Macomb County isn’t just a suburb where Detroiters live and work (you might know it as the third most-populated county in Michigan, after all). It’s also a destination for visitors in its own right!
Within Macomb County, you’ll find major cities like Warren and Sterling Heights, alongside historic towns like Mount Clemens and lakeside retreats like St. Clair Shores. Further north in the county, bustling towns transition to rolling farmland and orchards. In short, you can find a bit of everything that Michigan has to offer, without ever leaving the metro Detroit area!
Whether you’re looking for a walkable downtown for some retail therapy, a day out boating on the lake, or want to try apple picking in countryside orchards, there’s something for you in Macomb County.
Instead of breaking down each town or city in Macomb County individually, we’re taking you through all the things to do, see, eat, and experience across Macomb County in this guide.
Where to Dine in Macomb County
One thing’s for sure: you won’t go hungry in Macomb County.
For seafood and New Orleans-inspired cuisine, head to Fishbones in St. Clair Shores.
Pegasus Taverna is another iconic restaurant in St. Clair Shores. In fact, some Detroiters argue this is the best Greek meal you’ll find outside of Greece itself (there’s a reason this family-owned restaurant has been named the best Greek restaurant in Detroit multiple times).
And if you want waterfront dining, there’s plenty of choice along St. Clair Shores’ Nautical Mile.
Louie’s Ham & Corned Beef, in Warren and Mount Clemens, is another must-visit for one of the best deli sandwiches in metro Detroit.
For upscale Italian cuisine that doesn’t compromise on flavor, visit Andiamo Warren Banquet & Event Center. This is an ideal spot for date night, and the flagship location of the beloved metro Detroit-based Italian restaurant group. You can also book their banquet hall and event space for a deliciously catered wedding or other event.
If you’re after American fare, then head over to Ford’s Garage in Utica. In addition to the classic burgers and brews, you’ll love the 1920s service station-inspired design, decorated with classic Ford vehicles.
And, if you’d prefer to cozy up over coffee and pastries instead of dining out for a formal meal, then consider some of Macomb County’s best coffee shops: Lula’s Café (Shelby Township), Coffee First Café (Sterling Heights), Thee Old Fashioned Gentleman (Shelby Township), Eos Café & Coffee House (St. Clair Shores), and Black Cat Coffee (Mount Clemens) should all hit the spot.
Shopping in Macomb County
Macomb County has some wonderful opportunities for shopping, from independent boutiques to recognizable brands.
The Mall at Partridge Creek, located in Clinton Township, is an open air shopping center with over 80 shops, perfect for a day out.
For more open air shopping, head to the nautical mile in St. Clair Shores, and wander the streets browsing in shops along your way. Gifts Afloat is a treasure trove of nautical-themed gifts, and Lakeside Fishing Shop has everything you need for your next fishing trip.
You can also head to any of Macomb County’s walkable downtowns for a window shopping excursion. That includes Mount Clemens, Utica, Warren, Romeo, Armada, and more.
Outdoor Recreation in Macomb County
Say goodbye to the city for a bit, and explore Macomb County’s abundance of parks, trail systems, waterways, and outdoor activities.
If you want to get outside in the metro Detroit area, then you should know about Huron-Clinton Metroparks. This is a collection of over 25,000 acres of natural land, in 14 parks spread throughout metro Detroit, including three within Macomb County:
- Wolcott Mill Metropark: A vast metropark that’s home to one of the country’s last remaining grist mills, built almost 200 years ago. It’s a great place for walkers, hikers, picnickers, and equestrians.
- Stony Creek Metropark: A beautiful park that spans over 4,000 acres, with Stony Creek Lake at its center. Walk through the woodlands, boat, fish, or swim. The choice is yours!
- Lake St. Clair Metropark: A beloved lakeside park that also features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, nature center, marina, 18-hole golf course, and more. In the winter, try ice fishing or ice skating!
If you want to get out on the water, then visit Lake St. Clair. You can dock your own boat here, or rent one for the day. Don’t want to drive a boat? That’s not a problem. You can book a tour (public or private, boat or… floating tiki bar) through companies like Aloha Tiki Tours, Spirit of Lake St. Clair, H2O Limos, or Dream Cruise Charter.
Clinton River also can’t be missed. It’s known as one of the best rivers for “urban paddling” in the country. You can walk or bike on the many trails alongside it, or rent canoes or kayaks from Clinton River Canoe and Kayak.
The countryside of Macomb County also comes alive in the fall, drawing many visitors to its apple orchards, pumpkin picking patches, and fall festivals. Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill, in particular, is a must-visit. This 800-acre farm has a cider mill, tasting room and restaurant, U-pick apples (and other fruits and veggies), and iconic fall events.
Third Spaces and Activities in Macomb County
If you’re more of an indoor person, you still won’t get bored in Macomb County.
Baseball fans can catch a game at UWM Field in Utica, home to the United Shore Professional Baseball League.
More into musical entertainment? Then check out the lineup at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, which has recently hosted acts like Dermot Kennedy, Foster the People, Kid Laroi, Sarah McLachlan, and more.
For culture and history, spend an afternoon at one of the many museums in Macomb County. Some good options include the Michigan Transit Museum (Mount Clemens), Edsel and Eleanor Ford House (Grosse Pointe Shores), Selfridge Military Air Museum (Harrison Township), Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society (Eastpointe), Anatomy of Death Museum (Mount Clemens), and more.
Nightlife in Macomb County
Want to go out-out, but don’t want to deal with traveling to downtown Detroit? There are plenty of nightlife spots in Macomb County.
If you’re in the mood to dance, then don’t miss Macomb County’s fave nightclub, Club 54. For country vibes, swap your dancing shoes for cowboy boots and try your luck at the mechanical bull at Coyote Jones.
If you’re after a more low-key evening, then grab a seat at the bar at Kuhnhenn Brewing Company—better yet, come on a Wednesday for trivia.
Or, grab a craft cocktail from Testa Barra (the old fashioned comes highly recommended), Harrison’s Speakeasy (try the lavender martini), or Tashmoo Distilling Company (any of their vodka-based cocktails is a winner).
For an alternative spin on nightlife, can also chill out at Burn1 Lounge, the first cannabis lounge in Utica.
Where to Stay in Macomb County
You have a lot of choice when it comes to where to stay in Macomb County. Do you want the convenience and retail options that Warren offers? Or perhaps something quieter and more rural? These are some of the best hotels throughout Macomb County.
Warren:
- Courtyard by Marriott
- Hampton Inn & Suites
- Holiday Inn Express
- Homewood Suites by Hilton
- Sonesta Simply Suites
Shelby Township:
Chesterfield:
Utica:
St. Clair (north of Macomb County):
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