Need a lively small-town getaway with big Texas charm? Head to Bryan! Explore a revitalized historic downtown, sip local wines, attend live music events, and experience authentic Texas hospitality. Whether you’re craving arts, antiques, or outdoor adventures, Bryan offers a memorable escape in the heart of the Brazos Valley.
Bryan, TX Highlights:
- Historic Downtown Bryan: Stroll brick-lined streets packed with boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, and live music venues.
- Messina Hof Winery: Sip award-winning Texas wines at this beautiful family-owned winery with tours, tastings, and events.
- Lake Bryan: Relax by the water, go fishing, paddleboarding, or attend lakeside concerts and events.
- Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley: Family-friendly museum with hands-on exhibits and educational fun for younger visitors.
- Texas Reds Steak and Grape Festival: Celebrate Texas beef and local wines every fall at this popular downtown event.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bryan is during the spring and fall (March–May and September–November) when the weather is mild and outdoor festivals, winery events, and live music fill the calendar.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Bryan is located along State Highway 6, about 90 minutes northwest of Houston and 1.5 hours east of Austin.
- By Air: Easterwood Airport (CLL) in nearby College Station provides regional flights, just 15 minutes from Bryan.
Where to Stay
- Stella Hotel – Upscale hotel near Lake Atlas featuring a pool, farm-to-table dining, and elegant Southern hospitality.
- LaSalle Boutique Hotel and Downtown Elixir & Spirits – Historic hotel in the heart of downtown Bryan with stylish rooms and a cozy speakeasy bar.
- Best Western Premier Bryan College Station – Modern, comfortable accommodations with a pool and free breakfast.
Best Things to Do
1. Spark Young Minds at The Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley
Rating: ★★★★★
The Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley initiative was started in 1995 by volunteers, led by Kellogg Foundation Fellow, Dr Dale Whittaker and his wife, Mary. They have moved a few times but are hoping to purchase their own premises in due course. They focus on learning through play and inspiring young minds by augmenting classroom learning with practical application.
Their interactive exhibits, science simulators and reading times are popular with families looking for things to do in Bryan. They cater for birthday parties and offer summer camps, dad and daughter dances and a ducky derby. Entrance is free on Sunday, thanks to sponsor donations.
Address: The Children's Museum, 4114 Lake Atlas Dr Suite 110, Bryan, TX 77807, Phone: 979-779-5437
2. Sip and Savor Texas Wine Country at Messina Hof
Messina Hof Winery is a family-run winery that was established by the Bonarrigo family in 1977.
Today, the pioneering enterprise is run by the second generation, and has won countless awards for its wines. There are three venues, namely Bryan, Fredericksburg an Grapevine. Canned and bottled wines are sold on the premises, through retailers and on-line. Visitors can join the wine club. An intriguing program of VIP wine events, cellar tours, murder mystery dinners, cooking parties and harvest festivals are held on-site. Away from the premises, a river tour is conducted.
Address: Messina Hof, 4545 Old Reliance Road, Bryan, TX USA 77808, Phone: 800-736-9463
3. Dine Farm-to-Table Under the Stars at Ronin
Ronin family farm and restaurant, run by Brian and Amanda Light, is a celebration of traditional life and foods of the area. They raise heritage breeds of chickens, pigs, guinea fowls and turkeys and heirloom flowers, fruit and vegetable. Food in season, directly from the lands, is served in the restaurant and at special events. Their 9-course Full Moon suppers are enjoyed at various stops around the farm. At the Farmer Dinner Series, food is sourced locally and diners get an opportunity to meet the farmers that produced it. Ronin also caters for weddings and other special events.
Address: Ronin, 800 N Main St, Bryan, TX 77803, Phone: 979-704-3294
4. Go Wild at Aggieland Safari
Experience a unique wildlife adventure as you get up close to the incredible animals at Aggieland Safari. Standing over 250 acres, the safari park features dozens of species from around the world along with wonderful, scenic views and knowledgeable zookeepers ready to share interesting facts about the animals roaming the park. Visitors can take a self-drive tour through the safari and meet animals like zebras, giraffes, kangaroos, and many more. In addition to the drive-thru safari, Aggieland also offers other activities like a walkabout zoo, petting zoo, animal encounters, giraffe feedings, and a playground. Whether you’re an animal lover or looking for a fun experience for the whole family, Aggieland is definitely worth visiting.
Address: Aggieland Safari, 18075 FM974, Bryan, Texas 77808, Phone: 979-599-5440
5. If You Want to Honor Local Legacy, Visit the Brazos Valley African American Museum
Celebrating the history and achievements of African Americans in Brazos Valley, the Brazos Valley African American Museum offers a meaningful experience for visitors. Through the museum’s various exhibits, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of how slavery and the Civil Rights Movement impacted the local community along with the important contributions of African Americans in areas such as education, politics, and the arts. The museum also provides internships and educational programs for the youth as well as rentals for anyone wanting to host a special event on the beautiful historic property. If you’re looking for an inspiring and thought-provoking experience, be sure to stop at the Brazos Valley African American Museum.
Address: Brazos Valley African American Museum, 500 East Pruitt Street, Bryan, Texas 77803, Phone: 979-775-3961
Where to Eat:
6. Savor Global Flavors in Texas Style at Christopher’s World Grille
Christopher's World Grille, run by award winning chef, and owner, Christopher Lampo (CEC), offers an eclectic menu of cuisine from around the world. Christopher returned to his hometown in 1998 to set up the restaurant, utilizing his experience gained from serving several celebrities, working at prestigious establishments in London and sailing round the world on private yachts. The restaurant currently has a 4 Diamond rating from Triple A and the wine list has received similar acclaim. It is situated in the restored 1913 Andrews House. Many of the original features were retained but the kitchen and banquet have been modernized to international standards.
7. Dig Into Texas Tradition at J. Cody’s Steaks and Barbeque
J. Cody's Steaks and Barbeque is a meat extravanganza. The choice includes beef, chicken, turkey and pork, or a combination of two or three. The steaks are grilled while you wait and there is more than a hint of mesquite in the seasoning. The old hickory smoking barbecues are out the back but the mouth-watering smell wafts inside. The large vegetable buffet, contains Cody's other speciality, Cody Corn. You can satisfy your appetite seven days a week at Cody's. You will usually find Cody on the premises when he is not out at a catered function.
Address: J. Cody's Steaks and Barbeque, 3610 S College Ave, Bryan, TX 77801, Phone: 979-846-3832
8. Feel the Romance of Italy in Downtown Bryan at Caffe Capri
Caffe Capri was established in 1995 in downtown Bryan by Rami Cerone, using credit card advances. The risk paid off as the restaurant has subsequently received numerous awards, including multi-year awards for being the Best Italian Restaurant in the region. Old family, secret recipes are used along with experiments by Rami, in the open kitchen. Recycling is very important to the enterprise as is supporting local community projects. The upstairs private banquet room seats 60 people and outside catering is also possible.
Address: Caffe Capri, 222 N Main St, Bryan, TX 77803, Phone: 979-216-5482
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
9. Explore Earth’s Wonders at the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History
Learn all about the region’s fascinating natural and cultural history at the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History. Home to several interesting exhibits, visitors can find collections of dinosaur fossils, rocks and minerals, ranching artifacts, historic firearms, Native American relics, and more. Families visiting with children will especially enjoy the Discovery Room, where they can learn through interactive displays, examine taxidermy specimens, and even observe live animals. Visitors can get up close to animals like native fish species, snakes, and Boris the resident snapping turtle. Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History is a great stop for visitors of every age looking for an informative and memorable experience.
Address: Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History, 3232 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan, Texas 77802, Phone: 979-776-2195
Plan Your Trip