10 Reasons to Visit Lubbock That Will Surprise You (2024)

Lubbock, Texas

Home to world-renowned artists, iconic musicians, state-of-the-art theaters, award-winning wineries and breweries, and a diverse selection of cuisine, Lubbock, Texas holds an unexpected find around every corner. Celebrate genesis of Lubbock’s West Texas charm, a way of life that is deeply rooted in soil that grows 90 percent of all Texas wine grapes and nearly half of the nation’s cotton. As you immerse yourself in the evolving culture of the Hub City,all you uncover may surprise you.

A Robust Wine Destination

The Texas High Plains AVA accounts for 90 percent of Texas wine grape production. Lubbock’s collection of award-winning wineries and annual wine festivals poses the region as a premier destination for wine.

West Texas pours an assortment of varietals for any palate. You can tour and taste their way through a plethora of local wineries such as Llano Estacado Winery, which is the second oldest winery in Texas. Others include McPherson Cellars, founded by Kim McPherson in honor of his late father and the father of Texas Wine, Doc McPherson; and English Newsom Cellars, which boasts a true vine-to-bottle experience. In early 2020, Burklee Hill Vineyards moved location to the Historic Kress Building in downtown Lubbock. This generational winery offers an expansive wine selection to pair with its in-house bistro featuring family recipes for lunch and dinner.

High Plains Cuisine

Not only does the Hub Cityshowcase a prosperous wine scene, but the cultured West Texas cuisine is as expansive as it is rich. Experience a wide range of culinary art starting at Evie Mae’s, Texas Monthly’s “No. 8 Best Barbecue Spot in Texas.” 700 pounds of meat is smoked nightly, preparing for the next day’s sell-out by 2 p.m. Each side and dessert are also gluten-free, so make sure to sample each dish.

For a complete High Plains-inspired meal, make your reservations at The Nicolett, Lubbock’s newest high-end restaurant owned by the world-trained and James Beard Award Semifinalist for “Best Chef,” Chef Finn Walter.

Indulge in four courses featuring locally sourced ingredients prepared through a myriad of European techniques, to complete a meal worthy of five stars. There is truly no other experience like this in Lubbock. Enjoy your meal in the renovated modern dining room, outside in the courtyard, or under the string lights and succulents in the greenhouse.

Lubbock also offers a diverse selection of cultural eats from across the country and around the world, beginning with Latin tapas at La Diosa Cellars, which is known for the house Sangria, and Cocina de La Sirena, a hidden gem located in Cactus Alley. For a Hub Citytwist on a southern staple, visit Dirk’s for a plate of tender fried chicken, fresh oysters, and traditional sides.

Wellness in the 806

Looking to stay fit and maintain wellness? Check out a few local spots to continue training, find your savasana, and savor Lubbock’s favorite health foods. Download MindBody [mobile app] to reserve their spot for “Candlelight Yoga” with Greg Foster at BODY.

A perfect blend of calming and rejuvenating, practicing yoga as the sun sets on the West Texas horizon offers a feeling of bliss while pushing yourself to sweat. Afterward, treat yourself to a smoothie bowl down the road at Vitality Bowls.

For the outdoor adventurer, Dunbar Historic Lake highlights miles of mountain biking and hiking trails as well as standup paddleboarding at SUPLBK and the ideal fishing conditions for any experienced or first-time angler. Check out Mountain Hideaway for all your gear needs!

Tee Off at the Premier Golf Course: The Rawls Course at Texas Tech University

Renowned by a multitude of prestigious golf authorities, such as Golf Digest and Golf Advisor, the Rawls Golf Course is the “#2 best golf course to play in Texas,” and Texas Tech University boasts “one of the top-rated public golf courses in the Lone Star State.”

Designed by famed course architect, Tom Doak, the 18-hole, links-style course features unusually wide fairways and a challenging layout that will bring the best out of your game.

For those seeking a more social environment, show off your swing at GolfSuites, a driving range combined with a bar and restaurant where you can play games with friends while enjoying a few drinks.

Where Art Comes to Life

Recognized as the first Cultural District designated by Texas, Lubbock celebrates the local art community. From world-class galleries like LHUCA to hands-on, walk-through studios like Charles Adams Studio Project, art lovers are welcome to peruse exhibits across the city. On the first Friday of every month, downtown Lubbock, from the Cultural District to the Depot District, is filled with thousands of locals and visitors alike walking the art trail.

From food trucks, galleries, and live music, the First Friday Art Trail is the perfect way to see the local art.

On the Texas Tech University campus, the second-largest public art exhibit on a college campus showcases one of the “Top 10 Public Art Collections in the Nation,” recognized by Public Art Review magazine. See firsthand more than 100 pieces of art scattered throughout the campus. You can also take the tour by riding on the “Art Cart,” Texas Tech University’s first public art tour bus.

The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences

Deep in the cultural district, the cornerstone of Lubbock’s downtown revitalization efforts serves as the focal point of the city, The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences. Designed by world-renowned Diamond Schmitt Architects, this longtime envisioned performing arts venue houses acclaimed entertainment and revolutionary performances in a 220,000 square-foot campus.

Featuring two theaters with an acoustic value of NC15, The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences offers seasoned musicians, famous performers, and aspiring artists the opportunity to perform in a world-class venue.

This state-of-the-art campus features event space, a full-service bistro, Rave On, and is home to Ballet Lubbock, Lubbock Independent School District, and Lubbock Symphony Orchestra. There's even a brand new Broadway series coming featuring Hairspray, The Book of Mormon, STOMP, and more.

A Designated Music Friendly Community

With a complete lineup of local talent, Lubbock sets the stage for live music every night. In fact, the city holds the title of most live music venues per capita in the state.

From The Blue Light Live, revered as the mecca for songwriters, to the Buddy Holly Center and McPherson Cellars patio every Thursday night in the summer, getting lost in the Depot District is easy to do for music lovers.

Go see a riveting tribute show at the Cactus Theater, or a mega performance at the United Supermarkets Arena, where the likes of Willie Nelson, Kane Brown, Lauren Daigle, and Lainey Wilson will soongrace the stage.

If you enjoy more intimate, acoustic performances, grab a bite and see a show at one of Lubbock’s local favorite restaurants. Hub CityLubbock is rightfully known to be the music hub of Texas.

Experience the Charm and Grandeur of the Wild West

Lubbock honors its western heritage by offering the ultimate experience in cowboy culture. Two-step the night away at Rodeo 4, walk through the 19-acre historical park at the National Ranching Heritage Center, and pursue the American Windmill Museum, the largest windmill museum in the world.

Hub CityLubbock allows you to step back in time and celebrate the western way of life at each museum across the city. Don’t forget to get yourself a pair of custom boots and cowboy hat from local shops, like Flint Custom Hats and RC Custom Boots!

The Cotton Court Hotel

Lubbock’s newest luxury boutique hotel, the Cotton Court Hotel, is thoughtfully designed to celebrate the city’s cultural history, down to the smallest detail. Upon check-in, take note of the cotton exchange rates in the main lobby and the copper notes that bring in an industrial flare.

Each room is outfitted with carpeting that showcases an aerial view of Lubbock’s cotton fields, 100 percent cotton sheets, and a mid-century-modern aesthetic beautifully orchestrated through appliances and furniture that create a feeling of coming home.

Step back into history at the Cotton Court and pay tribute to the roots that planted the Hub City.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Lubbock thrives in offering visitors an abundance of family-friendly attractions. If you have a need for speed, spend an exciting afternoon with the family at Adventure Park. From go-karts to the ropes course and zip line, this attraction is not for the faint of heart.

They also have mini-golf and arcade games for those looking to do something a little more low-key.

Spend an afternoon outing hiking at Caprock, play a few fun games of world-class disc golf, and be on the lookout for prairie dogs in MacKenzie Park.

Meet in the Hub City

When it comes to finding a stellar location for a meeting or event, planners have a variety of factors to consider. With world-class museums, award-winning wineries and breweries, short commute time, and a thriving cultural district, the 806 offers businesses the ability to host a successful meeting any time of the year.

Home to world-renowned artists, iconic musicians, state-of-the-art theaters, award-winning wineries and breweries, and a diverse selection of cuisine, Lubbock, Texas holds an unexpected find around every corner. Celebrate genesis of Lubbock’s West Texas charm, a way of life that is deeply rooted in soil that grows 90 percent of all Texas wine grapes and nearly half of the nation’s cotton. As you immerse yourself in the evolving culture of the Hub City,all you uncover may surprise you.

A Robust Wine Destination

The Texas High Plains AVA accounts for 90 percent of Texas wine grape production. Lubbock’s collection of award-winning wineries and annual wine festivals poses the region as a premier destination for wine.

West Texas pours an assortment of varietals for any palate. You can tour and taste their way through a plethora of local wineries such as Llano Estacado Winery, which is the second oldest winery in Texas. Others include McPherson Cellars, founded by Kim McPherson in honor of his late father and the father of Texas Wine, Doc McPherson; and English Newsom Cellars, which boasts a true vine-to-bottle experience. In early 2020, Burklee Hill Vineyards moved location to the Historic Kress Building in downtown Lubbock. This generational winery offers an expansive wine selection to pair with its in-house bistro featuring family recipes for lunch and dinner.

High Plains Cuisine

Not only does the Hub Cityshowcase a prosperous wine scene, but the cultured West Texas cuisine is as expansive as it is rich. Experience a wide range of culinary art starting at Evie Mae’s, Texas Monthly’s “No. 8 Best Barbecue Spot in Texas.” 700 pounds of meat is smoked nightly, preparing for the next day’s sell-out by 2 p.m. Each side and dessert are also gluten-free, so make sure to sample each dish.

For a complete High Plains-inspired meal, make your reservations at The Nicolett, Lubbock’s newest high-end restaurant owned by the world-trained and James Beard Award Semifinalist for “Best Chef,” Chef Finn Walter.

Indulge in four courses featuring locally sourced ingredients prepared through a myriad of European techniques, to complete a meal worthy of five stars. There is truly no other experience like this in Lubbock. Enjoy your meal in the renovated modern dining room, outside in the courtyard, or under the string lights and succulents in the greenhouse.

Lubbock also offers a diverse selection of cultural eats from across the country and around the world, beginning with Latin tapas at La Diosa Cellars, which is known for the house Sangria, and Cocina de La Sirena, a hidden gem located in Cactus Alley. For a Hub Citytwist on a southern staple, visit Dirk’s for a plate of tender fried chicken, fresh oysters, and traditional sides.

Wellness in the 806

Looking to stay fit and maintain wellness? Check out a few local spots to continue training, find your savasana, and savor Lubbock’s favorite health foods. Download MindBody [mobile app] to reserve their spot for “Candlelight Yoga” with Greg Foster at BODY.

A perfect blend of calming and rejuvenating, practicing yoga as the sun sets on the West Texas horizon offers a feeling of bliss while pushing yourself to sweat. Afterward, treat yourself to a smoothie bowl down the road at Vitality Bowls.

For the outdoor adventurer, Dunbar Historic Lake highlights miles of mountain biking and hiking trails as well as standup paddleboarding at SUPLBK and the ideal fishing conditions for any experienced or first-time angler. Check out Mountain Hideaway for all your gear needs!

Tee Off at the Premier Golf Course: The Rawls Course at Texas Tech University

Renowned by a multitude of prestigious golf authorities, such as Golf Digest and Golf Advisor, the Rawls Golf Course is the “#2 best golf course to play in Texas,” and Texas Tech University boasts “one of the top-rated public golf courses in the Lone Star State.”

Designed by famed course architect, Tom Doak, the 18-hole, links-style course features unusually wide fairways and a challenging layout that will bring the best out of your game.

For those seeking a more social environment, show off your swing at GolfSuites, a driving range combined with a bar and restaurant where you can play games with friends while enjoying a few drinks.

Where Art Comes to Life

Recognized as the first Cultural District designated by Texas, Lubbock celebrates the local art community. From world-class galleries like LHUCA to hands-on, walk-through studios like Charles Adams Studio Project, art lovers are welcome to peruse exhibits across the city. On the first Friday of every month, downtown Lubbock, from the Cultural District to the Depot District, is filled with thousands of locals and visitors alike walking the art trail.

From food trucks, galleries, and live music, the First Friday Art Trail is the perfect way to see the local art.

On the Texas Tech University campus, the second-largest public art exhibit on a college campus showcases one of the “Top 10 Public Art Collections in the Nation,” recognized by Public Art Review magazine. See firsthand more than 100 pieces of art scattered throughout the campus. You can also take the tour by riding on the “Art Cart,” Texas Tech University’s first public art tour bus.

The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences

Deep in the cultural district, the cornerstone of Lubbock’s downtown revitalization efforts serves as the focal point of the city, The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences. Designed by world-renowned Diamond Schmitt Architects, this longtime envisioned performing arts venue houses acclaimed entertainment and revolutionary performances in a 220,000 square-foot campus.

Featuring two theaters with an acoustic value of NC15, The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences offers seasoned musicians, famous performers, and aspiring artists the opportunity to perform in a world-class venue.

This state-of-the-art campus features event space, a full-service bistro, Rave On, and is home to Ballet Lubbock, Lubbock Independent School District, and Lubbock Symphony Orchestra. There's even a brand new Broadway series coming featuring Hairspray, The Book of Mormon, STOMP, and more.

A Designated Music Friendly Community

With a complete lineup of local talent, Lubbock sets the stage for live music every night. In fact, the city holds the title of most live music venues per capita in the state.

From The Blue Light Live, revered as the mecca for songwriters, to the Buddy Holly Center and McPherson Cellars patio every Thursday night in the summer, getting lost in the Depot District is easy to do for music lovers.

Go see a riveting tribute show at the Cactus Theater, or a mega performance at the United Supermarkets Arena, where the likes of Willie Nelson, Kane Brown, Lauren Daigle, and Lainey Wilson will soongrace the stage.

If you enjoy more intimate, acoustic performances, grab a bite and see a show at one of Lubbock’s local favorite restaurants. Hub CityLubbock is rightfully known to be the music hub of Texas.

Experience the Charm and Grandeur of the Wild West

Lubbock honors its western heritage by offering the ultimate experience in cowboy culture. Two-step the night away at Rodeo 4, walk through the 19-acre historical park at the National Ranching Heritage Center, and pursue the American Windmill Museum, the largest windmill museum in the world.

Hub CityLubbock allows you to step back in time and celebrate the western way of life at each museum across the city. Don’t forget to get yourself a pair of custom boots and cowboy hat from local shops, like Flint Custom Hats and RC Custom Boots!

The Cotton Court Hotel

Lubbock’s newest luxury boutique hotel, the Cotton Court Hotel, is thoughtfully designed to celebrate the city’s cultural history, down to the smallest detail. Upon check-in, take note of the cotton exchange rates in the main lobby and the copper notes that bring in an industrial flare.

Each room is outfitted with carpeting that showcases an aerial view of Lubbock’s cotton fields, 100 percent cotton sheets, and a mid-century-modern aesthetic beautifully orchestrated through appliances and furniture that create a feeling of coming home.

Step back into history at the Cotton Court and pay tribute to the roots that planted the Hub City.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Lubbock thrives in offering visitors an abundance of family-friendly attractions. If you have a need for speed, spend an exciting afternoon with the family at Adventure Park. From go-karts to the ropes course and zip line, this attraction is not for the faint of heart.

They also have mini-golf and arcade games for those looking to do something a little more low-key.

Spend an afternoon outing hiking at Caprock, play a few fun games of world-class disc golf, and be on the lookout for prairie dogs in MacKenzie Park.

Meet in the Hub City

When it comes to finding a stellar location for a meeting or event, planners have a variety of factors to consider. With world-class museums, award-winning wineries and breweries, short commute time, and a thriving cultural district, the 806 offers businesses the ability to host a successful meeting any time of the year.

Contact Information

Lubbock, Texas