Need a relaxing day trip or weekend getaway near Detroit? Head to Farmington Hills! Enjoy peaceful parks, fascinating museums, and a charming downtown filled with art, food, and local flair. Whether you're looking for culture, nature, or family fun, Farmington Hills has something for everyone.
Farmington Hills, MI Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Explore Heritage Park Trails – Hike, bike, or cross-country ski through scenic wooded trails and wildflower meadows.
- For History Buffs: Discover artifacts at the Holocaust Memorial Center – Learn powerful stories of survival and resilience at this world-class museum.
- For Shoppers: Browse boutiques and galleries in Downtown Farmington – Shop for unique finds and local art in a walkable, historic downtown.
- For Couples: Enjoy wine and jazz at local bistros – Sip, dine, and unwind in stylish settings with live music and cozy vibes.
- For Families: Play and picnic at Heritage Park – Kids will love the playground, splash pad, and nature center in this sprawling green space.
Best Time to Visit Farmington Hills, MI
The best time to visit Farmington Hills is from late spring through early fall (May through October). This is when the parks are at their greenest, local festivals are in full swing, and the weather is ideal for exploring outdoors.
How to Get to Farmington Hills, MI
- If you are traveling by car: Just off I-696 and I-275, Farmington Hills is about 30 minutes northwest of downtown Detroit.
- By Bus: SMART buses connect Farmington Hills to Metro Detroit and surrounding suburbs.
- By Plane: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is about 30 minutes away by car.
Where to Stay in Farmington Hills, MI
- Recommended for Families: Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Offers a pool, free breakfast, and quick access to Heritage Park and the Holocaust Center.
- For Couples: The Inn at St. John’s (nearby Plymouth) – Elegant rooms, golf, and romantic dining just a short drive away.
- For a Boutique Hotel Stay: Hotel Royal Oak – A trendy, boutique option located in nearby Royal Oak, perfect for nightlife lovers.
Best Things to Do in Farmington Hills, MI
1. The Zekelman Holocaust Center
Explore powerful exhibits and learn survivor stories on an educational, affordable trip.
The Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills, Michigan is the only Holocaust museum in Michigan. The museum of holocaust tells the story not only of undeniable evil but also of incredible courage and strength. The Holocaust Memorial Center was founded by CEO Rabbi Charles H. Rosenzveig with other members of Shaarit Haplaytah, meaning "the Remnant," referring to survivors of the Holocaust. The center was opened in 1981 on the property of the Jewish Community Campus in West Bloomfield. The new building was constructed three years later on the grounds of the Old Orchard Theatre in Farmington Hills. Its stark, disturbing architecture created a lot of reaction at the time. The center now includes two more related museums. The Museum of European Jewish Heritage tells the story of the lives of Jews in Europe before the Holocaust. The International Institute of the Righteous provides visitors with information about the people and institutions who performed great acts of altruism in the face of evil or great danger. The Center also houses a multi-lingual Library Archive and research center.
28123 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, Phone: 248-553-2400 ext. 140
2. Finnish Center Association
Discover cultural heritage and walk peaceful gardens on a quiet retirement outing.
The Finnish Center Association, which was founded in 1966, established a Cultural Center in 1974 in Farmington Hills, Michigan with the goal of promoting the Finnish culture and organizing social and educational activities. Among other activities, In 1975 FCA Senior Citizens' Housing Corporation was established to replace an elder's housing committee. The Housing Corporation developed the Tapiola Village housing for the elderly in 1986 and the Freedom Square retirement village in 1991. The Finnish Center Association offers its members an opportunity to take Finnish language classes, weaving, folk dancing, singing, cooking and baking and drama instruction. The Cultural Center library has a collection of Finnish and Finnish-American books, periodicals and archival materials, providing an additional opportunity for the members to learn about Finland.
35200 Eight Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48335, Phone: 248-478-6939
3. True REST Float Spa
Relax in sensory pods and unwind deeply on a peaceful weekend wellness trip.
True REST or Restricted Environmental Stimulus Therapy uses zero-gravity environment to enable the mind and body to completely relax and reset. The environment is created by adding 1,000 pounds of Epsom Salts to the water, increasing the buoyancy of the water and making the submerged body float like it is weightless. Lowering the gravity that normally makes pressure on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems relieves pain, relaxes the mind and improve sleep. True Rest Float Spa in Farmington Hills, Michigan is located in Hunter’s Square/Tally Hall shopping center and uses state of the art Float Pods that have added features of music and light that clients can use if they wish. Clients also can opt to leave the pod lid open or close it.
30911 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, Phone: 248-702-6805
Where to Eat:
4. Hong Hua
Savor upscale Chinese dishes and enjoy elegant service on a romantic dinner outing.
Located in Orchard 12 Plaza Shopping Center, Hong Hua is a spacious, elegant restaurant known for traditional Cantonese dishes and a large menu of everyone’s favorites. Since it opened in 2000, Hong Hua became a favorite place in Farmington Hills for a superb Chinese meal. Hong Hua has been voted “Restaurant of the Year” by the Hour Magazine. Hong Hua specializes in seafood dishes and offers a range of Cantonese menu choices. Chef Peter Chan and his kitchen staff can also create gourmet dishes from all other regions of China. Hong Hua has a fully-stocked bar, offering American and French wines as well as Asian Cocktails and Chinese Wine and Beer. Private banquet and meeting rooms can handle up to 200 persons.
27925 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington, MI 48334, Phone: 248-489-2280
5. Cafe Cortina
Dine on Italian cuisine and admire garden views on an easy couples escape.
Café Cortina is an elegant restaurant located in a former apple orchard in Farmington Hills, Michigan. With surrounds that are designed to look like an Italian garden, Café Cortina is an incredibly romantic place, perfect for any kind of celebration. It is elegant and cozy inside, with a fireplace, plush seating, brick walls, white tablecloths and quirky light fixtures. There is a lovely patio outside for dining al fresco when weather permits, as well as a kitchen garden where the chef grows most produce and herbs used in his meals. The menu is traditional hearty Italian from 150 years ago, with chef’s unique modern twist. Café Cortina is the place where locals rub elbows with celebrities who travel miles to enjoy an exquisite meal in one of the best kept secrets in Michigan
30715 W 10 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48336, Phone: 248-474-3033
More Places to Eat in Farmington Hills, MI
- Recommended for Families: Basement Burger Bar – Build-your-own burgers and shakes in a fun, casual setting.
- For Mediterranean Flavors: Pars Restaurant – Savory Persian dishes with generous portions and warm service.
- For a Casual Meal: Peterlins Restaurant & Bar – American cuisine with a cozy, pub-style vibe and daily specials.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Music Fans: Rhythms in Riley Park (Summer Fridays) – Enjoy free live music downtown in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
- For Families: Founders Festival (July) – A long-running community tradition with parades, art, music, and food.
- For Holiday Fun: Light Up the Grand (December) – Celebrate with lights, horse-drawn carriage rides, and holiday cheer downtown.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Farmington Hills, Michigan:
- For Culture Lovers: Detroit (25–30 min) – Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum, and enjoy riverfront dining.
- For Nature Enthusiasts: Kensington Metropark (25–30 min) – Hike, bike, or paddle through beautiful lakes and trails.
- For Families: Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak (20–25 min) – Visit one of the Midwest’s top zoos with expansive habitats and a butterfly house.
- For Romantic Couples: Downtown Plymouth (20–25 min) – Enjoy charming boutiques, fine dining, and town square events.
- For Shoppers: Twelve Oaks Mall (15–20 min) – Explore high-end shops, department stores, and dining in nearby Novi.
- For Art & Gardens: Cranbrook Art Museum & Gardens (25 min) – Stroll sculpture gardens and browse modern art exhibits in Bloomfield Hills.
- For Classic Cars: The Henry Ford Museum (25–30 min) – Dive into innovation and Americana in nearby Dearborn.
- For a Night Out: Royal Oak (20–25 min) – Enjoy nightlife, comedy clubs, craft cocktails, and live music.
- For Hiking: Maybury State Park (25–30 min) – Peaceful forested trails perfect for biking, walking, and horseback riding.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Farmington Hills located?
- Farmington Hills is a city in Oakland County, Michigan, and is part of the northwestern suburbs of Metropolitan Detroit.
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What attractions can visitors explore in Farmington Hills?
- The city features a beautifully renovated downtown, unique boutiques, a vintage cinema, exotic car dealerships, art galleries, and public parks.
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What is the Holocaust Memorial Center in Farmington Hills?
- The Holocaust Memorial Center educates the public about the tragedy and evils of the Holocaust through exhibits and historical accounts.
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What cultural experiences does the Finnish Center offer?
- The Finnish Center and its Cultural Center promote Finnish culture and organize social and educational activities.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming flowers.
Holiday Inn & Suites Farmington Hills – A comfortable and well-located stay.
Visit Heritage Park – Enjoy scenic trails, nature programs, and picnic areas.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, great for outdoor activities.
Radisson Hotel Detroit-Farmington Hills – A modern stay with great amenities.
Explore Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum – A quirky and fun attraction with vintage arcade games and oddities.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning fall foliage.
Hampton Inn Southfield/Farmington Hills – A cozy stay with complimentary breakfast.
Visit Woodland Hills Nature Park – A peaceful spot for a nature walk amid autumn colors.
Plan Your Trip