Grapevine, Texas is a vibrant city with a rich history.
Founded in 1844, Grapevine was an important stop on the Chisholm Trail, the famous route used by cowboys to drive cattle from Texas to Kansas.
Wondering what is Grapevine, Texas known for?
Today, Grapevine is still known for its Old West heritage, and visitors can enjoy seeing restored buildings from the city’s early days, including the Grapevine Cotton Belt Railroad Depot.
The city is also home to a number of unique shops and art galleries.
However, the city is most famous for being the Christmas Capital of Texas.
The town goes all out for Christmas, with decorations lining the streets and lights sparkling in the trees.
This is a magical time to visit Grapevine and the city is, undoubtedly, one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Texas.
Best Things to do in Grapevine TX
Grapevine boasts a lively arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and theaters.
The city is also known for its wine scene, with more than 20 wineries and tasting rooms.
In fact it’s one of the best places to visit in North Texas for wine lovers.
And if you’re looking for outdoor recreation, Grapevine has plenty to offer, from hiking and biking trails to golf courses and parks.
Here are our favorite things to do in Grapevine, Texas on your next visit.
Take a stroll in Historic Downtown Grapevine
Historic Downtown Grapevine is a charming collection of shops, restaurants, and hotels located in the heart of Grapevine, Texas.
The area is well-known for its Victorian architecture and old-world feel, and it is home to a variety of businesses and attractions.
Visitors can stroll down Historic Main Street Grapevine to browse the unique shops, or take a seat on a park bench and people watch.
Some of our favorite downtown Grapevine shops include Ooh La La, Framers Market Grapevine, Good Things for All Seasons, and Grapevine Olive Oil Company.
There are also several museums and art galleries located in Historic Downtown Grapevine, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
And when night falls, the area comes alive with live music and theatre performances.
The Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau, located in the building with the Grapevine Glockenspiel clock tower, is also worth a visit.
Other popular attractions in Grapevine downtown include the Wallis Hotel replica, Palace Arts Center, Texas Star dinner theater, etc.
Ride the train at Grapevine Vintage Railroad
For a taste of Texas history, hop aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad.
This vintage train runs between the cities of Grapevine and Fort Worth, following the same route that was used by cowboys and settlers in the 19th century.
The Heritage Railroad also offers a number of special event trains throughout the year, including the Pumpkin Patch Express and the North Pole Express.
The North Pole Express is one of the best things to do for Christmas in Texas.
The Railroad’s fleet of vintage trains includes locomotives and cars that date back to the early 1900s – and is like a railroad museum!
Visitors can step back in time as they ride aboard one of these historic trains.
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad is a fun and unique way to experience Texas history.
It is one of the best train rides in Texas and amongst the top things to do in Grapevine TX
Celebrate Christmas in Grapevine – #1 Best Things to do in Grapevine, Texas
Each year, the town of Grapevine transforms into the Christmas Capital of Texas.
The transformation begins in early November, when the town starts to decorate for the holidays.
Every street is lined with festive lights, and every shop is decked out in holiday cheer.
The centerpiece of the square is a giant singing Christmas tree, which is illuminated with so many lights that it can be seen from miles away.
Also Read: 19 Best Things to do in Grapevine for Christmas
Santa Claus himself makes an appearance every year, and there are always plenty of holiday-themed activities for kids to enjoy.
Grapevine Main Street Christmas lights have to be seen to be believed!
Also Read: Best Things to do in Texas in Winter
Shop at Grapevine Mills Mall
Grapevine Mills is an outlet mall located in Grapevine, Tx.
The mall offers a variety of shopping options for everyone, from high-end retailers to budget-friendly stores.
The Grapevine Mills Mall also features a movie theater, several restaurants, as well as Legoland, Peppa Pig World of Play, and the Sea Life Aquarium.
It is one of the popular Grapevine, Texas attractions for families.
Play with giant legos at Legoland Discovery Center
Wondering what to do in Grapevine, Texas for kids?
The Legoland Discovery Center in Grapevine Mills Mall, Texas is a fun and educational attraction for children of all ages.
The center features several interactive exhibits, rides, and shows that are based on the popular Lego toy line.
Visitors can explore replicas of Texas landmarks made out of Legos, ride a roller coaster designed for young children, or watch a 4D movie featuring their favorite Lego characters.
In addition to the attractions, the Legoland Discovery Center also has a retail store where visitors can purchase Lego sets and souvenirs.
The center is open daily and offers a variety of ticket options to accommodate different budgets.
Also Read: Best Amusement Parks in Texas to Visit Now
Go underwater at Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium
Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium is one of the top Grapevine, Texas attractions.
The aquarium is home to thousands of fascinating sea creatures, including sharks, rays, seahorses, and jellyfish.
Visitors can explore the aquarium’s different habitats, which range from the open ocean to a tropical rainforest.
The aquarium is a hit with kids of all ages and one of the most fun things to do in Grapevine, Texas.
Enjoy a trip to Peppa Pig World of Play
Peppa Pig World of Play is an indoor play center based on the popular children’s TV show.
The center is designed for kids ages 2-7 and offers a variety of Peppa-themed play areas, rides, and activities.
Visitors can explore Peppa Pig’s Treehouse, take a ride on Grandpa Pig’s Train, or meet Peppa and her friends in person.
There’s also a giant ball pit, a soft play area, and a café serving kid-friendly meals.
Also Read: Best Things to do in Texas with Kids
Have a relaxing vacation at Gaylord Texan Resort
The Gaylord Texan Resort is a massive resort located on the shores of Lake Grapevine.
Its popular attractions include the lush atrium, the Paradise Springs Aquatic Park, indoor pool, spa, and more.
The resort also has plenty of on site restaurants and bars.
Enjoy the lazy river at Great Wolf Lodge
The Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas is a family-friendly resort that features a wide range of activities for guests of all ages.
The resort is home to a huge indoor water park, which offers something for everyone, from slides and pools to a lazy river and a wave pool.
There are also plenty of places to eat and shop, as well as a spa and an arcade.
Admire the scenery in Grapevine Botanical Gardens
The Grapevine Botanical Gardens at Heritage Park are a serene and beautiful oasis in Grapevine, Texas.
The gardens feature a variety of native plants and flowers, a butterfly sanctuary, as well as a peaceful pond and waterfall.
The gardens are one of the popular places to go in Grapevine in spring for the flower blooms.
Visitors can stroll along the winding paths, or sit and relax in the gazebo overlooking the pond.
The gardens are also home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, turtles, and butterflies.
Admission is always free, which makes it the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Spend a day on Lake Grapevine
Lake Grapevine is a beautiful lake located in the city of Grapevine, Texas.
The lake is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and take in the scenery.
Lake Grapevine is a popular destination for boating, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, hiking, and picnicking.
The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including eagles, ospreys, herons, and ducks.
The lake is home to many different types of fish, including bass, catfish, and crappie.
Other popular Grapevine lake activities include birding, horse riding, wildlife viewing, and camping.
North Shore Trail around Lake Grapevine is one of the most popular hiking trails near Dallas.
The lake is one of the best adventurous stuff to do in Grapevine for outdoor lovers.
Be a pioneer at the Nash Farm
Nash Farm is a historic farmstead in Grapevine, Texas that dates back to the mid-19th century.
The pioneer farmstead includes the farmhouse, a barn, cemetery, and other outbuildings, all of which have been restored to their original appearance.
Visitors can learn about the history of the farm and see how 19th-century pioneers lived and worked.
The farmstead is also home to a variety of animals, including chickens, sheep, and turkeys.
Visit the Settlement to City Museum
The Settlement to City Museum in Grapevine, Texas tells the story of how the city was founded and how it has grown over the years.
The museum is designed to give visitors a glimpse into the past, present, and future of Grapevine.
The exhibits trace the history of the city from its earliest days as a small settlement to its current status as a thriving metropolis.
The museum houses a number of interactive displays that allow visitors to learn more about the city’s culture and heritage.
The museum is amongst the popular places to visit in Grapevine, Texas for history lovers.
Enjoy wine tasting at Grapevine Wineries
Grapevine is home to a thriving wine industry.
With more than 40 wineries producing everything from crisp white wines to rich reds, Grapevine has something to suit every taste.
Many of the wineries are located in Historic Downtown Grapevine, including the popular Messina Hof Winery located in the Wallis Hotel.
Visitors can enjoy touring the vineyards, sampling the wines, and learning about the wine-making process.
This is one of the most romantic things to do in Grapevine TX for couples.
Attend GrapeFest
GrapeFest is an annual wine festival held in Grapevine, Texas – it is one of the largest in the USA!
The event features wine tastings, grape stomping competitions, live music, and more.
GrapeFest is a great opportunity to sample different wines from local vineyards.
Sample the beers at Grapevine Craft Brewery
Grapevine Craft Brewery is a local favorite in Grapevine, Texas.
The brewery is famous for its wide variety of beers, as well as its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Visitors can tour the facility, sample the different brews, and purchase their favorite beers to take home with them.
The brewery also features live music and food trucks.
Play a round of golf at Bear Creek Golf Course
Bear Creek Golf Course is a beautiful, 18-hole course located in Grapevine, Texas.
The course is perfect for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced golfers.
The scenery is breathtaking, with rolling hills, lush vegetation, as well as the sparkling lake.
Bear Creek Golf Club also has a pro shop and great clubhouse.
Grapevine Golf Course as well as the NFL-themed Cowboys Golf Club are also other great golf courses in Grapevine, Texas.
Where to stay in Grapevine, Texas
Visitors to Grapevine, Texas will find a variety of hotels to choose from as they explore this charming city.
Staying in one of the historic downtown grapevine hotels in the heart of town provides easy access to nearby attractions.
Or book a stay in the resorts such as Great Wolf Lodge or the Gaylord Texan to enjoy the onsite amenities.
Grapevine is a charming Texan small town.
It has a vibrant downtown, unique shops and restaurants, and plenty of things to do.
From exploring the local wineries to taking a ride on the historic Grapevine Vintage Railroad, there’s something for everyone in Grapevine.
And with its central location just a short drive from both Dallas and Fort Worth, it’s the perfect place to spend a weekend getaway in Texas.
What is your favorite things to do in Grapevine Texas? Let us know below!
Grapevine truly is an enchanting place, and I’m glad you’ve highlighted so many wonderful things to do there. From the Grapevine Vintage Railroad to the picturesque Lake Grapevine and the delightful wineries, it’s no wonder that people fall in love with this charming Texan town. While exploring Grapevine, it’s also essential to keep the town’s greenery well-maintained, and that’s where the experts at tree trimming grapevine come in. They offer top-notch tree services such as tree trimming and stump removal, ensuring that Grapevine remains a beautiful and safe place for residents and visitors alike. Can’t wait for my next visit to Grapevine, Texas!