Hazel Park may be compact, but its location puts you right in the middle of some seriously fun Metro Detroit driving. Start in Hazel Park, point the wheels toward Detroit, Royal Oak, Birmingham, or the waterfront, and you can turn an ordinary afternoon into a scenic road adventure. For visitors and locals who want to explore at their own pace, having a rental car makes it much easier to mix neighborhoods, parks, restaurants, and beautiful stretches of road into one flexible itinerary.

🌳 Route 1: Hazel Park to Royal Oak & Birmingham

A great first drive heads north from Hazel Park toward Royal Oak and Birmingham. This stretch gives you that classic suburban Metro Detroit feel, with tree-lined neighborhoods, local restaurants, shopping districts, and plenty of places to pull over for coffee or lunch.

Royal Oak is especially convenient for a casual day out. Browse the downtown area, grab something to eat, then continue toward Birmingham for a change of scenery and a more upscale shopping atmosphere.

✨ Local highlight: Don't rush this route. The fun is in making spontaneous stops along the way!

🏙️ Route 2: Woodward Avenue Adventure

For something with a little more automotive personality, point your rental toward Woodward Avenue. This famous corridor runs through communities including Ferndale, Royal Oak, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and Pontiac. Michigan officially recognizes M-1 Woodward Avenue as an All-American Road, making it one of the region's standout routes for a drive.

It's especially interesting for anyone who appreciates Michigan's car culture. Along the way, you'll find shopping, restaurants, entertainment, historic communities, and plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.

🚘 Why it's worth the drive:

• 🏁 Legendary automotive history

• 🛍️ Downtown shopping districts

• 🍽️ Restaurants and cafés

• 🌆 A constantly changing Metro Detroit landscape

🌊 Route 3: Follow Jefferson Toward the Water

Want a completely different vibe? Head toward Detroit and connect with Jefferson Avenue, then continue toward the Grosse Pointes and the Lake St. Clair shoreline. The route transitions into Lakeshore Drive through parts of the Grosse Pointes, where you'll find water views on one side and impressive lakeside homes on the other.

This is the kind of drive that's perfect when you aren't trying to reach a destination as quickly as possible. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and stop when something catches your attention.

🌅 Route 4: Belle Isle & Detroit River Views

For one of Metro Detroit's most memorable scenic stops, make your way to Belle Isle Park. The 985-acre island sits in the Detroit River between Detroit and Canada and offers views of both the city skyline and Windsor. The island also features the aquarium, conservatory, nature center, trails, and waterfront recreation.

📍 Good to know: Current improvement projects mean some areas of Belle Isle have temporary closures, so check conditions before heading out.

🍂 Make It a Full-Day Metro Detroit Drive

If you want to stretch your adventure farther, Metro Detroit has plenty of outdoor destinations beyond Hazel Park. The Huron-Clinton Metroparks system offers numerous parks around Southeast Michigan, with opportunities for hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and relaxing outdoors.

🚗 Ready to explore? Get behind the wheel with Good Faith Rentals in Hazel Park, MI, and create your own Metro Detroit road trip. Book your rental through Good Faith Rentals or call +1 313-546-9444. Pick your route, make a few unexpected stops, and enjoy the freedom to discover Southeast Michigan your way!