If you’re a newcomer to the dazzling destination known as Branson, this comprehensive post will be very helpful. If you’re a regular guest, you’ll also find this information useful, especially is you discover exciting things you never knew existed! Pretty much everyone who visits Branson has been up and down the main drag, Highway 76, also known to most as “The Strip,” but not everyone has ventured beyond 76 unless they were visiting a couple of big attractions - Silver Dollar City and Shepherd of the Hills Homestead & Adventure Park, both of which are located just off Highway 76. We’re going to tell you about eight different areas or “districts” of Branson, including the Strip, but especially highlighting the fun, food, and fabulousness to be found in the area’s many other districts!
When it comes to all the wonderful pieces, parts, and points of interest that make up the Branson area, we’re not picking favorites, this list is in random order. Also, we couldn’t possibly list every area and everything found in each district, but we’ll include many of the highlights.
1. SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS: The first well-developed area away from The Strip, this district features theaters, attractions, lodging, dining, and shopping, and conveniently connects to the Strip just before you head out to Silver Dollar City or Shepherd of the Hills.
Attractions/Events
IMAX Entertainment Complex/Little Opry Theatre (features George Jones & Friends, A Tribute to John Denver, The Petersens, George Strait Country, Smoke on the Mountain, Sanders Family Christmas, Sons of Britches, Glen Campbell Songbook, Hank Williams Revisited) -- Hamners’ Variety Theatre (Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety, Hamners’ Unbelievable Christmas, Magnificent 7, Mike Walker Lasting Impressions, Conway Remembered, Beach Boys California Dreamin’, Thank You for the Music - A Modern Tribute to ABBA) -- Pierce Arrow Theatre (Pierce Arrow Gold, Pierce Arrow Decades, Doug Gabriel) -- Branson’s Promised Land Zoo - Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure -- Sight & Sound Theatres (Samson, Miracle of Christmas)
Retail
IMAX Entertainment Complex Shops, Whitney’s World of Crafts, Humane Society Thrift Store, Ricky Bobby's Pit Stop C-Store & Gas, A J's One Stop C-Store & Gas, and more.
Lodging
Best Western Music Capital Inn, Barrington Hotel, Classic Motor Inn, Days Inn, Econo Lodge, Honeysuckle Inn, Lynina Inn, Quality Inn West, Rodeway Inn, Scenic Hills Inn, Savanna House, Whispering Hills Inn
Red Lobster, McFarlain’s Family Restaurant, Golden Corral, Little Hacienda, Draft Sports Bar & Grill, and more.
Services
Curl Up & Dye Salon, Healing Tree Health, Metabolic Research Center, City Spatique, Prestige Ink, Missouri Department of Social Services, and more.
2. BRANSON HILLS: Boasts residential areas, familiar retailers and restaurants, as well as recreational facilities, lodging, and service providers. The first area you’ll come to when travelling south on Highway 65 from Springfield, Missouri.
Attractions/Events
Branson RecPlex (recreational complex) -- Branson Hills Golf Club
Retail
Best Buy, Target, Kohl’s, Walmart Supercenter, Home Depot, T.J. Maxx, Books-A-Million, Petco, Pier 1 Imports, Dollar Tree, Ulta Beauty, Shoe Carnival, and more.
Arby’s, Pizza Hut/WingStreet, Chili’s Grill & Bar, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Jane Dough Sandwiches, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, and Panda Express
Services
Pearle Vision, Cricket Wireless, AJ Elite Nails, Lakeland Pharmacy, U.S. Cellular, Jackson-Hewitt Tax Service, Branson Veterinary Hospital, Aspen Dental, Branson 1st Stop Gas & Convenience Store, Dr. Eli Lemonier - Optometrist & Associates, and more.
3. BRANSON LANDING: Features brand name retailers and restaurants, attractions, events, and more. Located along Lake Taneycomo and just downhill from Historic Downtown Branson.
Attractions/Events
Parakeet Pete’s Waterfront Zipline & Steampunk Balloon -- Andy B’s Bowl Social -- Fountain Show: combines lights, water, and fire set to music. -- Concert Series: Free live music concerts -- Farmer’s Market -- Halloween Annual Safe Street Trick or Treat -- Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony - Main Street Lake Cruises
Retail
Bass Pro Shops, Belk, Pink, Mark Ashton, Victoria’s Secret, Brookstone, Claire’s, Sunglass Hut, H&M, Chico’s, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Famous Footwear, Rack Room Shoes, Tervis Tumblers, Kirkland’s Home, GNC Live Well, Earthbound Trading Co, The Fudgery, Kilwin’s Chocolates, Hot Topic, Brighton Collectibles, and more.
Lodging
Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar, Black Oak Grill, Cantina Laredo, Famous Dave’s BBQ, Garfield’s Restaurant & Pub, Joe’s Crab Shack, Landshark Bar & Grill, Saltgrass Steak House, Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub, White River Fish House, and more.
4. HIGHWAY 165 & GREEN MOUNTAIN DRIVE/THOUSAND HILLS: Highway 165 and Green Mountain Drive, a.k.a. The Thousand Hills part of town, intersect and both feature a variety of attractions, hotels, unique retailers, and other places of interest.
Attractions/Events
Branson’s Famous Theatre (Branson’s Famous Baldknobbers, Reza - Edge of Illusion, The Blackwoods) -- Welk Resort Theatre (Million Dollar Quartet, limited engagement shows & concerts) -- Runaway Mountain Coaster & Flyaway Ziplines at Branson Mountain Adventure -- St. James Winery -- Mt. Pleasant Winery -- Curling Vine Winery -- Thousand Hills Golf Course -- Pirate’s Cove Mini-Golf -- Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery -- Jackie B. Goode’s (Absolutely Country, Definitely Gospel, Breakfast with Sedaka, Tribute to George Strait Dinner,) and more.
Retail
Secret Garden Timeless Romantic Clothing, Red Garter, Coffelt Craft Village, Branson Craft Mall, Falls Shopping Center, Scotty’s Hitch ‘n Post, 80’s World, and more.
Grand Oaks Hotel, Stone Castle Hotel, All American Inn & Suites, Brookwood Inn, Branson’s Best Inn, Carriage House Inn, Castle Rock Resort, Comfort Inn, EconoLodge, Fall Creek Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Radisson Hotel, Residence Inn Marriott
St. James Winery, Shogun Japanese Steak & Sushi, Florentina’s Ristorante Italiano, Fall Creek Steak & Catfish House, Danna’s BBQ & Burger Shop, Wheelhouse Catfish & Wings, Pickin’ Porch Grill, Panera Bread, and more.
Services
Half Price Tickets & More, Skyline Baptist Church, and more.
5. HISTORIC DOWNTOWN BRANSON: Charming walkable downtown area with several family-owned shops, diner-style eateries, ice cream shops, and attractions.
Attractions/Events
Hot Hits Theatre (Motown Downtown Tribute, Music From Across the Tracks, Doo Wop Show, All Crazy ‘bout Patsy, Marvin Gaye & Friends) -- 417 Escape Artist -- Branson Scenic Railway -- Branson Centennial Museum -- Prehistoric Fossils -- Plum Nellie Days -- Autumn Daze Festival
Retail
Dick’s 5 & 10, Peter Engler Designs, Plum Bazaar, Lightning Pawn & Music, Kelly Ann’s Resale Boutique, Ozark Quilts & More, Aromatique Outlet, By the Way Thrift Shop, Cadwell’s Downtown Flea Market, Downtown Casual Wear, Enchanted Memories Custom Engraving & Unique Gifts, Fashion House International, Henry's Warehouse Outlet, If The Shoe Fits, Salvation Army Family Store, It's Magic - Jokes & Novelties, and more.
Lodging
Best Western Plus Landing View Inn, Hilton Branson Convention Center, and more.
Branson Cafe, Farmhouse Restaurant, Dimitri’s Greek Gyros & Deli, Noodles 21, MacKenzie’s Ice Cream Shop, MoMo Sushi & Grill, Level 2 Steakhouse, Clocker’s Cafe, Starbucks, Mr. B’s Ice Cream & Deli, Revive Juice Company, and more.
Services
Animal Care Clinic, All Teased Up, Covenant Life Church, Branson Christian Church, Mid America Hearing Center, Bearden's Tax & Accounting, Branson Lock, Branson Tire & Auto, Lucy's Therapeutic Massage, Branson City Hall, Central Bank of Branson, Mr. Bug Killer, United States Post Office, and more.
6. HIGHWAY 76: It has many names, including Country Music Boulevard (for GPS,) The Strip, the “Main Drag” - it’s the district guests are most familiar with, and it’s filled with shows, attractions, dining, and more.
Attractions/Events
Grand Country Music Hall (Grand Jubilee, Comedy Jamboree, Branson Country USA, Ozarks Country, Ozarks Gospel, Amazing Pets, New South Gospel, Down Home Country) -- Dolly Parton’s Stampede -- Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater (Legends in Concert, Buckets N Boards, A Bretts Family Christmas) -- Presley’s Country Jubilee (also Presley’s Christmas Jubilee) -- God & Country Theatres (Jerry Presley Elvis Live, Fleetwood Mac Dreams, 3 Dog Night Shambala, The Temptations Motown Legends, 50 Years of Kenny Rogers, The Statler Brothers Revisited, The Good Ol Boys, Best of Neil Sedaka, Alabama Rolls On, Cash Alive The Legend) -- The Hughes Brothers Theatre (Hughes Music Show, Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, SIX, Oh Happy Day) -- Grand Shanghai Theatre (Amazing Acrobats of Shanghai, Mickey Gilley & Johnny Lee, Nathan Carter) -- The Duttons Family Theatre (The Duttons, All Hands on Deck, A Tribute to Marty Robbins) -- Jim Stafford Theatre (Jim Stafford, Parrotville Jimmy Buffett Tribute) -- Titanic Museum Attraction -- Branson’s Wild World -- Hollywood Wax Museum Complex -- Ripley’s Believe It Or Not -- Track Family Fun Parks -- White Water -- Clay Cooper Theatre (Clay Cooper’s Country Express, The Haygoods, Hot Rods & High Heels, #1 Hits of the 60s, Shoji Tabuchi Show, Shoji Tabuchi Family Christmas) -- Tribute Theatre (Southern Rock, Tribute to Aretha, Icons of England, Golden Sounds, Journey Tribute, Take it to the Limit Eagles Tribute, Bad Moon Risin’ Creedence Clearwater Revival) -- History of Fishing Museum -- Branson Top Ops -- Grand Country (indoor & outdoor mini-golf, arcade, and more) -- Fritz’s Outdoor Adventure -- Branson’s Famous Old Time Photos -- Branson VIP Tours -- Liverpool Legends -- Branson Dinosaur Museum -- Veterans Memorial Museum -- Adventure Zipline -- World’s Largest Toy Museum -- King’s Castle Theatre (Broadway The Greatest Hits, Dublin’s Irish Tenors, New Jersey Nights, Sinatra & Friends, Christmas Wonderland) -- Americana Theatre (Broadway to Buble Starring George Dyer, CJ Newsom’s Classic Country & Comedy, Billy Yates Hit Songwriters, Raiding the Country Vault, Dolly & Friends, Janice Martin’s Cirque Show, Cassandra Voice of An Angel) -- Andy Williams Performing Arts Center & Theater (Illusionist Rick Thomas Mansion of Dreams, Ozark Mountain Christmas, Texas Tenors) and much more.
Retail
Tanger Outlets (featuring a long list of big brand name outlet stores), Walmart, Price Chopper, Grand Village Shops, Beautiful Dresses, Apple Tree Craft Mall, and more.
Lodging
Gazebo Inn, Grand Plaza Hotel, Baymont Inn, Dutton Inn, Best Western Center Pointe, Camden Hotel, Clarion Hotel, Grand Country Inn, Grandview Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Grand Victorian, Lodge of the Ozarks, Quality Inn, Grand Plaza Hotel, Quality Inn on the Strip
Landry’s Seafood, Great American Steak & Chicken, Pasghetti’s, Belgian Waffle & Pancake House, Long Horn Steakhouse, McDonald’s, Ruby Tuesday’s, Papa John’s Pizza, Pizza World, Dunkin’ Donuts, Hong Kong Buffet, Taco Bell, Grand Country Buffet, Gettin’ Basted BBQ, Hurts Donut, Casa Fuentes Mexican Restaurant, Denny’s, Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel, Olive Garden, Arandas Tacos, Fajitas Locos, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Pancho Villa Tex Mex, Charlies Ribs, Steak & Ale, Billy Bob’s Dairyland, Branson’s Center Stage, and much more.
Services
Save On Branson, Half Price Tickets, Vinton Commercial Realty, Silliman Realty, Best Of Branson, Abaco Accounting, Shirley Powell Tax Prep, Branson United Methodist Church, and more.
7. BRANSON MEADOWS/GRETNA ROAD/HIGHWAY 248: An area that’s grown considerably in recent years; connects easily to Highway 76 and Downtown, and features a variety of things to do.
Attractions/Events
Majestic Theatre (featuring Johnson Strings, Branson Comedy Hypnosis Dinner, Branson Murder Mystery) -- White House Theatre (Acrobats on Ice, Story of Mulan) -- Yakov Smirnoff Theatre (Yakov Make America Laugh Again, Comedy Hypnosis & Comedy Hypnosis After Dark with Austin Singley) -- Mansion Entertainment Center (Oak Ridge Boys, various concerts)
Retail
Shoppes at Branson Meadows (several brand name and family-owned stores,) Leather Trading Company, Coleman’s Outlet, Quilts & Quilts - The Fabric Shop
The Bucketlist, Big D’s Barbecue, McDonald’s, Dairy Queen, El Morro’s Taco Truck, Scooter’s Sports Grill, Vasken’s Deli, Tequila’s 2
8. TABLE ROCK LAKE/INDIAN POINT/BRANSON’S SURROUNDING AREAS: Venturing in any direction, you’ll find lots of attractions, dining, and more, still located in Branson, but slightly outside the city limits.
Attractions/Events
Silver Dollar City (rides, live music, crafts, food, shopping, Marvel Cave, and more) -- Shepherd of the Hills Homestead & Adventure Park (Outdoor Drama, Inspiration Tower, Vigilante Extreme ZipRider, ATVs, Ropes Course, Canopy Zipline Tours, Merry Christmas with Dino & Cheryl, The Toby Show, Lil’ Pete’s Playland, Shepherd’s Christmas Carol, Trail of Lights, North Pole Adventure) -- State Park Marina -- Dewey Short Visitor Center -- Showboat Branson Belle -- Table Rock Dam -- Branson Zipline -- Indian Point Zipline -- National Tiger Sanctuary -- Xcape Branson -- College of the Ozarks (tours, museums,) -- Top of the Rock & Branson Creek (several golf courses) -- City of Hollister (shopping, dining) and much more.
Lodging
StoneBridge Resort, and more.
BillyGail’s Cafe, Altenhof Inn, Top of the Rock (Arnie’s Barn, Osage Restaurant, and more,) Japanese Kitchen, Vintage Paris Coffee Shop, Little Hacienda, Hook & Ladder Pizza, Dobyn’s Dining Room at Keeter Center
As you can see, Branson may be considered a small town by population standards, but it’s bursting with activities, attractions, live entertainment, restaurants, shopping, lakes, and so much more...so what are you waiting for, consider this your personal invitation to experience the joy of Branson!