Attractions
A job isn't the only thing we've got for you. Lubbock is packed with fun and attractions that will be sure to delight people of all ages. Our great city is home to top-tier dining and shopping, world-famous entertainment and arts, as well as some of Texas¹s best parks and recreation. So whether you¹re treating your family, your special someone, or just yourself, Lubbock will be sure to satisfy.
Family Fun
- Science Spectrum® and OMNI Theatre
This non-profit museum for science education makes it easy for children of all ages to experience the science of fun. - Apple Country Orchards
Walk amongst 6,000 trees, then visit the unique gift store, bakery, and restaurant. The trees are just the right height to pick your own fruit. In April, attend the Apple Blossom Festival and in September, spend some time at the Apple Butter Festival.
- Prairie Dog Town
Located inside Mackenzie Park since 1935, world famous Prairie Dog Town is a must-see attraction in Lubbock. Since its renovation in 2005, Prairie Dog Town now includes a pavilion and improved viewing area, along with an irrigation system that will ensure the future of our favorite critter's home. Visitors enjoy an up close and personal experience with these frisky little animals that once inhabited the plains by the millions.
- Legacy Play Village
This is a great place for the kids to play while learning about the legacy of the Texas South Plains.
- Joyland Amusement Park
This West Texas adventure is located in the heart of Lubbock's popular Mackenzie Park recreation area and is packed with family fun. Joyland has over 30 exhilarating rides and attractions, ranging from a log ride, water and roller coasters, to junior rides and family classics, like the colorful carousel, food favorites, great games and group outing facilities.
- Texas Water Rampage
Make a splash at Lubbock's premier water park! Offering fun for the whole family, featuring serpentine slides, wave pools, children's activity area, toddler splash pool with slide, volleyball courts and picnic areas.
Sports and Recreation
- Texas Tech University
The Red Raiders of Texas Tech are always the biggest sports ticket in town as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The always high-powered offense of their football team and the high-flyers of their basketball squad are just a few reasons Texas Tech athletics has become one of the nation's elite. Oh and don't forget, once you get to a Red Raider game, get those Guns Up!
- Lubbock Renegades
Get up close and personal with the hard-hitting action of our semi-professional arena football team, right here in Lubbock. The Lubbock Renegades compete in the AF2, a developmental league for the Arena Football League. A Renegades game makes for another exhilarating night out in Lubbock.
- Motor Sports
If you've got the need for speed, be sure to check out the Lubbock Motor Speedway, West Texas Baja and Idalou Motor Sport. They'll be sure to get you all revved up.
Parks
- Lubbock has more neighborhood parks per capita than any city in Texas. Many of the 75 facilities, covering more than 3,000 acres, include playground equipment, beautiful lakes, walking tracks and picnic tables.
- Winding for 10 miles diagonally through the City is Yellow House Canyon Lake, a series of six lakes on 750 acres. Nearby Buffalo Springs Lake provides weekend homes to several hundred local residents on its 7.5 mile shoreline, as well as beautiful hiking, camping, and boating areas. Each year more than 20 events are held at the lake, including boat and bicycle races, hot air balloon and water ski shows, sailboat regattas, marathons, and concerts.
- In addition, the City owns Mackenzie Park, a 900-acre park with facilities for camping, picnicking, fishing and disc golf. The disc golf course has 21 world-class holes weaving in and around the Brazos River. No matter what your skill, you will enjoy this incredible setting. Other outdoor recreational facilities include swimming pools, 64 tennis courts, the 36-hole Meadowbrook Golf Course, Joyland Amusement Park in Mackenzie Park, Texas Water Rampage, six community and senior citizen centers, a fine arts facility, and the Berl Huffman Athletic Complex, home to four softball and 23 soccer fields.
Shopping
- South Plains Mall
The largest mall located between Dallas and Albuquerque, South Plains Mall is the epicenter of shopping and fashion for the entire region. West Texas's premier shopping destination has five department stores and over 150 specialty shops. Whether you are craving high fashion or just some eats at the food court, South Plains Mall is the place to be.
- Antique Mall of Lubbock
Spanning over 24,000 square feet is the Antique Mall of Lubbock, whose name really speaks for itself. With over 50 dealers and 150 showcases from all across the nation, the Antique Mall of Lubbock will be sure to please collectors and browsers alike.
Wineries
Did you know that Lubbock is home to an internationally-recognized wine industry? Visit our wineries and cellars for a unique afternoon or evening.
- Cap*Rock Winery
Visitors from near and far flock to enjoy one of Lubbock's award-winning wineries. This stunning Southwest mission style architecture makes Cap*Rock a favorite for special events and gatherings. Tour the wineries and sample the fine wines in an elegant tasting room and gift shop.
- Llano Estacado Winery
Not only is this world-class winery Texas' largest, it is also its most award winning. Most of the grapes used by the winery are grown within a 100-mile radius of Lubbock. Take the guided tour and learn the process of wine making and the art of fine wine tasting. Enjoy sampling the premium wines and don't forget to stop by the gift shop.
- Pheasant Ridge Winery
Located in the Texas High Plains, this 60 acre vineyard was planted in 1979, and is a family owned, self-contained winery and vineyard. The Gipson family has a long held dedication and tradition to producing fine state-grown wines. Tasting room and gift shop open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
- La Diosa Cellars
Family owned for three generations of wine making, La Diosa Cellars has created a unique approach and individualism that can't be found anywhere else. The eclectic atmosphere has a wonderful flow with the cultural decorations and bistro menu. Listen to live music and enjoy a glass of wine.
Nightlife
- Depot Entertainment District
The Depot Entertainment District is the heartbeat of nightlife in downtown Lubbock. A collection of historical buildings along and near Buddy Holly Avenue, the Depot Entertainment District features live music, stage shows, sports and cigar bars, and upbeat restaurants.
Museums
- American Wind Power Center
This is the most comprehensive collection of historic windmills in the world. The center is a dynamic museum for the American style water pumping windmill. The museum is located on 28 acres of rolling city park land in the Yellow House Canyon of Lubbock. More than 120 rare and fully restored windmills are on display in an interpretive center of the grounds.
- Buddy Holly Center
The Buddy Holly Center is a cultural arts facility offering programs in the visual arts, Texas music history, and features the permanent exhibition dedicated to the life and music of Buddy Holly. The Center showcases unique memorabilia donated by the family, friends and fans of Lubbock's favorite son, Buddy Holly.
- The Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts
This non-profit center is home to many art and cultural organizations in Lubbock. The campus includes several working art studios, world-class art galleries, and a wonderful theater. Throughout the year, the Underwood Center hosts exciting events and exhibits bringing local artists, art lovers, and the casual art fan all under one roof.
- Lubbock Area Veteran's War Memorial
This brick and marble monument is dedicated to the veterans of Lubbock and the South Plains area. People visit this memorial to honor their sacrifices for our freedom.
- Silent Wings Museum
The Silent Wings Museum tells the story of the U.S. Combat Glider Program and its role in World War II. The museum features one of the few fully-restored World War II gliders in existence.
- Museum of Texas Tech University
Internationally recognized with collections in the arts, humanities, and the sciences featuring nearly 2 million objects. In addition to the main museum, there is also the Moody Planetarium, the Ranching Heritage Center, research and educational elements of the Lubbock Lake Landmark and the Natural Science Research Laboratory.
- National Ranching Heritage Center
This 14-acre site features 45 historic ranch structures that have been carefully relocated and precisely restored and furnished to their original condition. The center is an authentic re-creation of ranch life and its evolution from the late 1780s through the 1930s. The history of ranching comes to life in our cherished museum and historical park.
Texas Tech
- Texas Tech University
Founded in 1925, Texas Tech today boasts a student population of almost 30,000 and is one of the largest universities in Texas. As such it offers a plethora of opportunities for visitors, such as: - Lubbock Lake Landmark
Texas Tech University's very own archaeological and natural history preserve is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This premier North American landmark documents a continuous ancient human presence on the South Plains for the last 12,000 years, along with many extinct large animals. Tours and exhibitions provide an educational and insightful experience into our state and our nation's heritage. - Moody Planetarium
Kick back and enjoy this 82-seat, 30-foot diameter domed auditorium on Texas Tech's campus. Equipped with an A4 Spitz Starball projector, the planetarium offers special events and nightly activities for students and community members alike. - Vietnam Archive
This collection is the nation's largest compilation of primary source materials the Vietnam War. Texas Tech's collection encourages research and education regarding all aspects of the American Vietnam experience, right there on campus.
Arts and Entertainment
- Performing arts take center stage in Lubbock. When you're looking to sit back and take in a show, you'll discover these options.
- Allen Theatre at Texas Tech University
Completed in 1976, the 1000-seat Allen Theatre is the centerpiece of the University Center complex, the hub of campus life. The theatre is always hopping, as it is the venue for over 260 events a year, including a wide variety of programs such as feature film showings to live concerts and dances to fine arts performances. - Charles Maedgen, Jr. Theatre at Texas Tech University
Since 1964, this proscenium auditorium has played host to over 170 University Theatre productions and many theatrical competitions. The theatre has since provided an elegant and comfortable stage for Lubbock's most well-known theatrical productions. - Cactus Theatre
Carrying on the tradition that has made Lubbock legendary, the Cactus Theater brings Lubbock back to its roots, featuring live music from nostalgic eras like the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s. This restored theater also brings weekly live music shows, classic movies, theater and dance productions to audiences of all ages. - C.A.T.S. Playhouse
The Children and Adults Theatrical Studio or C.A.T.S. was founded in 1994 to provide education, production, and development of the performing arts for Lubbock as well as the state of Texas. This troop features up and coming talent in its many performances and plays ranging from musicals to improv. - Lubbock Symphony Orchestra
Since its first concert in 1946, the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra has become a cultural staple of the South Plains of Texas. The Lubbock Symphony Orchestra fulfills its goals of enriching our community through quality symphonic performances and educational experiences with its group of talented full-time professionals, along with the additions of world-famous guest conductors and soloists. With concerts and events throughout the year, our nationally-recognized Symphony Orchestra has become an integral part of Lubbock's cultural fabric. - Lubbock Arts Festival
For the past 30 years, this 4-day celebration has become the premiere fine arts, crafts and culinary festival of Lubbock. Held every April at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, the Lubbock Arts Festival consistently caters quality art to our residents through exhibits, demonstrations and theatrical performances. - Buddy Holly Center
Lubbock's Fine Arts Gallery at the Buddy Holly Center features over 2500 square feet of gallery space is dedicated to the display of Lubbock's finest contemporary visual arts programs. Changing throughout the year, the exhibits continue the Lubbock Fine Arts Center's tradition of bringing quality initiatives to residents and visitors of Lubbock. - Ballet Lubbock
Founded in 1969, Ballet Lubbock has since been Lubbock's provider of excellent ballet training and high-caliber dance performances. With performances year round, the Ballet's talented community of dancers will be sure to delight.