Cart
5 Reasons Why Garland, TX Is a Hidden Gem for Summer Vacation
By Hunter Lanier
By that third week of summer, you’ve lounged outside with a book, taken the kids to the same splash pad a few times, and maybe even enjoyed some local al fresco dining with a cold drink. All of this is nice, but you’re starting to get that itch for something different—something unique.
That’s where Garland, TX comes in. It’s a charming Texas town where you can unwind with authentic BBQ one minute and dive into an adventure the next. Just a short hop from Dallas, Garland is the place to spend a weekend this summer: affordable, exciting, and unabashedly Texan. Check out the list below for some of our very favorite ways to spend the summer in Garland!
Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery
On your first day in Garland, you might come across a scent beckoning you in the direction of Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery. It’s totally normal at this point for you to levitate as your nose pulls you in that direction.
This Garland classic is a local favorite for good reason, pairing slow-smoked barbeque—think melt-in-your-mouth brisket and ribs that peel off the bone—with beers crafted on-site. Both are made in small batches to ensure their top quality.
If you need a sunny day to go with your cold beer, head outside to Intrinsic’s patio, which even extends to the roof! You might hear some live music or walk right into one of Intrinsic’s celebrations, like Chubby Fest—an ode to their famous in-house Double IPA!
Resistol Hat Outlet Store
Tipped fashionably over the eyes, Garland proudly wears the title of Cowboy Hat Capital of Texas. And if cowboy hats had crown jewels, the Resistol Hat Outlet Store would be Garland’s. Right next to the factory that’s been creating iconic cowboy hats since 1938, this store offers a chance to purchase felt and straw hats of all shapes, sizes, and colors—and, better yet, at outlet prices!
If you’re looking to complete that head-to-toe cowboy look, the head is covered—quite literally—so now you’ve just got to worry about the to-toe part. Resistol can help you with that, as well! With a diverse selection of Western accessories on sale, Resistol is your one-stop shop for authentic Texas attire. Forget the souvenir knick-knack that’ll collect dust on the shelf. Bring yourself home an authentic piece of Texas you can wear on those special days—or any day you want to make special!
Strike + Reel
A massive entertainment complex, Strike + Reel refers to two of its most popular attractions: bowling and watching movies. Its bowling alley is state-of-the-art with light-up lanes, huge TV screens above the pins, and lane-side food service. After you get tired of winning, catch a movie in a luxury recliner! Oh, and the movie theater has food service, too. Standing in line is overrated.
Bowling and movies are just the tip of the iceberg at Strike + Reel. Under one roof, you’ll also find laser tag, a rock-climbing wall, and a full arcade. Still hungry after all that food service? Head over to the full-service restaurant that dishes out everything from gourmet burgers to craft beer.
When the summer heat has you aching for AC, Stike + Reel is the place to be for kids, teens, and adults alike.
Red, White, and You
Believe it or not, America is over 240 years old. But if you ask us, it doesn’t look a day over 200. Help America blow out its Roman candles at Garland’s annual Red, White, & You celebration, a summer centerpiece for the whole family on July 3rd! Because only the best is good enough for Independence Day, the celebration will take place in the newly revitalized Downtown Garland Square.
Look forward to live entertainment, activities and games for all ages, delicious food from local vendors, and, of course, fireworks. No matter what you do, don’t miss out on the carnival rides and the pie eating contest! And if you’re in the contest, make sure you’re enjoying them in that order, too!
But that’s not all. Stick around on the 4th for the latest show in Garland’s Music Made Here concert series, also taking place in Downtown Garland Square. Look forward to an unforgettable concert experience, delicious food from local restaurants, and an activity area just for the kiddos! This one-two punch of communal celebrations is just the thing to show off Garland’s deeply rooted sense of community and welcoming spirit.
Firewheel Golf Park
For! Oh, sorry, no need to duck. We just got a little too excited. Ahem, let’s try this again.
For the love of Jack Nicklaus, every golfer needs to tee up at least once at Firewheel Golf Park in Garland. With its sprawling complex of three entirely unique courses—each with its own difficulty, environment, and strategies—the park is a veritable golfer’s paradise. While the most high-level course is The Bridges, a 27-hole masterpiece lined with Pecan and Oak trees, some might prefer a swing at the Lakes Course, the most scenic of the three. The third course, lovingly known as Old Course, is the most popular and accessible, making it the ideal option for beginners or casual golfers.
If you’re a golfer and maybe your family isn’t, just let them know the courses are as beautiful and serene as most parks, complete with walking trails and views of Spring Creek. Summer evenings are pure magic, with cooler temps and golden sunsets that'll take the sting out of looking for that ball you sliced. Just drop a new one—everyone’s too distracted by the sunset to notice.
Why Garland Belongs on Your Summer Itinerary
The big cities are nice, but the more time you spend there, the more they feel the same. Only in towns like Garland can you experience the vibrant culture that Texas is known for.
From savoring barbecue and craft brews at Intrinsic Smokehouse to tipping a Resistol hat to Texas tradition, from family fun at Strike + Reel to celebrating freedom at Red, White & You, Garland delivers a summer vacation that’s equal parts relaxing and invigorating.
When you're ready to push aside the usual tourist traps and plan your trip to this Texas gem, Garland has a wide variety of cozy hotels just a-ready and waitin’.
About the Author: Hunter Lanier is the head writer and content specialist for Tour Texas. When he isn’t writing about the many great places in the state of Texas, he’s writing books, screenplays, and reviewing films on his YouTube channel, Feature Underground. He may or may not own an armadillo in the future.
.png)
