South Bend

Travel Guide

Basilica of the Sacred Heart which includes a garden and heritage architecture
Basilica of the Sacred Heart which includes heritage architecture, flowers and a garden
South Bend featuring a city
South Bend
South Bend

This thriving metropolis is known for its revered colleges, arts and entertainment centers, great shopping, restaurants, parks and plazas, and rich local history.

South Bend is a charming city with diversity in its arts, history, universities and shopping. Begin your stay exploring downtown. Find local, regional and international goods as well as boutique and handmade arts and crafts. Dining options are plentiful, with everything from counterculture coffee and ethnic foods to fine dining.

The colleges in South Bend foster a vibrant community of intellectual, scientific, artistic and sporting pursuits. See the iconic gilded Golden Dome and the statue of Mary on the main building at the University of Notre Dame.

Arts are big in South Bend so enjoy seeing a show or hearing the symphony orchestra play at the beautiful Morris Performing Arts Center. Originally built in 1921, the Morris Performing Arts Center is on the National Register for Historic Places.

If you are a history buff, be sure to walk through the Oliver Mansion and Center for History, the Victorian mansion that was Joseph D. Oliver’s house he was the inventor of the chilled plow. Visit the indoor museum at the Military Honor Park and take the little ones to the children’s museum. Discover how Christian faith influenced life in South Bend at the Taylor Memorial Chapel and the Grotto of Our Lady at the University of Notre Dame.

With an array of parks and recreational centers, South Bend offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activity. Take a morning stroll through the city’s parks and gardens on the designated Riverwalk trails. Visit the wildlife oasis of Rum Village Nature Center and walk or bike through the woodlands. Take the kids to the Potawatomi Zoo and discover scientific gems and historical artifacts at the Hannah Lindahl Children’s Museum.

South Bend is in North Central Indiana, 96 miles (155 kilometers) east of Chicago. The most efficient way to get around is by Transpo, the local bus system. If you choose to drive, the city is easy to navigate and taxis are readily available.

Where to stay in South Bend

University of Notre Dame featuring wildflowers, a garden and heritage architecture

Northeast South Bend

When in Northeast South Bend, you can plan a visit to Compton Family Ice Arena and Morris Performing Arts Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Northeast South Bend
South Bend showing signage and flowers

Downtown South Bend

While visiting Downtown South Bend, you might make a stop by sights like Morris Performing Arts Center and Studebaker National Museum.

Downtown South Bend
Default Image

Wooded Estates

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Wooded Estates and surrounding area, you can visit Compton Family Ice Arena and Notre Dame Stadium.

Wooded Estates
Default Image

Harters Heights

While Harters Heights isn't home to many top sights, Compton Family Ice Arena and Notre Dame Stadium are some notable places to visit nearby.

Harters Heights
Default Image

Near Northwest

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Near Northwest and surrounding area, you can visit South Bend Civic Theater and Morris Performing Arts Center.

Near Northwest
Default Image

Northshore Triangle

Though Northshore Triangle might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like South Bend Civic Theater and Morris Performing Arts Center.

Northshore Triangle
Wingate by Wyndham South Bend/Notre Dame

Wingate by Wyndham South Bend/Notre Dame

3 out of 5
52890 State Rt 933 N, South Bend, IN
The price is P4,110 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
P4,110
P4,726 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (795 reviews)
"Near several restaurants that are within walking distance. Right by Notre Dame U. The inside hallways smelled like cigarette smoke. I imagine it's freaking hard to watch that, since it is a large property, and I feel like that could be filed under a guest integrity issue (we had no issue smoking ..."

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Wingate by Wyndham South Bend/Notre Dame
La Quinta Suites by Wyndham South Bend Notre Dame Area

La Quinta Suites by Wyndham South Bend Notre Dame Area

3 out of 5
52554 STATE ROAD 933, South Bend, IN
The price is P5,599 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P5,599
P6,439 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,055 reviews)
Decent Stay in South Bend
"We were in across country road trip. The hotel was clean, check in was easy. Not in a very walkable area. Breakfast was pretty basic. The room was clean and it was quiet at night."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

La Quinta Suites by Wyndham South Bend Notre Dame Area
Doubletree Hotel South Bend

Doubletree Hotel South Bend

4 out of 5
123 N Dr. Martin Luther King BLVD, South Bend, IN
The price is P6,744 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P6,744
P7,755 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"We had a nice stay overall. We were surprised that there was no air conditioning on in the main areas of the hotel including the lobby and atrium where the restaurant was. We had to use room service for our meal because we didn’t want to eat and sweat at the same time. It was very much like a sauna ..."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Doubletree Hotel South Bend
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Villas at French Lick Springs

The Villas at French Lick Springs

3 out of 5
8718 W State Road 56, French Lick, IN
Stay at this 3-star condo in French Lick. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (248 reviews)
"Although the condo was dated, it was very clean and the bed was comfortable. We enjoyed our quiet, peaceful weekend stay."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

The Villas at French Lick Springs
The Argyle on Mass Ave

The Argyle on Mass Ave

4 out of 5
615 N East St., Indianapolis, IN
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lucas Oil Stadium and Indianapolis ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (133 reviews)
Great and comfortable stay
"Great location! Very accommodating for our stay, kitchen was well equipped! It gave home away from vibes. Minutes from everything in Indy. We will definitely stay again next summer!!"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

The Argyle on Mass Ave
CozySuites at Block20

CozySuites at Block20

2.5 out of 5
423 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Lucas Oil Stadium ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (56 reviews)
"The room was very nice and spacious! Very clean and great location. Very difficult check in process. Having 3 different codes to get in, not being able to use the elevator to go to the room, you had to go to the 1st floor and outside and then back in. Not easy when you are trying to bring in your ..."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

CozySuites at Block20
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit