Things To Do
in Auburn Hills
Auburn Hills is a northern Oakland County suburb just north of Detroit, offering quick access to major highways and a family-friendly atmosphere. The area is anchored by the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, making it a popular base for shopping, dining, and entertainment. You’ll find a mix of residential neighborhoods, parks, and convenient services within a short drive of downtown Detroit.
Outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and urban experiences are all within easy reach for visitors staying in or around Auburn Hills.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Detroit Metropolitan Airport and take a scenic drive to Auburn Hills. Check into your hotel and freshen up before heading out to explore. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, soaking in the community vibe.
Visit the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets for some shopping therapy, exploring over 185 stores. Grab lunch at one of the delicious eateries in the mall. Afterward, take in a movie at the theater or enjoy some of the amusement attractions within the complex.
Dine at a cozy restaurant, perhaps savoring local favorites like Detroit-style pizza or classic American fare. Stroll through the nearby parks or visit a local brewery to unwind with a craft beer. Wrap up your evening by resting up for the adventures ahead.
Start your day with an invigorating hike at the nearby Bald Mountain Recreation Area, where beautiful trails await you. Take a moment to appreciate the stunning landscapes filled with trees and wildlife. Enjoy a packed breakfast amidst nature, breathing in the fresh air.
After your hike, head to the Auburn Hills nature center for educational programming or a guided nature walk. Have a picnic lunch by the water, allowing the serenity of the surroundings to rejuvenate you. Spend the afternoon birdwatching or just relaxing by the lakes.
Head back to town and discover the local dining scene by trying a renowned steakhouse. Post-dinner, check out a live music venue or nearby pub for some local entertainment. Reflect on your day while enjoying a quiet stroll back to your hotel.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🧺Grocery shop for two | $40-70 |
| ⛽Gasoline per gallon | $3-4 |
| 🏨One night in mid-range hotel | $100-180 |
| 🎬Movie ticket | $10-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to Detroit-area attractions and events
- Strong shopping and dining options at Great Lakes Crossing
- Family-friendly neighborhoods and many parks
- Limited nightlife within Auburn Hills itself; more options in nearby cities
- Urban traffic around major corridors can be busy
- Weather can vary with lake-effect influences and winter snow
Places to Visit in Auburn Hills
Visit one of these nice places.
The 1920s estate and manicured gardens provide classic photography with stately architecture and seasonal landscaping.
Contemporary and collegiate architecture with landscaped greens, ideal for campus-life photography and sunset shots.
The mall’s exterior design and lighting around dusk can yield interesting urban-contrast photographs.
Iconic outdoor amphitheater setting for concert-season photography and wide-angle shots of crowds and stages.
Waterfront views and public-art spaces offering reflective water photography and urban scenes.
Food in Auburn Hills
Auburn Hills Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A regional chili-topped hot dog served on a steamed bun with a distinctive square-cut edge; widely available at diners and casual spots around the Detroit metro area.
Must-Try!
A seasonal favorite featuring tart cherries; enjoy it at local bakeries or diners with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A light, flaky freshwater fish sandwich common near Michigan’s lakes; look for it on seafood or café menus.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A short drive away, offering fresh produce, prepared foods, and local goods on weekends and throughout the week.
Another nearby market with local produce, baked goods, and vendors; great for a quick lunch or snack.
A variety of quick bites and international options around the outlet mall, including rotating food trucks during peak seasons.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A typical greeting is a handshake with brief eye contact; small talk about the weather or travel is common.
Being on time is appreciated in business and hospitality settings; casual meetings are flexible but courteous.
Tipping is expected for most service industry jobs; carry small bills for quick tips.
Safety
Tipping in Auburn Hills
Ensure a smooth experience
In the United States, a tip of 15-20% at restaurants and for service is customary. For bars, $1-2 per drink or 15-20% per tab. Tipping for tour guides or delivery drivers is appreciated but not required.
Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) and contactless payments are widely accepted; cash is still useful at some markets and smaller shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blooming trees; bring layers for cool mornings and rapidly warming afternoons. Rain is possible, so a light rain jacket helps.
Warm to hot days with high humidity; great for outdoor parks, trails, and outdoor concerts. Hydration and sun protection are important.
Crisp air with colorful foliage; ideal for hiking, photography, and scenic drives. Layering remains essential.
Cold and snowy at times; car travel requires winter tires and careful driving. Indoor attractions become popular and visitor centers provide warmth.
Auburn Hills at Night
Hiking in Auburn Hills
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular hiking and biking trails around the park with lake views and forest sections.
Scenic multi-use rail-trail suitable for long walks and cycling near Rochester Hills.
Airports
How to reach Auburn Hills by plane.
Major international airport about 30-40 minutes from Auburn Hills by car, with frequent domestic and international flights.
Small regional airport offering general aviation and some commercial services; closer but more limited flight options.
Small airport farther away with modest flight options; useful for some regional trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Auburn Hills and surrounding communities have a predominantly White population with growing diversity.
African American residents contribute to a diverse cultural fabric of the region.
A growing Asian community adds to culinary and cultural options in the broader area.
A Hispanic/Latino community is part of the regional diversity with various cultural events and eateries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Detroit Lions games and local amateur leagues are popular regionally.
NBA games in nearby Detroit; college basketball and local leagues have a presence.
Motorsports culture is strong in Michigan with events and tracks within driving distance.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Auburn Hills.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Michigan’s dining scene is fairly vegetarian-friendly, with numerous salads, veggie burgers, pastas, and grain bowls. When in doubt, ask for veggie substitutes, and look for markets with fresh produce to assemble your own meals; many restaurants can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice.