Travel & Stay
Spending a few days in town? Take some time to explore some of our favorite spots, and see why we’ve decided to call Iowa City home.
hotel Recommendations
Coralville
The Hyatt Regency Iowa River Landing
300 East 9th Street
Coralville, IA 52241
319-688-4000
Close to: Walking trails, shops, restaurants, Trader Joe’s
Distance to venue: 3 miles
Downtown
The Graduate
210 S Dubuque Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
319-337-4058
Close to: Downtown restaurants, bars, boutiques, U of I
Distance to venue: 1.5 miles
for those
traveling
with Kids
The Highlander
2525 Highlander Place
Iowa City, IA 52245
319-354-2000
Close to: Not quite as much, but has an awesome pool, arcade, and restaurant (and is still within an easy drive to everything, this is Iowa after all!)
Distance to venue: 3 miles
Our favorite restaurants
Rick’s pick
Kick back at this refurbished diner offering elevated comfort fare, plus craft cocktails & beers. Get the kitchen fries if you’re in the mood to really indulge. A great option for brunch, too!
sarah’s pick
Discover locally-sourced ingredients, smart wine pairings, and true culinary excellence in an intimate setting. This is where Rick and I celebrated our engagement, and we still rave about the experience!
Dakota’s pick
Enjoy this charming retro-style spot known for serving fresh, homemade breakfast classics. Dakota likes the cinnamon roll and chocolate chip pancakes. A great spot for kids and grownups alike!
Things to do
hike at squire point
Squire Point offers scenic trails that wind through lush woodlands and along the Coralville Reservoir, making it a peaceful escape just minutes from downtown Iowa City. The paths vary in difficulty, so you can enjoy a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike depending on your mood.
grab a drink downtown
Downtown Iowa City offers a vibrant mix of bars, breweries, and cocktail lounges, each with its own personality and charm. We like The Greenhouse, Pullman, or — if you’re feeling fancy — The Webster.
shop at iowa river landing
Iowa River Landing is a vibrant shopping and dining district in Coralville, offering a mix of national retailers, unique boutiques, and local favorites (including Sarah’s store!). We recommend Tribute and Iowa Athletic Club for dining options.
golf at finkbine
The official course of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Finkbine offers a beautifully maintained, championship-level course that challenges golfers of all skill levels. Enjoy a meal at Bumps restaurant to complete the experience.
bowl + play arcade games at spareme
SpareMe is a modern bowling alley in downtown Iowa City that blends the fun of classic bowling with a lively, upscale atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy sleek lanes, craft cocktails, and a full menu, making it as much a social hangout as it is a place to play.
go herky hunting
Herky on Parade is a beloved public art display featuring decorated statues of the University of Iowa’s mascot, Herky the Hawk, scattered throughout the area. Each statue is uniquely designed by local artists, showcasing a mix of school spirit, creativity, and community pride.
See you in Iowa City!
See you in Iowa City!