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

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Your travel photos will never look dull in Temple, Texas, a hotspot of day and night art and culture scenes.

You can associate Temple with many things but bland. Its great outdoors stems from the beautiful weather and lakes in Central Texas. If you want a relaxing getaway that involves boats or fishing rods, you don’t need to look further than Temple!

Similarly, downtown Temple delivers the ultimate art, entertainment, shopping, and nightlife experience in the burgeoning city.

It provides many shopping opportunities for local antiques, town knickknacks, and a wide variety of boutique and vintage items.

The city’s ever-growing arts and entertainment echo the beauty of Bell County and the passion of local artists. To discover Temple is to explore its every corner, leaving no stone unturned.

Conversely, this list of fun and best things to do and places to visit in Temple, Texas, is only a brave attempt to keep up with the town happenings.

Grab your Temple ticket, and don’t miss out on all the best experiences in the city!

3 Texans Winery

The “3 Texans” journey started with a mother and two daughters from Temple who shared an amazing love for wine.

The female and family-owned winery and vineyard have been operating off Highway 36 Temple, Texas, since 2009. They started with the original planting of 4,000 grapevines and grew more rows over the years.

Today, you can visit their physical store with a patio overlooking the expanding vineyard. Enjoy a sip of their brand new labels, the Blush and Texas High Plains Semi Sweet Viognier, and their famous Cabernet Sauvignon.

Before buying a bottle, experience wine tasting the Texan way in their Tasting Room close to the vineyard! Or you can walk along their vineyard with glass in hand while enjoying the beautiful sunset!

Stay for more playful flavors and specials, such as their locally-made Sangria, Wine bellinis, and must-try Apple cider. If you’re looking for a spot to meet with friends, the 3 Texans Vineyard welcome you with warm greetings, entertaining music, and fun activities!

The 3 Texans love to host events every year, too. Their past celebrations include Valentine’s Day special and First Anniversary since the Grand Opening of their Tasting Room. Maybe you’ll catch one of their upcoming events during your visit!

Plan your visit, book a flight, even! Your trip to this local winery in Temple is worth every second.

Address: 7536 FM2409, Temple, TX 76504, United States

BitBar Temple

An Arcade bar around the city sounds about right to kill some time. But that’s not what BitBar is for!

This local arcade, with an on-site bar in Temple, Texas, will make you feel nostalgic for the old times. Its arcade games from the 80s and 90s bring back childhood memories.

BitBar is a retro arcade bar specializing in the ’70s to ’90s games and memorabilia just around the neighborhood. Although it is a place for meeting friends and playing games, it offers a relaxing atmosphere for people in Temple after a tiring day.

BitBar is owned by three good friends who “get to enjoy the games” as much as you did. About 90% of the games are from their personal collections they get to share with the community. For just $5, you can play free unlimited games ranging from board games to family games like Corn Hole Toss and Giant Jenga. 

Similarly, you’ll enjoy their vintage games, such as Mortal Combat, Donkey Kong, and Super Mario.

BitBar Temple also accepts private events for any occasion, separate from public events they host annually. Their past events include Summer Family Hours, Bell County Comic Con, and Exclusive Comic Book Signing.

Bring company for a night of retro arcade games, cold drinks, and a trip down memory lane. Whether young or young at heart, you’ll find a place in BitBar Temple.

Address: 2501 Airport Rd, Ste B, Temple, TX 76504, United States

Cedar Ridge Park

Bell County is home to the great Belton Lake, with easy access points in Temple, Texas.

Cedar Ridge Park is among the best campgrounds along the lake, perfect for outdoor recreation in Central Texas. It offers ample opportunities for fishing and boating, with over 75 sites for camping. The park accommodates both tents and RVs year-round for visiting families or groups in Temple.

At the same time, the park offers screened shelters overlooking the lake for those without camping equipment. All sites have access to water and electricity, a picnic table, grills, and well-maintained restrooms with toilets and hot showers.

A two-lane boat ramp and fishing dock are also provided for casual boating, fishing, or canoeing. You can enjoy as many water activities as you can in Cedar Ridge!

The partially-forested area accommodates unlimited family fun activities with its impressive swim beach, picnic shelter, playground, hiking trails, and basketball court. 

The lakeside park is a popular weekend destination in Temple, whether for locals or tourists. People travel here for its scenic view of the lake, nice spaces to unwind, and abundant wildflowers (and deer).

When it comes to natural outdoor attractions, Central Texas boasts many best travel spots, and Cedar Ridge is just one of them.

Address: Cedar Ridge Park Rd., Temple, TX 76502, United States

Fire Base Brewing Co.

Visit the first local brewery in Temple, Texas, dedicated to honoring the beloved Veterans “who have been there and those who have sacrificed.”

The Fire Base Brewing Company was first established in 2020, bringing a wide selection of homemade craft beer to Bell County. However, their story comes longer way than that.

After 20+ years of serving the country, the small “Veteran Owned and Brewed” business gives back to the veterans and local community of Temple. Besides providing a safe environment for families, they support the veteran community with mentorship and education about growing craft beers.

Their welcoming atmosphere does not only extend to the veterans but residents and visitors alike. If you happen to be around downtown Temple, stop by their veteran-themed Taproom and taste a few great selections.

Firebase likes to ensure everyone is having fun on their watch! Their Pilsner and Pale Wheat Ales are refreshing companions on a warm afternoon. In the evening, catch their Open Mic and Trivia Nights held weekly, accompanied by live music and occasional food trucks.

Finally, strike a conversation and make lifelong friendships with locals, patrons, and the “brewmasters” as you go.

Slainte!

Address: 8 S 1st St, Temple, TX 76501, United States

Lion’s Park

Summer is a pretty view from Temple’s local parks. Luckily, there’s a handful of them in the city!

Lion’s Park is one among the many parks in Temple, Texas, that has unique playgrounds and artistic hiking trails. It’s the perfect destination for families bringing along kids on their trip!

The park spans over 100 acres, providing a space for picnic tables, BBQ grills, a sports field, and disc golf. It is also the location of a 2-mile hiking trail featuring hilltop vistas and recreational facilities.

The nature trail, surrounded by unique art and rich vegetation, is accessible to all ages for walking and viewing. Perhaps, the park is designed exactly for this purpose. Feel free to bring along your furry pets down the trail and walk along the floodplain of Bird Creek!

Meanwhile, you’ll find a cedar grove, a fish pond, and pavilions overlooking the neighboring town on the upper hill.

This trail suits very well for dog walkers or fitness fanatic who likes to be around nature. Even more so, it works in favor of Temple residents, who voted walking as a high priority in a local survey. Town events like Easter egg hunts, triathlons, and Walks for the Cure are held in Lion’s Park, too.

If you want a break from the city and have an immense view of the great greens, a quick drive to Lion’s Park is an easy fix.

Address: 4320 Lions Park Road, Temple, TX 76502, United States

Live Oak Ridge Park

Another family-friendly campground along Belton Lake is Live Oak Ridge Park, accessible from Temple, Texas.

Like Cedar Ridge, this park accommodates both tent and RV camping all year. It’s a convenient stop for a day trip or weekend overnight just a few miles away downtown.

As the name suggests, plenty of oak trees surround the park, although a section further from the lake is more heavily shaded. It’s a bit close to the highway, but there’s little to no traffic noise in this partially secluded location.

Moreover, the park is easy to get to, just a few miles away from stores or restaurants.

If you’re a fan of country camping, Live Oak gives off just the right vibe for it. It’s a respectable park with campers that are generally nice and quiet. Its amenities offer some of the best fishing, camping, and boating available in Central Texas.

Find a picnic spot and roast some smores by the fire pits. Explore the lake views through the hiking trails. Or swim on lake access points for a true outdoor experience.

Whatever you do, camping never goes out of style on the grounds of Central Texas!

Address: Live Oak Ridge Park Dr, Belton, TX 76513, United States

Miller Springs Nature Center

The trail is never-ending in Central Texas, a place of many state parks, lakes, and recreation opportunities.

Best known for its nature trails, this region is a hotspot for getaway trips for anyone who likes to hit the road. If you’re living in a busy city, there’s no other place in the world you’d rather be but around nature.

Accessible from Temple, Texas, the Miller Springs Nature Center has a rich history concerning the Belton Dam and Lake expansion. It consists of a 260-acre natural area preserved and open for a self-guided tour at no charge.

Fortunately, planning your visit won’t require much effort because the recreational opportunities here are pretty simple.

There are over 10 miles of trails you can hike or bike and 25-acre wetlands perfect for watching birds. Their picnic areas can accommodate small or large groups, and the surrounding lakes provide spots for fishing.

Miller Springs always has something for every nature seeker or sports person. You can sail down the lake via kayak or canoe or simply relax on wooden park benches and watch.

Driving back downtown with the scenic views of the sunset seems fulfilling after a day under the sun.

Address: 1473 Farm-To-Market Rd 2271, Belton, TX 76513, United States

O’Briens Irish Pub

There’s no one authentic Irish pub in Central Texas other than O’Briens. This local Irish pub in downtown Temple is a focal point of live music, delicious offerings, and thirst quenchers.

Situated in over a hundred-year-old building, O’Briens Irish Pub offers an intimate atmosphere for visitors. The old building provides a historic ambiance through its brick walls and original hardwood flooring.

Looking at old pictures, you’ll see that the place has gone through space and time. Yet, it remains the same building with something more to offer.

If you’re up for some games, the upstairs bar features a pool table and electronic dart boards, while the downstairs has an authentic dart board. Check them out right after you get yourself a drink!

With over 40 taps and dozens of bottled beers, you will neither get thirsty nor bored while in this pub. Hey, you can get a little crazy for one night!

Try their cocktails to take advantage of their full line of spirits, or fancy a Scotch and Irish whiskey or vodka to spice up your evening.

Go and watch more of the bands while at it, or make friends with some locals. In O’Briens, there’s no such thing as strangers, only friends you haven’t met yet!

Address: 11 E Central Ave, Temple, TX 76501, United States

Parlour Antiques & Oddities

Bring home something odd from your trip to Temple, Texas!

Parlour Antiques & Oddities will help you shop for something unique to remember your travel by. Established in 2019, the antique parlor is a small veteran-owned business in the heart of Temple’s downtown district.

It’s cool that antiquing remains a hit amidst the modern development of large cities. It reminds you that old things hold power as they tell a story about time and people. 

The vintage, one-of-a-kind items from Parlour Antiques & Oddities will certainly grow your fondness for odd things. Their collections vary from unusual home decor to wall art and taxidermy pieces called the “Pretty Little Dead Things.”

The little antique shop believes that there is beauty in curiosity. If you stumble upon this hidden gem while in Temple, make a quick detour and look around for rare, nice things.

Get some gift ideas, or perhaps start your antique-collecting journey here!

Address: 111 north main street cs-1, Temple, TX 76501, United States

Pepper Creek Hike and Bike Trail

Welcome to the western outskirts of Temple, Texas, where you can find one of the city’s most scenic paved trails.

A solid 1 hour and 20 minutes is the average time to complete this trail. Although the route is generally easy, highlights of the walk attract trail-goers to Pepper Creek.

The walk begins at State Highway 36 through the south, just over a mile into the woods. The concrete pathway, water features, and pedestrian bridge are scenic highlights for those who like seeing views.

There are several access points you can start from, but it is guaranteed you will enjoy Pepper Creek’s exciting hike and bike trail in Central Texas.

Open and accessible all year, you can explore and visit Pepper Creek anytime. Although it’s not usually packed, most people prefer going before sundown for a rewarding view of the open trail scenery.

In addition, the trail is pet-friendly, with several dog waste bag stations provided. You’ll come across picnic tables and benches, too.

Since the walk is relatively short, you can do this activity on a regular basis. It is highly suggested to go before dark because there’s no proper lighting in the area at night.

Thankfully, the Pepper Creek trail seems well-maintained despite being an open public attraction. Its surrounding trees are also groomed and framed on the wide trails. With the right weather and season, it may be the loveliest scene you’ll see in West Temple.

Address: 1206 W. Campus Drive, Temple, TX 76502, United States

Spare Time Texas

It’s time for some “Big and Bold” family fun in a local entertainment center in Temple, Texas!

There’s nothing like first-class fun in the city’s bowling alley that offers a variety of entertainment for all ages and groups.

Spare Time Texas is your go-to fun center to dine, unwind, and play games! Other than their modern Bowling lanes, their facility features Laser Tag, Go Karts, Ropes Course, Axe Throwing, Game Room, and more.

They like to be a part of your special day and have exciting offerings in this department. If you’re visiting Temple on your birthday or hosting a family reunion, you might as well make them unique! Spare Time has prepared something for every kind of occasion.

For regular visitors, take advantage of their Daily Specials every week so you don’t miss out on anything fun.

Lastly, check out their restaurant and bar area for their kitchen-made gourmet sandwich and Texas craft cocktails. There are more delectable food options you will love to nibble while you bowl.

Whether residing in Temple or visiting the town, Spare Time likes to have you at their events throughout the year. Their Trivia Nights and Live Music will have you swinging in glee!

Address: 1724 Farm to Market 685, Pflugerville, TX 78660, United States

Stillhouse Hollow Lake

Situated entirely within Bell County, one of the closest town to get to Stillhouse Hollow Lake is Temple, Texas.

Like most lakes in Bell County, Stillhouse Hollow is a prominent location for camping, fishing, and boating in Central Texas.

Formally known as the Lampasas, Stillhouse Hollow offers ample opportunities for general recreation. For starters, the lake is rich in fish species and has accessible shorelines for fellow anglers. The types of fishing experience vary from strictly catch-and-release to catch for eating.

Meanwhile, their recreational water sports are ideal for almost all types, thanks to the depth of their open water.

You can try scuba diving, snorkeling, wildlife viewing, or exploring their marina, parks, and boat ramps.

Besides boats, it’s easy to launch smaller watercraft like canoes or kayaks in the clear waters. Its location in the Lampasas River also provides opportunities for amazing swimming beaches via parks.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, you are not likely to find rental vacation homes around the lake property. However, several communities within a short driving distance offer similar amenities.

Or, you can go primitive and make use of the lake’s campgrounds for both tent and RV camping.

You will never run short of outdoor activities with the addition of hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, and more.

For dining options, Stillhouse Hollow marina serves the best burgers and American food, just close to the lake.

Address: 3740 FM 1670, Belton, Texas 76513, United States

That Art Place

Every day is an art party in That Art Place, a fused glass and paint-your-own-pottery hub in Central Texas.

You don’t need art experience or expertise to be creative in this walk-in studio along Belton. That Art Place is focused on rekindling art in the community and educating children on two kiln-fired art forms.

They offer workshops for both kids and adults exploring these two mediums, including clay hand-building.

For more cohesive instruction on various art forms and techniques, That Art Place offers semester-long art classes, too! They aim to make art easy as pie through their well-organized studio, trained staff, and simple steps.

The small, family-owned business also hosts parties and special events to lighten up your celebration. Available themes vary from Under the Sea to Garden Friends and Farm Yard. You’ll love their private party room, perfect for all ages and occasions!

Their massive selection of pottery to paint would make a perfect gift or memorabilia from your trip to Central Texas.

Don’t leave the city without taking home a beautiful art piece and a memorable experience from That Art Place!

Address: 108 Lake Rd, Belton, TX 76513, United States

Temple Civic Theatre

Are you a fan of high-quality theatre? Temple won’t let you get behind when it comes to art and entertainment in Central Texas.

Temple Civic Theatre, a non-profit organization, offers high-caliber theatre and regional talents in Temple, Texas. With over 200 seating capacity, the theatre offers an intimate setting but quality stage productions depicting life and cultural experiences.

Although a small cast, the sense of community in Temple is evident in its volunteers and generous donors.

Many of the props in Temple Civic are either donated or loaned by the local citizens.

See one of their productions during your visit! Inside the theater, pick any seat from the ground floor to stage-level seats. They guarantee comfort from all angles, even within the tiered seating corners.

They sometimes feature a small art corner in the lobby, with interesting wall posters showing one of their past plays.

Commit a little and get involved in their production! Temple Civic accepts volunteers ranging from “front of house” and technical crew to actors, musicians, and choreographers.

The community theatre provides as much opportunity as possible to get locals involved, including talents from all over the region.

Address: 2413 S 13th St, Temple, TX 76504, United States

The Hub

For the best shopping experience in Temple, Texas, head to The Hub for wide shopping options in the city.

Swing by this side of town to see a wide range of merchandise and explore over 50 different vendors! You’ll find various vintage items in this little gem under one roof. Products vary from home decor and accessories to clothing and gift ideas.

The Hub houses the local vintage cafe and ice cream shop Sweet Eileen! If you want to take a break from browsing rare finds, you can get refreshments from this quaint shop.

You can also find a photography studio alongside the artisan shops showcasing the works of Texas artists.

On the upper level, a multi-use event space called The Loft can be rented for different occasions.

There’s always something for everyone in The Hub, tucked in the historic downtown Temple. All you need to do is look!

Address: S 2nd St, Temple, TX 76501, United States

Treno Pizzeria and Taproom

Visit the local pizza restaurant in Temple, Texas, with an on-site taproom before taking off.

If you haven’t been here yet, you must know that Treno is a top-choice restaurant in downtown Temple. Their artisan pies, delicious salads, and the best local and domestic beers attract locals and visitors regularly.

Besides having the best signature pizzas and beers on tap, they also house an outdoor playground for kids. This town staple is family-friendly and a hotspot for meeting with friends.

They serve only the freshest woodfire pizzas straight from the kitchen. Alongside their menu options for the main course are fun flavors of beverages, appetizers, and desserts.

With their Pizzeria and Taproom offerings, you’ll get the best of both worlds!

Address: 112 S 1st St, Temple, TX 76501, United States

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