Book Now

Things to do

The Starting Point of your adventure well-connected to the whole city
Branson, MO
The awesome Ozarks, crystal clear lakes with hidden beaches, a thrilling 1880s theme park, exhilarating ziplines, and mind-blowing museums. Just a few great reasons to visit Branson, Missouri.

It's no wonder our little city is often rated as one of the Midwest's top family vacation destinations. Even the fussiest family members - young or old - will find something to excite them in Branson.

In fact, there are so many things to do here, you might want to extend your vacation (or keep coming back, year after year).

Top things to do in Branson

On the water

Think Branson. Think Table Rock Lake. The crystal clear waters are perfect for hours of fun on the water. Kayaking, fishing, scuba diving, wakeboarding, and sailing. Head to Indian Point Marina, close to our lodges, to rent your equipment.

With 800 miles of coastline, perhaps you just want to find a hidden beach and unpack your picnic?

Lake Taneycomo flows through the heart of Branson’s magnificent scenery and also offers endless fun things to do on the water and on the shoreline you can catch the stunning fountain show set to music.

Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City 1880s theme park is our top tourist attraction. You need to experience its incredible rides, shows and music at least once in your lifetime. We wholeheartedly understand why it’s voted one of the best theme parks in the world.

What has it got?

More than 40 thrilling rides and attractions 40 live shows More than 60 shops and restaurants More than 100 American artisans on hand to demonstrate candy making, blacksmithing, glass blowing and so much more.

Our favorite attraction is the Time Traveler spinning coaster with unbelievable speeds and drops. Oh, but we also love a giggle in Grandfather's Mansion - it turns our world around!

Now you see why it's one of the best attractions in the world?

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park Just a short drive away from our Branson luxury cabin retreats is Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. 10,000 acres of natural beauty nestled in the Ozarks, in Lampe Missouri.

On land you can hike, bike and horseback ride through stunning rugged scenery. There is also good trout fishing at Dogwood. And it’s no run of the mill trout fishing here. You’ll be casting your line amongst towering bluffs, waterfalls, and over charming handcrafted bridges.

A wild road trip

One of our favorite road trips is to Jaspar, Arkansas (1hr). Known as the Gateway to the Buffalo River and where you can hike to your heart’s content through spectacular scenery, go canoeing on the river, enjoy a horse back ride, or head upwards for some rock climbing.

Comment on Dog Patch USA in Jasper.

You'll also want to find time for some of these beauties:

- Ziplining through the trees way up in the Ozark Mountains.

- Making a splash in the White Water water park with almost 7,000 feet of slides plus the chance for free-falling on the KaPau Plummet attraction.

- Stepping back in time at the Titanic Museum.

- Snaking, looping, swooping and curving through the Ozark Mountains on the Copperhead Mountain Coaster ride.

- Meeting the major stars at Branson's Hollywood Wax Museum.

- Enjoying the finest country music at Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction.

- Dining in style while cruising the scenic Table Rock Lake aboard the Showboat Branson Belle.

- Getting up close with amazing sea creatures at the Aquarium at the Boardwalk.

- Go hiking or bicycling in the great outdoors.

- Looking for a Christmas vacation? Enjoy the dazzling Christmas lights and shows for the most memorable festive season ever.

Where is it?

Now you can see why Branson is the jewel in Missouri's crown. Our city is right in the heart of the Ozark Mountains and surrounded by some of the most breathtaking natural views in the States.

The city is located on Lake Taneycomo and it's also around 40 miles south of Springfield, near the Arkansas state line.

It is named after Reuben S. Branson, who opened a store and post office here in the 1880s.

More things to do nearby

- You can get your kicks on Route 66. Springfield is recognized as the birthplace of the famous Route 66, which originally ran all the way from downtown Chicago to California.

- That's not Springfield's only claim to fame. It's also the home of the first recorded Wild West shootout. You can visit the History Museum to discover more about Springfield's fascinating history.

- Head into one of Missouri's 7,000 caves. If heading to Springfield, you can take a small detour to Smallin Civil War Cave to view old cave drawings, fossils, rare crayfish and bats.

- Just north of Springfield is Fantastic Caverns which is the only cave you can ride through in North America.

- About 50 miles, south-west of Branson is the pretty Eureka Springs. This city in the Ozark Mountains is well-known for its gorgeous Victorian buildings, which were built up around the city's natural springs.

- Head a few miles south of Eureka Springs to see big cats and bears in the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.

Branson’s so much fun you’ll want to bring all the family or friends. And you can! Our vacation rental properties can sleep 20 to 30 people so it’s perfect for church groups, societies and retreats too.
Bentonville, NW Arkansas
Bentonville is world-class - the world's largest retailer Walmart has its headquarters here and it has a world-class collection of American art. Oh, and it’s quickly making a name for itself as the mountain biking capital of the world. One more thing, it hosts the annual World Champion Squirrel Cook-off too.

This little town in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains sure packs a mighty punch. Forward-thinking, innovative and inspiring, Bentonville is brimming with ideas to entertain and enlighten you.

Is it any wonder it's a booming area and such a popular family vacation destination in America.

Cool things to do in Bentonville

- First stop has to be the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. It houses an unbeatable collection of American art from Norman Rockwell to Andy Warhol, has incredible architecture and 120 acres of lush Ozark forest to explore. Rockwell's illustration of Rosie the Riveter, which symbolizes the great American spirit during World War II, pulls in the crowds. Best of all, it's free to get in!

- Catch a performance and marvel at contemporary art in The Momentary arts space.

- If all that creativity is feeding your imagination, it's time for some hands-on fun at the Scott Family Amazeum. - There’s around 50,000 square feet of exhibition and learning spaces. This is a fun museum for all ages as you get up close and personal with the people and industries who built the great Arkansas culture.

- You can see another collection of fabulous art at the museum in 21c Museum Hotel. Check out the dramatic Orange Tree sculpture and Making Change Fleetwood Cadillac limo covered in thousands of coins.

- The award-winning The Hive restaurant is in the hotel. This is a grand place to sample the very best culinary delights of Arkansas. Think hickory smoked hams, peaches, and cornmeal and you're on the right track.

- Take a trip back in time at the Walmart Museum inside the original 5&10 that opened in downtown Bentonville in 1950.

- Step further back in time by exploring what life was like 14,000 years ago at the fascinating Museum of Native American History.

- Visit Bentonville for its festivals such as the Bentonville Film Festival founded by Academy Award winner Geena Davis; the Bentonville Running Festival; and the intriguing World Champion Squirrel Cook-off.

- See why Bentonville is a top-class cycling destination with more than 140 miles of trails to explore.

Things to do near Bentonville

- Bentonville is surrounded by incredible cities - Kansas City, Oklahoma, Dallas, St Louis and Memphis.

- It's also about a three-hour drive from the capital of Arkansas, Little Rock. You can go to MacArthur Park and visit the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum with loads of presidential artifacts and a replica of the Oval Office.

- Bentonville is only two hours' drive from Tulsa (who's singing 24 Hours from Tulsa right now?) renowned for its incredible Art Deco buildings.

- You can explore the great outdoors as this area enjoys rich natural beauty. Explore the Ozark mountains - you can go ziplining, hiking and caving. Just outside Bentonville is the Old Spanish Treasure Cave. A guided tour will reveal the fascinating legends of hidden treasure that had been buried by the Spanish Conquistadors. The vast Hobbs State Park conservation area is on the doorstep with lakes, trails and historic relics to explore.

Bentonville has grown from a small town in Arkansas to a thriving commercial center. As well as Walmart, the University of Arkansas has a campus here, making it a booming area for business as well as leisure visitors.

It's also easy to get to with the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport on the edge of the city as well as great road connections with bigger neighboring cities.

Our house and garage apartment is in downtown Bentonville between Crystal Bridges and the Momentary museums. You can walk to local cafes, bars or restaurants or hop on your bike and hit the trails. It holds a special place in our heart too. We stayed at the house and rode to the Walmart Amp to see a concert. That’s pretty neat!
Joplin MO
Up-and-coming Joplin - or JoMo as we like to call it - has always been sought out by innovators and out-of-the-box thinkers. The social activist, poet, novelist and playwright Langston Hughes is from Joplin. The infamous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde hid out here - you can see their garage apartment. Today, artists, restaurateurs and artisans are drawn by Joplin's energy.

Buzzing things to do in Joplin

- You can ride along Route 66 as this historic route runs through the heart of Joplin. It even has the beautiful Route 66 Mural Park depicting the famous highway along with a cool replica car.

- Stroll through Joplin for a history lesson through its many murals. These larger-than-life works of art highlight the town's mining heritage as well as its rich performing arts culture.

- Get to know the town's past at the Joplin History & Mineral Museum telling the story of the town and its mining history. Check out the National Historical Cookie Cutter Museum, which is in the same building.

- Marvel at the picturesque Grand Falls waterfall next to the Wildcat Glades conservation center with lush walking trails and the pretty waters of Shoal Creek.

- Stroll through Cunningham Park to see the poignant Butterfly Memorial dedicated to the victims and survivors of the 2011 tornado which hit Joplin.

- Just out of town is the George Washington Carver National Monument in his former home which is now a park with nature trails and a museum.

- Joplin is blessed with many fabulous restaurants serving innovative cuisine. You'll get a taste of flavors from around the world but with a Joplin twist to it.

Why is it called Joplin?

Many people believe it was named after the ragtime composer Scott Joplin who was from Missouri. But, in fact, it is named in honor of the Rev Harris Joplin, an early settler who founded the area's first Methodist congregation.

Joplin sits in the south-west corner of Missouri and is the largest city in Jasper County, although it's still small and compact.

What is near Joplin?

- Joplin is surrounded by important cities including Dallas, Kansas City and Oklahoma City. With its super highway connections - did we mention Route 66? - they’re easily accessible by car.

- It's about an hour by the highway to Springfield and Bentonville, and two hours to Branson. Branson is worth a trip, time permitting, for its Silver Dollar City 1880s theme park, Titanic Museum, Hollywood Wax Museum, ziplining through the Ozark Mountains or trying watersports at Table Rock Lake. Springfield is the birthplace of Route 66 and Bentonville is said to be the mountain biking capital of the world as well as home to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art with an incredible collection of art from Norman Rockwell to Andy Warhol.

- You can also get into some of America's finest natural beauties by taking a hike through the Ozark Mountains.

All this makes Joplin an ideal vacation holiday for exploring cities and the great outdoors. We have houses with one to four bedrooms which are ideal for couples, families and small groups of friends.
Panama City Beach - the panhandle of Florida
With 27 miles of white sandy beaches, there's plenty of space for sunbathing next to the glistening turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The only difficulty is deciding which sandy spot to pick.

The panhandle of Florida has some of the finest beaches in the USA. And the beaches at Panama City are pretty exceptional ones. From here, you can enjoy the spectacular sunset over the Gulf of Mexico every single day of the year.

Oh those beaches…..

With around 100 beach access points, there's something to suit all beachlovers. If you don't want a picnic or to carry a cooler around, choose an access near the fabulous beachfront restaurants. Fancy somewhere quieter, there's plenty of access away from the crowds. You can bring your dog too. There's a special beach for fur babies in front of Pier Park.

The beaches in the west end of Panama City and around Pier Park are the top spots for families or anyone who wants plenty of shops, restaurants and bars for an after-beach cocktail.

Talking of Pier Park, this is the top place for shopping, entertaining and dining out. You´ll find all the top department stores like Target and JCPenney as well as boutique stores for a unique look to complement your tan.

Pier Park restaurants range from fast food to special occasions. If you want to grab a burger, coffee to go, American classics, sushi or fresh seafood and oysters, Pier Park delivers.

There's also plenty of family fun from arcade and video games, to an IMAX cinema and a country music venue.

Back to the beaches…

It’s so hard to choose the best beach spots in Panama City but here goes:

- Most popular and pretty as a picture is Camp Helen State. One of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida, it's a beautiful spot for beachcombing, fishing, swimming, walking or simply chilling. It's a great place for glimpsing dolphins or sea turtles as well as bird-watching. The 180-acre park is only open during the day though.

- For watersports and activities, you need to head to the Grand Lagoon. You can sign up for dolphin tours, sunset cruises, snorkel trips or fishing trips, or simply chill on the glorious beaches and admire your beautiful surroundings. The Lower Grand Lagoon is fabulous at night with lively bars with beach views.

- For some of the best-preserved dunes in the world, make a trip to St Andrews State Park. This is an excellent place for snorkeling as well as practicing other watersports. There's even a kiddie pool lagoon with clear and shallow water. Photographers and nature lovers should keep an eye out for some pretty rare Florida birds and wildlife. You may spot the elusive Choctawhatchee beach mouse in the dunes or sea turtles nesting on the beach as well as some pretty shorebirds.

- While at St Andrews, get the boat over to the unspoilt Shell Island - it feels like those tropical islands you see in the movies. Shell Island, nestled between the gulf and St Andrew Bay, boasts seven miles of natural paradise. Look out for shorebirds, deer, sea turtles and the pod of bottlenose dolphins who live around the island.

What else can you do here?

- If you're bringing the little ones, they can let off steam with a round of mini-golf at Goofy Golf or scream with excitement on the amusement rides at Swampy Jacks. Most families spend a few hours at WonderWorks amusement park with 29,00 square feet of hands-on exhibits and exciting features.

- If you want a break from the beach, you'll love the chance to see wild and exotic animals up close at ZooWorld Zoological Park. Meet baby kangaroos, lemurs, bearded dragons, porcupines, bat-eared foxes, alligators, lions and more. Ever wanted to pet a sloth? Here you can!

- For a more grown-up experience, we can't recommend the Florida wines at the Panama City Beach Winery highly enough. They're made with 100% real fruit and you can grab a wine slush to take to the beach. The watermelon slush is particularly more-ish.

- We've already recommended Pier Park but there are plenty of other super places to go out at night. A snack and a drink at one of the beach bars is a must. Or enjoy live music or grab the mic during a karaoke night at Ms. Newby's. Personally, we love to stroll the streets and pop into any bar which sounds lively - or has a cool name.

There are loads of fab dining spots in Panama City too. In summer at sundown, pick one with a lovely terrace. Check out the menus to see what takes your fancy. What should you eat? Seafood gumbo and crabs should be top of your menu.

Book your Florida vacation with us and you won’t have far too walk to the beach or after a night out. We have a four bedroom house with a great pool just blocks from the beach.
PC_Beach_Camp_Helen_SP01
Panama City Beach

Camp Helen State Park

Park

Most popular and pretty as a picture is Camp Helen State. One of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida, it’s a beautiful spot for beachcombing, fishing, swimming, walking or simply chilling. It’s a great place for glimpsing dolphins or sea turtles as well as bird-watching. The 180-acre park is only open during the day though.

Visit Site
panama-city-beach-white-sands-beach
Panama City Beach

Grand Lagoon

Outdoor Activities

For watersports and activities, you need to head to the Grand Lagoon. You can sign up for dolphin tours, sunset cruises, snorkel trips or fishing trips, or simply chill on the glorious beaches and admire your beautiful surroundings. The Lower Grand Lagoon is fabulous at night with lively bars with beach views.

Visit Site
5478125132_86772c3ed0_b
Panama City Beach

St. Andrews State Park

State Park

For some of the best-preserved dunes in the world, make a trip to St Andrews State Park. This is an excellent place for snorkeling as well as practicing other watersports. There’s even a kiddie pool lagoon with clear and shallow water. Photographers and nature lovers should keep an eye out for some pretty rare Florida birds and wildlife. You may spot the elusive Choctawhatchee beach mouse in the dunes or sea turtles nesting on the beach as well as some pretty shorebirds.

Visit Site
4391732673_9cac23550c_b
Panama City Beach

Shell Island

Outdoor Activities

While at St Andrews, get the boat over to the unspoilt Shell Island – it feels like those tropical islands you see in the movies. Shell Island, nestled between the gulf and St Andrew Bay, boasts seven miles of natural paradise. Look out for shorebirds, deer, sea turtles and the pod of bottlenose dolphins who live around the island.

Visit Site
33878489933_72c1377bb5_b
Panama City Beach

Goofy Golf

Miniature golf course

If you’re bringing the little ones, they can let off steam with a round of mini-golf at Goofy Golf or scream with excitement on the amusement rides at Swampy Jacks. Most families spend a few hours at WonderWorks amusement park with 29,00 square feet of hands-on exhibits and exciting features.

Visit Site
featured_giraffee
Panama City Beach

ZooWorld Zoological Park

Zoo

If you want a break from the beach, you’ll love the chance to see wild and exotic animals up close at ZooWorld Zoological Park. Meet baby kangaroos, lemurs, bearded dragons, porcupines, bat-eared foxes, alligators, lions and more. Ever wanted to pet a sloth? Here you can!

Visit Site
STAYCATION SQUAD

CONTACT INFO

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe our newsletter to get latest updates

Copyright © 2023 | Staycation Squad

Youtube Facebook Pinterest Tumblr Instagram
Search

June 2025

  • M
  • T
  • W
  • T
  • F
  • S
  • S
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30

July 2025

  • M
  • T
  • W
  • T
  • F
  • S
  • S
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31
0 Adults
0 Children
Size
Price
Amenities

Compare listings

Compare