An End of Summer LGBTQ-Friendly Getaway to Detroit, Michigan
- Joey Amato
- 30 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Enjoy a lively summer getaway in Detroit, MI, a city full of sun-soaked green parks and charming outdoor dining amongst historical architectural marvels. Detroit is a true summer escape, offering a true blend of city life and breathtaking nature. A city that helped shaped America’s labor movement and gave the world Motown, Detroit continues to thrive through innovation and a strong sense of community as it looks toward the future. Detroit welcomes and celebrates diversity as core to its identity, reflected in a community-driven spirit that shows up in its architecture, hospitality, cuisine, and nightlife scenes.
Relax and refresh with the Detroit River
Escape the skyscrapers and explore through Detroit’s award-winning Riverwalk. The nearly five-mile stretch is perfect for enjoying the outdoors, whether that be by biking the route or taking a casual stroll. The walk is lined with sprawling greenways on one side, and an expansive view of the Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario on the other side. Continue enjoying Detroit’s nature scene by taking the MacArthur Bridge to Belle Isle; the 982-acre island park featuring the Belle Isle beach for a swim, America’s oldest Aquarium, or spending some time relaxing on the river with kayaks and paddle boards.
Shopping and Dining
On Detroit’s east side, experience farm-to-table dining at Coriander Kitchen + Farm. A woman-owned restaurant hidden in the canal district, Coriander Kitchen & Farm sits at a former marina where guests can enjoy seasonal Great Lakes cuisine including summer seafood salad along the water or on the Greenhouse patio where they can watch boats and wildlife drift past. An easy 15- minute drive from downtown Detroit, Ferndale has an eclectic, welcoming energy that matches that perfect summer getaway. Known as one of the region’s most welcoming and inclusive communities, Ferndale pairs that spirit with an eclectic downtown strip perfect for an afternoon of wandering. With plenty of shopping, dining, and things to do, some must visits while in Ferndale are the Rust Belt Market, offering a collection of 30 independent shops featuring goods from flavorful coffees to handmade jewelry made by local metalsmiths. A few blocks over, stop for a bite at Syndicate, a hip, welcoming bar and eater with expansive patio seating throughout the summer months. Enjoy unbeatable American cuisine with seasonal dishes including Mushroom Ravioli or build your own flatbread. For something a little different, check out Tiger Lily, a polished Japanese pub serving sake flights paired with sushi and small plates.
Where to Stay
When you step inside The Siren Hotel, you leave behind the urban landscape and enter an eclectic, magical world. This four-star boutique hotel located in Detroit’s downtown sits in the historic 1926 Italian Renaissance Revival Wurlitzer Building, offering a charming and stylish stay. Head down to the lobby and grab a drink at Candy Bar, a hidden, intimate cocktail lounge with timeless vintage glamour. Slip through the velvet curtain and sip on a classic martini while lounging on velvet seating surrounded by lush pink accents below a stunning glass candy chandelier shipped in from Paris. Conveniently located downtown, Detroit’s lively rooftop bars are not even a mile away, offering incomparable views of the city's skyline. Topa rooftop bar’s Basque name translates to “to toast,” exemplifying the bars' welcoming atmosphere awaiting the celebration of life. The menu features Mediterranean shareables and fresh flavors from the California coast. From buzzing urban districts and exciting nightlife to charming neighborhoods and scenic parks, Detroit pulls a wide range of experiences into one destination, all waiting to be experienced through a dynamic summer getaway.
