Branson trips and vacations

Live music has been a Branson vacation staple for more than 50 years. And, with more theater seats than Broadway, it’s easy to see why people flock to the city for entertainment. Plan on catching a show? Make a beeline for the 76 Strip where you’ll find Pepsi Legends Theater, the Americana Theatre and the Grand Country Music Hall.

Branson’s location in the Ozark Mountains offers a feel-good mix of fresh air and fun. For water sports and fishing, head to Table Rock Lake. If hiking is more your thing, Branson Lakeside Forest Wilderness and Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Areas will be your happy places. Marvel Cave, meanwhile, calls to adventurers looking to explore one of Missouri's deepest caverns.

The wineries in and around Branson began popping up in the 1830s and enjoyed 100 years of success before Prohibition put a stop to the industry. Happily, the 1960s saw a wine renaissance and production has grown ever since. Get a taste of the local grapes during your Branson holiday — Lindwedel and St. James wineries are great places to start.

Dating back to 1882, Branson’s Historic Downtown retains its old-timey feel with vintage shops, novelty stores and the Historic Owen Theatre (the city’s oldest). Spot the neighborhood’s murals as you explore on foot or see them from the comfort of Sparky the Downtown Branson trolley. If history and entertainment are your top priorities, this is where to stay in Branson.

Good for: Theaters, shopping, murals

Table Rock Lake is the best neighborhood to stay in Branson for outdoor adventurists. The lake has crystal-clear water perfect for swimming, fishing and boating. And Moonshine Beach is an ideal spot to enjoy the scenery over a picnic. Want to explore the lake in Ozark fashion? Book a dinner cruise on the 1890s-style Branson Belle Showboat.

Good for: Swimming, picnics, dinner cruise

Branson Hills is a gated golf community that offers an 18-hole course, lavish clubhouses, tennis courts and walking trails. While it’s a quieter scene than the city’s busy downtown, it’s just a short drive from Branson Landing where you’ll find shops and restaurants to suit every taste and budget.

Good for: Golf, walking trails, restaurants

Known as a ‘family-friendly Las Vegas,’ Branson offers fun for all ages. The 1880s-style theme park Silver Dollar City is famous for its rides, shows and workshops. At Shepherd of the Hills, watch an outdoor dramatization of the 1907 novel that put Branson on the tourist map. This entertainment park also features zipline rides and a downhill roller coaster.

No trip to Branson is complete without stopping by Dick's 5 & 10, a souvenir shop in business since 1961. For locally made gifts, head to the Branson Craft Mall with its hundreds of booths selling artisan goods. You’ll also find specialty stores in Branson Landing near Lake Taneycomo. The boardwalk here is perfect for a breather between shopping sprees.

Branson’s food scene has boomed in recent years. It now offers everything from popular chains to hole-in-the-wall barbecue joints and fine dining restaurants. Expect long queues outside the Branson Cafe, a local institution since 1910. If you’re planning on catching a show during your stay, you’ll find dining options galore in the Branson Theatre District.

There’s no need to break the bank to have a good time in Branson. Enjoy free admission to the Branson Centennial Museum and catch choreographed fountain shows at Branson Landing. If you’re visiting outside the winter months, grab your peanuts and crackerjacks to watch free weekly baseball games at Ballparks of America.

Branson is big on museums – literally. Visit the world's largest Titanic model at the Titanic Museum and unleash your inner child at the World's Largest Toy Museum Complex. If you’re into local history, don’t miss the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum for its Native American artwork and dress, Civil War artifacts and replicas of prehistoric animals.

You’ll find sandy Moonshine Beach hugging the shores of Table Rock Lake, the perfect spot for a summertime swim. Complete with bathrooms, outdoor showers, barbecue grills and a playground, it’s a popular spot for all ages. There’s a small admission fee to enter the park and it can get busy in the warmer months, so arrive early to score a parking spot.