Detroit in 1 Day for Couples - Seasonal small-plates brunch at Selden Standard
One slow, intimate day for couples in Detroit (September — Autumn): seasonal brunch, world-class art, a golden-hour island stroll, a sunset river cruise as the special moment, and a late-night jazz nightcap.
Highlights
- Seasonal small-plates brunch at Selden Standard
- Explore the Detroit Institute of Arts and Rivera Court
- Golden-hour stroll on Belle Isle Park
- Sunset Detroit Princess Riverboat cruise — a special moment
- Late-night jazz & nightcap at Cliff Bell's
Itinerary
Day 1
A relaxed, romance-focused day with art, river views, a golden-hour island stroll and a sunset cruise — with time to rest between activities.
Brunch at Selden Standard (seasonal small plates)
Start your day with a cozy, seasonal brunch in Midtown — share several small plates and savor house-made cocktails and warm pastries.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table in advance and ask for a quiet corner or booth for an intimate setting.
- Order several small plates to share — it’s the most romantic way to taste the menu and linger.
- If it’s crisp outside, ask for a table near the window to enjoy soft autumn light and people-watching on Selden Ave.
Transfer: Drive to Detroit Institute of Arts
Short transfer from Selden Standard to the DIA (allow for light Midtown traffic).
Tips from local experts:
- Allow a few extra minutes for street parking in Midtown — paid lots are common and convenient.
- Keep your phone photo-ready — the walk from the lot to the museum has handsome tree-lined streets in autumn.
- Download the DIA app or pick up a map at arrival to plan which galleries you want to linger in as a couple.
Wander the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA)
Explore world-class collections and pause at Rivera Court — an excellent mix of powerful murals, intimate galleries and quiet sculpture spaces.
Tips from local experts:
- Head straight for Rivera Court early to enjoy the murals before the crowd for a reflective, intimate moment.
- Ask staff about quieter galleries (e.g., European painting rooms) if you want a peaceful, romantic viewing space.
- Pick up a small souvenir in the museum shop (a postcard or print) to remember the day together.
Short walk & coffee at Avalon International Breads
A relaxing mid-day coffee and pastry break — share a warm treat and slow down before an afternoon outdoors.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a pastry to split and a pour-over or espresso for two; sharing is very romantic here.
- If the weather is still mild, ask for a seat by the window to enjoy street views and sunlight.
- Avalon is small — consider taking your coffee to go for a quiet bench moment under nearby trees in autumn foliage.
Transfer: Drive toward Belle Isle Park
A scenic drive across the MacArthur Bridge to Belle Isle — plan a short stop at viewpoints before parking on the island.
Tips from local experts:
- Cross MacArthur Bridge slowly and stop briefly at the overlook for early autumn river views.
- Parking on Belle Isle fills quickly on pleasant days; aim to arrive a little before peak afternoon hours.
- Bring a light layer — island winds pick up in autumn even on otherwise mild afternoons.
Belle Isle: Conservatory, shoreline & golden-hour stroll
Explore the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and walk the riverfront shoreline — save time for photos at Scott Fountain and the island casino viewpoint as sunset approaches.
Tips from local experts:
- Visit the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory for warm, fragrant plant rooms — a lovely contrast to the crisp autumn air.
- Walk toward the east shoreline and Scott Fountain for quiet benches and excellent viewpoints as the sun lowers.
- Plan to be on the riverfront 30–45 minutes before sunset for golden-hour light and private photos together.
Transfer: Return to hotel to freshen up
Return to your downtown hotel to relax, change and get ready for the evening cruise. A short rest keeps the evening unhurried.
Tips from local experts:
- If you’re carrying anything from the island (blanket, camera), use this time to stow it before the evening.
- Ask the hotel for a late-afternoon turn-down (many concierge teams will help with a quick privacy setup for couples).
- If you booked a room with a view, request a high floor — a quiet moment watching city lights come on is romantic.
Rest & refresh at The Westin Book Cadillac
A relaxed 90-minute break to rest, change into evening clothes and enjoy a brief in-room moment before your special evening cruise.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a small bottle of sparkling wine or locally-made cider from room service to toast before you leave.
- If you want a spa touch, request hot towels or the hotel’s turndown service for extra coziness.
- Plan to leave 30–40 minutes before cruise boarding to account for downtown traffic and secure parking near the dock.
Special moment — Detroit Princess Riverboat sunset cruise
Board a sunset cruise on the Detroit Princess Riverboat: a quiet, romantic special moment on the Detroit River with skyline and Windsor views.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a window table or foredeck seat in advance; the forward-facing views are best for golden-hour photos.
- Bring a light wrap — the river breeze is chillier after sunset in September, and close contact makes for cozy photos.
- If possible, choose the earlier boarding to watch the city and Windsor come alight as the sun sets.
Transfer: Short ride to downtown jazz club
A brief transfer back into the heart of downtown for a late-night jazz set and nightcap.
Tips from local experts:
- If you prefer a scenic route, ask your driver to take the RiverWalk stretch toward Campus Martius before dropping you off.
- Keep a small cash tip ready for valets; some venues and lots in downtown prefer quick gratuities.
- Confirm the club’s live music schedule in advance — weekends often have the best intimate sets.
Nightcap & live jazz at Cliff Bell's
End the evening with classic cocktails and live jazz in a historic supper-club setting — perfect for low-light, intimate conversation.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a small, tucked-away table or booth for an intimate feel and better acoustics.
- Try a classic cocktail and split a light dessert — the mellow music and dim lighting make dessert-for-two feel special.
- Check the live schedule and arrive early if you want a prime seat near the stage without being in the thick of the crowd.
Stroll through The Belt (art alley) for a final intimate walk
A short post-dinner stroll through The Belt — enjoy murals, installations and quiet night-time art-lit corners before heading back to your hotel.
Tips from local experts:
- The Belt is best enjoyed slowly — pause by a favorite mural and take a few quiet photos together under the art lighting.
- Street lighting can be low in spots; stick to well-lit sections and watch your step on uneven pavement.
- If you'd like a little dessert, many nearby cafes and late-night spots around Campus Martius stay open seasonally — ask your concierge for a recommendation.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 8 |
| Total Places | 8 |
| Activities Types | Meal, Transfer, Culture, Break, Outdoor, Hotel, Experience, Nightlife, Neighborhood |
