Things to do in Bandera, Texas (with kids or without)

Last updated on November 26, 2024

With the incredible title of “Cowboy Capital of the World”, you know Bandera Texas is going to be something special. But what to expect? And what to do in Bandera? I had no idea before I arrived. I didn’t even know cowboys still existed! In my mind, they were a thing of the past. But nope, in Bandera, cowboy culture is thriving – and it’s not just a show for tourists. This is genuine day-to-day life. And it’s one of the most charming and culturally interesting places I’ve been to in the USA. 

Visiting Bandera feels like stepping back in time, or into a scene from a classic Western. A place where people ride horses to the bar and where the general store still has a classic soda fountain. It’s a gateway to the Old West and a chance to experience a slice of history. 

This Bandera travel guide is here to help you get the most out of your stay, including ideas for where to stay and eat, and our favourite things to do in Bandera to experience the cowboy life. Because the hotels and restaurants are all part of the genuine Bandera experience, I’m rolling everything into one big list. It’s your guide to the best things to do in Bandera to experience the Cowboy Capital of the World in all its glory.

Also see our guide to San Antonio, Texas.

Our trip to San Antonio was part of a hosted media trip with Visit San Antonio and Travel Texas. Our accommodation, activities and most meals were provided by the hosts. But, as always, all opinions are my own. If I don’t think something’s worth sharing, I don’t write about it.

Things to do in Bandera, Texas

Steak Night at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar

Despite being vegetarian, this was one of my favourite experiences in Bandera and all of Texas. I was sold as soon as I saw the horses tied up outside the bar in place of cars. Yep, that’s right, people are actually riding their horses to the bar here. And, even better, they asked us if we did the same in Bristol. If only!

The 11th Street Cowboy Bar is worth a visit any time, but the best day to go is Wednesday when it hosts its famous steak night—a beloved Bandera tradition where you can bring your own steak to grill. They provide the potato and salad and you bring the meat. As veggies, we just had the potato and salad, which was plenty to be honest. 

The evening starts around 6pm and it’s a family-friendly event. The kids loved the whole atmosphere, and it was brilliant experience for them. I imagine it might get a more rowdy as the night goes on, so best to get there early.

As well as the communal grill, there’s also live music and dancing – it’s a great place to see some classic two-step in action. I was enthralled by the whole scene, and it was one of my favourite – and most Texan – nights on our road trip. 

Another good bar in Bandera – albeit not a family-friendly one – is Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar, a classic dive bar where country legends have performed.

Get an ice cream sundae at the Bandera General Store

Step back in time at the Bandera General Store, where a vintage soda fountain serves up classic ice cream sundaes and milkshakes. I went for a full banana split, which was the height of indulgence and worth every bite. 

The kids loved the sweet treats, and I was obsessed by the retro charm of the old-fashioned counter. It’s a must-see in Bandera.

The General Store is also a good place to pick up gifts, and they have a good selection of second hand cowboy boots. You might have spotted Otis wearing a pair in our Texas photos and videos, and this is where we bought them.

Stay at a Ranch

For a true taste of the cowboy lifestyle, spend the night at one of Bandera’s charming ranches. We stayed at the Flying L Ranch where the Head of Entertainment, Buck, really made our stay. In fact, he’s one of our kids’ favourite things about Texas, and they love telling people how they met a “real cowboy’.

Buck does hayrides around the ranch, stopping to feed animals along the way, and visiting a little ghost town. The kids loved it so much, they did it twice. And then in the evenings, Buck hosts campfires where you can roast s’mores and listen to his live music. It’s Texan hospitality at its best.

Other ranches in the area include the Mayan Dude Ranch and Silver Spur Ranch (but they don’t have Buck!).

Eat at the Old Spanish Trail (O.S.T.) Restaurant

The O.S.T. Restaurant is a Bandera institution, serving up hearty Texan classics in a cowboy-themed setting. Known for its generous portions, it’s a great spot to fuel up before a day of exploring. The pancakes are massive! We also had migas, which were delicious and a good option for veggies.

Buck told us the O.S.T. is popular even with locals, and we could see that when we visited. It’s a perfect place to soak up the old Bandera ambience.

We also ate well at TJ’s at the Old Forge where they do a good veggie burger. The atmosphere was family-friendly and lively, especially during the weekly quiz!

Ride with cowboys at a Dude Ranch

Going for a horse ride with cowboys was another of our favourite things to do in Bandera. I felt like I’d been transported into the scene of an old Western movie, riding through that familiar landscape. 

We did an hour-long ride, led by cowboys at the Dixie Dude Ranch, which is a wonderfully atmospheric place, and would also be a great place to stay. I rode with Arlo and Steve with Otis, which was perfect as they were too nervous to ride their own horse.

Float or paddle on the Medina River

We didn’t have time to do this, but the gentle waters of the Medina River are popular for tubing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Rentals are available locally, and floating down the river is a quintessential Hill Country experience, especially in the summer when you need to beat that Texan heat.

Go for a hike in the Hill Country State Natural Area

Just outside Bandera, the Hill Country State Natural Area has miles of trails perfect for hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking. The scenic views of rolling hills and wildflowers make it a peaceful escape into nature and an iconic Hill Country scene.

Explore the frontier and step back in time at Bandera’s museums

There are two fun museums in Bandera for exploring its history and culture. The Frontier Times Museum is a treasure trove of Old West memorabilia and oddities collected by early Bandera residents. From cowboy gear to unique artifacts, it’s a quirky place to explore.

The Bandera Natural History Museum combines history and natural science, with lifelike dinosaur sculptures outside and exhibits on prehistoric creatures and the Texas frontier. There are hands-on activities, like fossil digging, for kids.

Go Stargazing under the Big Texas Sky

Bandera’s location, away from big-city lights, makes it an excellent spot for stargazing. Head to the Hill Country State Natural Area or simply step outside your accommodation to see the sky light up with stars. Some dude ranches even offer stargazing programs, complete with telescopes and guides to help you find constellations. Our city boys couldn’t believe the amount of stars in Texas!

Shop for Western souvenirs

With its unique charm, Bandera is a brilliant place for souvenirs, and there are loads of options – from cowboy hats to spurs – to bring home a piece of cowboy country. 

I’ve already mentioned the General Store (where we got Otis’ cowboy boot), but other good places to shop include Western Trail Antiques and SB Western Silver and Knives. We also loved the Texas Salt Company where they have some incredible salt flavours, including a smoky cowboy option!

Catch a Rodeo or Cowboy Event

If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with one of Bandera’s famous rodeos or cowboy festivals. The Bandera ProRodeo and Cowboy Mardi Gras are just a couple of the events that showcase the town’s lively spirit. Lots of the ranches also hold events throughout the year, so check the programme ahead of time. 

Map of things to do in Bandera

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