Branson, MO

Travel Guide
Sight and Sound Theatres showing outdoor art, heritage architecture and a garden
With over 50 theaters putting on as many as 100 shows at any one time, this city calls itself the Live Entertainment Capital of the World.

Music revues, stand-up comedy, variety, circus acts and magicians are all on offer at Branson, Missouri’s many theaters. It’s not all about theaters though Branson also has a wide range of family-friendly attractions such as theme parks, fishing and watersports.

Many of Branson’s 50 theaters are along the 76 Strip, a great place to start your visit. Visit the American Bandstand Theater which is like stepping back into the 50s. There are cars from the 50s, less than one thousand seats, and before the show, projection screens show the theater’s history.

Move into the 70s with the Cabaret Theater’s “70s Music Show,” which showcases some of the best tunes of the 1970s, or enjoy a 3-D laser and video show at the Jim Stafford Theater. If live country music sounds more appealing, visit the Circle B Theater or the Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show.

There is more to Branson than theaters and music, though. Visit attractions such as the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, the Hollywood Wax Museum and Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors. For families, Silver Dollar City is a good place to visit it has six festivals throughout the year featuring bluegrass music, barbecues and kids’ activities.

Outdoor activities in Branson often center on its three large lakes. Between them, Table Rock, Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals offer excellent fishing, boating and water recreation. Fish for trout or largemouth bass, or go wildlife spotting on a replica paddle steamer. Otherwise, board the old Branson Scenic Railway for a narrated round trip of downtown and the adjacent countryside.

Because of its many indoor attractions, Branson attracts visitors all year round. The lakes are at their busiest during the warm period (May to October) however, ongoing residencies and seasonal shows keep it busy in the winter as well.

Where to stay in Branson

Branson Ferris Wheel featuring a garden and night scenes

Branson Theater District

4.5/5(2,906 area reviews)

Travelers to Branson Theater District praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to make a stop by Tanger Outlets and Highway 76 Strip.

Branson Theater District
Branson Landing which includes signage and street scenes

Downtown Branson

4.5/5(317 area reviews)

Downtown Branson is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Branson Landing and Branson's Scenic Railway while in the area.

Downtown Branson
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Pointe Royale

If you're spending some time in Pointe Royale, Lake Taneycomo and White River are top sights worth seeing.

Pointe Royale
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Fall Creek

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Fall Creek and surrounding area, you can visit Welk Resort Branson Theatre and Pointe Royale Golf Course.

Fall Creek
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Branson Meadows

While visiting Branson Meadows, you might make a stop by sights like The Mansion and Sight and Sound Theatres.

Branson Meadows
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Hiawatha Heights

While there might not be top attractions in Hiawatha Heights, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Branson Landing and Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction.

Hiawatha Heights
Thousand Hills Resort Hotel
Thousand Hills Resort Hotel
3 out of 5
120 Wildwood Dr S, Branson, MO
Stay at this 3-star golf hotel in Branson. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,690 reviews)
"Very friendly"

Reviewed on 29 Oct, 2024

Thousand Hills Resort Hotel
Hotel Grand Victorian
Hotel Grand Victorian
3.5 out of 5
2325 W Highway 76, Branson, MO
Stay at this hotel in Branson. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,471 reviews)
"Wonderful people work there❤️"

Reviewed on 28 Oct, 2024

Hotel Grand Victorian
Still Waters Resort
Still Waters Resort
4 out of 5
21 Stillwater, Branson, MO
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly condo in Branson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,792 reviews)
"We didn't take advantage of all the property has to offer. We enjoyed the central location to the events on our agenda and it's quiet family friendly atmosphere on the lake."

Reviewed on 28 Oct, 2024

Still Waters Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Still Waters Resort
Still Waters Resort
4 out of 5
21 Stillwater, Branson, MO
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly condo in Branson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,792 reviews)
"We didn't take advantage of all the property has to offer. We enjoyed the central location to the events on our agenda and it's quiet family friendly atmosphere on the lake."

Reviewed on 28 Oct, 2024

Still Waters Resort
Hyatt Vacation Club at The Lodges at Timber Ridge, Branson
Hyatt Vacation Club at The Lodges at Timber Ridge, Branson
4 out of 5
147 Welk Resort Circle, Branson, MO
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Branson. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,667 reviews)
"This resort is truly the best! The staff is amazing, super friendly and willing to help in anyway. The property is in great condition and my family loves the pool and waterslide. It is conveniently located to many nearby attractions."

Reviewed on 29 Oct, 2024

Hyatt Vacation Club at The Lodges at Timber Ridge, Branson
Stormy Point Village Resort
Stormy Point Village Resort
4 out of 5
132 Cape Cod Drive, Branson, MO
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Branson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (830 reviews)
"Did not like that there was no drive for our house"

Reviewed on 18 Oct, 2024

Stormy Point Village Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Branson

There is no established public transit system in Branson, which means that to get the best out of your time in the area you’ll need to rent a car. There are numerous car rental agencies in town, and at the regional airports if you’re arriving by plane. There are a small number of taxis in town as well as tour companies who can arrange to shuttle you between attractions. The downtown area is easily walkable. Visit the Missouri Department of Transportation website.Browse Branson rental cars.

Best time to visit

Branson has two peak tourist seasons: the winter holiday season, when the whole city gets into the festive spirit, and the summer, between June and August. During the winter it can get cold, with average highs of around 42 F (5 C) in January, but this all adds to the Christmas atmosphere. July and August see average highs in the high 80s F (low 30s C), while spring and fall are pleasantly mild.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Branson