Ann Arbor: Best Things to Do (Campus, Food, Walkable Spots)

Last updated: January 22, 2026

A walkable, weekend-ready guide to Ann Arbor’s best neighborhoods and stops.

The goal: help you plan a weekend that feels full without feeling rushed—one headliner, one outdoorsy reset, and one meal you’ll remember.

Quick orientation

Ann Arbor: Best Things to Do (Campus, Food, Walkable Spots) works best when you cluster stops. Start in the most walkable core near Main St. and State St. to keep everything close by.

Map tip: Create a Google Map list with these stops, then sort by “closest” from your lodging to build a low-driving itinerary.

Best picks (12)

1) University of Michigan Diag + campus walk — Ann Arbor

Why it’s on the list: University of Michigan Diag + campus walk is a great call when you want the easiest “feel the city” first stop without over-planning.
Good for: first-timers, food-and-culture weekends, and anyone who likes to park once and wander
Best time to go: Late spring through fall
Map: Open in Google Maps

2) UM Law Quad — Ann Arbor

Why it’s on the list: UM Law Quad delivers storybook architecture and photo-worthy courtyards and makes a strong anchor for the rest of your day in Ann Arbor.
Good for: first-timers, soon-to-be-lawyers and anyone who likes the aesthetic of Hogwarts
Best time to go: Late spring through fall
Map: Open in Google Maps

3) University of Michigan Nichols Arboretum (The Arb) — Ann Arbor

Why it’s on the list: If quick nature right next to downtown is on your Michigan wishlist, put Nichols Arboretum (The Arb) on the short list.
Good for: Budding botanists, hike lovers and nature enthusiasts flourish among the flowers
Best time to go: Late spring through fall to see the foliage and beautiful blooms
Map: Open in Google Maps

4) Kerrytown Market & Shops — Ann Arbor

Why it’s on the list: Start here for local shopping, snacks, and a cozy neighborhood vibe—Kerrytown Market & Shops is the kind of place you’ll recommend after you leave.
Good for: Shoppers and sippers, fans of farmers markets and curated products
Best time to go: Year-round
Map: Open in Google Maps

5) Ann Arbor Farmers Market — Kerrytown

Why it’s on the list: For seasonal produce + baked goods (check days/hours), Ann Arbor Farmers Market is a reliable, high-reward stop in Kerrytown.
Good for: first-timers, food-and-culture weekends, and anyone who likes to park once and wander
Best time to go: Open year-round. Check website for details.
Map: Open in Google Maps

6) Zingerman’s Delicatessen — Ann Arbor

Why it’s on the list: Zingerman’s Delicatessen is a great call when you want legendary sandwiches and “worth the line” vibes without over-planning.
Good for: Corned beef enthusiasts, coffee nerds, specialty grocery shoppers
Best time to go: Open year-round
Map: Open in Google Maps

7) Main Street dining + shops — Downtown Ann Arbor

Why it’s on the list: Main Street dining + shops delivers the most efficient “wander + eat” stretch and makes a strong anchor for the rest of your day in Downtown Ann Arbor.
Good for: Listless diners with time to kill who want a sense of the city and see other stores nearby
Best time to go: Open year-round
Map: Open in Google Maps

8) Michigan Theater / State Theatre — Downtown

Why they’re on the list: Come for classic movie-palace energy for a night out. The Michigan Theater offers live entertainment while the State Theatre shows blockbusters and modern movies.
Good for: Performance art enthusiasts, movie buffs and art critics
Best time to go: Open year-round. Check out their website for shows and times
Map: Open in Google Maps

9) University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) — Ann Arbor

Why it’s on the list: Come explore modern art at this museum stop in a compact space with no admission cost
Good for: Modern art buffs, art students looking for inspiration
Best time to go: Open year-round
Map: Open in Google Maps

10) Gallup Park — Ann Arbor

Why it’s on the list: Gallup Park delivers easy river views, paths, and boat rental options worthy of all-day adventures no matter the season
Good for: Outdoor enthusiasts, bird-watchers (especially in the winter), boaters, bikers and rollerbladers
Best time to go: All seasons offer different features
Map: Open in Google Maps

11) Matthaei Botanical Gardens — Ann Arbor area

Why it’s on the list: For greenhouse warmth in winter and outdoor trails in temperate weather, Matthaei Botanical Gardens has three separate climates and thousands of plants to explore
Good for: Warmth-seekers, planthounds and families looking to learn more about nature
Best time to go: Open year-round. Closed Mondays.
Map: Open in Google Maps

12) Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum — Downtown

Why it’s on the list: For kid-friendly, rainy-day proof fun, Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum let’s kids explore light, water and pretend they are in a 1930s country store
Good for: Families with young children, middle school students and lifelong learners
Best time to go: Closed Mondays. Consult the website for more information on admission pricing.
Map: Open in Google Maps