Need a trendy suburban getaway packed with charm and culture? Head to Royal Oak! Just north of Detroit, Royal Oak blends a walkable downtown with vibrant nightlife, family attractions, and hip local eats. Whether you're visiting the zoo, catching a comedy show, or exploring indie shops, Royal Oak offers something fun for everyone.
Royal Oak, MI Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Explore the Detroit Zoo – See penguins, giraffes, bears, and more at one of the nation’s most innovative zoos.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Royal Oak Historical Museum – Learn about the city’s roots through photos, artifacts, and historic documents.
- For Shoppers: Browse downtown boutiques and galleries – Find vinyl records, vintage fashion, Michigan-made gifts, and cool art spots.
- For Couples: Catch a show at Royal Oak Music Theatre – Enjoy live music, comedy, or national tours in an atmospheric historic venue.
- For Families: Play at Starr Jaycee Park – Big playground, wide open fields, and shaded picnic areas make it perfect for all ages.
Best Time to Visit Royal Oak, MI
The best time to visit Royal Oak is from May through October. Spring and summer bring patio dining, street festivals, and comfortable weather, while fall is perfect for strolls, cider, and colorful foliage in nearby parks.
How to Get to Royal Oak, MI
- If you are traveling by car: Royal Oak is located off I-75 and I-696, just 15–20 minutes north of downtown Detroit.
- By Air: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is about 30–40 minutes away with service from most major U.S. cities.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Wolverine line stops in Royal Oak with service between Chicago and Detroit.
Where to Stay in Royal Oak, MI
- Recommended for Families: Hyatt Place Detroit/Royal Oak – Spacious, modern rooms steps from the zoo and downtown dining.
- For Couples: Hotel Royal Oak – Stylish boutique motel with a retro vibe, bikes for exploring, and complimentary breakfast.
- For a Budget Stay: Red Roof Inn Detroit – Royal Oak – Affordable and convenient option just a short drive from downtown.
Best Things to Do in Royal Oak, MI
1. Detroit Zoo
See wild animals and explore outdoor habitats on a fun family day trip.
The Detroit Zoo is located in Royal Oak and Huntington Woods, Michigan, at the outskirts of Detroit. It is operated by the Detroit Zoological Society, together with the Belle Isle Nature Center. The Detroit Zoo is one of the largest family attractions in Michigan. It spreads over 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits and is home to over 2,400 animals from 235 species. The Detroit Zoo was the first American zoo to have animal exhibits without bars. Major exhibits are Arctic Ring of Life, the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, National Amphibian Conservation Center, Australian Outback Adventure, Great Apes of Harambee, Holden Reptile Conservation Center and Butterfly Garden.'
8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067
2. Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre
Enjoy community theater and admire historic charm on an affordable weekend outing.
Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre is a historic community theatre in Royal Oak, Michigan opened in 1922 as the Washington Theatre. The theater had 1148 seats and had an organ. The old theatre has been acquired by Stagecrafters in the early 1980s and renamed the Baldwin Theatre. Stagecrafters were founded in 1956 with the goal of providing opportunities for the community members to develop their acting talents and to spend some of their free time creating a quality theatrical experience. After acquiring the old Washington Theatre, Stagecrafters reduced the seating to 372 at the main stage and to 100 in a studio stage. The old movie house became a live theatre venue. The Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre has been named "Best Community Theatre" by Hour Detroit Magazine readers, and "Best Place for Live Local Theatre" by Detroit Metro Times readers.
415 S Lafayette Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067, Phone: 248-541-6430
3. Habatat Galleries
Explore contemporary glass art and admire bold pieces on an unusual cultural trip.
Habatat Galleries was established in 1971 in Royal Oak, a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. The 12,000 sq. ft. gallery is the oldest and biggest art gallery in the States focused exclusively to artists working with glass. The gallery has an additional venue in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Michigan gallery is the home of the International Glass Invitational, an exhibition that has, for 46 years, introduced and exhibited the greatest glass artists in the country and the world. The gallery’s mission is to work with both public and private collections by taking an active interest in their development and promoting artist the gallery believes should be recognized. Habatat Galleries – Michigan works with a number of museums and art centers and has been showcasing parts of its collections in more than 100 public institutions all over the world.
4400 Fernlee Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48073, Phone: 248-554-0590
Where to Eat:
4. Lockhart's BBQ
Savor smoked meats and enjoy rustic vibes on a casual summer meal.
Lockhart BBQ is a large, popular family-friendly restaurant in Royal Oak, Michigan famous for its Southern barbecue and a large menu of comfort food. Spacious dining room has cozy private nooks as well as large communal tables. The bar, located in the heart of the restaurant, dominates the space and bar chairs offer another seating options. Lockhart barbecue starts with high quality meats rubbed with spices for seasoning, then slow-cooked over hickory and ash. Besides delicious, what they call Detroit Barbecue, the menu includes a large selection of sides, sauces, salads and much more. To accompany their great meats they have large number of Michigan craft beers on tap and the bar makes great classic and unique cocktails.
202 E 3rd St, Royal Oak, MI 48067, Phone: 248-584-4227
5. KouZina
Taste Greek street food and enjoy quick bites on a cheap lunch stop.
Kouzina is a tiny, very popular Greek counter-serve restaurant in Royal Oak, Michigan. With only 24 seats overlooking the open kitchen, Kouzina offers street Greek food in a very small and simple menu that consists of Gyro Bowls, Kouzina Original Gyros and Greek Salads. Gyro Bowls consist of rice pilaf or brown rice, chicken, pork, beef or lamb, red onion, tomato, lettuce and feta cheese served with tomato sauce or tzatziki. Greek salad is a mix of chopped romaine and iceberg lettuce, feta cheese, red onions, tomato, beets, chick peas, cucumbers, olives and pepperoncini, served with Greek dressing. Original gyros consist of homemade pita, a choice of meat, tomato, red onion, parsley and a choice of sauce. The food is fast but freshly made daily and absolutely delicious and has gained lot of loyal following and great reviews from the critics.
121 N Main St, Royal Oak, MI 48067, Phone: 248-629-6500
More Places to Eat in Royal Oak, MI
- Recommended for Families: Jim’s Frostie Treats – Classic ice cream stand with outdoor seating and nostalgia-filled charm.
- For Upscale Dining: Bistro 82 – Sophisticated New American cuisine and craft cocktails in a sleek downtown setting.
- For a Casual Meal: Red Coat Tavern – Beloved local pub serving one of metro Detroit’s best burgers since 1972.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Art Lovers: Arts, Beats & Eats (Labor Day Weekend) – Music stages, art vendors, and food trucks take over downtown in a huge celebration.
- For Families: Royal Oak Spooktacular (October) – Trick-or-treating and costumed fun in the downtown business district.
- For Holiday Cheer: Holiday Magic Parade (Late November) – Enjoy floats, bands, and festive fun as the city lights up for the season.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–60 Minutes of Royal Oak, MI:
- For Museum Fans: Detroit Institute of Arts (20 min) – World-class collection with works from Van Gogh to Rivera in Midtown Detroit.
- For Nature: Belle Isle Park (30 min) – Island park with trails, an aquarium, and skyline views from the Detroit River.
- For History: Greenfield Village & The Henry Ford (40 min) – Immersive experience with historic buildings, Model T rides, and innovation history.
- For Lakefront Leisure: St. Clair Shores (35–45 min) – Walk the marina, dine on the water, or relax by Lake St. Clair.
- For Autumn Drives: Paint Creek Trail (25 min) – Scenic multi-use trail perfect for biking or walking through fall colors.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Royal Oak located?
- Royal Oak is a city in Oakland County in Michigan and a suburb of Detroit.
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What attractions can visitors explore in Royal Oak?
- Royal Oak is home to the Detroit Zoo, which features more than 2,400 wild animals in naturalistic enclosures without bars.
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What is the history of Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre?
- The Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre is a historic community theatre that opened in 1922 as the Washington Theatre.
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What nightlife options are available in Royal Oak?
- Besides Baldwin Theatre, Royal Oak has a range of nightlife venues, including the Royal Oak Music Theatre, the Landmark Main Art Theatre, and Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle.
Plan Your Trip