Denton Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and local culture to experience in Denton, Texas, including a week-long itinerary, food scene, and transportation options.


Introduction to Denton

Nestled in the heart of the Cross Timbers region of Texas, Denton is a charming city that offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and Southern hospitality. The city boasts a vibrant music scene, lively festivals, and delicious cuisine, making it an excellent destination for travelers seeking to explore the Lone Star State’s history and culture. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or foodie, Denton has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Denton

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Denton is rich in history and culture, and you can explore it in many museums and historical places located in the city.

  • Bayless-Selby House Museum: This stunning Victorian mansion is now a museum that showcases the history of Denton and the contributions of its early settlers. The museum features exhibits on Victorian architecture, furniture, and decor.
  • Courthouse-on-the-square Museum: Located in the heart of downtown Denton, this museum is housed in a historic 1896 courthouse that was restored to its original beauty. You can explore the history of the city here, with exhibits on the county’s early settlements, law enforcement, and famous trials.
  • Texas Sculpture Garden: This free outdoor museum houses over 100 sculptures by nationally recognized artists. The Garden boasts a stunning array of sculptures, including modern art pieces and figurative installations.

Natural Attractions of Denton: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Denton’s outdoor scene offers something for everyone, from beautiful hikes to fishing and birdwatching.

  • Ray Roberts Lake State Park: This beautiful park is situated just north of Denton and offers a wide range of activities, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. The park has multiple scenic trails winding through the woods, with stunning views of the lake and its wildlife.
  • Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center: This 2,900-acre preserve offers a unique outdoor experience for visitors, with multiple trails for bike, hike, and horseback riding. Tourists can also enjoy guided nature walks, educational exhibits, and classes.
  • Denton County Farmers Market: This vibrant market is held every Saturday and brings in local farmers and artisans from the surrounding area. Visitors can find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and live music. An excellent place to discover local flavor and culture.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Denton

Denton is a paradise for hiking and biking enthusiasts, with multiple scenic routes to explore.

  • North Lakes Park Trail: This 1.7-mile trail is perfect for a quick hike, and it offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding hills.
  • Denton Katy Trail: This 3.5-mile trail offers a unique experience right through the heart of the city. Suitable for bikers and walkers, the trail has multiple interpretive markers showcasing the history of the area and its flora and fauna.
  • Greenbelt Corridor Trail: This stunning 10-mile trail follows the shoreline of Lake Ray Roberts, offering fantastic views of the outdoors. The trail can be hiked for a day, and several opportunities for camping, fishing, and wildlife spotting are available.

Best Things to Do in Denton: Activities and Tours

Denton offers numerous engaging activities and tours, such as:

  • Discover Denton Welcome Center Tour: This tour is an excellent opportunity to explore and learn about Denton’s history and culture. The tour starts from the Discover Denton Welcome Center and ends with a visit to the historic courthouse-on-the-square.
  • Denton County African American Museum: This museum showcases the history and contributions of African Americans in Denton County. The museum houses artifacts and documents relevant to the community’s history, highlighting the past and present-day achievements.
  • Denton Haunts Ghost Tour: This exciting ghost tour takes visitors on a journey of Denton’s darker side, with stories and legends of spooky happenings around the city.

Week-Long Itinerary for Denton

With so much to see and do, we’ve put together an itinerary for a week-long stay in Denton that is sure to be unforgettable.

Day 1: Visit the Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum and Bayless-Selby House Museum to explore Denton’s rich history.

Day 2: Spend the day at Ray Roberts Lake State Park to hike, fish, and take in the scenic views.

Day 3: Explore Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center and participate in the guided nature walks and educational exhibits.

Day 4: Visit the Texas Sculpture Garden before taking a tour of the Denton County African American Museum in the afternoon.

Day 5: Take a walk through the Denton Katy Trail before visiting the Denton Haunts Ghost Tour in the evening.

Day 6: Visit the Greenbelt Corridor Trail and indulge in camping, fishing, and wildlife spotting.

Day 7: Visit the Denton County Farmers Market before departing for your next destination.

Food and Drink Scene of Denton

Denton’s food scene reflects the city’s rich history and traditions, with numerous restaurants serving up Southern classics and innovative dishes.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried Catfish: This Southern-style dish served with hush puppies and coleslaw is a must-try in Denton, with numerous restaurants serving this classic dish.
  • Chicken-fried steak: Another Southern classic, chicken-fried steak, is a favorite in Denton. Served with gravy and mashed potatoes, you should try it at a local diner for the complete experience.
  • Barbecue: With numerous barbecue joints around the city, Denton offers a plethora of options to try different styles of smoked meats.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer: Denton boasts a thriving craft beer scene, with multiple breweries serving up innovative and delicious brews. Try the Bearded Monk, Denton’s first craft beer-only bar.
  • Iced Tea: A beloved and refreshing beverage in the South, sweet tea is a must-try in Denton. Ask for a glass of iced tea during your visit to a local restaurant.

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

Denton offers numerous options for accommodation, from hotels and motels to Bed-and-Breakfasts and Airbnb rentals.

  • Hilton Garden Inn Denton: This comfortable hotel features a restaurant, bar, and outdoor pool and is located close to downtown Denton.
  • Wildwood Inn: This romantic Bed-and-Breakfast is a perfect escape for couples, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Denton Motel: Perfect for those on a budget, this motel boasts decent rooms and is situated close to the city’s major attractions.

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

Denton’s art scene is vibrant, and visitors can take home locally handcrafted souvenirs, such as:

  • Vases and pottery: Denton boas[ts of a thriving arts and craft scene, and visitors can purchase handmade pottery and ceramics in the city.
  • Artisanal Jewelry: Denton’s local artisan jewelers create beautiful and unique pieces that make excellent keepsakes from the city.
  • Lavender products: The nearby Texas Tulips Farm grows aromatic lavender, and the farm offers lavender products, such as soaps, candles, lotions, and oils, which make wonderful gifts.

Local Culture and Customs of Denton

Denton prides itself on Southern hospitality and friendliness, and visitors should expect a warm welcome wherever they go. The city has a kaleidoscope of cultures, with many festivals, events, and delicious cuisine that reflect the diversity. As a university town, Denton is also home to numerous college students, giving it a dynamic and exciting atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit Denton

The best time to visit Denton is during the spring, from March to May, when the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities. Summer months from June to August can be quite hot and humid, making outdoor activities less enjoyable. The fall months from September to November offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful autumn foliage. Winter temperatures can be quite chilly and not as many outdoor activities available.

Do’s and Don’ts of Denton

Do:

  • Do experience Denton’s outdoor activities, such as hiking and fishing
  • Do visit the local museums and historical sites
  • Do try the Southern cuisine and local craft beer

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter in Denton’s green spaces and threaten wildlife
  • Don’t be disrespectful of the city’s local culture and traditions
  • Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and plenty of water when exploring the city’s outdoor spaces

Safety and Health

Safety in Denton

Denton is generally considered safe for tourists. As is always the case in any city, visitors should exercise basic safety practices, such as not leaving valuables unattended and staying in well-lit public areas after dark.

Health in Denton

Visitors to Denton should drink bottled water to avoid potential stomach problems, and make sure to apply sunscreen and hydration when spending time outside during hot weather.

Getting to Denton: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Denton

The closest international airport is Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, located approximately 32 miles south of the city.

Bus Stations Near Denton

Denton is well-connected with the rest of Texas, and frequent bus services are available throughout the day. The Greyhound bus terminal located at 110 W Sycamore St is the primary bus hub in Denton.

Other Options

Visitors traveling by car can reach Denton conveniently via several major highways, including I-35, US-380, and TX-289.

How to Get Around in Denton

Denton is a compact city, and visitors can easily explore the city’s top attractions on foot or bicycle. Visitors can also use car rental, taxi services or Uber/Lyft for reaching trails and parks located outside the city.

Where to Go Next from Denton: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Fort Worth: A short drive from Denton, Fort Worth offers attractions like the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, the Kimbell Art Museum, and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art.
  • Dallas: Located just south of Denton, Dallas boasts numerous attractions like the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Reunion Tower.

Conclusion

Denton is a vibrant and exciting city with something for everyone to experience. Whether you’re here to explore the local culture and history, enjoy the great outdoors, or indulge in the Southern cuisine, Denton will leave an everlasting mark on you.

Denton Courthouse on the Square Denton Courthouse on the Square Texas Woman's University Greenhouse Texas Woman's University Greenhouse University of North Texas pedestrian bridge University of North Texas pedestrian bridge