The 15 Best Things To Do In Tyler, Texas, The "Rose Capital of America"

Starting in the 1940s, more than half of all roses purchased in the United States came from the area surrounding Tyler, Texas, earning the city the sobriquet “Rose Capital of America.” But many more things have recently started blooming in this East Texas city, as well.

New businesses are moving into old vacant spaces downtown, with new road and pedestrian projects slated to breathe new life into the downtown corridor within the next five years. A quaint new development with brick fronted buildings called the Mosaic District is drawing new food and craft beer fans three miles southwest of downtown, and a larger dining scene on the rise, with some businesses attracting national attention, all indicate that Tyler will be smelling just as sweet decades after its rose boom years.

Here are the best things to do on your trip to the charming small town of Tyler, Texas.

Outdoor Fun

Visit the Famed Rose Garden

True to its legacy as the Rose capital, a significant number of the rose bushes sold commercially and to average gardeners are still grown near Tyler today by companies such as Chamblee’s Rose Nursery. You can explore some of the beautifully fragrant varieties with a visit to the 14 acres of flowers at Tyler Rose Garden, bursting with 38,000 rose bushes.

Wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens, which reach peak bloom twice a year: mid to late May and October—coinciding with the annual Tyler Rose Festival. You can also explore the exhibits at the on-site Tyler Rose Museum and Gift Shop, showcasing the beautiful costumes from past queens.

visittyler.com/business/tylerrosegarden; 420 Rose Park Dr., Tyler, TX 75702; (903) 531-1212

Explore a Newly Revamped Zoo

While smaller than some of its other Texas counterparts, Caldwell Zoo still delivers an afternoon of big fun communing with wildlife—even more so after a soon-to-be-unveiled redevelopment of its South American section, promising an immersive rainforest experience with a giant river otter exhibit, capybaras, sloths, and a variety of birds.

caldwellzoo.org; 2203 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tyler, TX 75702; (903) 593-0121

Spend the Day at the Park

East Texas is known for its tall pine forests, providing ample shade and tranquil vibes. A great place to experience both the forest and the lake life together is at Tyler State Park, with plentiful trails and campsites for outdoor enthusiasts.

Tyler State Park Lake is a great place for fishing and swimming in warm months—and you can rent all the equipment you need right on site. A new headquarters and visitors center debuted this summer providing interpretive exhibits exploring the park’s historic roots dating back to the days of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/tyler; 789 Park Road 16, Tyler, TX 75706; (903) 597-5338

Things To Do

Head to the Planetarium

Go for an old fashioned planetarium show at the Hudnall Planetarium at Tyler Junior College. The 40-foot dome features comfortable reclined seating, and offers public shows from 11am to 4:30pm Tuesday through Saturday, with themed shows for young kids and documentaries for adults. Stay tuned to the calendar for special events planned throughout the year.

sciencecenter.tjc.edu; 1411 E. Lake St., Tyler, TX 75701; (903) 510-2312

Find a Pair of Boots

Explore the selection of hand-crafted cowboy boots, belts, handbags, and leather goods at Lucio’s Boot Repair & Western Wear, a family-owned business operated by Jose Lucio and his son Gabriel for more than 25 years. 

luciosboots.com; 305 W. Front St., Tyler, TX 75702; (903) 595-6164

Explore the Mosaic District

Walking through the Mosaic District, with its charming brick facades and old timey signage, feels like you’ve traveled back in time—though this development is just a few years old. Anchored by True Vine Brewing, Tyler’s first brewery featuring a small outdoor play space for kids, the district has expanded to include Sola Bread Co., where you can order wood-fired pizzas and fresh-from-the-oven garlic knots, and The Apple Gal Candy Co., home of hand-dipped caramel apples with gourmet toppings of your choice.

mosaicdistricttyler.com; 2453 Earl Campbell Pkwy., Tyler, TX 75701

Where To Eat

Enjoy a Local Dinner

When restaurateur Scott M. Williams opened his fourth Tyler restaurant, III Palms, this past spring, it was one of the few locally owned fine dining establishments in the city. Inside, a crisp neutral tableau accented by artistic fixtures sets the stage for a memorable culinary experience, from craft cocktails to prime filet mignon and tableside bananas foster. For more steak and seafood selections, go to Prime 102, home to a legendary crab cake, lobster macaroni and cheese, and butter cake for dessert. 

Get Your Fill of Tex-Mex

If you’re craving Mexican or Tex-Mex, head to Don Juan Mexican restaurants—there are three locations in Tyler—for signature tacos and tostadas filled with barbacoa, al pastor, or fresh seafood. Try a freshly made tortilla or a tamale from the Tyler Tortilla Factory, where they’ve been making corn and flour tortillas, chips, and salsas for nearly 40 years.

Indulge in a Sweet Treat

For dessert, visit Janie’s Cakes, a mother-daughter bakery that skyrocketed to fame after being featured on the Oprah’s Favorite Things List for owner Janie Clapp’s scrumptious pound cake recipe. You can visit the store or order online. Tip: The Vanilla Pound Cake Biscotti makes a great accompaniment to breakfast coffee.

Where To Stay

Stay in a Refurbished Bus Station

In an innovative example of building reuse, an old bus station now enjoys its next life as a comfortable overnight stay for travelers at the Greyhound Inn. Contactless entry in this downtown hotel, full of character with its glass block walls and sleek subway-tiled bathrooms with bright pops of color puts you right in the middle of Tyler’s newest chapter.

greyhoundinntx.com; 311 N Bois D'Arc Ave., Tyler, TX 75702; (903) 476-3911

Stay in a Stylish Downtown Hotel

The Thomas Hotel also offers boutique hotel accommodations right on the downtown square. Enjoy plush bedding, welcome refreshments, and marble bathrooms in this cozy environment. While there, be sure to visit The Judge, a cocktail bar with a signature Fig Old Fashioned and the lavender-infused Garden 75.

thethomastyler.com; 109 E Erwin St, Tyler, TX 75702; (903) 426-8958