About South Bend
South Bend is a city in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States, and its county seat. It lies along the St. Joseph River near its southernmost bend, from which it derives its name. It is the fourth-most populous city in Indiana with a population of 103,453 at the 2020 census. Located directly south of Indiana's northern border with Michigan, South Bend anchors the broader Michiana region. Its metropolitan area had a population of 324,501 in 2020, while its combined statistical area had 812,199 residents.
Places to visit in South Bend
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Basilica of the Sacred Heart
ReligiousThe Gothic Revival church at the heart of the University of Notre Dame campus is filled with painted murals and French stained glass, and sits beside the famous Golden Dome.
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Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes
ReligiousA quiet stone replica of the grotto at Lourdes on the Notre Dame campus, where visitors light candles among the trees near St. Mary's Lake, especially atmospheric in the evening.
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Notre Dame Stadium
Landmark · 2 mi from centreHome of the Fighting Irish football team, this historic stadium is a pilgrimage site for college football fans, and the surrounding campus is pleasant for walking any time of year.
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Studebaker National Museum
MuseumTells the story of the Studebaker company, which built wagons and later cars in South Bend, with a collection that includes presidential carriages and classic automobiles.
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East Race Waterway
Nature · 33 mi from centreAn artificial whitewater channel through downtown South Bend where kayakers and rafters paddle in summer, flanked by riverwalk paths along the St. Joseph River that are pleasant for an easy stroll.
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Potawatomi Zoo
ZooA compact zoo on the east side of the city housing a range of animals in naturalistic exhibits, a good outing for families visiting South Bend.
Where to stay in South Bend
Popular hotels in South Bend, out of 82 properties you can book.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Mishawaka South Bend
From $306 per night
Hotel South Bend - Campus
From $220 per night
Ivy Court Inn Suites
From $191 per night
Inn At St. Mary'S Hotel & Suites
From $168 per night
La Quinta Inn Suites By Wyndham South Bend
From $120 per night
Residence Inn South Bend Mishawaka
From $147 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Mishawaka/South Bend at Herit
From $219 per night
La Quinta Inn & Suites South Bend near Notre Dame
From $162 per night
Embassy Suites by Hilton South Bend at Notre Dame
From $465 per night
Irish Lodge South Bend
From $100 per night
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Mishawaka, IN
From $88 per night
Hilton Garden Inn South Bend
From $230 per night
Best time to visit South Bend
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit South Bend is September, when average daytime highs are around 78°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
South Bend weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 68° 37° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 70° 49° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 70° 51° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 71° 50° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 74° 55° 2%
- Mon 26 Oct 72° 53° 3%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/Indiana/IndianapolisUTC−4
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to South Bend
These are the airports closest to central South Bend. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- SBN South Bend Regional Airport4 mi (7 km) from the city centre
Getting around South Bend
Driving around yourself is the best way to navigate the city. St. Joseph County's road naming system makes it easy to find your way around. If you get lost or lose your bearings, remember that the main county roads running east-west are named after presidents and other famous figures (but mostly presidents) and begin, alphabetically, with Adams Rd. in the north near Michigan and end with Taylor in the south, near Marshall County.
By bike
There are no bike shops that rent bicycles in South Bend, but the city is now home to a fleet of LimeBikes which can be rented by downloading the app. Riders can rent an available bike at a low price, (usually $1 per ride + $0.05 per minute), and don’t need to return it to a designated bike rack like other bike-share programs.
South Bend travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit South Bend?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit South Bend is September, when average daytime highs are around 78°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.
What is the weather like in South Bend?
July is usually the warmest month in South Bend, with average highs of 83°F (28°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 18°F (-8°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 149 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to South Bend?
South Bend Regional Airport (SBN) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (7 km) from the centre of South Bend.
What time zone is South Bend in?
South Bend uses the America/Indiana/Indianapolis time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around South Bend?
Driving around yourself is the best way to navigate the city. St. Joseph County's road naming system makes it easy to find your way around.
What are the best places to visit in South Bend?
Top sights in South Bend include Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, Notre Dame Stadium and Studebaker National Museum. The Gothic Revival church at the heart of the University of Notre Dame campus is filled with painted murals and French stained glass, and sits beside the famous Golden Dome.
Where should I stay in South Bend?
Popular areas for hotels in South Bend include Mishawaka and South Bend. Well-reviewed options include Home2 Suites by Hilton Mishawaka South Bend and Hotel South Bend - Campus.
How many hotels can I book in South Bend?
Destina Holidays currently lists 82 properties in and around South Bend, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
