Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Bandera, Texas

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Discover Texas’ cowboy heritage directly from the Cowboy Capital of the World!

Bandera, Texas, brings you the thrills of the majestic Texas Country Hills with a great wild west experience. From horseback riding and cattle drives to rodeos and square dances, what more could you ask for the best travel out of town?

The list doesn’t stop there.

Bandera is highly known for its natural beauty and scenic trails for a classic western town. You’ll be swept off your feet by the enchanting rivers, captivating hills, and green pastures of the Hill Country ranch.

Other than the great scenery, you can choose from tons of comfortable lodgings and getaway cabins in a snap!

Your wild west adventure is not complete without getting a taste of Bandera’s delectable foods, fine wines, and unique antiques.

These are just the tip of the iceberg of the best things to do and places to visit in Bandera, Texas.

Start your exploration at the street cowboy bar in this beautiful part of Texas!

11th Street Cowboy Bar

Bandera is not the Cowboy Capital of the World without a classic brew, live Country music, and great folks.

You can find this all in 11th Street, a local gathering spot in Bandera, Texas, where people from around the country meet.

You won’t regret visiting this “Biggest Little Bar” in Texas to enjoy a night of dancing and live music! Enjoy watching the locals groove, or join in yourself if you’re feeling brave!

11th Street Cowboy Bar made it to many local and national publications. The Oprah Show, Texas Monthly, Life Magazine, the Houston Chronicle, and the Hill Country Sun made the bar world-known.

Whether you’re from down the road or from across the continent, you are welcome to join the floor! Or you can hang on their old wooden porch and appreciate the town’s culture from a distance.

At the back, meet local talents as they showcase a spectacular performance, or join in jam sessions and take it away!

11th Street also features an outback grill for steak night and dinner specials! With a cold drink in hand, come over to the open fire, where you can grill your own meat. There’s also a selection of salads and potatoes available to buy.

The bar is well-stocked, with everything you need for an unforgettable evening!

Address: 307 11th St, Bandera, TX 78003, United States

A Peace of Heaven Cabins

You didn’t come all the way to Bandera for a typical high-end hotel. Why not give A Peace of Heaven Cabins a try?

This haven, 42 minutes drive from Bandera, Texas, is not only peaceful but truly magical. Stay in one of their three log cabins and experience a wild west adventure!

A Peace of Heaven Cabin is already fully furnished with travel essentials. There is no need to pack a whole truck! From the bedrooms and living room to the full kitchen and bathroom, they supply everything for your convenience.

All you need to bring is your personal stuff and food, and they got the equipment prepared for you. You could use a gourmet coffee in the morning, heat or cook a delicious meal, and store leftovers in the fridge.

Now to the best part, enjoy water recreation in their two live springs abundant with blue gill and catfish for catch-and-release fishing. You can bring a kayak or canoe or swim in the pristine natural waters, too!

It’s the ultimate spot for a quiet and relaxing getaway, with comfortable cabins and stunning grounds. You’ll be delighted by the absolute silence and tranquility – however, the birds and wind chimes are music to the ears!

Seeing the night sky from this point of view will make you want to stay for more.

Address: 1856 Evans Creek Rd, Vanderpool, TX 78885, United States

Back in the Saddle

This unique boutique in Bandera, Texas, is your “Friend in Fashion!”

Back in the Saddle is a shopper’s paradise for woman’s clothing in a cowboy town. From cowgirl outfits, hats, and tees to men’s boots and clothes, Back in the Saddle has something curated for you.

Going to Bandera means visiting local shops that promote the city’s true culture and personality. This is exactly what Back in the Saddle has in store for you. Get that rare item before it’s gone!

Open Mondays through Saturdays, this boutique welcomes locals and tourists alike to peruse their hand-picked selections. Besides their excellent service, they also have well-organized racks to help you find what attracts you in a second.

Although this place is packed with overwhelming treasures, the ladies are very knowledgeable and are happy to help you find your style.

Moreover, you can already tell you’ve come to the right place just by looking outside. They are situated in a quaint little building with glimmering lights and a stone-walled design. It may just be the next regular thing you do whenever you’re around Bandera!

Bring a sister or a friend and shop ‘til you drop for the most fashionable hats, jewelry, belts, and more artisan items.

You’ll leave with no regrets in this gracious little gem in Bandera, Texas!

Address: 1107 Cedar St, Bandera, TX 78003, United States

Bandera City Park

You don’t need to drive far from downtown to experience the natural parks and recreation in Bandera, Texas.

Bandera City Park brings you the perfect picnic spot along the Medina River. It offers plenty of family fun amenities in beautiful downtown Bandera. With its 77-acre space, you don’t have to drive around different places to find a fishing, swimming, or picnic spot.

In addition to that, Bandera City Park also provides a BBQ space with grills, picnic pavilions, and a skate park. There are nice swings and plenty of resting spots to read a book, paint, or write. You’re free to do anything of the sort!

There are designated trails for horses and equestrians, as well as those who simply desire a peaceful hike. The park closes half an hour before sundown so do what you can with the remaining time.

To give you the visual, wildflowers, wildlife, and wildlife habitat surround Bandera City Park. Enjoy the beauty of lush Cypress trees along the banks and the blue-green river! You can watch them from afar or float down the stream to the other end with a kayak or canoe.

Perhaps your itinerary is packed with things to do and places to visit in Bandera, Texas. Whether you’re here by coincidence or just to pass the time, take time to wander the beautiful country town!

Address: 1102 Maple St, Bandera, TX 78003, United States

Bandera General Store

Walk down memory lane through the 100-year-old aisle and wood floor of Bandera General Store.

This practically ancient Western gift store in Bandera, Texas, cannot be erased from Bandera’s history. Dating back to 1907, the store was a former saddle shop, appliance store, feed store, and movie theater.

Rumor has it that it also housed several empty caskets back in the day and sold in the basement. Telltales even suggest this place was haunted!

Nonetheless, Bandera General Store remains a local hotspot for an old fashion ice cream parlor and 500+ pairs of thrift cowboy boots. It has some of the best antiques, including one 1950s Ice cream Fountain of the 11 left in the city.

Fight the Texas heat with their refreshing milkshakes, floats, banana split, sodas, chocolate malt, and sundaes.

Bandera General Store is the only store in town with a bookstore, in addition to the city library. This place doesn’t get any less than interesting with every visit!

Don’t miss this turn while passing through Bandera and see one of the city’s oldest structures. Nobody leaves this little gem without making friends and having intimate encounters with the locals.

Share a conversation and discover more about the historical town from a resident’s perspective.

Address: 306 Main St, Bandera, TX 78003, United States

Bandera Historical Rides

“Come as a guest and leave as a friend.”

This is the life motto of Bandera Historical Rides, a horseback riding recreation center in Bandera, Texas.

If you think your adventures in the historic town can’t get any wilder, then you haven’t been to Bandera’s ranches. This is where your Western horseback riding dream will come true!

Bandera Historical Rides is a family-operated business with one philosophy: To make horseback riding fun and safe for all. The first skill to learn about riding a horse is getting to know it. It’s important that you know how to handle and tame your horse for the best riding experience.

Explore Bandera’s terrains, trails, riverbanks, meadows, and nature parks from a different point of view. Day or night, Bandera Rides offers a wide option for your desired experience. From 1-4 hour River or Hill Country Rides to Cowboy Campout and Horse Camp at the Lodge – there’s nothing you can’t do!

No worries about the pressure because your rides will come in private groups and be customized to your preference. A perfectly splendid experience is only one call away.

Lastly, nothing is more well-trained than the Bandera Rides horses. With this horseriding service, you’ll be riding like a cowboy in no time!

Address: Bandera Rides LLC, Po Box 1771, Bandera TX 78003, United States

Bandera Natural History Museum

What if people coexisted with the dinosaurs or Ice Age giants? Experience what it’s like to exist during the Ice Age or live in the Age of Dinosaurs.

Satisfy your wonders at Bandera Natural History Museum, an 8-acre ground filled with full-body animal mounts and unique art pieces.

You may think you are in the “Night at The Museum” or the “Jurassic Park” film, but you’re just in Bandera, Texas. The museum showcases wildlife exhibits that include 16 life-size dinosaurs, Ice Age animals, hand-painted dioramas, and many international collections.

Recently, over 150 pieces were added to a New Spain Art collection dating back to the 1521 to 1820 period. Visit the museum and see the permanent displays of the New Spain exhibit alongside older collections.

Their permanent collections range from sculptures and paintings to antique Talavera and ivories and furniture. Other unique pieces include ceremonial masks from Latin America, an Italian bronze casting by Ettore Pascalini, and Isaac Carrasco wood carvings.

Bandera Natural History Museum has some of the coolest sights in town that would make it to the pro list. While there, pass by their gift shop, grab a cup from the Twiga Cafe, or snack on their vending machines.

The background music enhances the viewing experience, paired with a zoological tour accessible via phone for details about the animals.

Address: 267 Old San Antonio Rd, Bandera, TX 78003, United States

Bear Creek Goods

Treat yourself to a local handcrafted soap store just a short drive from Bandera!

Bear Creek Goods is a family-owned soap company 17 minutes from Bandera, Texas. It’s a modern general bath supply shop in Pipe Creek, established in 2017. With nearly six years in operation, they have expanded their product line to home and bath essentials, candles, and outdoor goods.

Their story humbly began as a supplier of natural skin care products at a fair price but great in value. After having established the business, it was only two years later they were able to build a physical store in Texas.

Pass by this general store for the best local and handcrafted items, bath bombs, and soaps. Aesthetically speaking, Bear Creek Goods won’t let you down. All their products are packaged to appeal in quality and visually.

If you’re thinking of a gift idea or travel souvenir, their doors are open from Tuesdays through Saturdays every week.

It’s a local boutique, craft shop, and skin care clinic under one brand!

Address: 171 Castle Lake Rd, Pipe Creek, TX 78063, United States

Dixie Dude Ranch

It’s a long tradition for travelers of the Texas Hill Country to visit Dixie Dude Ranch. It has stood in this same land for over 75 years but has never failed to attract the city’s tourism.

With 725 acres of landscape and terrain, Dixie Dude Ranch offers a real cowboy experience in Bandera, Texas. In addition, it provides the best Western adventure popular to those who seek peace and thrill.

Take a breather and hold your horses for the best weekend in Bandera. Nothing matters more for Dixie Dude Ranch than your relaxation, sanity, and good experience.

You’ll get the utmost accommodation on the outskirts of town and find a home in it! Dixie Dude is not only known for its comfort and adventure but also for its hospitality. You can get a soothing massage from their licensed massage therapists or enjoy the sun on their porches.

Don’t get it wrong. Dixie Dude is not a resort but an old and simple stock ranch in Bandera. While it has all the amenities you need for a vacation, it remains an old country spot with modern comforts.

Plan a trip with your family, friends, or colleagues, and enjoy a weekend of horseriding, hiking, hayrides, swimming, and all things Western. Play outdoor games like basketball, volleyball, ping-pong, or tetherball.

Dixie Dude is also suitable for field trips, team building, and even romantic getaways.

Address: 833 Dixie Dude Ranch Rd, Bandera, TX 78003, United States

Frontier Times Museum

Immerse in the cultural heritage of Bandera County at the Frontier Times Museum, a block away from Bandera County Courthouse.

See all the wonderful and “weird” in this local museum in Bandera, Texas.

Frontier Times Museum brings the community together in learning and discovery. It houses historical research and resources back to when the museum served as “cabinets of curiosities.”

The founders of the museum believed that no gift should go to waste. As a result, it birthed the museum’s eclectic and eccentric collection that draws people from all over the country. From Bandera’s Stalls of Fame to the Collection of Oddities, prepare to be transported 80 years back!

These displays include Texas’ greatest cowboys, rodeo champs, and works of cowboy artists. It also treasures its collection of oddities, such as the two-faced goat with a shrunken head and the mummified squirrel.

Your curiosities are more than welcome in the Frontier Times Museum. In fact, it’s a place to cultivate heritage and ideas. Its exhibitions and educational programs tell a story of Bandera County and its impact on the Texas frontier.

If it’s your first time stepping foot on the building, expect a list of unpredictable things to see and learn.

Finally, check their events and see if you can leisure some time visiting one of Texas’ oldest history museums!

Address: 510 13th St, Bandera, TX 78003, United States

Monkey Cage Saloon

Fellow cowboys, cowgirls, and ice-cold beer lovers meet at Monkey Cage Saloon for spectacular Hill Country nightlife.

This old little bar is a local hotspot for delicious beers and beverages, live outdoor music, great service, and friendly staff. It has a casual atmosphere and a comfortable space to hang out and catch up with friends!

In addition to their beers, they also serve the finest wines for reasonable prices. You can enjoy a glass at their clean and serene outdoor seating or cozy patio.

If you’re looking for an awesome venue to host an event, Monkey Cage can be your guy, too! It’s the definition of a hole-in-the-wall bar with decent space for gatherings with a family-friendly atmosphere.

Moreover, it’s a good hangout spot to watch local talents and enjoy the bands playing.

Monkey Cage occasionally hosts special events on Saturdays, like the band performance and Bike Night.

This small-town saloon will be your new hangout spot for a cold beer and great entertainment in the Texas Hill Country.

Address: 243 TX-173 N, Bandera, TX 78003, United States

The Apple Store

The captivating aroma of the “Best Apple Pie in Texas” voted in the Texas Monthly Magazine draws you into The Apple Store.

This quaint stone shop in Bandera, Texas, features mouthwatering apple-based delicacies in Bandera, Texas. They also have a great selection of fresh-baked bread, strudels, cookies, and pastries.

Take home an award-winning pie, homemade jams, jellies, and over 50 different kinds of delicious fresh apples!

Don’t forget the Apple Cider Sauce on your pie, and enjoy a bite at The Apple Store’s Patio Café. Texas Monthly Magazine named the cafe one of the “Best 40 Small Town Cafes in Texas.”

Freshen up your afternoon with frozen ice cream at the orchard! The Apple Store is home to the famous Apple Ice Cream you’ve heard so much about. Nothing beats an Apple Cinnamon ice cream and Apple Jelly on a hot afternoon. You can guarantee a delightful apple experience beyond the ordinary!

The Apple Store owners Bryan and Stacie strived hard to establish their brand widely known in Texas today. They want to make sure your experience is worth the extra mile by satisfying your palate!

Stop by for a slice and have a taste of the Texas Hill Country. You won’t take back a second of your trip to get to this little old town gem!

Address: 14024 TX-16 N, Medina, TX 78055, United States

The Medina River Co.

Float down the Medina to get an inside look at the Hill Country from the river’s angle. Bandera is a fairytale book, and this part of the city is just a page.

Located inside Hill Country State Natural Area, the river provides access to tube and kayak rides with a laid-back setting. Cypress and Maples shade you as you go down the river with only the mellow sound of water and breeze.

Float the springs in Bandera County’s Edwards Plateau to the San Antonio River with crystal-clear waters wherever you paddle.

The trip from one route to another generally doesn’t take a while, but the things you can see and explore are limitless.

The Medina River Co. will take you to this beaut and shuttle you up the river at different locations. They offer all services you need before and after your float time, but other than that, you can take it from there.

Your fairy tale adventure does not end there! No need to set up a BBQ because there’s a BBQ truck on site with the best “Chicken Charlie’s,” ribs, sausage wraps, cold beverages, and more!

If you don’t mind walking a short distance for a beer and steak night, the 11th Street Cowboy Bar is just around the corner.

For a similar experience in the Texas Hill Country, explore the best things to do and places to visit in Gruene, Texas.

Address: 1114 Main St, Bandera, TX 78003, United States

Timber Ridge Winery

A 20-minute drive from Bandera, Texas, for great-tasting wines, sounds like a good deal! Pair it with great scenery, and your place to be is the Timber Ridge Winery.

Timber Ridge has the highest hill in the Hill Country wineries not far from Bandera, Texas. With this breathtaking feature, they work hard to produce wines in a bottle with the Texas Hill Country character.

Spend an afternoon in their tasting room and discover their current offerings for your kind of wine. You can try a fruity white wine with a touch of a sunset vibe with their special Orange Muscat. Or you can taste something bold and dry, like a red Merlot all the way from the Sierra foothills.

For the last 12 years, Timber Ridge has sold countless bottles to visitors of Bandera County despite the hills and turns. There’s nothing stopping you from getting the finest, most flavorful wines with scenic views of woodlands uphill Timbercreek Road.

You’ve already come a long way not to grab a bottle from Timber Ridge Winery!

Address: 170 Timber Ridge, Pipe Creek, TX 78063, United States

Western Trail Antiques & Marketplace

Antique junks will be delighted to visit one of the largest antique stores in Bandera, Texas. You will be, too!

No one passes through Bandera without checking the local antique shop on the main street for some vintage items. Western Trail Antiques & Marketplace is a historic shopping destination in the heart of Bandera, Texas.

With its 20,000 sq ft., this is one of the biggest “antique heavens” you can find in the Texas Hill Country. You’ll be strolling a whole block and going up and down two stories of all things vintage.

The store sits on a historic building home to over 70 antique dealers. All vendors offer a cast selection of Western collectibles, vintage bags and boots, clothing, jewelry, and more!

Prepare to see weird items like copper jelly molding in the shape of Texas or an oversized doll of Princess Diana.

You can also find salvaged items that could make good decor at your home. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet their store’s guard cat, “Tex,” along with the friendly local dealers.

If you want to sit back and take a break from shopping, you can relax in their seating area with the locals. It would be nice to share a conversation and consult for more fun things you can do in Bandera, Texas!

Address: 200 Main St, Bandera, TX 78003, United States

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