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

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
Thousand Hills Resort Hotel
Thousand Hills Resort Hotel
3 out of 5
120 Wildwood Dr S, Branson, MO
The price is $69 per night from May 19 to May 20
$69
$78 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 3-star golf hotel in Branson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,450 reviews)
"Property is outdated but quiet and safe. Bathroom needed a little more cleaning. Front desk staff was excellent and very pleasant. The parking lot is on an incline and while not a challenge for me, it was for many who stayed there. They could benefit from a golf cart shuttle to assist guests."

Reviewed on May 15, 2024

Thousand Hills Resort Hotel
Lodge Of The Ozarks
Lodge Of The Ozarks
3 out of 5
3431 W 76 Country Blvd., Branson, MO
The price is $113 per night from May 19 to May 20
$113
$128 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Branson. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,956 reviews)
"Very well maintained. Price was good. Breakfast was the best and location was excellent! Will stay again!"

Reviewed on May 15, 2024

Lodge Of The Ozarks
Hotel Grand Victorian
Hotel Grand Victorian
3.5 out of 5
2325 W Highway 76, Branson, MO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $100 per night from May 28 to May 29
$100
$114 total
includes taxes & fees
May 28 - May 29
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! (1,181 reviews)
"The breakfast was better than average. The canteen staff were very friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on May 16, 2024

Hotel Grand Victorian
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! (3,559 reviews)
Secluded family get away
"Reserved for a break after relocating our son to Branson area for the summer. Our suite was perfect for my husband and me to relax. We had a lake view,the king bed was comfortable and area was quiet. Only drawback, kitchen is equiped with pots, pans, plates, etc. No paper towels and only 1 dish towel/kitchen ..."

Reviewed on May 15, 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! (1,469 reviews)
"The room was in excellent condition and clean! Although,I have only one complaint…there was a considerable amount of squirrel dung on the patio porch. In the morning I swept up the dung, went out for activities and when we returned home for the evening there was just as much dung and it was accompanied ..."

Reviewed on May 14, 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 pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (687 reviews)
"Beautifully decorated, tons of space for our family. Beautiful grounds"

Reviewed on May 13, 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.

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