Lawrence, KS

Travel Guide

Lawrence
Lawrence
Photo by Andi Allen
Photo by Morgan O'riley
Photo by Heather Doughty Photography

Where to stay in Lawrence

Dusk looking out over the valley below Mount Oread. Nothing beats wandering this scenic campus to the sound of the carillon bells which sound every quarter hour. On Wednesday evening and Sunday afternoons faculty or students perform on the instrument. Wander the green space around Potters Lake during a concert for a truly magical experience. The campanile is a WWII memorial, so be sure to check out the structure itself too.

Downtown Lawrence

If you're spending some time in Downtown Lawrence, Lawrence Arts Center and Watkins Community Museum of History are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Lawrence
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Oread

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Oread, South Park Wading Pool and Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area Exhibit are top sights worth seeing.

Oread
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East Lawrence

Though East Lawrence might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Lawrence Arts Center and Theatre Lawrence.

East Lawrence
The cream cheese donuts here are LEGENDARY do not miss them if you are in town. I also highly recommend the pudding balls, cherry danish, and chocolate croissant. Bring cash or your checkbook they don't take cards.

Sunset Hills

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Sunset Hills and surrounding area, you can visit Lied Center of Kansas and Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics.

Sunset Hills
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North Lawrence

North Lawrence might not have many top sights, but Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center and Lawrence Arts Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

North Lawrence
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Hillcrest

4/5(87 area reviews)

Though Hillcrest might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and Spencer Museum of Art.

Hillcrest
StoneHill Lawrence, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
StoneHill Lawrence, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
3 out of 5
6101 Rock Chalk Dr, Lawrence, KS
The price is AED 325 per night from Jun 18 to Jun 19
AED 325
AED 375 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Jun - 19 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lawrence. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,124 reviews)
Would recommend for tournaments, west Lawrence
"Very clean and modern facility. Large community spaces. Staff was friendly and conveniences were nice. Room size was great. Even better, location for basketball tournament was perfect. Lots to offer for breakfast. Easy access to Kansas Turnpike."

Reviewed on 26 May 2025

StoneHill Lawrence, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
The Oread Lawrence, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
The Oread Lawrence, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
4 out of 5
1200 Oread Ave, Lawrence, KS
The price is AED 485 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
AED 485
AED 564 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Lawrence. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (918 reviews)
"Staff friendly and courteous. Love the rooftop; The Nest."

Reviewed on 15 May 2025

The Oread Lawrence, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Lawrence
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Lawrence
3 out of 5
2176 East 23rd St, Lawrence, KS
The price is AED 372 per night from Jun 16 to Jun 17
AED 372
AED 429 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lawrence. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"This would be my stay place every time I came to Lawrence if the beds were better. Facilities, location, staff, and room were great. Beds were hard, beyond firm, with smaller pillows, the opposite of what I prefer. Other than that, one of the better places in Lawrence I have stayed."

Reviewed on 19 May 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Lawrence
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
[2BR] The Sunburst Retreat
[2BR] The Sunburst Retreat
Lawrence
Stay at this vacation home in Lawrence. Enjoy a fitness center, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Theatre Lawrence and University of Kansas ...
10/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
Great Stay
"My stay was fantastic. So cutely and comfortably decorated. Nice to have garage stall. Comfortable beds and bedding. Location worked perfectly for my visit. Great amenities!! Nice to have the whole house for the stay! Will definitely stay here again when available for my visits."

Reviewed on 16 May 2025

[2BR] The Sunburst Retreat
Perfect location!  Cozy 2-bdrm condo w/ ample living space right off of Mass St
Perfect location! Cozy 2-bdrm condo w/ ample living space right off of Mass St
Lawrence
Stay at this vacation home in Lawrence. Enjoy laundry facilities, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Lawrence Arts Center and Freedom's ...
Beautiful flat with an incredible location downtown
"A must see Kansas Jayhawk themed flat located in the heart of shopping and restaurants in Downtown Lawrence. We were able to walk to campus within minutes.This property had everything needed for either a short weekend or a long stay. We will definitely be staying here in our future trips to Lawrence. ..."

Reviewed on 29 April 2025

Perfect location! Cozy 2-bdrm condo w/ ample living space right off of Mass St
Great location right off Mass
Great location right off Mass
Lawrence
Stay at this vacation home in Lawrence. Enjoy laundry facilities, in-room jetted tubs, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions South Park Wading Pool ...
Great Visit
"Really enjoyed the home in a great area of Lawrence. Very accessible to Mass Street"

Reviewed on 6 May 2025

Great location right off Mass
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Lawrence

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
268
5 - Excellent 53%
4 - Good
181
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
54
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

We love the town ... my aunt lives there, and we have visited quite a few times. We were up there to see our children. It's a quaint little town oh, that is crazy when colleges in session.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Love the city of Lawrence. Plenty to do and not far from the bigger cities. Great family or couples weekend.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Many unique shops and restaurants

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Downtown Mass street has lots of good restaurants. KU is an amazing school and campus.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great dining choices. Rock Chalk!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Shopping and dining on Massachusetts street downtown is great! Seeing my daughter at KU priceless.