Things To Do
in Westland

Westland, United States is a midwestern suburb of Detroit in Wayne County, offering quiet residential streets and accessible shopping. It sits just west of the city core, with easy access to major highways that connect to downtown Detroit and beyond. The community emphasizes family-friendly parks, local events, and a suburban pace that balances convenience with calm.

Visitors typically use Westland as a base to explore the wider Detroit metro area, enjoying affordable dining and easy day trips.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Westland
morning
:

Arrive in Westland and check into your hotel. Take some time to freshen up and unwind after your journey. Explore the nearby area for a quick breakfast at a local café.

afternoon
:

Visit the Westland City Center to browse through local shops and boutiques. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the family-friendly restaurants in the area. Take a moment to appreciate the community feel of the city as you stroll through the parks.

evening
:

Embark on a delightful dining experience at a popular local eatery. Try out signature dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. End your day with a relaxing walk around the neighborhood.

day 2
Nature Exploration
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the Hines Park for a morning hike. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the lush greenery and serene landscapes. Don't forget to bring your camera for some stunning photographs.

afternoon
:

Have a picnic lunch in one of the park's designated areas surrounded by nature. After lunch, rent a bike to explore more of the park's trails. Relax by the riverbank, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.

evening
:

Return to Westland and savor dinner at a cozy restaurant. Engage with locals and learn about their favorite spots in the city. Consider visiting a nearby cinema for an evening movie.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$11-18
Coffee at a cafe$2-5
🍽️Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant$25-50
🏠Rent for 1-bedroom apartment$1000-1400 per month
🚗Gasoline per gallon$3-5

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Affordable dining and shopping options
  • Strategic access to Detroit and surrounding suburbs
  • Limited nightlife and walkability in some areas
  • Winter weather can bring heavy snow and icy roads

Places to Visit in Westland

Visit one of these nice places.

Nankin Mills Recreation Area

Historic mill ruins, tranquil ponds, and wooded trails provide classic suburban nature photography opportunities.

Rouge River Overlook

Scenic river views along the Rouge River corridor, especially during sunrise or sunset.

Westland City Center at Dusk

Urban edge with storefronts, street life, and decorative lighting ideal for street photography.

Parks and Lake Views

Open spaces and water features in local parks offer reflections, wildlife, and landscape shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Westland

Westland’s food scene blends classic Detroit-area favorites with diverse international options, reflecting the metro area’s multicultural makeup.

Westland Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Detroit-style Coney Dog

Beef hot dog topped with a savory meat sauce and onions; a Detroit staple that’s widely available at casual diners and fast-casual spots.

Must-Try!

Michigan Cherry Pie

A seasonal dessert featuring tart cherries, commonly found in local bakeries and cafés across the region.

Greek Gyro or Mediterranean Plate

Popular in Detroit-area eateries, offering gyro meat, pita, salads, and flavorful sauces.

Lake Perch Sandwich

A classic Great Lakes fish option, often featured in diners and seafood spots along or near the lakeshore.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Westland Farmers Market

Seasonal market offering local produce, dairy, bakery goods, and ready-to-eat treats from nearby farms and vendors.

Food Trucks and Street Food

Seasonal stops and events around town showcase diverse offerings from global cuisines and Michigan specialties.

Climate Guide

Weather

Westland experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm to hot with humidity, while winters are cold with regular snowfall. Spring and autumn bring milder temperatures and seasonal precipitation, ideal for outdoor activities when weather allows. Overall, plan for temperature swings and occasional heavy rain or snowstorms.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Etiquette Rule

Greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'good morning.' Respect personal space and queue patiently. In restaurants, wait to be seated and tip for service.

Public behavior

Keep noise reasonable in residential areas; be punctual for arranged meetings; tip politely for services.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety tips include staying in well-lit areas at night, locking vehicles, and securing valuables. Use crosswalks and obey traffic signals. In emergencies, dial 911; keep local non-emergency numbers for city services handy. Be aware of weather advisories in winter and summer storms.

Tipping in Westland

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, tipping 15-20% of the pretax bill is customary. Round up taxi or rideshare fares. At coffee shops, rounding up the total or leaving a dollar or two is common.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Cash is still useful at smaller shops and markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm to hot days with high humidity; occasional thunderstorms. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for mornings or evenings.

Autumn

Mild days with colorful foliage; comfortable for walks and photos. Nights begin to cool; layering is smart.

Winter

Cold temperatures with snow and possible icy roads. Dress in layers; indoor activities and museums provide warmth.

Spring

Cool to mild with spring rains and blooming trees. Great for outdoor strolls; bring a light rain jacket.

Nightlife Guide

Westland at Night

Westland’s nightlife is typically low-key, with neighborhood bars, casual lounges, and family-friendly restaurants offering evening vibes. For more options—live music, craft beer bars, and clubs—many visitors head to neighboring Detroit or Dearborn, where a broader range of venues and events is found. Expect screens for sports, relaxed atmospheres, and late hours in popular spots near shopping centers.

Hiking in Westland

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Nankin Trail

Part of the Nankin Mills area with longer loops and river views.

Hines Park Trail

Extensive trail network along the Hines Park corridor for longer hikes and scenic overlooks.

Rouge River Greenway

Riverside trails offering easy to moderate hikes with birdwatching opportunities.

Airports

How to reach Westland by plane.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

Major international airport about 15-20 miles from Westland; frequent connections and car rental options.

Oakland County International Airport (PTK)

Small regional airport in Pontiac; serves general aviation and some domestic flights.

Windsor International Airport (YQG)

Cross-border option in Windsor, Canada; accessible via nearby border crossings for occasional international trips.

Getting Around

Walkability

Westland is predominantly suburban and car-dependent, with limited walkable zones. Some neighborhoods and the city center offer sidewalks, parks, and convenient nearby shops, making short strolls feasible. For broader exploration, a car or rideshare is convenient to reach nearby attractions and major routes.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Ethnic and racial groups

Diverse mix including White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, and Asian communities, with a range of faiths and languages represented.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

American football

Popular at local high schools and colleges; fans also follow Detroit professional teams.

Basketball

Common community leagues and school programs; enjoying indoor and outdoor courts.

Ice hockey

Winter sport in the region with local rinks and youth leagues.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic follows typical Detroit metro patterns with heavier volumes on I-275, I-96, and I-75 during weekday rush hours. Public transportation is available via SMART buses and regional routes, but many residents rely on cars for door-to-door trips. Parking is generally available at shopping centers, but busy corridors can see limited space during peak times.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Westland.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most local eateries offer vegetarian options; look for veggie burgers, salads, grain bowls, and sides. Ask about sauces or meat broths, and check for cross-contamination in casual kitchens.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare access includes multiple clinics and hospitals within a short drive, with major systems like Beaumont and Henry Ford offering regional services nearby. Urgent care centers and primary care clinics are common in Westland and nearby cities, with emergency rooms in larger hospitals in the metro area. Always carry insurance information and keep emergency numbers handy.

Discover United States

Read more in our United States 2025 Travel Guide.

United States Travel Guide