Need a charming small-town escape with historic flair? Head to Granbury! Just southwest of Fort Worth, this lakeside town is known for its beautifully preserved square, scenic waterfront, and vibrant arts scene. Whether you’re into wine tasting, boutique shopping, or ghost tours, Granbury offers a warm Texas welcome with plenty to explore.
Granbury, TX Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Explore Lake Granbury – Go boating, paddleboarding, or fish along the scenic shores of this North Texas reservoir.
- For History Buffs: Step back in time on Granbury’s Historic Square – Visit the Hood County Jail Museum, restored opera house, and Civil War-era buildings.
- For Shoppers: Browse unique finds on the Square – Discover antiques, fashion, handmade goods, and specialty gifts in locally owned shops.
- For Couples: Sip wine at D’Vine Wine or a nearby vineyard – Sample Texas wines, enjoy live music, and unwind in an intimate tasting room.
- For Families: Take a scenic ride on the Granbury Trolley – Hop on the free trolley for a fun and easy way to explore downtown attractions.
Best Time to Visit Granbury, TX
The best time to visit Granbury is during spring and fall (March–May and September–November). These seasons offer mild weather for exploring downtown, enjoying lake activities, and attending popular festivals. Summer is great for water fun, while winter brings holiday cheer to the square.
How to Get to Granbury, TX
- If you are traveling by car: Granbury is located along U.S. Highway 377, about 40–50 minutes southwest of Fort Worth and 1.5 hours from Dallas.
- By Plane: Fly into Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) or Fort Worth Meacham Airport, then drive to Granbury.
- By Shuttle or Rideshare: Local transport options connect Granbury to major metro areas for easy day trips and weekend getaways.
Where to Stay in Granbury, TX
- The Iron Horse Inn – Historic bed-and-breakfast with Victorian charm just blocks from the square.
- Hilton Garden Inn Granbury – Comfortable lakefront hotel with modern amenities and a short walk to downtown.
- Hotel Lucy – Chic boutique stay featuring luxe rooms, Instagram-worthy decor, and an on-site wine bar.
Best Things to Do in Granbury, TX
1. Hood Jail County Jail and Historical Museum
Explore old cells and discover Wild West sights on a quick trip.
Built in 1885, the old Hood County Jail building was the only jail in Granbury, Texas, until 1978. Originally the main floor was used for deputies’ living quarters. The second floor had three rooms: the gallows, the single cells, used for women and the insane, and the main cell. Within the main cell was a freestanding iron "cage" with two cells with up to four beds per cell. After the new Law Enforcement Center was built, the old jail was converted into a museum which offers tours of the old jail cells and showcases artifacts and memorabilia depicting the history of the Hood county, with exhibits on David Crockett's descendants, General Granbury's tombstone, Jesse James, the Colony, John Wilkes Booth, Barnard's Trading Post and more.
208 N Crockett St, Granbury, TX 76048, Phone: 817-573-5135
2. Memorial Lane and Jim Bruks Firefighters Memorial Park
Walk along memorials and honor local heroes on a quiet visit.
The Jim Burks Firefighters Memorial Park is an urban park in downtown Granbury, Texas, dedicated to the memory of firefighters lost in the line of duty and it honors all those serving or who have served their community. The park’s main feature is a statue of a lone firefighter. Past the memorial is a firetruck playground, beloved by the kids of all ages. Picnic tables are placed around the park for families to relax and enjoy the scenery. The park is free and open to the public year round. There are several life-size statues around the park created by the renowned artist Mike Scovel. In the park’s Law Enforcement section, there is a lovely statue of a girl with her head bowed and holding a folded flag. The statue is entitled "Tears For The Fallen." The Military section has the figure of a service dog bowing at the Military Cross entitled "Homage To A Compatriot."
561 N Travis St, Granbury, TX 76048, Phone: 817-243-1779
Where to Eat in Granbury, TX
3. Mesquite Pit
Savor smoky barbecue and enjoy lakeside views on an affordable family outing.
One of three Mesquite Pit restaurants in Texas, Mesquite Pit Granbury is a large, chalet-style elegant restaurant with wonderful deck overlooking the Lake Granbury. The restaurant is a popular spot for family celebrations and romantic dinners. It specializes in mesquite-grilled steaks and BBQ, seafood and good old American favorites such as cheeseburgers, as well as Texas treats such as armadillo eggs and fried green tomatoes. What makes Mesquite-smoked BBQ meat so special is a distinct, delicious smoky flavor and exceptional tenderness. The Pit’s fully stocked bar offers great margaritas and other cocktails, as well as popular beers and a small selection of wines by the glass or by the bottle.
919 E Pearl St, Granbury, TX 76048, Phone: 817-579-9113
4. Hoffbrau Steak and Grill House
Go for hearty steaks and relax during a casual weekend dinner.
Hoffbray Steak and Grill House in Granbury, Texas is a true Texas steakhouse, homey, rustic and friendly, with cozy atmosphere in a place almost entirely made of reused lumber. Comfortable private booths make it popular with families and plenty of flat-screen TVs attract crowds coming to watch their favorite team playing, while sampling house delicious surf 'n' turf, burgers and sandwiches with local and imported ice cold beers and fun cocktails. The house specials are perfectly seasoned steaks, grilled rib-eye, filet, sirloin done to perfection and their award-winning chicken fried steaks. Hoffbrau has three more restaurants in Fort Worth, Haltom City and Amarillo.
315 E W Hwy 377, Granbury, TX 76048, Phone: 817-776-4982
5. Mi Familia
Taste Tex-Mex favorites and enjoy a fun meal with kids.
Mi Familia Mexican Restaurant is a family friendly restaurant with beautiful décor, colorful walls and small arches that bring to mind old haciendas. The restaurant offers delicious Tex-Mex menu and authentic Mexican fare. There is something for everyone – guacamole freshly made at your table, chicken quesadilla, tacos al carbon, or one of their house specials such as chile relleno or grilled chimichanga. The Iguana Mojado Cantina, located at the back of the restaurant, serves wonderful margaritas, cold beer and just about anything else you might feel for. They also have large flat-screen TVs if you want to catch the ongoing game.
1468 E U.S. Hwy 377, Granbury, TX 76048, Phone: 817-279-0382
If you are interested in local events:
- Granbury Wine Walk (April) – Sample regional wines, enjoy live music, and shop local vendors downtown.
- Granbury’s Old-Fashioned 4th of July – Fireworks, parades, a carnival, and more festive fun on the square.
- Granbury Candlelight Tour (December) – Step inside historic homes lit by candlelight and decorated for the holidays.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Granbury, Texas:
- Glen Rose (30 min) – Explore Dinosaur Valley State Park or visit Fossil Rim Wildlife Center for safari-style animal encounters.
- Weatherford (25 min) – Known for peaches, farmers markets, and the Museum of the Americas.
- Cleburne (30 min) – Stroll the Depot at Cleburne Station or visit the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum.
- Acton State Historic Site (10 min) – See the final resting place of Elizabeth Crockett, wife of Davy Crockett.
- Brazos Drive-In Theatre (5–10 min) – Catch a double feature at one of Texas’s oldest operating drive-in theaters.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Where is Granbury, Texas located?
- Granbury is a small city in Hood County, Texas, located about 35 miles from Fort Worth.
-
What is the history of Granbury?
- Granbury began as a small square with a log cabin courthouse.
- Many of the buildings on the historic square are still standing and are now registered historic landmarks.
-
What historic attractions can visitors see in Granbury?
- The Granbury Opera House still operates and features Broadway productions.
- The 1885 Hood County Jail has been converted into a Historical Museum.
-
What outdoor attractions does Granbury offer?
- The Brazos River runs through the city, and after it was dammed in 1969, it created Lake Granbury, a long, narrow lake popular for boating and fishing.
-
What is the Firefighters Memorial Park?
- The Firefighters Memorial Park in downtown Granbury honors firefighters and law enforcement officers.
- It features lifesize sculptures and a kids’ playground with a firetruck.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming bluebonnets.
Inn on Lake Granbury – A luxurious waterfront bed & breakfast.
Visit Granbury Square – Explore boutique shops, historic sites, and local restaurants.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for lake activities.
Hilton Garden Inn Granbury – A comfortable stay with lakefront views.
Enjoy boating and swimming at Lake Granbury – Rent a kayak or take a sunset cruise.
Fall (September-November) – Cooler weather and lively festivals.
Nutt House Historic Hotel – A charming stay in a historic 19th-century building.
Attend the Harvest Moon Festival – Celebrate fall with arts, crafts, and live music.
Plan Your Trip