Travel Guide
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- Title
- Your Complete Guide to Branson Hotels & Activities
- Description
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An Ozark town in southwest Missouri, Branson is a great budget-friendly place to travel with family. The scenic city is filled with rolling hills, glittering lakes, and rich greenery and is known for its Southern hospitality, live entertainment, and most notoriously, its 1800s-themed amusement park, Silver Dollar City. One of America’s top vacation destinations, Branson is a blast for those who love the great outdoors, with activities and attractions ranging from kayaking and watersports to comedy shows, horseback riding, paragliding, and more. Read on for our top picks and get to planning your itinerary—whether traveling with kids or just kids at heart, there’s something for all ages here!
IHG Hotels in Branson
In the heart of the Ozarks, the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Holiday Hills Resort Branson is a family-friendly golf resort with four seasonal outdoor pools, a year-round indoor pool, a catch-and-release fishing pond, and 18-hole championship golf course with a full-service restaurant. The Mountain View resort has one, two, and three-bedroom villas, playgrounds, movie theaters, and an arcade and activity center. It’s fun for the whole family, no matter if you plan to spend most of your visit on property or out on the town. Dine at Grille on the Greens on the golf course for breakfast or lunch or grab a bite at the cafe serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert all day.
A convenient option for the leisure or business traveler, Holiday Inn Express Branson-Green Mountain Drive is a modern and contemporary hotel near the Branson Strip. Amenities include an indoor pool and a fitness center, in addition to a game room, hot tub, free breakfast, and parking for hotel guests. This is a no-frills, clean, comfortable stay close to all the action.
Things to Do in Branson
Indoors or out, there’s tons to do in this unassuming town. Experience world-class entertainment at Dolly Parton's iconic Stampede dinner show. Or step back in time at Silver Dollar City, the 1880s-themed amusement park, offering fun rides, live demonstrations, and crafts.
Spend a day on the water fishing, boating, or swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Table Rock Lake. Or shop, dine, and enjoy waterfront entertainment at Branson Landing, a popular shopping and dining district along Lake Taneycomo.
Outdoor activities are abundant in Branson and range from hiking and golfing to caving. Never heard of caving? Well, it’s basically a way to explore underground wonders at places like Marvel Cave (within Silver Dollar City), Talking Rocks Cavern, or Fantastic Caverns.
Hiking destinations include the scenic trails of the Ozark Mountains, including the Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area and the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area. The city is also home to championship golf courses like Top of the Rock and the Payne's Valley Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
Witness breathtaking views of the Ozarks on a zipline adventure high above the treetops. But if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, you can cast your line at either Lake Taneycomo or Table Rock Lake, both known for their abundant trout and bass populations.
Did you know Branson is also a wine tasting destination? Visit Ozark Hills Winery, Lindwedel Winery, or St. James Winery for a taste of local grapes and spectacular views.
Trip Extras
Are you an IHG One Rewards member? Book tours, activities, and things to do in Branson and earn points toward future travels. Some fun ones include a half-day craft drinks tour with a small group, a jet boat adventure tour, a ride on the Copperhead Mountain Coaster, and tickets to the Titanic Museum.
Where to Eat and Drink in Branson
At Dolly Parton’s Stampede, which we mentioned above, you’ll dine on delicious Southern dishes like creamy vegetable soup, rotisserie chicken, corn on the cob, and more, while enjoying the show. The restaurant has vegetarian and gluten-free options for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks features a really cool concept called Dobyns Dining Room. At this restaurant, students work and learn in a fine dining setting. The menu features farm-to-table dishes with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Level 2 Steakhouse is known for its high-quality steaks, seafood, and elegant dining atmosphere. Known for their 28-day aged corn-fed Midwest beef, Heritage Missouri pork, and locally grown produce, the restaurant also flies in fresh seafood from Hawaii. When you arrive, you’ll be presented with five unique knives to choose from for your dining experience. This is sure to set the night off on a fun (and fancy!) foot.
Billy Gail's offers a cozy dining experience that embodies the vibe of the Ozarks with its hearty breakfast and lunch options. Known for their oversized pancakes and country cafe decor, the restaurant also features a shop filled with crafts and souvenirs for visitors to enjoy.
For barbecue, pop into Danna's BBQ & Burger Shop, Famous Dave’s, or Gettin’ Basted — all local favorites with generous portion sizes and items like chili cheese fries, smoked meats, coleslaw, beans, and more on the menu.
Travel Tips and How to Get Around Town
Travel Tips
Branson is busiest during the summer months and around major holidays, so book accommodations and attractions in advance to avoid long lines and crowded venues. Summers in the city can be hot and humid, while winters are mild with occasional snowfall. Pack accordingly and check the weather forecast before your trip.
Explore beyond the strip. While the Branson Strip is buzzing with activity, don't forget to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding Ozark Mountains and lakes.
Transportation
Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Branson and its surroundings, especially if you plan to venture into the scenic countryside. The Branson Area Transit (BAT) system offers bus transportation throughout the city and to popular attractions, including Silver Dollar City and Branson Landing.
Taxis and rideshare services are available in Branson for short-distance travel within the city and downtown Branson is pedestrian-friendly, making walking and biking viable options for exploring the area's shops, restaurants, and attractions.
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