Explore Oakland County
Pontiac, the county seat, anchors Oakland County in the Metro Detroit area of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Discover the communities, local businesses, outdoor adventures, restaurants, events, and hidden gems that make Oakland County unique.
Communities
Choose a community to begin exploring.
Pontiac, the county seat, sits at the heart of Michigan’s second-most populous county — a county known for affluent Detroit suburbs and deep automotive roots, with Stellantis (Chrysler) headquartered in Auburn Hills. Royal Oak is home to the Detroit Zoo, while Troy, Rochester Hills, Birmingham, Ferndale, Novi, Southfield, Farmington Hills, Bloomfield Hills, Waterford, and Clawson each bring their own character.
Discover Oakland County
🍽️ Restaurants
From Royal Oak and Ferndale’s celebrated dining scenes to Birmingham’s upscale restaurants and Troy’s diverse eateries, find local dining favorites throughout the county.
🏨 Lodging
Hotels and inns — from business stays in Troy, Novi, and Southfield to boutique lodging in Birmingham and Royal Oak.
🌲 Outdoor Recreation
Explore hundreds of lakes, county parks, and trails — from Kensington Metropark on the county’s western edge to Clinton River trails and the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak.
🛍️ Local Businesses
Shop local and support the shops and services of Pontiac, Troy, Rochester Hills, Birmingham, Royal Oak, Ferndale, Novi, Southfield, Auburn Hills, Farmington Hills, Bloomfield Hills, Waterford, and Clawson.
📅 Events
Cruise-season celebrations along Woodward Avenue, summer festivals in Birmingham and Ferndale, and community events throughout the county each year.
⭐ Hidden Gems
Discover places that locals love — from the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak and Cranbrook’s gardens in Bloomfield Hills to historic Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester Hills.
Featured Communities
From Pontiac, the county seat with deep automotive roots, to the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, the shops of Birmingham and Ferndale, and the corporate corridors of Troy, Novi, Southfield, and Auburn Hills, Oakland County’s communities each offer their own Metro Detroit character.
Help Build Oakland County
Know a great local business, event, attraction, or hidden gem? Help us build the most complete community guide by sharing what makes Oakland County special.