Ten Tips for Your First Visit to Branson

Neil Sawford • July 4, 2022

Since Branson has become known as the world's entertainment capital, many tourists have made their way to the most visited tourist destination in Missouri. A famous vacation paradise in the Midwest, Branson offers wholesome entertainment, breathtaking scenery, and enthralling outdoor activities for visitors of all ages.

Don't miss out on a thrilling adventure on the Branson Jet Boat or the Mountain Coaster in Branson before visiting many popular attractions. To fully enjoy Branson, we've compiled a list of 10 tips for making your first visit to this popular vacation spot memorable.

How To Get Here

Branson is near the southern border of Missouri and a short distance from northwest Arkansas. Branson has long been known as a top road trip vacation destination because one-third of the country can easily reach it in less than a day. Your trip to Branson can be more enjoyable with scenic, monumental, exciting, and historical stops.

Although road trips are the most popular way to get to Branson, they are not the only way! There are two national airports within 50 miles of the city. Branson Airport (BKG) offers year-round select flights from across the country, and Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF), is located just up the road in Springfield, Missouri.

What To Expect

Branson takes the best parts of a big city - entertainment, shopping, and restaurants - and makes them accessible, safe, wholesome, and fun for the entire family. When is the best time to visit Branson? It comes down to personal preference with pleasant springs, hot summers, colorful autumns, and mild winters.

Where To Stay

Branson, like other cities, has a wide range of hotels from which to choose. Unlike most cities, you don't have to leave Branson to find top-rated campgrounds and RV parks. All-inclusive, world-class resorts surround the city and line the beautiful Table Rock Lake shores.

Best Bites

A pancake the size of a car hubcap is being served at a popular cafe in Branson. Foodies are flocking to Branson's new restaurant scene. The city has a great mix of favorite chains, and Branson has them to satisfy your taste buds. Remember to try the cool, sweet homemade ice cream or the Branson fudge.

When it's time for a drink, visit a nearby winery or distillery. Take some home with you to remember the classic Ozarks taste. Coffee lovers will appreciate the unique brews and traditional cups served in an eclectic setting.

See A Live Show

As soon as you get there, you'll know why Branson is known as the Live Music Show Capital of the World! The city has over 150 productions to choose from, catering to a wide range of audiences.

Bring The Whole Family

One of the best ways to enjoy Branson is to visit the Silver Dollar City Attractions. This theme park in the style of the 1880s has jaw-dropping roller coasters, comfy train rides, play areas for kids, and splash-tastic water rides. Spending several days at Silver Dollar City will still give you more to discover, such as the mountain coaster in Branson.

Explore The Great Outdoors

The outdoor scene in Branson is thriving! Take on the great trails or ride on a wide variety of breathtaking water adventure rides on the Branson Jet Boat or a thrilling coaster ride on the Mountain Coaster in Branson.

Must-see sights

Although Branson has many unique attractions at every turn, you need to see a few significant spots.

Branson Landing Fountain Show is a spectacle of lights, water, fire, and music for all.

Dick's 5 & 10 is one of the oldest nickel and dime stores in the United States and has been a Branson icon for over 55 years. Dick's 5 & 10 offers more than 250,000 specialty items to guests of all ages.

The iconic Branson Ferris Wheel that once stood on the Chicago Navy Pier was brought to Branson's Entertainment District in 2016.

Come During The Christmas Season

Christmas time is truly the most wonderful time of year in Branson! This time of year, prepare to visit the place to see hundreds of unique Christmas trees scattered throughout America's Christmas Tree Capital.

Discounts & Deals

Many shopping malls in the area offer discounts all year, so we encourage you to follow social media channels and bookmark the websites of the businesses you wish to visit! You can also check out great deals for discounts on some of the area's top shows, hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions.

Want to know more? Check out our extensive list of things to do in this popular vacation destination, including a thrilling ride on the Mountain Coaster in Branson. With your first trip to Branson planned, you're off to a great start.

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Close-up of a souvenir t-shirt featuring a mountain coaster design

Shop & Adventure in Branson

By Neil Sawford • August 29, 2025

When you visit Branson with your family to enjoy a wonderful vacation, don't pass up the opportunity to shop at some of the best shopping locations. Branson shoppers will find everything on their shopping lists, from specialty shops to department stores. If you've had an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO, the next thing you should do is go shopping at some of the shopping malls listed below. Branson Landing Branson Landing, the Midwest's shoppers' paradise, is one of the most visited shopping destinations, offering almost everything you need for your holiday shopping in Branson. This fantastic shopping destination is home to the famous Belk Department Store, which provides a wide range of clothing and accessories. It also has Bass Pro Shop, which has everything you need for outdoor adventures. Branson Landing, a center for great shopping and dining opportunities located between Lake Taneycomo and historic downtown Branson, is one of the most visited attractions in town. The easily walkable Branson Landing is less than a mile long. It features a lakeside boardwalk, an open-air promenade, and more than 100 retail shops and fine restaurants. Shopping is the ideal activity after a thrilling adventure ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO. Historic Downtown Branson Historic Downtown Branson's famous shopping destination is a short walk from Branson Landing. Shopping in Historic Downtown Branson can undoubtedly relieve the stress of visitors who are having a great time touring the many exciting places in this vacation paradise. You will enjoy what Branson offers as you walk through the beautiful streets, old buildings, and nostalgic themed shops in downtown Branson. You can see the beginnings of Branson in the Ozarks in Historic Downtown Branson. But there's more to Branson than just reminiscing. With many shops and dozens of exciting attractions for people of all ages, this neighborhood transforms into a thriving complex full of exciting activities. Whether you're looking for gourmet foods, baked goods, or original art, the historic downtown Branson has it all. There are many fine restaurants and eateries in the historic downtown Branson, a time-enhanced exciting location. Branson Craft Mall Visit the Branson Craft Mall for a retail market that focuses on the unique and original. The Branson Craft Mall, lined with vendors and specialty craft goods, is also home to the famous Pickin' Porch Grill. You won't leave hungry with a diverse menu that includes House-Smoked BBQ, sandwiches, wings, and even tacos. For an after-meal treat, take a stroll down the candy aisle. Branson Craft Mall is a fantastic shopping destination where you can buy unique arts and crafts and enjoy a delicious dining experience at some of the finest restaurants. This expansive 160,000-square-foot craft mall offers visitors one-stop shopping from over 200 vendors, artists, and crafters. Many of these vendors sell clothing, quilts, leather goods, jewelry, rugs, baskets, pottery, and other items. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows The Shoppes at Branson Meadows provides a wide range of shopping experiences. Shepherd Hills Cutlery, Tuesday Morning, Neil's Home Store, the Consignment Clothing Exchange, Touch of Class Boutique, Made in the USA, and more are all worth a visit! Visit Branson's 1984 Arcade for a nostalgic and rejuvenating break. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows offers discounted local brands, chic home goods, and one-of-a-kind clothing. This shopping spot is a treasure trove of housewares and other household goods. Grand Village Shops Over 25 distinguished novelty stores can be found at Grand Village Shops. With each offering its distinct originality, you're sure to leave with a perfect memory of your time in Branson. The Grand Village Shops are an excellent place to find a meaningful gift for everyone on your list. With the diversity of shops, there is something for everyone in this great shopping spot in Branson. While shopping in this fascinating place, you'll see singing waiters entertain shoppers. At the same time, they enjoy diner-style food and tasty ice cream from the soda fountain at Mel's Hard Luck Diner. Tanger Outlet Mall No shopping spree in Branson is complete without a trip to Tanger Outlets. You will find well-known brands at a discounted price at this unique shopping location. Tanger Outlets is located inside Branson's Entertainment District and offers extended shopping hours and great discounts to reward members. Tanger Outlets have everything that you need and even hard-to-find items. Conveniently located on Highway 76 West, the fully stocked mall offers discounts for favorite name brands such as Gap, Levi's, Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and much more. When looking for great shopping spots to shop and adventure after an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO , don't forget to check out the shopping malls listed above.