12 Best Places Like Branson, Missouri

Branson, Missouri has been dubbed the “Live Music Capital of the World” and with good reason. There are more than 100 live music venues in Branson, where you can hear everything from bluegrass to blues to Broadway shows.

It’s also home to Silver Dollar City, a theme park that’s been around since 1950 and is filled with rides, shows, and restaurants (try out their fried Twinkies!). But what if you want something more than just music? Well then let’s talk about some other places like Branson that might be better suited for your taste no matter if they are major cities or small Missouri towns.

Best Places Like Branson, Missouri to Visit

1. Ocean City, Maryland

View of beach at Ocean City — Image by Forsaken Fotos used under CC BY 2.0

Ocean City is an ideal place to visit in the summer and winter. It has numerous attractions, restaurants, and hotels.

Ocean City, Maryland is a popular beach resort on the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to its beautiful beaches, it also provides many activities like golfing and kayaking that are sure to please visitors of all interests and ages!

The city is also home to many restaurants that serve delicious seafood and another cuisine. The Boardwalk features a number of shops and arcades, which are great places to visit with family and friends. Ocean City, Maryland is an ideal place to visit all year round.

See Related: Most Romantic Places in the World

2. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

View of Old Mill in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee — Image by Robert Du Bois used under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Branson, Missouri, and its family-friendly shows and attractions, but can’t stomach venturing into the Midwest during winter, Pigeon Forge is another great alternative. It’s about a two-hour drive from Nashville, Tennessee in case you’re looking for something close by.

Pigeon Forge also has plenty of activities to keep you busy year-round. You’ll find everything from rides and games at Dollywood Amusement Park to a planetarium show called Stars Over Smokey Mountain (a place that recreates a starry night).

3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Ferris wheel near the beach — Image by The ed17, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Myrtle Beach is a great place to vacation. It’s the perfect destination for families and those who love golfing, shopping, and water sports. It’s also home to some of the best seafood you’ll ever have in your life.

Myrtle Beach is a favorite destination for many families, thanks to its wide range of attractions and activities. The city is known as “The Family Fun Capital of the East Coast,” and with good reason. There are so many things to do in Myrtle Beach that it can be hard to know where to start!

If you’re looking for fun things to do with your kids in Myrtle Beach, look no further than Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. This aquarium has over 100 exhibits featuring over 1 million gallons of water and more than 50 species of fish from around the world—all housed under one roof.

There are plenty more family-friendly activities throughout this coastal town as well: mini golf courses, amusement parks (including Kings Island Amusement Park), live entertainment at street festivals every day during summer months…the list goes on!

4. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Panorama view of Gatlinburg town — Image by Evan Nichols (Virtua…, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Gatlinburg is a popular tourist destination in Tennessee. It’s close to Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains, making it a great place to visit if you want to experience all that Tennessee has to offer.

Gatlinburg is home to many attractions and activities such as Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Dollywood, Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort, and much more! It’s also an ideal location for families thanks to its variety of hotels and restaurants.

If you’re looking for outdoor recreation opportunities during your stay in Gatlinburg then look no further! There are plenty of options for hiking, biking, or horseback riding throughout this beautiful city.

See Related: Places Like Gatlinburg, TN to Visit

5. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Lake Geneva is a resort town in Walworth County, Wisconsin, United States. It’s a great place for lake activities and water sports. It’s a popular tourist destination in the Midwest with close proximity to Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago.

If you’re looking for some R&R or adventure, Lake Geneva has it all. Whether you want to be pampered at a world-class spa or zip down zip lines over the lake’s waters while marveling at its natural beauty, there are countless ways to enjoy yourself here as well as endless opportunities to learn more about this quaint little town’s history!

6. Nashville, Tennessee

Aerial view of Nashville, Tennessee — Image by Derrick Brutel used under CC BY-SA 2.0

There are plenty of cities in the United States where you can hear live music, but Nashville has more than its fair share of local and national artists. If you’re looking to get your groove on, there’s no better place than the country music capital of the world.

The city is home to the Grand Ole Opry, an institution that has showcased some of the best musicians in history since 1925. You can tour this venue or catch a show there any day of the week—and if you do decide to go inside for one night only during your trip, be sure not to miss out on its signature piece: “Nashville Cats” by musician David Frizzell!

If touring historical sites is more your thing (and let’s face it—it usually is), then make sure you check out some other iconic landmarks while visiting Nashville as well! For example, The Johnny Cash Museum contains everything from his personal awards and guitars right down through his actual prison uniform (which he wore during his 1968 debut performance at Folsom Prison).

7. Sandusky, Ohio

Man riding a bicycle near a water fountain — Image by THorsman88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sandusky is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Midwest. Home to Cedar Point amusement park and an array of other attractions, it’s also full of rich history and culture. You can spend a great day in Sandusky exploring the downtown area or relaxing by Lake Erie.

The city has been attracting visitors since its founding back in 1819 by General Moses Cleaveland as a trading post on Lake Erie. In 1891, a young entrepreneur named George Safford Parker arrived with his wife on their honeymoon with plans for developing hotels along Lake Erie (which would eventually become known as “Buttermilk Bay”).

8. Orlando, Florida

Orlando is a great place to visit, especially if you’re traveling with children. It’s the home of Disney World and has plenty of other family-friendly attractions. Orlando is also a great place to visit if you’re traveling with your significant other or another couple. There are plenty of things for couples and groups to do in Orlando, like Universal Studios and SeaWorld.

Orlando is also a great city for teens and young adults who want to spend their time out on the town at nightlife hotspots such as Downtown Disney, City Walk at Universal Studios, or Mall at Millenia.

See Related: Best Vacation Spots in Florida

9. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Wisconsin Dells Gorge from across the Wisconsin River — Image by Roger W used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Wisconsin Dells is a family vacation destination and resort town on the Wisconsin River in southeastern Wisconsin. The city of Wisconsin Dells has many attractions, including amusement parks and water parks. You can also visit nearby Lake Delton and Devil’s Lake State Park, which are both popular summer destinations for tourists and residents alike.

The city is located where the Great Lakes meet the Mississippi River basins and was once home to Native American tribes like the Sauk and Fox tribes who hunted in this area before European settlers arrived in 1795.

10. Williamsburg, Virginia

front view of the The Governor's Palace — Image by Ron Cogswell, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you want to experience the rich history of America and its colonial roots, then Williamsburg, Virginia is the place for you. With so much to do and see, there will be no time for boredom here!

From Historic Williamsburg to Colonial Williamsburg, this town has a vast amount of family-friendly attractions. From seeing how people lived back in those days at Colonial Frontier Living or seeing what it was like to work on a tobacco plantation during the Civil War era at Blacksmithing Demonstration, there is no shortage of activities that will keep everyone entertained all day long.

11. Keystone, South Dakota

Presidential sculpture at Mount Rushmore national memorial — Image by Gs970, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you love the outdoors, Keystone is a great place to visit in the winter. The town has several activities and events for kids to enjoy. There are many shops and restaurants as well, so you don’t need to bring everything with you when visiting Keystone.

Keystone also has several festivals and events throughout the year that bring people from all over to celebrate their community togetherness. If you want an adventure close by, Mount Rushmore is just 30 minutes away!

Keystone is a great place to visit if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s quiet and peaceful, but there are still plenty of fun things to do in Keystone for kids when it’s time for some downtime.

12. Springfield, Missouri

Commercial street at Springfield, Missouri — Image by Diedrichb, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Springfield, Missouri is known as the Queen City of the Ozarks and is an ideal destination for those looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Just like Branson, Springfield offers a great variety of entertainment and activities for all ages.

Whether you’re looking for family-friendly attractions, such as The Fantastic Caverns or Discovery Center of Springfield, or if you’re more in the mood to explore local culture with art galleries, theaters, and museums, Springfield has something to offer everyone.

Additionally, there are plenty of outdoor activities to take part in while visiting Springfield such as hiking trails, fishing spots, and campgrounds.

If you live in Missouri then Springfield is definitely worth a visit because it’s close enough to be a convenient getaway destination but far enough away that you still feel like you’ve left home. Between its lively nightlife scene, fantastic dining options, and exciting attractions there’s something for everyone in Springfield – making it a great town to visit near Branson.

Conclusion

You may have noticed that there are some similarities between Branson, Missouri, and the places we’ve listed. If so, then you’re on the right track! If not, then don’t worry—we just wanted to make sure that this list is comprehensive enough for anyone who wants to visit any of these destinations. We hope you found it helpful in making your decision about where to go next time you vacation (or if you plan on moving there permanently).

FAQs

Which is better Branson or Wisconsin Dells?

Branson and Wisconsin Dells are two very different destinations that cater to different types of people. If you’re looking for more family-friendly attractions and experiences, Branson is likely your best bet if you are living in Missouri—and if you’re traveling with a group of adults who want more unique experiences, Wisconsin Dells might be better suited to your needs.

Branson has arguably more to offer in the way of entertainment options than Wisconsin Dells. With top-tier shows like Sight&Sound Theater and Dixie Stampede under its belt, as well as Shoji Tabuchi’s performance at Silver Dollar City theme park (which also features an excellent water park), Branson has a lot going on that can keep even the most restless kids entertained for hours. The only thing missing from this picture is an amusement park like Six Flags Great America; however, this can easily be remedied by visiting nearby Eureka Springs instead!

Wisconsin Dells may not have quite as many big-name shows or famous theaters but it does have several amusement parks including Noah’s Ark Water Park which features some amazing water slides and pools — perfect for cooling off after a hot day on the go!

Is Pigeon Forge or Branson better to visit?

If you’re looking for a place that is better for families, Pigeon Forge may be your best bet. This town has plenty of activities for kids and young adults. If you are an adult couple who wants to unwind on vacation, Branson might be a better option for you. It offers more entertainment options like live music shows and comedy shows than Pigeon Forge does.

Both places have great shopping opportunities as well as endless entertainment options; however, both have different perks that make each unique in its own way. For example, Branson provides an entrance into the majestic Ozark Mountains while Pigeon Forge is the gateway into the Grand Smoky Mountain National Park.