40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (2024)

The top stops along the way from Las Vegas to Dallas (with short detours) are Sandia Peak Tramway, Musical Instrument Museum, and Fort Worth Stockyards. Other popular stops include Old Town, Inn & Spa at Loretto, and Cadillac Ranch.

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Musical Instrument Museum

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Museum

Live music venue

Specialty Museums

The Musical Instrument Museum is the world's only global musical instrument museum, displaying more than 15,000 pieces of music-related equipment from around the world. Highlights include a range of displays for iconic musicians such as Elvis Presley, John Lennon and Carlos Santana. The museum is located just twenty minutes drive north of the city center.

Amazing! If your wondering if you should visit, the answer is yes! What a great museum! Clean, bright, well laid out, easy to follow. You will get a clean pair of headphones that play all the video clips showing on the screens in each display. We spent 4.5 hours here, our kids enjoyed it too. Their favorite was the Experience Room where you can play a variety of instruments. We also were lucky enough that we caught an impromptu concert in the patio by the Navy Southwest Brass Band. The museum was packed, but never felt crowed. Other then a few annoying people shouting conversations out loud, it was a great overall experience. Staff were all super kind and friendly.Great value!

klmullet — Google review

What a pleasant surprise for me and my family. I visited MIM during Teacher Aappreciation week and enjoyed free admission and a gift catalog which was of very good quality. We were an all-adult group of 4 and we had a blast! The exhibits were organized by region, and we walked around the world learning about music and history. Some exhibits were interactive videos with audio headsets. We did the self-guided tour. A lot of walking, but there were plenty of seats to take a break. The experience room was a unique place where visitors can try playing all kinds of instruments. The museum restaurant, Cafe Allegro, did not disappoint. We all purchased some unique items in the gift shop. Give yourself plenty of time. Our group spent 5 hours there !

Shonii DiFrancesco — Google review

Really can’t say enough about this place. I’m not even a Musical person, but I was just blown away by this museum. Way larger than I expected, with absolutely beautiful grounds that can be enjoyed when the weather finally breaks! Not only will you see a vast variety of instruments, But also outfits and costumes worn by stars. So many historical instruments, beautifully arranged by region, as well as by instrument type. If I, as a non-musical person loved it, I cannot imagine how much a musical person will enjoy this place.

KATHRYN A — Google review

Fascinating. Several hours was not enough. Cafeteria has great food. Outside patio eating area was beautiful. Will go again but do in reverse order as so much info in American area alone.

Peter Wildes — Google review

We had fun with our infant. They have headphones and an exploration and play place for little ones. A great time for the whole family. Just wonderful. Worth buying the membership as you will want to come back over and over if you are a resident. And the restaurant is quite good and affordable.

K M — Google review

Very cool visit. First off though…this is a big museum. If you want to see and read and interact with it all..leave yourself at least two days. If you can navigate topically through it, a full single day.Well presented, good use of technology with their headsets. Hands on space for kids. Good was museum pricing, but really good and good quantities. Will be back for sure just to finish it!

Nick Kottelenberg — Google review

Wow! Had such a fantastic time here. There are instruments from all over the world grouped by country or genre. You get audio devices that let you listen to the music from each section as you pass along. There’s a room of interactive instruments at the end by the cafe. The museum is well curated and organized. Definitely recommend to anyone visiting Phoenix.

Raymond Luong — Google review

This is a wonderful experience for ALL ages!!! The Experience Exhibit is a fantastic room where children and adults can play with many of the instruments seen throughout the museum. Highly recommend stopping if you're looking for an, at your own pace, adventure. Almost all of the exhibits provide attendees the ability to listen to and see the instruments being played in their natural environment. For listening, the museum provides the wireless receiver and wired headset. We spent almost three hours here!!!

jp huff — Google review

This is a wonderful place, not just for musical instruments, but also history and geography and cultures from around the world.Each country display has a map where the country is located, and instruments (and costume /dress) used in that location. The headphones will link to the videos playing on that display screen, which show a few clips of the music in that region, using the instruments you see on display.There are also displays of musical instrument manufacturers, and displays of each kind of instrument.There is a coffee shop and an outdoor area where there was a live performance that day. The outdoor area is gorgeous, with covered tables, shaded trees areas, water features and landscaping.You are not permitted to carry water or any food or drink through the museum. I had to check my water bottle at the front.Everyone working was very kind, friendly, and helpful! One lady told me that they have live performances most nights of the week.It is more affordable to buy the membership if you plan on going more than once - which would be great to see more! There is so much here, I had to miss areas since I was only there for 2.5 hours.Overall wonderful place with a wonderful atmosphere!

Kathryn Friedlund — Google review

This is one of the best museums that we've visited! Visitors get a headset that pairs with videos at each display. We spent 4 hours on the main floor, and there was still more to see! They have a big room with hands-on instruments for exploration and experimentation as well as a cafe and a restoration viewing area on the main floor. The upstairs features the history of music and instruments from every continent. It was definitely worth the$20 admission.

Lisa Moll — Google review

What a fantastic museum!! Really loved going through each exhibit but I wished we had more time in okie schedule to see everything. There were free tours that happen every other hour, which is great, but they breeze through everything. My husband and I eventually broke away from the group so that we could take our time and look at everything. We’ll be back!!!

Mikhaela Padilla — Google review

Considering that the museum is of musical instruments, it is larger than I expected it to be. Very immaculately curated with instruments from every corner of the world.The geographic arrangement along with a proximity enabled audio tour is well orchestrated. As soon as you arrive at a display your audio tour connects to the correct audio allowing you to hear the instrument being displayed. Fading as you walk away only to connect to the next display. Very well done!One could spend a full day easily. We did.A must see if you are visiting Scottsdale.

Indra Singhal — Google review

There is so much to see here! The audio box with headphones provides a guided tour with a lot of information. There is a room with many instruments that can be played and touched, but the museum overall isn't ideal for young children. Recommended for anyone interested in musical instruments and history. Very large collection from all over the world.

Heidi O — Google review

If you like music, history, cultures around the world this is a great place to visit. I especially enjoyed seeing instruments and hearing music from places my ancestors came from. There is also a section with instruments, costumes, etc. of famous artists. There is a room where you can play instruments as well. Nice cafe with delicious food. ALL the people working there were very pleasant and incredibly helpful and informative. So glad I went!

Nancy Shade — Google review

What a wonderful place! The exhibits are so beautifully arranged. I was nervous about coming with my 6 year old, but especially my 3 year old. The staff was so understanding and patient! We spent most of our time in the experience gallery. There are so many instruments from all around the world for everyone to try playing! It was amazing!

Valerie Ritchie — Google review

Amazing, amazing, amazing. And sensational.Hundreds of years of history in a single building. Free parking. $20 per person to go and see music history over the past 1000 years and by continent.Truly inspiring and worth the drive to north Scottsdale. Make sure to spend at least a few hours there to really experience this place. Great food, too!The special exhibit was not worth it but the cost was very low so no regrets. But I do recommend you avoid the upsell

Jonathan Lee — Google review

Incredible collection of musical instruments from around the world with detailed history. The headphones and audio box provided added immensely to the experience. As you walk through from display to display it automatically plays the sound and music from that display. We ended up spending about three hours here and didn’t fully experience everything. Huge collection of modern day instruments and artifacts like Johnny Cash’s suit and guitar and Taylor Swift clothing. Plus massive areas on the second floor from regions and countries throughout the world with traditional music. Amazing place that we’re already planning our next visit to see more of.

Bill G — Google review

An absolutely incredible museum. They have the largest collection of musical instruments in the WORLD!!! The exhibits are all done beautifully and the headphones that you wear that automatically connect to each exhibit while walking around enables you to hear the most beautiful sounds. Great place to spend a few hours and get lost. I highly recommend!

Scott Gale — Google review

The musical instrument museum was well organized and thoughtfully laid out it included a variety of instruments from every and any country you could think of! We were there 2 hours but you could easily spend 3 hours there. We were directed to start with the Asian and African exhibits progressing to Europe and the United States. I would have liked to spend more time in the European and United States exhibits. Next time I will start there first. Highly recommend going here.

Gina Tasy — Google review

Went after accomplishing a hike which was a nice way to unwind. There were so many fascinating pieces of history to learn and see. I really liked that they automatically give you a headset to listen as you move through the exhibits. Very well laid out and fun to see all the similarities across cultures.

Savannah Baker — Google review

Don't try and listen to every display, work your way through the whole museum and circle back for displays you are especially interested in. Pace yourself it's huge.Also I would buy the add-on, they are pretty much covered in the main Museum.

Scott Shepherd — Google review

If you have the time and are interested in music, you need to see this place.The museum is very large and they have a huge collection of musical instruments from around the world.They cover every continent and country and culture regarding instruments used. They also have snippets of the music from every area. We spent 3 hours here and could have spent more time if permitted.Highly recommend.

Steven Page — Google review

This is one of my favorite museums ever. It displays a very extensive collection of musical instruments, separated by country and, in a few cases (say, huge countries like China and India), by regions within the country. You get an audio device that automatically tuned in to a given TV set for that country/region. Each TV loops through a few (3 to 5) short videos showcasing the instruments in the display area. Very effective in giving you an idea of how that the musical heritage of that area is all about. Highly recommended when in Phoenix. Make reservations for a specific entry time.

Alex Zepka — Google review

As amazing as a museum can get! The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix was so much fun. I had no idea what to expect upon entering the museum, but my expectations were exceeded. You're given a headset that automatically connects to the sounds within each exhibit - mind blown. It's such a simple thing but it's very effective. The global, what I'll call "world tour", exhibits on the second floor of instruments from all over the world was so cool. Little did I know that these many instruments existed!This museum isn't just for music lovers though, it's perfect for art lovers as well. The craftsmanship, art, and painting on some of these instruments will literally take your breath away. The ingenuity of people from the past, and hearing the sounds that they once heard was surreal and really touching. My favorite items were the collection of music boxes on the first floor; they were delightful.I highly recommend visiting this museum! I wish I had more time to explore, so definitely set aside a few hours to take your time and be present with all the sounds and sights.Side-notes: I did not reserve tickets in advance, and was able to purchase tickets the day that I visited which was on Saturday. There is a parking lot that is quite large.

Jasmine Singh — Google review

Magnificent Museum! Not only do you see these amazing instruments from around the world, but there are videos showing the people who played them. There are ten thousand instruments. It would take something like fourteen hours to listen to all the videos. There is so much to see! The cafe has wonderful food. I can't say enough.Great things about this place.

Melinda Layton — Google review

This was our favorite attraction on our trip to Scottsdale! It’s only a half hour away in Phoenix and a must see for a music lover! They have an extensive collection of instruments from all over the world and from famous music composers and musicians. It’s a guided audio tour so you can listen to the music and sounds of the instruments and various cultures while you watch the monitors. It was such a fun learning experience. They have some instruments downstairs for you to try to play and helpful guides throughout. We were there for 3 hours and felt like we could have stayed longer to finish it all. One guide told us the whole tour is 6 hours. Well worth the price! There’s also regular concerts held in their music hall. We weren’t able to see one the week we were in town but next time we come I’d check their schedule for that experience. They also have exhibits that change like the acoustics feature now. We had such a great time here we would definitely come back again

Allison Johnson — Google review

This is a great musical instrument with music from around the world. It is a bit overwhelming. I would suggest seeing a few places around the globe, taking a break, and jumping back in.What do they have? Free parking, picnic area, restaurant, gift shop, multiple rooms where you can listen to music, read the posts, and look at the instruments from all over the world and different time periods. From African ancient music to Price and Elvis. There is a room to play a variety of musical instruments and you can even ring a big Gong!We got a bonus as a worker at the gift shop, who taught us how to use the sounding bell thing (already forgot the name, but they use it in yoga today).I would 100% recommend buying tickets in advance.There were many kids' tours going through (not MIM lead), literally, only one adult leading the tour was extremely loud. We avoided him, which made it more enjoyable.Check it, listen to some music, learn some history, enjoy life.

Rob Wilson — Google review

This place is an absolute treasure. A must see for musicians and music lovers of all ages. Beautiful well curated collection. Grab a set of earphones to listen as you browse for an immersive experience that is top notch! A great venue for events as well, with amazing in house catering. The space is simply beautiful. The location could not be more convenient- just 1 minute from the freeway. The Phoenix valley is lucky to have the MIM.

Rocki Stillson — Google review

4.9

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5.0

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4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050, USA

(480) 478-6000

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Pinnacle Peak Park

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Park

Nature & Parks

Pinnacle Peak Park is a beautiful park with an easy hike to the top that offers stunning city and desert views. It's also a great place to rock climb, as there are many boulders to scramble on. The trailhead is located just south of Scottsdale Shea Boulevard and Pinnacle Peak Park can be accessed from both sides of the street.

My all time favorite hike. Seem to always run into friends. Love it! Always help tourist take their photos. A good workout with close to 4 miles if you run all the way to gate. Fun to run, but caution to the several other hikers. Near Four Seasons Resort. Enjoy!

Kathy Harris — Google review

This is a great family friendly fun hike to do with friends. It is easy, safe, and the views are great.🥾⛰️

Gregg Towsley — Google review

Beautiful scenery and an even better hiking trail! Not to challenging if a hike, the elevation changes are always the most challenging part in my opinion.Glad we went earlier in the morning when it was nice and cool. I’d imagine it gets quite hot.Beautiful landscape and more Cacti than you can count! So much diverse wildlife! love how they have educational tidbits as you walk!

Aaron McCollum — Google review

Amazing beauty!!!Come ready to hike 2 mile up, no difficult.The attendant at the information booth is very helpful 😀

LM — Google review

Beautiful hike! The trail is very walkable. About four miles, but most of it isn’t very steep. The views are stunning and you feel like you’re in the desert. If you don’t want to see other people I’d recommend going early.

Kristen Martinez — Google review

My time at Pinnacle Peak Park was incredible. The hiking trail was well-marked, and the views at the top were breathtaking. It's a great place to connect with nature and get some exercise. Plus, the desert landscape is stunning. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves the outdoors!

Brett Harrison — Google review

Perfect hike! Just the right level of difficulty for beginner to slightly more advanced - we saw every level of hikers along the way. The views are outstanding with several amazing outlook/rest stops along the way. The trail is one way out/back. Clean bathrooms and water available at trailhead. Great park guides there as well.

Loren Pincus — Google review

Great hike for beg-?intermediate. Take it slow coming down as I list my balance after gaining speed!

Suzanne Plant — Google review

Nice place for hiking. Beautiful, amazing air, well organized. Everyone in my family enjoyed it and that's pretty rare case.

Marianna Foster — Google review

Good hike, nice views out is an out and back trail. Depending on fitness level it would be a easy/moderate hike. You are in the sun so plan accordingly with water.

Lynn Henderson — Google review

What an amazing hike, especially accessible if you are staying at the Four Seasons Resort. This is a very easy hike accessible to most who are interested in a walk uphill. There is much Beauty to see especially when the cacti are in bloom! Keep a lookout for hidden lizards and other wildlife while hiking through this park.

Ray Hadad — Google review

Gorgeous!Clean washrooms. Great places to sit at the bottom of the trail and watch people climbing up and down.My friends really enjoyed their hike to the top and back down: a very busy trail.For me (I have mobility issues and don't hike) it was easy to do a bit of the bottom of the trail (wide and fairly flat) and view all the saguaro cactus and other desert vegetation.If you are lucky, you may see some mule deer: I did!

Barbara Carstensen — Google review

Really enjoyed my hike at Pinnacle Peak Trail, Scottsdale, AZ today. The total distance is just under 4 miles out and back. I started mid morning when the temp had already reached 90 degrees... By the time I got back to the car ~ 2,5 hrs later, I was *fn exhausted!Note: it's a well maintained trail, with a great view of a beautiful desert terrain. Also there are distance signs every quarter mile so that you know how far you've hiked. Highly recommend Pinnacle Peak Trail for an easy/moderate hike.

Stella Mandagi — Google review

Beautiful hiking trail. Close to the city but it feels like you're far out in town. Amazing view of the valley! Fantastic cacti shapes. We hiked in the fall, nice and cool. They close early during this time. It opens at 6:45 AM and closes at 5:30 PM. It takes half an hour from the visitor center to the highest point. Or it depends on your hiking speed. Easy to hike!⛰️🥾🌵🏜️

Elvira Evans — Google review

4.8

(1499)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (14)

4.5

(1017)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (15)

26802 N 102nd Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85262, USA

(480) 312-0990

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Chaco Culture National Historical Park

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Historical place

Nature & Parks

Chaco Culture National Historical Park comprises a remote network of ancient Puebloan ruins that provide insight into ancestral life. The park offers opportunities for camping and stargazing, as well as hiking and exploring the various sites and petroglyphs. While the rugged dirt roads accessing Chaco Canyon may deter some visitors, a 9-mile loop through downtown passes six major sites, with further options for more secluded exploration.

Not easy to get to....20 +miles of washboard dirt roads at a speed of maybe 15-20 Mph, but so worth it when you come upon this immense area of ancestral pueblo ruins....amazing architecture. No services at Chaco...no gas, food, lodging other than basic campground facilities....bathrooms.Excellent visitor center with good selection of books and usual National Park sundries. Arrive early in the morning to see most of the ruins....ruins close at Sunset....no light on the roads out of there when it gets dark......come prepared with water...snacks...good tires....cell service sketchy at best.....If you are a student of ancestral pueblo cultures, don't miss a chance to go there. It's an adventure!

Gerlinde Thomas — Google review

Amazing experience! We went for a day trip and it was plenty of time to explore the main road round trip inside the park as well as the trails that led around the park! Very maintained park and visitor center was very informational! Only problem we had is that we saw number markers at different spots on the trail but none of the paperwork we had identified what the numbers meant! Overall, well worth the drive. Restrooms at each stop as well!

Christoph Rieck — Google review

A remote and fascinating location for experiencing ancient cultural sites in New Mexico. A long gravel and unimproved road is used to access the park, but (at least in dry conditions) easily accommodates standard autos (20-30 mph). Once in the park, most sites are easily accessible from pull-off parking areas. Trails are available for those who want a more immersive desert experience with the pueblo ruins. Well organized by NPS.I did not use the campground but am certain the nights are fantastic for sky viewing in some of the darkest skies in the US.

David Bishton — Google review

AMAZING park. One of the best experiences I've had in a national monument. Lots of space, very well kept park and structures. Incredible to see these ancient buildings. The ability to walk through many of them, around them right up to the walls of the structures. The main area even has a whole section where you can walk through the different rooms. Very cool for kids and adults alike.Don't be turned off by the remoteness or the roads; just drive slow and take your time.Bring lots of food, water, and a full tank of gas.

Joseph — Google review

Haven't been to Chaco Canyon over 25years, sites are unbelievably unique, hiking up to pueblo alto was a good hike. Seen elk, deer as well, park rangers are nice. Only bad part of this trip was the 14miles of "washboard" dirt road 'to & from' the park.

Ca Sm — Google review

To reach this park you have to drive down a pretty bumpy road, but it’s totally worth it! I highly recommend watching the 30 minute video in the visitors center before exploring the sites because it really gives you a deep appreciation for what you’re seeing. I also encourage some hiking if you can but make sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection! Solid footwear with ankle support recommended.

Jasmin Ford — Google review

Worth the effort to see. Ranger talks were a big help to understanding the history of the site. Only drawback was there were no exhibits on display in the visitor center which was disappointing. County maintained dirt road from 550 was not bad. The last section of roughly 4 miles that is not county maintained was a little rough but passable with no problem.

Mike Gibbs — Google review

Let's talk about the dirt road, to get to this site. Its HORRID. Its not just a typical dirt road, its grooved with lines that make it extra bumpy. The whole time, you feel like your car is going to be shaken apart. I'm not entirely sure my car did make it out unscathed, it rattles now. It was nerve wracking and I did think about turning around. For the love of man, please pave this road.Now that that's out of the way. The site is huge. There is sooo much to explore and I doubt I even came close to 1/2 of it. Bring tons of extra water, especially if it's hot. I recommend coming during cooler months so that it is more enjoyable. They do have campsites here and if you want to see everything, you could definitely get a site. I imagine you would need a full day to see all of it, but as I said, I only saw about half. Make sure you stop at the visitor center to get a map.

Lisa Wiggin — Google review

Last 6 miles was very bumpy road. Staff at center very knowledgeable. Walked through sites. So interesting. Plan to go again and camp there.

Sandy Flores — Google review

Visited here on May 23, 2023 (after waiting 20 years to do it - thankfully I'm finally retired). Loved seeing this historic park with all the ruins, and envisioning the Native American culture here that taught their children values, including how to survive and how to care for one another - note: I saw the Kivas as more of classrooms and discussion areas (sharing stories and giving advice).

Gerry Benner — Google review

Chaco Canyon was awesome. Went in September. Not too hot and nobody there. We spent 2 days in the park. Hiked to the Supernova Pictograph and ran into 2 other people the entire way. Scambled up to the top of Pueblo Alto and saw nobody else. Love the 1☆ reviews complaining about the roads. That's the reason we had the place to ourselves. I hope they never fix that road. Go. It's well worth it.

M Ryan — Google review

First, stop by the visitor center. They are all super nice and know the area well. We always appreciate staff who are as excited about the area as we are. It’s a very simple place. You can drive the loop and see everything from your car if you want. Lots of hiking areas. If you only have 2-4 hours, stop and walk at Pueblo Bonito. There’s a loop you can walk to the right or if you’re in a hurry walk to the left. It’s the bigger of the two ruins, you can walk through it and see inside. It’s probably one of the bigger ruins sites we seen.

Joel Collishaw — Google review

Pretty cool place to check out. $25 per vehicle or 10 per person. A few sites right off the road but a few hikes you can do. You could spend a few days here but 1 day is sufficient. It was fairly empty when we came at 10 AM on a Sunday. Your ticket is good for a week so you can come back. Note there is no gas for 20 miles so make sure to come prepared. Restrooms and water are available at the visitors center. Don’t forget a hat and sun screen!

Chaz Rich — Google review

This was much more amazing than expected. Much more remote to get to as well. You'll definitely want a capable vehicle to come visit. Lots to see and experience. If you want to go for a hike or even 4x4 off roading there are opportunities for that as well. Easily a full days worth of activities and things to see.

Joseph “Joe” Eliason — Google review

Fantastic for the heartland of Anasazi history, archaeoastronomy, International Dark Sky nighttime viewing (was at the autumn equinox event in 2018) and more. I just hope they never pave the entrance roads: I don't want this to become Mesa Verde.

Steve Smith — Google review

So much to see here. It's more engaging here. There's also a lot of animals. Bathrooms are the cleanest we have seen. Maybe cuz not many people come here. The road to get here is rough. Please drive in a vehicle that can handle terrain or you could get stuck in mud.Be prepared to spend a whole day or two here if you want to make the most of it. We spent 4 hours there and saw 1/8th of everything. We will definitely come back to see the other sites on top of the mountains.Also, we were able to renew our park pass there. The ladies were very informative and kind.

Mirasol Contreras — Google review

This review is for Pueblo Bonito Overlook Trail which was a ~2 miles round trip that took ~1.5 hours to complete.About ~20 miles of driving through light snow over dirt road on Navajo Service Rte 14 (From Petrified Forest NP).A little bit of steep incline and rock scrambling behind the Kin Kletso near the beginning of the trail. This will take you through a slot canyon and up to the mesa. Follow the ridges until you reach the "End of trail" sign which is the Pueblo Bonito Overlook. Look for the trail marker for the descent back down. Beautiful views from the top of the mesa!Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/qL4yU22HJ3U

Ed — Google review

Beautifully kept secret. Not easy to get to in the off season. We had the whole place to ourselves. The staff at the center were very knowledgeable super friendly

Kelly Hall — Google review

Amazing North American site. Lots to see. Hiking or no hiking up to you. I don’t think it’s very handicap accessible. From Farmington or Albq the entrance off the highway is 22 miles further. It’s 8 miles paved, 7 miles dirt county maintained road, 5 miles of badly rutted, washboard, dips an dives then your at the entrance to the park which is a 9 mile paved loop. Don’t recommend trailers or rvs on this road. Could do damage. Overnight camping by reservation is available. No fires allowed though. Worth the trip if you’re interested in Anasazi culture. Fall visit early morning before it gets hot.

JENNIFER JONES — Google review

4.7

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4.5

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New Mexico, USA

(505) 786-7014

4

Sky City Cultural Center & Haak'u Museum

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Museum

Sights & Landmarks

Cafe

Cultural center

Historical landmark

Meeting room

This was a marvelous place. For $27 per adult (there are discounts for certain groups, such as Seniors), you'll get access to the museum and also book yourself a spot in a 1.5 hour tour of the Acoma Pueblo, a beautiful Native village located atop the nearby Mesa.The Museum itself is rather small, but includes some beautiful exhibits related to the local area and its people. There's also a video that plays regularly providing some additional history and context about the area.The tour is where this place really shines. The tour guide for my group was knowledgeable, passionate, funny, and very engaging as he walked us through his home and provided so many insights into this magnificent area.While touring the village, along with getting an opportunity to take in the architecture, history, and culture, you'll also get some incredible views of the surrounding landscape. There are also lots of opportunities to purchase some of the incredible, hand-crafted or hand-painted works of the people who live in the village.This was a moving, enriching experience, and I was very glad to have visited.

Lance — Google review

April 1, 2018: Really enjoyed the museum and great selection of native American jewelry which I purchased. The Acoma Pueblo was fascinating and so worth the trip. About 60 miles west of Albuquerque but a beautiful drive with lots of natural beauty. A must see if you're in the area.

Terri Moore — Google review

Don’t miss the kind ladies selling their handmade pottery and jewelry. We had the amazing opportunity to have conversations with them as we purchased our authentic Acoma pottery. They taught us so much about their culture and craft.The cultural center and tour were great and informative. We are so thankful to Jeremy, the guide, for a great narration despite having a sore throat! Good from the cafeteria was great! Will definitely visit again if in the area.

Lakshmi Yerram — Google review

This was an very interesting place. There are a great deal of local Acoma people running the museum and tours. The prices for tickets are a little expensive for the amount of museum that is there though. I was hoping that there would be a good deal more to the museum than there was and the historical context of why many of the objects were in the museum was missing. The cafe was small, but the people were friendly and helpful! The tour is the most interesting piece of your experience here, our tour guide was very nice and quiet knowledgeable. The Pueblos are still occupied by people from the local tribe, although many are newer dwellings than the ancient dwellings I was picturing. Do be prepared to meet many of the local Acoma people on your route around the Pueblos as your guide takes you past all the local pottery vendors homes with their pottery outside for purchase. I would definitely recommend coming here if you've never been here before, the building is beautiful and the people were very friendly; but I'm not sure it is worth more than one visit unless you go on one of their festival days. The views from the top of the Pueblos were extremely picturesque!

Kay W — Google review

This was an amazing experience of art, architecture, views and culture that I highly recommend when visiting New Mexico. When you walked through the doors (beautiful large wooden doors) you immediately feel the presence of the culture you’re about to be immersed into. I was disappointed that the Sky City tour was on hold because of Covid, but I respect the tribe leaders taking extra precautions for the safety of those living in the village. They do offer affordable virtual tours available in the museum so you can get a glimpse of the in-person tour. Tables are set up where you can purchase original drawings, pottery and jewelry. I viewed a live dance performance during my visit and it gave me goosebumps. Watching the dancers on an reservation with the village looking down on you is an experience to have once in your lifetime.

Nick Molina — Google review

Unfortunately they weren’t open on a Wednesday. Make sure to check the opening days and hours before driving there. It must be a beautiful place to visit though and very impressive. We are glad we stopped there as even looking up was unbelievably beautiful. We will be back for sure and next time a bit better prepared so we can book a tour.

Cheyenne Blatter — Google review

Great place to visit, with so much cultural history. Town is very well conserved. Guide was very kind. Crafts are beautiful.

Marisun Caamaño — Google review

Really really well organized and beautiful exhibit on the history and cultural of the Pueblo people. They have obviously put a lot of effort into preserving their space and culture. We spent about 2 hours here, and it was a very educational experience. The tour guide was great. All of the staff and vendors are very friendly and willing to answer any questions, and it was a great experience to visit. If you're in the area and have a morning free, I definitely recommend stooping by!

Nirja Desai — Google review

Interesting site. Arriving I was approached by a character that listed all the thing I was forbidden to do (just to make you feel welcome…). The Pueblo is not allowed to foreigners, fact that I understand and somewhat approve. They offered a virtual tour for 19 dollars + taxes which I declined since I don’t like this kind of experience. I decider to visit the museum, a bit expensive, for what it offers, but interesting nevertheless. The rest of the people was kind and available.

Luca Costa — Google review

Those who wish to visit the city itself must check in at the cultural center, where you can get on a tour. I didn’t know this in advance, so when we got there we had to wait for a while for the next tour. You could check their schedule on the center’s website, though it doesn’t seem like you can order tickets in advance on the website itself? It’s a cool tour regardless. It’s a beautiful place and please be respectful of rules.

DanDan — Google review

Wonderful pueblo housing on a plateau. The homes are still lived in, even though there is no running water or indoor plumbing. I highly recommend

Darlene Wilson — Google review

This was an incredible place. Especially if you love ancient sights. Our tour guide, Brandon was so great. His knowledge of the past was remarkable. This is definitely a must see.

Barbara Doud — Google review

After driving am hour and a half to get there, I found out I didn't see that they closed Mondays and Tuesdays. So we drive back on Wednesday, only to find they decided to close early. 6 hours of driving. Really glad the drive was so beautiful... Been here before, was so looking forward to seeing it again. Hope to have another opportunity...

Dennis Shuman — Google review

Jeremy is GREAT at what he does, we had a great time and learned a lot. This was one of the best stops on our westward tour, we stopped here during the balloon festival last year and it wasn’t open. So it was a mission to get up there, and we did it. Loved it, See it!😳🤙

Shane Dossat — Google review

You can drive here and see this amazing area for free. It will cost you to take a tour of Sky City atop the Mesa. It was closed when we arrived at 6pm, but that's ok, because we had the entire place to ourselves (or so it seemed). An Elder stopped to talk to us and he was very welcoming and informative. This entire area is one that everyone should experience. You won't regret it!

Mike knott — Google review

4.6

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4.5

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Haaku Rd, Acoma Pueblo, NM 87034, USA

(505) 552-7861

5

Petroglyph National Monument

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National reserve

Sights & Landmarks

The Petroglyph National Monument is a hiking and biking destination located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It contains thousands of prehistoric Native American drawings on stone walls.

Incredible! So amazing to see all the petroglyphs in the lava rocks! Felt like time melting, being able to see these ancestral drawings. . It was heartbreaking tho to witness destruction from people carving their names and dirty drawings. Please honor these Sacred places if you go!

BrainFreeze LA — Google review

It was cool view and it was really hot, but that’s New Mexico especially in the summer. National park service worker was really helpful with guiding my boyfriend and I to the monuments. Only went to one that was closest to the visitor center. It was an easy hike up but at the top it’s a bit steep. It was cool to see them and get a glimpse of history. I would recommend this monument!

Brian Copes — Google review

This area is not located where the visitors' entrance is. It's a cave that requires a few miles in hike north of the 3 sisters volcanos. Not frequently visited, which is why I like it. The roof of the cave was all green from moisture. It smelled a little like sulfur. Nice spot to watch the city lights, drink some wine, if you are not scared to hike back in the dark.

Bonnie Chanet — Google review

Visitors center was just a booth. The worker at the gift shop was making sure to follow CDC guidelines to keep a small enough number of people inside. Toilet vaults were less than ideal. Wonderful experience overall though!

Hanna Hollek — Google review

When you arrive at the visitors center, you are given a map and a video is showing to give you background on the locations.There are three locations; all a few miles drive from the visitors center. We chose the first canyon due to time constraints. It was the most strenuous of the three according to the brochures. And a $1 parking fee.We climbed our way to the top on rugged paths. Not for flip flops for sure. Gravel paths with steep inclines, steps, and some places you have to step over large rocks. But worth the view at the top and the amazing petroglyphs along the way!We spent about 2 hours and only saw a fraction of the vast canyon.Definitely recommend!

LeeAnna McDaniel — Google review

Worth a visit if you’re in the area. They have a few short trails where you can spot several petroglyphs. We hit it up early on a late July summer day and it was pleasant. Spotted a rattlesnake which was a bonus and super exciting. Several millipedes under the rocks and trails.

Vrajesh K — Google review

Very cool place! Short hiking trails and lots of peyroglyphs to see. We went to two different locations. It was free and the trails were pretty easy.

Paul Goodman — Google review

We hiked the Petroglyph National park trail. Trail is sand and an easy hike. We enjoyed the hike. We were ointed because the Petroglyphs we're roped off so we were not allowed to get us close to them. We did take pictures and water able to zoom in on them but it would of been nice to get up close to them. The weather was great. It was sunny and not hot. The trail is great for an easy hike for kids and dogs on a leash. I doubt you could take stroller because it is sandy.

LaWanda Batchelor — Google review

Very nice trail to go for a hike/walk. However, there are no trees thus no shade (besides a couple of shade structures), so plan accordingly. Initial leg of the trail is pretty smooth gravel trail (probably wheelchair accessible), but later parts (including going up the volcano) has some rough spots, nothing terrible, but watch your footing.

abesh mubaraki — Google review

Very interesting but you really need to take the time to understand why this is important to know about. Make sure you either don't take your dog or at least have some shoes for them.

Alex DeMartino — Google review

An interesting place. While you can definitely find a sense of peace and place in this park, several hiring trails are adjacent to housing complexes! It makes for interesting juxtaposition of an ancient indigenous site and contemporary living.

Fileve Tlaloc — Google review

This is definitely a must see. Plan on spending at least 2 hours here. They have several areas with easy to difficult trails so wear comfortable shoes. There are thousands of petroglyphs carved into basalt rocks on these trails and wonderful views from the top. We visited late March and it was already fairly warm so I highly recommend sunblock, comfortable closed toe shoes and a bottle of water.

Suz NoneYa — Google review

We hiked Rinconada Canyon. It was 2.5 miles rounds trip. For those who want a shorter trip, hike in and when you get to the bench turnaround and exit the same way you came in. Some of the pictographs where hard to find but that is part of the fun!

K. Williams — Google review

Great place to explore. Really cool petroglyphs to check out. Come explore something that's really awesome!!!

Barbara Hines — Google review

It’s a free very relevant historic landmark. You will receive messages from our ancestors. Amazing indeed. There are also very helpful guides and they’ll give you maps and directions for free. If you are in the area, it’s a must. In a few hours you can get an amazing idea of how things were hundreds of years ago. We also saw roadrunners, lizards and rattle snakes.

Johnny — Google review

We did the Boca Negra Canyon. Just because it's the shorter hike, doesn't mean it's easy, so keep that in mind. Really cool to see the petroglyphs but so heartbreaking to see the vandalism surrounding it.

Vanessa B — Google review

On our way to the airport. We were looking for an interesting place to visit before we leave Albuquerque and this was a perfect place for this. Very interesting. Easy to reach, we visited and walked around in about an hour.

W. B. — Google review

We went to the hike near Golf Course rd and Paradise. Dog friendly. Short loop hike hood for kids too. Sandy trail. Many petroglyphs to spot.

Renee Tang — Google review

4.6

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4.5

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Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120, USA

(505) 899-0205

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6

Ghost Ranch

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Ranch

Sights & Landmarks

Ghost Ranch is a popular tourist attraction located in Abiquiu, New Mexico. It was the site of Georgia O'Keeffe's other house and is known for its breathtaking scenery that served as an inspiration for her work. The ranch offers visitors the opportunity to explore the area on horseback or through landscape tours guided by art experts. In addition to horseback riding, there are also anthropology and paleontology museums, three trails to hike and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Lovely! We just came here to do the kitchen mesa trail and it was beautiful. The drive here is also very scenic.

Jessica Wojtasek — Google review

Georgia O'Keefe painted here one can see her inspiration at all points of the compass. We were day visitors and had a wonderful time and found great photo ops. Highly recommended.

Thad Zajdowicz — Google review

I love Ghost Ranch, haven't stayed for a few years and it is so special. I usually stay on the mesa and the rooms are lovely. The food is very satisfying, especially as all you have to do is show up, no prep or clean up. There are lots of trails and beautiful light.

Margaret Shumaker — Google review

I had an amazing 4 nights at Ghost Ranch in mid March. The scenery and hiking was incredible. Exploring the and facilities on site, getting to know the history of the place from Native Americans, to cattle rustlers, to Georgia OKeefe, the paleontology museum with Graham (shout out!), all fantastic experiences. The welcome centre staff were great - Beth and Eileen, couldn’t have been more helpful. The dining hall was great - getting to know fellow guests over delicious meals, comparing notes on hikes and experiences…I really didn’t want to leave, and will definitely be back with family and friends.

Paul Jones — Google review

The trail ride at Ghost Ranch is in my opinion the best way to see this beautiful scenery.The wranglers are very knowledgeable and friendly and the horses are well trained.The trail guide Dustin was very nice and offered interesting information about the history of Ghost Ranch. If you visit Ghost Ranch you must take a trail ride! Its a great way to spend some time!Thanks Ghost Ranch and Wranglers for offering this opportunity to enjoy the horses and explore the Ranch.Will definitely be back to ride again!

Adele Yazzie — Google review

Most beautiful place on earth! Photo opportunities abound, there are tours going daily, but you can see what you are looking for everywhere! History of the ranch is plentiful, and photo opportunities are abundant. There are public restrooms and places to sit by the ranch house. Great views! You can stay as long as you like. Don’t shop the trading post, they are really unfriendly.

Candy Hucklebee — Google review

Amazing day trip from Santa Fe. It's quite the drive but when you get there your breath will be taken away.I just couldn't get enough of the views. Great place for photographers, artists, nature lovers, and hikers. Admirers of Georgia O'Keeffe will be rewarded with a feast for the eyes and senses as well as an understanding of inspiration for her artwork.

Virginia Huffman — Google review

Another wonderful horseback riding experience at Ghost Ranch! The wrangler for my trail ride was Colton and he did a great job of making everyone feel welcome on the ride as well as sharing the history of the ranch. The horseback ride is the absolute best way to see the ranch and experience this magnificent landscape. The horses are all well mannered and the wranglers are always professional and friendly!Ghost Ranch will always be a favorite destination! If you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a day trip Ghost Ranch is a must see and the trail rides are an excellent choice to view the scenery.

K E — Google review

Visited mainly for the location, the O'Keeffe connection, and the paleontology museum. Going here coupled with the O'Keeffe museum in town was a good combo, getting to be in the location that inspired so much of her art, and learning how Ghost Ranch history is even more than just that connection. The paleontology museum was cool! Small but really neat, and a must stop if you have a dinosaur lover in your group. Honestly even just seeing the location is breathtaking enough. Definitely stop by if you have time.

Colleen G — Google review

My friends and I stayed 1 night in the dormitory at ghost ranch and it was the best value I think I’ve ever gotten at a hotel. The ranch definitely isn’t luxury but the rooms and shared bathroom were nice and clean. And in exchange you get to stay in one of the prettiest places in America where you can walk a few minutes to a dozen hikes with hardly anyone else on the trail (in February).The staff was so kind and obviously cared about us having a great time. Food was included in our stay and the buffet tasted great and included options that accommodated both gluten free and vegetarian guests. The highlight was obviously the hiking and exploring the whole campus, and it’s hard to find anywhere like ghost ranch (especially at that price).

Margaret Seikel — Google review

So much fun. The ranch hands at ghost ranch were awesome to listen to and talk to. Great voice that the whole group can hear. The tour was fun even for a guy that is a little stiff and has never ridden a horse before. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a horse back or art history experience.

greg montgomery — Google review

Great place with some interesting history & fun activities. There are a multitude of hiking trails with varying difficulty. Chimney Rock is the most popular & its pretty short too. There’s a few places mentioning Georgia O’Keefe & her time spent there. You can even stay in one of her cabins. The ranch has been featured in many movies & tv shows, documentaries, music videos & even advertisem*nts for Ariat & clothing & products. There’s neat history with the fossils found there as well. The library was the old Johnson&Johnson house so the architecture is pretty cool. There’s also educational programs & retreats during the summer, but not while I was visiting.

David Burman — Google review

My husband and I live in New Mexico and yesterday we took a little day trip to the Ghost Ranch. The scenery is incredibly beautiful and really well worth the trip but the state of Ghost Ranch is unfortunately in bad disrepair. The amount of revenue that must come through Ghost Ranch must be really substantial so one has to wonder where all this money is going. There is visible clutter and detritus everywhere and all the cabins are in terrible shape, it’s hard to believe that anyone would feel comfortable staying there. So many incredible things could be done with this space.. plant some cacti gardens or flowers near the cabins, clear up the scrap metal, move away the garbage truck parked near the trails, it’s almost as if there is no aesthetic vision or care put into any square footage on the grounds.I am sure Georgia O Keefe would be most saddened to see the state of Ghost Ranch as it has fallen into complete disrepair. Come to see the beautiful and incredible scenery, learn about the history and then maybe go home to your clean house and save $150

Phoebbe@aol.com mcgrane — Google review

The scenery is absolutely gorgeous and the staff is very knowledgeable about the history, wildlife, vegetation and geological formations. Service provided by the Welcome Center, dining hall, and staff are outstanding. As a photographer I'm most grateful for the advice provided by Jeanelle at the entrance gate. She was very helpful in providing suggestions for specific locations where I would find terrific scenic views.

David Hood — Google review

Amazing views. Worth the trip.Road in was quite rough watch for pot holes (I was in a car), rooms were meager, but clean, bed was fine. If I go again, I’d take a coffee maker to use in the room.The bad: Cafeteria dinner was sad, borderline horrible. Very limited selection, meat dumpling was room temp, I was concerned I might get sick. We had to sift though several plates to find ones that appeared clean.The good: Breakfast on the other hand was great, hot and plenty of choices. Dishes appeared clean.Staff was great all around.

John Allen — Google review

The landscape and energy of Georgia O’Keeffe here is incredible, but, BE WARNED… make your trip a day visit with a landscape tour! Sketch the Morning with Susan was beautiful, and she was kind and knowledgeable - but Ghost Ranch’s accommodations and facilities are wretched. There was a lot of poop spattered on the bathroom wall and junk (like old broken furniture, broken screens/windows and general garbage) scattered all around the property. I can’t imagine anyone feeling comfortable staying here.We appreciate minimalism and limited amenities but the website is deceptive in their description of the accommodations. It seems the facilities have not been updated or maintained in decades. The place isn’t rustic, it’s GROSS. My family and I now joke about abandoned-looking places we would RATHER stay at than Ghost Ranch.The Presbyterian Church, who owns the property but stopped funding it a few years ago, should be ashamed. Georgia O’Keeffe would be heartbroken to see what became of Ghost Ranch.HIGHLY recommend going a few miles down the road to the beautiful Georgia O’Keeffe Museum next to the Abiquiu Inn and taking her Abiquiu house tour.

Cynthia Oldham — Google review

I grew up coming here for two weeks every summer and while it has changed a little bit it is still my favorite place in the world. Amazing classes where you can learn how to paint, weld, write or adventure around the area to see some incredible views and hikes. Can’t recommend this place enough!

Rachel Hoffman — Google review

The best part of visiting Ghost Ranch was the drive from and back to Santa Fe!With all the hype I heard about the ranch I was disappointed! It needs a lot of updating. The displays, videos and directional signage is stale and outdated.Granted the views of the amazing mountain ranges surrounding the property are phenomenal but that was about it.

Ed Pizza — Google review

Beautiful scenery and unmatched solitude. We visited on a day trip from Santa Fe and loved our visit. Access to the ranch is $10 per person but provides access to several miles of well maintained hiking trails and the Ghost Ranch property which includes museums, a library, and several outdoor areas to picnic/rest.

B G — Google review

I got stuck going to Monastery of Christ in the desert. Luckily a couple brought me to Ghost Ranch. They immediately offered me food and a room at a discounted rate because I couldn't get towed out by anyone in the area. The next morning maintenance drove me to the road and towed me out.The sheer hospitality oozing out of every crevice of the ranch is amazing both from the staff and the few people I had the pleasure of speaking to at dinner are incredibly friendly. Speaking of dinner, it's served buffet style in a dining hall and the food was amazing! There was also this mango enhanced water that was incredible.The room was cozy and had a beautiful painting by O'Keefe and there's a ton of facilities and beautiful sights. From my conversations with the front desk they also have concerts - sort of like a mini Woodstock, I think the next in September. Definitely something I will make every attempt to visit!

Edward Morante — Google review

Tour guide on landscape tour was wonderful. Accommodations were okay,, and meals were decent, given cafeteria style set up. Fun patrons led to interesting conversations at meals.

Cindy Clement — Google review

I loved staying in Ghost Ranch while visiting the O'Keefe home in Abiquiu. You can do WONDERFUL hikes in the ranch. I also enjoyed the library (open 24 h!) and the friendly community atmosphere. Restaurant included with the acomodation. Great, calm place for a retreat in low-season months (I was in April).

Oriol Sierra — Google review

My husband and I recently stayed at Ghost Ranch for a couple's retreat with Ellen and Mike Johas Teener. This was the best workshop I have ever taken in my life and will help me become a more loving human. Ghost Ranch was stunning. The rooms, service, and food were wonderful and spectacular. What a blessing - forever thank you.

Sarita Streng — Google review

Being from canones n.m and ghost ranch being my front yard it's the most beautiful area on earth that must be why it's been used for so many films. I was recently in Chandler Arizona and seen a restaurant named ghost ranch the thing that really made it catch my eye is because they have 100% stolen your emblem and name logo... Major copyright that they are doing there:(

Brandon Serrano — Google review

4.5

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4.5

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280 Private Drive 1708 Highway, US-84, Abiquiu, NM 87510, USA

(505) 685-1000

7

Old Town

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Sights & Landmarks

Historic Walking Areas

Neighborhoods

Old Town is a historic district characterized by its narrow streets and old adobe houses. The area is known for its New Mexican cuisine, including popular dishes like enchiladas and sopaipilla pastries. Visitors can also browse numerous artisan shops selling handmade jewelry, rugs, and pottery. At the center of Old Town Plaza stands the 18th-century San Felipe de Neri Church.

4.0

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Albuquerque, NM 87104, USA

8

Sandia Peak Tramway

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Transportation

Hiking area

Tramways

The Sandia Peak Tramway is a 3,163-metre aerial tram that takes tourists to the top of the Sandia Mountains for an amazing view. This tourist attraction is a great way for those looking for an adventure and something different to do in Albuquerque.

So let me start off I’m not fan of heights. We bought tickets the day before which they recommend. Check in was easy with friendly staff at the front desk. The bathrooms were clean and tidy. We waited about 15 minutes to board. Once boarded the tram the tour guide / cabin operator was very informative and safety was a top priority. The the ride up is breath taking you go from Desert to Canadian geography. The tour guide was very informing on the ride up with different information on geography and history. Once up top there was snow on the ground and very cold “bring a jacket” The restaurant was closed at the time. The air is very thin so keep your breath. You can walk around and see some of the nature in the area but be careful with ice and animals. During the decent I got a little nervous cause of my height fear. But it was a smooth ride the beginning on the decent was a little stomach kicking but you get used to it. And the ride down was way better than coming up in my opinion. I recommend the people were great and very professional.

Hunter Garcia — Google review

I would say this was definitely worth the money. My one complaint (and it’s a big one) is that the tram is too packed with people to enjoy the view unless you’re directly by the window. Wait for a group to go, then get to the front of the line to fully enjoy this experience.It’s an incredible view even if you don’t get in the restaurant. If you DO want a reservation, make sure to make one a few weeks in advance.There’s hiking trails at the top, and the last ride of the day back down is at 9. I would pick one path or another: go up for pictures and go to the restaurant, or go to the trails.We went the picture route this time but next year we will probably choose to do some hiking instead. Beautiful spot definitely worth seeing.

Madie Leon Riley — Google review

First and foremost, the views from the tramway are absolutely breathtaking. As you ascend the mountain, you're treated to panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, including the city of Albuquerque and the rugged Sandia Mountains. The tramway offers a unique perspective, allowing you to see the beauty of the area from a completely different vantage point. Whether you're visiting during the day or catching a sunset ride, the scenery is truly awe-inspiring.The tram cars themselves are spacious and comfortable. They are designed to hold a large number of passengers, but even when the tram is full, there is still plenty of room to move around and enjoy the ride. The large windows provide excellent visibility, ensuring that everyone gets a chance to take in the magnificent views. The tram operators are friendly and professional, providing interesting commentary about the area and making the journey even more enjoyable.Upon reaching the top, there are several activities and amenities to explore. The Sandia Peak Observation Deck offers a 360-degree view, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the surrounding mountains and valleys. There are also hiking trails for those who want to explore the natural beauty of the area on foot. The Kawanis Cabin Trail is easy enough and is worth the spectacular views.Additionally, the weather at the top of the mountain can be cooler than in the city, so it's a good idea to bring a jacket or extra layers, especially during the colder months.

Daryl Marcelo — Google review

Was a really cool experience! The Tram going up was at capacity and didn't get a be right next to a window but still could have a pretty good view. There weren't a ton of people at the top. The hiking trails were beautiful and pretty easy to walk for most people I would say. The Tram operator was great and I wish I could remember her unique name. The views were out of this world! For a family of 4 it cost about $120 and I think it was worth it for the experience.

Jennifer McNeill — Google review

So my father and I was happy that we made the journey to the top. Being at 6,000 feet then make a trip up the tram to 10,000 feet. You have to go to the top to find out the actual total height. Got to leave a little desire. 😌 this is a hard experience for someone not used to the height but as you see the pics of the scenery were breath taken and so beautiful that I would tell anyone to go take in all that beauty. I took the pic of the bee to show that by just taking the pics of the skyline and terrain you can miss out on the flowers and beauty of nature in front of you.

Robert Trout — Google review

Despite my own extreme fear of heights, this is an experience you don't want to miss. The views of Albuquerque are extraordinary, the ride up is a little scary, but coming down was much easier. The gondola was large, and the trip up was full to capacity. Being crowded made it more difficult to see the views, but there is enough glad to make it work for everyone. Once at the top, you saw both sides of the mountain. And, if you like to hike, the ski trails are open to hikers in the summer. Even the gift shop was not only well-stocked, but very well priced. Parking is plentiful and free. You'll be glad you went.

Dennis Shuman — Google review

The Sandia Tramway up to the top of the mountain is a just beautiful and stunning view of the mountains and Albuquerque as a whole metropolitan area. If you're a tourist, this is a great thing to do for at least 2 or 3 hours. There's also a great gift shop too for the tourists. There are some great hiking trails and overall amazing picture opportunities.

Jack Voltz — Google review

Sandia Peak Tramway, located near Albuquerque, New Mexico, holds the title of the longest tramway in the USA. The journey from the base station to the mountain's top, at 10,378 feet, takes about 15 minutes each way. The trams are sturdy and adhere to strict safety protocols. The breathtaking mountain views can be enjoyed throughout the ride. At the mountain top, there's a restaurant called Ten 3, offering stunning scenic views. I visited around 4 PM and witnessed a spectacular sunset, painting the sky in fiery orange hues. Every moment was truly enjoyable. Additionally, skiing is available during the winter season.

PATHIPATI VENKATESH — Google review

This is the longest trams in the USA. Get your tickets online and be prepared to stand in line a while. Trust me, it's worth every penny. At the top of the mountain you'll find a nice restaurant TEN3. Great views from wither the bar area or the main dining room.

Lemmie Klein — Google review

Very cool experience 😎 Definitely recommend! We purchased tram tickets last minute as we were passing through town. We arrived and once in line to board, the wait was about 45 minutes. The views were beautiful even from the line! The ride took about 15 minutes and was stunning! You pass over a few canyons and valleys, so the views are constantly changing. Once at the top, the temperature was a brisk 35 degrees (25 degrees colder than on the ground)! We weren't able to eat at the restaurant, but they did allow us to buy co*cktails and enjoy outside. So many photo ops, and we'll kept grounds.

Katie Zumbahlen — Google review

The tram is always always worth it. I’ve been multiple times and whether you’re a local or you’re visiting it’s always breathtaking. There are windows to go up and down (noon to 4, or 5-8) the ride is about 14 min and usually you have a good view no matter where you’re standing. If you’re visiting near sunset, make sure to head back to the line once it’s over otherwise you might miss the tram and have to wait another 30+ min. Bring a jacket too, it’s always surprisingly chilly and windy up there, but so beautiful!

Cecilia Williams — Google review

We loved the Tram. We were driving through in our RV and decided to stop and take it to the top of Sandia Peak. Enough parking for our RV although on a weekend it may be different. They don't have designated RV or bus parking. The ride up is awesome and the operator gave a nice commentary. The view from on top is great. It's 20° cooler so bring a light jacket. There is a nice restaurant on top with awesome views. We loved it.

Scott Freburg — Google review

Very cool experience! 10,300 ft overlooking Albuquerque and surrounding areas. We purchased tickets a head of time. They sell out fast! Had to wait 45-60 minutes past our time as it was the same weekend as the International Balloon Fiesta so there were many more people than normal, which was fine. The sun was shining and a small band playing which kept everyone entertained. The main facility and gift shop at the base is pretty cool. Beautiful views from the tram ride up to the top of the peak with 47ish of your closest strangers! The employees were very knowledgeable and shared many facts on the way up and down the peak. Once atop the peak, you are able to hike around the area at your leisure. There is a restaurant called ten3. Reservations are highly recommended for the main restaurant, be prepared to wait for bar seating and service, drinks and food are a bit pricey for some ($18 for specialty drinks, sandwiches $12-18, but at that moment, well, does it matter?) Be sure to hydrate before going up and bring water with you while there. The elevation change affects many so be prepared. And it’s windy and cold at the top so dress accordingly!!! Enjoy!!!

Anessa Kertesz Mueller — Google review

We enjoyed the ride up the mountain,it was beautiful. We went up towards the afternoon, so the air was a bit chilly,so I would recommend taking a light sweater if you plan on staying at the top of the peak for a while,everyone who works there is very friendly so if you have questions they will help you out or answer them. Also, if you want to get next to the window, get there early so you can be towards the front of the line,other than that if you don't mind standing in the middle of the car you're fine 😉 I also enjoyed how clean everything was,they do a very good job 😀 everyone should go here at least once and ride the tram

Liberty Walker — Google review

Kids love this experience. It is little Windy at the top and bring your jacket for sure. Per person was $27 but it was worth it. You can hike to the mountains and have fun with your family. It has a magnificent sunset. Do not forget to be careful to not miss the last tramway to go back. There are so many parking space. You need to close your stroller in the tramway and bring your water.

Hatice Kacer — Google review

Worth if you haven’t done any tramway experience before. Bit expensive. Good if you like hike as there are trails up there. Would not recommend if you just want scenic view and check mark this attraction in todo list. Wheeler peak is great place if you like scenic view. Sandia peak is good place if you need tramway experience, hiking, skiing or some scenic view.

Avani Jain — Google review

By far this was the coolest thing to do in Albuquerque! IT’s fairly priced and the views were just stunning! They only have 2 cable cars which come about every 15 minutes. The ride is about 15 minutes from point to point and was really smooth. There are no seats in the cable car, but there are plenty of poles to grab. There are also several short and long hiking trails at the top which we definitely took advantage of. I would highly recommend!

Dan Reamer — Google review

Not crowded, which was fantastic. The ride up and back were pretty uneventful. The views were gorgeous and with the price of the team ride.Our "guide" on the way up was fantastic. Interacted with everyone answering questions, etc. The one going down need to find a new job. She basically told everyone that she didn't answer questions and struggled to keep her eyes open. I, literally, watched her with her eyes drifting closed more than once.

Cindy Robertson — Google review

Pictures from the top of the tram. Bought tickets in advance online. When I got there, I was told there was some weather that may cause them to stop running the tram temporarily. The staff kept me informed and there ended up being no weather delay. At the top, you can explore the area and come back down when you’re ready. There is a restaurant at the top, I believe reservations are recommended and there is a dress code after 7 pm.It is a fun stop. There’s a gift shop too.

Gabrielle Davis-Jones — Google review

Spectacular views! Did a trail hike ( lol- less than 1/2 mile) was worth the Amazing views. Great weather hi 20’s and such small flurries I thought for a sec that it was pollen… Deducted 1 Star bc the Host & Hostess seated at table with minimal view despite repeated requests.. they claimed for larger group tho later they seated others just like ours (2)… the waiter Mike & others made up quite a bit for hospitality and attentiveness.. The Host & Hostess need more training in hospitality…Thoroughly enjoyed Tram ride, weather & view… Sandia & Ten3 is a great place for pics or romantic date (ignore the Host/Hostess pair)

Gregory Lee — Google review

Went up to catch the sunset and it did not disappoint. Great view of Albuquerque and surrounding area. Temperature was about 25 degrees cooler than the city. Ride takes about 15 minutes one way. Would do this again on future trips to Albuquerque.

David Kunicki — Google review

4 stars only because the wait seemed extremely long. With small children, I wish there had been a better system where upon a arrival you are given a ticket with your place in line with a much smaller time window 15 or 20 minutes. By the time we had waited in the outside line and then the inside line, our youngest was getting cranky.With that said this was a truly unique experience. We visited the Tramway the Monday before Thanksgiving. There was a lot of waiting. That was hard for our 2.5 year old. But the experience was worth the wait.Being November, it was below freezing at the top of the mountain, and we got to experience some fresh snowfall.There is a snack machine and restrooms at the top as well as the fine dining restaurant.We took in the panoramic views and the snow and then headed back down.The ride was about 15 minutes up, and the same was true for the way down. The tram operator gives you information about the mountain on the way up, and then the way down was a bit quieter just taking in the scenery.This is definitely a unique experience you won't get to experience often.It was fun for our 2.5 year old all the way up to my 71 year old mom!

Laurel Waller — Google review

Fun, and it gives you something to do in Albuquerque. The tram line is quite long and you climb a lot, so if you're coming from somewhere that is at sea level, just be advised that you may feel a little odd. You have to get the tickets online in advance, but once you get there the wait is not long. The tram runs every 15-ish minutes. The only thing we noticed is that, well... how to say this? I don't know if it's the change in altitude or what but in both directions, people were farting in the tram, and it's not fun you're trapped with ~20 people in a box with two tiny windows. I felt bad for the tram operators who probably have to smell stinky farts all day long. Other than that, the tram, a fun experience.

Valeria Larreategui — Google review

This was my second time riding the tram.The views and sunsets are exceptional I recommend riding around sunset, so you can witness scenery and sunset on the way up and the city lights on the way down.Bring a coat, dress warm, it was freezing and windy at the top.And we did have a little wind on our ride, which was a bit scary but great to see the employees in communication immediately upon the wind gusts, with the tram receiving a call at what seemed like the exact moment of the wind to check on us.The staff was friendly, professional and shared fun facts on the rides.Worth it, clearly I've rode it twice and would probably do it again just to see/ share all that beauty again. The colors in the sky were so absolutely incredible.

AdvoK8great — Google review

This was a up and down (forgive my pun) experience. On the one hand, the tram going up was incredible. Very exhilarating 14 minutes. The views at the top? A+. Can’t be beat anywhere.The cons: I got stuck up there for about 5 hours with a group of another 100 or so people because the power went out at the base station and the tram was not running. We had one last tram down and unfortunately due to a critical medical emergency we let the person having the medical situation use it to get down. The rest of us had to wait all night for shuttle buses to make it up the mountain and pick us up. Luckily for me I was a solo traveler and the first bus had one open seat for me to make it down. Yes, some families were stuck up there even longer as they waited for more buses, though all the buses were kind of arriving at the same time so it wasn’t too much for all of them. Eventually made it home around 1am after a long ordeal and an expensive Uber ride yhat ended up being a really long wait because drivers kept cancelling thinking that the tram had closed hours ago so no one should be ip there.Anyway, I plan on going back sometime this year (this all happened two years ago) and going for it again, hoping for better results.The tramway is out of the way, so Uber/Lyft will be pricey (get a rental car) and the restaurant at the top has very limited seating so don’t expect to be able to eat especially around common meal times or in worst case scenario, you get stuck up there with 3 tram loads of people because the power goes out.Because of the power outage, I never did get to stop by the gift shop, so thats on the top of my agenda this next time around. And this time I will go there first instead of “going there on my way out”

Bronson Allen — Google review

Wow the views! And the service was great. Make sure to buy your tickets on the website they don’t sell them there. Bring a coat or sweatshirt it is cold at the top!

Thomas Cronshaw — Google review

I have always had a fear of heights (except when flying) but this was an experience I did not want to miss. I wanted to conquer my fears and live in the moment to appreciate the beauty from over 10k elevation to speak about for years to come. From the ground, the elevation did not seem so terrifying but once in and the ascend started, I soon began to feel a bit nervous but the magnificent views soon made me forget my freight as I was in awe.The view from the top was superb and frigid! We went in late November so snow was present. We wanted to walk down the steps on the other side but the steps were covered in snow and a bit slippery but managed to get some pictures and videos. The descending ride seemed quicker and we were luck to watch hang gliders in the distance - it was magnificent! Perfect trip to take in the warmer months with friends and family.

Izod Man — Google review

Tram was great. Hike to the cabin was snowy and we post holed a bit but worth it. Restaurant was closed which was a bummer but that was on us. But tickets in advance but you can do it on your phone when u get there too.

Heidi Misch — Google review

This is such an amazing experience! You will be so glad you saw it! Dress warm. It's cold up on top! And get those tickets in advance!

Laurence Jackson — Google review

4.7

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4.5

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30 Tramway Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122, USA

(505) 856-1532

9

Bandelier National Monument

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National reserve

Sights & Landmarks

Bandelier National Monument is home to ancient human settlements dating back to approximately 11,000 years ago. The park boasts a rocky canyon and mesa terrain, with notable ruins such as Big Kiva and the Tyuonyi ruins that were originally built in the 14th century. Visitors can explore later caves carved out of soft volcanic rock along the cliff face and even climb short ladders into the alcoves. The Main Loop Trail, spanning about 1.

This was a great experience. Pretty nature hike through the woods while also being able to see authentic Native American cave dwellings that you can go inside. Bring sneakers, lots of water, and snacks. Plan to be there a couple hours to enjoy the trails, cave dwellings and scenery. We walked the main loop then headed to the Alcove. It took us 2.5 hours round trip. Overall it was a great experience and I recommend.

MA 13 — Google review

This is an awesome little gem in New Mexico. If you’re interested in historical places, you’ll love this beautiful place. There are ancestral Puebloan dwellings well preserved in the faces of the cliffs. They’ve setup a few of them for access to explore, which is a really cool experience. There are some really great hikes, and the best are the ones that take you through the entire dwelling areas and then to the Alcove House (which to get to the Alcove you’ll have to climb up 3 tall wooden ladders, and a few short ones). I highly recommend doing the Alcove House, but be warned, if you’re not good with heights, then you may want to view from the ground. Another great hike was the Falls Trail, which takes you to a beautiful waterfall. PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL OF THE AREA!! One of the dwellings was closed off from exploration thanks to vandalism, which is just so disgusting. Please don’t ruin the experience for others! If you’re ever in the area, check it out! Very beautiful and peaceful hikes, and a very unique place.

Ashley Fountain — Google review

Majestic and awe inspiring. We camped at the Juniper site, hiked the Frey trail to the ruins... It was around 5:30pm and we had the whole monument to ourselves besides a couple other folks.

Davis Xiong — Google review

I loved this place. I got my fill of adventure. I saw amazing pueblos, snakes, bears and I climbed up to some incredible views. If you plan to visit, I would recommend bringing extra water or Gatorade and a few hours to enjoy yourself. I would set aside at the very least 4 to 5 hours. The trail is short, but there are other trails on the loop to explore and I don't recommend missing them.

Lisa Wiggin — Google review

Such an underrated place! Amazing historical site and absolutely beautiful scenery! To think that people 1000 years ago live in these caves is simply unbelievable! And the creeks carved out these canyons! Amazing what time could do

Bryce R — Google review

An amazing place. We took a chance on stopping by on our way home from Colorado. Turned out to be a wise choice. Both Visitor Centers were interesting and the volunteers extremely helpful. The short bus ride was nice, got to pay attention to the scenery not the driving. The canyon views are beautiful. The village and cliff dwellings are viewed by a short hike and the additional hike to The Alcove House is worth it. The plant and wildlife are abundant. I hope they give this national treasure National Park status soon, consider it is one of the older monuments. BTW...the Park Cafe have excellent bison and elk burgers, excellent fare for after the hike.

Brent Frerck — Google review

One of the most unique places in the country. Def a must see. We went first week of April and it was great. Not a ton of people. Hike is fairly easy. There is a trail that is off the main loop that looked difficult. You climb 2-3 sets of ladders to get to top. On main trail, there’s Multiple ladders you can climb to see inside the houses. You will have to wait if you wanna climb as people take pictures. Plan at least a half day to enjoy. Maybe more in summer. Remember leave no trace. One was blocked off due to damage done by visitors. Overall amazing experience to walk back in time and see how people lived.

Joel Collishaw — Google review

Really cool monument. One of the cooler things I saw while going around New Mexico.Pros:Old structures, artifacts, great information, and you can GET IN the old structures. Climb ladders, walk on trails, etc. to get up to these old places. One of them was like 150 feet up a cliff face!Cons:Not super easy to get around. I had a hard time finding my way to some of the more obscure places, partially because I had no service there. The main loop trail is easy enough to follow, but there are a lot of branching trails and places where I could have missed something cool. It was also very hot and the water fountains were not working.All that being said, the pros outweigh the cons, super cool

Adam N-A — Google review

So captivating to take a glimpse into how the Pueblo natives lived. Definitely gives you perspective how intelligent they are, and their way of life and how functional their way of lives were. You have to look hard but you can see a lot of petroglyphs up high. I wish I could of rent one of these caves for the night. I will say from the parking lot I feel like I'm watched from something on top of the right Ridge.

Vanessa Maldonado — Google review

I’ve always want to see cave dwellings and finally got to check it out. Pretty quick drive from Albuquerque. We got on a bus at the visitor center in town and they take you up to the park. We had a National park card so got in for free. Short walk and you can see the dwellings. Really cool place. You can climb a few ladders and go inside. Just a really interesting place and I would recommend to anyone interested in history

Wes Southerly — Google review

Although the ranger at the welcome centre wasn’t too welcoming everything else about this place is outstanding. Download the guide with a qr code for detailed explanation as you you follow the trails. The trail itself is often shaded by trees, the cliff houses accessible but I fear in tourist season this may be crowded!Stop at the cafe, great food!

Catherine Shawarby — Google review

Great historical site of the Pueblo Indians. Before you start, I recommend spending the $2 (cash) and getting the trail guide booklet sold in the gift shop or visitors center. It has great info - especially if you are not taking a tour by a ranger. When you're done, stop in the cafe for a bite. It was really good! Better than I expected. Overall, it was a very memorable experience!

Lisa — Google review

Site tour of Frijoles Canyon is incredibly interesting and very accessible (paved, with section of steps). The narrated audio is worth it to add to the self-guided map. Would love to hike in the backcountry here someday, but the loop trail at the visitors center is very worthwhile.

Jon N. — Google review

One of the coolest and most engaging national monuments I've been to! The Pueblo Loop Trail is a must-do for any first-time visitor. Spent around 3 hours here.Went in early Oct, visitors from 9am-3pm were required to take a free shuttle from the White Rock Visitor Center to the Bandelier Visitor Center due to limited parking. It was a ~25min ride. We were greeted by a park ranger who gave us a group briefing of the park. The Visitor Center was a complex of multiple buildings, including a museum, theater room, restaurant, and gift shop. The gift shop had a large selection of high-quality goods and even had Pueblo pottery from native craftspeople.The Pueblo Loop Trail is the most popular. You're able to walk alongside the cliff dwellings and even climb wooden ladders 🪜 into a few of them! There are some steep, winding steps and (optional) ladders without railings in those portions of the trail that people with limited mobility may find difficult. Still, the ladder climbing makes for a very novel experience.The final portion of the trail is to the Alcove house, which is an alcove 140 ft up in the cliff face. The ascent/descent involves four long wooden ladders and steep stone steps. It takes some time/waiting since there is only a single ladder for people going up and coming down. The view from the top is nice, but the journey itself was probably the main experience.It was incredible to walk through all this imagining how multiple generations of people used to live in and at the base of these cliffs.Leave no trace!

Tony Lin — Google review

Very cool place to visit. Did the main loop trail which allows you to go in some of the dwellings. Alcove house is closed due to snow and ice currently. Would like to go back.

Ashley Thomas — Google review

Very nice monument. The hikes are easy and not too long so my 11 year-old son really enjoyed it. Very interesting pueblo people houses carved into the rock.We went to this monument when the balloon festival occurred, so it was not crowded at all (since everyone was at Albuquerque for the Balloon Fiesta).

Trung Vo — Google review

4.8

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5.0

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New Mexico, USA

(505) 672-3861

10

Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument

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Nature & Parks

Monument

Explore the vast Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument and discover its unique geological beauty. Immerse yourself in nature as you trek through slot canyons and witness cone-shaped rock formations that will take your breath away. This heavily trafficked park offers serenity, palpable energy, and stunning vistas regardless of whether you make it to the top or not.

Best place I visited. I had to hike through trails and up a mountain to get to see the tent rocks from above but it was great.

Matthew — Google review

Go in the early spring before it gets too warm. Bring a cooler, and have lunch after. This is a great hike that is fun for all ages. The higher you get you will need to help smaller kids along.

Carla Frazier — Google review

Stunning views at the top of the mountain plus a cool hike up to the top with a slot canyon. I would recommend going in the morning on a weekday because there are next to no people until 10 o'clock and it is significantly cooler in the morning. Bring a bottle of water and good shoes. Amazing hike for only $5.

Logan Harmison — Google review

I love exploring the outdoors and grew up traveling to the national parks and state parks in Utah and surrounding states. This is a great hike. We saw many older people doing the hike and were so impressed! I thought it was a hike around a rim of a canyon from the pictures we've seen, but you go through the slots in the canyon, walk along the base, then go up the mountain. They have some steps, but some places can be a bit strenuous and you'll have to climb over rocks. Bring plenty of water when you go. It took us about 3 hours with kids, but they all did great! It was 106 degrees out when we went, but the breeze and shady spots made it bearable. I believe there rangers hike up to the top before 4pm and start hiking down at 4 and make everyone hike back with them even if they haven't made it to the top, for safety reasons. Great hike, get out and explore!

Kristin Bogopane — Google review

I love this place! It can be pretty hot in the summer, so go early in the morning. The slot canyon is breathtaking and the rock formations are really neat. You can hike to the top and back down in about 2.5 hours depending on your fitness level. There are times you have to climb up and over things, so keep that in mind if you have a disability or injury. This place is great for kids.

Angela Holt — Google review

Fantastic views of slot canyons and "tent rock" hoodoos. Pretty easy and scenic hike to the overlook then continue on the cave loop, a total of 3.2 miles and 839 ft of elevation. I would have liked a longer hike but the views and scenery make a visit here well worth it. Get here early though, or you'll have to wait to get in. Opens at 8am.

James Torrence — Google review

Amazing scenery on a pretty easy hike. There is a little crawling and sliding on your rear end in sections but the trail is short and the views are spectacular. The only downside is that the park has a very small capacity and once it's full you have to wait for a car to leave before you are allowed to park.

Brad Davis — Google review

Hiking the canyon trail was a great outdoor outing. It shouldn’t take more than 2 hours up and down if you take you time to admire the scenery and take pictures. The trail is very easy for the most part, and the last climb towards the summit is a little steeper but is accessible to anyone who doesn’t have any mobility issues.I suggest to take a left towards the cave trail on your back for a short but worthwhile detour.

Marie-Ève Gagné — Google review

Amazing Place. Reminds me of a Zion National Park Narrows trail meets the Upper Antelopes in AZ. Highly recommended if your in the area and want to experience an amazing trail. In certain areas the Canyon Trail Can get a little challenging because your climbing over rocks etc but it’s definitely do able and I saw active 50 year old plus people doing it. There are also certain sections of the Cave loop trail that are very enjoyable for older individuals. I highly recommend the Canyon Trail really cool views.

Bullitt 78 — Google review

This is such a beautiful place. Heavily trafficked, so you are passing people all the time. Regardless the serenity, beauty, and palpable energy are well worth the short trek. Slightly steep toward the end however that section of the trail is closed when very icy. Still, I reiterate that this hike is well worth it whether you make it to the top or not. It is gorgeous!

William Miglino — Google review

I grew up in NM and had never had the privilege of visiting this place until now. I am still in awe of the sheer beauty! Our kiddos were also in awe of their surroundings. I highly recommend this hike! A bit steep and narrow in places, but definitely worth it!

Amy Reinert — Google review

4.8

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5.0

(1562)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (75)

0 NM-22, Cochiti Pueblo, NM 87072, USA

(505) 331-6259

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11

New Mexico River Adventures

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Raft trip outfitter

Tours

New Mexico River Adventures offers all-inclusive trips that take care of everything from pick-up to drop-off, including rafting and photos, tasting fees, and lunch. The full-day trip in early April provided perfect weather for a mild class 2 & 3 experience with wet suits and splash jackets provided. Guests recommend purchasing NRS Wet Shoes for added comfort.

Our experience with NMRA was amazing! Our family (3 kids ages 11, 9 and 5) did the short Racecourse Half Day. The staff was so friendly during our whole experience - especially Ashley (spelling?). Devin, our guide, was DA MAN. He made the whole ride safe and fun. He kept the kids (and the adults) entertained and informed. I'll recommend to anyone visiting NM!

Alexander Ho — Google review

Rachel and Diego were the best guides ever. They knew their stuff, had great attitudes, and we're genuinely fun to be with all day. If I'm back in town again, I want them as my guides.We took the all day trip, that wasn't worth it, we probably spent 90 minutes of it stopped waiting for another grouped or on shore eating- great fajitas though. Half day trip would have been fine since I didn't see much gained from the whole day in this case.Pictures attached were from their photo package, definitely worth it, they did a great job there.

Dave Werkema — Google review

This was our second trip with New Mexico River Adventures. This time was an all day on the Rio Grande. Rachel was a great guide! While the flow rate of the river was low, we didn’t get stuck but a few times and never had to get out to walk. Great lunch along the route! Highly recommend!

Joe Honea — Google review

Came here for a 3 night trip with my college and it was AMAZING!! The guides were so informed and passionate, even after 3 days of really hard work! The food was BEYOND better than I could have imagined for a river trip, literally ate steak on the first night… Needless to say if you want an amazing, beautiful, comfortable, and overall fun-tastic experience out on the water these are the people to go to!! Shoutout to Luke, Baker, Amelia, Auston, and Liv for making this trip so incredible!🙌

franybean 2 — Google review

We had a great time with Austin as our guide for the full day trip with lunch included. We went in early April. The weather was perfect as it wasn’t too hot or too cold. We were provided wet suits and splash jackets which were just what we needed. I would recommend buying NRS Wet Shoes before you go (like wet suit shoes) because our feet would have been cold in the water is if we would have worn just sandals. Austin was pleasant and cooked a great chicken fajita lunch. The full day trip was class 2 & 3 and is very mild. Perfect for any family trip. Highly recommended and very reasonably priced.

Scott Jones — Google review

Overall an awesome trip! We did the recourse kayaking & it was so much fun to be in your own individual kayak! Our guides Rachael & Jo did a great job keeping us safe while allowing us to have the best experience possible. Everything from initially booking to getting our pictures at the end was seamless. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience! Can’t wait to go again!

Brenden Garland — Google review

Had a great half day river run. Ava, our river guide was awesome!!! Had my 7 year old grandson with us and she keeped him calm the hole trip and showed him how to move the raft around. Ava, thank you for a great trip.

Martin Cortez — Google review

What an amazing experience!! We had a great time and made memories to last a lifetime. Our guides were Austin and Ben and both were incredible to say the least! Our safety and safety of the entire group was their priority and the knowledge they share is unmatched!! My son is still talking about Ben! We will spread the word here in Texas and will definitely be back next summer!!

Christy Miller — Google review

My wife and I were so pleased and all our expectations were surpassed on our Racecourse ride this morning. Our guide (I thinkAmelia? Sorry) was fun, knowledgeable! Informative and talented. Everything about to trip fro the initial sign up to the leaving of the site was a pleasure. Can’t wait to go back!

Joel Usher — Google review

It was a wonderful experience. My family enjoyed a lot. The staff and special Diego (tour guide) were so nice. Everything was very clean (equipment and place). The organization (transportation, pictures, safety guidelines) and the way that they give you the tour are amazing., I will go again at the end of May. Be ready to have a lot of fun and do exercise. My mom is 70yo and she wants to go again. 😃

Erika Gabauer — Google review

This experience was completely amazing! Our guide, Casey, was so much fun. He was very informative, and even though some in our group were a bit anxious at first, he made sure we were safe and felt at ease, even through an unexpected, sudden torrential downpour with crazy lightning and booming thunder. This was the experience of a lifetime and I cannot wait to do it again! I highly recommend NM River Adventures and if you get Casey as your guide consider yourself blessed!!!

Cindy Rybarczyk — Google review

I had some trepidation about this trip & I had a blast. As a relatively fit, (not uber fit) women in her mid 60's I wasn't sure to was for me ... It was great. A lot of care, (including safety is clearly very important to theM) a lot of fun and a great first rafting experience. My friend and I did the 'racecourse' run. And a special shout out to our raft guide EMILY, very efficient caring and fun. Great job New Mexico River Adventures

Patricia Mitchell — Google review

My 3 year old and I did the family float. It was super cute. Just a chill ride. Only complaint is the ants everywhere at drop in and out. Could they spray the area or something?My older kids and hubby did the race course. They loved it!!Casey and Mattie were our guides. The best!!! ❤️

Carie Boatright — Google review

We loved our rafting trip today! The equipment seemed all in good repair, the lunch was amazing, our guide (Devin) was concerned about our safety at all times, and we felt well prepared as we entered each set of rapids. Everything was done so well by everyone we encountered. Even the pictures offered at the end were great pics that we felt were well priced and not outrageous. Would 10/10 recommend!!!

Jody Lyon — Google review

Dan was our rafting guide and he made sure we were safe and had fun paddling down the Rio Grande race course. Everything was so organized including wetsuits, waterproof shell and helmets.

Charlene Kim — Google review

Amazing trip from start to finish! Brenden is wonderful guide...we had 1 person who had never rafted before and was really nervous. He did great making sure she felt comfortable yet giving the rest of us a fun trip down the river. We've done trips with this outfit before and they are as awesome as ever ..from the front desk to the shuttle driver...they all have great attitudes and just really want your trip to be the best it can be!

Teresa Pace — Google review

This was my first rafting trip. Went with my two adult sons and had a blast. Dan L was our guide, and he was very professional and fun. The lunch was really good. The only critique we wouldhave is that we love pictures from more than just one point in the trip. But, overall, it was an excellent day. We’ll be back.

Michele Stinson — Google review

A friend and I did the all day box canyon trip on 4/29/24. Jake was a perfect guide: supportive, personable, and expert with the boat. He and the rest of the folks at New Mexico River Adventure shared the experience with us on a beautiful day on a beautiful river, in a beautiful canyon. All the equipment was first rate and they even managed to feed us a warm and tasty lunch with stuff they brought on the raft. I had never rafted before and always wanted to. This is the place.

Joe O'Neil — Google review

I think that was the most fun thing we’ve ever done living here in NM for 8 years!!Rafting was not the only fun part. Our leader was also so great! He gave us all the info that we were surrounded with. My 7 yo had a BLAST!!All the staff were just so wonderful! I wish I was living close by so I could do it way more often!I just can not tell good enough about them!

ayşe uzuner — Google review

We have rafted the river a couple times but New Mexico River Adventures was the best! Our guide Dan was very informative not only about our safety but about what we seeing along the way. He made our water adventure fun! I will definitely return.

Christie Carter — Google review

4.9

(2013)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (87)

5.0

(687)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (88)

2217 NM-68, Embudo, NM 87531, USA

(800) 983-7756

12

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

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Museum

Art museum

The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum is located in Santa Fe, New Mexico and is dedicated to the artistic legacy of Georgia O'Keeffe. It has over 3,000 works including 140 OKeeffe oil paintings and nearly 700 drawings dating from 1901 to 1984.

Fantastic experience at the museum. She has such an incredible life, fearless, and reinvented herself multiple times.The nature paintings are fabulous.The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful.

Rhishi Pethe — Google review

The museum was nice. I especially appreciate the glasses for color blinded people and tactile descriptions - I just wish there were more of them. I recommend to buy the tickets in advance.

eva gartnerova — Google review

Overall good museum, but also slightly disappointing. Was hoping to find more info/historical artifacts about her personal life. Did enjoy the video interview back in the 1980s, when she was in her 90s. Paintings were beautiful and nice gift shop.

Mark Dickerson — Google review

10 stars. Awesome museum set up so well. Love the videos and listening to her speak. An awesome long lived life. A very simple lady who fell in love with New Mexico. So many colors and great gift shop

Nancy Steadmon — Google review

I visited on 3/11/22 and all I have to say is, "WOW, PERFECTION!"The variety of masterpieces present us with an all-inclusive experience of the vast and amazing life that Georgia O'Keeffe lived and continues to share.To people who say that the entrance fee is too much, I say, you didn't slow down and truly take-in the magnificence before you. As Georgia O'Keeffe said, "..take time to look."

Mateo D. — Google review

Stunning museum from one of art's true masters, Georgia O'Keeffe. Incredible exhibition. Varied history including her paints, brushes and visual history. The art is much more appreciated in person rather than a book. Her technique is superb in every visual way. One looks at deserts, flowers and the sky in such a a different manner. It's an incredible inspiration for anyone. The treasure of New Mexico.

MannyG33309 — Google review

This museum is on the smaller side but worth the visit. There was no wait in line, and the price was ~$22 for entry. The gift shop is well stocked, and the bathrooms were clean. We spent a little over an hour and a half inside. We also saw a cute dog on the way out.

MJ Ridenour — Google review

Wow! I've been wanting to visit the Georgia O'Keefe museum ever since my first trip to Santa Fe. I really enjoyed learning about the talents of the artist and to be able to view the Southwest through her perspective and all of her incredible art. I was uplifted and inspired.The museum was extremely busy and crowded. I appreciate that the entries are staggered in order to limit the number of guests there at a time. The only I was disappointed by was the other patrons that were there the day I visited because there didn't seem to be much respect for the artist or the other patrons visiting. I would really love to spend a lot more time exploring when it's less crowded.

Ashly Ulrich — Google review

This museum displayed known and unknown pieces of art, spanning her many years as an artist. Liked being able to take pictures of certain artwork. Good for all ages, would visit again!

Jennifer Eames — Google review

Dream come true! Beautiful museum and you will need to get advanced time tickets. Bring earbuds for a little tour through full of information. It's a wonderful experience. Also parking is expensive but stay for lunch or dinner, stroll through town to feel you got your money's worth!

Carolina Glenn — Google review

We had a good time. The museum was small. They change out paintings four times a year. I am partial to flower paintings. When we visited there were not many flower paintings. There is a gift shop to visit. You do have to make reservations. We found a parking lot that was close.

Kathy O'Keeffe — Google review

What an amazing museum! This museum has a comprehensive collection of Georgia O'Keefe's works from the early years to the years before her death. You definitely need to get tickets ahead. We came shortly after open, and the only tickets left were for 3:30 PM. We ended up shopping and hanging out in the area (there is a lot to see around there) until our time. With each piece, there is a detailed description providing historical context to the art. You can also get a guided auto tour if that's more your speed. I came in to this museum without a thorough understanding of her as an artist, and I came out with a new appreciation for her work! A must-visit if you come to Santa Fe!

Nico Pauly — Google review

A tad smaller thanI expected. No senior discount. Tickets are $22.We arrived w/ about an hour before closing, and didn't miss anything. We like combing the gift shops, snd actually bought some cards.Nice venue, though many works have low glare glass, still harder to take photos.

Marc Milrod — Google review

A beautiful tribute to the works of a cutting edge woman named Georgia O’Keeffe! An artist, sculpturer and visionary, who was years ahead of her time!She lived an extraordinary life, painting, nature and spent her late years in the most beautiful area to paint, New Mexico!Plan about two hours to walk through the museum so you can observe each piece of the Extraordinary collection!

Ed Pizza — Google review

The Museum was an awesome experience. I did not pre purchase so I had to wait for the next time slot to enter but was allowed to purchase. The audio guide I would highly recommend. The woman explaining how to operate the device was very helpful. I thoroughly enjoyed how the art was displayed with younger works towards the beginning to see how she progressed through the years. Any fan of artwork would appreciate these works that are displayed and the admission price was fair for the exhibit and experience.

james tripp — Google review

Beautiful works. I had a small idea of who she was before visiting. After, I realize how influential of an artist she was. The collection at this museum is extensive and gorgeous. They even have some of her tools and paints etc. It was a great visit. If you’re into guided audio tours, they provide headphones and have an online audio guide for a slow paced, narrated walkthrough.

poltergejst — Google review

Well curated museum with changing exhibits!Friendly staff throughout!Security was great and very knowledgeable!Kathy was doing spot tours, I highly recommend stopping to chat for more information, she was fantastic!They offer closed captioning, audio guides, courtesy wheelchairs and color correcting glasses!They have restrooms, water fountains and a coatroom for personal items!No pets are allowed except for service animals.I visited on the first Friday of the month and they were offering free entry from 5pm-7pm!Stop by the gift shop on your way out they have a great selection!

Jacqueline Spizzirro — Google review

Beautiful gallery with gorgeous artwork displays. If a New Mexico resident, take your ID and go on the first Friday of the month as is free for residents that day. You must find paid parking off site. No parking lot at museum.

Heather Moran — Google review

Yes, there are quite a few pieces here, yet just a couple of what I considered "classic" O'Keefe pieces depicting skulls and flowers. Would've rather gone to her home museum near Abiquiu, I think.

Brian Baker — Google review

The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico, stands as a testament to the life and works of one of America's most celebrated artists. Visiting this museum is not merely an excursion into art; it's a journey through O'Keeffe's evolution as an artist and a glimpse into the landscapes and inspirations that shaped her iconic style.Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted by a carefully curated collection that spans O'Keeffe's entire career. From her early abstract experiments to her later, more famous works featuring enlarged flowers and New Mexican landscapes, the museum provides a comprehensive look at her artistic progression. The layout of the museum allows for a chronological exploration, offering insight into the influences and experiences that influenced O'Keeffe's artistic vision.One of the most striking aspects of the museum is its ability to showcase O'Keeffe's mastery of color and form. Her use of vibrant hues and bold compositions captivates viewers, drawing them into the intricate details of her paintings. The museum's lighting and display techniques further enhance the viewing experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the subtle nuances of O'Keeffe's brushstrokes and textures.In addition to her paintings, the museum also houses a collection of O'Keeffe's personal items, including clothing, tools, and photographs. These artifacts offer a more intimate perspective on the artist, allowing visitors to connect with her on a more personal level and gain insight into her daily life and creative process.The museum's educational programs and exhibitions add another layer of depth to the experience. From guided tours to interactive workshops, visitors have the opportunity to delve deeper into O'Keeffe's art and legacy. Special exhibitions often feature works by other artists who were influenced by O'Keeffe or explore themes related to her life and work, providing a broader context for understanding her impact on the art world.

Anantha Krishnan — Google review

4.6

(3024)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (96)

4.5

(5225)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (97)

217 Johnson St, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA

(505) 946-1000

13

Inn & Spa at Loretto

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Hotel

Sights & Landmarks

The Inn & Spa at Loretto is a luxurious property with pueblo-inspired architecture and a spa, pool, and chic restaurant. The property is perfect for those looking to escape the everyday hustle and bustle of life. With its beautiful architecture and convenient location, the Inn & Spa at Loretto is a must-stay for anyone visiting Santa Fe.

We had an absolutely amazing stay at the Loretto Inn & Spa. The staff was professional, attentive, sweet and super helpful. We met for a last minute girls trip from all over the country and did minimal planning. The staff went above and beyond to help us plan and enjoy our stay. The hotel was beautiful, clean, a short walk to a bunch of great restaurants and has an amazing breakfast. We can’t wait to come back with the whole family.

Lindsey Buffamante — Google review

We stayed in the Pueblo Double room at the Inn and Spa at Loretto and it was comfortable with plenty of room for the two of us. It had all of the amenities that we desire. The service from the valets, front office, restaurants and shops was excellent. The location is ideal as the Loretto Chapel adjoins the property. It's a short walk to the Plaza, La Fonda and many shops and restaurants. There is a lounge area with a full bar, fireplace and had entertainment two of the nights we stayed there.

Mara Thomas — Google review

We spent nearly two weeks in June and had a very enjoyable experience. The staff were friendly and keen to provide a good service. Special thanks to Josh and his Front Desk Team for ensuring that we stayed in our preferred room as soon as it was available. Pamela, as on a previous visit, was especially helpful.

Peter Hall — Google review

BEWARE - this hotel is writing, posting, and responding to reviews on this and other platforms.I ended up checking out a night early and changing my flight back to dc to get away. The room left a lot to be desired. It was dim, not soothing dim - dark dim. They’re also dated. I understand maintaining a vibe, but there’s a way to do it and keep it fresh.As for he rest of the hotel…. The spa has no nail tech, so the spa is essentially somewhere to get a massage. The pool and hot tub were being rebuilt, and in addition to them not saying that up front - they charge a 30/night amenity fee for amenities you can’t use.The manager didn’t respond to my email, and the front desk will put you on hold and never pick up. Don’t stay here y’all.. there are other places to stay in Santa Fe - stay there

Philip Wilson — Google review

Loved our room (basic but comfy). The service was good and above par. We had a lot of interaction with the valet guys because we brought our bikes along. They were helpful and informative. Splurged on a $300 massage. While the massage was good...no spa facilities were offered (sauna, pool, shower?) We really enjoyed the happy hours offered by the hotel and the ability to meet other travelers. We stayed four nights and recommend it to anyone traveling in the area.

Gaby Buscher — Google review

First of all, we loved our stay at the hotel. Great lobby and bar, and our room was perfect. Clean, cozy, sunny, and four-poster bed.But here's the cool part. I was speaking yesterday with Tracy, one of the concierge pro's. I mentioned that I was hoping to ski while we were in town. Tracy told me all about this excellent local ski area called Ski Santa Fe. Really good terrain.Anyway, this morning, I went up there, and guess who I ran into in the lift line... Tracy!He gave me a personal tour of the resort. We skied the whole time until I had to get back to town. This was the best ski day I've had for years.Best of all, Tracy is an awesome skier. I could hardly keep up. Thank you, Tracy!!

Brad Fisher — Google review

I have mixed feelings about this hotel. Excellent location, and the hotel is nice; but is best suited for older clients. We had so much hit & miss here, that it makes a good or bad review hard. We visited in the winter and the hot tub was broken, so they told us we could walk across the street to another hotel. The restaurant, Luminaria, is good, but nothing to overly brag about. Things close really early or open late, so be prepared to visit other hotels for drinks and food. We had a really good time next door at La Fonda. In-hotel amenities are there - but not really accessible at the same time. This hotel prides itself on being historic, but for us, it's a bit too stuffy. You're definitely paying for location here.

Julie Bedsole — Google review

My dad and I stayed here in April and we had so much fun! My dads room was newly updated and looked amazing! Special thanks to Pamela at the front desk for making us feel so welcomed. And Able in valet services as well. Would highly recommend staying here!!

Denise Ramos — Google review

I cannot say enough positive things about Loretta Inn & Spa. Just a few shout outs to the Best Wedding Ever for my daughter! Irene the event coordinator was fast, kind, and always professional! Chef Miguel cooked exquisite food and Banquet manager Juan had the Best service staff! Thank you for a memorable evening !

Melisa Valenzuela — Google review

This location is amazing! From the moment we arrived the team here were excellent. From the valet team to Edward B. at the front desk. Edward made our stay here the best it could be. He made great food and shopping recommendations as well as site seeing spots. Thank you Loretto team for such and womderful time, especially Edward B. for his attention to the details.

Michael Newbold — Google review

Much of my review is a result of the room we were given. I paid for a terrace room, which I envisioned as being a room with a balcony overlooking the city/town. Instead I was given a ground floor room right off of the main lobby "living room", about 30 feet from the piano player. Our terrace was a 2' x 10' enclosed patio adjoined the parking lot. The room had some spiders / bugs in the corners (which isn't housekeeping's fault) but wasn't what you want to see in a luxury hotel. Location was decent, staff was pleasant. Will likely not stay there again.

Jodi Eppler — Google review

Location is excellent, within a block of downtown. Hotel decor looks somewhat worn considering the resort fee and room prices. Hotel pool is still being renovated after a year, pool and gym are available at a sister property. The check-in process is not streamlined, ask for complementary coffee credit as it will be forgotten. Hotel restaurant options are well presented, although service is slow. Happy hour is very popular. Valet service is friendly and well-informed on local activities.

Janene Townshend — Google review

The Spa services are amazing! We just LOVED it and felt like we were on cloud nine. I have had a lot of body work done in the past but this surpassed all of it! I would highly recommend Linda Sampson for massage. Not to be missed!!

Linda Moore — Google review

Great stay and amazing staff, but I wish I could say the same about the security of the area. When walking outside the main entrance of the Loretto at night, you may feel a bit unsafe since there's occasional homeless and sketchy people walking near the premise. I think it's important to have security patrolling the area at night, specifically on Old Santa Fe Trail, to make make guests feel more comfortable.

Ea. N. — Google review

Booked 3 rooms ( family trip) and for most of our stay - 2 of those rooms had toilets that wouldn’t flush!!!!! so GROSS!!!!! Had to have “Engineering” come by 4 times!! This seriously impacted our Tours. The food in the main Restaurant was terrible for Dinner, practically inedible…. NOT much better for Breakfast…. Other than that…and being in need of a serious updating… it is centrally located, which makes bopping around the Downtown area of Santa Fe- a breeze. On the upside- Arturo at the Bar was wonderful!

JUST SAYIN' — Google review

We loved the Inn and Spa at Loretto! In particular, we loved the shops inside the hotel, the cute little coffee shop, Josh at the front desk, who was super helpful, with restaurant recommendations, and ideas on things to see and do, the bartender and ambiance in the Living room Bar, the large, comfortable room, and the location - so close to the Plaza! It feel like a quiet, high end hotel very close to all of the fun in Santa Fe! The only bummer is that the pool area is under construction, so not usable now, but it looks like it will be a beautiful space when it opens!

Jim and Polly Koontz — Google review

We had the greatest experience on our girls trip. The staff was all so extremely kind and generous, especially Hal. As soon as we checked in Hal greeted us and told us everything about the town, where to go dine and the places to see. He went out of his way to get us reservations, at an already booked restaurant, and spoiled us the entire trip. It felt like we were visiting family. Each night we would spend time in the lounge area by the fireplace and listen to the live music. The location is perfect to walk anywhere Georgia O'Keefe museum, MONA, Farmer's Market, restaurants, churches and shopping!

Nicole Walker — Google review

Our stay at the Inn and Spa at Loretto was fabulous. From the moment we arrived our experience was first rate. From the Valet parking attendants to the front desk to housekeeping, everyone was super helpful and friendly. A special thank you to Pamela who made my wife's Birthday special. The Inn is well taken care of and it shows in the cleanliness of the Lobby, Rooms, Grounds and Restaurants. It’s evident that the ownership and staff take great pride in their Inn and strive to give great service. The room was perfect and exceeded our expectations in every way. The location is great and is within easy walking distance to everything. We will definitely be staying there again when we return to Santa Fe!

John Phillips — Google review

I visited for a work conference. The hotel is clearly billing itself as an upscale experience, but the service doesn’t reflect that.The valet didn't know what event was being held that day and was dismissive. The front desk staff member seemed bored. The catered breakfast was decent.The location is great and the hotel is a nice building with services and shops scattered throughout.I'd likely find another hotel when visiting for pleasure because of the staff, especially the valet.

Konrad Juengling — Google review

Location is fantastic and most things are walkable. Valet guys were great, knowledgeable and fast. You're forced into valet if you drive. The Hotel is beautiful and lots of photo op areas in the front.The room was VERY dusty, like I was able to see the dust stuck to the tv that has been there so long it would be hard to remove. The bed was very comfortable but the down pillows held onto a lot of allergens and made for a rough week. The patio was cool but the doors didn't lock or shut properly so when the wind blew it would leak into the room. The toilet handle nearly feel off and my partner had to screw it back together so we could flush. Did I feel the room was worth what I paid for it, no. Did we mostly enjoy our stay, yes.

Zelexis Wellings — Google review

Very nice old hotel in the heart of Santa Fe next door to the Loretto Chapel. The rooms are spacious, but baths are a bit dated. The beds are extremely comfortable, however. The little kiva fireplace is quaint, and service was exquisite. The meeting facilities were top-notch and a great place for a retreat. The hotel rooms have balconies with chairs and a table.

Melissa Alexander — Google review

This hotel was one of the best we’ve stayed at AND ITS HAUNTED!When we first arrived we were greeted by the valet who were awesome and at the front desk was Naomi who my partner and I both thought was one of the best hotel staff people we’ve ever met. Naomi was professional, naturally friendly and knowledgeable. She was quick and just had an over all good vibe.The first few minutes in our room we kept hearing knocks at the door. But when we checked no one was there. I immediately realized that this old hotel must be haunted. So I went ahead and spoke out loud to the spirit and let them know that we come in peace and wouldn’t be staying long and that they are welcome in the room with us. The knocks stopped. No more haunting.Santa Fe is gorgeous. I hope everyone gets the chance to visit and stay at the Inn and Spa at Loretto

Joey Pelletier — Google review

The front desk and valet attendants were great. Super helpful! Rooms were fine other than the couple of spider friends we found, which freaked our daughter out. A good stay, and repeat spot for us.

Brad Kennedy — Google review

Location perfect, price reasonable, service friendly and accommodating, with comfy beds and hot showers! Read a few reviews that stated rooms were outdated. I have to disagree, maybe they are renovating some rooms, not sure. However, we got 2 adjoining rooms - one king and one double - both were decorated tastefully in modern southwest decor. Bar in lobby was also nice with fireplace and large space to sit and relax. Also dog friendly. Highly recommend!

Loki B — Google review

I have not stayed here before… BUT when I was in Santa Fe I saw the exterior of the hotel and it was awesome! It really did look like a Pueblo house. And it’s in a great location! Good job Inn and Spa at Loretto!

Jaron Lanier — Google review

4.4

(996)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (104)

4.5

(5216)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (105)

211 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA

(505) 988-5531

14

Canyon Rd

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Notable street

Sights & Landmarks

Canyon Road is a picturesque street in Santa Fe, New Mexico that is home to over 100 art galleries, studios, and restaurants. The area is especially rich in Native American arts and crafts, with many galleries exhibiting stunning pieces of artwork. The street has a distinctly more residential feel, making it easy to walk around without having to fight traffic. Two fine dining restaurants are located on the street as well as one popular chocolate house.

Canyon Road is an enjoyable walk to visit many art galleries and studios.

Scott Eggert — Google review

Art lovers favorite place! Absolutely enjoyed visiting the galleries on Canyon road! Very interesting place and people working in there, easy to talk to and helpful information.

mariana — Google review

Must see if in town. An entire road dedicated to art. Walked around with my pup just enjoying all the sculptures.

Heather — Google review

The best street to walk in the USA. Christmas eve walk lacked the Christmas spirit in general or IMO. It still is a community event and recommended. A few photos.

David Torres — Google review

This was a fun place to walk and relax. Lots of art galleries and even if you’re not into art, plenty of cool photo opportunities.

Joel Collishaw — Google review

So many galleries. Pedestrian friendly street as well

Peter Reymer — Google review

The area is loaded with art galleries many with exceptional art including paintings, sculpture etc. Interesting area.

Rodney — Google review

must see for santa fe tour. what you want to see or enjoy, here's everything. highly recommended

Mahedi Hasan — Google review

Incredible art galleries one after another....sculpture everywhere.....so much creativity!

Allison Batchelor — Google review

Canyon Rd in Santa Fe is a must see. So many galleries to visit. Street art, neighborhood’s overall atmosphere is a work of art in-itself. Lots of walking, lots of beautiful areas to take a rest. Easy to spend a whole afternoon exploring. Parking lot available near Tea Room. Had lunch at Tea Room on the patio and it was very good and relaxing.

D Salazar — Google review

Great galleries and outdoor gardens with sculptures, beautiful fine art paintings and fun creative stuff. Highly recommend checking it out!

ALLISON GROVES — Google review

Lots of high end galleries and shopping along a long narrow street.

Jim Arnold — Google review

Nice place to take a long stroll and admire outdoor art, as well as multiple galleries to visit with various kinds of artwork for sale.

Gregory Smith — Google review

Cool art district full of art galleries and shops! Definitely worth a visit!

Heather Mires — Google review

Nice artsy area. Didn't have enough time but enjoyed what we saw.

richard mann — Google review

4.6

(64)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (113)

4.5

(4071)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (114)

Santa Fe, NM, USA

15

Taos Plaza

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Business center

Sights & Landmarks

Points of Interest & Landmarks

Taos Plaza is a lovely public plaza with many craft shops and cafes, as well as a relaxed atmosphere. The plaza is located in the heart of Taos, which has a rich history and cultural scene. The scenic drive from Santa Fe is breathtaking, and the changing vegetation with altitude is amazing.

Free parking behind the plaza!Lots of small soups filled with art and craft, restaurants and coffee shops.Less of a buzz compared to Santa Fe but also less of a tourist trap.The scenic drive from Santa Fe is breathtaking. Changing vegetation with altitude and which side of the mountains you're on. From high desert to green and lush to Alpine.

Oliver Zauner — Google review

This is a fabulous location to walk around and explore. The buildings set against the blue sky is gorgeous. The feeling of the place is exotic and historical at once, and also sad.I won’t go into detail on the history but it is heavy to walk around and know how we treated some cultures and that that treatment continues through today.

Dale Burks — Google review

What a great fun place with great shops. Had a blast! Love Taos NM.

RTM — Google review

Small square, handful of shops around the square. The central square was under construction, so nothing to comment on there. There are some decent little shops around the square. It was ok to see, not sure I would make a trip for it again.

Glen Maylone — Google review

Great place to shop gifts and picturesque scenic , area is great and have ton of food option .This shopping complex is like “Pueblo meets modern” place.Area market around this place to also good .

Ashish Mishra — Google review

This was a nice place to see, and walk around.

Michael Fasse — Google review

So, you know, I don't give one star ratings without serious thought... I was SAD to shop here. I had been here YEARS AGO, and had consistently great experiences. This time, I walked through the plaza shops and found that 98% of the people working the businesses had the personality of a WET NOODLE. I was actually looking to spend some money and was either ignored completely or placated. A greeting, or eye contact goes a long way. One young lady in a store was reading a book and NEVER LOOKED UP to see me or anything. Must have been a good read! Of ALL the shops, there are TWO I would consider returning to and spending some money. One on the north east corner across from the restaurant that offers museum quality items and the other on the south side of the plaza that sells rocks and minerals, they get 5 stars and will see me again. Hoping to write a better review next time:(

Penny Athena — Google review

Easy walk around to visit the shops. Some renovation work going on and a few empty shops.

Patrick — Google review

Spent the Winter Solstice Christmas shopping at the Taos Plaza. I love the shops and convenience. Shout out to op. cit. books, my favorite used/new bookstore anywhere, and Chokola chocolate shop. And always love World Cup Coffee.

Rusty Connor — Google review

Stop here for parking, it is mettering parking, but my meter doesn't work. Easy walk to most museums and stores. Free parking available aling rt 64 and at the Kit Carson park with restrooms.

Natha B — Google review

Beautiful little town. Architectural wise, it’s the same like most other NM old town. The town is full of Indian jewelry. It’s like a tourist trap to lure them in to buy. Couple nice coffee shops and stands. It’s a good town to walk around if the weather is nice.

Tin Nguyen — Google review

Beautiful place, would highly recommend seeing this. Felt very safe. Street and walkways were a little uneven so that's just a FYI. Beautiful things for sale. Really enjoyed it

Desiree Kunihiro — Google review

If local shops, history and some great little cafes and dining spots are your thing … spend the day at Taos Plaza to get some good walking in. Very walkable and nice learning for insight how the town of Taos came to be.

Betsy MM — Google review

Happened upon this funky little shopping center when I happened upon Taos on a random road trip. Fun times and the car show that was occurring upon my arrival made it even more of an impressive backdrop! Quite the collection of ancient vehicles as you can see from pictures. Go here if you want that good ol' stereotypical southwestern shopping vibe for sure.

TheLeakingGenius — Google review

Once a beautiful location to visit. Now a dump with about 1/3 of business empty in the plaza. Taos used to have so much character and ambiance, especially the plaza. Now it's just a notch above Espanola (sorry, Espanola). Run down locals hate anything that improves the area. Had someone try and build a decent hotel a few years back, they vandalized his business. You would think with the reputation Taos has they would have good hotels. We've stayed in a few there and again mediocre at best. What's going on Taos? You were once the darling of the state now just a run down highway stop. Love NM Just disappointed in what Taos has become. Long time NM resident....

Timothy Lovell — Google review

4.5

(1632)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (120)

4.0

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N Plaza, Taos, NM 87571, USA

(575) 758-8234

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16

Taos Pueblo

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Mentioned on

6 lists

Ancient Ruins

Historic Sites

Taos Pueblo, an ancient settlement belonging to the Taos-speaking Puebloan tribe, is located about a mile north of modern-day Taos, New Mexico. It is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in America and features twin five-story adobe complexes situated on either side of Rio Pueblo de Taos against the stunning Sangre de Cristo mountains. These buildings are believed to have been completed by 1450 AD and serve as a prime example of ancient Pueblo architecture.

4.5

(3111)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (133)

New Mexico, USA

17

Enchanted Circle Pottery

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Pottery store

Outdoor Activities

Artist

Scenic Drives

Absolutely stunning pottery and very welcoming people. We were shown around and learned about the artists specific process in creating these delightful pieces. We got the cutest cups there and cannot wait to use them. Highly recommended!

Jean Jeannie — Google review

We’ve visited JoAnne and Kevin’s gallery twice so far and the selection is simply amazing. They are true artists who have mastered their craft, and the colors imparted to the pottery from their wood fired kiln are really beautiful. The pottery that’s available ranges from artistic to functional, all very high quality, and most importantly they are so helpful in explaining the different aspects and features of whatever you’re interested in. Initially, we just happened to be driving by and saw their sign, then decided to make a u-turn and go back, and it was such a fun experience. Definitely a highlight of our day!

Larry Howard — Google review

This place is INCREDIBLE. A must stop on your way to Taos. It was so cool getting a tour of the process and getting to see how much work goes into each piece. I could have stayed in the gallery for hours. Also I am obsessed with my new mug!

Kelsie McGuire — Google review

Such beautiful pottery made by the kindest and most talented artists! The pieces created by Kevin and Jo each have a unique story and I am always in awe of the gallery space each time I visit. Very excited about my new pieces and can’t wait to return!

Argie Cabalan — Google review

I had the pleasure to meet Joanne and Kevin, two very special artisans. They took the time to share their craft and part of their story. The pottery they each produce is beautiful and different. Everything fired with wood in an oven Kevin built. The ash and heat produces the most beautiful pieces. They have such a wide variety from coffee cups to large vessels. I bought several pieces. I plan to buy more in the future. I am so grateful to include Kevin and Joanne in my life.

Dan — Google review

Saw this spot as we were driving through and decided to stop. Denise gave us a lovely tour of the shop and taught us some about their process! Everything seems to be crafted with a lot of care and intention. I’d definitely recommend stopping by!

Mackenzie Santos — Google review

We came across Enchanted Circle Pottery during a road trip and it is an absolute must visit destination if you’re in the area! JoAnne and Kevin were so welcoming and it was amazing to be able to tour their studio and learn about their process. Their work is absolutely beautiful. True pieces of art. And I fell in love with the beautiful features of the wood firing process. We bought several beautiful pieces that we will treasure forever and will definitely return whenever we’re in the area!

Vicki Cabrera — Google review

Real treat meeting Kevin at enchanted circle pottery. He gave us a nice tour of his shop, kiln room and gallery. Kevin is a talented potter making well crafted, functional wares. The light weight pots were a surprise for wood fired pots. Definitely worth a visit and don’t forget to take home a beautiful piece!

kris busch — Google review

What an incredible experience. Denise walked us through the entire process. We toured their working studio and learned about their wood fire kiln. The gallery is warm and inviting. The pieces are carved beautifully and the colors created by the wood fire are gorgeous! Definitely worth the stop!!

Kristine Leathers — Google review

Beautiful studio, owned and operated by super friendly and lovely artists. I am so glad we stopped by to take a look at their studio, gallery and kiln. Thank you Kevin and JoAnne for sharing a little bit of your great love for art and ceramics knowledge with us.

Nayely Ibarra — Google review

Beautiful pottery. I’m in love with what I purchased here (plates and bowls). They look gorgeous in my home and are magic to eat from. Owners are lovely. Worth the drive outside of town if you are visiting Taos.

Caitlin Jones — Google review

An absolute treat - art, a great view, and wonderful people! The folks at Enchanted Circle Pottery were so nice, and they had so many wonderful creations. They even gave us a behind the scenes tour! The colors in their pottery are purely from the fire. No dyes or oxides! Their meticulous firing process creates the rich array of colors. Every piece was truly unique. Each mug was even a slightly different shape, so you could find one that fits your hand perfectly. Along with amazing art pieces, there were inventive practical pieces like mug warmers, cup lids, and silverware display vases. We came home with several pieces and wonderful memories.

Melanie Narish — Google review

Lovely visit to Enchanted Circle! Beautiful location and pottery. The owners, Kevin and Jo, are so friendly and showed us their kiln and process of how the pieces are made. Tough decisions--so many beautiful items from very large to small--something for everyone! We love our soup mugs and ice cream bowls!!!

Karen Breidenbach — Google review

We visited several places in Taos and Santa Fe but Enchanted Circle Pottery was the highlight. Kevin gave a quick tour of their Japanese-style wood firing technique (what a lot of work!). The pottery included both functional and beautiful works of art. We came home with several pieces, a great coffee mug, a vase, and a sculptural piece to grace our living room. I'm sure we'll be back.

Phil and Ginger Sytsma — Google review

We stopped by on our drive home from Taos and were so surprised to get a tour of this amazing studio. The wood fire kiln is massive and the ash glazing technique creates such beautiful and unique colors on the pieces. We got a beautiful set of bowls. Great stop!

Holly Madden — Google review

Day trip around the Enchanted Circle Loop had us stopping at the Enchanted Circle Pottery Studio. What a treat to see their 22 years of invested time building their home, studio, wood burning Kiln, and a place to see great art being made. As an old Potter from the late 60s, it made my knowledge seem very small at best.Kevin, if you read these reviews, one of my other five lives was 8 years of boat racing termining in Blown Fuel Jet Drag Boats...sending you a photo to prove it was me.

Be Informed — Google review

Friends of ours recommended we stop by Enchanted Circle Pottery on our way back to Colorado Springs. We're so glad we did! Artists Kevin and Jo were delightful! They gave us a fascinating tour of their huge "train engine" kiln and their beautiful studio. We bought several pieces, and plan to return soon! Great functional art, as well as exquisite display pieces. Their unique wood-fired clear glazing process produces one-of-a-kind natural finishes. Well worth stopping in!

Elizabeth Ryan — Google review

My husband and I set off on a scenic drive when we happened upon Enchanted Circle Pottery. Kevin greeted us like we were old friends and graciously showed us around while explaining how they came to be and the unique process they use to achieve the beautiful finish on their pieces. We selected a few pieces to take home, but this unique olive oil bottle is my favorite. It is gently “squished” in the middle to fit in your hand. Thank you so much Kevin and Joanne!

Robyn Padgett — Google review

5.0

(190)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (138)

4.5

(619)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (139)

26871 US-64, Taos, NM 87571, USA

(575) 737-9640

18

Blue Hole

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Water

Nature & Parks

Geologic Formations

Clear blue pool of water, with underwater caves & a 17° temperature, popular with swimmers & divers.

Amazing place! Fall in love at first sight. Water is cold and blue. Good for swimming and jumping! LOVE THIS PLACE!

Vojkan Dimitrijevic — Google review

My girlfriend and I stopped by here on a Grand Canyon Road trip in July. This place was a highlight of the trip.It was only $10 for a parking pass. The parking was right next to the hole itself. They have lifeguards on duty. There are picnic areas, bathrooms, and a gift store.The water looks amazing. I'm now planning on seeing blue holes anywhere I travel. It was also great that you can swim in it or even dive into it from the natural rock.We jumped in a couple times (cold water) and had a picnic there. We saw some scuba divers show up to go down it too.It's really spectacular to see and swimming in it was amazing.

JC Prazak (Ozark Explorer) — Google review

Beautiful park and rest area, sadly we didn't get to see the lake. Closed off because of COVID but it had lovely cliffs and trails, and some that could even accommodate our disabled family members!

Lizzie The Mostest — Google review

Spent the night in Santa Fe and decided to check out a couple of places listed on Atlas Obscura. One was the railroad bridge across the Pecos River. I asked about it at convenience store and they knew nothing about it. I told them it was listed as the tallest bridge in the area, and they still had no idea. The bridge was right across the street. "The tallest bridge in the area" was listed as such in 1930!Blue Hole was a nice stop... For scuba people.This hole is 80' deep and tidy-bowl blue. Couple of year old puppies were running around getting petted by anyone standing still.Nice setup even if you're just swimming.

Randy Dykes — Google review

Had a great time! The water is 61 degrees and very clear. Highly recommend!

Abbie T — Google review

Really beautiful place! Very cold water but refreshing. Definitely worth a stop! :)

Kelly Michalak — Google review

Very cool little place. We went mid day so there were lots of people there, but it was still cool to see and to feel the water. There is a $10 fee you pay which you get inside the building. It gives you day access to the Blue Hole, and to the swimming area up the road a little ways.

Steph B — Google review

Excellent beautiful cool water oasis. The town really takes pride in its natural wonder

John Levins — Google review

Really beautiful place, really close to the highway. It’s amazing how this places has managed to captivate our attention while we were on our trip to Texas. It’s really deep and super cold, but the feeling you get when you first jump is all worth it. The two diving spots are perfectly safe and integrated into the landscape which adds to the feeling of this hole being part of an endless cave.

Eric Zastavnetchi — Google review

Place is beautiful and amazing. The water is cold, clear, and deep. Area is nicely maintained and open to the public. Water is from underground spring and is the same temperature year round. I went in January on a cold day and found people swimming. On some days you will find people getting certified for scuba. A true oasis with nice friendly people. Highly recommend.

Reuben Reyes — Google review

Last time I was here in August of 2019 and it was great!These pictures are from around December 28th 2021 when no one was here but it was still beautiful and a treat to walk around, didn't jump in but was still tempting as the water temperature wasn't actually that bad! I dipped a foot in hahaEdit: came back here like week 6-7-22Always a refreshing dip! Just passing through and had to jump off the edge :D

Kyle Lowman — Google review

Lovely deep blue crystal clear water swimming hole in the middle of the desert! Scuba diving available in summer.

Shastin Grace — Google review

I sure this is a wonderful place but unfortunately we wasn't able to find out. We pulled into the parking area by the small lake to let our dogs out after a long drive pulling a travel trailer. Two guys statered to yell at us telling us to go down to the "Blue Hole" and said we could camp there. When we pulled down into a spot there, an older Chevy Suburban drove onto the grass next to us and started to yell at us for parking there. He said he was the Mayor and he was calling the police. We left just as two police units pulled in. From the time we pulled in till we left (about an hour in all) we were not wlcome. This town needs to think about thier Mayor.

Bryan Atkinson — Google review

We stayed in Santa Rosa and went to the blue hole at 8am and jumped in! The website says they are open 7am-7pm but we didn’t see any employees, just one group putting their feet in the water.It was amazing experience! So refreshing! A perfect thing to do to wake you up and prepare you for the drive ahead!*Note: the hole is kinda tucked away behind the dive shop so don’t confuse the 2 lakes out front for it. Look on google maps at your location to make sure you’re in the right place.

Danielle B Bare — Google review

What a surprise! Get off the interstate and enjoy this beautiful spot!

Juanita Franklin — Google review

4.6

(555)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (144)

4.0

(654)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (145)

Santa Rosa, NM 88435, USA

19

Cadillac Ranch

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Mentioned on

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Sculpture

Sights & Landmarks

The Cadillac Ranch is a quirky public art installation located in Amarillo, Texas. The installation consists of ten vintage Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground, and is a tribute to Route 66. Over the years, the cars have been decorated by visitors with graffiti, making them an interesting and colorful addition to the cityscape.

I have passed by the Cadillac Ranch installation for many years on my trips in/out of Texas. I finally decided to make a stop to check it out. This is such a cool idea, and quite a sight to see. Best of all its totally FREE!Built in 1974, 10 Cadillacs were buried ½ deep on the property of a local Amarillo Millionaire. People traveled from all over the world to see these Caddies, and many started to deface them for souvenirs, while others put graffiti on them in order to leave their marks. Eventually, the creators encouraged the graffiti as a way to let others express themselves and have fun doing it.Today, only the frames of the Caddies are left, and there are decades of spray paint on the cars. It’s exciting to walk down the row of cars and see the artwork of others passing by. People from all over bring their own spray paint and leave it behind in a pile of canisters on the ground when they are done. If you want to leave your mark on these Caddies but didn’t bring any spray paint with you, don’t worry, you should have no problem finding a can in the pile that were left behind. Depending on the day you visit, your artwork might only last minutes before someone comes behind you to cover it up with their own mark. Just make sure to snap some pics of your creation before you leave so you know, if anything, for just a little while it was there.If you ever find yourself in Amarillo, Texas, I highly recommend you take 30-45 minutes on your travels to check out this unique work of art.Recommended for everyone!

Monica Hernandez — Google review

I didn't know what to expect, but this attraction is really neat! The views are stunning and the art is captivating. It feels a little like stone henge😂I didn't realize that the art is participatory... But some spray paint from the guy ($7.50/can) and contribute to the installation!A steady stream of visitors adds to the charm and mystique of the site.

Aj Sue — Google review

Great experience! It's worth the stop. Paint recommendations, White for background if you want to paint on top with a brighter/ neon color. Kids loved it! Cool trailer on sight for merchandise and paint. Sometimes you find half sprayed cans of paint lying around, grab it up, and use it, It's Free!! No admission fee.

Scott — Google review

Had been wanting to visit this since we were in the area. It was interesting to see the vast amount of signatures and people from all over. There wasn't as many cars as I thought there would be. Very strong smell of spray paint since almost everyone had cans of spray paint. It was still fun to see this little piece of history/tourist attraction. Crazy to see how many layers of paint every car had.

Vanessa Yvette — Google review

It's definitely an eccentric spot.I'd recommend checking it out only if you happen to be passing by on Route 66 or Route 44 near Amarillo.They have Cadillac cars buried halfway into the ground, which you're welcome to paint on if you're interested. Keep in mind, the paint shop nearby can be quite pricey. It might be a good idea to bring your own paint from elsewhere or hope that previous visitors have left behind some leftover bottles of paint.

Daniel Bolshinsky — Google review

I’ve been here before but it’s always cool to stop by early to beat the crowds. I went early in the morning and I took my own spray can it’s cheaper and better if you do. It’s a memorable place to do some tagging and look at cars that have been painted by everyone. The gift shop was closed when I was leaving maybe next time I’ll get something. It’s a must to stop here.

Oscar Ram — Google review

Possibly one of the best Route 66 attractions on the Mother Road.Beautiful place, loads of history. Great for anyone of all ages to come here.There is also a gift shop that comes around in a truck pulling the trailer.In conclusion, a great and historic Mother Road attraction in Texas.

Chloe Animations — Google review

What a weird and quirky art exhibit. I loved the layers and layers of spray paint. People had left spray paint cans so I got to add my own name. Fun. I also loved that there was no attempt to monetize it. Just pure art for people to enjoy. Worth a stop for sure.

CJ Johnson — Google review

If you're on a journey along the historic Route 66 and find yourself in the wide expanse of Texas, there's one stop you absolutely cannot miss – the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo. This iconic roadside attraction is more than just a collection of half-buried cars; it's a vibrant symbol of American ingenuity, creativity, and the enduring spirit of adventure.As you approach the Cadillac Ranch, you can't help but feel a sense of excitement and curiosity. Ten vintage Cadillacs, dating from the late 1940s to the early 1960s, stand upright in a field, their colorful paint jobs and sleek lines contrasting with the endless Texas sky. It's a sight that's both surreal and mesmerizing, beckoning you to step closer and explore.One of the most fascinating aspects of the Cadillac Ranch is its interactive nature. Visitors are not only allowed but encouraged to grab a can of spray paint and leave their mark on the cars. As a result, the Cadillacs are adorned with a kaleidoscope of colors, patterns, and messages, creating a constantly evolving work of art that reflects the creativity and individuality of each person who passes through.But beyond the opportunity for artistic expression, the Cadillac Ranch holds a deeper significance as a cultural landmark. It's a nod to America's love affair with the automobile, a reminder of the open road and the freedom it represents. It's also a testament to the power of art to inspire, provoke, and bring people together, transcending boundaries of age, background, and nationality.Visiting the Cadillac Ranch is more than just a pit stop on a road trip – it's an experience that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a wide-eyed adventurer, there's something undeniably magical about standing amidst those towering Cadillacs, surrounded by the vastness of the Texas plains.The Cadillac Ranch is a must-see destination for anyone with a sense of curiosity and wonder. It's a celebration of Americana at its finest, a testament to the enduring allure of the open road and the creative spirit that drives us forward. So next time you find yourself cruising down Route 66, be sure to make a detour to the Cadillac Ranch – you won't regret it.

Okie Deadhead — Google review

WORTH IT! If you're staying in Amarillo or just driving through i definitely recommend stopping here the gift shop is across the street and there's a little bit of a walk out to the cars you walking through a cornfield and there's lots of cans and trash on the ground and right by the cars. it's really cool to see all the layers of spray paint and it kind of looks like it's dripping down. definitely still a really cool stop 🚗

Jack Cairborne — Google review

A fun experience although extremely busy! Souvenirs and spray cans available to purchase on site. Be quick to take a picture of your artwork as it'll be covered in the space of 5 minutes lol. Definitely choose a lighter coloured paint as it was way easier to see.

Darren Edmonds — Google review

I was so looking forward to Cadillac ranch! It did not disappoint. There was a little merch truck on the property and I was able to buy a beanie thank goodness because the wind was out of this world. I brought my poodle along with me to photograph with the cars. This is an excellent roadside attraction. Bring a hat. And if you forget spray paint you can but it from the truck for $7.50. Very fun

Bethany Hunter — Google review

This is a fun spot to visit and doesn't take much time out of your schedule. It's worth the stop to see the art on these vehicles. You can even get spray paint to make your own mark! Check the cans on the ground - some of them still have plenty of paint. PLEASE throw your can away though... So many cans laying around is just a disgusting representation of our country. We can do better! 💙

Hope Sharpe — Google review

Definitely a great place to visit if your in the area! You can take some amazing sunrise / sunset photos. You can bring your own spray paint, however there is normally always some laying around. Overall a great free spot to spend some time.

Mitchell Everlyn — Google review

I love coming here! It is free to everyone. Which is one thing you don't see anymore! You are able to walk out too it. Make sure you bring a spray can of paint. It is very interesting how it has changed over the years!! I felt very safe doing this. Hopefully everyone that comes to enjoy it can put the spray cans in the trash! We love America! Thank you for having all of us!

Kimberly Strowmatt — Google review

It's really cool for sightseeing, but super muddy, to much standing water. You couldn't get close enough to the cars.They should think about maybe building some sort of platform on one side to stand on. But super cool!Bring rain boots . Rubber boots

April Winton — Google review

It is an amazing experience. We visited the place a few days ago, and we weren't able to purchase a spray paint from the caravan because it was too late already,but anyway we had a lot of fun.I admire the person who created these structures. Go and visit it !

Kalina Sulakova — Google review

I have been here twice now over the last 5 years. It's a classic stop on route 66. It has been reworked since the last visit. The turnstile is gone and the road leading out has been improved. If you come here, don't leave your garbage behind. If you intend to not pick up after yourself, don't visit the site. This is private land and can be closed to the public at any time. Last year I read an article that it may be removed soon. So that's the point to my second visit. Got some new photos. Overall, it's a must see that I hope lives on for years to come, but it sounds as if it's mabey on borrowed time.

William G — Google review

When I finally arrived here, my first thought was, “did I really drive all this way for cars sticking out of the ground?” I thought, surely there must be more than this. There was not. You park your car on the side of the road, get out and walk through a gate, then way down a dirt entryway are these cars in the ground. Granted, you can bring spray paint and paint to your hearts content, but I brought none. But man did I get some great shots! The clouds came out to play that day! I would say this is a one and done kind of attraction. Fun but no need to go back a second time. Glad I did it though!

kat — Google review

If you're passing through this area, I'd highly recommend a quick stop here. The walk to the cars isn't that far from where you have to park. There was a person on site selling spray paint if you wanted to paint the cars yourself. All in all, you probably don't need more than 20-30 minutes here.

Matthew — Google review

This was an excellent quick pitstop to see an iconic art insulation where you get to participate. Great photo ops. They sell spray paint, but you should bring your own and more than 1 color - maybe paint pens.

Stacy Horton — Google review

Such a quirky, unusual experience! I wish they would add to it. The parking area, the fence, is so cool! Vendor truck with spray paint and souvenirs sits at the gate. You can see for miles and it's windy.

Beverly Smith — Google review

This is a free, iconic visual of history in America. Cadillac Ranch is set back, off highway 40 and does not seem like a worthwhile effort. But, we took the time out to visit and were happy that we did. Classic Cadillacs set out, buried in the ground are a tribute to the vehicles and roads that made America. They are heavily painted allowing visitors to place themselves as part of that history. Spray paint cans are freely available. There is a small, affordable vendor on-site selling memorabilia. There is some walking involved on rutted dirt surface and only Porta potties for restrooms.I highly recommend taking the hour or so to visit, it was worth the time.

Melissa Bollschweiler — Google review

First attempt to go see this place was on a whim at 9 at night. There were about 10 cars along road but there are no lights at night! We could see many flashlights in the distance, but decided to play it safe and waited til next morning. Huge surprise to 40 to 50 cars and tour busses! This was a follow in the foot steps my dad had visited so the experience was fabulous! Be prepared that if you paint, it will be painted over quick! Take pictures. It was amazing to see all the different types of people, young to older. Awsome place!

Heather Monroe — Google review

Cool place, but would recommend going when it is dry and sunny. I went the day after some rain, the whole thing was a muddy pit. Definitely a worthwhile icon of Amarillo, and would recommend to those who haven't gone. Just go when it is warm and sunny.

Adam N-A — Google review

This was a cool little put stop off highway 40 / old66. They have 10 old caddillacs buried in the dirt, lined up for people to graffiti all over. There is a truck when you arrive selling spray paint so you can have your fun. The things people spray aren't really art, some have talent. The art is the layers and layers of paint built up, dripping or melting off that male up the real art. It would be nice to see what they look liked originally. The streets and walls around the highway are ulled with graffiti too. There are locks hanging on the gates front what people left behind, everything covered with color. There is nothing else around but dirt and those old cars.

Mar1 Lyn — Google review

You park along the side of the road, and it's hard to miss with all the spray paint cans, painted roads, and painted barricades. There was a truck there that was like a food truck but sold souvenirs, spray paint, and other odds and ends! The spray paint was somewhere around $6 a can, so it's pretty fair prices. I recommend fluorescent colors! Also wear old clothes because you will get paint on you!! They seem to pop the best.Please throw your spray paint cans away!!! There's so many laying around the ground when trash cans are available in multiple places.

Tiffani Hawkinberry — Google review

Had to see this place on my route 66 road trip, and it was just as good as I thought it would be. They had a truck and trailer set up with a shop, and you could get paint, stickers, and post cards, among other things, all in one place! I didn't buy any paint, but someone leaving gave me their unused paint can, and I passed it on after I was done. All in all, I would go again.

Dakota Heried — Google review

Not as big as I thought it'd be but very cool spot! It was sad to see how much trash people have left behind. People were so nice to share the spray cans they brought with others around them.

Darcy Ciambello — Google review

This is such an iconic place to visit so I’m glad I went while I was in town. We got some cool pictures out of it but honestly it was pretty underwhelming. The cars were pretty far from the place you had to park and it’s crazy windy so the walk isn’t fun. There’s always extra half-empty cans of spray paint lying around so don’t feel the need to bring any of your own. The actual cars were cool but I wish there was some sort of plaque or bit of info given to make me feel like my trip was somewhat educational rather than me just walking out into a field in the middle of nowhere to see some cars sticking out of the ground.

Emma Gehring — Google review

Making our way across the country, Cadillac Ranch is an iconic stop! We were there on a cool, windy day, and there were lots of people walking around, taking photos and a few artists with their paint cans. One parks on a side road and it’s a long walk to the display. There’s a gate, and it’s possible to get a wheelchair thru, though the ground is uneven and a bit rough.

Tatiana Hoover — Google review

Surprisingly busy location! Plenty of parking along the road, but lots of people come here to see these caddies buried nose down. You can buy spray paint from a guy on site, contributing your own guerrilla art to the cars, the concrete barrier separating the site from the freeway, or even the road surface.

mossum — Google review

The cool thing about this is all the people painting the cars, the paint gets so thick that it slides off. The local artist collects the paint that slides off and makes art out of it. Some even make earrings that are very colorful and unique. The visitors center for Route 66 Amarillo has the earrings and can tell you the rest of the places where the art can be bought. This is a free spot to stop (unless you buy paint on site) and enjoy with the kids. The kids were laughing, running and having a great time. It was fun watching them.

Lisa Gatewood — Google review

4.4

(11658)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (150)

4.0

(4287)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (151)

13651 I-40 Frontage Rd, Amarillo, TX 79124, USA

(833) 330-2650

20

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

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State park

Sights & Landmarks

Palo Duro Canyon State Park spans an impressive 60 miles of ravine that boasts towering 800-ft cliffs. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking the numerous trails and taking in the musical "Texas" at the park's amphitheater. It is advisable to arrive early to beat the heat and bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and bug repellent as necessary.

Amassing Canyon to explore there is so much to see and many trails to hike but you have to go there early because it can get hot very quick also bring plenty of water and sunscreen and maybe some kind of bug repellent depending on the time of the year you are visiting.At gift shop you can buy some snacks and food things but if you bring your own picnic there is plenty of nice and shaded areas to stop and refuel your body while enjoying the breathtaking views pretty much anywhere in the Canyon property.I absolutely love my visit here and never gets old because you will always find a new view to take in!!!

Balbina Carroll — Google review

A truly beautiful place to see. Many trails for hiking. Nice facilities. Nice campgrounds although difficult to get reservations, books up months in advance. Highly recommend a visit. Make sure if you plan on hiking you take plenty of water along. Also consider making day pass reservations as park fills to capacity some days.

Duane Holstege — Google review

What am amazing place! Even with a very rainy week, the nature here is awe inspiring. Campgrounds are well maintained. Bathrooms with showers are great. Roads are well maintained. Definitely a great state park to visit!

Cathy Connors — Google review

Beautiful park! Lots of hiking trails. Beware of the dessert tarantulas we encountered 3 on a trail! Lots of spiders and huge ants! But that is nature. We enjoyed it! Bathrooms were clean and smelled good on Juniper loop.

Kimberly Sober — Google review

Palo Duro Canyon, often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Texas," is a spectacular natural wonder located in the Texas Panhandle, USA. It was formed by millions of years of erosion by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River. It exposes colorful layers of rock, including red, orange, yellow, and lavender hues, making it visually stunning.It is the second-largest canyon in the United States, stretching over 120 miles long, up to 20 miles wide, and reaching depths of around 800 feet. The canyon covers approximately 29,000 acres of land.Palo Duro Canyon is not only a geological wonder but also a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of recreational activities and stunning scenery for visitors to enjoy. It's a must-visit destination for those exploring the beauty of Texas.

Riichi Ota — Google review

Always an amazing experience when I visit this park. I try to explore different trails each time I come here and this time was no exception. Absolutely breathtaking scenery no matter what trail I’ve taken.

Leah G. — Google review

Did the lighthouse trail, fun, not hard at all, bring plenty of water. Lots of things to do here:- Hike- Run- Mountain bike- Horse rideThere's little restaurant... Didn't try food there but foods available... After a few miles at the Canyon any food tastes amazing lolOverall so much fun, can't wait to come back to explore a bit more!

J Rodriguez — Google review

Trails well maintained. Road in and out pavement. Front gate gentleman was friendly. There were plenty of rv camping spots and public bathrooms. Visitor’s center nice. Views are out of this world!

A Google User — Google review

If you like hiking, this is your place to visit! Over 30 miles of trails with lots of options from very easy to difficult. We stayed in Juniper Campground for three nights. It was clean and well maintained. The bath house was great with good hot water.

Jeannie Smalygo — Google review

The scenery is awesome!!! During spring break, I went during the week day so there was a sizable amount of guests (totally more fun with people around) yet not very crowded. And the temperature was not too high either. Many trails for all levels of hiker. I chose to hike but there are many more activities that can be done. Even drive on the road inside the state park only, you can still see beautiful landscape with red-orange hue canyon and clear blue sky. Definitely recommended!!!

Mai Dao — Google review

Nice spaced out sites with water and electric with 2 dump stations, no shade really though. Campgrounds are way back in the park, very quiet and secluded. We stayed in the Juniper campground, site 105. Nice views and trails from campsites. Lots of nice trails to take but unfortunately when we were there it was well over 100 degrees so we didn't get to partake much in the hiking. The hiking we did do we started out early to beat the heat. Didn't use the bathhouses but they seemed to be okay, not very many showers and no AC or vents in the buildings though. Wish we could have explored more as it is a beautiful park. Maybe we will come back when it isn't so hot.

Amy OBanion — Google review

Fantastic canyon to visit! Located a short drive outside of Amarillo, Tx. Very scenic state park containing miles of hiking, biking, and equine trails. Take plenty of water if you visit during warmer times of the year. The canyon floor can easily get 110 to 120 degrees. The Lighthouse is the most recognized feature here and we'll worth the hike needed to get closer views.

John Barnhart — Google review

Palo Duro Canyon is a nice trip we took. We were able to drive the vehicle far into the canyon and explore the area from there. It has many places to rest and eat. You can also see different wildlife.

Daniel von Arb — Google review

Don't miss going here!! It's spectacular! I don't recommend going during summer months when it's brutally hot. Loads of hiking trails, wildlife, and biking areas. Wear boots and be snake aware. If you aren't hiking, it's an easy drive. Not much is out that way, so bring plenty of water and pack your lunch!Also, the night views are amazing! Stars as far as you can see!

Texas Traveler — Google review

This is a place everyone should experience, it's very beautiful. This is our second trip here and each time we stay longer first was 4 days. This time was 7 days. The hiking is great they have from very easy to very hard. We always camp in the Mesquite camping area because of the views.

David Davidson — Google review

We love Palo Duro Canyon. The idea that we can drive down and camp inside the second largest canyon in the United States is amazing! The views are captivating and lots of wildlife is there. We saw many deer and heard coyotes. It was hunting season when we were there so many of the trails were closed but they look like great biking and hiking trails. The campground is great, water and electric only with a dump station on the way out. Leave your cell phone in the truck, there’s no service in the canyon. It’s very windy down there (and in the area as a whole) but it strangely adds to the relaxation factor. This was our second year and three nights wasn’t enough, we’ll come back for a week next time.

Amanda M — Google review

Palo Duro Canyon is the crown jewel among State Parks in Texas. In spite of it being remote and not near the major population centers of the state, it still had about 375,000 visitors in FY 2023. With more than 25 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian activities, along with abundant camping and day-use facilities, there is plenty of room to roam.You will often find Palo Duro referred to as The Grand Canyon of Texas. I dislike such comparisons, because they can diminish during the comparison. Hey, at least you can drive into this canyon. The one in Arizona can’t make that claim.Do be advised that they aren’t kidding about the heat. The canyon floor can and does hit 130F or more in summer. For that reason, winter is my favorite time of year to visit, with many days ranging from the 50s to 70s. If you come in summer, plan on sunblock, water bottles, and insect repellant to deter the notoriously large—and biting—flies.The summer musical—Texas!—is a delight to see, even if it sometimes crosses the border with tropes and cliches. But that’s the whole point, so sit back and enjoy.My only beef with the park is that, in spite of its massive size, there is a whole other section that has been made off-limits, with land being leased to private ranchers. This means that you won’t get to see Cathedral Peak, the crumbling ruins of the Kneeling Camel, and numerous slot canyons. Maybe someday the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will ease up on these restrictions.Still, there is more than enough for out-of-town guests to enjoy. It seems that only those of us who live here fret about what we cannot do. But that’s probably because we call this our playground, and come here frequently enough to yearn for more.

Nick Gerlich — Google review

One of the best parks I have ever been to right in my backyard! (figuratively) We had a good time, saw a lot of beautiful breathtaking views, the kids had fun with the junior ranger program and got their badge! We did a 10 mile hike, various trails, we suffered a little, I hadn’t realized my hiking boots had given their last the last hike I did( always check your gear!) so I had a few blisters there at the end, but definitely worth it. Two days is not enough to explore this beautiful park.

Eli Sierra — Google review

Wonderful place. You can drive to the bottom to camp or walk the trails. Second longest canyon in the U.S. after the Grand Canyon. Soils exposed along the canyon walls date back to 250 million years ago and expose the thin layer where prehistoric fossils have been found. Go see the video about the history of the area at the visitor center for a good understanding of what you are looking at when you walk or drive the canyon. I think it's worthy of a National Park designation.

Brick Owens — Google review

We were taking a trip out west going through Amarillo, TX and weren’t sure if it was too far of a detour. If you ever wonder if you want to take the detour, do it! It was absolutely worth it and a great way to stretch your legs on a long trip. I hope to be back to get a chance to do more hiking on their trails.

Sarah — Google review

I love this place, it's a different world down in the canyon. Some excellent hiking trails - the light house trail is a must. Bathroom are very nice. Incredible views of the canyon

Mark Rose — Google review

If you can go and are in the area. Go. It's an amazing hike on a well maintained trail. At the trail head the rangers are fantastic making sure that you don't go in unprepared. (144° on ground by noon.) So leave the puppers home for this one. Unless you get out there early.This is not for the faint (ha get it?) Of heart. There are plenty of resting spots but the bulk (6mile round trip) of the trail is not covered with shade... reports of snakes. Heat sickness and exhaustion is real and will get you quicker than anything so bring water (at least 3L per person), hat, long sleeved light clothing if you need.Enjoy and Be Safe!

Dan Padilla — Google review

A beautiful state park with lots and lots of trails. Almost no cellular connectivity in the canyon, which is great. Dump stations are a bit too tight for a big rig, but manageable. Overall, an absolutely amazing experience & I would highly recommend it.

Oleg Reztsov — Google review

This is a beautiful state park! The canyon is spectacular. I visited with my best friend this past summer and it was too hot to do any hiking, but we did get out and walk a little and take pictures. We also drove around the park to see the scenery. I definitely want to visit again sometime in the fall or early spring when the weather will be nicer to get out and hike. I also like that it is a dog friendly park - I hope to take my future dog here and hike.

Carina Jahn — Google review

Took a road trip to Palo Duro Canyon! The long weekend just so happened to coincide with the winter storm. I was able to catch the sunrise and be the second one on Lighthouse Trail. The windchill was no joke when I got up to the Lighthouse, but the view was breathtaking! I was able to get out and back within 4 hours. Plenty of people were camping as well despite the temperatures dropping, but it was definitely warmer within the canyon.

Vivian Pan — Google review

2/3 of the park was closed for hunting when we were here, so that left many trails closed. We were still able to hike for a good chunk of a day and the views are amazing here! Hiking was great. We were here in the off season so there were few people. The campground is nice and the shower/toilet room was clean and well kept. The camp host was pleasant and has the most wonderfully happy dog. We had a burger from the Trading Post and is was delicious.

A Google User — Google review

Pictures don't do it justice. It is so beautiful in person!!Different areas have no cell phone service. $8 for adults. Gift shop with a small restaurant. Plenty of trails. Bring water.

Ainsleigh Sills — Google review

Started at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, well worth the admission fee of only $8 per person. There are also campsites inside the park. This is the second largest deepest canyon in the United States. We then took a ride around the canyon on back roads. Beautiful sights to see

Denise Ferguson — Google review

We love coming to hike here! Beautiful scenery and well kept campsites. The bathrooms were nice and clean.

Nancy Friesen — Google review

I love Palo Duro Canyon! It still awes me to be driving through flat plains & suddenly run up on a Big Crack in the earth which opens up to Spanish skirts with a stream running between them, the landscape dotted with juniper, hackberry trees, & wildflowers spring-fall. I like hiking the trails - there are a good variety of them, so you can choose how you want to hike that day. If you're there during the week when it's a little less busy, it's amazing how quiet it is (not nature, of course) -it soothes my soul. Be smart! Come prepared! Summertime, it's hot - know your trail & the temperature & bring enough water for your hike!

Misty Pierce — Google review

Good facilities, clean bathrooms. Visitor’s center was great and interesting. The sights are beautiful and the hikes are rated accurately. We enjoyed our trip and will visit again!

Rhonda Anno — Google review

I stopped in Palo Duro Canyon State Park on a road trip from Arkansas to Arizona in the summer of 2023. I wasn't able to spend as much time there as I would have liked, and I'll definitely make a point to return.Quite frankly I was floored by the beauty of the Canyon. I just saw the canyon, pretty much from the lookouts near the visitor center.The visitor center had super friendly staff. I will say that trashcans seemed a little sparse for some reason.

JC Prazak (Ozark Explorer) — Google review

Visited for 3 days.Hiked the Lighthouse trail, the CCC ridge trail, the Rock Garden trail, and the Paseo Del Rio trail.The Lighthouse trail is beautiful but more strenuous than expected. Take lots of water.Very scenic and worth the trip.

Craig Cottier — Google review

4.8

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4.5

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Canyon, TX 79015, USA

(806) 488-2227

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21

Buddy Holly Center

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Art museum

Museums

Specialty Museums

The Buddy Holly Center is an arts complex that serves as a museum dedicated to the history of rock music pioneer, Buddy Holly. It showcases his personal items such as guitars, recordings, clothing and photographs, in addition to a documentary about his life. The center also features a memorial for the late artist and offers concerts and classes. For just $5 entry fee during weekdays with no waiting time, visitors can learn about Holly's roots in Lubbock and appreciate the informative displays.

Would definitely recommend stopping by to this museum if in the area. Nice staff. Prices where fair however the museum is quite small. 2 viewing rooms only and a video that is played that is roughly 20 mins. No pictures allowed in gallery which was unfortunate. Gift shop was decently priced with many items to choose from. Pleased with overall experience.

Maribel Rivera — Google review

Pretty interesting!! I liked learning about Buddy Holly and his roots in Lubbock. Definitely worth a trip. I wish there had been a few more interactive exhibits and music but it was still pretty nice. The Gift Shop was pretty solid and I liked the house tour.

Laura Beth — Google review

Buddy Holly is one of the most important figures in rock and pop music. His home town has done a great job putting together lots of reminders about this, as well as s glimpse into his childhood.If you like music and you’re in Lubbock, you need to visit!

Dion C Tongue — Google review

Buddy Holly was born in Lubbock, Texas. The city has embraced the story of his short life...killed in a plane crash at the age of 26.The charming center walks you through his life. However, importantly it does a terrific job of showing his influence on musicians such as the Beatles, Bob Dyland and even opened for Elvis.The grounds are beautiful.

Kathy Condon — Google review

Nice museum on Buddy Holly. Displayed history and memorabilia. The statie is across the street from the Buddy Holly center. It is very clean and well kept. Grassy area and free parking. Military and student discounts.

denise vargas — Google review

If you are lover of music and history this is an amazing must see if you are in the Lubbock Texas area. The exhibit that is devoted to Buddy Holly where you will do hand written lyrics, outfits and musical instruments and so much more. No photos allowed inside the exhibit, makes the visit that much more memorable.

Gela?s Foodie Adventures — Google review

We went on the anniversary of Buddy Holly's death and the museum was free for the day. The museum was very clean and modern and had a lot of information on the Crickets. There's also a jazz gallery in the side room and a small theater showcasing a documentary on Buddy Holly. Next door is the drummer's childhood house where they practiced and across the street is the Buddy Holly memorial. The museum did a wonderful job honoring him and the Crickets.

Kelsi H — Google review

Great experience to learn about a musical icon who hap his music career cut short. Not allowed to take photos of the artifacts on display, but you can in the home.

Jimmy Smith — Google review

Very interesting and nostalgic... The staff were very helpful, and it was so great to get that close to Buddy's stuff, being a biker, loved the Ariel, 😎 and the pic of him sat on it ..

Keff Moran — Google review

The museum is small, but is loaded with information. The 18 minute film was very informative and interesting. Admission was reasonable, $10 adults and $8.00 senior.

Denise Diltz — Google review

Great museum. Buddy Holly memorial. Informative. They kept things that were used by Buddy Holly such as his bike, eye glass, recordings, guitars, pictures, his tshirts, other attires and belongings. They show a documentary on Buddy Holly that I also liked. Great place for those who has interest in the history of rock n Rolla music and it’s pioneer, Buddy Holly. Entry fee only $5. No waiting time on weekdays.

Hasib Chowdhury — Google review

Nice museum that offers a great perspective on a very important musical pioneer. Not a ton of exhibits, but then you realize that Buddy Holly only had 22 years on this earth. Poignant and moving place.

BRAD BURT — Google review

Ample parking. Museums have gotten more costly, but they have to raise funds. This is an exhibit for his fans. It was sad, as he died young, before he could reach his full potential. Allow about an hour. No photography permitted.

Dee Dee — Google review

Great place to visit. The museum guide was very knowledgeable. Lots of personal artifacts to see. Do not expect to take photos and videos. It is not allowed.

Warren Smiley — Google review

It was closed when went but I still enjoyed such a beautiful tribute, if your there make the trip to the cemetery, and his mother home. I hope to go again and this time actually get to go inside

Arturo Rodriguez — Google review

We went to see Shien Yun at Buddy Holly. It was amazing. Clear bag policy is in effect. We have been to events here the only thing they did not have this time was valet service. Which I was very disappointed in them. My husband is handicapped and can not walk long distances and the valet service sure helps him not having to walk great distances. I noticed other patrons pulling up as well expecting the service and having to park far of with their loved one. That is the only reason for the 3 stars.

Jana Davis — Google review

This little museum is worth the reasonable price of admission. The timeline of how country and blues music led to rock and roll is very interesting and winds throughout the displays While the displays are well presented there is sparse information about what is in many of the displays they do not allow photos.

Richard Chabrajez — Google review

A nicely shaded outdoor plaza area greats you as you enter. There is a small movie theater and a couple of display rooms, gift shop, and public art display. The admission also includes a tour of the house next door. The facility is a repurposed railroad depot.

Les Kuehl — Google review

It's basically just one room, but the artifacts here are priceless. Lots of things from Buddy's childhood and highschool years. Don't forget to grab a brochure that explains what all the items are as you go around the room. I enjoyed my time here. Ticket was $10.

Jeffrey Hartwick — Google review

4.6

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4.5

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1801 Crickets Ave, Lubbock, TX 79401, USA

(806) 775-3560

22

Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge

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Wildlife refuge

Nature & Parks

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge spans 59,020 acres and is home to bison, elk, longhorn cattle, wild turkey, and a thriving prairie dog community. Visitors can explore nature trails, go hunting or fishing, camp out in the wilderness or indulge in rock climbing. The visitor center features exhibits showcasing the diverse flora and fauna of the sanctuary. A giant glass window provides breathtaking views of rolling grasslands stretching as far as the eye can see.

Such a fantastic place to hike! This was my first time, and I spent a couple hours hiking the trails in Dog Hollow before driving to the prairie dog town, a couple of the lakes, and a mountain trail. Everything was just stunning, and the trails were well maintained and clearly marked. The bison are all over the place and just extraordinary to watch, and the longhorns were beautiful. If you’re looking to see prairie dogs, I actually saw a lot more near the Holy City (see the two black dots on map image) than at the official prairie dog town. They’re so ridiculously cute!

Melissa Tipton — Google review

We headed out for a day of hiking in the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge. We expected it to be somewhat busy due to the timing during Fall Break but the trail we chose was not crowded and we were afforded peace and quite to enjoy the vast blue sky, the prairie, and the granite mountains that towered to both sides of us as we made our way through the canyon along the Narrows Trail.I do not recommend this particular trail. It was not marked and was nothing but boulders and rocks and frustration. However, the first .25 of a mile is well worth it for the views alone. The Oklahoma horizon truly is beautiful in its own way. There are plenty of other trails to choose from.We saw a lot of buffalo (don’t get too close!), cool lizards, evidence of elk, and longhorn cattle. If you haven’t been out there I highly recommend getting out for a day trip.

Amanda Brandon — Google review

I absolutely love this place. I usually camp in the backcountry which is usually peaceful since they only give out a handful of permits and the best spots are fairly secluded. Bison wander freely here and I have woken up/returned to some pretty close to the campsite. The nearby military base does fly jets over the area as well as shoot artillery which can be noisy. Especially the jets. Still love it out here. Favorite trails have to be the Charon's Garden trail and the climb up Elk Mountain. The Bison Loop is also pretty nice.

AED — Google review

Drive to the top of Scott mountain and see Texas to the south and the west. Great view.Buffalo, long horn cattle and Elk roam free here so mind the posted speed.Plenty of trails and camp sites and places to picnic....several small lakes to see as well.Yes, in my pictures, those are tarantula's. They migrate through every year and its not uncommon to see several crossing the roads.Enjoy your visit, its simply beautiful here.

Dan Paxton — Google review

Great blooms in summer. There are plenty of places to go for road trip ,hiking, photography,picnic and camping. Best time to go in summer is between 6-30- 7-30 am. It gets too hot after 10am. Also parking area gets full after 9am. Some sites have its own restroom just next to the parking area. Few places don’t have restrooms. Each section of the Wichita wildlife has its own unique scenic beauty. Restaurants are outside the wildlife area.

Happy Campers & Adventurers — Google review

Beautiful landscape and a relatively easy drive from DFW. The narrows trail is short but offers gorgeous views. It’s free of charge. Be careful of ticks as it’s teeming out there.

Freidrichm — Google review

You ever been to a national park? This one is pretty good bot too bad. Wicked trails and sick spots to go check out on foot.Nothing too bad to say about this place, besides being located in OKLAHOMA.. The weather is beautiful right now check it out.There are also a plethora of picnic tables and sites that you can bring your family to for a fun lunch. Even your pregnant wife.

Nhoj “Bams” Serev — Google review

Family vacation for Spring Break 2024 was spent in and around the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. This was a nice peaceful trip. We went on a few hikes and saw lots of animals. The trails are dog friendly. The bison viewing is excellent here!! We also saw wild turkeys, longhorns, prairie dogs, deer, and elk!! Even if you aren’t someone who hikes, you can still see all of the wildlife by driving through the area.

Jessica Drew — Google review

We absolutely love this. We have been camping and hiking here since 2001. We just returned home from a week at the Refuge and it never disappoints. You can make all your reservations online. Camp Doris is our favorite place to camp. We love hiking the Narrows, The 40 Ft Hole, Mt. Scott, the Longhorn trail (which is the backside of the Kite Trail system), as well as the Charon Gardens Wilderness area. We will go back year after year.

Wes Foster — Google review

Nice to have a place to hike around here, and even better it's free! Start at the visitor center (no signs but take the first right when you enter the park.) Nice staff & exhibits. Then head out for buffalo & hikes! Some trails are not clearly marked or labeled so stay aware of where you are when hiking.

Bollens — Google review

Y'all need to come see this! Bartholomew the Bison was a sweetheart (yes I named him). It was beautiful and quiet and oh so majestic! For a tranquil good time, go see Bartholomew and his buddies out there. So fun! The kids were terrified as Bartholomew got super close to our car... but he's a peaceful guy. Just stay in your car and be calm. Leave em be. The prairie dogs were scootin' about and were super cute to see. We will definitely come back!

Joann Vasquez — Google review

This is a small refuge for a motorcycle ride, but it is a great one. The prairie dogs, wild longhorns, elk and bison are fun to see. The place smells so fresh and clean, it is wonderful. There is so many hiking trails and lakes to fish in. Mount Scott has the best views! Places like the Holy City are worth a drop by. Camp Doris is a good place to camp if you want to hike and get primitive. I will ride this place again.“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬

Savage Rider — Google review

This is a hidden gem of diversity in Ecoregions. For the avid hiker there are many trails, some rough and rugged, some available to those challenged with disabilities. Visit Mount Scott first, and get an overview of what you will encounter- then make a trip to the Visitor’s Center to enhance your knowledge. We recommend a photo shoot in the Parallel Forest and a burger in Meers. Tour the town & architecture of Medicine Park for more historical context. We enjoyed our stay at the Hummingbird House. You will see so much wildlife: Bison, Elk, Turkey and smaller critters too. Our family loves to visit the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge!

Lin Hampton — Google review

This place has been therapeutic. Always great scenery. Love the wildlife here. Will always want to come back. The trails are nice. Its a great place to just get lost on a trail to find yourself and enjoy the surroundings. We went on Charons Garden trail and loved every inch of it.

a h — Google review

Absolutely AMAZING! So beautiful and quiet. We did a lot of hiking and saw plenty of buffalo. It's one particular one that hangs out at the Holy City and is a great spot for getting up close photos. Very serene and pretty. The plains, the prairie dogs,the business center etc were all fantastic. I went for my b'day. I've always wanted to see the buffalo in their natural habitat. We even hiked up a mountain and walked up on a full grown buffalo in the woods! What fun but extremely scary. The views are like anything I've ever saw. We drove up the mountain and it had the best views of Oklahoma. Will definitely return. Not to mention it's free. Beautiful park and friendly people in the visitor center. Only suggestion is to give out a real map of the park,not just hiking and camping locations. Hands down best trip ever. You won't regret it!!

YeahImFromTexas — Google review

Did a quick drive thru and made a couple quick stops. I saw bison patties. The entrance to Mt. Scott was closed off to cars Sunday March 17 2024. I don't know why. The park/ refuge is a beautiful piece of nature. It has lots of picnic table areas.

Karin Ponce — Google review

If you're looking for just a quick day trip to escape and get in nature this place is perfect. There's lots of hiking trails, a lake, wild buffalo and long horns and a cute little town, medicine park, to fill your day with. I would recommend picking a cooler day though as there's not a lot of shade or tree coverage, bring lots of water too.

Kailey Miller — Google review

Beautiful place with outstanding wildlife that can be seen just from sitting in your car. Elk, bison, prairie dogs, longhorns (not as special but still), whitetail deer, etc., can all be seen just driving around the refuge. Mount Scott is perfect for sunrises and sunsets.

Phillip Hogan — Google review

What an amazing example of Oklahoma! You can see the beauty of the plains and grasslands, see bison, Prarie dogs, and longhorn cattle- boulder jump, fish in the river- witness hawks hunting fish- and take in the gift shops in Medicine Park! Next time I’ll stay in Medicine Park! Visitors Center was nice- loved Quannah Parker Dam and the Elk Mountain Trail! I also enjoyed Holy City- would love to see the passion play

Jill Benton Beard — Google review

4.8

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4.5

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32 Refuge Headquarters Road, Indiahoma, OK 73552, USA

(580) 429-3222

23

Tiger Safari Zoological Park

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Zoo

Zoos & Aquariums

This 45-acre zoo is home to rescued animals, and it is a great place to visit if you're looking for something fun and educational. The owner takes great pride in this zoo, and the staff are professional, kind and respectful of all the animals. The cabins overlooking the facility are beautiful, high-class accommodations with modern amenities that make them very comfortable. So much to see and learn at this zoo - families will enjoy it as much as business people will appreciate it!

I had an absolute blast at this facility! The owner takes pride in this zoo and it shows. Staff were professional, kind and respectful of all animals.Beautiful, high class cabins overlooking the facility. Immaculate, modern and comfortable amenities! So much to look at and learn.Brand new veterinary facility is being built onsite.100% would recommend for families to traveling business people. Something for everyone!

Sherri Danner — Google review

A little pricey we stayed two night in may of 2022. Two adults and two kids in tree house 4. My children had fun but there was a lot of down time with nothing to do. It would have been night to have a splash pad here as well to keep busy. The people that work here or own it are okay not the best customer service but you can tell they love working with the animals and it really shows. We feed animals and walked the park 3/4 times in the two days we where here. When you thank about the amount it cost to care for the animals it make since for there pricing. Definitely an experience I appreciate my children getting to have. Very peaceful and quite.

Katina Williams — Google review

This Safari zoo in Tuttle is a cute and fun lower budget place to check out in Oklahoma! My husband and I stayed the night in their #3 tree house, above the white tiger exhibit. It was a nice rustic treehouse that came with balcony, and even an outdoor fire pit and grill for those who bring their own propane tank.Around 6pm we went to see the animals. We were glad we did because they were most active around that time. They have some cute and beautiful Safari animals. Since it's lower budget they don't have a lot to see but what they do have is nice.We were there Friday evening. The zoo wasn't busy when we got there and when we were exploring it felt very private. The couple of staff members we saw were really friendly and gave us food to feed the monkeys and got the white tigers to get closer to us. That made the experience so much better.Some parts of the park feel a little abandoned, but we still enjoyed our time there. They have some pretty cool areas to explore. They even have an outdoor dining area that has an upper patio with furniture, grills and a fire pit. It was pretty cool to see.We feel like the park has a lot of potential and what they do have now is nice. It's a nice place to go to when you want to plan to get away from the busy modern day social media lifestyle. It's fun for kids and teens, especially if you get the VIP to be able to pet and hold some animals. Even couples who love animals, like us, would enjoy it there.

Denise V. — Google review

My family was visiting from Utah. We went here and showed up right in time for the VIP tour. Which includes 10 animals being brought out that you can pet, and the zoo. We all had a great time! The staff were all great. The animals are very well cared for. We will definitely go again and want to do the over night experience!

K Wilhite — Google review

My daughter turned 16 last week and all she asked to do was go to a zoo because she loves animals. When we found Tiger Safari and saw that it wasn't too far, we booked 3 nights hoping it would be an incredible experience and it sure was! We were able to walk the zoo any time the gate was open and each time we saw something different! The animals are well taken care of and it's obvious that the staff cares deeply for each one. The owner is truly passionate about what he does and is a very nice guy with an incredible story. This is a definite MUST for anyone who enjoys spending time with animals!

Cassie Goodwin — Google review

Went on our last day of spring break. We paid 200 for our family of 5. Which included the admission for the park and the animal Incounter. We are able to hold snakes and pet other animals. My son loved this, he is very big into animals. The park is also great. We will return.

B Kissell — Google review

My kids was on Fall break this week and we visited this beautiful and AMAZING Safari. This is DEFINITELY a great place for kids to learn educational things about these exotic animals, reptiles and big cats. We got lucky not many people was there. The VIP portion was a fun experience with kids getting to see the animals up close and handling a few 😊. Kim was AMAZING every animal she brought out had a name and was very alert! The kids ENJOYED recognizing animals from Madagascar Movie 😂. One of the Lemurs was actually named “King Julius” 😂 Kim also educated the kids on Tom the porcupine about “not shooting” quill the shock look on the kids faces was priceless haha. Overall they loved every staff member because they were polite from checking in, walking around to holding the animals . Elroy was definitely our favorite he has the biggest eyes and checked Kim pocket for more snack 😭 We will definitely try and visit once a year.

Cierra — Google review

I cannot recommend this place enough! The staff was a friendly and knowledgeable. Bill (the owner) has an incredible story! He also makes you feel so welcomed by introducing himself to every guest. We will definitely be coming back, it is a great place for any age range. My two year old absolutely loved the experience! Wide variety of animals that are well kept and cared for. Pay for the VIP encounter it is worth it!

Denysea Garcia — Google review

Had a mini getaway with my husband. We stayed in one of the treehouses overlooking the tigers, we got to see the bear early in the morning even though we weren't able to during our tour. Since it was Saturday we had the option to join in with others at a big bonfire, however we decided to opt out and have our own little bonfire at the fire-pit in the treehouse. We also did the Mega VIP tour the next morning. We woke up super early and got to see the sunrise.Definetly recommend staying there. Will be back soon to stay a bit longer.Here are some of the many pictures we took.

Ana Ochoa — Google review

My family and I attend the safari March 9th. We had an amazing time. I was able to hold a baby kangaroo as much as I wanted. I really enjoyed being able to hold several animals. The staff were GREAT. They were super friendly and kind. I will definitely visit again to stay in a cabin.

Marnie Jackson — Google review

Absolutely amazing. Great staff and the rooms clean. We had the African hut #3 and it was perfect on the lake with a fountain. The mega vip pass was wonderful getting to feed so many animals. Absolutely a must!

Dena Rushing — Google review

Honestly, I really liked this place, I really enjoyed it... if you're going to stay in the cabins, you should know that they don't have toilets, or sinks, or showers... 🫠 the bathroom is public and is at 5- 7 minutes walking (I didn't bathe) lol pretty cool staff, animals looks healthy...

K. Rjs — Google review

this zoo was quite the visit. our family did the VIP passes for $35 a person. there were around ten encounters in the lodge that we got to be a part of (snakes, rabbits, birds, lizards, and even lemurs that you get to touch and hold). however, there are also tickets for $15 a person to just skip the encounters and walk around the exhibits. we also got to feed monkeys and deer. the monkey pulled his own food on the rope (super cool)! the animals looked happy and cared for. it's really a beautiful zoo.

Kyra Byers — Google review

If you are going, its worth paying to pet and hold the animals. It was a moment for us to get over our fears and they did an excellent job helping my mum and I. Ask in advance to make sure you know what the feeding and petting times are. The monkey feeding was our next fun part. Overall great experience and we had fun.

Abby — Google review

Spent 2 hours here today and enjoyed every moment! This was such a great park/zoo. There were 6 of us in our group and I highly recommend the VIP so you can hold and pet the animals! The staff there was so friendly and the owner even saw that my son didn’t want to leave and gave him a toy! It was so nice! Really enjoyed visiting, come to find out they even have rooms you can rent out and stay in! We will definitely be back!

Andy OKay — Google review

I cannot say enough wonderful things about this place. I rented one of the large African Manors. The accommodations were absolutely incredible. The kitchen was fully stocked with everything that we needed. Meaning a lot of the stuff I brought was completely unnecessary. The atmosphere the nighttime view the sounds of the animals as the sun sets and it starts to cool off. The experience is just incredible. I brought my two adult children to spend the evening with me we cooked out on the patio Enjoyed the beautiful view from the fountain, lit pond and basically had a private roam of the park after the sunset I cannot recommend this experience enough to anybody. It would be an incredible place for a family reunion a great place for a first date night, you name it, and these animals are taken care of. You can tell that they are loved , I love this place so much that I want to come and volunteer out here whenever they need me. Spend the money spend and the time with your family. The experience of being so close to these animals is absolutely breathtaking. It has changed me forever and I would do it again in a heartbeat, and anybody who writes a negative review about this place just has a problem with their life in general, because this place is out standing. Thank you Bill and the lovely lady who gave us our tour as well as the other ladies in the office you have made our experience amazing!

lori p — Google review

This is an amazing stop if you are in the area! My wife and I visited on a weekend trip and got the VIP package, we got to hold and pet some amazing exotic animals and even feed a few!All the animals seemed quite healthy and happy 😊The price was reasonable and we stayed for a few hours, they also have cabana rentals that overlook the animals! All in all a great example of a private park.

Ian — Google review

This place is awesome and bigger than I thought it would be. The staff are all super friendly. You can feed and hold some animals, if you're in the area, stop and check this place out. It also has the unique Air BnB right above the lions and bear.

Cameron Miller — Google review

We came as chaperones for our son’s school field trip and had a blast! Wide space for kids to run off energy but also many animals to enjoy watching and several areas to relax and eat. We will be back with family and friends .

Tonika Owens — Google review

This place has changed so much. We did the VIP because we happened to walk in 2minutes before it started and got to hold about 10 different animals including a baby kangaroo. Then we were given food to feed deer and monkeys. It was chilly outside but the animals were out and lively. The bathrooms were nice and I loved how healthy the animals looked. Not like arbuckle wilderness. You can tell they are loved and well cared for. They aren’t scared of people at all. It’s safe and fun. The snack places are closed since it’s the off season but I’m hoping to go back and try their treehouse overnight stay in may.

Audrey — Google review

We brought our family for a little getaway and stayed in the African Manor Hut #3. Upon walking up you could tell that the grounds needed just a little bit of attention and care. The manor itself is beautiful. We were really excited to use the big jacuzzi tub to soak and relax before bed. But we couldn't. The water pressure was so bad it would have taken over an hour to fill. Also the water turned cold about 15 minutes into trying. Things were just dusty and dirty like the bare minimum had been done for cleaning. The stove didn't work at all. We were told Upon arriving that it may blow a breaker but we checked and that wasn't the case. It just didn't work. When we made coffee I went to use the creamer and noticed thankfully that it expired in 2022. I went thru the kitchen and threw away a lot of items that were expired that other people had left and just hadn't been checked at all. The bathroom toilet more than a few times had to be messed with so it would fill back up with Water. We were disappointed there was no bonfire after it said there would be on the website but we still had a fire pit on the porch and made our own smores. I know these are all sort of little minor things but when you pay $265 for such a cool accommodation it's just disappointing that some of these things are being neglected. BUT now here's the good! The animal safari part is COOL. You can walk the grounds freely until 10pm and hear the animals all night! It does look a little run down. But the animals are so sweet! We got to touch and hold some of them including the 12 foot python and the baby kangaroo. They give you food to feed the outer door animals So that was really fun as well. The lion jeep encounter they post about online is not even a thing anymore. The glass behind the jeep is so dirty and thick with slime there's no way you'd even see a lion behind it. Everyone there was super nice and you can tell they love those animals! I would definitely recommend staying once for the experience!

Kristina Core — Google review

This was wonderful! We were looking for something fun on each leg of our drive from California to the east coast. This looked interesting and it is a real gem. The place has so much to see, and the animals were really interesting in us. They came right up to the fence, and I felt that this was really engaging. The kangaroos came right up to us, even with the babies! Tigers, lions, monkeys, lemurs, reptiles and more. If you have the opportunity to check this out, I think you’ll be impressed.

Patrick Ferris — Google review

4.3

(864)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (181)

4.5

(644)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (182)

963 County Street 2930, Tuttle, OK 73089, USA

(405) 381-9453

24

Historic Granbury Square

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Historical landmark

Sights & Landmarks

Points of Interest & Landmarks

I love the history and all the historic buildings in downtown Granbury! It's so beautiful. A great place to walk around and shop! Such a great place to walk around, enjoying a car show!

Laura Kemp — Google review

This is such an amazing small historic town. Wished I could have explored more. The town has done such a wonderful job on restoring the town and it is a bustling area. A must see if you're traveling close by.

Dori Hopp — Google review

A quaint beautiful downtown square. A nice collection of shops and restaurants surrounding a square containing the local country courthouse. Trendy bars, restaurants and theaters. Plenty to do for a weekend.

Jeffrey Dorwart — Google review

Beautiful town with a very cozy square. Lots of wineries and shops. Very clean. People is super nice too.

Dra. LauGordy — Google review

Nice area to walk around and shop. Has some Very pretty architecture.

Christopher Bowler — Google review

We've been here a few times. There are fewer historic town squares in Texas that are as filled with life and activity as the one in Granbury. Wonderful restaurants and interesting things to see and do. We were most recently here for their "Living Christmas Card" event.

D Largent — Google review

We went here during Oktoberfest. Granbury has a quaint and beautiful downtown with a lot of boutique stores and restaurants. The courthouse is gorgeous and one of the best we have seen in Texas.There is a music theater that was closed when we visited but will definitely come back as it seemed majestic.You can easily find a parking spot no matter how busy it is here as the square is huge and there are parking around the courthouse and across the streets.

Ankita Banerjee — Google review

Visiting for the annual Wine Walk event and this town never disappoints! Such great shops, wineries and a wonderful theater! With so much to do, see and taste there’s no reason to even leave the downtown square! Already looking forward to next years event!

Shelley Ima — Google review

Lots of boutiques, at least one bakery, a few restaurants including Babe's , some unique stores, historic courthouse, places to drink wine, galleries, jewelry, and a theater. Also lots of cobblestone, so wear comfy shoes. A cute place that sells quilts and placemats, too.

Stephanie Essary — Google review

I love the Historic Granbury Square! It's a fun place to visit. There are several really unique boutique shops and restaurants located around the county courthouse. The old historic buildings are so beautiful! I always like coming here!

Lori — Google review

Picturesque place!Quaint Texan town with a lot of historic value, a beautiful city beach park, cute lil artisan cafes and an eclectic mix of rural + suburban landscapes.Must visit for the wonderful scenery.

Girija Iyer — Google review

Since it was Easter Sunday everything was closed except 2 Art Gallerirs and 2 places to eat. My wife and I liked Granbury a lot. The people there were very friendly. We plan to go there soon. They told us it's better to go there from Wednesday thru Saturday.

George Thomas Rey — Google review

4.8

(863)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (187)

4.5

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201 E Pearl St b202, Granbury, TX 76048, USA

(682) 936-4550

25

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

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Wildlife and safari park

Sights & Landmarks

Visitors can drive through this 1,700-acre center & view animals such as giraffes, antelopes & deer.

This place is great to bring the kids for a visit. There was a variety of animals and you get to feed the 🦒 out of your sunroof (or windows). Recommend going when it is warm but not too hot! I have feeling the animals might sit in the shade more in 100 degree weather but I can't confirm that. We went in spring when everything was green and it was fantastic.

Jeff C — Google review

Hand-feeding those friendly giraffes was a highlight of our trip to Texas. So friendly, would do it again. Fun how inquisitive the animals were as we drove slowly by. Good gift shop at the mid-point. Middle also has a nice little petting zoo where you can groom the goats. We walked a nice little trail at the rest stop too which had facts about the wildlife. Cheetah, zebra and rhino greeted us on the second half.

Stephen Hailey — Google review

Had a great time. My kids enjoyed the animals and getting to feed them. We were worried because it was very hot in early July that most of the animals would be sleeping but they were fairly active! It’s kind of expensive but we spent over an hour driving through and feeding and looking at the animals.

C Kram — Google review

Great experience. I loved the giraffes, but I had to wait in a line for the giraffes for 1 1/2 hours. It was worth it, though. Next time, I will spend the extra money to go on a trip in one of those safari trucks so I can get there sooner. The staff was really helpful and seemed they loved their job. While I waited in line to feed the giraffes, one of the workers talked to us the entire time so we wouldn't get bored. Also, the other animals were really close to are car. I've never been so close to those animals before, so it was a fun experience. I highly recommend coming here.

Marcie Hendershot — Google review

Absolutely love Fossil Rim!! Relaxing and as slow paced as you choose to go. This was our first time at the wildlife center. Animals are everywhere across the beautiful property and will come right up to your car. Me and the husband did the self guided tour and had a blast! At the gate entrance they give you food to feed the animals. Well worth the experience and we will be back!

Allison Smith — Google review

I only give this five stars because my 9 yr old loved it! While I did enjoy it, I feel it is lacking in the variety of wildlife available. This is my second visit, but the previous was like 20 years ago!Overall would do it again!Pros:*Many animals do walk up to the car for an amazing experience*Animals were not aggressive*Place and animals are well maintained*The trip lasted a good amount of time, and it was not super crowded (this is more of an off peak season)*GIRAFFES!!!! Which you can hand feed 💕🦒Cons:* one bag of food for the car, I do feel you should give one bag per ticket!*We were having to ration out food, I’m talking one or two pellets with the occasional indulgence!*Although my daughter loved it, and I did enjoy it, it is mostly deer/antelope type of animals with the occasional sprinkle of variety like an ostrich, zebra, and of course the giraffes!

Misti I — Google review

Always a great way to spend your day with your family and get to be a part of nature. Price is a bit steep if you just do a one day pass, so you should consider getting an annual membership. The drive through the park is wonderful for kids to see animals roaming freely and to feed them with the provided feed. You will want to make sure your child rations out how much they throw at a time so that they have some for the giraffes at the end of the trip. Don’t forget to go to see the other animals near the gift shop midway through the trip.

Connie Wilson — Google review

Took my son on a safari adventure! We arrived early, at 8:30, when the park opened. We were able to see almost all the animals. The best part was when we fed the giraffes. My son enjoyed the entire experience. Feeding the giraffes and seeing his first ostrich were some of the highlights. You definitely want to save some of the feed they give you for the 🦒. Great experience and worth the cost to see the impact on my son

Jason Bessent — Google review

I recently visited the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center for a self-guided tour with my family, and we had a fantastic time. Our main highlight was the giraffes, and we were not disappointed. We had the incredible opportunity to see several giraffes up close, with two of them even approaching our car. It was an amazing experience to be so close to these majestic creatures.In addition to the giraffes, there were plenty of other deer and similar species to observe. However, it would have been even more wonderful to see a greater variety of animals, such as local Texas species like longhorns and bison. Nonetheless, the prices were fair, and the staff members were friendly and helpful throughout our visit.The road within the center was easy to navigate, and the directions provided were clear, so we didn't need a map. This made the tour hassle-free and enjoyable. I'm already planning to visit again, and I can't wait to bring other family members along. Overall, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center offers a great giraffe experience, and with some additional animal variety, it would be even more captivating.

Will — Google review

We had a house full of family and kids for Thanksgiving week and was looking for something to do. This place was great. The kids and adults loved it. Feeding the animals was the highlight.The only downside was the cool weather. There were giraffes, big birds (ostriches) or zebras anywhere to be seen. We will go back, but in warmer weather.

lifesgoodintexas — Google review

We thoroughly enjoyed the overall experience. There were numerous animals, and it was delightful to feed them, especially the giraffes, which the kids loved. The only disappointment was that we arrived a bit late at 3 PM, and we didn't see many animals approaching the car. I believe the early morning hours are the right time to witness animals up close.

Laxmana Chary Nagalla — Google review

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center offers a wonderful safari-style experience for families. Located in the scenic Texas countryside, it provides a unique opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife up close in their natural habitat. Kids particularly enjoy the chance to see animals like giraffes, zebras, and rhinos from the comfort of their car seats. The leisurely drive through the park is both educational and enjoyable, with informative guides available to answer questions along the way. Overall, Fossil Rim is a great place for families to spend a day immersed in nature and wildlife.

Aylin Weyh — Google review

One of the best place for a unique family fun..Be sure to follow the arrows if you take the self guided tour. We took a wrong turn and lost half of the tour and exited. And you can’t go back in. Admin wasn’t very helpful about it.Also,tickets are non refundable, but maybe rescheduled. My parents couldn't make it and their tickets were wasted.My car has a nice long deep scratch from the antlers of a deer. So don’t bring your car if you’re too sensitive.You have to drive very patiently and carefully, lots of cars stop and take turns to feed and enjoy the animals…

Muhammad Murad — Google review

Perfect day trip from Dallas.I took the family here for my brothers birthday. Although it was hot out & a lot of the animals were relaxing in the shade we were still able to interact with a lot of them. I read that the average time spent here is 2 hours but we were there for almost 3 hours. They have a ‘1 bag of animal food per car’ rule but it’s a lot of animal food & if there are multiple people in your vehicle they will give you a few empty bags so the animal food can be shared amongst everyone in the car who wants to feed the animals. There’s a nice little cafe at the mid point with a pretty overlook. Conveniently located near other points of interest like the dinosaur park.

Whitney M. — Google review

This was my first visit to Wildlife centre and I really enjoyed seeing all animals over there.Advice :-1. Try to go as early as possible so you can see all animals walking or running here and there. (Later after 11 AM due to sunny weather they might be taking rest under shadow or far way from your car)2. Book tickets online in advance they gets busy in holidays.

Aditya Raghoji — Google review

We had the most incredible time at the wildlife center. This was our break as we drove across the country from colorado to Florida. The safari ride was amazing, the guide was so knowledgeable! She even made sure we got extra time feeding the giraffes and we felt so catered to. We will defiantly be planning to come back to experience this again.

Jacci Jo Walton — Google review

This wildlife place is nice and really good to visit with kids. They have lots of animals and they remains really close to the cars. On the entrance you will be provided with food to feed animals. You can feed them from your car just stretching your hands out. They also offer a guided tour and it needs prior reservation. Watch out the weather forecast before you go.

Sadia Disha — Google review

A little pricey but really cool. It was pretty cold when we went so not a lot of animal activity. It is a lot bigger than expected with a nice break at the halfway point. We opted for the self guided drive through. For 2 adults and 1 child it was $85 and included one cone of animal feed.

Brian Bownds — Google review

Went on the self-guided tour on the weekend. When you reach the gate to check in they provided a cone of food to throw outside for bringing animals closer. We were hoping to stop at the cafe that was midway on the tour but unfortunately was closed. I do like the self pacing of the safari and can spend time focusing on certain animals.One downside though is some cars do not follow the rules so you have to wait at times for space to drive around them. Animals do block the road so be sure to have food available to lure them away or can bring them closer to feed. By the end we still had a good amount of food so the last animals at the gate got a feast.Was a different experience and wouldn't mind going again to check out the regular tour.

Janice Y — Google review

I could not have asked for a better experience! I did a guided tour and had an amazing tour guide, Alex. She is an animal expert!! She answered all of my questions and I learned so much from her. The animals were beautiful and it really was a 10/10 experience. My friend and I are still talking about it. I feel so fortunate to live close enough to enjoy such an adventure! I highly recommend the guided tour. We even saw baby animals!

Nadine Iglesias — Google review

Came on a Monday morning so it was not too crowded. Still enough for some cars no more than 4 to be backed up. Road is wide enough to pass them.One thing to keep in mind is that the animals have a huge amount of land to cover, so you might not see every animal. The deers love to eat the pellet and are always waiting by the road. Unfortunately, did not see any zebras. I was skeptical that the entire routes take 1.5 hrs but it really did take that long. The halfway point has a gift shop, cafe, a children's center, and some hiking trails. I think the price is quite good to offer all of that. The cafe was decent w a great view, and I loved the children's center. There were many goats walking around you can pet and brush. The hiking trails were also very nice and casual. Not intense at all, but still not as if you're walking on a sidewalk.

Kelly Low — Google review

Been here twice and it only keeps getting better!We took the guided tour and we were 5 of us.It is a very comfortable and scenic drive inside the 1800acre wildlife conservatory.So many kinds of animals and birds!!! The giraffes, and deers are so friendly - they come right to your car sunroof/window and take a nibble of the animal feed provided by the wildlife centre.Must visit for all age groups, definitely enjoyable for kids of all ages!Also, come prepared with food if you plan to spend the day here - restaurants nearby are limited!

Girija Iyer — Google review

We had an amazing time here. So many animals to see. We got to feed the giraffes out of our hand. Lovely gift shop and bathrooms about half way through the drive.

Kathlyn Nauta — Google review

My family loves this place, we actually were going so often that we got a membership which is a great way to save money if you plan to go more than 2-3x per year. Everyone that comes to visit we take and they have a great time!I also want to say every time we come it feels like a new experience because every season or day depending on the time you come and the weather the animals are different (e.g. in the spring you get to see lots of new little babies, in the fall the animals are super active when it isn’t too hot out, in the morning the animals are pretty playful)!But what makes this place really special is not only seeing my kids light up because they get to feed a giraffe from their palm while sitting in the car, but all the conversation efforts they work on with the money they get from park visitors and donors!

Ashley McCracken — Google review

My recent visit to this place with my animal-loving daughter was a delightful experience. We had a wonderful time exploring and interacting with the various animals. Was lucky to feed a giraffe among 50 other vehicles and mostly everyone had failed as the giraffe chose to approach only me. From diverse species of deer and gazelles to majestic rhinoceros, the array of animals made it an unforgettable experience.Tip: since its internal and speed limits are only 20 you can have your kids out of car seat for a better experience

Vijay Shankar Balaji — Google review

Be sure to buy tickets ahead! I recommend the guided tour, otherwise, you will just drive through the park and not really know what you are looking at and what the significance is.The tour provided treats to give the animals and lettuce to feed the giraffes. There were so many endangered animals in the park. It was humbling to be introduced to the programs that are saving the species from extinction. My favorite was the Southern White Rhino. We got to see the baby, Rocket, with his mom on the first day he was let out.There’s a couple hiking trails, a cafe, gift shop, and a children’s animal center where goats roam and are ready to be spoiled.

Kaylie Pierce — Google review

Nice place to keep the kids engaged. We opted to ride in our own car instead of the safari to have more control over the time and spend more time with the favorite and most active animals that kids enjoy feeding We opened the sunroof and giraffe entered in to the car through sunroof for the feed. Unforgettable experience!!!

Karthik Raghuraman — Google review

The last time we visited was almost 12-13 years ago and didn’t have much recollection. So, we went this time with a fresh perspective and were pleasantly surprised at the number of animals and the close proximity of interacting with them. Thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

Murali Vusirikala — Google review

Wonderful! The animals are very well cared for and the tours are a must! You only short change yourself by driving through yourself! the guide was incredibly knowledgeable and loved her job! The work done here for the animals cannot be overstated as they not only care for but also help to save many of the species from becoming extinct. Again the tours are really the best way to experience this wonderful place.

Brett Byers — Google review

4.6

(3463)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (193)

4.5

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2299 Co Rd 2008, Glen Rose, TX 76043, USA

(254) 897-2960

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26

Turner Falls Park

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Park

Nature & Parks

Beaches & a natural swimming hole with waterfalls plus a rock castle, caves & geological formations.

I really enjoyed my visit here. A nice waterfall, and lots of areas to hike and explore. They had an interesting cave and castle to explore as well as a general store for souvenirs and snacks. It wasn't too crowded just enough people to feel comfortable. Nice to see Muslims touring as well, very multicultural place with the assortment of visitors.

Halimah Jordan — Google review

Great place to enjoy nature hike/trip with the family. We went during spring (so not much crowd) & water was still cold then so we never tried swimming yet. We’ll surely come back during summer. Aside from the 2falls, there’s a swimming area& an old castle you’ll encounter there.No pets allowed & lots of parking space. Theres a fee to enter. Their brochure/map is not as clear & could use some color to tell the legends. Otherwise seems like also a nice place to camp. There are also some cabins to rent.

Rica Bruno — Google review

Beautiful!!!! I found This place very beautiful to visit. The water was clear and clean. Perfect place for hiking lovers, it has a playground for kids, cabins and campgrounds. There is a little store where you can buy snacks and drinks. Definitely I have to come back and stay longer. We did a one day trip but will Stay longer. The view when you go up the hill is stunning and breathtaking.

ANITA JC-G (AnaZel) — Google review

This was just perfectly beautiful. The new cabins that they are adding in look super awesome. We just went for the day, hiked a bit, swam and enjoyed the scenery. Only down side, the staff when entering , we’re not very friendly or informative and some staff were smoking cigarettes while interacting with guest and I thought that to be unprofessional. Regardless, it was stunning and WE ARE coming back!

Gavin Allen — Google review

Such an incredible experience. We did not stay overnight, but went in the middle of the week and it was much better than our expectations. Clean, everyone we met was extremely friendly, it was a gorgeous atmosphere, and the park rangers were very friendly/helpful. We will surely be back!If you are wanting to experience the falls and the water, you do not have to hike at all. It is all paved and very accessible, but I can't wait to go back and actually hike!

Jonathan Hawkins — Google review

We were passing through and didn't know much about the area. We quickly realized it waa way too pricey for a quick stop and walk-through. It would have cost our group of 5 almost 60 dollars. We drove past the entrance for a quick (and free) peek on an overlook, then carried on with our trip. It was pretty, but nothing spectacular.

Joan Tallroth — Google review

Great walk in this beautiful nature reserve. The weather perfect, and we saw several deer. Reasonable entry fee for off-season mid-week. Disappointingly, no cafes open (just a general store with a friendly lady - we visited twice!), so we had to leave the park for lunch in Davis.

Yvonne Sanderson — Google review

Drop dead gorgeous area to explore! We went when it was a little cooler out which is for sure the perfect time to go. The castles are very cool to explore although it's a bit of a vertical hike. There's a cave you can explore above and to the right of the waterfall where the swimming hole is.... And TONS of wildlife

K R — Google review

It is a great place to beat the summer heat and get kids out in nature. It looks like they are using the admission fees to improve and keep the facilities nice. Be aware that any child under 13 must wear a life vest, so bring one otherwise you can buy one at the gift shop. The weekend will be very busy so if you can take a day off during the week that’s your best chance of fewer people.

T Z — Google review

I have been going here for 30 years, many times as a child, a few times in college and just once in the last 15 years...and let me tell you, things have changed.... for the worse.Seems the owners are more interested in expansion of campsites/cabins so they can get more $$$ than they are in keeping the park clean and affordable. (almost $200 a night for a family of 4 to camp, in a tent, with no electricity on the weekend in summer)The falls are still beautiful, but you can't go anywhere near them anymore (probably one idiot screwed it up for everyone), the water is still cold, but oily on top and a bit scummy, and the dang trash is unbelievable! We picked up 3 grocery sacks of trash on the trails just near the falls. There are trash cans everywhere, that's not the issue, just a bunch of jackholes littering! For the cost of admission they should have better sanitation clean u or fine litterers!They now charge for parking in addition to admission and lodging, but only on the weekends. This makes me not want to stay during the weekends.We did not camp this time, but have many times before and you definitely want to get in on a Thursday or early Friday to get a good spot for the weekend. They have a ton of spots, but many are soooo far up on the newish, isolated, third level, and it is far away form the creek. Also pretty much all spots are very Rocky.All in all its a great natural beauty, one of the best in Oklahoma for sure, but the owners seem to only want to get more people in the park, not preserve it's beauty!

Dustin — Google review

I’ve been to Turner Falls 3 times so far: twice with my girlfriend for a day trip and once with my friends on a 2 night camping trip. We’ve always had a great time. Whether it’s the perfectly cold and refreshing water, peaceful hikes, caves you can walk into, surprising castles, or the amazing snow cones at the Sweet tooth snow cone truck, there is always something good that can happen at Turner Falls. Beware of lots of daddy long legs spiders in the caves and castles though. Most recently when I went camping the camp sites were all really nice; the main issue we ran into was the extreme heat which is definitely on us, as we decided to go at the beginning of August. Even with the uncomfortable temperature, the cold water was so perfect that we wanted to stay in the water the whole day. It was also really busy, but they did a great job of organizing everything. We had to take a shuttle from nearby our campsite to the main area, but they came repeatedly so it was never too much of an issue. If you go during a week day or not during the summer, it really shouldn’t be too busy, and if it’s a weekday, you shouldn’t have to take the shuttles I don’t think. Hope y’all all have a great time if you decide to end up going there!

Jonathan Strange — Google review

I expected this place to be more of a "natural" environment. It's kind of like an amusem*nt park, with signs everywhere about what you can and can't do. The water was too shallow for swimming and we couldn't get near the waterfalls. There were buoys surrounding it with signs to stay away. It was not crowded when we went so it was nice and quiet when we hiked around but I imagine it wouldn't be as nice if there were a lot of people. We did go in Sept., on a hot day. It would've been nice if the little store on site was open.

Kobi Cordova — Google review

I did not stay at the park but I must warn others it costs 15 bucks per person just to drive up and see the falls.The falls themselves are gorgeous, very clean both the water and the area. The staff does a good job taking care of this place. Worth a stop of your in central Oklahoma

Matt Wilkes — Google review

A hidden gem in south central Oklahoma that you do not want to overlook. Easy access to the city and the metroplex too. Cabins were clean and comfortable. We went for a concert and the location made for a memorable experience. Definitely going back. Oh and if the City of Davis’ food truck is there give that a try too.

Mikel Hoppman — Google review

There is so much potential!! But I agree with the lower rating reviews, during the peak of the season it is overcrowded, trash is everywhere, bathrooms are disgusting, and they seem understaffed for the amount of people they let into the park. There is no peace and quiet with all the tourists and music.I want to check it out during the off-season but I feel like prices are pretty steep for admission, some great hiking trails surrounded by lots of nature but you have to hike a few miles before you can enjoy the quiet away from the campers.My kiddos enjoyed adventuring the cave the most. As stated in other reviews it is a long trek to and from the swimming hole, not ideal for young children and the shuttle wait is outrageous.

Kt Clark — Google review

This place is so beautiful! I enjoyed it all: from climbing in a cave to hiking and taking in the glorious views of the river, hills, and waterfall. On a warmer day, playing in the river would have been a great option, too. I'm sure I will return sometime and rent one of the many cabins, or maybe camp. I definitely recommend visiting, and not just for a few hours! 😀

Katie Fritz — Google review

We took a day trip here from Fort Worth. Purchased tickets online, arrived at 10 am on a Friday and it was a wonderful time. Parking was easy. We parked and walked to the 77ft falls where we swam. June the water was cold but so nice. We picnicked then hiked up to see the castles and then continued to the trail to see the falls from above. We spent just shy of 4 hours there with our 5 year old and our 22 year old and both loved it.The only two negatives were the attendant at the ticket window was a young girl who has zero customer service skills. Also, the trail wasn’t well marked indicating how to get to the top of the mountain.

Wendy Beliveau — Google review

The views and the park itself was wonderful, and the staff was very nice. If you get there early enough during the week, you can find great primitive camping sites right on the water.I’m giving a low review though because of how overcrowded and terrible the camping neighbors were. We were pushed out of our spot TWICE by large groups moving in and pushing our stuff away. Mind you, they all ignored the multiple other open and available camping sites that had really good space. We had multiple families blaring music and keeping their flood lights (which lit up our tent like Christmas morning) on until way past 2am, and kids screaming and yelling and running right through our campsite most of the night. Plus the kids pulled a picnic table out into the hip high waters just to jump off of it. One group pulled their truck right in front of our tent with their brights on at 1030pm. We wound up leaving a day and a half early because it was all to much.I get it’s the end of summer and people are trying to enjoy their last bit of summer break, but be courteous to your camping neighbors. Especially in primitive camping.We’ll hopefully try again during the less busy times, but it all really put a damper on our birthday vacation.

Alice CatB — Google review

Stunning place for a hike and taking family photos! We went in the fall so I can't speak for the swimming spots, but seeing all of the autumn colors is enough to make the drive worth it! The castle is a lot of fun for the kids to explore, too.

Bryan Sekine — Google review

I enjoyed my time at the park today. The waterfall is really pretty and there’s lots of vegetation and animals to see. I visited in what’s considered the winter season on a week day so I was able to save money on parking and the cost of entry. I only spent $12 for myself & my child was free since kids 5 years old and under are free. I brought snacks and food & I didn’t stay the night. It was worth it the drive! There are efforts to keep the park clean, but unfortunately there was litter scattered over the park. The trails are nice & there’s a nice view up butterfly road that I highly recommend seeing.

Kennedy — Google review

Visited Turner Falls during winter, and it was pleasantly uncrowded. Green enthusiasts should aim for a visit after spring. Don't forget to explore the castle and take a ride on the Wagon Road for stunning hill views. Note that getting into the water is restricted during winter. However, the restrooms could use more maintenance.

Riyaz Ahmed — Google review

Horrible experience. Picked my son up from Fort Sill. When we were on our way back. Paid our fee online. NOWHERE DID IT SAY NO FISHING. NOT IN THE PAPER THEY PRINTED STATING YOU CANT. NO SIGNS SAY NO FISHING. Had a guy with a radio on a side by side come to me and tell me I had to have a permit. I asked if I could buy it online, and he said you have to have a paper. Trash!!!

Michael Hall — Google review

I went with my girlfriend for a weekend getaway. We had an amazing time. Very relaxing, so many things to see. We will definitely go back very soon and stay longer.

Alma Ramos — Google review

Happened to be in the area so we went to explore. Didn’t know there was an entry fee so be aware of that 12 bucks per adult! Otherwise it’s absolutely beautiful. Wish we knew about it before because we would have stayed at the RV camp site. The trails are well maintained, it’s fun and easy to explore, none of it felt neglected. The castle is very neat the rock formations by the falls are fun, we definitely want to go back and spend more time exploring.

Olivia Rohlfing — Google review

I've stopped by a few times and it always seems very busy so I never went in.However I stopped by on new years day and there was hardly anyone here, which made the experience very peaceful.It's $20+ dollars to get in per car.There are some beautiful spots on top of hills here.The waterfall is pretty big and there are some pretty cool viewing angles.There are random caves you can walk/crawl into.Streams/rivers have pretty clear water.It's a very pretty place.The water was a little low at the time I went, which is no fault of the park itself.So I imagine with the water up a bit it looks even better. The pictures I have don't really do it justice.I would come back, but tbh only if I knew it wasn't going to be as busy as it usually seems.UPDATE:Went back, was going 18mph when the limit is 10. Should've gone slower but it's very hilly so speed your speed fluctuates without noticing.Officers stopped and told us to slow down and let us go. Understandable, but he had a bit of an attitude the way he handled it. Could be a bad day, but it was part of the experience.

Jacob Hobbs — Google review

We had to pay $30 to get in (there was 3 of us in the truck). There was nothing staffed or opened except the entry booth. We walked up to the falls which was beautiful. We walked up the stairs to check out one building of the old castle which was neat. However, to charge per person or at all to check this stuff out and have nothing else opened was a little outrageous.

Angela DeWitt — Google review

4.3

(7923)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (206)

3.0

(959)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (207)

I-35 &, US-77, Davis, OK 73030, USA

(580) 369-2988

27

Fort Worth Stockyards

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Historical landmark

Sights & Landmarks

The business center of Fort Worth, Texas is the Stockyards National Historic District. This district covers 98 acres and features a variety of restored buildings from the late 19th century, when the city was known for its cattle industry. Today, the Stockyards is a tourist attraction with cowboy-themed shops and restaurants.

Saw the cattle drive which was very cool! Some gigantic horns on the cattle that came through. It was cool to experience traditional Texas culture that way. Lot's of interesting shops in the area as well. If you want a sense of Texas culture, this is a place to go.

Cameron Farah — Google review

Great experience! You must be there on time for the longhorn steer street parade. This 140 year plus historic center of live stock processing/sales tells a great story about the early years of this industry. There are many great attractions, restaurants and bars close by to enjoy. Parking is plentiful, but be prepared to walk as it's required to enjoy the full experience. FOLLOW ME for more thoughtful recommendations as I travel the world 🌎

Vincent Randy Heslop — Google review

For someone who's never been to Texas and who loves Western vibes, this was such a cool visit! The sculptures and buildings were lovely and it was great to see the Coliseum where there's still rodeos today. Unfortunately on this occasion I missed the longhorns running the street but I'll def check that out on my next visit. So much history here......

Fiona Lochrin — Google review

Popular tourist spot but great for tourists and locals alike. Lots of fun things for kids. Cool area to walk around, see the animals. The petting zoo was fun ($5 to get in, $3 for a cup of seeds that lasted well). Longhorns are definitely cool to see in person. Lots of shopping and restaurants. Lots to see and do. Parking all over. There’s a long narrow lot that’s east access without dealing with driving down the main drag - $15 on the weekend (all day)

Stephanie O'Callaghan — Google review

This place was amazing. So much to see and do. Loved the cattle drive, the horse drawn carriage ride, being able to get pictures of my mom sitting on a bull, and the live entertainment. The John Wayne museum was also very interesting.Just be prepared EVERYTHING/EVERYWHERE IS CREDIT CARD ONLY - NO CASH. Also would highly recommend using the valet parking service.

Frog Lover — Google review

Went in December on a Monday morning so not much was happening. There was some Christmas activities going on like ice skating and pictures with santa. Not a whole lot of people were around so it was nice to walk around without people or traffic.I walked past this bizarre storage room of interesting taxidermy. Since it's winter the train wasn't running through the station to drop and pick people up. The cattle drive was kind of fun but also a bit uneventful. They just walked past us normally.

Kelly Low — Google review

Cool and interesting place to check out, they do cattle drive 2x daily, at 11:30 and 4pm. There are shops and restaurants you can eat nearby. Kids loved the pony rides at $8 a person, we also did the horse ride at $15 per person, and mini train ride at $5 a person. Bathroom on the outside by the trailer is cleaner!

Rita L — Google review

Loved the Stockyards! The cattle drive is really cool and the staff was great fun. The shops on the main drag are expensive unless you really want high-end cowboy clothes, but all the shops down at the depot are fun for souvenirs and bargains. Would definitely go here again.

Alex L — Google review

This is definitely a must-do if you ever find yourself in Fort Worth. The Historic Stockyards do not disappoint one bit. There are many shops, restaurants, shows, and other activities that will give you almost a full day of fun. As you walk down the Stockyard Strip (Exchange Ave), the smell of smoked BBQ will delight your senses. Horse drawn carriage rides are available, as well as photo opportunities with some real longhorn steer. Twice a day they have a cattle drive, it doesn’t last very long (roughly10 minutes), but it’s definitely worth it to see the longhorn steer parade down the road as they have daily for over 20 years.Depending on when you choose to visit, parking can be a little challenging. There is paid parking on Exchange Ave, however, I recommend walking a little further to the main or side roads if you want to park for free.I highly recommend the Fort Worth Stockyards for a unique Texas experience.

Monica Hernandez — Google review

Such a cool place. If you’re in Fort Worth then the Stockyards should be top of your list to visit.A real authentic cowboy town with loads to do for people of all ages. There is a cattle drive twice a day which is worth catching, there’s plenty of shops to browse as well as great places to eat and cool saloons for a drink and some live music.We were a family with children aged 16, 13 and 8 and they all enjoyed it. Will definitely be coming back

Anthony Fincher — Google review

In short - it's like old cowboy town /village.I liked the place very much you will get see horses, bulls, horse carts (15$ ride), vintage cars. Vintage looking food restaurant, steak house, burger house etc. themed gifts shops with actually good gift items [all pics attached].MAKE SURE YOU VISIT AT A SPECIFIC TIME OF DAY WHEN YOU HAVE 1HR DURING DAY LIGHT AND 2-4 HRS DURING NIGHT. This will help you enjoy both days view and night lightings.

Ritesh Khodiyar — Google review

It was way too hot. So we did lots of shopping to keep cool. Their parking lots suck. No card readers for us techno challenged folks. My sister and niece couldn't figure out how to pay by phone and ended up getting a $40 parking ticket. I drove my car and was able to pay using my PayPal so no parking ticket for me. But they should have a card reader. One of the shops I was in the employee said there are a lot of complaints regarding parking so beware, you better have a way to pay using your phone, otherwise you will get a ticket. It was so hot that they didn't have the longhorns walk through the streets like they normally do. But there was other fun stuff to do. You could do a trail ride on friendly horses, and right next to that was a petting zoo. Next time we'll go in the fall and not the summer. We went on a Wednesday and we were told more activities were available on weekends.

Susan Tanos — Google review

This is a wonderful family fun friendly place. The kids loved it. We loved it. Shops, fun activities, characters, mini-dramas, and the inside climate controlled full rodeo. Suggestion: buy your tickets online inadvanced. We didn't have bad seats, but didn't have a lot to choose from and would have liked to be closer than we were.

elizabeth jorge — Google review

My visit to the Fort Worth Stock Yards was great! We stayed at the Hotel Drover, and walked around to all the nearby shops and restaurants. We watched the cattle drive, took a horse and buggy ride, enjoyed some delicious Mexican food, and bought some great Texas souvenirs! I highly recommend a visit to the stock yards if you’re in the area.

Lisa Kasdorf — Google review

If you're in Dallas and you're looking for something different, this place is a MUST, specially if you're into cowboy vibes. There's a free-of-charge show everyday at 11:30am and 4:00pm, which consists of a "parade" with long horn cows and some guys riding horses, they explain the history of the place among other interesting facts. You can drink on the streets, there are plenty of bars and restaurants and it's also a good place for shopping. It's a place perfect for the family or simply to go with friends and have a good time. We all enjoyed it a lot.

Juan Pablo Santiago — Google review

Action packed entertainment from start to finish! If you have never been to a rodeo this is a must see if in Fort Worth. Stockyards features bull riding, bucking broncos, tie down roping of calves, and barrel racing. Events are held in the Cowtown Coliseum, an indoor rodeo so the weather does not matter. The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District portrays the Western heritage of the Texas livestock industry. Twice a day there is a well-attended longhorn cattle drive on the street. Truly an awesome way to spend a day.

Bill Z — Google review

this is an amazing place to visit if you like cowboys culture or like to have a great BBQ! you will find a magical place to stay and enjoy with your families, there a lot of things to do for your children and a vast amount of shops and very good restaurants, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this place!

Joabian Alvarez — Google review

Is it worth going, sure. Is there a lot to do aside from shopping and eating....ehhh.We spent the whole day there and enjoyed our time. While there are things to do, including the herd and a few museums, it's mostly food and shopping over a majority of the place.It's fun to walk around the area, and themed to match the history of the location.Parking is by QR code. Something like $15/10hrs....something like that. There are on signs in the parking lot.

Neil Howell — Google review

The best tourist's attraction in Fort Worth! Lots of people during the weekend (F U Covid!). The area was vacated last year but has since gained back its patrons! And I'm glad because this place has so much history and culture. There is the rodeo, the museum of cattle trading, the historic buildings converted to hotels and restaurants. Two of my favorite BBQ places are in this area.

Hanson Tran — Google review

Saw the Cattle Drive today and also saw it in December close to Christmas time and it was absolutely amazing both times. Before it started there was this awesome Texan there talking about the history and it was quite fascinating, I learned so much.We got to take pics with the longhorn and see the cows which was awesome.The entire street, the look, the stores are all worth it. It was absolutely amazing.If you're in forth worth you gotta check this is you won't be disappointed at all.Definitely recommend a visit.

Melisha Camile — Google review

Love this place! It’s CRAZY FUN. If you love or like the old western this is the place for you. Plenty of fun, food, drinks. Entertainment, accommodations and most importantly lots of PARKING. We moved to the DFW Area over a year ago and we love that this area has so much to offer. Fun for everyone Men, Women and Definitely Children. Please visit the museum and tours first as they will allow you to fully understand and embrace the time period. Last Don’t forget to watch the Cattle Drive which happens every day at 11:30 am and 4:00 pm Most importantly have fun, I me and my family did. We will definitely be back. Thank you Texas Stockyards

ND 4LIFE — Google review

I was bracing myself for a tourist trap but I was very wrong.Friendliness:Firstly, everyone working in the stores and restaurants I visited and the staff involved in the shows and attractions were very welcoming and friendly. The prices for food, souvenirs and attractions are normal and reasonable. No price gouging in any of the places I visited.Attractions:There’s something for everyone in the family. The cattle drive is entertaining and the comedy shootout show afterwards is a must see. Carriage rides were also fun but I really enjoyed simply hanging out in the well maintained Exchange Ave where you can have beer while you walk around.Parking rates ($16.50 a day) are expensive if you are visit only for couple of hours but worth it if you are spending a whole day. Furthermore, there is a good amount of parking. There were few empty spots close to all the attractions on a Saturday of memorial weekend around noon.

Fansntt — Google review

Absolutely wonderful place to take the family or friends. Lots of restaurants and bars. A place where you can sit and relax and enjoy the amazing views of nature and people. Lots of variety of food choices. You can enjoy the boat tours and they have park Police so you can few extra safe as well. We will come back again for sure!!

Brandon Jakubik — Google review

Stockyards in Fort Worth is a truly captivating destination that offers a rich blend of history, culture, and entertainment. Stepping into this lively district feels like taking a step back in time, immersing oneself in the Old West. The iconic cattle drives are a sight to behold, as cowboys expertly maneuver herds of longhorns through the streets, creating an authentic and exhilarating experience. The historic buildings and wooden sidewalks further enhance the ambiance, transporting visitors to a bygone era. Whether you're exploring the unique shops, enjoying a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants, or catching a live rodeo show, Stockyards effortlessly captures the spirit of the Wild West and leaves a lasting impression.Moreover, Stockyards offers a plethora of entertainment options that cater to a wide range of interests. History buffs can delve into the past at the Stockyards Museum, which houses fascinating exhibits showcasing the area's rich heritage. For those seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills, there are plenty of opportunities to witness exciting rodeo events or try your hand at bull riding. Live music fills the air, as various venues offer an array of performances, from classic country tunes to modern beats. The friendly atmosphere and warm hospitality of the locals add to the overall charm of Stockyards, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an authentic Western experience in Fort Worth.

Maria Laura Jimenez — Google review

This is a great place to see some of the history of Texas. The area is full of restaurants and bars. You can also see live rodeo at night and watch cattle drives during the day. We saw one at high noon. Parking in the middle of the area seems limited. We had to use valet parking for our hotel. There are also several shops selling Texas style clothing and accessories.

Eddie H — Google review

Cute little tourist area. I loved the Fort Worth vibes. Similar to any main st. it's put together nicely with a lot of boutique food choices. If you need a hat or boots, they have you covered, too. My only complaint was the traffic on the street next to the stockyards and the food I had at a music place was unfortunately not tasty. Probably should have done the steakhouse.

Vanessa Hines — Google review

Amazing place, walking in Fort Worth I felt like in film, beautiful atmosphere, beautiful people, authentic city, various shops and restaurants. You will not be disappointed! The sunny day made the atmosphere even better, the city was shining with Christmas decorations. Parking places are very close to the central street too.

Evgeniya Khlopchenyuk — Google review

Fun collection of shops built right on the historic stockyards. Pretty cool redevelopment concept and plenty to do, eat, or see. Would definitely recommend visiting if you're in Fort Worth.Did not catch the cattle stampede but heard good things from people who had. Something for everyone here and quite kid friendly.

Christopher Btine — Google review

FREE event, Christmas parade was awesome! Good vibes, family atmosphere, lots of shops and very good and affordable restaurants. Plenty of parking lots, I think streets are free to park but not sure. We paid $17. Christmas tree is nice looking! There’s so much to see. Bring your beer!

Martha L. — Google review

We visited the stockyard to see the cattle drive. It’s a lot smaller than I had envisioned (maybe only 8 or 10 cows), but you can look at the cows in their pens. There’s lots of activities for kids such as pony rides, a maze, and a petting zoo.The historic downtown area is really cool! There’s lots of fun stuff in the gift shops.There’s a few parking lots, and the ones we saw allowed you to pay by scanning a QR code.

Kaylie Pierce — Google review

"Five stars for the Stockyards in Fort Worth, Texas! Visiting the Stockyards is like taking a step back in time to the wild west, with its rich history and vibrant atmosphere.From the moment you arrive, you're greeted by the iconic sights and sounds of cowboy culture. The historic buildings and wooden sidewalks transport you to a bygone era, while the aroma of barbecue and the sound of live music fill the air.The Stockyards offer something for everyone, whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a good time. You can catch a thrilling rodeo at the Cowtown Coliseum, stroll down Exchange Avenue to shop for western wear and souvenirs, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many delicious restaurants serving up authentic Texas cuisine.But perhaps the best part of the Stockyards is the sense of community and camaraderie that permeates the area. Whether you're chatting with locals at a saloon or watching the daily cattle drive down Exchange Avenue, you can't help but feel like you're part of something special.Overall, the Stockyards in Fort Worth is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the true spirit of Texas. With its rich history, lively atmosphere, and endless entertainment options, it's no wonder it's become a beloved cultural landmark. Five stars all around!"

Nathan Vanden Bosch — Google review

Awesome! Amazing! We had a great time all day. We visited the John Wayne Museum, the Stockyard Museum and the Cowboy Museum. We watched the cattle drive twice and had the best steak I have EVER eaten. Love this place!!

Leslie R. Allison — Google review

Great place to visit, shop, eat and have a fun experience with the Texas longhorns. It's a unique experience getting to watch those massive bulls walk down the center of town. If you are in the area, this is a must!

Matthew Bryant — Google review

I am from out of town in this place is a must for any out of towner. Lots of shopping lots of food lots of things to see. If you go at certain times you can see the steers walk through the street. Very cool place to check out. If you get lucky you might be able to even catch a rodeo.

Ed G — Google review

Five of us visited after arriving in Dallas for a conference, easy to find, plenty of parking and cowboys on every corner.Plenty of bars and food outlets, horse carriage rides and lots of history to take in.We didn’t see a show but they are meant to be amazing, if you want to enjoy cars and trucks riding round then you will get to enjoy these also.If you want dancing lessons you can find these on offer on a Tuesday and Sunday at a bar right at the top of the hill. Very good and they are really helpful teaching you the correct steps.

Our adventures Around — Google review

4.7

(20304)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (215)

4.5

(5516)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (216)

131 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164, USA

(817) 626-7921

28

Fort Worth Zoo

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Zoo

Zoos & Aquariums

The Fort Worth Zoo is a world-class zoo with a huge variety of animals. The zoo is very family friendly and perfect for visitors of all ages. The zoo regularly ranks as one of the best zoos in the United States and is home to over 7,000 animals!

Was an amazing experience at the Fort Worth Zoo! Went with my mom and my sister and we had so much fun. There's lots to explore and so much to see even though some of the exhibits were closed due to expanding some of the habitats. We went on a Saturday during nice weather and it was crowded. We rode the train and went to the Stingray area. Saw all the animals that were out and all three of us enjoyed the experience. We will be going back when the other animals are back and would recommend you go enjoy the experience. Before we left we all got cute animal plushies and a back for them to commemorate our time we spent there at the zoo.

Zoey M — Google review

Came here on a Saturday around 3pm. Parking was $5 just right outside the main entrance and there were plenty of spots. Tickets that day were $18 for adult at the gate, and $17 if you buy it online. This zoo was pretty nice and was extremely family friendly. There were attractions for kids and adults so it's suitable for all age groups. A good variety of animals at this zoo. They had a petting zoo which was fun. I enjoyed the giraffes the most even though I did not get a chance to feed them. I enjoyed my time here.

N C. — Google review

I visited for the first time in April on a weekend - it was my first time visiting a zoo in nearly a decade. Prices were fair - $5 parking and $17 per ticket if purchased online. The weather was perfect in Texas and the crowd was quite large, too.The grounds and restrooms are well kept. Kudos to the staff.Majority of the animals were active. There are numerous exhibits to visit and enjoy. It was a great experience overall and took us about 2-3 hours to explore.

Victoria Briars — Google review

Fort Worth Zoo, was very nice. They had a lot of great animals that were fairly active in the morning. The exhibits gave multiple angles of most of the animals and was pretty relaxing. Pathways are smooth and big enough to support light traffic. Tickets can be bought on site or online. Parking is 5$ the lot seems adequate. Went on a Sunday morning was a little busy but not too crazy. Takes about 2-3 hours to see the zoo but you could spend more time if you wanted too. I’d definitely recommend checking it out if your in the area.

charles compton — Google review

It has been a wonderful experience. Seeing all these cute animals so close has been wonderful. Perfect to enjoy a good time with the family and treasure some memories. What if I recommend it to you? Of course, the kids will love it. recommendations? You can go on Wednesdays, it's half price. You can bring an umbrella and your own water if you wish.

kim de bel — Google review

There's a lot of beauty and a lot to last about mammals, birds, aquatic life, and more. The wild West section is so fun. I loved the flamingos who are there to greet you at the entrance. Ibex are fun to watch scale mountains. Giraffe, leopard, rhino, ostrich, elephant. There are a couple of spots to enjoy air condition and eat.

Queen Meranda — Google review

LOVE this zoo! Went this past weekend and I’m so happy we went. My son got to feed the giraffes and also touch and feed the stingrays. My in-laws had a lot of fun with how interactive the zoo is!

Jane Naiuli — Google review

Absolutely stunning every time. I'm so glad they are redoing so many exhibits to give these beautiful creatures more space and enrichment. I love how interactive this zoo is. Highly recommend checking out the elephant training sessions!

Kit Rickard — Google review

We had a good experience. Somehow we didn’t get charged for parking which is generally 5 dollars.We walked the whole Zoo in about 2 hours. It wasn’t as big as I anticipated it to be.20 bucks per person for admission.I see this is one of the top zoos in America?? Hmm not sure I feel that is an accurate assessment. It’s really not that large and there isn’t THAT many animals

Miranda — Google review

Compared to the San Antonio Zoo, you can tell that they actually truly care about the animals and the scenery here. Once the construction is done, it will be even more beautiful for the public. To all of the people complaining about the parking, you do realize you will even have to walk within the zoo as well. IT IS A ZOO! School field trips, etc etc happens. Get over it.

God IsGood — Google review

I love this zoo. I've been coming here for 55 years and there always seems to be something different every time I'm here. The first time we were here this year was an unpleasant experience, half the exhibits were closed as well as half the restaurants. Plus there really is a lot of construction going on.However, we went back this morning at 9, on a Monday, which I recommend for membership holders. There was no line to get in, there was free water and an orange, the animals were out eating and being active. We got a lot of good pictures. It appears the birds are back on exhibit. And there still is a lot of construction going on however the progress they're making is very rapid. All the exhibits are top-notch. And those didn't look up to their standards are being improved. Even during the hot summer, if you go on membership Mondays, the shade of the trees and the wind are enough to keep you cool for the most part. Also worth mentioning, the train and Carousel are free on Mondays all day to membership holders as well.

Dane Adkisson — Google review

The zoo was pretty cool. There were plenty shaded areas, a decent amount of animals to see but I especially enjoyed how close the giraffes came (to be fed, at cost) they also do activity / education at certain times which are posted by the animals, usually in front. I also recommend getting a map because you are sure to miss animals if you don’t.

Tatyana Taylor — Google review

This has to be the most themed zoo I've ever been too. Really beautiful with waterfalls everywhere. Even some misting stations to help with that Texas heat. My favorite exhibit was probably the giraffe one. For $5 you get to feed them. I didn't see any live shows or an aquarium but still one of my top 5 zoo's I've been to.

Vegas stoker — Google review

Well worth it. The price of admission is very reasonable and I saw so many animals. The enclosures mostly felt like they were great sizes. Was a little confusing to navigate at first, I went straight to Texas area but should have done the other path first as it meant I ended up doubling back and then back again later. They are sponsored by Dr Pepper so if you like drinks made by Coca Cola bring your own

Robyn — Google review

Lots of Animals! Had a great time! The new Predators exhibit was great with Lions, Tigers, Hyenas, and Leopards. The Zoo had come a long way and you even feel like you’re in a real jungle. Also the lions used to be hard to view, but with the new enclosure, you can see them easily!

Luke — Google review

This was a great zoo! One of the best that I have been too. The exhibits had animals that were out and easy to see. Parking was $5 and plentiful. This a must place to take the family when visiting Fort Worth.

Brandon Bowman — Google review

It is a very nice place, I really liked it and my daughter was excited about the animals. Although we couldn't see some of them due perhaps to the cold weather, we still enjoyed it. The giraffes are excellent... it is a little big so we walked around it for about 3 hours. everything went pretty well! I would definitely go again.

grecia Albarran — Google review

Went with my boyfriend for his birthday, and we both absolutely loved it!! First time seeing a giraffe and elephant, so to me that was so cool!The reptile exhibit as well was amazing !! There are soooo many !! My favorite was the green mamba or the komodo dragon!My boyfriend loved the crocodiles and the hippos !!We also got our tickets on the website so we didn't need to wait to get in, which was super nice !! Totally recommend coming to this zoo! ❤️❤️

Madison Adams — Google review

FAVORITE zoo, bar none! Absolutely gorgeous gardens inside and out. Meticulously kept. Beautiful exhibits. Many, many animals that were all in beautiful, humane enclosures. Great dining and gift shops. Outstanding decor throughout the zoo. Very friendly staff. Clayton in one of the gift shops was so cordial and helpful.

Dana Grimm — Google review

This is an awesome zoo. Really enjoyed our time here. It’s worth going just to see the gharial exhibit, but there are so many other amazing enclosures. I’d recommend having at least 2-3 hours planned to spend here, especially if you want to see everything,

Brendan — Google review

So far, one of the best Zoo I ever been. It’s very thematic , you can feed giraffes, you can pets a snakes, and more many things. Very nice for families, too. Lot of shops and food around. Very nice place, all my recommendations.

Vojkan Dimitrijevic — Google review

This is definitely a good sized zoo so be prepared for minimum 2 hours here. We took 2 and half hrs here but was great so many animals to see we did the giraffe feeding and it was fun. We went on a cloudy day so the animals were there hanging out. Plenty of restrooms areas, benches for a quick drink/snack break. We enjoyed our time here highly recommend

izzy Santos — Google review

The Fort Worth Zoo sets the bar high for expectations when going to the zoo. Leaders in education and conservation, we love being members and sharing our experiences with friends and family. Open every day of the year, it’s an excellent outing for people of all ages and abilities.

Micah Martinez — Google review

4.6

(14540)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (223)

4.5

(2466)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (224)

1989 Colonial Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76110, USA

(817) 759-7555

29

WinStar World Casino

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Casino

Casinos & Gambling

WinStar World Casino and Resort is a massive casino complex that offers a modern and spacious environment for gaming enthusiasts. The resort features an array of dining options, shops, a golf course, and an outdoor pool. Visitors can expect a seamless flow throughout the facility with numerous restaurant choices strategically placed around the resort. The casino boasts a wide selection of games including traditional table games like poker and blackjack as well as the latest slot machines with exciting bonus features.

We stayed at the hotel, enjoyed the casino, and ate at a couple of the restaurants. They do everything with excellence. The place is huge! I particularly like the idea that they do have a non-smoking casino area. The place is well ventilated. You can play the penny slots to the high-roller events.There is something for everyone. Although the pool wasn't open, we lounged in the area outside the pool. We had a beautiful view from our hotel room. There is something for everyone! I'm not a gambler but I enjoyed the slots with $40 for many many hours. The other couple made enough winnings to pay for both our hotel rooms, food, and the gas from Dallas. It was a one day trip that was worth every penny. We plan to return the next time we are in the area.

Terrell Grooms — Google review

It was good and it was bad. Coming from someone who used to work at Choctaw, this was better in some ways, but worse than other ways. Without getting too into details I will just list my key takeaways from my night prior. It was hard to find floor staff. I heard not a single co*cktail wait staff member from 6pm-10pm. Trying to find stuff was also difficult, we had to bother the cashiers or security that we caught up with to ask for directions to where things were. The players club line was out the door long but a lovely staff member was helping new members and pulling them out of the long line which was nice. The look of the entire building was nice, a few sections that felt disconnected, but otherwise it was great. The amount of food choices were also great even if prices were a bit high. Lastly, we left earlier than anticipated because of the cigarette smell. It was so overwhelming even with the no smoking sections. When we got into our car to go home we felt sick. I feel like we would come back if friends wanted to go, but we may just go to Choctaw instead for the new casino they built since it doesn't smell like smoke at all in the new section.

Ali Cosper — Google review

The new Cascades pool is very nice. They have some issues to work out for sure though. Getting in, even though we had reserved spots, was a mess. We had to wait in line behind people trying to decide what package they wanted to pay for so it took 45 minutes to get in. All this while they had already been shut down several times that day because of weather. So we missed over an hour of our reserved 5 hours just getting in. Then 1 hour in they shut it down for weather again. I understand you have to do that for safety. But there needs to be a better system to charge for time used in certain situations. There were people there that had reserved the private bungalows that paid $2500 for a full day and got to use it for a few hours. Maybe there are different terms for those. My $50 for 2 reserved lounge chairs and an umbrella got me 1 hour of pool time. And no rainchecks are given. I love the place, not the setup. Will have to try again to see if it gets sorted out.

Brian Irvin — Google review

Went with my aunt, quality time at a awesome venue. We enjoyed ourselves. We had questions from time to time and was always met with friendliness and kindness. Look forward to going back next month. Very clean and enjoyed having different kinds of food to choose from, didn’t get to go in the nice restaurants but just walking by them you could tell they were first class.

Barbara Lea — Google review

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Win Start World Casino and I must say, the experience exceeded my expectations. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm and friendly atmosphere that made me feel welcomed.First and foremost, the casino offers a vast selection of games to cater to all types of gamblers. Whether you're a fan of traditional table games like poker and blackjack, or prefer the latest slot machines with exciting bonus features, Win Start World Casino has it all. The variety of games kept me entertained for hours.The overall ambiance of the casino is stunning. The interior is well-designed and visually appealing, with tasteful lighting and comfortable seating areas. I appreciated the attention to detail in creating an environment that feels luxurious and upscale.The staff at Win Start World Casino are an absolute delight. Friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to assist, they made sure that my experience was nothing short of exceptional. From helping me with game rules to providing suggestions on which games to try, their customer service was outstanding.One aspect that impressed me about Win Start World Casino was their commitment to ensuring a safe and responsible gambling environment. They have strict protocols in place to promote responsible gambling and provide resources for any guests who may need assistance. This level of care for their customers' well-being demonstrates their dedication to responsible gaming.In terms of amenities, the casino offers a variety of dining options to suit all tastes. From casual dining to fine dining experiences, there is something to satisfy every craving. The quality of the food was fantastic, and the service in the restaurants was impeccable.The only reason I'm not giving Win Start World Casino a full five stars is because I experienced some minor inconveniences with the parking situation. The parking lot was quite crowded, and finding a spot took longer than expected. However, once inside the casino, the overall experience made up for this minor setback.Overall, my visit to Win Start World Casino was thoroughly enjoyable. The variety of games, the excellent customer service, and the overall ambiance left a positive impression on me. I would highly recommend this casino to anyone looking for a great gambling experience.

Kiran Kumar — Google review

Got here around 7pm and hit the casino. Make sure to register to get your Club Passport (and your chocolate bar) if you are a first timer. Water, soda, and coffee is self-serve and free, bars are located throughout. Plenty of parking at 7pm, but lot starts to get fuller around 10pm. There is a smoking and non smoking section within the casino. Bathrooms are spotless! Plenty of action and walking; take your time and explore. There are plenty of places to grab something to eat; prices are better than out in town. All employees are friendly and helpful. I passed by this place several times and never stopped, so glad I did this time. Come and enjoy the lights, drinks, food and entertainment! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Laura Reagan — Google review

I had an enjoyable experience during my initial visit and eagerly anticipate my return. Be aware that the establishment is quite expansive, so obtaining a map is advisable. They also offer a diverse range of food options within the premises, providing ample choices.

Angela Jefferson — Google review

Wow! This casino knows what people want. Easily larger than some Vegas casinos. Flow keeps moving throughout, no traffic jams. Plenty of restaurants choices placed evenly throughout with lots of pricing choices. Same with bathrooms… you will always be close to one and they are clean. The many center circular open bars is a nice place to sit…have a beverage and people watch. Really enjoyed my visit. Oh and each “city” has its own entrance, each city has different slots. New York is smoke free. In the very back/end the gaming area is very dark,cool & quiet on purpose. I also like shopping in the nice shops.

Through the Looking Glass — Google review

My husband and I had an absolutely wonderful time. Our room was beautiful, spacious and the walk in shower was a plus. The food was good on the resort side. We did the buffet which was okay but the food was either cold or a tad bit lukewarm not hot at all. As to the casino, it was nice to have a non smoking section even though some people were still smoking in the non smoking area. There is construction going on but we couldn't hear a thing. The resort side staff and amenities is why I still gave a 5 star review. God willing we will be planning another trip soon.

Dolores Lee — Google review

While winning more would have been nice, it is called gambling.Great casino.. Great electronic games. “Okay” selection of table games with the tables usually packed.New hotel tower opening by Christmas is what I was told and the new convention center looks awesome.The complex has a core of really great employees as well. (I always appreciate my card dealers)

Dennis Gilmore — Google review

This is listed as the world's largest casino, 600,000 square footage; however, I don't think it's the best! You have to see the beautiful casinos in Vegas first to agree! This hotel is decorated by small parts of the world. Lots of slot machines and great food! I think it needs a few more shops with better and lower prices!!! We had a great time! Got some exercise in walking! The place is 2 miles long! It's beautiful 😍 great place to go on a rainy day for food if you don't gamble!

Karen Pusloskie — Google review

if you are looking for a place to have fun gambling then this is definitely the place... it is huge! and there are multiples of gaming machines there ( I prefer the slot machines)I have been a few times now, and have a great time each trip!the hotel is very nice with rooms that will meet your requirements... lots of places to eat a quick meal or make it a more fine dining experience...Its fun, I will go back!

James Hearne — Google review

My day at WinStar World Casino was an unforgettable experience. The massive casino floor offered a wide range of gaming options, and the entertainment was top-notch. Dining options were decent but could improve. The hotel and amenities were impressive. Friendly staff and a grand atmosphere made for a great day of excitement. Worth a visit for gaming enthusiasts.

Andy Gozaine — Google review

WinStar has extremely great hotel service and cleanliness. The staff is at every corner from check-in to check-out ready to help. The cleaning staff is constantly cleaning and sanitizing. They’re service is top-notch. WinStar has improved in the hotel service year after year. As for the food service, there are some outstanding places, mediocre and some that could use a friendly greeting upon entrance (hint: buffet).

Sylvia Palacios — Google review

1st time here. Nice casino. Bed sucked. Way too hard. Was supposed to be a queen it felt like a full. One wrong move, and I would've been on the floor. It's too small for a couple. Went to the buffet, and the food wasn't good. But overall, the casino was gorgeous, and everyone was friendly.

Jazzy Johnson — Google review

We had an amazing time. Food, machines, bars, poker room, and staff were awesome. We want to give special thanks to Janice at the Junior Host Department. Janice was so helpful and friendly. 🙏 😊 We were given a beautiful 😍 suite. The staff at the Elite check-in were outstanding. Comps that were given to me were great. I highly recommend Winstar Casino.

Dora Martinez — Google review

This place is so much fun and so spacious! My dad is disabled and in a wheelchair so the floors we're spread out enough for him to go machine to machine without any issues! The staff are very nice and friendly and the Dallas Cowboys bar and grill is a delicious place and not too pricey compared to being in a casino.

Brittney Hart — Google review

My experience at WinStar World Casino in Oklahoma was absolutely phenomenal! From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with exceptional hospitality and impeccable service. The variety of games available was impressive. The restaurants offered a delicious selection of food, and the overall atmosphere was vibrant and exciting. It was truly an unforgettable experience filled with fun and entertainment! I will definitely be back soon for more casino action!

Tulio Diaz — Google review

Just an amazing and beautiful casino. I have been all over Vegas and nothing is this big and nice in Vegas. I play slots all the time everywhere I go , and the odds here were very decent at this place. I won a fair amount of money every day over three days. They have a generous players club with good rewards and free slot play. They had a nice selection of different types of restaurants, and the food was reasonably priced. All the employees were very courteous and friendly and helpful. The only downside is that the rooms at the hotel are quite expensive, but you can stay in nearby Gardiner Texas for a reasonable cost. Love this place ! I was totally impressed and I will definitely be back. It’s a great alternative to Vegas because it’s so big and they have so many machines you won’t get tired being here for a few days.

Bryan Nelson — Google review

I always have a great time here even if I don't win. They have good shopping, great food and the slots are fun. If you are sensitive to cigarettes or smoke smells wear a mask as it does have a very, very strong smoky cigarette smell throughout the entire casino. This doesn't bother me however (as I grew up around chain smokers) and it is to be expected in casinos. They also have nice rooms in the hotel as well. If you play a lot they may offer you a free room every so often. I enjoy coming solo or with a group of family and friends. Also, be prepared that this place is HUGE so be sure to bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes as you will walk a lot.

Rosa Rios — Google review

So much fun. There's tons of your favorite games and some you've never even seen before. The service there is awesome. Tons of great food and even seen whole family enjoying the atmosphere. Come check out the world's largest casino and maybe even walk out with some money. It really does have the best pay outs for whatever you want to play.

Adamandkaylene Hager — Google review

I absolutely love the Vegas vibe here folks. Now my favorite spot in Oklahoma. I always have my plan to quit when ahead right? Nah I had too much fun. This is an adults fantasy land. I played forever and had plenty of chances to quit even or ahead and absolutely 💯 🙃 kept playing these awesome slots that are so easy to navigate through. Hungering for some goodness...try any place here and it's delicious. Yum 😋 who isn't hungry after a work out at the slots but why not have a drink while ya play. Plenty of waitresses here. Pricey yes but I had to cool off after my slot machine went up against the devil. See my videos. It's fun. Peace n Love Be kind

Tresa Surley — Google review

My husband and I love staying here. The buffet is great and there are are a lot of gaming options in the huge non-smoking area. I should note that they are proud of their new Cascades pool area-its not free for guests like the main pool is. It's ranges $25-50 per person for half and full day access.

Jessica Englerth — Google review

We came for lunch. Great buffet and stayed to play the penny machines. We had a great time. This is a big casino, hotel. We'll maintained, very courteous and kind staff. The customer service staff at the front door provided me with a map of the hotel/casino and made a great suggestion to try the buffet for lunch. Good choice

Ed Galvan — Google review

Did not stay at the hotel, first time here just to take in the atmosphere and give them my $$. Parking was easy, easy on and off the highway. Casino was very clean and new looking, games were cleaner than many other places. Service was good, bars looked stocked well but didn't have time to indulge, next time. Floor employees were helpful and very nice. Plan to come back for a concert and stay at hotel soon.Went back again and this time ate at the buffet for dinner. Huge dinning room, choices were better than usual, dishes range from American, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Pizza. Now the desert buffet was spectacular, definitely save room for this. The price is also very reasonable.My real only issue at this time is the parents that bring their 3-5 kids with them, running around chasing each other or taking up all the seats in a slot area when paying players could be taking up those chairs. This is NOT an area for kids. Leave the kids at home or better yet spend that grocery money to feed them.

wrathof don — Google review

Every time we come and stay is amazing. The rooms are nice the staff is courteous and the food is delicious. If you are hungry at 2am, call reception and get yourself a turkey club sandwich from the cafe... they are superb.

Ainere Acanda — Google review

Took my wife for her birthday and we had a lot of fun. Haven’t tried there rooms so I can’t comment on that. One day I’ll give it a shot. But everything else was good. Don’t miss out on the food.

Anthony Garcia — Google review

While playing in the Rio around 2 am, I was approached by a worker. She had an attitude and said I needed to cash out on my machine so they could service it. There was a security guard escorting them that was present. I told him I had put alot of money in that particular machine for them to tell me I needed to cash out. I asked them how long would that take he said bout 5 or 10 minutes. I printed my ticket and waited. I watched the 2 ladies change out the money boxes on the whole row of machines located where I was playing. They closed every machine except the one I had been playing. I asked the security why didn't they close the machine they knew I was playing. He stated he didn't know. He asked the lady about the machine and she just shrugged her shoulders and said I don't know and kept walking. I told him that i find that very odd that out of all the machines they serviced the very one I was playing stopped working. I felt like the lady purposely did something to the machine because I had been on that same machine for hours and didn't have any problem with it. I don't know what the procedure is when someone is playing on a machine to make them get off. I just really find that ironic that the very machine I was on just stopped working. The security called one of the attendants that wear the burgundy shirts to try and reset it to no avail. She then called a tech. He asked me did they slam the door or hit the machine. I said I don't know. I just know it was working fine and now the screen is black. I would appreciate a response back from a higher up on this matter.

Sharon Garrett — Google review

Our 1st time visiting. The place was amazing and beautiful with all the different tall decorated Christmas trees.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'sHere is when the ⭐⭐⭐'s started to decrease. We had no reservation but decided we wanted to stay for a few nights. While in the lobby I went on their website to see if they had avail. rooms they did the website was slow loading for me to book a room. We walked up to the desk to book a room instead. The front desk clerk says we have no rooms avail. we mentioned online it shows there are, she repeated herself (others were coming up with no reservations and getting rooms) Rather make a scene we gave up. As we started walking away a Manager overheard the young lady telling us no rooms available and stepped in and said we have rooms avail. let me get you taken care of and immediately got a room $99 plus tax. Once checked in we went to our room they site finally came up, The same room on the site for $79 plus tax so back to the front desk to ask for a adjustment of the difference. I was then told that the price can change per minute, hour and often because it always changing nothing they can do....WOW

KaTrina Hollinshed — Google review

WinStar is a great place for concerts and fun. The hall where the shows take place is really nice. Acoustics are good. The visuals are good. Security and ushers are helpful. Advise you show up quite early if you want to get a bite to eat before the show. There are plenty of selections but the lines get really long. Spend the night and just grab a bite after the show.

Lynda Mobley — Google review

WinStar is an amazing place! Over 10,000 different kinds slot machines. It seems like miles to get from one end of casino to the other side.We see people winning jackpots all the time!The restaurant I recommend Mickey Mantle’s. The food and drinks are top notch.The Gran Via buffet place has so many options it’s unbelievable. Food is average. We get comped buffet meals that’s why we go there otherwise it would be Mickey Mantle’s.We have stayed at both the Spa Tower and South Pool Tower with cascade view of pools.Rooms are comparable. Spa tower I prefer because it’s the newest tower. Rooms are very quiet at night. Never had issues. We request room away from elevator. Rooms are very clean.We have gone to see numerous concerts at Lucas Live and we highly recommend doing that. Everything is very organized during event. Our favorite seats are the club seating area.There is lots of parking areas and a garage.Everything is safe. If you park far away there is a shuttle driving around to pick people up.It’s really convenient staying at hotel and steps away from casino. Make sure you get a players card to accumulate points and get comps.

Veronica G — Google review

Not liking that if you stay in the hotel and valet it costs $15 and there is a 15 to 20 minute wait after paying to get your car. . Not liking a $10 per night resort fee and the pools are closed for the season. Not liking that if you get 2 free buffets but are a single person you lose one of the buffets because they have to be used at the same time. Not liking that there was a coupon in the room key envelop for a free appetizer when you buy 2 entrees but it's only valid Monday through Thursday and I was there Friday and Saturday. I feel like a casino of this magnitude should not be so give me give me give me. I didn't even mention how 2 days and nights of gambling and never won more than $20 because that is the chance you take but the rest no thanks I'll stick to smaller casinos.

Tracy Atkinson — Google review

If you're up for a true challenge, walk every square inch of the place!My only complaint would be the lack of tables open during the week. 1 Roulette table is definitely not enough for the weekday crowd. I am never able to get on when I visit.

Timika Warren — Google review

I really shouldn't have given it five stars because I really wish they were in Texas but I do like that they are on the border. I love this casino much more than Choctaw. There's a wider selection, I feel the rooms are easier to get to, there's more of a selection of restaurants, and I feel that WinStar probably pays out more

Amy Quimby — Google review

This casino was amazing! We had a great! Time playing the slots as well as the tables. Rusty in Valet was awesome! Very kind and helpful. Anita the hotel manager was just as wonderful, after a situation with an employee Anita went above and beyond to fix the situation. Thank you, Anita for the excellent customer service and for being so wonderful.The restaurants are great and the prices are very reasonable.We will be back soon.

Rez Graziano — Google review

Everything is great.There is nothing like it.Too many things to mention besides gambling...eating...the best concerts...Live music outside.Smoking and nonsmoking areas...love that.Come see for yourself!!!Stay a few nights....Come for the day!!!

Suzanne Beaudry — Google review

4.3

(58275)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (229)

3.5

(1996)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (230)

777 Casino Ave, Thackerville, OK 73459, USA

(866) 946-7787

30

Choctaw Casino & Resort-Durant

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Mentioned on

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Casino

Casinos & Gambling

Swanky casino hotel offering a conference center, plus outdoor pools, a spa, dining & entertainment.

The rooms were spacious and clean. Plenty of supplies in the room. Nice restaurants to choose from. We spent most of our time at the event center, which was why we were there, and it was a great space as well! I didn't realize there was a non-smoking area so that would have been nice to know. We stopped by the family area and it was very busy but glad to see it was non-smoking. Everyone looked like they were having fun. We will definitely be going back when we can enjoy the pool areas.

Brandy Noble — Google review

Me and my friend went with the kids and loved it. We can't wait to go back and stay in a hotel room. We signed up for the players club and got a free stay. They have a family area called the district and it has a movie theater, bowling, game area and kid friendly eats. Free soft drinks on the casino floor and it's spacious not crowded. Very clean and nice staff. Great parking. Can't wait to go again.

April Luper — Google review

Had a good time. Hadn't been here since I was 10-11 y/o. Brought back childhood memories.I wish they had the smoking area closed off from the non-smoking area. I had on a mask, but I could still smell the smoke. 😷😖I recall that when I visited as a child, the non-smoking area was in a glass enclosure. That was awesome!Please consider implementing a non-smoking enclosure (or something similar) again.

S ?Precious? B — Google review

I absolutely loved my 2 night stay here for my birthday! I had been going elsewhere in another city by exit 1, for many years. (If u know, you know) I got tired of said place and wanted to try Choctaw out.Wow, it's amazing here! The rooms are beautiful in the new Sky Tower. I was able to upgrade my room to get a balcony and wow! the view was awesome. Rooms are spacious and clean. Room service was good and delivered quickly. Pool was relaxing and beautiful. The staff for the hotel were all friendly and helpful! Valet parking is free for hotel guests, which is a very nice touch.As for the gambling area, it's spread out and and spacious. All areas are nice with lots of selections of slots and table games. The only non smoking area is in the new Sky Casino area. Which is a huge area. There is smoking in 2 of the sections here. This whole casino is pretty well kept as far as cleanliness. I constantly have seen staff in bathrooms, cleaning up the slot areas and drink areas. And the drink stations stay open, filled up and you can let the staff know when it needs extra cleaning too.Kids can have fun too. There is an area in the casino called, The District. They have many arcade games, fun bowling area, movie theatre and they do Birthday party rentals. Pretty cool.This has quickly turned into my new favorite place to frequent when i want to go to the casino. I just absolutely love it so much better. Definitely go to experience this place !

Steph B. — Google review

The casino is decorated for Christmas. It is beautiful. I played $22.00 in free play. I hit a little and was able to play for a while. We had lots of fun. Oh they have new games. It is like a different casino. Everyone was friendly and pleasant, restrooms were clean.

Pamela Medina — Google review

Fun atmosphere. Great place for the family in the warmer days. the outdoor pool area is perfect and they have an area for all ages. Casino is CLEAN. Non-smoking feels like you walked into another building. Night and day from smoking.

David Lee — Google review

A word of advice don't work here. Playing and enjoying yourself may be fun but if anyone is looking for employment this is not the place to go. If your a hard worker they believe in running a person to death in the cleaning department till people get taken off to the ER. One employee had kidney failure and they still pointed him even though he had to be taken from there to the ER. This isn't right. They allow sick employees to clean and wait on customers but yet keep sanitizing wipes in the floor...funny huh. Blue and black shirts ( the supervisors and managers) are not fit for their positions.

Angel Dutton — Google review

It is really a beautiful facility. Spacious, clean friendly service and superlative staff. If you have mobility issues highly recommend you bring your scooter, wheelchair or whatever else you need. They do rent motorized scooters. The place is massive. The background music especially in the eating facilities is very very loud. You cannot hear when they announce your food if you're at the food court and you cannot carry on a conversation in a normal voice. The food is very good but overpriced. It's like eating at the airport. If you like Vietnamese, the Bamboo Asian restaurant has excellent Pho. Now for gambling:A plethora of video machines. A bit stingy on payouts. The poker room is adequate however rules are not enforced. Cell phones on the tables, non playing guests hovering and conversing loudly with players. Frankly, it is annoying and it impedes and detracts from the game. The dealers are good and engaging but need to enforce rules and etiquette, especially with the regulars. Idle chitchat is fine and a necessary part of the game for enjoyment, but when it becomes loud and overbearing it needs to be curtailed. When players become drunk and the aggressiveness spills out into the room and interrupts play at all the tables they should be asked to leave.Accommodations:Austere but nicely done. The beds and pillows were exquisite. Very quiet and easy to rest. I stayed in Spa Tower. Older part of the resort but very comfortable.I will return.

MrMalibug — Google review

Had a great experience with a recent stay. Nice room in the Sky Tower. Casino host was great help in getting some comps. Dining at the 1832 Steakhouse was very relaxing with good service and food prepared to our wishes. Played blackjack and won, but still do not like the "ante". Good variety of slots - and did not experience much difficulty with card readers for once - but one machine did eat my players card. Still get lost in the machines in the Sky Tower. Overall satisfying experience.

Helene Prince — Google review

We love going there to gamble. We live within an hour drive, so I don't know anything about the hotel. The casino is kept clean. I love the new addition, and the smoke free section!!!! The dealers are friendly. I mostly play tables. Drink services is oddly slow. Maybe that's designed to keep you at a table longer (waiting on your drink). Restaurants are all good there.

Erika Boylan — Google review

Great place to stay, great place to gamble, and plenty of amenities.One complaint, we had 3 adults and they would only give us 2 keys for the room. Said they were low on keys, but seems like that type of high-end operation should have that sorted out.Super friendly staff, and super personable dealers.5 stars next time if Concierge has simple things like room keys sorted.

Niven Padachy — Google review

One of my favorite Native American casinos I've ever been to. Always clean the staff is always friendly and it's very close to Dallas. We have gone several times just for a few hours to play a few games and eat dinner. This casino also has a lot of great concerts. For being in the middle of nowhere Oklahoma they sure do get some pretty incredible Talent

A K — Google review

Would give them 5 stars but their prices to play certain table games have increased in the past few years. For example 3-card poker used to start at $5 per spot and now it's $10, which means that one game will now cost you $30.50 minimum if you played all spots except the progressive spot. Playing the progressive, at minimum, would cost you an additional .50 cents more per hand. A few years ago, to play all spots would cost you $15 (progressive not included).

K C — Google review

Great location with amenities, cant wait for all the new pools to be finished! I can sit here and look at this digital arch all day, so cool! Get a players card they are great at giving comps and im not a big time gambler but they just gave me a free room for the weekend, 2 concert tickets and comped our meals!

Airmid Hemp Extracts — Google review

We attended a concert in the Grand Theater. Really liked this venue. Ample staff who were extremely friendly and helpful. While not spacious, the seating gives you more room than many other venues these days - where your knees touch the back of the chair in front of you. The theater is nicely laid out. We had good seats but I can't imagine any seat in the venue is a bad one.

Angela Diedrich — Google review

This resort and casino is a very nice place. Although there are other casinos that my wife and I frequent that have no smoking this one wasn't that bad. We came here a couple other times before the remodel and it has come a long way from what it was. I like that the kids can be with us, and the arcade and bowling is a great idea. The movies theater was a great touch!! Dinner and movie in one place! And the room is right upstairs. The service here is great too. The staff will great you with a smile and see to your needs. I will say the restrooms could have used a little TLC, the whole experience was great, thanks again!!

Thomas Winters — Google review

I was seriously impressed with this place. There is something to do for every age. I attended a conference, and the food was good, employees friendly, and the place is huge. The rooms in Spa tower are very nice. I appreciated having a small hallway, off of the main floor hallway, lead to each hotel room. This made the rooms very quiet. The casino was very smoky, but the hallways and rooms smelled fresh. I will definitely return.

Christy Abbott — Google review

First time here and I was amazed. Not what I was expecting at all. Lots of places to eat and the bars are top notch. Super clean just about everywhere inside. I didn't stay at the hotel so I can't speak for that, but if it's anything like the casino, then I'm sure the rooms are nice as well. Anyhow I'll definitely be back and stay for at least a day. Movie theater, bowling alley, arcades, not sure if there was anything else for kids but it's pretty awesome.

Slim Satire — Google review

This is a really really excellent Casino and Hotel! This place is absolutely awesome, they have everything from movie theater to numerous restaurants, a bowling alley and an arcade room. They also have a very clean modern non smoking casino area that is really large, as well as a large smoking casino area. You can easily spend 4-5 hours in this place if not more. They sky tower hotel rooms are worth the money. My wife and I travel an hour and a half at least 5-6 times a year, definitely worth the drive and highly recommend this place for MUST visit!

John O. — Google review

Always always a great time and great experience here. Staff are very nice at the Players Club, food is always good if we eat and have never had any issues with anyone here. Pools and rooms are very nice as well, just wish we could use our free hotel nights on the weekends, but it's only Sun-Thur sadly. Love the free gifts, no complaints here!

Fred's Mollie — Google review

I love going here not only to gamble and entertainment. I can go to a concert, see a movie, go bowling, or just sit and relax. We can also bring our daughter and have just as much fun as a family! The people are always kind, informative, and helpful! We celebrate our anniversary here every year for this very reason and they never disappoint! Thanks for helping us celebrate and make memories! 😊

Tracie Verrette — Google review

Was not really impressed. Enjoyed the casino and actually made a little money. Was not impressed with customer care. Valet is disorganized. The shower is wimpy. Went down to the pool with the wristband they require you to wear and room key. They told me I needed either license or Rewards card. Walked all the way back to the room and got Rewards card. They accepted it at the swim up bar, then refused to accept it for anything else and told me they had to have a license. Complained to a supervisor who basically told me that it would be stupid to take anything other than a license. Told him the issue was that I was following their direction and that it was making their customer run around due to their inaccurate information and a poor process that was completely in their control. The supervisor could have cared less and did nothing to try to quickly recover from a poor customer care interaction. Bottom line....I can find places to stay with nice pools with a swim up bar where they truly care about their customer and have an excellent process that is focused on customer satisfaction....why would I return to a place that is not?

Broom Voice — Google review

First time traveling by on the highway as it was beautifully lit up at night; it intrigued us and we decided to have a go at it. Calling the info number only led to a weird conversation with a girl who was kinda confusing we thought we show up and check it out ourselves. It was very nice and looked top-tier. We approached the front desk and we encountered Maribel who was very warm and knowledgeable. She quickly made us feel welcome and navigated in clearing up the messy reservation from the phone call giving us a room right near the gaming area and made sure we got valet parking for the next cold morning. Worth every penny for the fun night and gaming experience there! Huge resort with much to see and do there. We highly recommend this beautiful resort in Durant Oklahoma! We plan on coming back with our colleagues later this year!

Mel U. — Google review

We love coming to this casino, it's hard to like other casinos now that we have been here. My husband and I have been coming to this casino for years and they have added so much over the years! New hotel towers, new amenities. It's gotten a lot more kid friendly, family friendly. We love the security of the facilities. We also love all the restaurants in the hotel, some reasonable prices and some high end places. They have a great theater where they host great concerts with some big celebrity singers. They have a theater, arcade and bowling alley to enjoy with the family! And of course like 3 floors of slots, tables and other gambling options. We love that one floor is totally smoke free along with one tower of hotel, which makes it so nice for the family.

Angelica Hartranft — Google review

This is the worst experience I’ve ever had at a hotel, we book a king. They said they have us a double queen but no problem we can get you a king. We walk in the room it’s another double queen. We go back down stairs and say well let’s try the 3rd room for them to say sorry to upgrade to a king is another $149 a night! None of that was said the first time. I feel like that’s regular rate. Motel 6 does a better good of customer service at least they leave the light on for you. Will tell everyone I know please do not stay here to save them such disappointments one after another.

Billy Black — Google review

"I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Choctaw Casino and resort and I must say it was an exceptional experience from start to finish! The room was luxurious and spotlessly clean, with a comfortable bed and pillows that made sleeping in a dream. The staff were friendly and accommodating, going above and beyond to ensure my stay was enjoyable. The amenities were top-notch, with a fantastic pool and fitness center. And, of course, the casino itself was a thrill a minute! The games were varied and exciting, and the atmosphere was lively and fun. I also appreciated the convenience of having a variety of dining options right on site. Overall, I would highly recommend the Choctaw Casino and resort to anyone looking for a luxurious and memorable stay. I can't wait to come back!"

johnny a — Google review

Amazing resort/casino on land. I've visited a few and this would be the most luxurious. Many things to at the resort itself didn't see many attractions outside of the casino, which is probably the whole point😉 over all nice place. The food court is real simple depending on which tower your staying in could be a lil walk, but lots to see In between. Beverages stations are all throughout the center so it wouldn't be any need to purchase drinks with meals unless 🤷‍♀️I mean you just want to. So if your looking for a nice get away try it out.

LaShonda Douglas — Google review

This was a great experience for my family and I. We enjoyed our stay. The rooms were extremely nice and very clean. Our bell hop, James, was the sweetest person and he went above and beyond to help us. They have so many different restaurants and things to do for kids. A lot of the arcade games were out of service, which was a bummer. They do have bowling and a movie theatre also. We tried the buffet and it was ehh. We did not like it much but the smash burger was so delicious. We will definitely be back.

Kelly Baca — Google review

First time here. We are closer to Winstar. Choctaw casino did not disappoint at all. There is so much to do and see at the casino. They have a bowling alley, a movie theater, arcade for kids, a food court, restaurants, various slots, and tables. Every single employee I saw was just so friendly. They never acted like we were a bother. I LOVE that they have sanitizer wipes all over the casino by the slot machines. Unfortunately, we could not get a room there (they were sold out), but we had a great experience.

AnnaMaria Sanchez — Google review

This casino was lots of fun. It offers thousands of games. Even a smoke free gaming area. Parking wasn't an issue since they have huge parking garages. Didn't have a bad meal the entire 3 days there. Highly recommend this place for a weekend getaway.

Josh Burkhart — Google review

Nice casino, it's huge ! Plenty of table games, blackjack, roulette, bacarat, & craps. Free soda machines and coffee throughout the place. There are plenty of food options. Buffet, pizza, Asian food. It's easy to lose track of time and have too much fun. If you're in the area, be sure to check this casino out totally worth the drive.

K.B. — Google review

4.3

(28198)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (235)

3.5

(939)40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (236)

4216 US-69, Durant, OK 74701, USA

(580) 920-0160

40 Best Stops Between Las Vegas and Dallas (2024)

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