If you’re looking for an all-around awesome place to visit for a summer vacation, Iowa City is the perfect warm-weather destination. Whether it’s arts, adventure, outdoors, sports, education, or relaxation, it’s all right here. 

This Big 10 city comes with all of the amenities a college town has to offer, making it a true vacation gem in the Midwest. From hiking, biking, kayaking, beaches, and pools to museums, theaters, concert venues, rooftop movies, breweries, and wine tasting, there’s fun and adventure around every corner. 

In honor of National Tourism Week, we wanted to give you a head start on planning your summer vacation to the Iowa City area. Whether you’re looking for a staycation nearby or one that’s within an easy drive—Iowa City has something for everyone.

This blog will give you an insider’s view (with helpful itineraries!) that focuses on where to stay, what to do, and everything you need in between. While our themes evolve around the arts, outdoor activities, and even a girls’ getaway, we’ve provided so many ideas, feel free to build your own adventure.

A Summer Vacation Infused With Art 

The Iowa City area is known as the Greatest Small City for the Arts, quite literally a place where you’ll see Xs marking the art venues all over town. That’s because we’re not only home to the world-renowned University of Iowa Writers Workshop and a UNESCO City of Literature, but we also have hundreds of arts, culture, and entertainment venues that stretch block by block in downtown Iowa City and beyond. 

Where to Stay: For art lovers, we recommend staying at the Hotel Chauncey Iowa City, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. We love this hotel for many reasons: the breathtaking floor-to-ceiling views, the proximity to everything downtown, and the cool hangouts they have on site, like SpareMe bowling alley and the very modern FilmScene movie theater. Finding something exciting to do is as easy as taking a few steps outside your hotel room, which means you can squeeze a lot more activities into your trip (see our recommendations of what to do below). Score!

While the location alone will wow you, the friendly staff, on-site parking, and spacious rooms are sure to add to your experience by creating a cozy home away from home. The Google reviews paint a lovely picture of what a stay there is like. 

Nastaha McKee said, “I had everything I needed in the room. It felt like home but a vacation at the same time. Shane Quinlan also said, “The rooms are HUGE, beautifully appointed and it’s quiet! I loved my floor-to-ceiling view from the seventh floor. I also thought it was one of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept in.” 

If you want to experience Hotel Chauncey Iowa City for yourself, you can book your stay here.

What to See or Do: There are so many things to do in the arts & culture community, it’s hard to name just a few. Luckily the Iowa City Downtown District created “X Marks the Arts” to make finding vibrant entertainment a little easier. 

Explore downtown Iowa City and look out for the black Xs (pictured above) outside venues and establishments. Seeing this X is your cue that you’re close to an arts, entertainment, or cultural venue. Once you walk in you might be treated to live music, art exhibitions, an expansive collection of books, or lively performance theater. You can choose to hit downtown and explore all the excitement without a plan and search out the Xs like a fun treasure hunt, or you can make a planned agenda and make sure you hit all the spots on your personal must-see list. There’s no wrong or right way to experience the arts. Below we’ll give you a small taste of the brilliant venues that are a part of X Marks the Arts. 

Stanley Museum of Art: The gorgeous $50 million University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art is an inspiring jewel not only for the University of Iowa but also for the state of Iowa. Admission is also always free. When you walk inside you’ll see art, light, and beauty reflected not just in the artwork but in the building itself. The museum, which found a new home in 2022 after the floods of 2008, houses world-renowned work from artists Jackson Pollock, Grant Wood, Mauricio Lasansky, and many more. Here, you’ll also find an expansive collection of African, Asian, and Indigenous Art of the Americas as well as modern and contemporary art, drawings, prints, and photography. Tip: check out the staircase if you can. Again, it’s a unique form of art itself!   

The Englert Theatre: Few cities are fortunate to have downtown theater that is not only historic but also thriving.  The Englert Theatre is a renovated, 104-year-old vaudeville venue that was brought back to life in 2004 by a true grassroots effort. You won’t miss it when you head to downtown Iowa City. It’s just off the Ped Mall, on Washington Street, a few doors down from Iowa Artisan Gallery, another great stop for anyone interested in shopping for original artwork from Midwest artists. The Englert, with its beautifully lit marque, draws in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, hosting over 130 music, comedy, dance, literature, and community events annually. The Englert has become a leader in the Midwestern art scene through its ongoing programming, partnerships with the community and the University of Iowa, its production of two innovative festivals – Mission Creek and Witching Hour, its commission work with local and international artists, its commitment to the preservation of history, and celebration of the evolving cultural diversity of the Iowa City area. This summer’s programming is packed with exciting shows and community events including Keb’Mo’, standup comedian Joe Pera, and even free building tours of the theatre. 

See the complete list of events here to help inspire your trip dates!

FilmScene: Two Locations: We mentioned FilmScene earlier, but it’s worth noting that there are two locations. One is  FilmScene at the Ped Mall and is the original home of Iowa City’s nonprofit cinema. It’s located in the restored 1850s Provisions and Packing Building. This location offers two screens and is also home to a popular — or what they call — a Sizzling Summer Rooftop series. Rooftop shows are typically held on Sunday nights from the end of May through October, but check the link for updates. The second FilmScene location is at The Chauncy as we mentioned. This venue not only features independent films and new releases but also hosts FilmScene in the Park, an outdoor cinema experience just next door at Chauncey Swan Park. Regular screenings are between May and October and are featured on a 48-foot screen. It draws thousands of families, couples, students, visitors, and locals annually. 

To learn more about the large variety of other spots part of the “X Marks the Art” campaign, make sure to explore the complete list here. You can truly create a whole trip around this list. 

Places to Eat: If you’re planning a vacation, you can’t let your food choices fall flat. The Iowa City area has so many wonderful places to dine but to help you create an itinerary that feeds your adventure for the arts, we’ve included a couple of must-try spots that fit with the theme. 

The Webster: The food and ambiance are so good at The Webster, it made national news. They earned a spot on the 2023 New York Times Restaurant List. Owner and Iowa City native Sam Gelman and his wife, Riene, opened The Webster in 2021. Before returning to Iowa, Sam was the sous-chef in Manhattan at a 2 Michelin-starred restaurant and Riene worked front of house at high-end restaurants gaining experience in what makes an outstanding experience for both the restaurant and the customer. Now at The Webster, they use their expertise to create a vibrant, high-end dining destination for foodies in the heart of Iowa City.  

The menu changes daily depending on the fresh produce they resource from their partner at Friendly Farm in Iowa City. Some rave-worthy dishes worth mentioning are the Duck Egg Tagliatelle, Grilled Trout, and Dry-aged Prime Cote de Boeuf. (Are you drooling, yet?) Plates are meant to be shared and Sam Gelman said he wants the vibe at the restaurant to feel like an extension of home.

Pullman Bar & Diner: Enjoy a delicious new take on traditional comfort food at Pullman Bar & Diner, which was featured on Food Network’s Top Places to Eat. According to the history on their menu, the owners are native Iowans committed to showcasing and celebrating the work of the region’s finest farmers, brewers, distillers, and food artisans.

Once you look over their offerings, you can see how hard it is to decide if the dishes or the craft cocktails should reign as the superstar of the menu. One of the popular staples is Croque Madame, which uses organic local eggs and bread sourced from the Bread Garden in Iowa City,  stuffed with thinly sliced ham drenched in a cheesy Mornay sauce. Pair with a Tipsy Pig, an old-fashioned maple-walnut cocktail made with local whiskey including house-cured bacon, and you’ll feel like you’re dining like a queen or king. 

Plated Table: If you’re looking for a unique summer dining experience you could plan your trip around the Rose Block Party on June 8th, 2024, hosted by Plated Table. During this event, ticket holders can sample a variety of rosé wine and a French-inspired meal on the downtown streets of Iowa City for just $55. This is guaranteed to feel like you’ve been transported to the streets of Paris for a special dinner. 

If eating dinner, all tickets need to be purchased ahead of time. And once you hear what’s on the menu you’ll be running to secure your spot. The bouillabaisse meal is a French fish and tomato stew (a vegetarian option is available) served with Local Crumb baguette, rouille, a glass of rosé, and dessert. The event is casual and sure to be a big hit. Grab your tickets and learn more here.

A Summer Vacation Focused on  Outdoor Fun

The Iowa City area is the ultimate vacation hotspot for anyone craving a low-key adventure! You might be surprised to hear how many cool outdoor activities the area has and how there are countless opportunities to connect with nature in Johnson County.  

Where to Stay: For those who will be spending a lot of time outdoors, the Courtyard by Marriott University Heights on Melrose Avenue is the ideal stay. The Courtyard is one of the area’s newest hotels and is located across the street from Kinnick Stadium and just blocks from Carver-Hawkeye Arena and one of the area’s premier golf courses. The hotel has a spacious Bistro (including an on-site Starbucks® and full-service cocktail bar and menu) on the first floor with high-top tables and private wrap-around booths that feature individual TVs to catch any game. 

When the weather’s nice, there’s no better place to gather than on the luxe patio furniture that surrounds nearly all sides of  the hotel with outdoor TVs (for those sports enthusiasts!) The hotel also offers free parking, an indoor pool, and a workout room. Pro tip: If you stay at the hotel, you can use their free shuttle that takes guests to Kinnick Stadium and Carver-Hawkeye Arena. And, it’s not uncommon to see athletes from Big Ten schools and their coaches staying at the hotel throughout the year depending on what sport is in season.

The hotel is also home to The Heights Rooftop event venue which has a spectacular view of the Stadium. It’s a great space for corporate events, weddings, holidays, summer family reunions, and more. 

Many refer to this Courtyard by Marriott as an Iowa City hotel, but technically, it’s in the heart of University Heights, or what people like to say is a city within a city. University Heights is nestled within the west side of Iowa City near popular restaurants and venues such as Stella, Barre3, Sidekick Coffee & Books, Maggie’s Farm Wood-Fired Pizza, and more.

One guest raved about his experience. “I have never received the level of customer service from an ENTIRE staff. From the front desk to the janitorial staff, they all were amazing,” Mz Raq said. “They were friendly, patient, accommodating, and informative beyond what they needed to be.” 

If this sounds like your kind of hotel stay, find booking information here. 

What to See or Do: If you’re a golf fan, you’ll want to schedule some tee time while you’re visiting. One of our favorite places to play is Finkbine Golf Course. It’s the University of Iowa’s collegiate team golf course, but is also open to the public. The beautiful facility stretches over 7,200 yards of rolling Iowa terrain and has 18 holes and a driving range. The course plays to a par 72 with a USGA course rating of 74.6 and a slope rating of 134. You’ll have a blast playing on the same green as numerous NCAA tournaments. Rates can vary depending on the tee time and day, so make sure you schedule your time ahead. 

If your group is looking for a more casual golfing experience, then add the new Toptracer driving range in Tiffin, PinSeekers to your must-do list. Rain or shine, you can enjoy a range of entertaining activities at PinSeekers. Gather your friends for a friendly driving challenge in the hitting bay suites overlooking 205 yards of interactive smart target greens. Each golf ball has laser tracking and uses cameras to determine the distance and speed. The same technology is used in PGA Tours! There’s also a mini-golf course, mini-bowling, multi-sports simulators, and dining on-site to keep everyone entertained. 

After you’ve crossed golfing off your list, head out to one of the great recreational parks or beaches in the area. If you’re looking to stay in town, Terry Trueblood Recreation Area is a can’t-miss spot to enjoy nature. You can explore the paved paths, which are known for bird-watching. If you’re visiting in late summer, you might even see some bald eagles, which are known to frequent the area. If you want to get out on the water, you can rent kayaks, paddle boats, and paddle boards to explore around the lake. There are also areas for fishing and great spots to bike too. If you’re looking to take a biking adventure, Bike Iowa City has organized routes for every skill level. We especially love the Lake and Fields route, which takes bikers through Terry Trueblood Recreation Area and will lead you to Big Grove Tap Room, which is a brewery where you could find yourself hanging out all day!

Just a little over 20 minutes outside town is Lake MacBride State Park. Here you can bring your boat and bathing suit to soak up some sun on the lake. If you don’t have a boat, you can rent pontoons, motorboats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. This well-kept swimming beach is especially popular with families, and you’ll find it’s super easy to spend a whole day there. It’s also a hot spot for fishing walleye, channel catfish, muskie, and is the only lake in Iowa where you can catch the prized Kentucky spotted bass.  

The beach at the Coralville Reservoir is also a summer gem. The multi-purpose reservoir was created for flood risk management but today the 23-mile-long lake offers campgrounds, several beaches, and boat ramps. To enjoy the beach, the fee is $5 per private vehicle or $2 per person for walk-in or bike-in. The marina rentals provide both ski boats, with water skis and tubes, and a pontoon boat where lily pad floats are included with your rental fee. They also have community lifejackets that can be borrowed for all beachgoers. So, you can find everything you need to have a worry-free experience. While you’re there make sure you hike to the dam to witness the gorgeous spillway for yourself or spend a day exploring the cool bedrock at the Devonian Fossil Gorge, which was uncovered as a result of the 1993 floods in the area and exposed 375 million year ocean floor. Imagine standing on floors that date back almost 200 million years before the dinosaurs! 

Another stop worth adding to your itinerary is Wilson’s Orchard & Farm. While visiting this local and popular farm, you’ll be able to pick your own produce and snap some gorgeous photos in the flower fields. Many visitors love stopping by and enjoying the hard ciders, Wilson has become popular for. Our favorite summer sip is Stella’s Strawberry Patch cider, which is a perfect blend of tart apples and juicy strawberries. It’s the best for when you’re soaking up some rays. While browsing their drink offerings, make sure you don’t miss out on their bakery. They bake fresh donuts every day as well as sourdough bread, cinnamon rolls, pies, turnovers, and more! They also just recently added farm-to-table pizza to the menu Wednesday-Sunday 11 am-8:30 pm. Admission to the farm is just $5 per person for anyone 3 years or older.

Places to Eat: We already mentioned some tasty spots to grab a bite to eat above, but we wanted to share some more favorites that are unique to the area and have a cool outdoorsy vibe. 

CAMP & Scout’s Honor: These neighbor establishments have a fun Midwestern flare. CAMP aims to bring the northern woods to Iowa City with log cabin paneling and flannel booths. Stop into CAMP and grab some appetizers and a hand-crafted cocktail like S’mores Shot or Camp Water in the cozy atmosphere reminiscent of sipping drinks around the fire. Before you head to Scout’s Honor, be sure to pose for a photo on the oversized Adirondack chairs outside. These two establishments are adjoined so it’s a quick hop over to Scout’s Honor for some classic midwestern food, including waffle fries, grilled cheese, cheese curds, double-smash camp burgers, pizzas, and more! Scout’s Honor has a similar fun campy decor as CAMP. The twinkle lights on the ceiling, witty neon signs on the walls, and a light blue Sprite camper inside add to the overall aesthetic and make it feel like you’re enjoying your meal in a caravan park. 

Maggie’s Farm Wood-Fired Pizza: I know we’ve mentioned pizza quite a bit in this section, but who doesn’t love pizza?! If you’re looking for a pizza that will make you feel like you’ve been transported straight to Italy, you want to check out Maggie’s Farm Wood-Fire Pizza. This contemporary pizzeria serves up elevated Napoli classics baked in a wood-fired oven. The cozy outdoor patio adds even more to the European flare and is perfect on a warm summer day. Maggie’s is just blocks away from the Finkbine Golf course.

The delicious food at Maggie’s has even caught national attention. It was voted “Best Pizza 2024” by Restaurant Guru and it was also named the “Best Italian Restaurant” for the state of Iowa in Eat This, Not That’s round-up of “Best Italian Restaurant in Every State,” proving that pizza isn’t the only star on their menu. They also serve up mouthwatering plates of pasta, like hand-made cannelloni stuffed with a blend of spinach and ricotta and topped with savory tomato & Mornay sauces, and desserts that are to die for. They are always testing out new and exciting things in their kitchen so make sure to keep an eye out for their weekly specials.

A Relaxing Girls Summer Vacation 

Looking for some much-needed R&R to pamper yourself—and maybe even squeeze in some fun with your friends?  When you want a carefree and easy trip, Coralville, right outside of Iowa City, is the ultimate destination. 

Where to Stay: To create the most memorable and easy stay, the Homewood Suites by Hilton is the perfect choice. Located in the heart of the Iowa River Landing shopping center, you and your friends will be a short walk to a variety of attractions. The comfy rooms make kicking back and relaxing at night easier than ever with kitchenettes in every room. So you don’t even have to worry about leaving the hotel if you just want extra time hanging out. Every morning you can enjoy a free hot breakfast and in the afternoon a happy hour with some light appetizers. There’s also an indoor pool and hot tub that even adults will enjoy taking a dip in. 

Many reviews couldn’t say enough about the staff and the hotel’s location. One reviewer, Scoot Monroe shared, “We had our family together for two nights. Everything went perfectly. We had three rooms and we were able to enjoy everyone together in one room due to the space in the room. The breakfast was tremendous with great choices. The evening reception was also very nice. We did not even need to go out for dinner those evenings.”

Homewood Suites makes it so your whole group will enjoy their stay. If you want to find out more about booking, click here. 

What to See or Do: With the Iowa River Landing right outside the door, there are so many options to explore. The 180 acres include over 330,000 square feet of retail and entertainment space. The IRL (short for Iowa River Landing) is a very popular destination to explore unique boutiques and shops and one of the top department stores in the country. Some of our local favorites are listed below. 

Cielo: Cielo means “heaven” which is fitting since Monica Berry, owner and operator, created a dreamy shop full of stellar jewelry, soft clothing, sassy gifts, luxury blankets, candles, self-care products and so much more. If you and your friends are looking for the ultimate memento for your trip, each of you could get a permanent jewelry piece, which is a popular item at the shop. Even if you don’t have anything special in mind, once you stop in, chances are you’ll find something that’ll catch your eye.

Von Maur: Von Maur has been a shopping staple in the Iowa River Landing since 2013. The Iowa-based company has the distinct honor of being named the top department store in the country by Newsweek’s “America’s Best Retailers 2022.” The store offers brand-name clothing, jewelry, and home accessories, making it a perfect place to wander and browse for all ages. From a live piano player to free gift wrapping and shipping nationwide, it’s hard to go wrong when you’re shopping at Von Maur. 

The Funky Zebras Boutique: The Funky Zebras Boutique is a small business that started with the goal of helping women feel good in their skin. That’s why the shop carries sizes Small-3x to make sure everyone can find something that makes them feel and look amazing. They switch out their inventory every week so that you can find unique and stylish wardrobe pieces. Stop in and shop around, you might even find something you want to treat yourself to. 

To experience some much-deserved pampering, take a quick 7-minute drive outside of the IRL to Ivy Salon & Spa Coralville.  Here you and your friends can get manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, and even beauty services. The salon creates a relaxing atmosphere that allows any built-up stress to melt away with its clean and minimalist designs and the talented staff is super friendly. After your visit, you will feel like a whole new person!

Places to Eat: There are so many great places to pop into for a bite to eat or something to drink within the IRL. Whether you want coffee, something for your sweet tooth, or something to fill you up, the IRL has it. Below we’re sharing just a couple of stops to add to your list. 

Watermill Kitchen + Bar: When you’re looking to have a delicious dinner with your friends where you can sit back and chat long into the night, Watermill Kitchen + Bar inside the Hyatt Regency Coralville and Conference Center, is the place to go. Here they showcase all the incredible flavors that the Midwest has to offer. The experts behind the menu have created dishes that put mouthwatering twists on all the region’s flavors. Try the signature glazed meatloaf and it will instantly become your new favorite (Sorry Grandma’s beloved recipe!) or give the skillet french toast a try with its unique corn flake crust and you might want to make multiple trips to get your fix! 

Tip: Make sure to check out the special Herky statue outside the hotel called “From the Logo” which is inspired by the former Hawkeye basketball superstar, Caitlin Clark. This statue is part of Herky on Parade, which is 100 themed Herky statues placed throughout the area. (Learn more about it and see more creative designs and the local artists’ stories behind them here).

Vesta: If you want to try some different flavors then Vesta is the spot to hit up. This Mediterranean restaurant serves dishes from France, Spain, Greece, Italy, and North Africa while adding its own American flair. Everyone in your party will be able to find something they want to try on the menu. Spice up your night with the delectable Vulcan Shrimp or treat yourself to Wagyu Sirloin steak. If you’re looking for something lighter, they have several salads that are anything but boring. The Roasted Beet Salad features mixed greens, beets, candied walnuts, gorgonzola cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette. The large patio is a local favorite and allows your party to dine outside if you’re looking to enjoy the night. 

If you need something to nibble or sip on, there are a lot of little stops to pop into. Scratch Cupcakery is the ultimate dessert destination. Explore the case of freshly baked goodies including over 250 dazzling gourmet cupcake flavors. Their selection is so good, that it’s hard even to pick just a few favorites to highlight for you! If cupcakes aren’t your thing, they also offer cookies, hot drinks, milkshakes, and more. 

You’ll also want to make sure to stop into the locally owned and operated WineStyles Tasting Station to experience wine in a new way. At WineStyles they encourage guests to taste, learn, and enjoy the best in wine, craft beer, fine chocolates, and more. The ambiance at the store is similar to an old-world wine cellar, where customers are encouraged to try and experience the products before purchasing—because they want to make sure if you’re buying a bottle of wine, there won’t be any surprises whether you like it or not. They also have a wine bar inside so you can stop in to sip on the wine selections and learn more about the products.  

To see a complete list of all the shops and dining options available in the Iowa River Landing, click here. 

All That’s Left Is To Plan Your Summer Vacation! 

We hope our detailed itineraries inspire you to start booking your summer trip today. There’s no better time to get the conversation going than during National Tourism Week. If you’re looking for more family-friendly options, make sure to check out our Top 5 Kid-Friendly Hotels in the Iowa City area.   

If this blog inspires you to take a trip, we would love to see your photos. Use the hashtag #thinkiowacity in your caption so we can see all the fun you’re having—we might even ask if we can share them on our social accounts! (Make sure you’re following us on Facebook and Instagram). 

We can’t wait to hear about all of the amazing adventures you have in Iowa City.