Region: Hill Country

"The Cowboy Capital of the World" is well known for its plentiful dude ranches, country-western music, rodeos, and horse racing.

Once part of the "Wild West," Bandera Pass, located 12 miles north of town on TX 173, was the site of many battles between Spanish conquistadors and both Apache and Comanche Indians. Legend has it that following a battle with the Apaches in 1732, a flag (or bandera in Spanish) was hung at the pass to mark the boundary between the two opposing forces.

Bandera still clings to its Wild West roots more than most Hill Country towns and visitors will find a true western atmosphere, from weekly rodeos to boot-scootin' dance halls.

Today the wildest action in town occurs in the dance halls. Put on your boots, crease your best jeans, and get ready to two-step with locals and vacationers alike.

Bandera Area Travel News

Hill Country travel news

Attractions

Attractions From historic churches to museums and parks, you'll find several day's worth of attractions in the area.

Rodeos Both local open rodeos and top-name rodeos draw many onlookers.

Honky Tonks Boot-scootin' across sawdust-covered floors is the top activity several nights a week at long-running honky tonks in town.

Bandera Photos

Bandera photo album

Festivals & Special Events

Bandera Festivals & Special Events

Where to Stay

Dude Ranches A look at several of the top ranches where you can be a cowboy for a few days.

Old Town Square. . Rooms here are decorated in a Wild West theme but otherwise motel basic with few extras. However, the hotel is the only one on Bandera’s Main Street and makes an excellent location from which to enjoy nightlife. The most interesting room here is the John Wayne Room, where the Duke himself once stayed. 703 Main Street, (830) 796-4100; www.banderasquare.com

Dining

O.S.T. Restaurant. Named for the Old Spanish Trail, this restaurant serves a Texas-sized breakfast as well as popular lunch and dinners as well with Lone Star favorites such as chicken fried steak, burgers, and fried chicken. Don’t miss the bar with its unique barstools—each topped with a saddle. Located at 305 Main Street, (830) 796-3836.

Texaritas Steak House & Mesquite Grill Restaurant. Part of Old Town Square, this restaurant offers indoor and streetside dining featuring Texas favorites, steaks, Tex-Mex, fajitas, and drinks from the adjacent Tequila Rita Cantina. 703 Main Street; www.banderasquare.com.

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Bandera CVB