10 Reasons to Visit Garland

Seeking something beyond the usual North Texas date night, Saturday jaunt or “staycation” spot? Look no further than Garland, with its charming downtown, big city access and amenities, local flavor, green expanses and lakeside location. Conveniently situated adjacent to northern and eastern Dallas, Garland is a destination with a distinctive and eclectic list of must-do’s.

Downtown Diversions... Garland's revitalized Downtown Square is a space for vibrant music, outdoor activities, diverse cuisine, and unexpected shopping. The revitalized historic hub showcases an imaginative play area, event lawn, urban water feature, and a unique gateway, making it the heart of community and culture.

Tee It Up… What is better than a PGA caliber course conveniently located to hotels? How about one that offers 63 holes of championship-style golf? Firewheel Golf Park provides both! It is the perfect location for team building or golf play.

Cheers… Lakewood Brewing Company offers unique handcrafted brews. Check out the Taproom Food menu for beer and food pairing suggestions, then, sit back, relax and enjoy the memorable scene of the outdoors Beer Garden, featuring tastings, tours, and live music on most weekends.

Gone Fishin'… Garland has a stunning natural backdrop in beautiful Lake Ray Hubbard, which spans 21,000 acres and is ideal for aquatic sports and sunbathing on the shoreline. Every gear need is met by the massive Bass Pro Shops on site. After a day on the lake, enjoy a spectacular sunset over cocktails or dinner on the patio of one of the lakeside eateries. Sunset dinner cruises for up to 90 guests are also available.

Eat Your Heart Out… Local eateries abound in Garland, and we are known for our diverse cuisine. Fortunate Son Garland serves New Haven–style pizza and craft beer in a laid‑back beer‑garden setting on the Downtown Square. Uniquely Garland’s Ferah Tex‑Med Kitchen is a refreshing and refined option for the food connoisseur. Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery , also on the Square, is so good you’ll be claiming Garland has the best BBQ in the DFW area. Or hit the Garland Pho Real Trail on your quest for the best pho in town.

Unexpected Shopping… where you can find rare and one-of-a-kind products. Fall in love with your beginner or vintage guitar at Jimmy Wallace Guitars . Visit The Frocksy and Karin Wiseman Collection, where you will discover marvelous and quirky for you and your home. Or stop by the Best Cowhides showroom and find exquisite genuine leather rugs and purses.

Cowboy Hat Capital of Texas… That's right; we are officially the center of the universe when it comes to Cowboy Hats. Return home from the Lone Star State sporting the best in Cowboy Hat attire from Garland manufacturers Stetson/Resistol and Dorfman Milano.

That's Entertainment... State-of-the-art entertainment venue Strike + Reel is the best place to cut loose. The venue offers movies, bowling, a climbing wall, a ropes course, delicious food, and adult beverages.

For the Love of Culture… Our diverse art scene is always colorful! Garland Arts creates dynamic experiences through musicals, orchestra, ballet, and even danzas folklóricas at the Granville Arts Center. Connect with local artists through our murals and events such as Día de los Muertos, giving our city that small-town feel.