Head to the River or Lake: Up north, people pack a winter survival kit with blankets, water, and food in case they get caught in a snowstorm. Here, we keep a summer fun kit in the car—towels, river shoes, sunscreen, a swimsuit, and an ice chest—ready for a spontaneous dip at a riverside park or an impromptu tubing or kayaking adventure. And don’t forget to keep the fishing pole handy too!
Get Star Struck: Sit beneath the stars and experience nature’s spectacular light show. Lost Maples State Natural Area, designated as an official dark sky area, offers unobstructed views with no man-made lights to diminish the brilliance above. Prepare to be amazed by just how big and bright the stars truly shine in this remarkable setting.
You Scream, We Scream, We all Scream for Ice Cream: Indulge in a classic treat with an old-fashioned ice cream cone, sundae, float, shake, or a decadent banana split. Or try the unique apple ice cream at the Apple Store—don’t forget to add the apple cider sauce for an extra-special touch!
Toe-tap or Two-Step: Bandera's music scene is alive and thriving. Whether you’re toe-tapping to classic cowboy tunes, enjoying original songs by local songwriters, or two-stepping the night away, you’ll find live performances every night of the week at venues around town. Check the weekly calendar for times and locations.
Giddy-Up Go: Grab your cowboy hat, saddle up, and explore the Hill Country the true cowboy way. With a bit of imagination, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time. Don’t have your own horse? No worries—local outfitters offer rides for all experience levels, from beginner to advanced, with options ranging from one-hour outings to full-day adventures.
Take at a Scenic Drive: Whether you’re on two wheels or four, you’ll be captivated by the winding hills, dips, and panoramic beauty along the way. Experience over 200 miles of twists, turns, and sweeping vistas under Texas’ vast skies. The Texas 8 route features the famous Twisted Sisters and more offering an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes.
Get Lost in History: Discover the past at one of our local museums. Walk with dinosaurs, dig for fossils, and marvel at over 100 animal exhibits from around the world, set in beautifully hand-painted dioramas at the Bandera Natural History Museum. Step into the Stalls of Fame to honor Bandera’s rodeo legends, explore the Texas Heroes Hall of Honor, and encounter global curiosities at the Frontier Times Museum. Or, trace the fascinating evolution of motorcycles at the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum.
Whoop and Holler: Root for your favorite cowboys and cowgirls at the summer rodeos! The season kicks off right after Memorial Day and keeps the excitement going through July.