Longview Travel Guide

With rolling hills and a lively nightlife scene, Longview is an East Texas city with serious personality. It boasts both creative and financial potential, as well as friendly residents and a big-city feel, despite only being the 45th most populous city in the state.

Things to Do in Longview

To make the most of the Texas weather, many of Longview’s visitors will spend the afternoon biking and hiking along the Paul Boorman Trail, playing a game of golf or basketball at Guthrie Park Disc Golf Course, go swimming at Longview Swim Center, or trying their hand at target practice at the East Texas Rifle & Pistol Club. You can also make your way to Lake O’ the Pines for a weekend of camping and bass fishing.

Visitors with a love of history will benefit from an hour spent at the Gregg County Historical Museum, which features an authentic Caddo Indian display, or you can go on a tour of the Longview Museum of Fine Arts, which educates visitors on various aspects of art across the eras.

Those wanting to get creative and make your own art can sign up for a ceramics class at Mud Hut, or a general art class where you can do a spot of painting, sculpting, or drawing at Color Me Happy.

To cap off a busy day, tired guests can get a message from the professionals at Exhale Massage Therapy, or go for a manicure at Pure Nail Bar & Spa. Shopping is another great way to relax, as Longview houses the Longview Mall, offering Yankee Candle, Foot Locker, Sears, JCPenney, and Victoria’s Secret, among many other popular stores.

Best Time to Visit Longview

The best time to visit Longview is from July to September, which is when the heat is at its peak, making it great for outdoor activities.

Best Events in Longview

Every September, Longview offers its visitors a reason to venture from their air-conditioned vacation rentals into the summer heat by hosting the Gregg County Fair. The fair offers a petting zoo, live music, magic shows, carnival rides, free admission for children under six, and dozens of food vendors. Other Longview events include the Longview Christmas Parade, Great Texas Balloon Race, Harvest Festival & Livestock Show, and Gladewater Roundup Rodeo.

Things to Do for Families in Longview

When it comes to families, Longview offers a number of fun family-friendly activities and locations. Kidsview Splash Park & Playground features simple wooden forts, a splash pad and park, and plenty of room for imagination, while Longview World of Wonders offers both education and fun through its array of hands-on science experiments, exhibits, arts and crafts, and toys that encourage children’s budding imaginations.