South Bend Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Basilica of the Sacred Heart featuring a park and heritage architecture
Basilica of the Sacred Heart which includes flowers, a park and heritage architecture
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 Centre. Originally built in 1921, the Morris Performing Arts Centre is on the National Register for Historic Places. 

If you are a history buff, be sure to walk through the Oliver Mansion and Centre for History, the Victorian mansion that was Joseph D. Oliver’s house he was the inventor of the chilled plough. Visit the indoor museum at the Military Honour 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 Centre 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 kilometres) 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 showing a garden, wild flowers and heritage architecture

Northeast South Bend

Though Northeast South Bend may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Compton Family Ice Arena and Morris Performing Arts Center.

Northeast South Bend
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Harters Heights

Harters Heights might not have many top sights, but Compton Family Ice Arena and Notre Dame Stadium are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Harters Heights
South Bend featuring 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
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Wooded Estates

While there might not be top attractions in Wooded Estates, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Compton Family Ice Arena and Notre Dame Stadium.

Wooded Estates
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Near Northwest

Near Northwest might not have many top sights, but South Bend Civic Theater and Morris Performing Arts Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Near Northwest
The History Museum which includes interior views, heritage elements and a house

West Washington

West Washington might not have many top sights, but Four Winds Field and South Bend Civic Theater are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

West Washington
Larkspur Landing South Bend

Larkspur Landing South Bend

2.5 out of 5
52709 Indiana State Route 933, South Bend, IN
The price is ₹6,809 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹6,809
₹7,831 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (986 reviews)
9 out of 10
"9 out of 10, just starting to be a tiny bit run down. Our room was very clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Larkspur Landing South Bend
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 ₹9,153 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹9,153
₹10,526 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Great folks, great location Hilton should be proud!"

Reviewed on 8 Jun 2025

Doubletree Hotel South Bend
Baymont By Wyndham South Bend

Baymont By Wyndham South Bend

2.5 out of 5
215 South Dixie Way, South Bend, IN
The price is ₹6,043 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹6,043
₹6,949 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in South Bend. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (147 reviews)
"Bq"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Baymont By Wyndham 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (239 reviews)
"This is our second time staying at this property and we love it there."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 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 Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Lucas ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (123 reviews)
Nice spot
"Great location. Host always responsive."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

The Argyle on Mass Ave
CozySuites at Block20

CozySuites at Block20

2.5 out of 5
423 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Lucas Oil Stadium and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (53 reviews)
"Easy and convenient love the parking garage"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 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.

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