From incredible eateries to wonderful shops, and of course, the beloved Detroit Zoo, make every trip to Royal Oak memorable with this list of things to do for date night, solo adventuring, and fun for the whole family to enjoy.
Plus, have a look inside the prismatic LGBTQIA+ scene! Get your dancing shoes ready for the hottest nightlife, and mark your calendar for can’t-miss annual festivals and special events. Don’t worry about driving home after a late night out - we’ve got suggestions for the greatest nearby hotels and a few other fun attractions to make note of, as well.
Royal Oak is a beautiful place to play for all ages! From kiddos to… well, big kiddos dressed up as adults ;-) the options are sprawling with great variety for all tastes and preferences
Let’s get this Royal Oak party started.
But first, coffee.
Seven Sundays Coffee
Everyday is Sunday here at Seven Sundays Coffee. Can we get a hallelujah? With dedicated commitment to quality and excellence, this divine coffee shop ensures a cup of bliss with every visit. If you have a sweet tooth, try the Kismet Cup, a date with destiny featuring Kemnitz Fine Candies. Come for the coffee; stay for the cozy, chic ambiance. Savor every sip of Sunday morning, everyday.
Royal Oak PRIDE is (always) in Session!
School may be out for the summer soon, but learning never ends. PRIDE is in session all season long, and the Royal Oak PRIDE party will commence annually in July! This spectacular festival is known for featuring the likes of Ginger Minj and Nina West as Headlining Entertainers, Hosts, and Panelists in the first ever Queer Author Panel.
Pronto! Diner & Lounge
If you just can’t wait until July to taste the rainbow, you’re in luck - Pronto! Diner has fresh PRIDE cakes ready to order. Celebrate all summer long - PRIDE is always in season at Pronto! If you want to dance with somebody, really feel the heat with somebody, Pronto! Lounge is proudly home to “METRO DETROIT'S QUEER HEARTBEAT SINCE 1991.”
SOHO
Grab a quick Uber over to Ferndale to continue the PRIDE party at SOHO. This place continues to be the area's most premier, beloved gay bar. It features a diverse, down-to-earth environment where all walks are welcome!
Annual Fun with Festivals All Year Round
Plenty more parties to mark on your calendar! Royal Oak has a long list of annual festivals for pure fun and enjoyment. From the ever-loved Arts, Beats & Eats held in downtown Royal Oak every year on Labor Day weekend to the Royal Oak Taco Fest in July. Taco ‘bout a good time!
The fast-approaching Royal Oak Live! Mark your calendar for June - two days of world class smooth grooves at Centennial Commons. Bring your lawn chair and prepare to sit back, relax, and enjoy live music from a lineup of musicians within the Funk, R&B, and Jazz genres.
Where to Stay When Visiting Royal Oak
Hotel Royal Oak
If you’re looking for a best-place-to-stay-without-breaking-the-bank type of hotel, look no further than Hotel Royal Oak! High ratings, low cost - this trendy, retro hotel is situated in a perfectly central spot in Royal Oak. You’ll have no issue grabbing an Uber or Lyft to float around the city.
Hyatt Place Detroit / Royal Oak
If you’d rather stick with a familiar hotel name, the Hyatt is also available! A bit more pricey, but worth every penny - up the ante on your appetite for luxury with a hotel stay at the beautiful and modern Hyatt Place Detroit / Royal Oak located right on Main Street in the heart of it all.
Best Bars and Restaurants
Ale Mary's Beer Hall
Stop in for a brew and a bite out on the patio at this super chill gastropub. Be sure to bring your appetite! Ale Mary’s shares a phenomenal list of incredibly delicious offerings and an impressive vegan menu, plus weekend brunch brought to you by Executive Chef Jamal Alashmaly.
Alchemi
If you’re looking for a fancy, sophisticated spot to dine for something special like a birthday or anniversary, Alchemi features an Asian-inspired menu of gourmet dishes from lobster and shrimp pad thai to wagyu beef strudel and rosemary garlic lamb chops. Stomach rumbling yet?
Pinky's Rooftop
Take your special evening to the top of a view of the sunset over Royal Oak. Patio vibes meet pretty in pink plus a dash of brunch and The Pearl Room downstairs for Bachata Nights on Wednesdays… anything celebratory goes well with Pinky’s Rooftop. Be sure to get a photo by the neon sign because if you’re reading this, then obviously, “You’re like <3 really pretty.”
Lily's Seafood Grill & Brewery
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Royal Oak sits a cozy seafood spot that brews its own beers and sodas, including root beer. What makes Lily’s extra special is how they showcase art from local artists all along the walls inside the gorgeous restaurant. If you see something you love, you’re in luck, because it’s likely for sale!
Shop ‘Til You Drop - Bring Home a Piece of Royal Oak
Rail & Anchor
If you are looking for a sassy, unique gift for someone special, or perhaps a little perk-me-up for yourself, Rail & Anchor is the perfect place to pop into. Colorful, wonderful, wildly eccentric items await that will make you laugh, cry, gasp, and laugh some more. Smiles guaranteed. From out-of-this-world office and home decor to juicy books and super sexy scents worth sniffing, you’ll absolutely walk out saying, “wow, now that is a cool store.”
Vintage Record Dream World
Royal Oak is a vintage record dream world with Lost and Found Vintage, UHF Records, Vintage Freakazoid, and Rare Old Prints all lined up, one right after another, along South Washington Avenue just a few storefronts down the sidewalk from Rail & Anchor. Timeless treasures await!
Tried & True Signature Royal Oak Treasures
Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle
Have a good ole wholehearted belly laugh at the very place where Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor got his start! Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle has weekly open-mic nights. Have a drink and snack on a smorgasbord of delightful bites between giggles.
Royal Oak Music Theatre
Catch a stellar show at the gorgeous, historic cinema turned performance venue. Come to see amazing live music and hilarious comedy acts. Some of the hottest summer shows coming up include Less Than Jake, Fred Armisen, Bilmuri, Chris Fleming, and plenty more!
Royal Oak Farmers Market
If you’re in Royal Oak on the weekend, be sure to visit the Royal Oak Farmers Market! Feast your eyes on the abundance of vibrant, fresh produce, beautiful flowers, incredible local art and crafts, plus plenty more sweet surprises only discoverable at the Royal Oak Farmers Market.
Detroit Zoo
We cannot complete the list of things to do in Royal Oak without mentioning the iconic Detroit Zoo! This massive wildlife wonderland spans a whopping 125 acres. It is home to more than 2,000 animals, and more than 200 different species thrive in the Detroit Zoo. Quite the spectacle for guests of all ages, be sure to check the website for special events and seasonal offerings.
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