No other town in Texas lays claim to a budding heritage quite like Tyler’s. Tucked serenely in beautiful East Texas, Tyler is home to some of the state’s most bountiful rose gardens and blooming azalea bushes—not to mention a state park right outside the city that is perfect for camping, hiking, and making a splash.
Back in town, take in a show, wander through one-of-a-kind shops or visit cozy hometown cafes that beg for you to stop in and stay awhile.
There’s no better time to stop and smell the roses!
Grab a Bite
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a night out, Tyler has restaurants to suit any taste.
Sink your teeth into a smoky rack of ribs at Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ (named one of the best BBQ joints in Texas).
Lunch or brunch at The Grove, one of Tyler’s favorite patios, or grab a cup of joe at The Foundry located in Downtown Tyler and perk up for your East Texas travels.
See a full list of dining options here.
Arts and Culture
Downtown Tyler has recently undergone a revitalization to become a hub for arts and culture.
Live performances and concerts grace the stage at Liberty Hall, while museums like Gallery Main Street display art from local artists.
Visitors also enjoy touring a variety museums and historic homes throughout town including the Goodman-LeGrand House & Museum, Discovery Science Place for the kids, the American Freedom Museum, and more!
See a full list of attractions here.
For Nature Lovers
Tyler is the perfect spot for all types of nature lovers. Explore a variety of parks and hiking and biking trails for all skill levels while visiting Tyler.
You also won’t want to miss the Caldwell Zoo.
This 85-acre facility features over 2,000 animal species in habitats that are carefully crafted to resemble the animals’ natural environments.
Just north of the city limits the Tyler State Park sprawls for 985 acres, so pack your camping gear and explore the park on foot.
Lake Tyler sees plenty of boats, fishermen, nature lovers and swimmers.
So whether you want to drop a line into the water or cannonball off a dock, you’re all set.
See a full list of attractions here.
Rose Season
October brings Rose Season and with it more than 500 varieties of blooming roses at the Tyler Rose Garden.
All month long, Tyler celebrates budding beds of roses with horticulture workshops, garden tours, and other festivities.
The third weekend in October the city celebrates the Texas Rose Festival, which brings thousands to visit the historic rose museum and take strolls through the Rose Garden.
Roses are in peak season twice a year, early summer and fall, but the Tyler Rose Garden stays beautiful year-round.
If you happen to miss peak rose season, enjoy the Tyler Botanical Garden located within the rose garden.
The Tyler Botanical Garden is made up of four demonstration gardens, cared for by the local Master Gardeners and includes azaleas, camellias, Japanese Maples, and more.
Azalea and Spring Flower Trail
In March and April, the roses take a back seat to azaleas. The Azalea and Spring Flower Trail traces its roots back to the 1930s when a city nurseryman shipped azaleas from Georgia to Tyler.
Since then, the trail has grown into an annual spring affair and today, two trails wind through ten miles of historic homes and gardens with blooming bushes and fresh flowers.
During this time Tyler hosts city-wide events for visitors to enjoy.
It’s the perfect time to see Tyler in full bloom!
Experience Tyler
Don’t know where to start on your trip to Tyler? Download one of Tyler’s free tours for exclusive discounts at local attractions and restaurants in the area.
Tyler offers two of these experiences: the Thirsty Pines Tour and the Adventure & Outdoor Pass. These free mobile passports will help you experience the region like a local.
Hear the Behind-the-Scenes Stories
To get a more in-depth look into Tyler’s culture, check out the Rambling Roses podcast available on any platform you access podcasts.
Each month, journey with the “Roses” as they share fun and interesting stories from Tyler that you won’t hear anywhere else.
For more information about visiting Tyler contact Visit Tyler at 903-593-6905 or visit us online at VisitTyler.com. Or download the free Visit Tyler, Tx app, presented by Eguide Magazine, available on Apple and Android.
