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 $77 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
$77
$87 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
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! (1,513 reviews)
"The parking. U had to park uphill! I mean up up hill"

Reviewed on May 29, 2024

Thousand Hills Resort Hotel
Hotel Grand Victorian
Hotel Grand Victorian
3.5 out of 5
2325 W Highway 76, Branson, MO
The price is $115 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
$115
$132 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
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! (1,194 reviews)
"We love everything about Hotel Grand Victorian. Perfect stay!"

Reviewed on May 29, 2024

Hotel Grand Victorian
Lodge Of The Ozarks
Lodge Of The Ozarks
3 out of 5
3431 W 76 Country Blvd., Branson, MO
The price is $120 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
$120
$137 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
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! (1,978 reviews)
One of the best in Branson
"We will be repeat customers."

Reviewed on May 30, 2024

Lodge Of The Ozarks
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 helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,477 reviews)
"Phenomenal hotel and amenities"

Reviewed on May 29, 2024

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 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! (3,596 reviews)
"Great resort amenities. Only issues was the carpet inside the rooms was dated and stained, definitely could use a refresh. Also, two of the three mornings we were awakened by drilling in either the units above or next to."

Reviewed on May 31, 2024

Still Waters Resort
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! (712 reviews)
"We loved the location, cottage, and pool! It was a bummer that the big pool was being redone while we were there but the kids still had a great time!"

Reviewed on May 29, 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Branson