The smart and trendy Detroit suburb of Royal Oak sits in the southeast corner of Michigan's Oakland County near seven primary thoroughfares. Visitors from throughout the metro region enjoy convenient access to this thriving community known for its entertainment and dining venues. Named for the English tree, Royal Oak loves its green spaces and operates 50 parks that provide quiet retreats and outdoor play to complement lively city action.
Detroit Zoo
- Royal Oak is home to Michigan's most popular paid family attraction, the Detroit Zoo. Spanning 125 acres, the zoo has more than 3,300 animals of 280 species living in naturalistic habitats. A favorite destination of zoo-goers is the Arctic Ring of Life, North America's largest polar bear exhibit. The 4-acre indoor/outdoor exhibit's clear walk-through tunnel thrills visitors with the sight of bears and other marine life swimming overhead. Other major exhibits include the Australian Outback Adventure, Great Apes of Harambee, a penguinarium and butterfly garden.
Theaters
- Royal Oak theaters add to the community's rich cultural life. The upscale Main Art Theatre has three screens, a liquor, beer and wine bar and valet parking on weekends. Emagine Theatre/Star Lane is a twin complex that caters to both movie buffs and bowlers. Stagecrafters community theater group presents 10 productions annually at the restored historic Baldwin Theatre, an attraction in itself. The Baldwin also brings back old-time silent films for retro experiences. Water Works Theatre Company presents productions during the summer months at Starr Jaycee Park. Another hot summer entertainment production to catch is the concert series on the library lawn staged by the Royal Oak Music Theatre.
Foodie Stops
- Diners hungry for variety will find it in Royal Oak, which is home to scores of restaurants. Represented cuisines include Asian, European, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican and vegan. Bakeries entice with cupcakes and pastries, and ice cream shops have a flavor for every palate. Since 1979, Gayle's Chocolates has supplied chocolate lovers with premium, small-batch truffles and chocolate specialties. More than two dozen pubs and taverns provide gathering spots and opportunities to try handcrafted brews, like Royal Oak Red produced at Royal Oak Brewery. Since opening in 1927, the Farmers Market has been a favorite stop for cooks and gardeners all spring and summer.
Downtown District
- More than 5 miles of walkways provide plenty of strolling options in Royal Oak's downtown. The vibrant district is filled with restaurants offering outdoor seating for people-watching, art galleries for inspiration, salons for pampering and a variety of retail shops. It's home to entertainment venues like Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle, which nurtured stars such as Jon Stewart, Jerry Seinfeld and Tim Allen. Downtown is also celebration central for community festivals including Ford Arts, Beats & Eats, the fall Spooktacular and Royal Oak's Holiday Magic Parade.
