Longview Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and explore in Longview, Texas with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Longview

Longview is a city in Central Piney Woods, located in the heart of the Piney Woods region in Texas, USA. The city’s nickname is “The Balloon Capital of Texas” because of its annual hot air balloon festival. Longview is known for its beautiful verdant forests, abundant wildlife, and friendly locals.

List of Places to Visit in Longview

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone in Longview. Here’s a list of places to visit while you’re in town:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Longview World of Wonders

Longview World of Wonders is a science and discovery museum with interactive exhibits and educational programs that inspire children’s curiosity about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning. Visitors of all ages can explore the museum’s hands-on exhibits, including the “art-bot” painting robot and “build-a-bee” activity.

Gregg County Historical Museum

The Gregg County Historical Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. The museum showcases the history of Longview and east Texas through exhibitions and artifacts, including an oil drilling rig and a Civil War-era cannon.

Natural Attractions of Longview: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Cargill Long Park

Cargill Long Park is a sprawling 30-acre park with nature trails, a duck pond, and picnic areas. The park is ideal for biking, hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.

Lake of the Pines

Lake of the Pines is a picturesque lake located 13 miles west of Longview. The lake offers a variety of water sports, including fishing, boating, and swimming, as well as several hiking trails for nature enthusiasts.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Longview

Longview has several scenic and challenging biking and hiking trails that offer an adventurous way to explore the city’s natural beauty. The trails are well-maintained and offer various levels of difficulty, so there’s something for everyone. Some of the most popular trails include:

  • McWhorter Park Trail
  • Lear Park Trail
  • Broughton Nature and Wildlife Education Area Trails
  • Paul G. Boorman Trail

Best Things to Do in Longview: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking, biking, and exploring the city’s natural beauty, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Longview, such as:

  • Attend the Great Texas Balloon Race held every year in July
  • Visit the Longview Museum of Fine Arts
  • Go on a winery tour at Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard and Winery

Week-Long Itinerary for Longview

To make the most of your week in Longview, follow our suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Gregg County Historical Museum
Day 2 Explore the Cargill Long Park
Day 3 Hike on the McWhorter Park Trail
Day 4 Go on a winery tour at Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard and Winery
Day 5 Visit the Longview Museum of Fine Arts
Day 6 Enjoy water sports at Lake of the Pines
Day 7 Attend the Great Texas Balloon Race

Food and Drink Scene of Longview

Longview offers a diverse food and drink scene that caters to everyone’s culinary preferences. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Burgers at Jucy’s Hamburgers
  • Fried chicken at The Butcher Shop
  • Cajun cuisine at Cajun Tex
  • BBQ at Bodacious BBQ

Local Beverages

  • Texas-brewed beer at Oil Horse Brewing Company
  • Wine at Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard and Winery
  • Margaritas at Jalapeño Tree

Where to Stay in Longview: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Longview offers a wide range of accommodation options, including budget hotels, luxury resorts, and unique guesthouses. Here are some recommendations:

  • Hilton Garden Inn Longview
  • Best Western Longview
  • The Carriage House Bed & Breakfast

What to Buy in Longview: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for unique souvenirs or local products to take home, here are some must-buy items from Longview:

  • Handmade candles, soaps, and lotions from The Rustic Oasis Soap Company
  • Local jams, jellies, and pickled products from East Texas Preserves
  • Artwork from Longview Museum of Fine Arts

Local Culture and Customs of Longview

Longview residents are known for their Southern hospitality and friendly nature. It’s common courtesy to greet a local with a smile and say “Howdy” or “Y’all.” With its historic landmarks, arts and culture scene, and rich heritage, Longview prides itself on its unique Southern charm.

Best Time to Visit Longview

The best time to visit Longview is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and pleasant. The months between March and May and September and November are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Longview

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Longview:

Do:

  • Greet locals and strike up a conversation
  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Take in the natural beauty of the Piney Woods

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage natural heritage sites
  • Disrespect the local culture
  • Assume everyone in Longview is a cowboy

Safety and Health

Safety in Longview

Longview is a safe city to visit, with low crime rates. However, it’s always recommended to take precautionary measures and keep valuables safe.

Health in Longview

Be sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated when exploring Longview’s outdoor areas, especially during the summer months when temperatures can rise.

Getting to Longview: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Longview

The nearest airport to Longview is East Texas Regional Airport, located just 10 miles south of the city.

Bus Stations Near Longview

Greyhound bus lines operate within Longview, with connections to many other cities in Texas and the surrounding states.

Other Options

Longview has several car rental services, making it easy to explore the city and surrounding areas at your own pace.

How to Get Around in Longview

The best way to get around Longview is by car. However, the city also has a public transit system that includes bus routes and a trolley service.

Where to Go Next from Longview: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Longview is within driving distance of several popular tourist destinations, such as:

  • Tyler, known as the rose capital of America, located 31 miles south of Longview
  • Shreveport, Louisiana, located 50 miles east of Longview
  • Dallas, Texas, located 128 miles west of Longview

Conclusion

Longview is a charming Southern city that offers something for everyone, from outdoor activities and scenic views to fascinating museums and historical landmarks. We hope this comprehensive travel guide helps you make the most of your visit to Longview, Texas.