The Best Things to Do in Bryan, Texas, Deep in the Heart of the Brazos Valley
It's easy to choose your own adventure in Bryan, Texas, located just three hours from every major Texas city.
You have probably heard of the mysterious Bermuda Triangle, but the Texas Triangle might be an even bigger enigma to those unfamiliar with the city of Bryan, its epicenter. So, what exactly is this Lone Star polygon? Draw a line from Dallas-Fort Worth to San Antonio in the South, then Houston to the east, and back to DFW and you’ve got yourself one large triangle that also includes Austin within its borders. You can reach Bryan in less than three hours from any of Texas’ four largest metro areas.
All that geographical geometry (or geometrical geography?) means that Bryan should be on your radar as a vacation destination beyond the occasional Texas A&M graduation ceremony. Because of A&M, Bryan has evolved into a uniquely cosmopolitan city in the heart of Texas, but it’s still surrounded by the rural Brazos Valley and outstanding farmland—which means the produce and wine are top notch. And with more than 200 days of sunshine per year, you can enjoy Bryan’s outdoor activities year-round.
These itineraries detail different ways to experience Bryan and make the most of your time there. Whether you’re a food and wine fanatic or just looking to embrace its small-town charms, you’ll find plenty of unexpected treasures.
Don’t leave Bryan until you...
See:A movie at The Queen Theatre. This beautifully maintained film palace opened in 1939, and still delivers history while catering to modern audiences with reclining leather seats, in-theatre dining, and on-demand cocktails, beer, and wine. The theater screens both brand-new blockbusters and classic movies.
Touch:George the Giraffe. Aggieland Safari offers several zookeeper-led experiences in which you can feed and interact with a variety of creatures, including George and his girlfriend, Mala, as well as pigs, goats, llamas, and capybaras.
Smell:Delightful aromas galore at Old Bryan Marketplace. Check out the unique square-shaped Texas General Square Candles, or sniff your way around this historic 1908 building while browsing tons of decorative items, pantry staples, bedding, and apparel in a charming, 22,000-square-foot one-stop shop.
Hear:Live music at the Grand Stafford Theatre. Step inside a 1910s building for some toe-tapping local tunes. That’s something you’ll find all over Bryan, which was officially designated a Music Friendly Texas Community by the governor’s office.
Taste:Tons of tacos along the Bryan Texas Taco Trail. It would be impossible to sample all 45 eateries and counting along the Bryan Texas Taco Trail on a single trip—unless you consider that a challenge. And we’re all for that line of thinking.
Things to do for the food-minded traveler
With so many nationalities represented in Bryan alongside strong Texas traditions, the city boasts an incredibly diverse food scene—it’s more than worth the easy road trip on its own. And you’ll need more than a day to explore all the town has to offer, like the Bryan Texas Taco Trail, iconic Central Texas barbecue, fine dining destinations, hand-tossed pizzas and fresh bagels like it’s the sixth borough, spicy Cajun gumbo and hearty po-boys, and comforting soul food.
Read on for options by time of day, then schedule your meals accordingly. And you might want to incorporate some of the active ideas from the subsequent itineraries so you’ll be able to work up an appetite for your next bite.
Early Morning - Sip coffee at a local spot.
Start your day on a positive note with a jolt of caffeine in a handcrafted beverage at Polite Coffee Roasters. It’s located inside the historic Kyle House, the home of Edwin Kyle, one of Bryan’s most prominent figures in the early 20th century.
Morning - Enjoy breakfast or brunch at a top restaurant.
Start your journey along the Bryan Texas Taco Trail early with a visit to Jesse's Taqueria & Bakery. Plentiful options await at breakfast, including eggs a la Mexicana, carne guisada, and chorizo and egg tacos. Try a hearty bagel sandwich to rival the best you’d find in Manhattan with a visit to Zeitman’s Grocery Store. Or, if you’re a late riser, kick the day off with a fresh squeezed juice and a Sofia’s Concha (a pan dulce breakfast sandwich with bacon and eggs) during everyday brunch at Frida's Kitchen + Bar.
Mid-Morning - Sample the local produce at the Farmer’s Market in Historic Downtown Bryan.
If your visit falls over a Saturday, rack up some steps walking around this popular market where you can hunt and gather a variety of fresh produce and meat, along with packaged items such as jams and sauces to take home.
Afternoon - Grab a quick lunch between non-eating activities.
Continue along the Bryan Texas Taco Trail with a progressive lunch between a couple of taquerias. Try the birria at Don Chente Mexican & Seafood Restaurant, then an al pastor taco off the trompo at Taqueria Poblano, followed by a Cubano taco at Proudest Monkey. Add some Cajun spice to your day with a hearty bowl of gumbo at The Remnant of Nawlins, oxtails and other soul food classics at Shannon’s Cafe, or get lost in the meats at Martin’s Place, a brick pit BBQ joint celebrating 100 years in business.
Mid-Afternoon - Go wine tasting at Messina Hoff Estate Winery.
Tour the vineyard, learn how winemakers master their craft, and taste your way through a flight of options. You can even stomp grapes during their summer Harvest Festival or visit in springtime for the Wine & Roses Festival, which celebrates their new wine releases. Both are worth scheduling your Bryan trip around.
Evening - Eat a local farm-to-table dinner or go international.
After a long day of exploring and eating, save room for an incredible dinner at one of Bryan’s most notable restaurants. Plan your visit during a full moon and dine under the night sky at a full moon dinner at Ronin Farm & Restaurant, a true farm-to-table experience where the menu changes daily. Dinner at Elia Cafe Tapas Bar brings a taste of Spain to historic downtown Bryan.
Late Night - Have a nightcap with Texas spirit.
Sip on a handcrafted cocktail at the speakeasy-style Boiler Room at the LaSalle Hotel. Grab an ice-cold beer at Blackwater Draw. Or choose a neat pour or tasting at a local distillery, Hush & Whisper, which also offers tours.
Things to do for a quintessential Texas experience
Fewer than 100,000 residents call Bryan home, meaning visitors get the charm of a small town with the perks of a larger metro area, when you include neighboring College Station and Texas A&M University. Bryan offers abundant options for those looking to slow their pace while connecting with nature across the Brazos Valley landscape.
Bryan offers a gorgeous change of scenery from our state’s bigger cities, particularly during wildflower season when the flatlands, rolling hills, and lakeside meadows burst to life in vivid technicolor. Hike, bike, sail, or ride a horse across the region, then get yourself a new cowboy hat before a night of line dancing in a honky tonk.
Keep reading to learn how to make the most of Bryan’s endearing small-town vibes, crafting a full day or weekend of uniquely Bryan, totally Texas experiences.
Morning - Purchasea custom hat made at Catalena Hatters.
The doors open at 9 am, so begin your Bryan experience with a new cowboy hat tailored to your exact specifications, from color and brim length to decorative hat bands. You can also purchase hats right off the shelf if you can’t wait to hit the town sporting new headwear.
Mid-Morning - Get the blood pumping with a walk, run, or cycle.
Lake Walk features more than three miles of trails, as well as outdoor yoga and other classes throughout the year as part of its wellness activities. You can rent a bike and cycle around the 1.3-square-mile Lake Bryan, which is also an ideal spot for paddleboarding, sailing, fishing, rowing, and wakeboarding.
Noon - Complete your country-western ensemble with a pair of boots.
Find great prices on boots at La Norteñita, a quirky spot selling western wear and tacos, so you can cross lunch off the list, too. If you want custom boots, head to neighboring College Station for an expert fitting at the local Lucchese Bootmaker outpost.
Early Afternoon - Browse the local scenery on horseback.
Learn to ride a horse from an equestrian professional. Book time at On the Bit Farm with their training horse or pony, or one of the ranch-raised, super-calm horses from Royal Legend. If you’ve already purchased your hat, the perfect photo op awaits.
Late Afternoon - Shop and stroll Historic Downtown Bryan.
Visit the first weekend of any month and you’ll be part of the district’s First Friday celebrations. Any other time, browse through several fun and quirky boutiques, galleries, and shops offering a variety of goods, alongside restaurants and bars for a multi-hour destination.
After Sunset - Go two-stepping at Cadillac Ranch Bar & Grill.
Get a double-dose of Bryan, Texas charm with a night of line dancing, two-stepping, and boot scootin’ on the shores of Lake Bryan. With a food menu and full bar, you can make a whole night of it.
Things to do for history and culture lovers
The city of Bryan bursts with history and culture more than 200 years in the making. The area was settled in the early 1800s by members of Stephen F. Austin’s colony, and it was named after Austin’s nephew, William Joel Bryan, when it was incorporated in 1871.
There is a presidential library in town, a historic movie theater still shows hits, murals and public art populate the streets, and live music provides a soundtrack to daily life all over town.
For a healthy dose of art, culture, and historical significance, check out the following itinerary. You might learn a thing or two before you even visit.
Morning - Travel back in time with a self-guided history tour.
Sign up for a free Bryan, Texas History Tour at the Destination Bryan website then plan out your day. Visit the Brazos Valley African American Museum, the Carnegie History Center, plus historically significant mansions, hotels, houses of worship, and other buildings. Schedule your final stop at Martin’s Place BBQ, which has a delicious history of serving smoked meats for 100 years. And plan some time during your stay to visit the Brazos Valley Natural History Museum for a glimpse into the past couple of million years of these lands.
Afternoon - Take an art class at DeGallery Art Studio.
Kids and adults alike can partake in a little creative expression with art classes and workshops offered in the afternoons and evenings. Try your hand at figure painting, watercolors, knitting, crochet, and fashion design.
Late Afternoon - Get presidential with one of Texas' own.
The first President Bush loved this part of Texas so much that he chose it as the home for his George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Sit behind the iconic desk in a replica Oval Office for a terrific photo, read a speech from the teleprompter in a replica press room, browse through documents, and experience a variety of artifacts from his and First Lady Barbara Bush’s years in office.
Evening - Catch a movie at The Queen Theatre.
Depending when you’re in town, this gorgeous theater might be showing a brand-new blockbuster movie or a classic film. Dine in the comfort of your theater seat, then visit the Crown Bar above the theater for an après-show cocktail.
Where to stay
The LaSalle Hotel $$$
The building was built in 1928, and it still operates as a 50-room, five-suite hotel, updated with luxurious amenities and a modern Texas vibe.
The Milton Parker Estate Bed & Breakfast $$$
This circa-1885 Victorian mansion-turned-bed and breakfast exudes history, across five antique-filled bedrooms with private ensuite bathrooms. If you’re traveling with a larger group, the 1400-square-foot cottage that was once the home’s detached kitchen is also available, with four bedrooms and two baths. Breakfast each morning rounds out the experience.
The Stella Hotel $$$
This 176-room hotel has enough activities and amenities to keep even the most discerning traveler busy and happy from check in to checkout. Guests can borrow bicycles and paddleboards to explore Lake Atlas, and the property also features two outdoor pools, four dining outlets, summer stargazing programs, and a live music series on select nights throughout the year.
The Villa B&B $$$
Tucked away on the Mesina Hoff Winery & Resort property, the Villa B&B makes for an ideal home base for wine lovers. There’s charm to spare across 11 different themed rooms, many of which feature either private patios or balconies with lake views, oversized soaking tubs, and complimentary wine tasting and cheese boards at the winery’s tasting room.
What to know before you go
When to plan your visit
Fall and spring offer the most temperate weather, while summers can run triple-digit hot. Winters are a mixed bag, but tend to be much milder than most places in the U.S., with very little snow or ice. Pack plenty of sunscreen regardless of the time of year, because the sun can be intense. Bryan is an easy city for drivers, but it’s also great for bikes, and the downtown historic district is perfectly walkable.
Dos and don’ts when visiting Bryan
Do: Prepare to be casual. This isn’t a place you need to dress up to have a good time, so roll with the laidback atmosphere. Of course, bring your cowboy boots and jeans if you really want to fit in.
Your fun Bryan dinner party fact
Actor Raini Rodriguez, known for her role as Maya Blart in the two Paul Blart: Mall Cop movies, was born in Bryan, Texas.