Known as the “Rose Capital of America” for its large quantity of roses, Tyler is a picturesque Texas city with museums, a year-round indoor water park and an annual rose festival. Tyler is filled with quality Texas barbecue restaurants and quaint boutiques, while the surrounding region reveals recreational lakes.
Things to do in Tyler
Get up close to wildlife from America and Africa at the sprawling Caldwell Zoo, which has around 2,000 animals, including elephants, cheetahs, black bears, flamingos and macaws. Discovery Science Place is another great family-friendly attraction, thanks to its interactive science exhibits, such as a 3D cinema, MesoAmerican Rock Climbing Wall and dinosaur fossil digging pit.
Do you love roses? Visit the largest rose garden in the United States at Tyler Rose Garden Centre, which features over 38,000 rose bushes, along with decorative fountains and walking paths. It’s a short walk from the history McClendon House, a Victorian-era residence built in 1878. Take a tour through the property to see priceless treasures and authentic Victorian decor.
Get your fix of Southern food at the restaurants around Tyler City Square, such as Rick’s on the Square, which serves up delicious Southern seafood and has live music on weekends. The upmarket Jack Ryan's Tyler is a fine dining establishment serving juicy steaks, while Don Juan on the Square takes your taste buds over the border into a world of classic Mexican cuisine.
For a rewarding day trip, drive 25 minutes out to the Waterpark at the Villages, which sits near Lake Palestine. Here you can enjoy family-friendly waterslides and a wave pool. Alternatively, drive about 30 minutes south to the American Freedom Museum, which features military artefacts and weapons dating back to the 1700s.
Getting around Tyler
Tyler is serviced by Tyler Pounds Regional Airport and the Southern Pacific Railroad. You can walk around parts of Tyler, but it’s best to use a personal vehicle or public buses and taxis.