When users drive through the historic district of San Angelo, it is straightforward to see why the city is known as the Visual Arts Capital of Texas. From the exceptional statues in public spaces portraying elements of San Angelo’s heritage to the intricate architectural history of building structures like the Museum of Fine Arts, it is clear that the arts are central to a number of the city’s most enjoyable activities.
As you walk down the historic streets, you will notice the concept of “art in unusual places,” which is a trademark of San Angelo, with murals depicting historical milestones and open-air contemporary art in places like the Pop Art Museum.
Another reminder of its Western heritage can be found in the structures that remain at Fort Concho and the repaired buildings together across historic Concho Avenue in the city center. Let’s explore things to do in san Angelo.
Table of Contents
Top 16 best things to do in San Angelo
The Concho River, which continues to run via San Angelo, is an essential part of the city and the source of the famous Concho Pearl. The municipality is visually appealing, in addition to the cuisine. Local restaurants with must-try local food include the Twisted Root Burger Company, Angry Cactus, and Helen’s Bistro, all of which are located within the San Angelo Library.
Check out our list of the best things to do in San Angelo, Texas as users plan their trip.
1. National Historic Landmark of Fort Concho
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark is considered one of the biggest attractions to do in San Angelo, as well as a visit, will reveal a wealth of local history. This castle was the focal point of a chain of Texas forts that stretched from the state’s northeast border to El Paso. It was constructed in 1867 as a vital fortification for settlements and the safeguards of the West Texas region.
The Fort Concho buildings were made of local sandstone. The 1600-acre facility of the fort contains barracks, policeman’s quarters, a surgery center, stables, a temple, and a school building. You can start taking a self-guided journey of the fort basis to see how the buildings were built. This is a very good place on the list of things to do in San Angelo.
2. Museum of Miss Hattie’s Bordello
Miss Hattie’s Bordello Museum, a small and hidden-in-plain-sight museum in the town center of San Angelo, provides a glimpse into the woodsy Old West. The subtle bordello in San Angelo was among the most renowned in Texas for 50 years.
Miss Hattie’s was closed down by Texas Rangers in 1952, but it’s now maintained as a local museum for tourists. The exhibition is in the heart of the downtown area, where you can still stroll on the breadboard sidewalks. It is a very historic thing to do in san Angelo.
3. The International Waterlily Collection
The International Waterlily Collection is on showcase at Civic League Park in downtown San Angelo, in which several ponds of water lily variants are all on display. The park has a lovely brick passageway that leads to the river basin through different levels of landscaping.
The collection includes dozens of lily varieties, including Pink Nova, Wanvisa, and Chompo Nix, as well as various hybrid cars. As users walk around town, you will gain knowledge about Ken Landon, the dude behind the gathering, who collected lily life forms from all over the world.
4. Art Center at Chicken Farm
Angelo is the Chicken Farm Art Center, which has been in operation since 1971. It was an old chicken farm that’s already been creatively transformed into artist production companies, a restaurant, as well as a guesthouse.
Sculptures, woolen goods, ceramics, paintings, and steelworks are on the showcase and for sale in several more studios which fill the antique chicken buildings. The basis is delightfully whimsical and going to invite. A good moment to visit occurs on the first Saturday of each month, whenever the galleries remain open late and performers entertain visitors.
5. San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts
The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts building has been one of the town’s most stunning pieces of architectural style. Its massive overreaching shape is reminiscent of a covered wagon or a horse saddle, but it was simply designed to arouse thinking and imagination from almost any angle.
Exhibits within the museum cover a variety of artistic talents, which include sculptures, Spanish Colonial art, American glass, Texas art, and ceramics. Hundreds of artifacts from the national gallery are all on display. There are also changing temporary exhibition halls year-round that feature a variety of artists and genres. If you are very creative then this is your thing to do in san Angelo.
6. San Angelo State Park
Spend an entire day at San Angelo State Park, at which you can not only appreciate outdoor recreational spaces but also look for something and learn about just the park’s unique longhorn as well as bison herds. Per day everyday fee is forced to register the park, and you can expect to spend a significant amount of time there.
There are 55 miles of hiking paths in the state park, as well as several camping sites. Water sports and fishing are popular water sports on the O.C. Fisher Reservoir, which is accessible via the state park. The Cougar Overlook, which has beautiful views of the North Concho River, is one of the most spectacular scenery spots to see in the park.
7. San Angelo’s Historical Murals
San Angelo is well-known for its murals, which depict various aspects of the city’s history and, in some cases, the city’s commitment to allowing people to interact. A self-guided tour of Paintbrush Alley and the historical frescoes is a fun method of seeing the city.
A great place to begin your mural investigation is at the intersection of Avenue C and South Chadbourn Street, where you might find the city’s 1st mural, The Stagecoach. It depicts the beginnings of public transit in the Necklace pendant Valley between 1840 and 1930 when wagon trains and wagons were used.
8. San Angelo Nature Center
The San Angelo Nature Center, located on Lake Newsworthy, is a comparatively tiny facility that is worth a visit if you are fascinated by the local wildlife. The center houses native southwest animals such as hedgehogs, scorpions, reptiles, and lizards. Tour the clinic and speak with naturalists about geographic wildlife, ecosystems, and feeding behavior.
After visiting the nature center, you can walk to nearby Marylee Park or Spring Creek Park to spend a bit of time out the front of the water. Because the museum has confined hours, you should plan ahead to ensure that it fits in and out of your timetable. The place comes on the list of natural things to do in san Angelo.
9. San Angelo Railway Museum
The train line changed the lives in San Angelo, as it did in many other Texas towns, in the early 1900s, as well as the legendary Santa Fe Depot has been maintained for residents and tourists to enjoy. The Railway Museum of San Angelo is housed inside the depot and displays preserved artifacts from the city’s railroad days.
The exhibition has reduced hours, and Saturdays are one of the best days to visit because historical society tours are available. Even though the gallery is closed, you can stroll around the ancient depot seeing some of the railroad cars on showcase on the Father Christmas Fe line’s tracks.
10. Tule Princess Steamboat Cruise
The Tule Queen Steamboat, which is berthed at Spring Creek Park, welcomes visitors on hourly outings or private charter schools on Lake Newsworthy all year. The Tule Princess Steamboat is notable for being the world’s last leisurely strolling engine paddlewheel steamboat.
Spring Creek Park is a great place to spend just before or after one’s steamboat ride on the lake. There seem to be RV camping, fishing, and numerous recreation centers for walking and kayaking. On the lake, you can rent canoes and pedal boats.
11. The River Walk and the San Angelo Visitor Center are both worth a visit.
The River Walk, with paths that flanks the Concho River and communicate parks, gardens, and points of interest, is one of the effective methods to see San Angelo. You can stop at any juncture along the trail to look at the financial art, relax on a wooden bench, or watch villagers fishing inside the water.
The trails are four miles long, with bridges connecting the north and south banks. One of the most intriguing is the Celebration Bridge, which is comparable to the Museum of Fine Arts as well as the riverfront amphitheater, where outdoor performances and events are frequently held.
12. Museum of Pop Art
The Pop Art Museum in the city Of san Angelo is a one-of-a-kind example of artwork. It’s an open-air museum housed in the shell of an old pool hall. Enjoy the 31 paintings and drawings on display by taking an ego tour of a museum.
Make your way out the back to find the Instagram-worthy photo shoot in the alley. Each piece of artwork has a QR code that tells the artist’s life story and the encouragement for the piece.
13. Explore the Historic Main Street and Shops
Driving or walking down Concho Avenue, which runs through San Angelo’s historic downtown, you could almost assume the Old West in its golden era when cowboys and railroad executives tied up their horses outside and regularly visited the establishments.
The street retains the rustic feel of early-twentieth-century San Angelo, but the structures now house eateries and smaller stores. Ergometer’s General Store, intended with vintage components and trying to sell everything from candlelight to cookware, is among the most famous shops.
14. E. H. Danner Museum of Telecommunications
The E.H. Danner Museum of Telephony is a quirky and unforeseen popular tourist destination in San Angelo that really is worth a little of your time. The tiny 3 museum displays examples of every type of phone line from the 1920s to the present.
Aside from historic mobiles, the museum has hardware from the telecommunications market that the public rarely sees, such as underground distribution vaults. There are several mechanical switchboards from the 1890s to the 1950s on display. This place is on the list of things to do near san Angelo.
15. Art location on a chicken farm
The Chicken Farm Art Center, which opened in 1951, displays the work of over fifteen independent musicians. This brilliant art center comes highly recommended when searching for unusual items to do in San Angelo.
It features stunning artwork by local musicians and offers a variety of interactive workshops for a much more immersive game. This popular tourist attraction has a rustic and cozy ambiance and a variety of ever-changing exhibits.
16. The ASU Planetarium
Do you possess a fascination with the stars and are looking for fun things to do in San Angelo? If you do, make your way to this planetarium. This cutting-edge planetarium boasts cutting-edge projector processes, comfy chairs, excellent acoustic performance, and HD special effects.
Visit the ASU Science center with your travel companions to discover the awesomeness and marvels of our universe. Here, you can watch spectacular screenings such as a 3D astronomical show, night sky special promotions, and more, as well as learn about our planetary system and other topics. There is very fun things to do in san Angelo.
FAQ
What is san Angelo most known for?
San Angelo is mostly known for its historic monuments and long river walk.
How long is the San Angelo river walk?
Riverwalk is about four miles long.
Is san Angelo a good city?
Yes, it is a very good and happening city to live in as well as to visit.
Conclusions
San Angelo is a lovely destination where you can partake in a variety of activities. A trip to this city would be a good idea for culture and the arts as well. Overall, if you cautiously prepare for your trip, it will also be thrilling and memorable. Discover the right things to do in San Angelo TX will assist you in doing so. It is wished that your travel schedule and excursion will be fantastic with the items included here. We hope that these san Angelo things to do are very helpful to you.
