Best Things to Do in Longview TX

Longview is a beautiful city situated in the heart of East Texas. The town is famous for its rich history and friendly atmosphere throughout the USA. It offers a diversity of activities for locals and visitors alike. Explore the outdoors, local art, and the vibrant food scene. This city has something for everyone.

It’s a perfect place for outdoor activities for its surrounding scenic landscapes. It has fascinating museums, galleries, and theaters if you want indoor attractions. Longview is a wonderful destination for an exciting day trip. Here, we will learn about the 20 best things to do in Longview TX.

Visit Longview World of Wonders

The Longview World of Wonders is at 112 E Tyler Street, Longview, Texas. The vibe of Longview World of Wonders is educational, interactive, and fun. The museum is the perfect place for families with young children. Your children can learn playfully and engage with technology, art, science, and more.

Your kids can build with magnetic blocks, create giant bubbles, and even experiment with air pressure. The environment of Longview World of Wonders is filled with curiosity and creativity. Try to visit early in the day to avoid crowds and maximize time. If you are lucky enough you can join special programs or workshops.

A few days ago, I visited Longview World of Wonders with my family and found a fantastic spot for kids. The hands-on exhibits were educational and engaging. The exhibits offer a variety of activities from creative arts to science experiments. The staff was welcoming. If you are looking for an academic, fun outing, this is one of the best things to do in Longview TX.

Hike the Paul Boorman Trail

Paul Boorman Trail is at 919 W Loop 218. Longview, Texas. The vibe of this trail is scenic and peaceful for outdoor lovers. The Paul Boorman Trail offers a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It winds through shaded woods and small creeks. This place is perfect for running, biking, and walking.

The trail path is cool even on hot days because of its shaded path. This trail is accessible for bikers, wheelchairs, and strollers because of its well-paved. You can also explore wildlife like squirrels and birds, and feel like a small retreat into nature. You can get a long walk on a family or a solo trip.

Recently I visited the Paul Boorman Trail and the experience was mindblowing. The trail was well-maintained and perfect for jogging, biking, and walking. The beautiful wooded area offers a variety of shade and stunning views. The spot was family-friendly. It can be the best option if you are looking for a nice walk in Longview.

Explore Le Tourneau University

The Le Tourneau University is at 2100 S Mobberly Ave, Longview, Texas. The vibe of the university is innovative, inspiring, and academic. This Christian university is famous for its aviation programs and engineering. There is no restriction on entering the campus. So you can explore its aviation museum. The museum displays documents of the university’s history and vintage planes.

The museum is small but you’ll get interesting exhibits, including aircraft. The aircraft used by students for training. Le Tourneau University was founded by R.G LeTourneau an industrialist and inventor. Also, you’ll see here engineering achievements. If you want an aviation and engineering tour, arrange a guided tour. You can also enjoy the scenic beauty of campus.

A few months ago, my friend and I visited the LeTourneau University campus, which was an impressive experience. The building had a modern welcoming feel and the grounds were well-kept. The university museum had a strong focus on aviation and engineering. The staff and students were friendly. One of the students helped us to visit the whole campus and museum. If you are interested in aviation and engineering, include this university on your list of things to do in Longview TX.

Discover Gregg Country Historical Museum

The Gregg Country Historical Museum is at 214 N Fredonia Street, Longview, Texas. The vibe of the museum is educational, quiet, and historical. Here you can learn about the history of Gregg County and Longview in a historic setting. Gregg Country Historical Museum offers everything from the oil boom that shaped the area to Native America.

You’ll get a historical feel because the museum is in an old bank building. Here you will know about many things about the industry. Also, you will find exhibits that cover Native American history and artifacts. You can take admission for free if you go there on a certain day. So don’t forget to check their website. This museum is a must-visit for people interested in the local oil industry.

I recently visited the Gregg County Historical Museum, which was an unforgettable experience for me. I enjoyed the local history there. The size of the museum was small but it was packed with interesting exhibits. The Exhibits highlighted Gregg Country’s past. I liked the details about the oil boom. The Gregg County Historical Museum staff was knowledgeable and helpful in answering questions. If you are visiting Longview, you should visit this museum.

Enjoy Events at Heritage Plaza

Heritage Plaza is at 219 E Methvin Street, Longview, Texas. The vibe of Heritage Plaza is social, community-driven, and lively. The plaza is the heart of Longview’s events. It hosts outdoor concerts, art shows, and festivals throughout the year. If you want to experience local culture, it’s a great place.

The Heritage Plaza often hosts live music during the summer months. The live music hosts local brands and musicians playing under the stars. It’s also a seasonal festival place that hosts Christmas markets and summer fairs. Try to bring a chair or a blanket for outdoor events. Check their website for concert or festival schedules.

My wife and I visited Heritage Plaza and enjoyed the relaxing spot downtown. The Plaza was well-kept with a few benches. The other space was open to sit. We liked the historic feel of the place. Visiting Heritage Plaza is one of the best things in Longview TX.

Experience AlleyFest in Longview

The AlleyFest is located in downtown Longview. The vibe of Alleyfest is vibrant, festive, and family-friendly. AlleyFest is an annual festival and it’s a celebration of music, arts, and local culture. It offers live performances, food trucks, and craft vendors, attracting crowds from across East Texas.

There is something for everyone at AlleyFest with multiple stages for live music, local art displays, and a dedicated children’s zone. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the creative side of the city. Also, you can taste delicious food from the many food stalls. As you’ll be walking around a lot, so wear comfortable shoes. If you are in AlleyFest, don’t miss the fireworks show.

Last year, I attended AlleyFest in Longview and it was a fun, vibrant event. AleyFest had a great mix of live music, delicious food, and local art. People of all ages were enjoying the activities and entertainment. There was always something happening and it felt like a true celebration of the local community.

Tour the Longview Museum of Fine Arts

The Longview Museum of Fine Arts is located at 215 E Tyler Street, Longview, Texas. The vibe is cultural, peaceful, and artistic. The museum offers contemporary art from regional, national artists, and local. This is a quiet space to explore sculptures, paintings, and photography.

Its exhibits are updated regularly and it features diverse and new art collections. Here you can join art classes as they host art classes for both children and adults. Also, it offers hands-on opportunities. This museum has free admission days, so check the museum’s calendar for free admission.

Some of my friends and I visited the Longview Museum of Fine Arts a few days ago and enjoyed the experience. The museum had a variety of artwork, including sculptures, photography, and paintings from local regional artists. The exhibits of the museum are the perfect mix of traditional and modern art. If you want to enjoy art and the local creative community, it’s one of the best options for it.

Camp at Lake O’ the Pines

Lake O’s the Pines is located about 30 miles north of Longview. This is a great option for a relaxing, adventurous, and natural vibe. The lake is famous for boating, camping, wildlife watching, and fishing. It’s is quiet place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.

Lake O’ the Pines is surrounded by tall pine trees, creating a picturesque setting. The lake is mostly known for fishing and there you will find many are for camp if you want to stay overnight. Also, you will get a few hiking trails along the shore. You have to book a spot ahead of time as the dumpsites fill up quickly. If you are a nature lover, bring binoculars with you.

My wife and I visited Lake O’ the Pines and we had a relaxing time together. We camped there and spent the whole night there. We reached there in the afternoon and surprised by the fascinating natural beauty of the lake.

The lake’s water was clear and plenty of space for fishing, boating, and swimming. We were walking along the shoreline and took some pictures of scenic views. We enjoyed this place more than other places in Longview. So include this place on your list of best things to do in Longview TX.

Longview Arboretum and Nature Center

The Longview Arboretum and Nature Center is located at 706 W Cotton Street, Longview, Texas. The vibe of the garden is relaxing, green, and serene. This is one of the most beautiful places to connect with nature. This botanical garden features walking trails, scenic spots for birdwatching, and native plants. This place is perfect for peaceful walking.

The garden is a showcase of the natural beauty of East Texas with seasonal flowers. Spring is the best time to visit the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center. Take your camera to take some pictures of the beauty of nature.

A few days ago I visited the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center and found it to be a beautiful place. There was a variety of native flowers and plants. If you are looking for a relaxing escape in Longview, I highly recommend it.

Explore Cargill Long Park

The park is at 1111 W Fairmont Street, Longview, Texas. The vibe of Cargill Long Park is family-friendly, fun, and active. This park has something for everyone, picnic areas and playgrounds to courts and skate parks. If anyone wants to enjoy some outdoor activities, it’s a great spot for them.

The playgrounds are perfect for families with kids. You will find here a field for flying kites. If you are an outdoor game lover like soccer or tennis, bring soccer balls and a racket and enjoy the courts for free.

Kilgore College East Texas Oil Museum

The Kilgore College East Texas Oil Museum is at 1301 S Henderson Blvd, Texas. It’s 15 minutes from Longview. The vibe of Kilgore College East Texas Oil Museum is immersive, educational, and historical. Do you want to know about the story of how oil transformed the area? Just visit this place.

The main highlights of the area are an old oil town with oil rings, homes, and storefronts. When you will walk through it, it will feel like you’re visiting the past. It will take two hours to explore the full museum. So it could be an easy day trip from Longview. The museum is a must-visit if you are looking for the best things to do in Longview TX.

Recently I was in Longview and one of my friends told me about this museum. So I visited this museum and got an unforgettable experience. My favorite part was the recreated 1930s boomtown. I learned about the history of the East Texas oil boom.

Walk Through Veterans Plaza

The Veterans Plaza is at 400 E Methvin St, Longview, TX 75601. The vibe of the plaza is respectful, peaceful, and reflective. The plaza is famous for its local veterans with beautiful memorials and monuments. This place is for paying tribute to those who reflect their sacrifices in the military.

The main highlights of Veterans Plaza are memorial plaques, a large American flag, and benches where you can sit. Here you’ll find well well-manicured landscape. To take part in special ceremonies, visit during Memorial Day or Veterans Day. Also, this is a peaceful place for a reflection or a quiet afternoon walk.

Recently my friends and I visited Veterans Plaza and realized the touching and respectful tribute to the men and women who sacrifice in the military. We appreciated the meaningful design. So if you are looking for the best things to do in Longview TX, this place will be one of the best options to pay your respect to veterans in calm.

Explore Downtown Longview

The downtown Longview is at Methvin Street area, Longview, Texas. The vibe of this spot is bustling, historic, and charming. Downtown Longview offers a bland of local shops, buildings, restaurants, and art galleries. This is the perfect place to shop, stroll, and enjoy the local flavor.

Here you will find cafes that provide a unique shopping and dining experience and locally owned boutiques. This place is also famous for its seasonal farmer’s markets and pop-up shows. If you want to catch the farmers market, visit on Saturday. In the farmer’s market, you can buy homemade goods and fresh products from local vendors.

I visited the charming atmosphere of downtown Longview. There was a nice blend of historic buildings and modern shops. Also, I check out cafes, restaurants, and local boutiques. This is a great place to grab a bite to eat, take a stroll, or simply enjoy the local vibe. Overall, downtown Longview is worth visiting.

Watch the Great Texas Balloon Race

The Great Texas Ballon Race is at East Texas Regional Airport, 269 Terminal Cir, Longview, Texas. The vibe of the race is festive, exciting, and colorful. The Great Texas Balloon Race is a famous annual event. Here colorful hot air balloons take to the sky. You can enjoy a unique experience with live music, balloon races, and a variety of food.

The most popular part of the Balloon Race is the balloon glow at night. It attracts photographers. Try to arrive early to get a good spot. But don’t miss the evening balloon glow as this is the highlight of the day.

Moore’s Store & East Texas Gusher Days

Moore’s Store & East Texas Gusher Days is at 314 E Tyler Street, Longview, Texas. You’ll enjoy a lively, Texan, and historic vibe. The store is a local shop filled with regional goods and history. During the Gusher Days festival, you will enjoy BBQ competitions and the oil heritage of Longview with live music and more.

Here you can buy local crafts, oil-rated memorabilia, and antiques. For the best experience try to visit the Gusher Days festival. As the BBW cook-off is one of the event’s main attractions, don’t miss it.

Attend a Longview Symphony Concert

The Longview Symphony is at Belcher Center, 2100 S Mobberly Avenue, Longview, Texas. This place is cultural, inspiring, and sophisticated. Here you can enjoy live classical music by local talented musicians. This place offers many concerts throughout the year from holiday performances to classical masterpieces.

Belcher Center is a beautiful venue and the Longview Symphony often hosts special themed concerts and features guest performances. This place is a cultural gem to enjoy a night of elegant entertainment. Don’t forget to check the schedule to see what playing during your visit.

Take a Brewery Tour (Oil Horse Brewing Co.)

The Oil Horse Brewing Co. is at 101 W Tyler St Suite 101, Longview Texas. The spot is local, social, and relaxed. Here you’ll find a laid-back environment. This is a famous spot for locals to hang out and enjoy company over a cold drink. Considering all these things, you should add this place to your list of the best things to do in Longview TX.

The outdoor seating area is a great place to relax. Also, the brewery hosts food trucks and live music, making it a great place to unwind. They also sell growlers, so you can have your favorite one with you.

Visit the Longview Rodeo Arena

Longview Rodeo Arena is at 100 Grand Blvd, Longview, Texas. The environment is thrilling, Texan, and rustic. You can experience a real Texas rodeo at the Longview Rodeo Arena. Here you can watch barrel racing, bull riding, and other exciting rodeo culture.

You can enjoy action-packed events with skilled cowgirls and cowboys showing off their talents. The Longview Roddwo Arena also hosts other great events throughout the year such as horse competitions and livestock shows. Don’t forget to check the schedule of time and bring a hat and sunscreen.

Camp at Tyler State Park

Tyler State Park is at 789 Park Road 16, Tyler, Texas. It’s 45 minutes from Longview. The vibe of Tyler State Park is serene, outdoorsy, and adventurous. This park is an awesome escape into nature. It offers fishing, camping, picnicking, and hiking trails. The park is famous for its scenic pine forests and large lake.

Every level of hiker can hike as the park’s hiking trails range from easy to moderate. Here you can enjoy swimming, fishing, and renting a kayak. As visiting on weekdays may provide a quieter experience, Tyler State Park can get crowded on weekends.

Maude Cobb Convention Center

The Maude Cobb Convention Center is at 100 Grand Blvd, Longview, Texas. The vibe of the convention center is eventful, diverse, and busy. Here you can always enjoy something from can expos to antique shows. The center is also home to a variety of concerts, expos, trade fairs, and craft shows.

The convention center is famous for hosting unique events. This is a popular venue that offers something for everyone. Don’t miss the event calendar online before visiting the center. Most of them require tickets, and some of them are free. So plan your budget accordingly.

I hope, you read through this article about the best things to do in Longview TX and it will help you to choose your next stoppage. Subscribe to our free newsletter to get weekly updates about the USA. If you want to write to us, do so without the Contact Us form.