Golf Club

Sports & Recreation

Timber Trace Golf Club

Timber Trace Golf Club is suitable for a 4-5 hour outing, perfect for a morning or afternoon of golf followed by food and drinks. Expect to spend $50-$150 per person for a round and refreshments.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors
$50–$150 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Leslie Park Golf Course

Northside

Leslie Park Golf Course

Leslie Park Golf Course is ideal for a 3-4 hour golf outing for individuals or small groups, with prices typically ranging from $30-$70 per person. It's a solid choice for a weekend activity that combines sport with scenic views.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$30–$70 typical3 hr visiteasy parking
University of Michigan Golf Course

Bryant Pattengill West

University of Michigan Golf Course

This 18-hole golf course is good for a few hours of outdoor sport, potentially including a meal at the on-site restaurant. Expect to spend $50-100 per person for a round of golf.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$50–$100 typical4 hr visiteasy parking
The Hen Ann Arbor

Food & Drink

The Hen Ann Arbor

The Hen is a solid choice for a casual brunch, perfect for kicking off a weekend day or meeting friends. Expect to spend an hour and $15-30 per person.

FoodRelaxedSocial
$15–$30 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking
Comet Coffee

Food & Drink

Comet Coffee

This coffee shop is a good stop for a quick, relaxed break, suitable for pairing with shopping or a walk downtown. Expect to spend 20-30 minutes and around $5-12 per person for a drink and pastry.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$5–$12 typical45 min visithard parking
Zingerman's Roadhouse

Lakewood

Zingerman's Roadhouse

Zingerman's Roadhouse is a good spot for a substantial meal, offering American comfort food with a gourmet twist. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and around $30-70 per person for food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsShopping
$30–$70 typical45 min visiteasy parking
Gallup Park

Angell

Gallup Park

Gallup Park is a great spot for a relaxed family outing or solo adventure, offering walking paths, playgrounds, and water activities like canoeing or kayaking. Plan for a couple of hours and expect minimal costs unless renting equipment.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$0–$25 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Socotra Coffee House

Mitchell

Socotra Coffee House

Socotra Coffee House is good for a casual solo stop or a relaxed meeting over coffee. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $5-$15 per person for drinks and a light bite.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking
Frita Batidos Ann Arbor

Old West Side

Frita Batidos Ann Arbor

Frita Batidos is a good spot for a casual meal of Cuban street food and tropical drinks, often pairing well with a downtown Ann Arbor outing. Expect to spend 60-90 minutes and about $15-35 per person for a meal and drinks.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$15–$35 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking
Matthaei Botanical Gardens

King

Matthaei Botanical Gardens

This is a great spot for a relaxed few hours outdoors, offering a mix of gardens, woods, and a conservatory. It's suitable for families or a solo walk, and can easily be paired with a picnic or a meal out in Ann Arbor. Parking is typically easy, though fees apply.

OutdoorsViewsWellness
$0–$10 typical2 hr visiteasy parking
HOMES Brewery - Brewpub

Eberwhite

HOMES Brewery - Brewpub

HOMES Brewery is good for a casual meal or drinks with friends and family. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $25-$50 per person on food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsSports
$25–$50 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Michigan Theater

Arts & Culture

Michigan Theater

This historic theater is good for catching an arthouse film or live performance, often pairing well with dinner nearby. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and about $10-20 per person.

Live musicArtsRelaxed
$10–$20 typical2.3 hr visitmoderate parking
Barton Nature Area

Wines

Barton Nature Area

Barton Nature Area is a free outdoor park ideal for a 2-hour family or solo adventure, offering trails, picnicking, and river views. It pairs well with a picnic lunch or a trip to a nearby cafe before or after your visit.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Palio Ann Arbor

Food & Drink

Palio Ann Arbor

Palio is an Italian restaurant with a rooftop patio, suitable for a dinner outing, especially on weekends. Expect to spend $35-75 per person for food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsViews
$35–$75 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking
Island Lake Recreation Area

Outdoors

Island Lake Recreation Area

This large state park is ideal for a half-day or full-day outdoor adventure, offering space for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing for a low per-vehicle entry fee. It pairs well with a packed lunch or a drive-thru meal on the way.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals
$10–$12 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
DTE Energy Foundation Trail

Outdoors

DTE Energy Foundation Trail

This trail is good for a multi-hour outdoor activity like hiking or biking, potentially costing a small amount for a park pass. It pairs well with a picnic or other outdoor activities in the area.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0–$12 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Sava's

Food & Drink

Sava's

Sava's is a solid choice for a casual upscale meal, suitable for a dinner date or a Sunday brunch with family. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $30-70 per person.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$30–$70 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking
Hyperion Coffee Co

Depot Town

Hyperion Coffee Co

Hyperion Coffee is a good spot for a casual solo stop or a brief meet-up, ideal for starting your day or taking a break. Expect to spend $5-$15 per person for coffee and a light snack.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking
Union Rec

Food & Drink

Union Rec

Union Rec is a typical American restaurant suitable for a casual meal or drinks. Expect to spend 75-90 minutes and $20-40 per person, fitting well into an evening out on Main Street.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$20–$40 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking
The Grotto - Watering Hole

Old West Side

The Grotto - Watering Hole

The Grotto is a good spot for a casual evening out, offering craft drinks in an industrial setting. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $20-$50 per person on drinks and possibly some food.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors
$20–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Ziggy's

Nightlife

Ziggy's

Ziggy's is a bar and coffee shop that hosts live music, suitable for a casual outing or an evening drink. Expect to spend 1-3 hours and $10-30 per person.

FoodCocktailsLive music
$10–$30 typical45 min visitmoderate parking
The Drip House Coffee

Food & Drink

The Drip House Coffee

The Drip House Coffee is a good spot for a casual coffee or quick meal, pairing well with errands or a quiet work session. Expect to spend $10-$25 per person for a visit lasting about 30 minutes to an hour.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$10–$25 typical45 min visitmoderate parking
Cupsnchai

Food & Drink

Cupsnchai

Cupsnchai is a good spot for a casual solo or small group outing, perfect for a quiet coffee break or light meal. Expect to spend about an hour and $5-$15 per person for drinks and snacks.

FoodRelaxedQuiet
$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking

What Scout found

  • 60 of the 98 analyzed Ann Arbor places fit road trips.
  • 42% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
  • 57% have easy parking.
  • Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Scenic, Playful, Adventurous, Quiet.

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