Things To Do
in Royal Oak
Royal Oak is a city in Oakland County, Michigan, located northwest of Detroit. It is known for its vibrant downtown area with a mix of restaurants, bars, and shops. The city has a strong sense of community and hosts events such as the popular Arts, Beats & Eats festival.
Royal Oak is a popular destination for young professionals and families seeking a vibrant urban lifestyle with a suburban feel.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk at Royal Oak's beautiful parks, such as the Detroit Zoo. Enjoy the peace of nature and maybe spot some wildlife.
Visit the Royal Oak Farmer's Market for local produce and handmade goods. It's an excellent way to experience the community and enjoy fresh snacks.
Dine at one of the trendy restaurants downtown, offering a variety of cuisines. Cap off the night with a casual stroll through the vibrant streets.
Kick off your day with breakfast at a local café before heading to the various boutiques in Royal Oak. Explore unique shops that showcase local artisans.
Spend the afternoon at the Somerset Collection, a nearby upscale shopping center. Enjoy browsing high-end retailers and perhaps indulge in a little retail therapy.
Wrap up your day with dinner at a well-reviewed bistro. If you're in the mood, catch a live music performance at a local venue.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong sense of community with local events and gatherings
- Accessibility to Detroit and its amenities
- Diverse dining and shopping options
- Highly rated public schools
- Rich cultural and historical heritage
- Higher cost of living compared to some other suburbs
- Property taxes can be significant
- Limited public transportation options
- Potential for traffic congestion during peak hours
- Some areas may experience noise from nearby urban activities
Best Activities in Royal Oak
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the Royal Oak Farmers Market for a variety of outdoor activities including shopping for fresh produce, flowers, and artisan goods.
Enjoy outdoor recreational activities such as golfing at the Royal Oak Golf Center, featuring a driving range and mini golf.
Take your furry friends to the Royal Oak Dog Park for outdoor fun and socialization with other dogs in a designated off-leash area.
Tours
Uncover the best of Royal Oak with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Royal Oak
Visit one of these nice places.
The Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak offers beautiful landscapes and a variety of animal exhibits that provide great photo opportunities.
The Royal Oak Farmers Market is a great place to capture vibrant scenes of fresh produce and local vendors.
The Red Run Golf Club in Royal Oak provides stunning views of the greens and natural surroundings, ideal for photography.
Food in Royal Oak
Royal Oak Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try Polish pastry, typically enjoyed on Fat Tuesday. Head to New Palace Bakery or Good Cakes and Bakes to savor these delightful treats.
Must-Try!
Indulge in the square-shaped, deep-dish pizza that Detroit is famous for. Visit Detroit-style pizzerias such as Cloverleaf Pizza and Buddy's Pizza for an authentic taste.
A Michigan classic, the Coney Dog features a steamed hot dog topped with chili, onions, and mustard. Sample this iconic dish at local hotspots like Red Hots Coney Island and Leo's Coney Island.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Royal Oak better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Experience a bustling hub of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and delectable street food at the Royal Oak Farmers Market, open on weekends. Enjoy a variety of food trucks offering diverse culinary delights.
Attend the annual Arts, Beats & Eats Festival, where you can explore numerous food vendors offering a wide array of street food options, from global cuisine to local favorites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Royal Oak, it's important to respect people's personal space and not stand too close when engaging in conversation.
Punctuality is highly valued in Royal Oak, so it's important to be on time for meetings, appointments, and social gatherings.
It's respectful to show appreciation for local customs and traditions, such as taking off your shoes when entering someone's home or participating in community events.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Royal Oak with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Royal Oak
Ensure a smooth experience
In Royal Oak, tipping is a common practice in restaurants, bars, cafes, and other service-oriented establishments. It is customary to tip between 15-20% of the total bill for good service. Tipping is also expected for services such as hotel housekeeping, taxi rides, and hairdresser services.
In Royal Oak, payment for goods and services is predominantly done using credit/debit cards, although cash is also widely accepted. Contactless payment methods and digital wallets are becoming increasingly popular. It is common for establishments to accept major credit cards, and most ATMs are readily available for cash withdrawals.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Royal Oak.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Royal Oak is in spring when the weather is pleasant and the city is in full bloom with flowers and greenery. Expect mild temperatures and occasional rainfall.
Summer is also a great time to visit Royal Oak with warm temperatures, plenty of outdoor events, and festivals. Expect sunny days and busy streets.
Fall is another popular time to visit Royal Oak, especially for the beautiful autumn foliage and cooler temperatures. Expect vibrant colors and seasonal activities.
Winter in Royal Oak can be cold and snowy, but it's still a charming time to visit with holiday decorations, festive events, and cozy indoor activities. Expect cold temperatures and occasional snowfall.
Royal Oak at Night
Hiking in Royal Oak
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large recreation area with a variety of hiking trails through natural landscapes, offering scenic views and wildlife observation opportunities.
A beautiful island park in the Detroit River with trails for hiking, biking, and stunning views of the Detroit skyline.
A state park featuring wooded trails, open fields, and wetlands, perfect for hiking and enjoying nature.
A vast park with scenic trails, lakes, and picnic areas, ideal for a day of hiking and outdoor activities.
Offers a network of hiking trails through woods and beside a lake, perfect for hiking and enjoying nature.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Royal Oak through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Royal Oak by plane.
The primary international airport serving Detroit, Michigan, located approximately 23 miles south of Royal Oak.
An international airport located in Flint, Michigan, approximately 57 miles northwest of Royal Oak.
A city-owned public airport located in Detroit, Michigan, around 10 miles from Royal Oak.
An airport in Swanton, Ohio, about 60 miles southwest of Royal Oak, serving both domestic and limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group in Royal Oak, predominantly comprising non-Hispanic white residents.
A significant minority group in Royal Oak, contributing to the city's cultural diversity.
Including various nationalities, the Asian demographic adds to the multicultural landscape of Royal Oak.
Representing a growing demographic, individuals from Hispanic or Latino backgrounds bring additional cultural richness.
An amalgamation of various racial and ethnic groups, including mixed races and smaller communities.
The Soul of Royal Oak
Discover the essence of Royal Oak through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular summer sport in Royal Oak, played at various parks and fields, with local leagues and youth teams.
Widely played in schools and community centers, basketball engages many residents, especially during winter leagues.
A growing sport in Royal Oak, with youth leagues and community events held in local parks.
Ice hockey has a strong presence in Royal Oak, with the city hosting multiple youth teams and leagues.
Running clubs and events, including 5Ks and marathons, are popular among local fitness enthusiasts.
Softball leagues are a staple of summer recreation in Royal Oak, with many local teams competing.
With several golf courses nearby, golfing is a popular pastime for many residents, especially during the warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Royal Oak.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Royal Oak has numerous restaurants and cafes that cater to vegetarian and vegan diets, including Inn Season Cafe, offering an extensive plant-based menu.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can explore gluten-free options at eateries like Pinky's Rooftop, which provides a dedicated gluten-free menu to accommodate dietary needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Royal Oak with these cultural adventures.
