Just a short drive from Hazel Park, MI, Ferndale offers the kind of day out where you can mix great food, independent shops, public art, parks, and plenty of local character without spending hours on the road. For visitors staying in Hazel Park or nearby communities, having a rental car makes it easy to head over to Ferndale whenever the mood strikes. Good Faith Rentals in Hazel Park, MI gives travelers the flexibility to turn a simple afternoon drive into a fun Metro Detroit outing.

🌆 First Stop: Downtown Ferndale

Start around the intersection of Woodward Avenue and 9 Mile Road, the heart of Downtown Ferndale. The area is packed with restaurants, shops, entertainment, murals, and locally owned businesses. The City of Ferndale highlights its inventive dining, unique shopping, public art, and distinctive downtown atmosphere as major reasons to visit.

⭐ Local tip: Don't rush through downtown. Park the car, walk a few blocks, check out the storefronts, grab something to eat, and see what catches your eye. Ferndale is particularly well suited to this kind of relaxed exploring.

🎨 Add Some Art, Food & Shopping

Ferndale has a creative side that makes it different from a typical suburban shopping trip. Public murals and installations can be found throughout the community, while places such as the Rust Belt Market bring together independent vendors, vintage finds, crafts, and other locally made goods. The city also promotes an ArtWalk map for visitors who want to discover its public art scene.

When hunger kicks in, you won't have to look far. Ferndale's dining scene ranges from casual cafés and international cuisine to more elevated restaurants, giving you plenty of excuses to make a full afternoon of your visit.

🌳 Take a Break at a Local Park

Need a little fresh air between stops? Ferndale has 14 parks and greenspaces, with amenities that include walking paths, pavilions, a splash pad, and a skatepark.

A rental car is handy here because you can easily combine downtown attractions with a quieter outdoor stop instead of committing your entire visit to one neighborhood.

🅿️ Know Before You Park

Driving around Ferndale is straightforward, but downtown parking is worth understanding before you arrive. The city operates public lots and parking along portions of 9 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, with payment handled through the ParkFerndale mobile app. Current paid parking enforcement generally runs Monday through Saturday, while Sundays are free.

Quick checklist:

• 📱 Have the parking app ready

• 🅿️ Check posted signs before leaving your vehicle

• 🚶 Park once and explore downtown on foot

• 🍽️ Leave room for an unexpected food stop!

🚘 Make Hazel Park Your Starting Point

Ferndale is close enough to Hazel Park to make an easy half-day adventure, but having your own vehicle means you aren't restricted to one destination. You can visit Ferndale, continue toward Royal Oak, explore more of Oakland County, or head into Detroit when you're ready.

With Good Faith Rentals in Hazel Park, MI, your Metro Detroit adventure can start right here. Ready to explore Ferndale without the hassle? Call +1 313-546-9444 or book your rental car with Good Faith Rentals and hit the road! 🚗