Historic ranching museums. Passionate college football fans. Texas, through and through.
Lubbock, Texas is not just any city in Northwest Texas, but one with an incredible community, a history of agriculture that has impacted all of the US, and an innovative player in the worldwide music scene (as well as being one of the best places to visit in Texas).
Here, you’ll find Texas Tech, one of the country’s best universities, as well as the football team, the Raiders, that inspire generations of family to turn out to the football games every weekend during the season.
Famous residents include Buddy Holly, of Rock n’Roll fame, and today’s music scene and cultural district are still going strong.
It’s a place where you’ll find new friends just as easily as old ones, a place where sitting at the bar drinking into the evening is still a way of life, and a place that cares deeply about the history of the plains, the cowboys, and what it really means to be Texan.
Whether you’re coming to Lubbock for a few days or you live here, this is the guide to the best things to do in Lubbock, Texas, so you can plan your time wisely and check out all that this Texas city has to offer.
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Want more things to do in Lubbock? Check out these expert guides!
- 7 Awesome Things to Do in Lubbock at Christmas
- 19 Original Things to Do in Lubbock, Texas at Night
- 17 Things to Do in Lubbock, Texas with Kids
- 13 Fantastic Free Things to Do in Lubbock
- 11 Original Date Ideas in Lubbock
- 17 Incredible Outdoor Things to Do in Lubbock, Texas
How to get around Lubbock
Like most of Texas, the best way to get around Lubbock is to explore on your own by car!
If you’re visiting and need to rent a car, we highly recommend Discover Cars where they find you the best car rental deals from all of the competitors (has saved us so much money!).
Where to stay in Lubbock
From renovated VRBOS to boutique hotels, here are the best places to stay in Lubbock on every budget!
- ($) SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western – if you want somewhere clean and cheerful to rest your head, the SureStay Plus Hotel in Lubbock will make sure you can see Lubbock without the hefty price tag. Enjoy the pool (a portion of it is in the shade at all times, so you won’t get too burned if you don’t want), or spend time in the large rooms when you’re deciding what to do that day! Click here to check prices and read reviews.
- ($$) Ashmore Inn and Suites Lubbock – with convenient access to shops and restaurants, the Ashmore Inn and Suites are a great place for a short Lubbock stay. Bring your furry friends as they do allow dogs, and while the building could do with a few updates, it’s clean with a welcoming staff. What more could you want? Click here to check prices and read reviews.
- ($$$) Aloft Lubbock – for a colorful, trendy hotel in Lubbock, Aloft Lubbock is your place. It’s extremely modern and well-designed, perfect for families, and the shared spaces like the pool table and indoor swimming pool make for a very comfortable stay in Lubbock. Click here to read prices and read views.
1. Visit the Buddy Holly Center
It’s first on the list because it’s arguably the most famous attraction in Lubbock, and for good reason.
This collection of Buddy Holly artifacts celebrates this important man who paved the way for Rock n’Roll.
Lubbock, in general, has played an important part in the history of music and they celebrate that here with exhibits featuring Holly’s belongings from his childhood and profesional career, as well as the Buddy Holly sculpture outside and the photo op with a giant pair of his glasses.
You’ll also find the Texas Musician Hall of fame and the Lubbock Fine Arts Gallery here, with more exhibits on the arts and music in Lubbock.
Whether you’re a music fan or you just want to learn more about the history of Lubbock, this is the place.
2. Let loose at Adventure Park
Whether you want to dart around playing laser tag, try your hand at the go-karts, or go soaring on a zipline and ropes course, Adventure Park in Lubbock is the place for you.
This is truly a kid’s dream come true when it comes to spending time in Lubbock, as they have everything from mini golf to obstacles courses to try out.
There’s a rock climbing wall for those not afraid of heights, as well as an incredible playground that they could spend hours on.
For the video game lovers, there’s an arcade and gameroom too.
Let the kids enjoy this interactive gaming experience with each other, or get involved and get the whole family laughing and running your way through the attractions.
3. Explore the FiberMax Center for Discovery
Want to teach your kids about the history of farming in the US, but don’t want to bore them for hours?
The FiberMax Center for Discovery is for you!
This museum is totally hands-on and can help inspire the kids to understand the important of American agriculture by letting them driving a harvesting simulator or climbing on the truck-themed play area.
There are plenty of tractors, farm equipment, and other agriculture artifacts to see up close, and it’s truly the interactive nature of this museum that makes it a home run for kids.
4. Find the thrills at Joyland Amusement Park
Open in the warmer months, Joyland Amusement Park is one of the best things to do in Lubbock with kids.
From kid-friendly rollercoasters (even ones that the smallest of kids can go on as their first “rollercoaster”) to carnival games and more teenage-friendly rides like a Drop Tower, everyone will find something to love here.
Spend the day riding the rides, trying to win the stuffed animals at the carnival, or just wandering around with snacks experiencing a classic amusement park atmosphere.
Enjoy bonding time with your kids as you take to the skies on the “Skyride” which gives you a birds-eye view of the park.
5. Stand in awe at the Silent Wings Museum
While the Silent Wings Museum is also great for adults, this World War II museum featuring the military gliders is also fantastic for kids.
Housed in what used to be the Lubbock airport, this museum has models of the gliders and life-size military history replicas which will leave any child in awe.
It’s not a boring museum with a bunch of long plaques to read with glass cases, but a truly immersive experience that allows you to see the gliders hung from the ceilings towering above you as well as get up close and personal to other World War II artifacts on display.
This would be best for elementary aged and teenaged children in Lubbock.
6. Discover Prairie Dog Town
Prairie Dog Town is exactly what it sounds like: a town of prairie dogs!
Well, not a town, exactly, but a wonderful part of Mackenzie Park that is also home to prairie dogs.
These adorable critters have been around in Lubbock since the 1930s.
You can bring a little something to feed them if you want (something like salad or carrots is your best bet), or you can just use them as free entertainment as you stand back and observe their hilarious behaviors and heads popping in and out.
It’s a great thing to do in Lubbock with kids, and it’s totally free so you can swing by without spending any money and just focusing on enjoying your day.
7. Get artistic at Board and Brush
Want to start getting your craft on in Lubbock at night?
If you fancy yourself an artist, or even if you don’t, Board and Brush is a great way to learn some woodworking skills as you work on your very own woodworking project, including decoration!
You can make everything from signs for the front porch to interior decor, and an expert will help guide you through the entire process.
There are plenty of public workshops you can book yourself onto, or if you really want a fun Lubbock night out, get a group together and book a private evening workshop.
8. Marvel at the American Windmill Museum
Windmills have been an important part of the Plains, and this American Windmill Museum celebrates windmill history!
There’s a fantastic outdoor section where you can see windmills working in action, and then inside you’ll find more windmill artifacts and information about the different types and how they’re used.
American wind power is celebrated here with over 160 windmills, and while it’s definitely a niche museum, it’s a fascinating one and a must-visit!
9. Check out the Museum of Texas Tech University
Another free museum in Lubbock is the Museum of Texas Tech University, a wonderful museum that helps explain the history of Lubbock and of what life was like on the Plains.
Check out the ice age exhibit to learn more about the way back history of Lubbock and to see what used to roam the plains (hint: mammoths and saber-toothed tigers may have been here!)
There are also fascinating galleries of Native American pottery in the Gallery of the Southwest Indian Art, as well as Western art in the Diamond gallery.
10. Enjoy cajun food at Jazz A Louisiana Kitchen Lubbock
From blackened fish to BBQ chicken, creole food comes to life at the Jazz A Louisiana Kitchen in Lubbock.
It’s a much-loved Lubbock restaurant that offers a wide menu with the best cajun options, as well as some options for those who shy away from the spice.
The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and you’ll feel instantly relaxed as you spend your evening in Lubbock sipping on cocktails and indulging in the shrimp fettuccine.
11. Wander the Lubbock Memorial Arboretum
If you’re outdoor lovers, there’s nothing better to do in Lubbock on a date than the Lubbock Memorial Arboretum.
With over 90 acres to explore, this can be a full day out in Lubbock if you want it to be, or stop by for an hour or so to walk along the paths lined with trees, flowers, native plants, and a variety of wildlife.
A one mile trail makes it easy to get some steps in as well, and the arboretum is actually within a larger park, K.N. Clapp Park.
Stroll hand-in-hand through the Heritage Rose Garden when the roses are in bloom (don’t forget to smell them!) and make sure you spend some time in the Sensory Garden where you can experience the beauty of nature with all of your senses.
If you want to be able to talk and get to know each other without the hustle and bustle and distractions of noisy places, this is a great place for more peaceful date ideas!
12. Unwind at Caprock Cafe
Want a night out at the bar?
Head to Caprock Cafe, where you’ll get served incredible burgers, a fantastic beer selection and a friendly welcome.
You’ll find it on 34th street, which makes it a popular hangout for Texas Tech students and anyone who just wants to unwind and have a bit of fun with some great music (including live music at the weekends).
13. Stay cool at Lubbock Water Rampage
There’s not much better in warm weather than a water park, and Lubbock Water Rampage has everything you need to get outside and burn off some energy without overhearing.
The opening hours are focused around the summer months when you can plunge down the slides, spend time in the kid-friendly play areas themed like pirate ships, and even check out the wave pool.
There are special events, like movie nights, if you want to take part, or you can just head there on your own for the day.
Spend time in the lazy river when you all need to a second to rest, and play in the tiny splash pad for babies if you’ve got little ones.
And don’t worry, parents, as they also serve adult beverages and snacks to keep you hydrated and happy as well!
14. Get festive at the Texas Tech Carol of the Lights
Perhaps the most popular Christmas thing to do in Lubbock, the Texas Tech Carol of the Lights is famous for its sparking lights, extremely festive environment, and the gorgeous combination of lights and carols that seem to pierce the air around you with Christmas joy.
The Carol of the Lights started in the 1950s and is attended by over 20,000 students and residents every year.
From the stunning Christmas tree to twinkling luminaries, the entire Texas Tech community comes together to put this event on.
In 2022, the event is on Friday, December 2nd, and will be the 64th annual event!
15. Find green space at Mae Simmons Park
Whether you just want to walk around a park or you are a fan of disc golf, Mae Simmons Park is the place to go!
This free park is a wonderful area to get some exercise as it starts the Mae Simmons Outer Loop hiking trail, and is also home to a fantastic 9 hole disc golf course (just bring your own frisbee).
Unlike other, more manicured parks, this park has a lot of the wild feeling of nature unleashed, and you’ll experience it as more of an untamed park that really shows off the best of authentic Lubbock.
Bring a picnic to have a cheap lunch, or enjoy people-watching around the fishing lake.
16. Learn about the history of the Plains at the National Ranching Heritage Center
There’s a completely free museum at Texas Tech that is a must-do free thing in Lubbock.
The museum celebrates ranching and its history (it has a huge history in Lubbock!) with plenty of authentic ranch buildings.
Explore the windmills, walk through historic barns, and get up close and personal to the history.
This isn’t a museum with boring plaques, but an outdoor museum in the sunshine!
While the museum is free, if you do have a bit of extra cash, they accept donations, as it’s the largest historic museum west of Williamsburg.
Plan to spend about an hour here with the whole family. Kids will love it as they can run around and roam!
17. Drink at the Brewery LBK
Want a fantastic dinner and drinks in Lubbock in the evening?
Look no further than The Brewery LBK.
This brewpub is located in downtown Lubbock and has plenty of beer on tap as well as drinks like hard lemonade.
Keep yourself full by enjoying the slides or prairie dogs (not the real ones, they’re just hot dogs called that, don’t worry).
This is an award-winning brewpub, one of the best Texas breweries, having won an award in 2022 for being one of the best brewpubs in the entire US.
It’s all about quality ingredients and passion, here, and you can enjoy it all on the wrap-around patio in good weather!
PS – dogs are also welcome on the patio!
18. Share sundaes at Holly Hop Ice Cream Shoppe
Open until 8pm most of the week and 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, you can end your night in Lubbock with a delicious ice cream treat!
The old-fashioned atmosphere of this ice cream shop is incredible, and they serve everything from classic vanilla cones to homemade banana splits and vegan ice cream.
Head here after your dinner in Lubbock, or get really crazy and just go here for dinner instead (dessert for dinner is a definite yes!)
19. Get your laughs on at Laugh Hub City
Into stand-up comedy?
So is Lubbock!
You can find the best stand-up comedy nights at the Tavern, hosted by Laugh Hub City.
20. Celebrate at the Miracles Christmas Parade
Based in West Texas, this is one of the biggest Christmas parades ever and has everything from floats from local community clubs to fantastic marching bands to cute kids dressed up as Christmas characters to dance groups and more.
It’s truly a sight to behold and a community experience to enjoy.
Bring your chairs and line up along the parade route to support the time, energy, and talent that go into this Lubbock Christmas event.
Bonus points if you’re carrying hot chocolate and some gloves to keep those hands warm!
21. CATS Playhouse
There’s something wonderful about supporting the arts in Lubbock while you’re spending an evening there, and the best place to do that is at the Children and Adults Theatrical Studio.
This theatre is all about getting people of all ages involved, including adults and children of all acting levels.
Check the schedule ahead of time to see what’s up next on their list, and enjoy everything from holiday classics to musicals to drama.
22. Cinemark Movies 16
There’s sometimes nothing better than an air-conditioned, late night movie at Cinemark Movies 16 if you’re looking for something to do in Lubbock.
With stadium seating so you have a great view wherever you sit to 3D options for many movies, this is a great place for a family movie night.
Buy your snacks and popcorn at the full concessions area, and enjoy the friendly atmosphere and the easy self-service ticket machines so you don’t have to wait in any lines before it’s time to see the movie.
23. Cafe J
Have a delicious dinner of tenderloin, crab cakes, scallops, mac and cheese and more at Cafe J, Lubbock’s most unique restaurant that’s mixed Southwestern influences with French ones!
Yes, seriously.
It’s a unique combination, but it’s a huge success and you’ll enjoy every single pomme frite that comes your way.
24. United Supermarkets Arena
Whether you’re a big fan of Kane Brown or JoJo Siwa, chances as they’ve come through the United Supermarkets Arena on the campus of Texas Tech for an evening concert.
There are also sports games happening here, as it’s home to Texas Tech basketball and volleyball so there’s a good chance you can find an evening game in Lubbock here.
Check the schedule ahead of time to see if any big name comedy or musical artists are coming to Lubbock soon!
25. Pay your respects at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens
Eastlawn Memorial Gardens is actually not a park, but a cemetery.
However, while it’s not a place to bring a picnic, it is an outdoor space in Lubbock that is wonderful if you want some quiet contemplation and to pay your respects to famous Lubbock people buried here.
Among them is singer Buddy Holly, and others including Bobby Layne and Virgin Johnson.
If you’re interested in Lubbock history, this is the place to be!
26. Practice your swing at Shadow Hills Golf Course
Golf is incredibly popular in Texas with such great weather, and one of the best places to play golf in Lubbock is the Shadow Hills Golf Course.
They’ve got a flat and wide open course, as well as a full 18 holes.
Bring your golf buddies and tee up, trying to miss some of the fantastic water features and trees that line the course.
If you just want to practice rather than play, there’s a driving range.
This golf course has fantastically kept greens that are well cared-for, and local golfers love it for the chance to be out in the Texas open playing a game they love.
27. Take the dog to Clapp Park
With a fantastic dog park and lots more, Clapp Park is a great thing to do in Lubbock for you and your furry (and non-furry) friends.
Here, you’ll find the Lubbock Swimming Pool, as well as lots of benches for a lunchtime sit-down, as well as the Lubbock Memorial Arboretum which makes for a fantastic afternoon spent wandering the trails and gardens.
You’ll usually find sports happening on the fields, but you can also just walk around and soak in the atmosphere and let the kids use the playground.
28. Explore the Lubbock Cultural District
You don’t need to spend any money to walk around the Lubbock Cultural District.
This area is about 1 square mile and is a hub for arts and entertainment.
You’ll often find community events and free festivals taking place in Lubbock here, as well as some fantastic attractions like the Buddy Holly Center.
Just get to know the city by walking around this area and seeing what you can uncover.
29. Admire the Texas Tech Public Art Collection
Visit Texas Tech to see their stunning displays of public art that are scattered across campus.
Each one has a unique story and background that relates to the university or local areas, and there are a myriad of different styles on offer, from the modern to the more classic.
This is also a fantastic thing to do over and over in Lubbock, as the art is changed out and added regularly so you can always find something new.
Support the university and the local art community for free by taking a self-guided walking tour of the art.
30. Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts
Love art?
Head straight to the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts.
Not only is it completely free, but you can see a wide range of artistic styles including drawings, sculptures, and paintings.
They also have event space for performances, as well as regular events.
Visit the art galleries to look at some local art and visit as often as you can to support Lubbock’s art scene and the downtown area.
31. First Friday Art Trail
Visit Lubbock on the first Friday evening of each month to take part in the First Friday Art Trail, a wonderful evening sponsored by the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts.
Wander along the cultural district and stop in to participating museums, businesses, and art galleries to get a feel for the arts scene in Lubbock and stroll the evening night with a drink in hand.
It’s a great way to meet other people in Lubbock and completely free to participate in.
32. Lubbock Community Theatre
To support local theater in Lubbock, look no further than the Lubbock Community Theatre.
Here, you’ll find plenty of productions in the evening featuring local actors and those from further afield, including those who have come up through some of the classes offered by the theater.
33. Lisa West’s Double Nickel Steakhouse
A steak dinner is a tried-and-true classic date night idea in Lubbock, and for good reason.
From the incredible steaks to the fancy atmosphere to fresh seafood, there’s something for most carnivores here and it makes for a nice departure from a more casual restaurant.
Admire the dark wood around the dining room and make sure to make reservations as many other people may have the same idea (it’s popular for a reason, though, don’t let that put you off).
For your sides, get adventurous with sugar snap peas or creamed corn or stick to the classic meat and potatoes combination.
Your server can help you find the drinks that go best with your meal so that you have the perfect wine pairing as well.
Gaze into each other’s eyes over a delicious meal and use this as a great opportunity to talk and bond over food!
34. Tom and Bingo’s BBQ
Tom and Bingo’s BBQ is the place to go for BBQ in Lubbock.
Texas BBQ is absolutely a must-do, and this casual and family-friendly place to eat is totally welcoming of kids and has everything from brisket to spare ribs to perfectly cooked fries.
It’s been there since 1952, and since then has been perfecting the Texas BBQ flavors and process.
The kids can get messy (you can too) and there’s no stuffiness to worry about as you all dig in and cover everything in barbecue sauce.
35. Get takeout from Thai Kitchen
If you just want an evening in with friends, get takeout from Thai Kitchen.
It’s the best takeout Thai food in Lubbock, with Pad Thai and curry that you’ll keep dreaming of, as well as things like crispy fried tofu and angel wings.
The prices are great, the service is friendly, and they’re open until 9pm so you’ve got plenty of time for dinner!
36. Get Dinner at Abuelo’s Mexican
There’s nothing better than some guacamole, and this restaurant in Lubbock serves up some of the best.
Try the Mexican Stack with a crispy tortilla (just trust us), or indulge in stuffed shrimp, the chicken fajitas, and the tres leches cake.
The service is some of the best in town and you’ll have unlimited chips and salsa to munch on while you wait, so there’s no reason not to go, like, right now.
37. South Plains Mall
Whether you want air-conditioning, a shopping spree, or an iconic food court dinner, the South Plains Mall is the Lubbock destination for you.
From Barnes and Noble to H&M, there are plenty of stores to choose from and locals love it for how well-organized it is (you won’t be walking around lost, that’s for sure!)
This is one of the best places to shop in Lubbock, so check it out!
Keep an eye out for events, too, as they often hold drives and fashion shows.
38. Enjoy an evening at McPherson Cellars Winery
Another winery on our must-do Lubbock list is McPherson Cellars Winery.
This winery is unique because the focus is really about Texas wine. Texas wine is cultivated differently than other wines, as it really uses the Texas landscape and climate for the best results instead of trying to use techniques from areas that don’t share similar characteristics.
The result is incredible, with quality wine that has a history and local story behind it.
The environment is incredibly friendly, and there are also light bites options so you can get a nibble to go with your wine of choice (blushes or reds, anyone?)
On the weekends, the patio hosts live music so you can have a weekend in Lubbock to remember.
39. Go fishing at Hodges Park
Want to fish?
Head to Hodges Park in Lubbock, as the large fishing lake will give you ample opportunity to catch your dinner.
Find a spot in the shade for a relaxing afternoon, or get your workout going on the walking trails during the afternoon.
You’ll find plenty of community events regularly scheduled here, as well as some of the best sunset views in Lubbock.
40. Walk the Track at Jan Jennings Park
Enjoy the walking track at Jen Jennings Park, where you can see the adorable ducks in the pond or go fishing in the pond.
There’s plenty of room, including areas for kids to play on the playground, volleyball courts, and some picnic spots that have grills in case you want to have an evening barbecue.
It’s a local park, full of friendly people, and super clean and well maintained.
41. Yell “fore!” on Rawls Golf Course
Want a stunning golf course that has got just as many views as it does challenges?
Rawls Golf Course is NCAA championship level, so you can really test your skills, and you’ll find it on the campus of Texas Tech.
What’s most appealing about this course is the gorgeous landscaping. From canyons to plains to valleys, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled across the US as you work your way around the course.
Stop by the pro shop to stock up on new golf balls, or enjoy a lunch in the on-site restaurant to talk about your game and unwind after a long golf day.