One-Day Detroit: Friends' Summer Adventure
A fun, social one-day loop through Detroit focused on shared food, an active bike ride along the river, Belle Isle nature, brewery downtime, and lively evening games + live music—perfect for a group of friends who want energy, variety, and easy ways to split costs.
Highlights
- Eastern Market stalls & Supino Pizzeria
- MoGo group bike ride along Detroit RiverWalk
- Belle Isle (Dossin Museum & conservatory)
- Eastern Market Brewing Co. tasting
- Punch Bowl Social games and late jazz at Cliff Bell's
Itinerary
Day 1
Market morning, pizza lunch, active river ride, island exploration, brewery break, dinner, games and jazz.
Browse Eastern Market stalls (morning)
Start at the historic Eastern Market: browse food vendors, pick up snacks to share, and soak up colorful murals and lively vendor stalls.
Tips from local experts:
- Go early (9:00) to beat crowds and get first picks from popular vendors—great for sharing small bites among friends.
- Bring a small cooler or insulated bag if you plan to buy cheeses/produce to enjoy later on the bike ride; many vendors accept cards but have a few cash-only stalls.
- Park in the official Eastern Market lots or use rideshare; big groups can use the public lot near Russell St. for easy meetups and photo ops under the sheds.
Group lunch at Supino Pizzeria (Eastern Market)
Grab family-style thin-crust pizzas at beloved Supino Pizzeria—order several pies to share and try their rotating seasonal toppings.
Tips from local experts:
- Order multiple pizzas to share so everyone can try a slice of different flavors; they’re great for splitting costs.
- Expect a relaxed, communal seating vibe—ask for a larger table or share a bench if you’re a group of 4–6+, and consider calling ahead if you want to secure space.
- Bring napkins/wipes (pizza can be floppy) and plan to sit outside if it’s a sunny June day—great for people-watching and staying lively before the bike ride.
Short transfer to MoGo station & quick bike setup
Walk to the nearest MoGo bike station, set up the group passes/phones, and get helmets if needed—plan docking strategy for Belle Isle.
Tips from local experts:
- Download the MoGo app in advance and buy a group pass or individual short-term passes to split costs easily.
- Pick one person to be the 'dock lead' who ensures bikes are charged/ready and that everyone knows the planned docking spot at Belle Isle.
- If someone prefers not to ride, Detroit’s rideshare options are plentiful—agree on a meet point on Belle Isle in case of split transport.
MoGo group ride along the Detroit RiverWalk to Belle Isle
Ride as a group down the scenic RiverWalk toward Belle Isle—easy pace, plenty of stops for photos, and riverside views of downtown and Windsor.
Tips from local experts:
- Ride at an easy group pace and use hand signals; stick together and plan 1–2 scheduled photo stops so no one gets left behind.
- Bring small cash or cards for the Detroit RiverWalk vendors and be aware of docking spots near the Belle Isle entrance—reserve a bit of battery on MoGo bikes for the return.
- Wear sunscreen and carry a light pack with water; summer afternoons can heat up, and river breezes make for great group selfies at the overlooks.
Explore Belle Isle: Dossin Museum & Conservatory
Lock up bikes and enjoy Belle Isle’s highlights—visit the Dossin Great Lakes Museum (maritime exhibits) and the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory gardens for a chill group stroll.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy tickets for Dossin Great Lakes Museum in advance for a smoother group entry; the conservatory is great for relaxed photos and a cooler microclimate.
- There are picnic tables and lawns—grab a spot to share snacks you picked up at Eastern Market and rest after the ride.
- Check ferry/bridge access and public restroom locations ahead of time; Belle Isle can be breezy so bring a light layer for the late-afternoon.
Brewery break at Eastern Market Brewing Co.
Return toward Eastern Market and unwind with locally brewed beers—share flights and try a few Detroit-only brews.
Tips from local experts:
- Share beer flights so the whole group can taste several brews without ordering many full pints—easy to split costs.
- They’re group-friendly but can get busy; arrive early for a table or call ahead to check availability for groups of 4–6.
- Pair a flight with a nearby food stall snack (cheese/charcuterie) for a low-key late-afternoon nibble before dinner.
Transfer to dinner neighborhood (short drive/ride)
Head toward the dinner spot in the Midtown/Cass Corridor area—quick rideshare or short drive to keep the energy lively.
Tips from local experts:
- Rideshares are efficient for groups—use one or two cars and split the fare; mid-June traffic is usually moderate but account for 20–30 minutes with pickup time.
- If you rode MoGo earlier and don’t want to return bikes, meet at a pre-agreed landmark (hotel or museum entrance) so everyone finds the group easily.
- Keep water handy and freshen up at the destination before dinner—many Detroit spots have roomy bathrooms for quick touch-ups.
Dinner at Wright & Company (shared plates & cocktails)
Sit down for a lively dinner with sharable small plates and creative cocktails—perfect for groups to order family-style.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table and request a larger seating area for your group—small plates are designed for sharing so split items to keep costs down.
- Try their cocktail flights and ask the server for group-friendly tasting suggestions so everyone can sample something new.
- If someone has dietary restrictions, the menu is adaptable—tell the staff when making a reservation and they’ll help craft sharable options.
Punch Bowl Social: games, bowling & group fun
After dinner, head to Punch Bowl Social for bowling lanes, arcade/social games, and cocktails—an energetic spot built for groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve lanes or a gaming area in advance for your group (4–6+); packages can make splitting the bill simple.
- Mix bowling with tabletop games and order shareable appetizers—it keeps the night varied and lively for different energy levels.
- Keep an eye on timing if you plan to pop into a late-show jazz spot afterward; Punch Bowl is walkable from many Midtown spots but confirm parking if driving.
Late-night jazz at Cliff Bell's (optional late set)
Wrap the night with smooth live jazz at iconic Cliff Bell's—a cozy, historic club with nightly performances that feel like a proper Detroit send-off.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the performance schedule and buy tickets early for popular acts; smaller late sets are perfect for conversation and close-group vibes.
- Cliff Bell’s has a classic cocktail menu—order a round of signature drinks to toast the day and split the tab among friends.
- Seating is intimate—arrive early to snag a larger table or call ahead to reserve so your group can sit together comfortably.
