Garland

A walkable downtown square lined with murals, chef-driven restaurants, and a giant, glowing cowboy hat. Food trails that wind through more than 20 Vietnamese kitchens, Latin taquerias, and a Tex-Med spot that doesn't exist anywhere else. A craft drink scene that now covers beer, bourbon, and everything in between. And enough green space and waterfront to make you forget you're only 20 minutes from Dallas. That's Garland, a DFW getaway for all ages, tastes, and seasons. With a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation, a calendar packed with cultural festivals, wholly unique dining, and outdoor adventures on a 22,000-acre lake, a visit to Garland works just as well for out-of-towners as it does for locals who need a break from the big city.

Hawaiian Waters Waterpark welcomes thousands of visitors each summer who come to shoot down a 65-foot slide, surf in a 16,000-square-foot wave pool, and relax on a lazy river. The million-square-foot Firewheel Town Center off Highway 78 remains a popular destination for dining, shopping, community events, and activities, not least among them Side Quest Arcade's nearly 200 all-you-can-play games. The Bass Pro Shops store on the banks of Lake Ray Hubbard is a match made in heaven, letting anglers pull their boats right up to the dock while they grab all the fishing gear they can carry. 

When it comes to fun in the sun, the lake is easily destination number one. Covering 22,000 acres just east of Garland, the lake provides a stunning venue for waterskiing, jet skiing, swimming, fishing, boating, and relaxing. There are a handful of parks on the shores of the lake perfect for setting up a picnic and letting the kids stretch their legs on the playground. Garland boasts 63 parks and places to play outdoors, including the always-popular Spring Creek Park. Those hunting for a place to run or bike need look no further than Rowlett Creek Preserve, a shady, 97-acre bit of paradise with 15 miles of trails. In addition to your Schwinn, be sure to bring your clubs as well, as Firewheel Golf Park delivers challenging play across three beautiful championship courses.

Along with all its outdoor appeal, there’s a thriving arts scene in Garland due to the efforts of the Granville Arts Center. On any given night you can catch a hysterical play by community theater group Garland Civic Theatre, a performance by the Garland Symphony Orchestra, or another riveting show in the Small Theatre. The complex includes the 1940s-era Plaza Theatre that has been refurbished to honor its classic art-deco style. It continues to serve as an eclectic spot to catch a film, live concert, or stage play. Beyond the venues, Downtown Garland Square itself has become a stage with Music Made Here, a free concert series on the first Friday of every month that's helped earn Garland its Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation.

The city's festival calendar goes deeper than you might expect. Día de los Muertos decorates the Square with traditional Mexican altars, live performances, and the crowd-favorite Catrina contest. The Asian American Heritage Festival brings lion dances, a parade, and cultural performances. And the Garland Guzzler 0.5K is exactly the kind of race where competing with a beer in your hand isn't just possible, but encouraged. 

Garland's identity as the Cowboy Hat Capital of Texas is older than most people realize, as the storied Resistol and Stetson brands have been producing hats there since the 1930s. These days, that legacy has a landmark: The Big Hat, a Texas-sized sculpture at Main and Fifth that's quickly becoming the biggest photo-op on the Square.