Texas Towns to Love: Tyler

A garden with a variety of colorful shrubs and flowers borders a winding concrete path, surrounded by trees and greenery.

Known as the Rose Capital of America, Tyler, Texas, is a beautiful city to visit year-round. A city with slightly more than 100,000 residents, Tyler was founded in 1846 and named after President John Tyler. Today it is the economic hub of the northeast Texas area and a pretty place to vacation virtually any time of the year. 

Tyler is a city filled with both wonderful outdoor adventures and quaint indoor activities. Guests to this charming city can enjoy hiking and water activities as well as shopping and sightseeing. There is truly no limit to the amount of fun you can have in this East Texas gem of a town. Whether you want to check out local museums or explore Mother Nature, you’re sure to find an adventure all your own there. Pack your bags, you’re taking on Tyler!

Best ways to enjoy a vacation in Tyler, Texas, 2025

  • Explore the natural vegetation, birds and animals that call Tyler home at the Tyler Nature Center. Visitors can explore this 82-acre natural area and hike, look for wildlife, enjoy fishing during special events and more. This educational spot will help visitors understand the ecosystem in the Tyler area. 
  • Enjoy lake life at Lake Tyler. Visitors to Lake Tyler can enjoy a number of fun activities, from swimming to boating and fishing to camping. Lake Tyler was built in 1949 and expanded in 1966. The lake now encompasses almost 4,500 acres and provides fun of all kinds for everyone. 
  • Get up close and personal with free-roaming animals at Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari. Feed the animals, such as deer, emus, llamas and donkeys, as they wander up to your car and admire others from the safety of your vehicle. This is a fun, albeit slightly intimidating, experience for all ages. 
  • Experience the Tyler Rose Museum, founded to preserve some of the magic and history of the growing rose business in East Texas. Explore costumes and memorabilia from Tyler’s popular Texas Rose Festival, which was started in 1933. 
  • Discover science at Discovery Science Place, a top pick from Tyler Tourism. Perfect for all ages, Discovery Science Place brings science to life with hands-on activities meant to spark wonder and foster learning. View bats in the bat cave, examine dinosaur bones and more at this engaging spot that makes learning fun. 
  • Soak up seasonal fun at Plantations Pines Farm in Tyler. In the fall, guests can pick pumpkins and soak up the magic of spooky season. Head back for the holidays to get your very own live Christmas tree. In the spring, pick blossoming tulips to create stunning floral displays for your space. This locally-owned spot is a true Texas gem! 

Tyler lodging

Woodland Creek RV Park in Tyler has more than 300 5-star reviews on Google and dozens of amenities that make it a desirable spot to call home during your Tyler travels. This spot offers guests fire pits, walking trails, wifi and more to make this spot feel like a cozy home away from home. Explore Tyler all day and rest easy all night at Woodland Creek RV Park. Happy travels!