Things to do in Granbury has been a wonderful experience, especially since USA Today named this charming destination the “Best Historic Small Town in America” over the last several years . Our team at N on the Square takes pride in this town of around 10,000 that serves as Hood County’s seat .

Granbury TX’s town square stands out as Texas’s first location listed on the National Register of Historic Places . The downtown area’s relaxed atmosphere has made it one of Texas’s finest squares . The vibrant community spirit shines brightest during summer as thousands gather to celebrate the old-fashioned Fourth of July festival and parade .

This piece highlights our favorite activities in Granbury TX around the historic square area. Visitors can walk the 2.17-mile Moments in Time Hike & Bike Trail and enjoy live music that ranges from Broadway to backyard beats . The Granbury square offers things to do in Granbury TX that appeal to everyone’s interests. The hidden gems here make this destination worth your time.

Explore the Heart of Downtown Granbury TX

Aerial view of historic Hood County Courthouse and surrounding town square in Granbury, Texas, with trees and nearby lake.

The magnificent Hood County Courthouse stands proudly at the heart of historic downtown Granbury TX. This courthouse is our town’s most photographed attraction ^[1]. Our location at N on the Square puts you close to all the remarkable treasures this district has.

Granbury’s free Trolley service helps you explore the square’s historic character. The service runs Fridays (4pm-10pm), Saturdays (10am-10pm), and Sundays (11am-5pm) ^[2]. This convenient shuttle connects the Visitors Center, Historic Downtown Square, and the 377-Corridor with local hotels, bed and breakfasts, and attractions ^[2].

Beautiful Victorian buildings house over 40 specialty shops and boutiques around the square ^[1]. Each building tells its own story. The Granbury Opera House, built in 1886, showcases an ornate pressed tin cornice and elaborate hood molds ^[3]. Local legend claims John Wilkes Booth worked as a bartender at St. Helen’s saloon under an alias after assassinating President Lincoln ^[3].

The square buzzes with festivals that highlight Granbury’s community spirit:

The Harvest Moon Festival of the Arts celebrates fine art and crafts from artists nationwide ^[4]
The Night of Lights Christmas Parade winds through the historic district ^[4]
The Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes offers glimpses into beautifully restored historic buildings ^[4]
The Wine Walk brings dozens of wineries to the square ^[5]

History buffs will love the Hood County Jail Museum, built in 1885 ^[1]. Just off the square, you’ll find hidden gems like the Wagon Yard in an original limestone stable building ^[3].

Friday and Saturday nights turn the square into Granbury’s social hub ^[6]. You can experience authentic small-town Texas charm while enjoying local restaurants, wine bars, and live entertainment.

Hidden Gems and Fun Things to Do in Granbury Square

Historic courthouse with clock tower in Granbury, TX, surrounded by trees under a partly cloudy sky.

Granbury’s town square area conceals remarkable attractions behind its historic buildings and charming storefronts. Our team at N on the Square loves helping guests find these hidden treasures.

The Moments in Time Hike & Bike Trail connects Granbury Airport to Hewlett Park through a 2.93-mile concrete pathway ^[7]. Visitors can explore the town’s rich history through interpretive signs along the route. Historical plaques highlight significant landmarks like Comanche Peak, the Thrash Family, and the old Ice House ^[7].

The Granbury Doll House Museum stands just steps from the square, looking like a life-sized dollhouse behind a picket fence. This amazing collection has over 6,000 dolls ^[8] and features celebrity look-alikes such as Marilyn Monroe and Prince William. Visitors can see GI Joe figures and Madame Alexander’s Little Women dolls ^[8]. The collection’s oldest doll dates back to 1860 ^[9]!

The Brazos Drive-In offers a truly nostalgic evening experience. This beloved Granbury landmark has entertained visitors for over seven decades ^[10] and fits 250 cars ^[10]. Modern amenities like high-definition screens and car-side food delivery make the experience even better ^[10].

City Beach Park serves as a sandy retreat right in town’s heart. This beach offers free admission ^[3] and has a splash park, kayak rentals, and picnic pavilions ^[3]. Visitors appreciate its convenient walking distance from the square ^[3].

Theater lovers should check out the renovated 1886 Granbury Opera House ^[1]. The Granbury Theater Company stages award-winning Broadway productions throughout the year ^[1]. The famous Ghosts and Legends Tour, rated among North America’s top ghost tours by Frommer’s ^[11], might introduce you to the Lady in Red, the Faceless Girl, or Indian Joe ^[11].

Where to Eat and Drink Around the Square

Outdoor seating area at Farina's Wine Bar & Cafe in Granbury with wrought iron tables and a stone fireplace.

The town square in Granbury TX delights your senses with amazing food and drink options. N on the Square recommends several standout spots that locals and visitors love.

Silver Saddle Saloon creates specialty cocktails like the Huckleberry Daiquiri and Granbury Old Fashioned ^[12]. This spot stands out with its boozy ice cream treats – the Salty Scottie Shake and Outlaw Jack 8 Coke Float ^[12]. You’ll find over 40 flavors of Texas Craft Ice Cream daily ^[13]. The alcohol-infused options pair perfectly with live Texas music artists performing four nights a week ^[14].

D’Vine Wine sits right in historic downtown as a full-production winery. The core team helps guests discover new grapes and blends through wine flights tailored to their taste ^[15]. They make wine tasting fun with events like “Music, Massage & Merlot” and karaoke nights twice monthly – on the second and last Friday ^[16].

A restored historic building houses Barons Creek Vineyards‘ beautiful tasting room. Wine lovers can enjoy five hand-selected wines at $25 per person ^[17]. The Ultimate Wine Experience ups the game with food pairings at $45 per person ^[17].

Farina’s Winery & Café serves everything from artisan cheese plates to juicy steaks in a cozy atmosphere ^[18]. The place even features Al Capone’s old bar ^[18]!

Your Granbury experience isn’t complete without Babe’s Chicken Dinner House, a 16-year old restaurant in a 1917 building that used to sell Ford Model Ts ^[19]. Their family-style Southern comfort food ^[20] shows off true Texas hospitality.

Conclusion

Granbury’s historic town square brings together Texas history, charming attractions, and modern indulgences. You’ll quickly see why this gem has earned its title as the “Best Historic Small Town in America.” The magnificent Hood County Courthouse stands proudly at the center and shows our town’s rich heritage.

The square lets you spend your day browsing unique boutiques in Victorian buildings, watching Broadway-quality shows at the Opera House, or tasting wines at local rooms. Families love City Beach Park, and history enthusiasts can explore collections in the Doll House Museum or join spine-tingling ghost tours after dark.

Seasonal festivals change our square’s character throughout the year, giving each visitor a fresh and magical experience. Most guests begin their journey with a free trolley ride to get their bearings before they check out specific spots that catch their interest.

N on the Square helps visitors uncover hidden treasures and creates tailored experiences. Our team’s local knowledge will give you access to everything special about the square—from secret local spots to the perfect times for watching sunsets from the courthouse lawn.

This piece should inspire your visit to our beloved town square. Granbury welcomes you with countless memories waiting to be made. Our historic square may be small, but it delivers experiences that are nowhere near what larger destinations offer, while keeping that authentic small-town Texas charm you won’t find anywhere else.

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