You Ain’t Discovered Nothin’ Yet – Top 10 Hidden Gems in Garland

Garland's outdoor spaces are as diverse as its community, offering everything from championship-level golf to rare old-growth forests and skateboarding terrain built for legends.

• Firewheel Golf Park – Tee it Up! A PGA-caliber public course with 63 holes across three scenic layouts: Lakes, Old, and Bridges. Firewheel has hosted major tournaments and delivers a country-club experience without the pretension.
• Jon Comer Skatepark – Skate like a legend. Named after Garland native and pro skater Jon Comer, this state-of-the-art facility is Garland's first and Texas' second-largest skatepark. With 46,500 square feet of ramps, rails, and bowls, plus walking trails, shade pavilions, restrooms, and a nearby food truck park, it's a premier spot for skaters and spectators alike.
• Rowlett Creek Preserve – A trail-lover's haven. This 97-acre park features 16.3 miles of unpaved trails for hiking, biking, birdwatching, and running. It also hosts popular cyclocross races and outdoor events year-round.
• Spring Creek Forest Preserve – Step into a living time capsule. Home to towering old-growth trees and over 650 species of plants and animals, this 100-acre preserve became the first in Dallas County recognized by the Old-Growth Forest Network. A peaceful escape maintained in partnership with the Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest, it's ideal for students, scientists, and nature lovers alike.

Garland is a culinary playground full of global flavors and creative dishes. Must-try stops include:

• Ferah Tex-Med Kitchen – A fusion of Mediterranean tradition and Texas flair.
• Smith Spot BBQ – A locally owned favorite dishing out juicy brisket, ribs, smoked sausage, and classic Southern sides—all slow-cooked with care and packed with flavor.
• Fortunate Son – A modern American kitchen and bar known for bold, chef-driven comfort food and cocktails, plus their iconic New Haven-style pizza, which earned an impressive 8.1 score from Dave Portnoy, the internet's most popular pizza reviewer.
• Pho Real Trail – A self-guided tour of Garland's vibrant Vietnamese dining scene, featuring top spots for pho, bánh mì, spring rolls, and more. Explore participating restaurants at garlandphoreal.com.

Skip the big-box experience and explore Garland's one-of-a-kind boutiques and specialty shops:

• Jimmy Wallace Guitars – A legendary stop for musicians and collectors.
• The Frocksy – A curated collection of vintage and modern fashion.
• Karin Wiseman Collection – Whimsical gifts, home accents, and accessories.

• Boogie Nights – A vibrant vintage shop offering retro fashion, accessories, and boots from the 1970s to the early 2000s.
• Dead Wax – A record store specializing in rare and hard-to-find vinyl across genres from classic rock to hip hop.

Looking for something to do after dark or on a rainy day? Try:

• Strike + Reel – An entertainment megaplex featuring luxury movie theaters, bowling lanes, arcade games, and a full-service restaurant.
• Texas Skatium – A classic roller-skating rink with decades of local history and retro flair, still hosting open skates, parties, and themed nights.

Garland throws some of the most vibrant and family-friendly events in North Texas, celebrating music, culture, and tradition all year long. The city's annual calendar is filled with signature experiences that showcase its diversity and creativity:

• Music Made Here Concert Series – Free live performances by dynamic artists on the first Friday of each month, January through December, at Downtown Garland Square.
• Asian American Heritage Festival—Celebrate the rich traditions of Asian-Pacific American communities with cultural performances, a Colorful World Parade, lion dances, craft and food vendors, and art displays.
• Juneteenth Celebration – Commemorate freedom and culture with live music, entertainment, local food, and family-friendly activities in Downtown Garland.
• Red, White & You – Kick off Independence Day on July 3 with patriotic music, food trucks, games, and a spectacular fireworks show.
• Fall Fest & Guzzler 0.5K Run – The world's shortest (and most fun) race, paired with fall-themed entertainment, craft brews, local bites, and family fun.
• Día de los Muertos – A festive celebration honoring loved ones with music, traditional altars, art, and cultural performances.
• Christmas on the Square – A magical holiday tradition with twinkling lights, seasonal entertainment, and festivities in Downtown Garland.

Garland's creative spirit thrives in the Bankhead Cultural Arts District, where public art, live performances, local history, and visual arts intersect in one vibrant, walkable hub. Take the Garland Public Art Walking Tour to explore over a dozen murals and sculptures. Highlights include Harmony by John Bramblitt, a vivid mural symbolizing unity and inclusion, and Elevate by Mila Sketch, a dynamic piece reflecting Garland's upward energy. Access the full tour via the Visit Garland TX app.

Catch a live show at the Granville Arts Center, the district's centerpiece venue. The center offers symphony concerts, theatrical productions, dance, and community events throughout the year.

Art lovers can visit the Epiphany Gallery, home to rotating exhibits and creative programming, and the Ninth Street Gallery, featuring contemporary works by local and national artists.

To connect with the city's roots, step into the Garland Landmark Museum, located in the restored 1901 Santa Fe Depot. Open Thursdays through Saturdays, the museum displays artifacts and exhibits on Garland's rail history, Western heritage, and everyday life in the early 20th century—all within the district.

From lakeside adventures and golf courses to craft breweries, cowboy hats, and global cuisine, Garland is full of experiences waiting to be explored. So next time someone says there's nothing to do in Garland, tell them—You ain't discovered nothin' yet.

👉 Download the Visit Garland TX app to plan your adventure, explore hidden gems, and stay in the loop on local events, dining, shopping, and more.