Planning a trip to the northern part of the Lone Star State and looking for the best things to do in Granbury, Texas?
Nestled in the scenic Brazos River Valley, Granbury is a charming small town with a rich history.
Founded in 1866, Granbury was named after Confederate General Hiram B. Granbury.
The city is home to a number of heritage sites, including the Granbury Opera House and the Hood County Courthouse.
Also Read: 33 Best Small Towns in Texas to Visit Now
With its quaint shops and beautiful Victorian homes, Granbury is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely stroll or a leisurely afternoon cup of tea.
There’s also plenty to do for those who enjoy outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to fishing and canoeing.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway or an adventurous family trip, Granbury is the perfect destination.
Also Read: 34 Best Things to do in North Texas
Best Things to Do in Granbury, Texas
Despite its small size, Granbury offers a wide range of amenities and activities for residents and visitors alike.
With its charming downtown area, scenic Lake Granbury, and abundance of outdoor recreation, the city is a perfect day trip from Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Here are some of the best things to do in Granbury, TX for the entire family.
Be charmed by the Historic Granbury Square Plaza
Granbury’s Historic Downtown Square is famously known as one of the prettiest town squares in America.
The Granbury town square is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and businesses, all housed in beautifully preserved buildings.
Many of the buildings date back to the late 19th century, and their Victorian architecture is a testament to the town’s history.
The square is also the site of numerous events throughout the year, including live music, festivals, and markets.
Stroll down the brick-lined sidewalks and take in the sights and sounds of this charming small town.
Popular historic buildings in downtown Granbury include the Hood County Courthouse, the Granbury Opera House, and the Granbury Railroad Depot.
If you’re visiting on a Saturday, be sure to stop by the farmers market, which takes place in the square.
Admire the Hood County Courthouse
At the center of the Granbury Town Square, you will find the iconic Hood County Courthouse.
This is one of the most popular attractions in Granbury.
The courthouse was built in 1890, and its French Second Empire architecture is a beautiful sight to behold.
The highlight of the courthouse is the three story clock tower.
Visitors can tour the courthouse, learn about its history, and take photographs of its beautiful architecture.
See a show at Granbury Opera House
The Granbury Opera House is one of the most iconic buildings in Granbury, Texas.
Built in 1876, it is the oldest continuously operating theater in the state of Texas.
The Opera House has been home to numerous productions over the years, including Broadway musicals, operas, and plays.
The Granbury Theatre Company puts up a number of productions at the Opera House each year and they are a delight to watch.
If you’re visiting Granbury, be sure to catch a show at this historic theater.
With its beautiful Victorian architecture and rich history, the Granbury Opera House is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
Go shopping and antiquing in Granbury
Granbury’s Historic Downtown Square is home to a variety of unique shops and businesses for those looking for a special souvenir or gift.
There are several antique stores in the area, as well as art galleries, clothing boutiques, and jewelry stores.
Enjoy a date at the wine tasting rooms in Granbury
Granbury is home to a number of wineries, and many of them have tasting rooms downtown.
This is the perfect activity for a romantic date or a night out with friends.
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the different tasting rooms and sampling the various wines that Granbury has to offer.
Popular tasting rooms in Granbury include D’Vine Wine Granbury, Barons Creek Vineyards, and Bull Lion Ranch Wine Shop.
Tour the Hood County Jail Museum
The Hood County Jail Museum is one of the most unique museums in Granbury.
The museum is located in the former county jail, which was built in 1885.
The museum offers tours of the jail including the Main Cell and gallows on the second floor as well as the Sheriff’s quarters.
On the main floor, you will find a variety of exhibits about the history of the Hood County.
Visit the incredible Granbury Doll House Museum
The Granbury Doll House Museum is a must-see for any fan of history or dolls.
The museum is located in the historic district of Granbury, Texas and is housed in a beautifully restored Victorian home.
The collection includes over 6000 dolls, ranging from antique bisque dolls to modern Barbie dolls as well as many celebrity look alike dolls.
In addition to the doll collection, the museum also features a period room filled with clothes, furniture, and other objects from the Victorian era.
The Granbury Doll House Museum is a unique and fascinating place that is sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Have fun on the Moments in Time Hike & Bike Trail
The Moments in Time Hike & Bike Trail in Granbury, Texas is a beautiful 2.5 miles trail that winds its way through the city.
The Granbury Hike and Bike Trail is a concrete trail dotted with benches and picnic tables, making it the perfect place to take a break and enjoy the scenery.
The trail is also popular with runners and cyclists, and its gentle inclines make it ideal for beginners.
The trail begins at Granbury Regional Airport and ends in Hewlett Park.
It has many interesting plaques which narrate the history of the area.
See the trains at the Granbury Historic Railroad Depot Museum
The Granbury Historic Railroad Depot Museum is housed in the city’s former railroad depot, which was built in the 1800s.
The museum features a variety of exhibits about the history of the railroad in Granbury as well as a model train display.
Visitors can also tour the depot, which has been restored to its original appearance.
The Granbury Historic Railroad Depot Museum is a great place to learn about the city’s history and see some fascinating trains.
Visit the Granbury Cemetery
The Granbury Cemetery is one of the most interesting places to visit in Granbury.
The cemetery is home to a number of historical figures, including many who were involved in the Texas Revolution including General Granbury and Ashley Crockett.
However, the most famous grave here is that of Jesse James, the most notorious outlaw of the Wild West.
The cemetery is also notable for its unique headstones and monuments.
The Granbury Cemetery is a beautiful and peaceful place to spend an afternoon.
Enjoy the sun at City Beach Park
Did you know that there’s a beach within walking distance of downtown Granbury?
City Beach Park is located on the shores of Lake Granbury, and it’s a great place to enjoy the sun and the water.
The park has a sand volleyball court, a playground, sandy beach, and a swimming area.
There are also a number of picnic tables, making it the perfect spot for a summer BBQ.
Spend a day boating on Lake Granbury
The city of Granbury is situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Granbury.
The lake was created by the dam on the Brazos River and has over 70 miles of shoreline.
The lake is surrounded by lush trees and scenic shores, making it a popular spot for hiking, biking, and picnicking.
The clear waters are perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating, and there are also several sandy beaches where visitors can relax and soak up the sun.
There are also several campgrounds and RV parks located around the lake.
Attend a concert at Granbury LIVE
Granbury LIVE is an indoor concert venue that hosts a variety of musical performances throughout the year.
The venue is located in historic Downtown Granbury, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy live music show.
Granbury LIVE has hosted a wide range of artists, from country singers to classic rock bands such as Fleetwood Mac.
Enjoy Christmas in Granbury
Christmas in Granbury is a special time – the downtown area is decorated with lights, and there are a number of events and activities to enjoy.
The Nutcracker ballet is performed at the Granbury Opera House, and Santa Claus makes an appearance at the Annual Santa on the Square event.
The Granbury Victorian Christmas Stroll is a popular event, and it features carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and more.
See a movie at the Brazos Drive-in theater
The Brazos Drive-in theater in Granbury, Texas is a unique movie-going experience.
Built in 1952, the drive-in is one of the oldest in the state.
The theater has a nostalgic feel, with its vintage signage and speaker boxes.
Moviegoers can enjoy classic films from the comfort of their own cars, or they can bring lawn chairs and blankets to watch from the grassy area in front of the screen.
The Brazos Drive-in is open year-round, and it’s a great place to enjoy a movie on Friday and Saturday nights.
Explore the city after dark on the Granbury Ghosts & Legends Tour
Not into movies?
If you’re looking for a different kind of night out, why not take the Granbury Ghosts & Legends Tour?
The tour takes visitors on a walk through the city’s historic districts, and it includes stops at some of the most haunted locations in town.
You’ll hear stories of ghosts, hauntings, and murders, and you may even see a ghost yourself!
The tour is led by experienced guides who are sure to send a chill down your spine.
Enjoy a day trip to Dinosaur Valley State Park
Just a short drive from Granbury, Texas, is Dinosaur Valley State Park, where you can see giant prehistoric footprints preserved in the rocks.
The park is situated along the Paluxy River, and provides opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and camping.
You can also go on a hike to see the dinosaur tracks up close.
The tracks were made by Sauropods, which were large herbivorous dinosaurs that roamed the earth during the Cretaceous period.
Scientists believe that these massive creatures weighed up to 50 tons and reached lengths of over 100 feet.
Today, their fossilized footprints are a testament to their size and power.
A visit to Dinosaur Valley State Park is a great way to appreciate the natural history of our planet.
Granbury, Texas is a charming town with a lot to offer visitors.
Plus, Granbury is within driving distance of both Dallas and Fort Worth, making it a great place to stay if you want to explore both cities.
Whether you’re looking for history, culture, or outdoor activities, Granbury has something for everyone.
What is your favorite activity on your Granbury getaway?
Let us know in the comments below!
I live in Hood County, just south of Granbury. The square is nice but bring your wallet. Everything is overpriced. The Lake is an overcrowded nightmare and dangerous during the summer. The beach is a joke. The traffic is horrible and getting worse. The one shining star is just outside the square. The Hotel Lucy with it’s Gift Shop, The Pearl. Excellent and I’m not connected with either in any way. We locals avoid the town if at all possible.