10 Fun Things To Do In And Around Lubbock, Texas
Looking for easy, fun things to do in West Texas? Lubbock, in
Lubbock County, Texas, is more than cotton fields and Texas Tech football. It’s a friendly college town with live music, great food, quirky museums, and big West Texas skies that seem to go on forever.
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, a family visit, or a quick stop on a Texas road trip, this guide covers
10 things to do in Lubbock, TX that locals actually enjoy too.
1. Walk Through Music History at the Buddy Holly Center
If you know anything about Lubbock, you’ve probably heard of
Buddy Holly. He was born here, and the city is proud of it.
At the
Buddy Holly Center in downtown Lubbock, you can:
- See Buddy Holly’s famous black-framed glasses
- Check out guitars, records, and handwritten notes
- Learn about early rock ’n’ roll history
- Explore rotating art and music exhibits
Out front, you’ll spot a huge pair of black glasses – one of the most
Instagram-worthy spots in town. Even if you’re not a huge music buff, the center is small, easy to walk through, and full of cool details.
2. Take a Selfie with the Buddy Holly Statue & West Texas Walk of Fame
Right across the street from the Buddy Holly Center is the
Buddy Holly statue and the
West Texas Walk of Fame. This is a quick but fun stop.
You can:
- Snap a photo with the life-size bronze Buddy Holly
- Walk around and read the plaques of other West Texas musicians
- Relax in the small plaza and enjoy the Texas sunshine
It doesn’t take long to visit, so it pairs perfectly with your time at the Buddy Holly Center. If you’re traveling with kids or teens, this is an easy way to break up the day.
3. Explore Texas Tech University & the Public Art Trail
Texas Tech isn’t just a college campus. It’s basically a small city inside Lubbock, and it’s gorgeous.
The
Texas Tech Public Art Collection has been ranked among the best in the country. Scattered all over campus, you’ll find more than a hundred pieces of art, from giant metal sculptures to modern installations.
Some ideas:
- Take a slow walk around Memorial Circle and the main campus
- Look for the famous “Riding into the Sunset” Will Rogers and Soapsuds statue
- Download a campus art map and do your own DIY art tour
If you visit in the fall, you might catch a
Texas Tech Red Raiders football game. Picture a packed stadium, people in red and black, and the masked rider on horseback charging across the field. Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, the energy is hard to forget.
4. Sip Your Way Along the Lubbock Wine Trail
Yes, you read that right:
West Texas wine is a thing. The Lubbock area has rich soil and lots of sunshine, which makes it surprisingly good for growing grapes.
Some popular Lubbock-area wineries and tasting rooms include:
- McPherson Cellars – In a former Coca-Cola bottling plant near downtown; urban, stylish, and easy to get to.
- Llano Estacado Winery – One of the best-known Texas wineries; you can tour the facilities and taste a wide range of wines.
- English Newsom Cellars – Often hosts live music, food trucks, and events.
If you enjoy trying local flavors when you travel, the
Lubbock wine scene is a fun surprise. Grab a glass of Texas red or a chilled white, sit outside, and enjoy that big West Texas sky.
5. Step Back in Time at the National Ranching Heritage Center
If you’ve ever wondered what ranch life was really like back in the day, this place brings it to life.
The
National Ranching Heritage Center, located on the Texas Tech campus, is an outdoor museum with more than 50 historic ranch buildings, some from the 1700s and 1800s. They were moved here from all over the Southwest.
You can:
- Walk through old ranch houses, barns, and a train depot
- See how cowboys and ranch families lived with no AC, no Wi-Fi, and no modern comforts
- Learn about cattle drives and the history of ranching in Texas
The outdoor paths are easy to walk, and it’s a great spot for families. In cooler months, it’s especially nice for an afternoon stroll.
6. Discover Dinosaurs and More at the Museum of Texas Tech University
If you’re looking for
things to do with kids in Lubbock or just want a low-key indoor stop, the
Museum of Texas Tech University is a solid choice.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Dinosaur skeletons and fossils from the region
- Natural history exhibits with animals and plants
- Art and cultural displays
- Special rotating exhibits that change throughout the year
The museum is large enough to be interesting but not so big that it’s overwhelming. It’s also a good backup plan if the West Texas weather decides to be extra windy or stormy.
7. Experience Wind, Planes, and Science at Lubbock’s Unique Museums
Lubbock has a few smaller, niche museums that are worth checking out if you have extra time:
- American Windmill Museum – One of the largest collections of windmills in the world. You’ll see everything from tiny decorative mills to towering giants that once pumped water on remote ranches. It’s oddly charming and very “West Texas.”
- Silent Wings Museum – Focused on World War II glider pilots. If you’re into military history or aircraft, this is a hidden gem with well-done displays and a restored glider.
These spots are great if you like to dig a little deeper into local history and technology. Plus, they’re usually less crowded than some of the bigger attractions.
8. Catch Live Music & Nightlife in the Depot District
Lubbock is known as the
“Live Music Capital of West Texas.” A lot of that energy lives in the
Depot Entertainment District, right near downtown.
Here, you’ll find:
- Bars and clubs with live bands
- Laid-back pubs where you can listen to Texas country or rock
- Restaurants and patios perfect for a night out
If you like discovering up-and-coming artists before they’re big, Lubbock is a great place to do it. Many Texas singer-songwriters started out playing small stages here.
Tip: Ask locals or your hotel front desk who’s playing that night. That’s usually how you find the best shows.
9. Enjoy West Texas Nature at Parks, Lakes, and Canyon Views
You might picture Lubbock as flat, but the region has its own kind of rugged beauty.
A few ideas to get outside:
- Mackenzie Park – One of Lubbock’s largest parks. It has walking trails, disc golf, and green space along the canyon-like Yellowhouse Draw area.
- Prairie Dog Town – Inside Mackenzie Park, this is a fun, quick stop. You can watch prairie dogs pop in and out of their burrows. Kids usually love this.
- Buffalo Springs Lake – Just east of Lubbock in Lubbock County. It offers camping, swimming, boating, and simple water views. On a hot Texas afternoon, it’s a nice escape.
If you’re used to forests and mountains, West Texas may feel different at first. But there’s something peaceful about the open spaces and huge sunsets.
10. Taste Lubbock: BBQ, Tex-Mex, and Local Favorites
No list of
things to do in Lubbock, Texas is complete without talking about food.
In Lubbock, you’ll find:
- Texas BBQ – Slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and sausage. Don’t be afraid of a little line; it usually means the place is good.
- Tex-Mex – Think cheesy enchiladas, fajitas, chips and salsa, and big plates that fill you up.
- Local diners and burger joints – Great for a casual lunch between stops.
Part of the fun is just asking around. Ask a local, “Where do you go for barbecue?” or “What’s your favorite taco spot?” You’ll often get passionate answers – and usually some very good meals.
Planning Your Lubbock Trip
Here are a few quick tips to make your visit smoother:
- Getting around: Lubbock is pretty spread out, so having a car makes things easier.
- Weather: Summers can be hot, and it can get windy any time of year. Pack layers, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Time of year: Fall is fun for Texas Tech sports and cooler temperatures. Spring can be nice for winery visits and outdoor exploring.
If you plan ahead just a little, you can easily fit several of these activities into a weekend trip.
Final Thoughts: Why Lubbock Is Worth a Stop
Lubbock may not always be the first city people think of when they plan a Texas vacation, but that’s part of its charm. It feels real, friendly, and unpolished in the best way.
You can walk through music history, wander a quiet ranching village, sip Texas wine, watch prairie dogs, and end the night with live music under bright stars. That’s a pretty memorable mix for one West Texas town.
Share Your Lubbock Favorites
Have you been to
Lubbock, TX or anywhere in
Lubbock County?
- Which attraction surprised you the most?
- Do you have a favorite BBQ place, winery, or live music spot?
Drop your tips and stories in the comments so other travelers can discover new things to do in Lubbock. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend, save it for your next Texas road trip, or post it on your social media so more people can see what Lubbock has to offer.
Comments
Post a Comment