Lubbock is well known for historical music and cotton farming; that is why you will see a bustling downtown and greenery in the city. But apart from its well-known and decorated tourist spots (which also include museums), there is a big part of Lubbock that remains under the shadow of its famous self. Although these lesser-known spots of the city are not well-known, but are worth visiting.
In this article, I tried my best to come up with the best 14 hidden gems in Lubbock that will help make your trip an even better one. This list includes nine tourist spots and five eateries (restaurants and cafes).
Table of Contents
1. Lubbock Lake Landmark
Address: 2401 Landmark Dr, Lubbock, TX 79415
Lubbock Lake Landmark spans over 336 acres and is one of the most underrated spots in Lubbock. It is an archeological and natural preserve area visited by those who have a keen interest in history and want to spend some time in nature.
Here, you will see plenty of archaeological digs where ancient tools and animal bones have been found. Along with that, there are also well-maintained hiking trails that span over 4.5 miles and are suitable for everyone. If you are going there for hiking/walking, make sure to have a hat, as there are barely trees and sitting areas. And if you are lucky, you might also witness blooming flowers along the way.
Not only the outdoors but there is also a center. Visiting this center will let you learn more about the history of this place, as there are various exhibits where you’ll see different tools, rocks, and fossils. Lastly, before leaving, head to the store if you want to purchase any souvenirs and gifts from here.
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2. The Depot District
If you are someone who likes to visit neighborhoods with a variety of entertainment opportunities, then the Depot District should be on your list.
This neighborhood is generally visited by locals who know its value, but it deserves much more recognition from visitors, whether alone or with friends. This place is mainly famous for its live music.
While walking past this area, you’ll come across places like the Buddy Holly Center and the Statue, the singer who rose through the streets of Lubbock. And along the street, you probably will also encounter live music performers as well.
Not only that, this neighborhood is also a get-together area filled with restaurants, shopping centers, and other entrainment options, which makes this place worth visiting.
3. Lubbock Veterans Memorial
Address: Nashville Ave, Lubbock, TX 79423
Lubbock Veterans Memorial is an ideal tourist spot for families. This memorial is located in the Henry Huneke Park, which makes the visit to this memorial even more special.
Upon entering, you will witness different monuments and memorials of US soldiers who have served and lost their lives for the nation, along with engraved bricks, statues, educational panels (sharing key information about battles, conflicts, and wars), and flags of America and different armed branches of the country.
After that, on its back is the park side, where you will find benches, the other side covered with grass (you can sit wherever you want), and a pond, which is the main highlight of this park. In the pond, sometimes you will also see ducks, and it is the primary spot for photography in this park, along with the memorial.
4. Moody Planetarium
Address: Lubbock, TX 79409
Moody Planetarium is inside the Texas Tech University. If you even have a little interest in space and astronomy, head over to this place. There aren’t many planetariums out there in Lubbock, which makes this planetarium special and unique.
The best thing about this place is that there are a variety of shows to choose from. Whether you want to attend a show on astronomy, life on different planets, a laser show, or something else, chances are you will find that.
And these shows aren’t like those, that will be boring but are pretty entertaining. Apart from the shows, you can also go to the gallery, where you’ll witness different replica models of dinosaurs and other animals, and it will be pretty educational as well.
The schedule of the shows can be accessed from their website. Lastly, the pricing of the shows is also very affordable, starting from free to $6 per person.
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5. West End Farmers Market
Address: 511 Avenue K, Lubbock, TX 79401
Pretty much well-known among the locals, the West End Farmer Market is also a place that you shouldn’t miss on your Lubbock Tour.
First of all, just because its name is a farmers market doesn’t mean that you won’t find anything apart from fruits and veggies. Apart from fresh fruits and veggies, there are countless stalls of local sellers, some selling handmade keychains and bracelets, while some are selling different paintings and different arts, all at a very reasonable price compared to what you will get from reputable shops and markets.
There are also local food sellers as well. Overall, if you want to help the local artists and farmers in Lubbock, there isn’t any place better than this.
6. GlassyAlley Art Gallery
Address: 1940 Texas Ave, Lubbock, TX 79411
Managed by a single woman, Pauline, GlassyAlley Art Gallery is one of the most underrated art galleries in Lubbock, where you will find art of various forms.
As you enter the gallery, you will see a wide variety of paintings, some hanging on the walls, some on tables, along with different glass, sculptures, and showpieces that will catch your attention.
However, the best thing in this gallery is the mosaic art. This gallery has one of the best collections of mosaic art in Lubbock, and it may be because the owner of this gallery was best in mosaics before mastering other art forms. Along with the art on display, GlassyAlley Art Gallery also offers art classes.
7. Ringtail Ranch Lemur Sanctuary
Address: 5901 N County Rd 3000, Lubbock, TX 79403
Ringtail Ranch Lemur Sanctuary is one of the best hidden gems in Lubbock, and it is specifically visited by wildlife lovers.
It is a non-profit facility with a clear mission to save and raise awareness about these endangered species. This sanctuary is primarily for lemurs and has around 40 Lemurs, along with different birds and animals.
Visiting this place is a one-of-a-kind experience as you’ll get to see and touch these animals and birds. Moreover, the staff is friendly and can answer any query regarding the animals if you have one.
Lastly, if you want to support them, you can either donate or can purchase any animal art, stuffed animals, or merchandise from their store.
8. Dunbar Historical Lake Park
Address: M.L.K. Jr Blvd & Canyon Lake Dr, Lubbock, TX 79403
Dunbar Historical Lake Park is often shadowed by Mackenzie Main City Park, but it is beautiful and offers countless picturesque scenes.
As you reach this place, you will see a green area near the lake, where you can sit and relax. You will also see the Lubbock Waterfalls. And trust me, the view of the waterfall with the lake on the back is truly amazing. After that, spend some time clicking pictures and sitting in front of the river.
In addition to that, if you are in a car, follow Canyon Lake Drive, which goes right on both sides of the lake; within 3 to 5 minutes, you will reach the Dunbar Lake Dam. Spend some time there by clicking some pictures before leaving and to make the visit complete.
9. Municipal Garden & Arts Center
Address: 4215 University Ave, Lubbock, TX 79413
Another underrated tourist spot in Lubbock is the Municipal Garden & Arts Center, which is an ideal visit for visitors of every age.
As you reach this place, you will first see the garden outside the center. This garden has well-maintained walking trails and is a lush green grass area with different plants, trees, flowers, and shaded spots for you to sit. And as you start walking, you will see a little pond in this area, which you’ll definitely love as well.
After that, enter the center, where you’ll see different art hanging on the wall and on tables, which includes ceramics, pottery, paintings, etc.
Hidden Gem Restaurants in Lubbock, Texas
10. Uncle Chien’s Chinese and Thai Restaurant
Address: 3004 34th St, Lubbock, TX 79410
Uncle Chien’s Chinese and Thai Restaurant is the first restaurant on our list of hidden gem restaurants in Lubbock. An off-the-beaten restaurant that offers authentic Chinese and Thai food.
As you enter, you won’t see anything stunning in the ambiance, but is very simple, with a counter and kitchen up close and has iron chairs covered with foam and a table. Overall, the ambiance is decent.
Now, if we talk about the food, which is the main specialty here, you will have a long list of options to choose your Chinese and Thai food. The most favorite item in this restaurant is their Pat Thai (noodles with chicken, shrimp, vegetables & eggs).
Other items include dumplings, wontons, egg rolls, noodles and egg soups, fried rice (from vegetable to chicken, beef, and shrimp), soups, and other options like chicken, shrimp, and beef.
11. The Co-Op Public House
Address: 4637 50th Street Suite #300, Lubbock, Texas 79414
Offers brunch, lunch, and dinner, the Co-Op Public House is also a restaurant that should be on your list. The ambiance in this restaurant is one of the finest that you’ll get in Lubbock, with different seating options and paintings on the wall making it even better.
They offer a different menu each time, and the variety they offer is genuinely comforting for the majority. Starting with breakfast options, avocado toast, Benedict, and waffles, they have different sandwiches, burgers, pies, mushrooms, steak, pasta, and chicken fettuccine Alfredo they got it.
12. Simply Decadent Bakery
Address: 5905 82nd St, Lubbock, TX 79424
Whenever you feel like eating something sweet, head to the Simply Decadent Bakery, where you will find almost every sweet item you craze for. Upon entering, you will see chiller displays; inside it, there will be different sweet and baked items.
The best thing about this bakery is that they have a variety of flavors of almost everything they offer. Here, you will find cookies, brownies, chocolate cookies, French macrons, sticky buns, cinnamon rolls, pies, and a wide variety of cupcakes and cakes, which includes chocolate, vanilla, Italian, almond amaretto, strawberry, and red velvet.
They also offer different corporate packages, which are suitable if you are going to meet a friend or a family member.
13. Anna’s Mexican Restaurant
Address: 6909 Indiana Ave, Lubbock, TX 79413
Whenever you are craving for Mexican food, do visit Anna’s Mexican Restaurant, where you’ll get one of the best and underrated Mexican food in Lubbock.
The ambiance inside is simple but aesthetic, like most Mexican restaurants, it has a higher ceiling and wooden tables and chairs in the seating area. If we talk about the food, which is superb and has almost every box ticked.
Their menu includes nachos, guacamole dips, queso, brisket, chalupas, and different types of tacos and fajita options. Along with that, you can also order a wide variety of burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas combos, Rellenos, and much more. Lastly, if you are with kids, do check their kid’s menu as well.
14. Ninety-Two Bakery & Café
Address: 6303 82nd St, Lubbock, TX 79424
The last cafe in our list of hidden gem restaurants in Lubbock is the Ninety-Two Bakery & Café, which gives the vibes of an authentic French cafe.
As you enter, you will see the counter, while the seating area is just in front of it and has the tables and chairs like you’ll see in most cafes of the town. It is not a very big cafe, but it indeed has the aesthetic most cafes miss often.
Their menu isn’t an extensive one either, with different drink options like coffee, tea, tea latte, and other soft drinks and juices, along with various breads like croissants, cinnamon rolls, scones, and other different pastry options.
FAQ’s
1. What is Lubbock, Texas, best known for?
Lubbock is well-known for its music and art scenes. At the same time, it plays a big part in the agricultural field as well.
2. What makes Lubbock unique?
Music history and a solid agricultural presence are what make Lubbock unique.
3. What is the best time to visit in Lubbock?
Lubbock is easily the best time to visit during the summer season (May to August), which is ideal.
4. Is Lubbock expensive for tourists?
Lubbock is either cheap or in the category of cities that are neither too cheap nor expensive, but one thing is sure: you cannot call Lubbock expensive.