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Garland

Garland, Texas, United States

Discover Garland, Texas: Where Southern Charm Meets Big City Fun Nestled just east of Dallas, Garland, Texas, offers a charming blend of small-town hospitality and big-city excitement. Don't let its proximity to its famo…

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Garland.

Top Hotels in Garland

Top Flights to Garland

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Garland.

Tours

Historic Downtown Garland

Explore the charming historic downtown area with vintage shops, local eateries, and live music.

Shopping

Firewheel Town Center

An open-air shopping center offering a variety of shops, dining, and entertainment options.

Bass Pro Shops

A massive sporting goods store with an indoor track and aquarium.

Outdoor

Spring Creek Forest Preserve

A natural retreat featuring hiking trails, bird watching, and beautiful scenery.

Hawaiian Falls Waterpark

A family-friendly waterpark with slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Garland.

Currency

$ | USD | US Dollar

Population

244,000

Languages

English, Spanish

Average weather

Garland

Jan

13°2°

Feb

15°4°

Mar

20°8°

Apr

24°12°

May

28°17°

Jun

33°22°

Jul

36°24°

Aug

36°24°

Sep

31°20°

Oct

25°14°

Nov

18°8°

Dec

14°3°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Garland.

What people love

Here are some pros of traveling to Garland, Texas:

Outdoor Activities: Garland offers a variety of outdoor activities, including parks, hiking trails, and fishing spots. Visitors can explore places like Spring Creek Forest Preserve, Rowlett Creek Preserve, and Windsurf Bay Park.
Cultural Attractions: Garland has several cultural attractions worth visiting, such as the Granville Arts Center, which hosts performances and art exhibitions. The Plaza Theatre is another popular spot for entertainment.
Shopping and Dining: The city has a range of shopping options, from local boutiques to major retailers at Firewheel Town Center. Visitors can also enjoy diverse dining choices, including Tex-Mex, barbecue, and international cuisine.
Family-Friendly Activities: Garland offers family-friendly attractions like Hawaiian Falls Waterpark and Surf and Swim water park. Families can also explore the historical sights at Heritage Village.
Proximity to Dallas: Garland is located just northeast of Dallas, making it a convenient base for exploring the larger city's attractions, such as museums, sports venues, and shopping districts.

Overall, Garland offers a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities for visitors to enjoy.

What to know

Traveling to Garland, Texas, United States, like any destination, may have some cons that travelers should be aware of. Here are some potential drawbacks of traveling to Garland:

Weather: Garland experiences hot and humid summers, which may be uncomfortable for those not used to such weather conditions. Additionally, severe weather events such as thunderstorms and tornadoes can occur in the region, particularly during the spring and summer months.
Traffic: Like many cities in the United States, Garland can experience heavy traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. Navigating through traffic can be frustrating and time-consuming for travelers.
Limited Public Transportation: Garland's public transportation system may not be as extensive or efficient as in larger cities, making it more challenging for visitors to get around without a car.
Limited Tourist Attractions: While Garland offers some attractions and activities, it may not have as many tourist sites or cultural experiences as other larger cities in Texas. Travelers looking for a wide range of entertainment options may find Garland lacking in this regard.
Safety Concerns: As with any destination, travelers should be mindful of their surroundings and take precautions to ensure their safety. While Garland is generally considered a safe city, it's always important to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

Overall, while Garland can be a pleasant destination to visit, travelers should be aware of these potential drawbacks to better prepare for their trip.

Garland, Texas, a city located in the northeastern part of Dallas County, has a rich and diverse history. Here's a detailed overview:

Early Settlement and Development:

Garland's origins date back to the mid-19th century. The area was originally settled in the 1850s, with several small communities developing, including Duck Creek and Embree.
In 1887, a rivalry between the communities of Duck Creek and Embree was resolved by the establishment of a new town site between the two. The U.S. Postal Service chose to build a post office at this site, which led to the formation of Garland. The town was named after U.S. Attorney General Augustus Hill Garland.

Incorporation and Growth:

Garland was officially incorporated in 1891. The arrival of the Santa Fe Railroad in 1886 and the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad in 1888 played a significant role in the development of the area, fostering economic growth and connectivity.
The city continued to grow throughout the early 20th century. In the 1930s, the Craddock Food Company became one of the largest employers in the area, producing a variety of canned foods.

Post-World War II Expansion:

After World War II, Garland experienced rapid suburban expansion as part of the greater Dallas metropolitan area boom. The population surged, and the city expanded its infrastructure and housing to accommodate the influx of residents.
During the 1950s and 1960s, industrial growth was significant, with companies like Kraft Foods and the Southern Aircraft Corporation establishing operations in Garland.

Significant Events:

In 1927, a tornado caused significant damage to the town, leading to rebuilding efforts and modernization of infrastructure.
In the late 20th century, Garland faced challenges related to urban sprawl, necessitating efforts in urban planning and zoning to manage growth sustainably.

Historical Figures:

Augustus Hill Garland, after whom the city was named, was a notable political figure, having served as U.S. Attorney General under President Grover Cleveland.

Important Landmarks:

Downtown Garland: The historic downtown area is a hub of cultural and social activity, featuring restored buildings and local businesses.
Plaza Theatre: A historic landmark in downtown Garland, the Plaza Theatre hosts a variety of performances and events.
Garland Landmark Museum: Located in the former Santa Fe depot, the museum offers insights into Garland's history with exhibits and artifacts.
Firewheel Town Center: A major shopping destination that reflects Garland's modern growth and development.

Garland today is a thriving city that balances its historical roots with modern urban living, contributing to the diverse tapestry of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.