Branson, MO

Travel Guide

Sight and Sound Theatres showing outdoor art, heritage architecture and a garden
Silver Dollar City featuring rides as well as a small group of people
Hughes Brothers Theatre featuring signage and a sunset
College of the Ozarks featuring a garden
Silver Dollar City showing heritage elements and interior views

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

Mount Pleasant Winery featuring interior views

Foggy River Woods

If you're spending some time in Foggy River Woods, Thousand Hills Golf Course and Castle Rock Resort and Water Park are top sights worth seeing.

Foggy River Woods
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 Branson's Promised Land Zoo.

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's Scenic Railway and Branson Landing while in the area.

Downtown Branson
Table Rock Dam showing a lake or waterhole

Skyview

If you're spending some time in Skyview, Welk Resort Branson Theatre and Table Rock Lake are top sights worth seeing.

Skyview
Dutton Family Theater which includes signage

Green Mountain

While visiting Green Mountain, you might make a stop by sights like Dutton Family Theater and Marvel Cave.

Green Mountain
Branson Theater District which includes signage

Gretna

If you're spending some time in Gretna, Aquarium at the Boardwalk and Ballparks of America are top sights worth seeing.

Gretna
Thousand Hills Resort Hotel

Thousand Hills Resort Hotel

3 out of 5
120 Wildwood Dr S Branson MO
The price is $101 total per night from Jan 1 to Jan 2
$101 total
per night
Jan 1 - Jan 2
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Branson. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (5,487 reviews)
Breakfast buffet is better than anywhere I have been in years

Reviewed on Dec 18, 2025

Thousand Hills Resort Hotel
The Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center

The Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center

2.5 out of 5
3050 Green Mountain Drive Branson MO
The price is $84 total per night from Dec 30 to Dec 31
$84 total
per night
Dec 30 - Dec 31
Stay at this hotel in Branson. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,662 reviews)
Room was clean and the setting/design of the hotel was attractive. Nice quiet location.

Reviewed on Dec 23, 2025

The Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center
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 $164 total per night from Jan 6 to Jan 7
$164 total
per night
Jan 6 - Jan 7
Book a stay at this spa resort in Branson. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,383 reviews)
The front desk person who checked us in to the hotel was excellent! We can’t say enough good things about him! The Bellman staff was great too! I had valet parking and I forgot some things in the vehicle that I needed two different times after he parked it. He was very kind about it each time! I ...

Reviewed on Dec 22, 2025

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
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Branson. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,186 reviews)
Amazing- the Misses has very high expectations and they were all exceeded. The girl that checked us in was an absolute sweetheart. We needed to have our room switched from stairs to a walk in for my wife and she worked very hard to accommodate us. Just can’t say enough good about our stay. We loved ...

Reviewed on Dec 21, 2025

Hyatt Vacation Club at The Lodges at Timber Ridge, Branson
Still Waters Resort

Still Waters Resort

4 out of 5
21 Stillwater Branson MO
Book a stay at this family-friendly condo in Branson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,491 reviews)
Excellent stay as always!

Reviewed on Dec 18, 2025

Still Waters Resort
Oak Ridge at Branson

Oak Ridge at Branson

3 out of 5
245 Jess-Jo Pkwy Branson MO
Stay at this condo in Branson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (292 reviews)
Great hotel and easy access to the strip.

Reviewed on Dec 14, 2025

Oak Ridge at Branson
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 TransportationOpens in a new window 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.

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