Branson, MO

Travel Guide
Silver Dollar City featuring rides as well as a small group of people
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

Thousand Hills Resort Hotel
Thousand Hills Resort Hotel
2 out of 5
120 Wildwood Dr S, Branson, MO
The price is $69 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
$69
per night
Oct 5 - Oct 6
Stay at this golf hotel in Branson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (629 reviews)
"Restaurant and bar"

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2023

Thousand Hills Resort Hotel
Grand Plaza Hotel Branson
Grand Plaza Hotel Branson
3 out of 5
245 N Wildwood Dr, Branson, MO
The price is $79 per night from Oct 18 to Oct 19
$79
per night
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Branson. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7/10 Good! (2,254 reviews)
Good Stay
"The staff was great and the room was nice."

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2023

Grand Plaza Hotel Branson
Chateau On The Lake Resort Spa and Convention Center
Chateau On The Lake Resort Spa and Convention Center
4 out of 5
415 North State Highway 265, Branson, MO
The price is $124 per night from Oct 8 to Oct 9
$124
per night
Oct 8 - Oct 9
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Branson. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,278 reviews)
"Great and beautiful place to stay with beautiful views of Table Rock Lake. Very friendly and courteous staff."

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2023

Chateau On The Lake Resort Spa and Convention Center
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.
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 property condition in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,323 reviews)
"Very nice place to stay and convenient to everything. Only complaint is not enough light in the bathroom and can't get the air cold enough."

Reviewed on Sep 28, 2023

Hyatt Vacation Club at The Lodges at Timber Ridge, Branson
Still Waters Resort
Still Waters Resort
4 out of 5
21 Stillwater, Branson, MO
Stay at this 4-star golf condo in Branson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,190 reviews)
"Property was on 4th floor which was tolerable for us except when leaving. The trolley for luggage was nowhere to be found so we had to make multiple trips to the car. My husband is mildly handicapped and this was exhausting for him."

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2023

Still Waters Resort
Grand Crowne Resort by Capital Vacations
Grand Crowne Resort by Capital Vacations
3 out of 5
300 Golfview Drive, Branson, MO
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Branson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 spa tubs. Popular attractions Highway 76 Strip and Titanic Museum are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (669 reviews)
"Excellent value. 2 bedrooms with 2 kitchens, 3 bathrooms and 2 livingrooms. Lots of room for four ladies. Nice quiet area close to shows and shopping."

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2023

Grand Crowne Resort by Capital Vacations
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

Cities near Branson