San Angelo, TX has more than its fair share of attractions, events, and interesting places to see.
Whether you’re on vacation with your kids or spending your honeymoon away from the bustle, San Angelo is a great place to visit.
If you live there, it’s even better! There are tons of community clubs and buildings, as well as attractions and museums.
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During your stay in San Angelo, TX, make sure to visit any of the numerous parks, recreation areas, art galleries, or museums on offer. Here, you’ll find fine restaurants, educational opportunities, entertainment, and a unique cultural environment.
San Angelo, TX has so much to offer.
Read on to find out about all the great things you can do in San Angelo, TX.
25 Fun Activities in San Angelo, TX
San Angelo, TX is a jewel, nestled in the heart of Concho Valley. There’s plenty to do in this West Texas town no matter how you like to spend your time.
We’ll look at outdoor and recreation activities, indoor activities for beating the heat, activities for couples, as well as activities for families with kids.
We’ll look at free options, luxurious options, and even some experiences unique to San Angelo.
Here are 25 unique things you can do in San Angelo, TX.
Outdoor Activities in San Angelo
1. San Angelo State Park
San Angelo State Park offers a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities.
The park offers camping sites, biking trails, and over 50 miles of trails for hiking or horseback riding. A small per-day entrance fee allows you to take advantage of all the park has to offer.
You can fish at the park as well, even if you don’t have a license. If you’re fishing from the shore, you can enjoy a peaceful afternoon. The park even loans out the fishing gear if you’ve come unprepared.
On your way out, make sure to stop by the Official Texas State Longhorn Herd, as well as paddocks full of bison. It’s a unique experience for any family!
2. San Angelo Riverwalk
The Riverwalk is a decidedly more urban outdoor environment. Here, you can shop downtown while strolling along the river.
There are plenty of free gardens and parks for the whole family, as well as community fishing areas, an outdoor sculpture gallery, and an outdoor stage. It’s a great place to spend the afternoon.
If you like to play golf, the Santa Fe Park golf course is an inexpensive way to get a few holes in. There’s also some great dining in the area, making it the perfect place to enjoy a spring or summer day.
3. San Angelo Nature Center
San Angelo’s Nature Center offers an interactive animal experience with their interpretive tours, where your kids can get up close and personal with Texas’s native animals.
While these tours are expensive, you can get a more general, hands-off experience at the park for just a few dollars per person.
Here, you’ll be able to see a host of animals, including turtles, scorpions, bobcats, porcupines, and skunks!
On-site group tours can accommodate up to 25 children. They offer interaction and education for a wide variety of native animals.
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Indoor Activities
4. Angelo State University Planetarium
Angelo State University (ASU) is home to a large Planetarium, complete with a large, tilted dome theatre and Sci-Dome HD projector. Here, you can see over 500 million stars and other celestial objects. The projection of these bodies is fascinating, and it’s sure to be a great trip for parents and children.
Tickets are available when school is in session, and they are inexpensive. Look out for activities held by the Planetarium, as special shows sell out quickly.
You can take your kids to the Planetarium as well, as it presents a great educational experience!
5. Miss Hattie’s Bordello Museum
San Angelo has plenty of museums, but none are quite as unique as Miss Hattie’s Bordello Museum.
The brothel was open for a total of 50 years, between 1902 and 1952. During that time, it catered to thousands of travelers, soldiers, and cowboys.
Today, many of the unique museum pieces are original to the house and property, including some of the furniture.
The museum is set up just like the bordello was in the early 1900s, and it’s like taking a step back in time. However, due to the adult nature of the museum, take your children at your discretion.
6. Stadium Lanes Bowling Center
During the spring and summer, it can get hot in San Angelo. One of the best ways to beat the heat is to enjoy some family bowling time at the Stadium Lanes Bowling Center.
Here, you can easily bowl away the afternoon with multiple bowling lanes and billiards. There’s also a small arcade area for families to enjoy.
Entry to the Bowling Center is inexpensive. You can schedule events, parties, and more – and there are even refreshments available.
San Angelo Activities for Couples
7. San Angelo Wine and Food Festival
If you’re headed to San Angelo during February, you might be able to catch the annual San Angelo Wine and Food Festival.
This and many gourmet dinners are presented by the San Angelo Cultural Affairs Council. Even if this event is sold out – which it often is – you’re sure to find some event to attend as a couple. It makes for a great date night, even if you’re just visiting the San Angelo area.
Plus, it doesn’t get much better than a lengthy dinner date with some great food and spirits, does it?
Make sure to check and make reservations for any events you want to attend. Seats go quickly, and you don’t want to miss out!
8. Angelo Civic Theatre
The Angelo Civic Theatre is a great place to spend an evening. If you enjoy live entertainment, there’s no better place in San Angelo to attend a show!
Since its first show in 1885, the theatre has provided culturally important experiences for residents and visitors.
Since then, it’s been remodeled and renovated. Now, it’s the perfect place to catch a show. Make sure to check out the theatre’s schedule before planning your trip.
Their shows rotate quickly. You wouldn’t want to miss one of your favorite plays by a few days!
The theatre makes for a perfect date night. Don’t let its humble appearance fool you – these players know how to entertain!
9. Think! In A Box
Escape rooms are more popular than ever, and it can be hard to find one in your area. If you and your partner have been wanting to try one of these great experiences, Think! In a Box might be the place to go on your date night.
There are 7 different themed rooms with varying levels of difficulty. If you’re a beginner, there’s room for you – but there are more challenging options as well.
Each room is private, and you can book up to four people – including children in some rooms. It’s perfect for double dates.
Reservations are required, so make sure to call in advance so they can open a room for you.
10. The Roosevelt Club
The Roosevelt Club is a home-grown casino and social club where you can spend the evening hanging out with the locals.
If you’re local to San Angelo, it’s a great way to get to know your neighbors and win some great prizes!
Though it’s not a traditional casino with neon lights, it’s still a great way to shoot the breeze and maybe even win some money. They offer poker as well as a sports lounge.
11. The Deadhorse
The Deadhorse is a live rock venue and lounge. There are always shows, parties, or events happening here. You can even schedule an event of your own, though your date night might get a little lonely.
There are usually shows on most days of the week, and the lounge has an updated list on their website and Facebook page. It’s always worth looking into!
Plus, it’s a great place to go if country music isn’t your thing. San Angelo’s Texan charm is still present at this venue, but with a good heavy dose of rock music to go along with it.
Things to do in San Angelo for Families with Kids & Toddles
12. The Bosque Park
The Bosque Park is one of the largest parks in San Angelo. It’s more than just a public park. There are several games and activities here that require entry fees.
During the summer season, you can expect to find volleyball, paddle boats, and all types of miniature golf.
There are free activities as well – The Bosque is still a public park, and offers lots of shade, walking trails, and even giant chess. It’s a great place to hang out with the family.
13. Fort Concho
Fort Concho used to be a military fort – now, it’s a National Monument and interactive museum.
Many of the older buildings have been renovated, and some have been furnished to look like they did in the 1800s, when the fort was active.
There’s plenty for your kids to do, especially if they are bored of the other museums. It’s a fun, interactive history experience that the whole family will enjoy. The tours are self-guided, so you are free to tour at your own pace.
14. Kid’s Kingdom Park
San Angelo has a lot of great parks, and Kid’s Kingdom is one of the best! It’s completely free to the public.
Here, you’ll find all the traditional park amenities, including large wooden playground equipment. There’s also a scenic river drive through the park, fishing areas, and walking trails.
Located right across from the Visitor’s Center, it’s a great place for parents to relax while the kids play.
15. Brown’s Park and Pool
If none of the dry parks are to your liking, you can get in your bathing suits and take the family to Brown’s Park and Pool.
It’s open during the summer months and provides a welcome respite from the heat. But it’s not just a pool – there are water slides, too! If you want to make a day of it, bring along some food to grill and a volleyball to toss around.
Swimsuits are required and there is a small entry fee. Your kids will love the giant pool and the huge slides. Besides, there’s the rest of the park to enjoy as well.
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Free Things to Do in San Angelo, TX
16. International Waterlily Collection
San Angelo, TX is home to the largest and most exclusive collection of water lilies in the world. Each year, the collection of waterlilies changes – which is necessary, because only a very small percentage of the collection can be displayed in the available space.
The International Waterlily Collection is located at the Civic League Park in San Angelo, and it’s free to the public.
You can tour ponds full of flowering lilies. It’s best to go between April and October. The waterlilies here flower during that time, creating multiple beautiful pools that the whole family can enjoy.
17. San Angelo Visitor’s Center
The San Angelo Visitor’s Center is a great place to learn about what you can do in San Angelo. It’s a beautiful building, complete with painted sheep, Riverwalk access, and a nearby art display.
While inside, you can check out brochures for every other event and attraction in the surrounding area. They also offer complimentary coffee.
If you aren’t local to the San Angelo area, the receptionist can help you get acquainted with what is available to you.
They’re sure to have extensive knowledge of all types of events and activities, so make sure to ask them about the types of things you want to do.
Fancy Things to do In San Angelo, Texas
18. The Cactus Hotel
The Cactus Hotel is a great place to host a party. If you’re getting married, holding a large event, or planning an extravagant birthday, add the Cactus Hotel to your list of possible venues.
This hotel used to be a Hilton, but it’s no longer open for overnight stays. Still, the fancy party rooms are great for all types of parties and events.
19. Pop of Color Art Gallery
If you want to get in touch with your artsy side, consider ‘popping’ in at the Pop of Color Art Gallery. You can catch a painting class and pick up some new techniques.
Most classes provide materials in the entry fee, though it can be a little pricy if there are multiple people in your party.
If you’re not into painting, Pop of Color also has a gift shop, cookie decorating classes, and hosts events and parties. It’s a great place to visit and check out – they’re sure to have a class that you or someone in your family can enjoy.
20. Music Garden Mansion
Looking for a little getaway in San Angelo? The Music Garden Mansion is an old-fashioned Bed and Breakfast along the river. Stay in a cozy, well-decorated room – they’re full of Southern charm.
Spend your afternoons strolling along the river or relaxing at the Music Garden Mansion’s beautiful herb gardens.
At night, you can relax in a hot tub under the stars. It’s the perfect vacation getaway and honeymoon destination. Plus, it’s located right in the center of the action in San Angelo. It’s great for visitors and locals alike!
21. Angry Cactus Restaurant
When it comes to fine Texas dining, it doesn’t get much better than The Angry Cactus. It isn’t exactly a black-tie affair, but the food is amazing and the atmosphere screams ‘fine dining’.
This bar and grill feature a large selection of local and craft brews, as well as delicious steaks, burgers, and American cuisine.
There is a kids’ section on the menu, so don’t be afraid to bring your kids to dinner. It’s a little taste of finer dining after a long day exploring San Angelo.
Unique Things to Do in San Angelo, Texas
22. The Chicken Farm Art Center
The Chicken Farm Art Center is a unique place for artists to come together, meet each other, and work on their art.
This cultural center is eclectic and welcoming, making it a great place for quirky artists to get together. But it’s not just a collection of studios and meeting places.
The Chicken Farm Art Center also has a Bed and Breakfast. Catch lunch or dinner at the amazing Silo House Restaurant or browse one of the numerous art galleries that are open on the property.
Few places are quite like this, so take it all in while you’re in San Angelo. Make sure that you visit during one of the many events they hold, as you’ll find art booths and more!
23. San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts
San Angelo’s museums are amazing, but the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts is a jewel in the crown of this desert oasis.
The museum houses a collection of ceramics, paintings, and sculptures from around the state. There is always an amazing exhibit or two happening. In addition to standard art, they have outdoor sculpture galleries and galleries specifically for glass art.
It’s a great place to take the family.
The National Award for Museum Service is one of the highest honors that a museum can receive. San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts received this award in 2003, along with numerous other awards from the state.
It’s a great place to look at some art, educate your children, and look at dozens of unique pieces.
24. Railway and Heritage Museum of San Angelo
The Railway and Heritage Museum of San Angelo isn’t quite like any other Railway Museum in the US. It hosts a variety of events for different seasons, including Halloween and Christmas.
It’s a great place to take the kids to these events, as it’s something they won’t see anywhere else.
It’s the perfect place to take your kids who like trains.
The museum is a solid experience for all ages, and it’s extremely educational for all. If you can, stop by when there’s a car show or a ‘Railway Day’ to get the most out of your visit.
See Also: Is San Angelo, TX Located in West Texas?
25. Helicopter Pig Hunting
If hunting is your favorite pastime, San Angelo certainly delivers!
Helicopter Pig Hunting is a hunting resort that features 2 million acres to hunt feral hogs – from a helicopter! It’s a pricey experience, but something that hunters will enjoy.
The ranch also has comfortable, well-decorated lodges. The entire experience has a focus on fine dining, headed by a decorated executive chef.
This upscale activity is sure to leave its mark. If your pocketbook can handle it, don’t pass up the opportunity for year-round helicopter hog hunting.
Buying a Home in San Angelo?
Ready to move to San Angelo?
If you’re prepared to join a community of entrepreneurs, cowboys, and artists, this is the place for you. But how should you get started?
The single most important thing you can do before starting your move is to get pre-approved for a home loan.
There are multiple benefits to home loan pre-approval. First, you’ll know if you can get financed to purchase a home.
Second, you’ll know what your price range is for buying a home. It’s important to know what you can afford before you go house hunting, so you know what to expect and what amenities you can reasonably look for.
Getting approved for a home loan can also make your move faster. Instead of finding temporary lodging while the lending institution processes your paperwork, you’ll be able to move into your new home faster.
Plus, sellers look favorably on those who are already pre-approved for the amount they’re asking. Before you commit to moving to San Angelo, make sure to look into getting pre-approved for a home loan.
Conclusion
San Angelo, TX has a lot of things going on. There’s so much to do and see in this desert oasis, including unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else. No matter if you’re looking for activities with your kids or some alone time with your partner, San Angelo has something for everyone.
Sources
“Parks.” City of San Angelo, TX Official Website. https://www.cosatx.us/departments-services/parks Accessed September 13, 2021.
“Things to See and Do.” Discover San Angelo, https://www.discoversanangelo.com/businesses/thingstoseeanddo?gclid=CjwKCAjw7fuJBhBdEiwA2lLMYfetNc_uwwjPyimtLQGovFJ0N7Mu4O_0dkYj6vfmp2uzF2KXU1N7ixoCO70QAvD_BwE. Accessed 13 September 2021.
“San Angelo.” San Angelo, TX Official Website. https://www.sanangelo.org/san-angelo/. Accessed 13 September 2021.
