Branson Travel Guide
We compiled a handy guide to help you make the most of your time in Branson. We’ve included some of our favorite local spots, family friendly activities & shows, and nearby stops for everyday necessities.
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Restaurants
At The Landing
Sit Down & Kid Friendly
LandShark Bar and Grill • American and seafood served here, where you can sit outside and see the Water & Fire show at The Landing
Guy Fieri’s Branson Kitchen + Bar • Kid-friendly sports bar vibe and serves American, BBQ & Sandwiches with indoor and outdoor lake front seating
White River Fish House • Floating restaurant with fresh catch and rustic charm
Cantina Laredo • Upscale Mexican with lake front views
Mellow Mushroom • Great Pizza
Downtown
Cozy Diners
Clockers • All day breakfast, breakfast & lunch only
The Brunch House • Cozy atmosphere with comfort food, breakfast & lunch only
Farmhouse Restaurant • Classic comfort food, open through dinner
Branson Classics
Famous & Fun
Mel’s Hard Luck Diner • 1950s style diner with continuous LIVE performances by their singing servers. 15 min from The Landing on Highway 76.
Billy Gail’s • Legendary breakfast, known for 14″ pancakes served all day at 2 nearby locations. Mills location <10 min from The Landing. Closes at 3pm, open later Fri-Sat.
Hurts Donut • Known for their unique and over the top donut creations. <10 min from The Landing on Highway 76.
Nearby Quick Eats
Oscar’s Famous Ribs • 302 Veterans Blvd. Great BBQ, great for pickup
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers • Branson Hills Pkwy US-65N
Chick-Fil-A • Main Street near Downtown
Qdoba Mexican Eats • North side of The Landing with its own parking
Nearby Grocery & Essentials
Branson Hills Pkwy • US-65 N from Landing
Walmart—Target—Home Depot—CVS Pharmacy
& more
Family Friendly Activities
Outdoor
Branson Landing Water & Fire Show • Show every hour on the hour starting at noon. Water fountains shooting 120 ft. geysers, combined with fire cannons, all set to music. Don’t miss this while you’re at The Landing!
Arcade City • Located at the Landing, arcade games fun for all ages.
Promised Land Zoo • Drive through or do a self guided walk to see many animals with opportunities to feed them!
Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park • Ropes course, zipline and more!
Top of the Rock • Explore scenic trails on foot or take a guided golf cart tour to see caves, stunning overlooks, and lush Ozark landscapes.
Moonshine Beach • Popular lakeside spot with sandy shores, swimming, picnic areas, and beautiful views of Table Rock Lake. Perfect for a family day out.
Branson Ferris Wheel • See panoramic views of Branson from this iconic ferris wheel located in the heart of the city’s entertainment district.
The Track Family Fun Park • Stop here for go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, and arcade games. Don’t forget to check height requirements before you head there.
Silver Dollar City (of course!) • See money and hassle saving tips below!
Rainy Day
Butterfly Palace • A large, lush indoor garden where you can stroll among 1000+ butterflies and feed them with a complimentary nectar flower.
Aquarium at the Boardwalk • Discover colorful marine life and interactive touch tanks in this family-friendly aquarium.
Wonderworks •An interactive indoor amusement park with hands-on science exhibits, challenges, and fun activities for all ages.
Titanic Museum • Step aboard a detailed replica of the Titanic and explore artifacts, exhibits, and stories from the legendary ship’s voyage.
Best Shows For All Ages
The Haygoods are a family of six who deliver one of Branson’s top concert-style shows with high energy, amazing music, harmonies, and special effects.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a high-energy dinner attraction featuring thrilling horse-riding stunts, music, comedy, and a four-course feast in a lively, arena-style setting.
Boat Rentals & Water Activities
Lake Taneycomo
Lake Taneycomo is a cold water lake year round, and provides a calm, scenic, river-like experience that is also famous for trout fishing! Please note, there is no access to Table Rock Lake from Lake Taneycomo.
Lake Cruise Rentals • Located at The Landing for kayaks, pontoons, hydrobikes and more!
Scotty’s Trout Dock & Marina • Less than 5 minutes from The Landing, Scotty’s offers pontoon boat & kayak rentals, as well as fishing guide trips.
Table Rock Lake
Table Rock Lake is a large, warm-water lake with wide-open stretches and numerous coves, ideal for boating, swimming, and a variety of water sports.
State Park Marina • Just under 20 minutes from The Landing, this marina offers a variety of boat rentals as well as catamaran cruises and boat tours.
Indian Point Marina • This marina offers a variety of boat rentals as well as fishing guide trips. There is also a floating cafe at this location!
Important Note: If you are born after January 1, 1984 you may be required to show a boater safety ID card to rent a boat. Get yours in advance here.
Silver Dollar City Tips
Download the App – The official app is excellent, featuring a detailed map with ride information (including height requirements and wait times), restrooms, dining options, and more. Mobile ordering is fast and convenient. Skip the line and have your food ready in minutes.
Parking – Most parking is free, with paid lots available closer to the entrance. Free lots are well-serviced by frequent shuttles, making them a smart and cost-effective choice.
Hilly Terrain – The park is quite hilly, so plan accordingly when deciding what to bring and wear for comfort throughout the day.
Stay Hydrated – Bring refillable water bottles. There are numerous water stations, and most locations will happily refill them for you.
Snacks & Drinks – Small coolers with non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are allowed, helping you save time and money.