From Art to Adventure: Your Ultimate Guide to the Top 20 Things to Do in Denton, TX

Are you looking for a fun and exciting adventure in Texas? Look no further than Denton! This vibrant city has plenty to offer, from its thriving arts scene to its outdoor recreation opportunities. With so many options available, it can be tough to decide where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to the top 20 things to do in Denton. Whether you’re a local looking for something new to do or a visitor wanting to experience all that Denton has to offer, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your sense of adventure and get ready to explore everything this amazing city has to offer!

Table of Contents

Artistic Attractions in Denton

Denton is a city with a rich artistic history and a thriving arts scene. From galleries to street art, there is no shortage of places to explore for art lovers.

The first stop on any art lover’s list should be the Greater Denton Arts Council. The council is dedicated to promoting the arts in Denton and has been doing so since 1978. The council offers a variety of events and exhibitions throughout the year, including the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival, which showcases the best in jazz music, fine art, and crafts.

If you’re looking for something a little more offbeat, take a stroll through the downtown area to explore the street art scene. Denton’s streets are filled with colorful murals and graffiti, with new pieces popping up all the time. Some of the best street art in the city can be found in the industrial district, where artists have transformed old factories and warehouses into vibrant works of art.

For a more traditional art experience, check out the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center. The center is home to several galleries that showcase the work of local and regional artists. The center also hosts a variety of workshops and classes for artists of all levels.

Historical Landmarks and Museums in Denton

Denton has a rich history, and there are plenty of landmarks and museums to explore for history buffs.

The first stop on any history tour of Denton should be the Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum. The museum is located in the historic courthouse and showcases the history of Denton County. Visitors can explore exhibits on everything from the Civil War to the oil boom of the 1920s.

For a more hands-on history experience, check out the Bayless-Selby House Museum. The museum is a beautifully restored Victorian home that dates back to 1898. Visitors can take a tour of the house to learn about life in Denton at the turn of the century.

If you’re interested in military history, make sure to visit the Texas Civil War Museum. The museum has an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Texas’s role in the Civil War.

Outdoor Activities in Denton

Denton is home to a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, from hiking to fishing.

One of the most popular outdoor activities in Denton is hiking at the Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center. The center has over eight miles of hiking trails that wind through the woods and along the creek. Visitors can also go fishing in the creek, which is stocked with rainbow trout, bass, and catfish.

Another great outdoor activity in Denton is kayaking on Lake Lewisville. The lake is one of the largest in North Texas and offers plenty of opportunities for paddling and exploring. There are several rental companies in Denton that offer kayaks, paddleboards, and other watercraft for rent.

If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, check out the North Lakes Park. The park has plenty of picnic and barbecue areas, as well as playgrounds and sports fields. There are also several hiking trails that wind through the park’s woods and around the lake.

Parks and Nature Reserves in Denton

Denton is home to a variety of parks and nature reserves that offer a peaceful escape from the city.

One of the most popular parks in Denton is the South Lakes Park. The park has several playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas, as well as a fishing lake. There are also several hiking trails that wind through the park’s woods and around the lake.

Another great park in Denton is the Ray Roberts Lake State Park. The park is home to several campgrounds, hiking trails, and fishing areas. Visitors can also rent boats and kayaks to explore the lake.

For a more secluded nature experience, check out the Isle du Bois Unit of the Ray Roberts Lake State Park. The unit has several hiking trails that wind through the woods and along the lake. Visitors can also camp in the park’s primitive campsites.

Adventure Activities in Denton

If you’re looking for a little adventure, Denton has plenty to offer. From rock climbing to zip-lining, there are plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities to try.

One of the most popular adventure activities in Denton is rock climbing at the Summit. The Summit is a state-of-the-art indoor climbing gym that has over 14,000 square feet of climbing surface. The gym offers climbing classes and clinics for all skill levels.

Another great adventure activity in Denton is zip-lining at the TreeTop Adventure Park. The park has several zip-lines that take visitors through the woods and over the lake. There are also several obstacle courses and climbing elements for visitors to try.

If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, check out the Escape Room. The Escape Room is a puzzle-solving game where visitors are locked in a room and must solve clues to escape. There are several different rooms to choose from, each with its own unique theme and storyline.

Food and Drink Scene in Denton

Denton is home to a vibrant food and drink scene, with plenty of local restaurants and breweries to explore.

One of the most popular restaurants in Denton is LSA Burger Co. The restaurant has a rooftop patio with stunning views of the city, as well as live music on the weekends. The menu features a variety of burgers and sandwiches, as well as local craft beers.

Another great restaurant in Denton is the Chestnut Tree Tea Room. The tea room is housed in a historic home and serves up classic tea room fare, like quiche and sandwiches. The tea room also hosts a variety of events and classes, like tea tastings and etiquette classes.

For beer lovers, Denton has plenty of local breweries to explore. One of the most popular is Armadillo Ale Works, which serves up a variety of craft beers in a laid-back taproom. Visitors can also take a tour of the brewery to learn about the brewing process.

Best Places to Shop in Denton

Denton has a variety of shopping options, from local boutiques to big-box stores.

One of the most popular shopping destinations in Denton is the Golden Triangle Mall. The mall has over 90 stores, including popular retailers like Dillard’s and JCPenney. There are also several restaurants and a movie theater in the mall.

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, check out the Denton Community Market. The market is held every Saturday and features local vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to fresh produce. There is also live music and food trucks at the market.

For book lovers, check out Recycled Books, Records, and CDs. The store has a massive selection of used books, as well as records and CDs. The store also hosts a variety of events, like book signings and live music.

Music and Entertainment in Denton

Denton has a thriving music and entertainment scene, with plenty of venues and events to explore.

One of the most popular music venues in Denton is Dan’s Silverleaf. The venue has been a staple of the Denton music scene since 2000 and has hosted acts like Willie Nelson and Leon Russell. The venue also serves up a variety of craft beers and has a laid-back atmosphere.

Another great music venue in Denton is the Abbey Underground. The venue is housed in a historic building and features live music several nights a week. The venue also serves up a variety of beers and cocktails.

For theater lovers, check out the Campus Theatre. The theater was built in 1915 and has been restored to its original glory. The theater hosts a variety of events, including plays, concerts, and film screenings.

Events and Festivals in Denton

Denton is home to a variety of events and festivals throughout the year.

One of the most popular events in Denton is the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival. The festival takes place every spring and features the best in jazz music, fine art, and crafts. There are also several food vendors and a children’s area at the festival.

Another great festival in Denton is the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo. The fair takes place every August and features rodeo events, carnival rides, and live music. There are also several food vendors and a petting zoo at the fair.

For beer lovers, check out the Denton Blues & Brews Festival. The festival takes place every fall and features local craft beers and live blues music. There are also several food vendors and a children’s area at the festival.

Accommodations in Denton

Denton has plenty of accommodations for visitors, from budget hotels to luxury resorts.

One of the most popular hotels in Denton is the Embassy Suites by Hilton. The hotel is located in the heart of the city and features spacious suites, a fitness center, and a restaurant.

Another great hotel in Denton is the Courtyard by Marriott. The hotel is located near the University of North Texas and features a fitness center, a restaurant, and a pool.

For a more unique lodging experience, check out the Old Irish Bed & Breakfast. The bed and breakfast is housed in a historic home and features antique furnishings and Irish-themed decor.

Transportation in Denton

Denton is easily accessible by car, with several major highways running through the city. There is also a bus system operated by the Denton County Transportation Authority.

If you’re flying into Denton, the closest airport is the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, which is about 30 miles away. There are several rental car companies at the airport, as well as shuttle services to Denton.

If you’re exploring the city on foot, be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Many of Denton’s attractions are within walking distance of each other, but the city is quite spread out.

Top 20 Things to Do in Denton – a comprehensive list

Explore the street art scene in the industrial district.
Visit the Greater Denton Arts Council.
Check out the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center.
Take a tour of the Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum.
Visit the Bayless-Selby House Museum.
Check out the Texas Civil War Museum.
Hike at the Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center.
Go kayaking on Lake Lewisville.
Check out the North Lakes Park.
Visit the South Lakes Park.
Explore the Ray Roberts Lake State Park.
Try rock climbing at the Summit.
Go zip-lining at the TreeTop Adventure Park.
Check out the Escape Room.
Have a burger at LSA Burger Co.
Visit the Chestnut Tree Tea Room.
Check out Armadillo Ale Works.
Go shopping at the Golden Triangle Mall.
Visit the Denton Community Market.
See a show at Dan’s Silverleaf.

Insider Tips for Exploring Denton

Visit in the spring for the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival.
Check out the street art scene on the first Friday of every month for First Fridays Denton.
Visit the Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center in the fall for stunning foliage.
Explore the Ray Roberts Lake State Park in the summer for swimming and water sports.
Check out the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo in August for a taste of Texas culture.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Denton is a city with something for everyone, from its thriving arts scene to its outdoor recreation opportunities. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Denton is becoming a popular destination for visitors to Texas. Whether you’re exploring the city’s historical landmarks, trying out a new adventure activity, or simply enjoying the local food and drink scene, Denton is sure to leave you with lasting memories. So, grab your sense of adventure and get ready to explore everything this amazing city has to offer!

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