Skip to content
79°F
0
Saved
Navigation
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Getting Around
    • Weather & Average Temperatures
    • Detroit Travel Guide
    • Newsletter Sign-Up
    • Explore Detroit Pass
    • International Visitors
    • VISITEURS INTERNATIONAUX
    • Contact Us
  • Things to Do
    • Detroit Auto Culture
    • Arts & Culture
    • Live Music
    • Cruises & Tours
    • Family Fun
    • Outdoors
    • LGBTQ
    • Shopping
    • Entertainment & Nightlife
    • Sports
    • Spas & Wellness
    • Itineraries
    • Detroit Experiences
  • Events
    • Annual Events
    • Submit Your Event
  • Destinations
    • Downtown Detroit
    • Macomb
    • Oakland
    • Wayne
    • Windsor, Canada
  • Food & Drink
    • Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries
    • Eats in the D
  • Where to Stay
  • Detroit Stories
  • Meetings & Groups
  • Partnership
  • Who We Are
  • Media Resources
  • Home

Explore Detroit Block by Block: Woodward Avenue Edition

Story by Stephanie Angelyn Casola | Photos by Bill Bowen, Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Co., Calexico

Michigan’s own Highway 1 extends from the northern suburbs to the city center in Campus Martius Park then heads straight toward the scenic international waterfront of the Detroit River.

Along the way, we’d suggest a stop at the following:

Explore Detroit’s Woodward Avenue

Hear

Woodward Avenue is home to sports, theater and music fans alike. Take in a Detroit Tiger’s game or concert at Comerica Park. Make it a night out with live music at The Fillmore Detroit, The Garden Theater or The Majestic Theatre complex. Grab tickets to a show at the stunning, historical Fox Theatre, or travel north and find a flare for drama at the Bonstelle Theatre.

Sip

Visitors to Detroit won’t go thirsty along Woodward Avenue, either. Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Co. rules Midtown with a full bar and menu along with fine coffees, while The Roasting Plant and Starbucks manage crowds closer to the river. Seeking something stronger? Discover your favorite whiskey at The Whiskey Parlor, Cornerstone Barrel House or the Whiskey Disco. Sip wines and sample charcuterie at newcomer The Royce.

See

Make time to take in the scenery, whether that means snapping a selfie with the Spirit of Detroit or the Monument to Joe Louis known locally as the Joe Louis Fist. Those who appreciate art and architecture may opt to get lost in the beauty of the Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Public Library and Detroit Historical Museum. The art deco, awe-inspiring interior of the Guardian Building is a must-see to add to any list.

Shop

Take a little slice of Detroit where ever you go, or find what you need in the shops along Woodward Avenue. Fashion found a new home within Detroit is the New Black and John Varvatos. Even some big name chains have taken up shop along this road. Be sure to check out Under Armour Brand House, The Nike Store, Madewell, Bonobos, lululemon and G-Star Raw.

Taste

It’s virtually impossible to wander Woodward Avenue without getting hungry. From longtime favorites like breakfast at The Hudson Cafe or happy hour at Grand Trunk Pub to exciting new additions like Chef Nikita Sanches’ adventurous menu at Rock City Eatery; the elegance of the 2016 Detroit Free Press Restaurant of the Year Chartreuse Kitchen and Cocktails, the dining scene has never been more vibrant. Woodward Avenue also plays host to small plates and serious libations with a second-story view at Wright & Company; Pho Lucky’s comforting Vietnamese choices; and sweet finds at Detroit Water Ice Factory. Down near Little Caesars Arena, check out Woodward Avenue for great places to grab a bite before a game or concert. Mike’s Pizza Bar offers all of your pizza favorites; Bakersfield serves tacos and margaritas to die for; and there is a menu made for cocktail fans and carnivores at Grey Ghost.

Check out Grey Ghost’s episode of Eats in The D.

Read more about places to see in Detroit.

Mentioned Attractions And Venues

  • Comerica Park
    Get Directions (313) 471-2000

    Comerica Park is the new home of the Detroit Tigers. State-of-the-art facility hosts ball games…

    Learn More
  • The Fillmore Detroit
    Get Directions (313) 961-5451

    Located in the heart of Detroit’s Entertainment District, The Fillmore Detroit will make your guests…

    Learn More
  • Garden-Theater-event
    The Garden Theater
    Get Directions (313) 832-0888

    This newly restored historical theater in Midtown Detroit is a live music and entertainment center…

    Learn More
  • fox-theatre-detroit-marquee
    Fox Theatre
    Get Directions (313) 471-3211

    Built in 1928 in the tradition of great movie palaces, the Fabulous Fox Theatre in…

    Learn More
  • Bonstelle Theatre
    Get Directions (313) 577-2960

    In a season, the Bonstelle Theatre presents a wide range of drama from Shakespeare to…

    Learn More
  • Roasting Plant
    Get Directions (313) 782-4291

    In-store coffee roasting re-defines freshness. Every cup brewed to order, with choice of bean or…

    Learn More
  • Cornerstone Barrel House / Whiskey Disco
    Get Directions (313) 338-3238

    Featuring fresh, local food and a variety of special bourbon and whiskey drinks in a…

    Learn More
  • Detroit Institute of Arts
    Get Directions (313) 833-7900

    The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), among the top 10 museums in the country, offers…

    Learn More
  • Nike Community Store — Detroit
    Get Directions (313) 965-3319

    Selling a range of Nike athletic footwear, apparel and accessories for all ages. NIKE Store…

    Learn More
  • Bob’s Classic Kicks
    Get Directions (313) 832-7513

    Pairings of old school and new, splashes of paint alongside rows of kicks and national…

    Learn More
  • Moosejaw
    Get Directions (313) 338-3661

    Offering a shopping experience that is filled with great gear and apparel, and a huge…

    Learn More
  • Townhouse
    Get Directions (313) 723-1000

    The menu features inventive culinary expressions on all-American, wholesome comfort food made with farm fresh…

    Learn More
  • By Emily Berger
    Wright & Co.
    Get Directions (313) 962-7711

    A gathering place serving contemporary American small plates, craft cocktails and international beer and wine.

    Learn More
  • Detroit Water Ice Factory
    Get Directions (313) 888-9106

    Brainchild of author Mitch Albom, featuring up to 17 delicious flavors of D-ICE water ice…

    Learn More

You May Also Like

Have Fun and Save Money with the Explore Detroit Pass

The Explore Detroit Pass from Visit Detroit will help you see the city and have…

Learn More

Explore Metro Detroit on the Great Lake-to-Lake Trail

Bring out your inner trailblazer on your next trip to metro Detroit! Whether you get…

Learn More

3 Detroit Neighborhoods to Explore Without a Car

Downtown Detroit, though filled with restaurants, bars, shops, and other attractions, is only a small…

Learn More
Start Planning Your Trip
Get The Detroit
Visitor Guide
Learn More
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Getting Around
    • Weather & Average Temperatures
    • Detroit Travel Guide
    • Newsletter Sign-Up
    • Explore Detroit Pass
    • International Visitors
    • VISITEURS INTERNATIONAUX
    • Contact Us
  • Things to Do
    • Detroit Auto Culture
    • Arts & Culture
    • Live Music
    • Cruises & Tours
    • Family Fun
    • Outdoors
    • LGBTQ
    • Shopping
    • Entertainment & Nightlife
    • Sports
    • Spas & Wellness
    • Itineraries
    • Detroit Experiences
  • Events
    • Annual Events
    • Submit Your Event
  • Destinations
    • Downtown Detroit
    • Macomb
    • Oakland
    • Wayne
    • Windsor, Canada
  • Food & Drink
    • Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries
    • Eats in the D
  • Where to Stay
  • Detroit Stories
  • Meetings & Groups
  • Partnership
  • Who We Are
  • Media Resources

211 W. Fort Street
Suite 1000
Detroit, MI 48226

800-DETROIT (338-7648)

  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2023 Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau. All rights reserved.
Cookies & Privacy

We ask that you read the following terms of use, which constitutes a license that covers your use of this website and any transactions that you engage in through this website (“AGREEMENT”). Legal/Privacy Policy

Experience Builder
Quick Search
Search
Top Stories

Detroit Auto Culture

The whole world knows it – Detroit is THE Motor City. From Henry Ford to…

Learn More

Live Music

Aside from being known as the Motor City, Detroit is also commonly known as Motown…

Learn More

Cruises & Tours

Yacht cruises, pub crawls, home tours, bike rides and beyond. Set yourself up with hassle-free…

Learn More

Family Fun

Bring the whole family to Detroit for an educational and fun vacation. Museums, zoos, parks…

Learn More
Location Map
Email Newsletter

Would you like to get the insider’s scoop on the best things to do and experience in Detroit? Take the first step and sign up for the Detroit Vibe email update.

Sign Up