Downtown Garland
Downtown Garland is the heart of the city. This historic area features the beautiful Granger House museum, charming City Hall, and the grandest hotel in town, the Atrium. Take a leisurely stroll down the brick-paved sidewalks to browse antique stores, boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries housed in restored 20th-century buildings. Don’t miss the Garland Downtown Farmers Market held every Saturday morning from April to September. Pick up farm-fresh produce and goods from local vendors. The Garland Landmark Society offers guided walking tours of historic downtown on select Saturdays. This is a great way to learn more about Garland’s storied past, fascinating architecture, and illustrious residents. Be sure to stop by the Plaza Theatre, a art deco gem that first opened in 1936 as a movie house. Today, the Plaza shows classic films and hosts community events.
The Square
Adjacent to downtown, The Square is Garland’s entertainment district. This pedestrian-friendly area comes alive at night with its many restaurants, pubs, and music venues. Grab a bite at The Common Table, a cozy gastropub, or Mr. Jim’s Pizza, a Garland institution since 1960. For live music and nightlife, head to The Atrium or The Granada Theater. Young professionals flock to this neighborhood to mingle, sip craft cocktails, catch concerts, and more. During the day, browse the boutiques and stop for a coffee at Company Cafe. Don’t miss the funky painted buffalos created by local artists scattered throughout The Square.
Firewheel Town Center
In the mood for major retail therapy? Head to the Firewheel Town Center, Garland’s premier shopping destination. This sprawling open-air mall features over 100 stores and restaurants. Shop till you drop at department stores like Macy’s, Dillard’s, and JCPenney. Browse specialty boutiques like Anthropologie, White House Black Market, and American Eagle. When you need a break, refuel at one of the many dining options like Maggiano’s Little Italy, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, or P.F. Chang’s China Bistro. Kids can expend energy at the expansive LEGOLAND Discovery Center or SEA LIFE Aquarium.
East Garland
East Garland appeals to those seeking an active outdoor lifestyle. Situated around the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard, this area offers ample opportunities for swimming, fishing, sailing, and more. Book a tee time at Firewheel Golf Park or join a match at Tennis Center of Garland. Families flock to parks like Duck Creek Park with playgrounds and hiking trails. Nature lovers appreciate the Audubon Dallas Region’s nearly 500-acre Spring Creek Forest Preserve showcasing wetlands, prairies, and forests along Spring Creek. East Garland also provides convenient access to downtown Dallas just 20 minutes away via I-30.
North Garland
Families love residing in Garland’s North District with its safe neighborhoods and abundance of parks. One highlight is Central Park which boasts a recreation center, swimming pools, sports fields, skate park, and 18-hole disc golf course set on 150 rolling acres. Nearby Fields Recreation Center offers an indoor pool, gymnasium, fitness classes, and preschool programs. North Garland is also home to excellent schools like Sachse High School, considered one of the best in the state. For retail therapy, North Garland residents head to the Shops at Firewheel, an outdoor shopping center with major chains like Target, Best Buy, Old Navy, and AMC Theatres. When hunger strikes, choose from a wide selection of cuisines like Olive Garden, Chuy’s Tex-Mex, Bonefish Grill, and First Watch.
South Garland
South Garland appeals to bargain hunters with its abundance of outlet malls and discount retailers. Shoppers flock to Firewheel Town Center to peruse major outlet stores like Nike, Coach, and Kate Spade. Nearby Vista Ridge Mall offers steep savings at retailers like Ross Dress for Less, Marshall’s, Stein Mart, and dd’s DISCOUNTS. For additional deals, head to the Harbor Freight Tools Clearance Center. When not chasing deals, families have fun at Main Event Entertainment with its bowling alleys, video arcades, billiards, and laser tag. South Garland also provides quick access to President George Bush Turnpike and Interstate 30.
West Garland
The neighborhoods of West Garland exude suburban charm with quiet streets lined with well-kept homes. This family-friendly area provides high-quality schools within the Garland Independent School District. Neighborhood parks like Bradfield Park offer playgrounds and ball fields for residents. For dining options, head to Miller Road which boasts an array of national chains and mom-and-pop eateries. West Garland also grants speedy access to Dallas via Northwest Highway and Interstate635. One popular attraction is Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World located at the Harbor Point development. This massive store is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts providing boats, ATVs, hunting and fishing gear, as well as shopping and restaurants. Families make a day of it at this Texas-sized wonderland.
Northwest Garland
For small-town appeal near the big city, make your home in Northwest Garland. This area encompasses the historic downtowns of Sachse and Rowlett which offer charming shops and eateries housed in vintage buildings. Downtown Sachse on Miles Road hosts fun community events throughout the year. Families appreciate the easy access to Lake Ray Hubbard which offers swimming beaches, marinas and boat ramps. The Lake Ray Hubbard Linear Park Trail also traverses through Northwest Garland, granting 63 miles of hiking and biking.
Northeast Garland
Situated along President George Bush Turnpike, Northeast Garland appeals to commuters working in downtown Dallas. Residents enjoy the area’s beautiful parks like Audubon Park with its hiking trails skirting along Duck Creek. The nearby Village of Sunnyvale provides a rural escape from the city with its rustic town square, antique stores, and historic homes. For family fun, venture over to Hawaiian Falls Water Park which offers over 20 water slides and attractions. Northeast Garland also provides convenient access to major highways including Interstates 30 and 635.
Book a Bus With Us
With so many great neighborhoods and attractions, the best way to explore Garland is in the comfort of a charter bus rented from Charter Buses Garland! We provide modern, convenient charter bus transportation for groups of any size headed to destinations all around Garland and the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Our charter buses include amenities like reclining seats, WiFi, power outlets, and even restrooms and TVs on full-size coaches. Plus, our experienced drivers know Garland like the back of their hand! They’ll get your group exactly where you want to go smoothly and on time. Renting a charter bus takes the hassle out of getting around so you can focus on having fun and enjoying everything this wonderful city has to offer. Ready to book a charter bus for your next Garland adventure? Call Charter Buses Garland today at (972) 487-0038 for a free, no-obligation quote designed just for your group’s needs. Let’s get rolling!