Branson is a family-friendly destination situated in the picturesque Ozark Mountains. This entertainment mecca is best known for its more than 50 theaters that showcase a wide variety of live acts, including country music, tribute bands, Broadway productions, and religious pageants. While these productions can be flashy and even over-the-top, you'll find that most of them lean toward the wholesome side. So, it's not surprising that Branson is sometimes referred to as the Vegas of the Bible Belt.
While this city could rest on its live theater laurels, it actually has so much more to offer. This destination is surrounded by the beauty of the Ozarks and boasts three stunning lakes, making it an outdoor lover's paradise. Just a few of the activities you can enjoy while in the Branson area include hiking, boating, zip-lining and golfing. Branson is also home to the popular Silver Dollar City theme park.
AAA has been helping members discover (and also rediscover) Branson for decades. Here, you will find all the information that you'll need to plan your own magical trip to this jewel of the Ozarks, including advice on the best places to stay, eat and play.
How to Get Around Branson
Although Branson does not have an extensive public transportation network, many of its most popular attractions, restaurants, and shows are situated close to each other. This makes Branson fairly walkable. And other than the congested entertainment district, Branson is also considered a relatively easy city to navigate by car.
Driving in Branson
The easiest way to get around Branson is to either drive your own car or rent one. This is especially true if you plan on heading to destinations outside of town, such as the lakes or the Silver Dollar City theme park. To help drivers best navigate its roads, Branson has created a color-coded system for the best routes to get through the city. Printed maps can be picked up at one of Branson's welcome and tourism centers or at some of the area's gas stations. The city has also placed color-coded signs along the roads to keep you traveling in the right direction.
Use the Trolley
Branson has a free trolley called Sparky. It makes 13 stops in the downtown area, including Main Street, Branson Landing and the Branson Convention Center. From March until December, trolley hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., seven days a week. During January and February, these hours are shortened, and the trolley is available only on the weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is no service on Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.
Ridesharing and Taxis
Taxis and ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Branson.
Walking and Biking
If you decide to stay on the Branson Strip in the Theater District, you'll be able to walk to many of the city's top attractions, restaurants, and stores. Located on State Highway 76, the Strip is home to many of Branson's theaters, including Dolly Parton's Stampede, Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theater, and the Americana Theater. Additionally, numerous fun attractions, such as Ripley's Super Fun Zone, are located in this area.
Historic Downtown Branson, which includes Branson Landing, is another very walkable area. It also boasts numerous restaurants, stores, and entertainment venues.
If you prefer two wheels to your two feet, you'll be pleased to know that there are several vendors in Branson that rent bicycles and e-bikes.
Best Time to Visit Branson
Fall
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Branson and the Ozarks. The leaves are changing, the crowds have thinned, and prices for accommodations and attractions are often lower. Plus, you'll enjoy pleasant and mild temperatures during the day.
Branson is home to one of the largest Veterans Day celebrations in America. So, if you're a former member of the military, you may want to plan your fall vacation around this holiday. Special Veterans Day events include a parade through Historic Downtown Branson and a military film festival.
Winter
Branson really embraces the holidays, making it a truly magical time to visit this city. Many of the theaters and attractions get dolled up for the season or put on special Christmas extravaganzas. For instance, the Sight & Sound Theater offers its very popular Miracle of Christmas show, which features live animals. And the Silver Dollar City theme park dazzles visitors with more than 6.5 million twinkling lights. Be aware, though, that many attractions have limited hours or may even be closed during the rest of the winter months.
Spring
Like the fall months, spring is an excellent time to find bargains on accommodations and attractions in Branson. You'll also have fewer crowds to deal with than in the summer. Temperatures in the spring are also pleasant and generally mild.
Summer
Of course, the most popular time of the year to visit this family-friendly getaway is summer. The kids are out of school and the lakes beckon families to enjoy their cool waters. Summer, however, is also when temperatures can soar into the 90s. It is also when you'll have to deal with the largest crowds at Branson's attractions and restaurants.
Top Things to do in Branson
Branson has it all -- natural beauty, excellent live entertainment options, unique attractions, and a popular theme park. The following is just a very small representation of all this fun city has to offer.
Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner
Branson has been called the "Live Music Show Capital of the World." So, it would be a mistake to leave Branson without attending at least one of its amazing productions. The top choice for many visitors is Dolly Parton's Stampede. Here, you'll enjoy a bountiful four-course meal and a country-themed extravaganza that includes trick horse riding, pig racing, lumberjack competitions, and even a buffalo stampede.
Make sure to arrive early, so you can enjoy the free bluegrass and country pre-show. Another option for early birds is the Horse Walk, where you can visit the equine stars of the Dolly Parton's Stampede. During the holidays, the Stampede switches to a Christmas-themed extravaganza that includes a live nativity scene and ice skaters.
Silver Dollar City Attractions
Silver Dollar City is an 1880s-themed park set on 61 acres. It features approximately 40 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, a plunge ride, and play areas for the kids. The park also has 40 live shows, as well as 100 resident craftspeople -- such as blacksmiths and glassblowers -- who are on hand to showcase their unique skills. During the summer months, make sure to stick around to watch Silver Dollar City's nightly drone and fireworks spectacular.
Visit One of Branson's Three Lakes
Branson is home to three lovely lakes -- Table Rock, Taneycomo, and Bull Shoals. These lakes are the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Branson. Take a hike, go swimming, enjoy a quiet picnic with a view, or just simply bask in the area's natural beauty. Feeling more adventurous? Then you consider renting a boat or WaveRunner from one of the marinas. Fishing is another popular activity on these lakes. Table Rock and Bull Shoals are both regarded as excellent bass fishing lakes. While Lake Taneycomo, which is stocked annually with 750,000 rainbows and browns, is best known for its excellent trout fishing.
Titanic Museum Attraction
You probably would not expect to visit one of the world's most famous luxury ocean liners in the middle of the Ozarks. But if you visit the Titanic Museum, you'll get to experience what it felt like to be aboard this ship before it sank. You can, for instance, walk up a recreation of the ship's dramatic Grand Staircase that has been built to scale. The Titanic Museum also contains many interactive displays and more than 400 actual artifacts from the ship and its passengers.
Aquarium at the Boardwalk
It's hard to miss this aquarium while visiting Branson. It's the building with a massive, 55-foot-tall stainless steel and painted carbon steel octopus draped across its exterior. On the inside of the aquarium, you'll find a treasure trove of more than 250 species of fish and other sea creatures. One of the aquarium's most popular features is its underwater tunnels, where you can walk alongside sharks and stingrays. Other exhibits at this aquarium include touch pools, a 5D submarine adventure ride, and the Kelp Forest, which is a play area for kids. Make sure to reserve your tickets ahead of time, as this attraction often sells out.
Where to Stay in Branson
Château on the Lake Resort & Spa
- Address: Waterfront, 415 N. State Hwy 265, Branson, MO, 65616
- Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Best for: A resort-style stay
With two onsite restaurants, heated indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and a 14,000-square-foot, full-service spa, you may never want to leave this resort -- Branson's only AAA Four Diamond hotel. Rooms are spacious and well-appointed with French country furnishings. Some of the Château on the Lake Resort & Spa's rooms offer full or partial lake or mountain views. This resort is proudly pet-friendly and will welcome your pup with a goodie bag at check-in.
This resort offers complimentary shuttle rides down to Table Rock's Château Marina. There, you can book a boat or a WaveRunner or try your hand at fishing.
Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel
- Address: 200 E. Main Street, Branson, MO, 65616
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Best for: Those who want to be close to Branson Landing
The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel is attached to the convention center. It is very conveniently located in historic Downtown Branson, and across the street from Branson Landing. This hotel has heated indoor and outdoor pools and a fitness center, and it also boasts an on-site, upscale restaurant, the Level 2 Steakhouse. Room amenities at this pet-friendly hotel include refrigerators and coffee makers.
The Village at Indian Point
- Address: 24 Village Trail, Branson, MO, 65616
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Best for: Nature lovers
This lakefront resort is perfect if you'd prefer to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but still be close by. The Village at Indian Point is tucked in the woods on the shores of Table Rock Lake. Yet, it is just a short 5-mile drive from Branson's theater and shopping district and 2 miles from Silver Dollar City. Accommodations at this resort are in fully-equipped cabin-style condos. The Village at Indian Point has a zero-entry outdoor pool and a heated indoor pool, as well as a fitness center. In addition, children can check out a fishing pole for free from the resort's office.
Residence Inn by Marriott
- Address: 280 Wildwood Drive, Branson, MO, 65616
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Best for: Families
Each room in the Residence Inn by Marriott is equipped with a full kitchen that includes a microwave and a full-size refrigerator. This gives you the ability to make meals in your room, which could save you money on your food costs during your trip. In addition, this hotel offers guests a free hot breakfast each morning. The Residence Inn has a swimming pool, a fitness room, free parking and is pet friendly.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
- Address: 220 Hwy 165 S, Branson, MO 65616
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Best for: Families on a budget
The Fairfield Inn & Suites is located close to many of Branson's most popular attractions, including the Titanic Museum and the White Water Amusement Park. A complimentary breakfast is offered every morning, and each of this hotel's rooms is furnished with a mini-fridge and a microwave. Hotel amenities include a heated indoor pool and a fitness center.
Where to Eat in Branson
You're sure to work up an appetite while enjoying all that Branson has to offer. Fortunately, this city has many wonderful places to grab a bite, from upscale restaurants to fun casual spots.
Château Grille
Located in the Château on the Lake Resort, this is an elegant, fine-dining restaurant serves classic American fare, such as filet mignon and glazed Atlantic salmon. Here, your meals are accompanied by breathtaking views of Table Rock Lake, making this restaurant not just a feast for your stomach, but also a treat for your eyes. In addition, Château Grill is the only restaurant in Branson to have earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. This eatery also has a reputation for serving one of the best brunches in the city, offering more than 50 hot and cold items.
- Address: 415 N State Hwy 265, Branson, MO 65616
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested
- Type of Cuisine: American
Gettin' Basted
This restaurant actually got its start in 2012 as a very successful, competition-winning barbecue team. When the team decided to put down its roots, it chose to do so in the heart of Branson's Entertainment District. Now, lucky locals and visitors get to enjoy Gettin' Basted's tasty Ozarks-style BBQ dishes, including its championship wings, burgers, ribs, Wagyu brisket, and OG garlic or jalapeño sausage links.
- Address: 2845 W Hwy 76, Branson, MO 65616
- Diamond-designation: Approved
- Reservations: Not required
- Type of Cuisine: Barbecue
Farmhouse Restaurant
You can find this local favorite in Branson's historic downtown. Farmhouse Restaurant serves country favorites, such as fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, chicken and dumplings. It is known for its hearty portions, reasonable prices and friendly service.
- Address: 119 W Main St., Branson, MO 65616
- Diamond-designation: Not Diamond-designated
- Reservations: Not accepted
- Type of Cuisine: American, home-style
Fall Creek Steak and Catfish House
Opened in 1991, the Fall Creek Steak & Catfish House is best known for serving excellent versions of the two entrées in its name. This diner also makes scrumptious house-made sweet rolls that are accompanied by a house-made cinnamon pecan butter. These rolls are all you can catch (they are thrown to you) and eat. This is a fun and casual restaurant that has been decorated with over a million dollars' worth of antiques and artifacts from all around the Ozarks, giving it a truly one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
- Address: 997 Historic Hwy 165, Branson, MO 65616
- Diamond-designation: Not Diamond-designated
- Reservations: Accepted
- Type of Cuisine: Steak, seafood
Level 2 Steakhouse
This upscale, contemporary steakhouse can be found in the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. It features an extensive wine list and premium cuts of meat, such as Kansas City 28-day aged certified Hereford Beef and Wagyu steaks. The Level 2 Steakhouse also offers an exceptional selection of seafood dishes, including Maine lobster tails and the unique and sought-after Ora King Salmon.
- Address: 200 E Main St., Branson, MO 65616
- Diamond-designation: Not Diamond-designated
- Reservations: Suggested
- Type of Cuisine: Steak, seafood
Branson Photo Spots
Branson has a variety of spots that will make the perfect backdrop for your photographic journey of this city.
1. Inspiration Tower at Shepherd of the Hills
From the top of this 230-foot tower, you'll be able to take amazing photographs of the surrounding area. On clear days, visibility is said to be 90 miles. This tower is also home to the Vigilante Zipline ride, which boasts a vertical drop of 370 feet and can reach speeds of up to 50 miles an hour.
2. Dick's 5 & 10
Your photographs will look like a blast from the past when you use Dick's 5 & 10's retro storefront as your backdrop. You'll also find plenty of photo ops in this 10,000-square-foot store, which has been open since 1961. The shelves here are lined with an unbelievable array of items -- everything from nostalgic toys and vintage decor to hard-to-find throwback candies and old-fashioned board games.
3. Branson Ferris Wheel
This iconic Ferris wheel was originally built for the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. After spending time there and then on Chicago's Navy Pier, it was moved to Branson in 2016. Today, the 150-foot-tall wheel is located in Branson's entertainment district. The best time to get pictures of this wheel is during its free Electrify: A Music & Light Spectacular show, which occurs every hour on the hour after dark, with the last show at 10:00 p.m. (weather permitting). You can also get great panoramic shots of the surrounding area from the top of the Ferris wheel itself.
4. Table Rock Dam Scenic Overlook
Located on Highway 165, this overlook offers gorgeous views of Table Rock Dam, Lake Taneycomo and the cities of Hollister and Branson.
5. Branson Landing Fountain Show
This free show, which features 120-foot-tall geysers of water and cannons shooting fire, occurs every hour (weather permitting). The beautiful display of water and fire makes a beautiful backdrop for a photo.
Day Trips from Branson
Even though Branson has just about everything a visitor needs to stay entertained, it's human nature to want to get out and explore. The following day trips are perfect mini-getaways.
1. Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
- Distance: 30 miles
Located in Lampe, Missouri, this 10,000-acre park offers guests a variety of activities, including horseback riding, ATV tours, hiking, and fishing. You can also take a tour to check out the wildlife living on the property, such as buffalo and elk. Many of these activities do cost extra.
2. Eureka Springs
- Distance: 52 miles
Eureka Springs is a picturesque resort town that has been selected as one of America's Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This city is known for its well-preserved Victorian-style cottages and manors, and its entire downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also home to more than 60 natural springs. Eureka Springs is truly a photographer's dream, with many Instagram-able spots, including its Rainbow Stairs and the quaint New Orleans Hotel.
3. Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area
- Distance: Approximately 5 miles
This 1,534-acre area includes more than five miles of trails and boasts a lookout tower where you can take breathtaking photos of the surrounding area. If hiking is not your thing, there is also a scenic overlook about 3/4 of a mile northwest of the intersection of Highways 376 and 76.
Visiting Branson on a Budget
There is no denying that Branson is a fun city to visit. Unfortunately, paying for all that "fun" can quickly drain your vacation budget. To help you stretch your vacation dollars, consider these tips:
- Visit Branson during the off season (spring, fall and winter). During the off season, it's easier to find deals on accommodations and attraction tickets. Not only will you enjoy more moderate temperatures, but you'll have fewer crowds to deal with.
- Take advantage of AAA member discounts. Don't forget that your AAA membership gives you access to countless discounts on such things as vehicle rentals, tickets to attractions and hotels.
- Ride Sparky. This free trolley can transport you to different sites around downtown Branson.
- Check out Branson's free attractions. One of the best is Branson Landing's water fountain show, which occurs every hour beginning at noon. During the summer months, you can also enjoy free music shows at Branson Landing.
- Enjoy the Great Outdoors. Take advantage of Branson's natural beauty and go for a hike on one of the area's more than 200 miles of trails. Or pack up a picnic lunch and enjoy a meal al fresco.
- Book tickets ahead of time or in combination with other attractions. Some of Branson's venues sell their tickets at a discount if you book early. You can also save money by buying tickets to several venues at the same time. For instance, you can get a discount if you buy a combination package that includes tickets to the Titanic Museum and Dolly Parton's Stampede.
- Stay at a hotel that offers free breakfasts. Why pay for three meals a day when you can get one free from your hotel?
- Choose accommodations with a full kitchen. Condo and house rentals as well as some hotels offer kitchens with stoves and refrigerators. Being able to make at least a few meals during your time in Branson could help you save money on your food costs. You can also stock your fridge with bottles of water and soda -- items that are typically marked up two to three times their actual cost.
Plan Your Branson Vacation with AAA
Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Branson trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or à la carte options.