There’s a reason Bandera is known as “the Cowboy Capital of the World”. With its old-school saloons, historic museums, live music, local shops, and lively rodeos, this small town offers a genuine take on cowboy culture that’s welcoming to everyone.
You’re not going to go hungry in Bandera. There are a ton of great places to get a cold drink, enjoy delicious food, catch live music, and connect with friendly locals. Whether you're two-stepping at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar, kicking back at Arkey’s Silver Dollar Saloon, or grabbing a bite at the iconic O.S.T. Restaurant (short for Old Spanish Trail), you’re guaranteed a good time.
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Bandera is the perfect gateway to explore the Texas Hill Country. Lost Maples State Natural Area offers scenic hiking, especially during autumn when foliage colours are at their peak. Hill Country State Natural Area provides a beautifully remote escape, ideal for trail runners, horseback riders, or mountain biking. And if you're looking to embrace your inner cowboy, local dude ranches offer horseback rides, roping lessons, and an authentic insight to western life.
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“Cowboys on Main” is one of our Saturday highlights, where you can meet real cowboys, watch a western gunfight show, snap a photo with longhorn, or enjoy a horse drawn wagon ride. Don’t miss the Bandera Cattle Company Gunfighters, who bring the Old West to life with authentic 1800s re-enactment shows at Rattlesnake Ridge. Before you leave stop by the Frontier Times Museum for a unique blend of western artifacts and local lore, then explore the Bandera Natural History and Art Museum, home to exotic animal exhibits and a striking New Spain art collection.
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Live music is never far in Bandera — you’ll find it playing most nights of the week. Local bars and honky-tonks showcase a variety of genres, offering plenty of chances to dance and unwind. Many venues here have a rustic charm, blending cowboy culture with small-town warmth to create a relaxed vibe that’s sure to leave you with a smile on your face.
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