15 Best Things to do in Odessa (TX)

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Odessa, a city in Western Texas, serves as the county courthouse of Texas Ector County. In 1948, Barbara Bush, the First Lady, lived here, and the President had previously called it home.

There are always fun things to do in Odessa, Given that the city has a semi-arid environment typical of Western Texas. The winters are relatively moderate, and the summers are sweltering and sunny. Those who love the sand will enjoy it.

Here, snowfall is incredibly uncommon. The city is a great travel destination with museums, natural wonders, and eateries serving delectable cuisine.

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Here you have a guide to the 15 best things to do in Odessa (TX)

1. Have fun at the Permian playhouse

The Permian Playhouse in Odessa is a must-see for everyone who enjoys live theater and performances.

The Theatre offers a variety of stage performances, including plays, comedies, and musicals. There are numerous burger joints if you ever get hungry while enjoying a concert.

If you’re wondering where to take the whole family to enjoy a great time and see live acts, then purchase your tickets to have an unforgettable experience at the Permian playhouse.

Address: 310 W 42nd St, Odessa, TX

2. Play Basketball at Floyd Gwin Park

Floyd Gwin Park occupies a vast amount of land of 21 hectares. They have great play spaces and playgrounds with various fun toys for kids, such as swings and other things, in their designated zones.

Visiting Floyd Gwin Park should be on your list of things to do in Odessa, Tx, if you enjoy sporting activities. It has baseball diamonds, volleyball courts, basketball courts, and soccer fields.

The picnic pavilion is well-built and sheltered, allowing adults to unwind while watching their kids play and run around. The park is well-kept, and the grass is adequately groomed.

Address: 2300 W 10th St, Odessa, TX

3. Admire art at the Ellen Noel Art Museum

The Ellen Noel Art Museum embraces art in various forms and shapes to commemorate that works of art are not always painted. The museum is divided into numerous collections and galleries with multiple interests. It has both ongoing and seasonal exhibits that can be very educational.

There is a space designated for photography and an attractive sculpture garden. Additional scenery is a house where President Bush once lived, the home isn’t open for visitors, but you can see it at the back of the museum.

The fact that admission is free is the most excellent part. The museum has a tiny vintage gift shop where you can buy trinkets for your family as a souvenir.

Address: 4909 E University Blvd, Odessa, TX

Learn more: noelartmuseum.org

4. See Odessa’s Stonehenge Replica

The Stonehenge Replica in Odessa lies on the University of Texas Permian Basin campus, built by Engineering students.

Apart from the differences in inches, it is a complete replica of the original Stonehenge in England. A worthwhile addition to the list of things to do in Odessa (TX).

According to most visitors and tourists, it is an exciting site to see in town. The enormous monolithic rocks used to construct the replica will remind you of the actual Stonehenge.

If you like, you may touch the stones, enjoy their textures, and take in all of their grooves, making you feel like a druid.

It is a profoundly peaceful experience that leaves you with a sense of admiration and respect for the supposedly primitive people who must have created these enormous works of art.

Address: Preston Smith Rd, Odessa, TX

5. Tour around Parker House Museum

If you’re interested in learning about ranchers and seeing how they lived, the Parker House Museum is a fascinating location.

Rancher Jim Parker resided here in the early 1900s, using it as his home. The house has been transformed into a fantastic museum with different ranching-related items and exhibits. They are furnished inside with antique furnishings as well.

A large number of pictures and other relics have also been on display. There is also a blacksmith shop and an agricultural collection in the backyard.

You should attempt the experience because it is highly educational and enjoyable. Although there is no charge for the visits, you can always donate.

Address: 118 Maple Ave, Odessa, TX

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6. Gambol in the Water at McKinney Park Sprayground

Kids adore the Sprayground, which is found inside McKinney Park. A recreational space with picnic facilities, a water playground, and sports courts. It is free and offers different cascading and spraying water features accessible to the public during specific year periods.

The kids would always want to visit this retro-styled, entertaining playground area. However, you might get lucky and go when the park is open, providing your kids with a pleasant treat.

The park contains practical water fixtures that spray water continuously at crucial locations. The vast central water area features a giant bucket that spouts water at you. You are free to ride a bicycle or take a stroll along the walking path.

Address: 625 W Pool Rd, Odessa, TX

7. Pay Respect at Chris Kyle Memorial

The Chris Kyle Monument honors the decorated former US Navy SEAL and famed military sniper. He was one of the deadliest snipers in the US SEAL Military, with the most recorded and unrecorded kills. If you are familiar with the famous movie American Sniper, then you will love to see this memorial.

This monument celebrates Kyle’s courage and bravery.

The beautifully constructed monument depicts a statue of Chris Kyle clutching a flag. Walking around it, you experience an air of respect and awe.

His family has left a touching and heartfelt note on a plaque. There are many motivational sayings posted close to the university.

Although a monument may not appear to be the most appealing destination for a vacation, this monument is excellent for history buffs. Visiting the location will serve as a reminder of the significant sacrifices that the majority of navy and military personnel make for the welfare of others.

Address: TX-191 Frontage, Odessa, TX

8. Visit Ratliff Ranch Golf Links to play golf

The Ratliff Ranch was created by Jeffrey D. Brauer, ASGCA/R Colligan Golf course design. It was inaugurated in 2008 with a 4.1-star rating. It has a length of approximately 6,849 yards.

All golfers, locals, and visitors adore playing on this public course. Its grounds are well-kept and have perfectly manicured lawns.

Ratliff Ranch Golf Links is an excellent spot to play if you are a novice golfer because it has an 18-hole-long course. In addition, they provide several other services, such as cart rentals.

Address: 7500 N Grandview Ave, Odessa, TX

Learn more: ratliffranchgolfodessa.com

9. Have fun at Altitude Trampoline Park

One of the best things to do in Odessa, TX, is visit the Altitude trampoline park. It is a fun park with energy and lots of activities every week.

Always the best option for families, teenage groups of friends, and even adults looking to blow off steam. It’s a great recreational area and entertainment hub that includes a wipeout, dodgeball, a trampoline basketball, foam pit, trapeze swing, and gymnastics tumble tracks.

These adventures are available in their big trampoline park, and they guarantee you’ll have a blast. This Olympic park is for jumping and is also a way to make great friends.

Address: 5161 E, 42nd St, Odessa, TX

10. Visit Anne Hathaway House and the Globe of the Great Southwest

One of the top attractions in Odessa is The Globe of the Great Southwest. The Shakespeare’s Globe Theater in London is mirrored in it.

Excellent films are on exhibition, including classics like Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream and more recent works like August and Beauty and the Beast.

Many productions and plays are on exhibit, like the Shakespeare Festival, held here yearly, which is always an exciting occasion to attend.

Close is the famous Anne Hathaway house, wife of William Shakespeare. The 2,475 square foot conference hall in the modest block and steel building known as The Black Box.

A concert-style seating arrangement, tables, and chairs, together with an open floor layout, are available at the venue for meetings, seminars, private events, and live performances.

You can explore the trail of sculptures inspired by Shakespeare’s plays as you meander through acres of lovely cottage gardens and orchards.

Address: 2308 Shakespeare Rd, Odessa, TX

11. Pay a visit to Cinergy Odessa

The Cinergy is a cutting-edge facility that offers dining in theaters, event promotions, advanced facilities, and a fantastic gaming area.

The recreational and gambling choices at the Odessa complex are astounding. Since the establishment has a small escape room and state-of-the-art arcades, visitors constantly come in to enjoy the fun.

One of the most prominent gaming locations in Odessa is the bowling alley in Cinergy. The bowling alley offers 18 luxury lanes with first-rate furniture and architectural design. Cinergy is the best option when organizing a great night out with friends, family, or coworkers.

Address: 8250 TX-191, Odessa, TX

Learn more: cinergy.com/odessa

12. Visit Rosa’s Cafe & Tortilla Factory

The most incredible tortillas in the area are served at Rosa’s Cafe & Tortilla Factory. Mexican food is always enjoyable and intriguing to sample.

You might get carried away when placing an order because of the mouth-watering varieties, including fajitas, burritos, tacos, nachos, and tortillas. You can order the chorizo for breakfast or one of the other specials.

It’s a fantastic location for a quick bite and is extremely family-friendly. Visit Rosa’s Cafe & Tortilla Factory if you’re seeking something to satisfy your sweet craving. It is one of the numerous expensive cafes in this region and boasts a lively and inviting atmosphere.

Address: 1701N Country Rd W, Odessa, TX

Learn more: rosascafe.com

13. Dine at Southern Maid Donuts

Southern Maid Donuts will undoubtedly drive you crazy with its fantastic selection of doughnuts. It contains a wide selection of flavors, including strawberry, maple, chocolate, blueberry, and even lemon and orange, making it ideal for people with various tastes.

Their exquisitely decorated cherry doughnuts, which taste just as impressive as they look, are among their must-try menu items. The donuts are perfectly made, and the end product is an exquisite taste that leaves you with a beautiful feeling and a yearning for more after you take a brief bite.

Everyone can afford the doughnuts because they are sold for fair pricing. Have you had a craving for sweet, delectable donuts? If yes, then you have to try Southern Maid Donuts.

Address: 721 N Hancock Ave, Odessa, TX

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14. Visit the Presidential Museum and Leadership Library to see a replica of the Oval Office.

This library is an extensive collection of campaign-related articles, including artifacts, signatures, paperwork, portraits, mementos, and more. There are some humorous political drawings of the President and vice president.

The oldest son of Texas Attorney General John Ben Shephard, John Ben Shephard Jr., has a section of the museum devoted to him called the Library of the Presidents.

Odessa’s Presidential Museum is a fascinating place. This museum contains a lot of charming antiques and displays. Another intriguing exhibit is a collection of tiny Dishong dolls from the first women.

Address: 4919 East University Boulevard, Odessa, TX

15. Tour the White-Pool House

White-Pool House Odessa — Credit: whitepoolhouse.com

The Historic White-Pool House is one of Odessa’s most significant structures. It is a historical ground known for its dominant era of Odessa history.

The two-story red brick residence was constructed in 1887 by Charles White’s family on a small knoll in what is now South Odessa. It was founded in 1986 for charitable and educational purposes and is a non-profit institution.

The museum complex contains a farmhouse that has been painstakingly restored and furnished with old artifacts and personal items. Visitors can see what ranching was like in the past by visiting the historic house.

It is a perfect place to visit Odessa, TX, on excursions. It is also an excellent location for events like weddings.

Address: 112 East Murphy Odessa, TX

Learn more: whitepoolhouse.com

Plan a Trip to Odessa, Texas

There are always fun things to do in Odessa, Given the city’s semi-arid environment, which is characteristic of Western Texas. The winters are relatively mild, and the summers are hot and sunny. Those who enjoy the beach will enjoy it.

Don’t forget to drop a comment about your experience and let us know how we can update this article.