Brenham Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to Brenham with our comprehensive travel guide, including top attractions, activities, and tips for a memorable visit.


Introduction to Brenham

Located in the heart of Texas, Brenham is a charming city known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and warm hospitality. Brenham boasts a variety of attractions that offer something for every kind of traveler, from museums and historical landmarks to outdoor adventures and bustling food and drink scene.

List of Places to Visit in Brenham

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Brenham is home to several museums and historical landmarks that provide insight into the city’s rich culture and history. Some of the must-visit attractions include:

  • Brenham Heritage Museum: Located in the historic Simon Theatre building, the museum offers exhibits on the city’s history, culture, and arts.

  • Giddings Stone Mansion: Built-in 1870 by Henry Giddings, the mansion is an example of Victorian architecture that showcases the lifestyle of wealthy families in the 19th century.

  • Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site: The site offers a glimpse into the history of Texas and its journey towards independence, with several historic buildings, including the Independence Hall and Barrington Farm.

Natural Attractions of Brenham: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Brenham’s natural beauty and outdoor adventures are a delight for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Some of the top attractions include:

  • Blue Bell Creameries: A popular tourist destination, Blue Bell Creameries allows visitors to take a tour of their facility and see how ice cream and other frozen treats are made.

  • Lake Somerville State Park: The park offers several outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, cycling, camping, and birdwatching, with scenic views of the lake and surrounding countryside.

  • Unity Theatre: A must-visit for theater enthusiasts, Unity Theatre offers year-round performances by local and national talent.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Brenham

Brenham offers several well-maintained hiking and biking trails that allow visitors to explore the city’s natural beauty. Some of the top routes include:

  • Brenham Hike & Bike Trail: A 3.9-mile trail that winds through the city, offering scenic views of the countryside, parks, and historical landmarks.

  • Lake Somerville Trailway: An 11-mile hiking and biking trail that offers spectacular views of the lake and the park’s wildlife.

  • Washington-on-the-Brazos Trail: A 5-mile trail that takes visitors through the historic site, showcasing the park’s scenic beauty and history.

Best Things to Do in Brenham: Activities and Tours

Brenham offers a variety of activities and tours that appeal to every kind of traveler. Some of the best things to do include:

  • Antique shopping: Brenham is known for its antique stores, offering a treasure trove of unique finds, including furniture, jewelry, and collectibles.

  • Wine tasting: Brenham’s warm weather and fertile soil make it an ideal destination for wine lovers. Some of the top wineries include Windy Winery, Pleasant Hill Winery, and Saddlehorn Winery.

  • Horseback riding: Visitors can explore Brenham’s countryside on horseback, with several ranches offering guided tours.

Week-Long Itinerary for Brenham

Day 1: Start your trip with a visit to the Brenham Heritage Museum, followed by a stroll through the historic downtown district.

Day 2: Spend a day exploring Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site and its historic buildings, including the Independence Hall and Barrington Farm.

Day 3: Enjoy the great outdoors with a day trip to Lake Somerville State Park, offering various activities and scenic views.

Day 4: Take a guided horseback riding tour or explore Brenham’s hiking trails.

Day 5: Experience Brenham’s food and drink scene with a visit to one of the city’s numerous restaurants or wineries.

Day 6: Enjoy a performance at Unity Theatre, followed by a nightcap at one of Brenham’s local bars or pubs.

Day 7: Explore Brenham’s antique stores and local shops for unique souvenirs to bring back home.

Food and Drink Scene of Brenham

Must-Try Dishes

Brenham’s food scene offers a variety of options, from traditional Texas-style barbecue to farm-to-table cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes include:

  • Blue Bell Ice Cream: Brenham is the home of Blue Bell Creameries, the third-largest ice cream maker in the United States, offering over 60 flavors of ice cream.

  • Beef Brisket: Texas-style barbecue is a must-try, and several local restaurants offer delicious brisket that melts in your mouth.

  • Peach Cobbler: Brenham is known for its peach orchards, and several local restaurants offer homemade peach cobbler that is a must-try.

Local Beverages

Brenham’s warm weather and fertile soil make it an ideal destination for wine lovers. Some of the must-try local beverages include:

  • Blue Bell Ice Cream: Brenham is the home of Blue Bell Creameries, and visitors can enjoy a scoop or two of their delicious ice cream at their on-site parlor.

  • Windy Winery: One of the top wineries in Brenham, Windy Winery offers a variety of wines made from locally grown grapes.

  • Brazos Valley Brewing Company: A local brewery that offers craft beers made with locally grown hops and barley.

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

Brenham offers several accommodations, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses that cater to both budget and luxury travelers. Some of the top places to stay include:

  • Ant Street Inn: A meticulously restored 1899 hotel that offers a luxurious and comfortable stay in the heart of downtown Brenham.

  • Brenham House Bed & Breakfast: A charming bed and breakfast that offers comfortable accommodations and delicious breakfast in a stunning historic setting.

  • Super 8 by Wyndham Brenham: A budget hotel that offers reliable accommodations and amenities to suit the modest traveler’s needs.

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

Brenham offers several unique souvenirs and local products that visitors can bring back home as a memory of their trip. Some of the must-buy items include:

  • Blue Bell merchandize: Visitors can take home t-shirts, hats, and other accessories that bear the Blue Bell logo, a perfect gift for ice cream lovers.

  • Brenham-made jams and jellies: Brenham is known for its locally made fruit jams and jellies, a perfect gift for foodies.

  • Antiques and collectibles: Brenham’s antique stores offer a treasure trove of unique finds, including furniture, jewelry, and collectibles.

Local Culture and Customs of Brenham

Brenham has a warm and welcoming culture that values hospitality and community. Visitors are encouraged to leisurely stroll through the historic downtown area and explore the city’s local shops and restaurants, where they can enjoy the charm of this Texas gem.

Best Time to Visit Brenham

Brenham’s mild climate makes it a suitable destination throughout the year. However, the peak tourist season is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities are in full swing. The Bluebonnet Festival in April is also a popular event that draws crowds from all over the state.

Do’s and Don’ts of Brenham

Do:

  • Explore Brenham’s historic sites and museums to gain insight into the city’s rich culture and history.

  • Try the locally made food and drink, such as Blue Bell ice cream and Texas-style barbecue.

  • Participate in outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Don’t:

  • Litter or harm the natural environment.

  • Disrespect the locals or their culture and customs.

  • Ignore safety rules and regulations in outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Brenham

Brenham is a safe destination for travelers. However, visitors are advised to take standard safety precautions, such as locking doors and windows and guarding valuables, to avoid petty theft and crimes of opportunity. Visitors are also advised to use common sense and follow guidelines when participating in outdoor activities, such as wearing safety gear and following trail signs and warnings.

Health in Brenham

Brenham has several hospitals and medical facilities that offer excellent medical services to visitors and residents. Visitors are advised to carry adequate medical insurance coverage and access emergency medical services if required.

Getting to Brenham: Transportation Options and Logistics

Brenham is accessible by several modes of transportation, including air, car, and bus.

Airports Near Brenham

The nearest airports to Brenham are Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, and Easterwood Airport in College Station.

Bus Stations Near Brenham

Greyhound Bus Lines offer regular services to Brenham from several major cities in Texas.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car or book a taxi or shuttle service to get to Brenham from nearby airports or cities.

How to Get Around in Brenham

Brenham is a small city that is easy to get around using public transportation, taxis, or rental cars. Visitors can also explore the city on foot, with several attractions and shops located within walking distance in the historic downtown area.

Where to Go Next from Brenham: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Brenham is an excellent base to explore other destinations in Texas, such as:

  • Houston: The largest city in Texas, Houston is a bustling metropolis that offers a variety of attractions, including museums, parks, and outdoor adventures.

  • Austin: The capital city of Texas, Austin boasts a vibrant music scene, cultural landmarks, and outdoor adventures.

  • San Antonio: A historic city, San Antonio offers several attractions, including the Alamo, River Walk, and historical missions.

Conclusion

Brenham is a charming and delightful city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. A trip to Brenham is a must-do for travelers who want to experience Texas’ authentic charm and hospitality. Plan your trip today with our comprehensive travel guide and get ready to explore Brenham’s best attractions, activities, and unique culture.

The Blue Bell Creameries, factory in Brenham. The Blue Bell Creameries, factory in Brenham.