Caldwell Zoo
One of the top attractions in Tyler is the Caldwell Zoo. This beautifully landscaped zoological park is home to over 2,000 exotic, endangered, and native animals. Stroll along pathways surrounded by natural foliage and observe creatures like African lions, giraffes, chimpanzees, and Komodo dragons in spacious, naturalistic habitats. Don’t miss the Texas Wild! exhibit to see animals native to the Lone Star State like bison, cougars, and black bears. The zoo also features a number of interactive experiences like feeding the friendly budgies in the walk-in aviary and touching stingrays and sharks in Stingray Bay. With fun attractions like the train ride, carousel, and splash pad, the Caldwell Zoo is a great place to spend the day with the entire family.
Discovery Science Place
For a dose of family-friendly science fun, head to Discovery Science Place. This hands-on museum features over 100 interactive science exhibits focused on principles of physics, chemistry, space, health sciences, energy, and more. Kids of all ages will have a blast exploring giant bubbles in the Bubble Room, controlling real NASA robots in the Robotics Lab, and racing Hot Wheels on the huge vertical tracks. Discovery Science Place also offers an immersive planetarium experience in the Dome Theater. With new exhibits added annually, there’s always something new to discover. Don’t miss the Museum Store on your way out to take home a science-themed souvenir!
Goodman-LeGrand House and Museum
Step back in time with a visit to the Goodman-LeGrand House and Museum. Built in 1859, this historic home offers a glimpse into 19th century life in Tyler. Tour the stately two-story mansion furnished with period antiques and artifacts. Costumed guides share stories about the families who lived here over the decades and the history of Tyler’s early days. Explore the gardens, dependencies, and outbuildings to learn how food was grown, livestock was raised, and daily chores were done on the farm. For history buffs, the Goodman-LeGrand House provides a fascinating look at the past.
Tyler Rose Garden
Tyler is known as the “Rose Capital of America”, so you can’t visit without experiencing the gorgeous Tyler Municipal Rose Garden. Located in the historic Azalea District, this 14-acre garden contains over 38,000 rose bushes representing over 500 varieties. The peak bloom occurs in October with the Texas Rose Festival, but roses flower abundantly from April through November. Strolling past vibrant roses and sweet floral scents is a tranquil way to spend an afternoon. Bring your camera to capture photos of the roses and creatively designed sculptures dotted throughout the gardens.
Tyler State Park
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of East Texas at Tyler State Park. Just 10 miles north of downtown, the park offers gorgeous scenery with rolling hills, pine forests, spring-fed creeks, and two fishing lakes. Hike, bike, fish, boat, swim, geocache, camp, and observe wildlife in this serene nature retreat. The 64-acre, spring-fed Lake Tyler East is a perfect spot for stand-up paddleboarding and catching bass and catfish. With nearly 10 miles of hiking and biking trails plus facilities for camping, picnicking, and playing on the beach, Tyler State Park has something for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
East Texas State Fair
Each September, the East Texas State Fair comes to town bringing beloved fair food, midway rides, livestock shows, exhibits, concerts, monster truck rallies and more. For 10 days, the fairgrounds off Front Street become a lively carnival packed with attractions. Browse booths filled with handmade crafts and unique merchandise in the Exposition Center. Catch performances by famous country singers and emerging artists. And of course, you can’t leave without sampling classic fair fare like corny dogs, kettle corn, funnel cake, and fried Oreos along the midway. For old-fashioned family fun, the East Texas State Fair can’t be beat.
Brookshire’s World of Wildlife Museum/Zoo
Animal enthusiasts will love the Brookshire’s World of Wildlife Museum. With over 50,000 square feet of exhibits, this free museum and zoo is home to over 200 exotic and native animal species. Get eye-level with playful meerkats, massive tortoises, sleepy sloths, majestic African lions, and more. Many animals roam freely in naturalistic habitats for an up-close look. Be sure to visit the Walk-Thru Aviary to hand-feed friendly, colorful birds. The Brookshire’s World of Wildlife Museum provides a family-friendly glimpse into creatures from around the globe right in the heart of Tyler.
National Balloon Classic
See beautiful hot air balloons take to the skies at the National Balloon Classic held annually in Tyler. For more than 40 years, balloonists and spectators have gathered at the 91-acre Caldwell Zoo for this popular three-day event. Watch as dozens of vibrant balloons inflate and launch each morning and evening during the early autumn festival. Experience balloon glows, balloon races, live music, kids’ activities, food, and arts and crafts vendors. Visitors of all ages will be captivated seeing the balloons float peacefully over Tyler. But hurry – tickets sell out fast for this beloved local tradition.
How to Get Around Tyler
Now that you know what to see and do in Tyler, let’s discuss how to easily get around the city. When traveling with your family, friends, church group, or business colleagues, you’ll want transportation that’s convenient, flexible, and suited to your itinerary. Here are your options for navigating Tyler:
Public Transportation
Tyler Transit provides public bus transportation around the city on seven fixed routes Monday through Friday. Buses run from 6:15 am to 6:15 pm with service once per hour. Fares are just $1 per ride. While riding the bus is an affordable way to reach major shopping centers, downtown Tyler, and other bus stops around the city, the limited hours and infrequent service make this option inconvenient for most visitors. Traveling to attractions beyond the bus routes is also challenging without a car.
Taxis and Rideshares
Taxis are available on-demand in Tyler, but rates are expensive compared to other transportation choices. Fares start at $5 just to get in the cab plus an additional $2.10 per mile. With added waiting time charges, short rides around Tyler can quickly become costly. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft also operate in Tyler and provide app-based convenience. However, rideshare vehicles are ill-suited for transporting large groups together. Splitting up is unwise when visiting unfamiliar destinations.
Charter Buses
To easily get your group around Tyler without unnecessary hassles, consider chartering a private bus. Charter Bus Company Tyler provides personalized charter bus rentals for all occasions with drivers who know Tyler’s roads. Our fleet includes minibuses ideal for groups up to 25 people and full-size coaches for larger gatherings. Charter bus rentals offer comfort, convenience, and flexibility so you can fully experience Tyler on your group’s own schedule. We provide shuttle transport between hotels, restaurants, attractions, and any other stops on your Tyler itinerary. Travel together in safety and style with Charter Bus Company Tyler.
Ready to Get Started?
We hope this introductory guide gives you a taste of the top attractions and transportation options in Tyler. When you’re ready to start planning your group trip to Tyler, give Charter Bus Company Tyler a call at (972) 638-8552. Our team is available 24/7 and will be happy to provide a free, no-obligation quote customized to your group size, itinerary details, budget, and special requirements. Charter an affordable, comfortable bus for stress-free transportation in Tyler. Our fleet of modern minibuses and charter coaches features amenities like reclining seats, climate control, luggage storage, and entertainment systems to make your travels smooth and enjoyable. Let Charter Bus Company Tyler handle the ride!