Lubbock is a small city in the heart of the Great Plains of the United States. Home to award winning musicians, incredible vineyards, desert landscapes and that wild west charm you might be familiar with from the movies. Lubbock may not be your first choice for a visit to Texas, but by the end of this article we are sure that you will be adding it to your upcoming Texas trip.
We took a trip out to Lubbock and left only with a desire to stay longer. In this guide we are going to share our exact itinerary for how to have the best 3 days in Lubbock.
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Furthermore, this post is written in collaboration with Visit Lubbock who hosted us during our stay & organised many of the awesome activities we are going to share below. Therefore, a huge thank you goes out to them.
When to visit Lubbock?
Lubbock typically sees hot, long summers and cold but short winters. The best time to visit Lubbock is May-October, this is when temperatures will be most favourable and perfect for exploring. We visited in late September/early October and the temperatures were in the mid-twenties (Celsius), which is our ideal temperature.
It would be interesting to experience Lubbock in winter for the potential to see snow here. We can imagine that the desert like landscapes and snow would contrast quote wonderfully. Perhaps if you enjoy cooler temperatures, winter could be a great time of year to visit too!
How to get around?
The easiest and best way to get around in Lubbock is without a doubt by renting a car. We picked up a rental car from Lubbock Airport, which is only 10 minutes outside of the city. Making it super convenient for arrival and departure. We chose to book a rental car with Enterprise, they were brilliant and the process of collection and drop off was very smooth. It is important to note that most car rental agencies in the US require you to use a credit card for the deposit.
You can find most well-known global car rental agencies in the US; it really comes down to your budget and the type of car you are after. It is worth noting that for this itinerary you will not require a 4×4 for any of the listed spots.
Where to stay in Lubbock
There are plenty of options in Lubbock for a comfortable, yet affordable stay. However, our recommendation is that you check into the Cotton Court Hotel. A stunning and unique boutique hotel that incorporates the history and charm of Lubbock. The hotel is also conveniently located right in the heart of the city, most attractions we will discuss in this guide are only a short drive away from the hotel.
The Cotton Court Hotel offers cosy yet stylish rooms, which are also huge! The hotel also features a huge outdoor communal space. Where you can enjoy games, fire pits, a swimming pool and live music on select days. During our stay we spent a lot of time in this area, enjoying the beautiful weather and vibe of Lubbock.
Day 1: An Introduction to Lubbock
Prairie Dog Town
The Prairie Dog is a common sight in this part of the world. They are burrowing rodents that are native to the American grasslands. Prairie Dogs are part of the squirrel family, but instead of spending their time in trees, they prefer to live in burrows in the ground.
Lubbock’s Prairie Dogs are a protected species. You can view them in Mackenzie Park, which is home to the Prairie Dog Town. As you drive through the park keep an eye out for the cuties, that will pop their heads out of their burrows to say hello. There is an area within the park that you can get out of your car and observe them from a distance. Furthermore, is important that you DO NOT approach the Prairie Dogs.
Prairie Dogs are really fascinating to observe. At the viewing area there are some signs with more information on the history of the Prairie Dog Town and information about their burrow system. Finally, make sure to take some carrots for them to munch on. You can throw these to them, so that they can enjoy a tasty snack.
It is totally FREE to visit Prairie Dog Town.
McPherson Cellars
Lubbock is the real home of Texas wine, with 90% of Texan wine grown here. There is an abundance of beautiful vineyards and cellars to visit whilst you are in town. McPherson Cellars is in the city centre and not too far from the Cotton Court Hotel, so you could even walk there if you fancied it.
McPherson Cellars offers a beautiful and cosy cellar door, where you can taste flavours of the region in a relaxed atmosphere. We recommend that you do their wine tasting, this way you get to enjoy a selection of great wines from their collection and understand the process of wine making and tasting from the experts. The staff will offer a detailed insight into how the wine you are tasting has come to be.
La Diosa Cellars
After tasting the grapes of the region, you will likely be feeling hungry. We recommend heading over to La Diosa Cellars for a delicious Spanish tapas inspired meal. They have a menu that will leave your mouth watering, in a unique and intimate setting.
Day 2: Delving Deeper into Lubbock
National Ranching Heritage Centre
As previously mentioned, Lubbock sits in the Great Plains of America. Which where you will find the majority of Ranches in the country, due to its fertile land and wide-open spaces. The National Ranching Heritage Centre is a must visit spot in Lubbock, as it walks you through the history of Ranching in North America.
The centre is set up as a museum and features interactive displays. Which pay tribute to the Ranching industry in North America. Outside there is a trail to follow where you can walk through the evolution of traditional Ranch infrastructure and buildings. We particularly loved this part of the centre, and it made for some great photos.
It is FREE to visit the National Ranching Heritage Centre, but donations are appreciated.
Holly Hop Ice Cream Shop
Whilst you are in Lubbock, you cannot miss out on the chance to experience a classic American diner. Holly Hop is exactly that and an experience in itself, especially for non-Americans. This diner is decked out with retro furniture and even a vintage juke box. The walls are adorned with musicians through the ages. Whilst the menu reflects exactly what you would expect from an all-American diner, only adding to the experience.
We strongly recommend that you have the chilli dogs, they were incredible! To finish off, you must try a sundae with all the toppings.
English Newsom Cellars
Another vineyard you must check out is English Newsom Cellars, they are located just outside of Lubbock city centre. It is the perfect place to enjoy a few sundowners on a warm summer’s day. If you come down on a Thursday evening, you will be able to take advantage of $6 glasses of wine. Which is exactly what we did.
The cellar often has food trucks parked up outside too, so you can enjoy some delicious food as you sip the evening away. Make sure to take a walk through the vines. This vineyard is really picturesque and perfect for capturing some beautiful photos.
Day 3: Day trip to Caprock Canyons
Nature lovers will be glad to know that Lubbock has some incredible state parks not too far from the city. Making a lovely addition to your time in the area. Caprock Canyons State Park is located 96 miles North-East of Lubbock and only takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to reach.
The park has been shaped by wind and water over millennia. Today you can enjoy breathtaking canyons and rugged landscapes. That will leave you feeling as though you have really entered the Wild West. Moreover, there are many wonderful hikes to choose from in the park, as well as the opportunity to spot wild Bison (a huge tick off the bucket list)!
Haynes Ridge Overlook
For a day trip we recommend hiking to Haynes Ridge Overlook. A short 1–2-hour hike which will lead you to a viewpoint with spectacular views across the park. The views here are said to be some of the best in Caprock, so it is well worth the rather gruelling hike, with no shade.
Be mindful of starting your hike early in the day during the warmer months. As it does get hot quick, and the lack of shade makes the hike more difficult. Moreover, be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks to take with you. Caprock Canyons is remote and there are no shops within or around the park.
Spotting Bison at Caprock Canyons is relatively easy, chances are you will see them multiple times throughout the day, which is incredible! It is important to be mindful of keeping your distance, it is not uncommon for them to be spotted on the trails (we spotted one on the Haynes Ridge trail). If you do come face to face with a Bison, give it plenty of room, as they can become aggressive when they feel threatened, and people have been attacked in the past.
If hiking isn’t your thing, then don’t worry because you can drive right through the park and enjoy the incredible landscapes from the comfort of your own car. Furthermore, there are some shorter, more leisurely trails to take, that still reward with beautiful views.
Entry fees: $5 per day, per person to be paid at the visitor centre on arrival.
La Sirena Cocina
Once you make it back to the city, you should definitely head straight for La Sirena Cocina for dinner and cocktails. This cosy restaurant prides itself of serving produce that has all been sourced ethically and it certainly shows in their delightful menu. We recommend that you have the Brussel Sprouts, they were the best we have ever tasted.
Final thoughts on Lubbock
Overall, we think Lubbock is brilliant destination for domestic and international travellers looking for a taste of Texas with a mix of things to do within the city and surrounding area, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So go ahead and add Lubbock to your USA bucket list.
We hope this guide has given you some inspiration for your visit the city. For more inspiration and tips, you can always join us over on Instagram, where you’ll be able to watch our entire visit to Lubbock.
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