Best Branson Outdoor Activities

Neil Sawford • November 10, 2023

Best Branson Outdoor Activities

Not only is Branson well-known for its top-notch live performances, but it is also well-known for its abundance of outdoor activities.

Summer fun activities on land and in the water are always popular among visitors enjoying a fantastic vacation in the Ozarks. A thrilling roller coaster ride in Branson is another wonderful way to experience outdoor activities. The following lists are some of the best outdoor activities in Branson that are waiting to be explored.

Taking an adventure ride on a mountain coaster

On this thrilling adventure ride with the mountain coaster in Branson, riders can experience both uphill and downhill gravity rides. At Branson Mountain Adventure Park, the Mountain Coaster is a favorite among coaster enthusiasts.

Each passenger is seated individually in a different cart to guarantee a secure voyage. Unlike the traditional roller coaster ride in Branson, the mountain coaster carts are raised to the top by a chain. Carts are released at the top of the mountain to start their descent as they wind in and out of the hills for an exhilarating and unique ride trip.

Taking a thrilling water ride with the Branson Jet Boat

A fantastic journey on a Branson Jet Boat around the clear waters of Lake Taneycomo will certainly be loved by everyone. The ideal outdoor experience to undertake on the placid waters of Lake Taneycomo is to take a thrilling river ride on a jet boat after taking a thrilling roller coaster ride in Branson.

You may see the renowned Ozark forests and cliffs, the lake's gorgeous waters, and the local wildlife in an interesting jet boat excursion on Lake Taneycomo. You can enjoy the breathtaking scenery and water splashes as the jet boat travels across the lake's crystal-clear waters while cruising along.

Boating at State Park Marina

Visit the State Park Marina in Branson if you're looking for a fantastic park and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. You can rent a boat at State Park Marina for activities like wave runners, water skiing, tubing, parasailing, scuba diving, and even accompanied fishing trips on Table Rock Lake.

The boathouse at the marina has everything you need for a day on the lake, including gasoline, bait and tackle, clothing, drinks, and even sunscreen.

You may rent slide boats, ski boats, wake boats, pontoons, and even bass boats at State Park Marina. The adventurous can rent a WaveRunner or go scuba diving in the stunning waters of Table Rock Lake. You can experience parasailing, lake cruising, and sailing on the sailing catamaran Spirit of America.

Swimming at Moonshine Beach

Visit Moonshine Beach if you want to take a dip in Table Rock Lake's crystal-clear waters after a boating excursion at State Park Marina. Swimming, picnicking, and camping at the beach are fun family activities.

This sandy beach, located near the northern end of Table Rock Lake, is an excellent location to take in stunning views of the breathtaking surroundings. Branson is home to Shepherd of the Hills and the Dewey Short Visitors Center, both of which are less than five minutes drive from the beach.

Exploring golf courses

Branson is home to one of America's most outstanding golf courses. View the recently inaugurated, brand-new courses that bear the designs of Tiger Woods, Gary Player, Bill Coore, and Ben Crenshaw.

Additional world-class golf courses are available in Branson, including Mountain Top Course, Branson Hills Golf Club, Holiday Hills Golf Resort, and others. Enjoy the expansive views of the Ozark Mountains, valleys, and undulating hills as you tee off.

Hiking numerous trails

With more than 200 miles of publicly accessible trails, Branson offers a variety of options for the whole family to enjoy outdoor sports. It's now only a matter of deciding which of the numerous trails—each with a different length and degree of difficulty—is best for you and your squad.

You can enjoy nature in some of the most gorgeous spots right here in Branson. Here, you may see Dogwood Canyon, Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area, Lakeside Forrest Wilderness Area, and many other locations.

Visiting a zoo

Branson's Promised Land Zoo is a great place to get up close and personal with animals from all over the world and is known as the "#1 Animal Adventure" in Branson. There are many different ways to enjoy the 75 acres of the natural Ozarks landscape, including the 2-mile drive-through safari, guided tram tour, VIP animal encounters, bottle feeding, and more!

Some of the best outdoor activities in Branson, including zip line rides, exciting water activities, and a thrilling roller coaster ride in Branson abound during the summer season, and many vacationers come to this vacation paradise more often.

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Close-up of a souvenir t-shirt featuring a mountain coaster design

Shop & Adventure in Branson

By Neil Sawford • August 29, 2025

When you visit Branson with your family to enjoy a wonderful vacation, don't pass up the opportunity to shop at some of the best shopping locations. Branson shoppers will find everything on their shopping lists, from specialty shops to department stores. If you've had an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO, the next thing you should do is go shopping at some of the shopping malls listed below. Branson Landing Branson Landing, the Midwest's shoppers' paradise, is one of the most visited shopping destinations, offering almost everything you need for your holiday shopping in Branson. This fantastic shopping destination is home to the famous Belk Department Store, which provides a wide range of clothing and accessories. It also has Bass Pro Shop, which has everything you need for outdoor adventures. Branson Landing, a center for great shopping and dining opportunities located between Lake Taneycomo and historic downtown Branson, is one of the most visited attractions in town. The easily walkable Branson Landing is less than a mile long. It features a lakeside boardwalk, an open-air promenade, and more than 100 retail shops and fine restaurants. Shopping is the ideal activity after a thrilling adventure ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO. Historic Downtown Branson Historic Downtown Branson's famous shopping destination is a short walk from Branson Landing. Shopping in Historic Downtown Branson can undoubtedly relieve the stress of visitors who are having a great time touring the many exciting places in this vacation paradise. You will enjoy what Branson offers as you walk through the beautiful streets, old buildings, and nostalgic themed shops in downtown Branson. You can see the beginnings of Branson in the Ozarks in Historic Downtown Branson. But there's more to Branson than just reminiscing. With many shops and dozens of exciting attractions for people of all ages, this neighborhood transforms into a thriving complex full of exciting activities. Whether you're looking for gourmet foods, baked goods, or original art, the historic downtown Branson has it all. There are many fine restaurants and eateries in the historic downtown Branson, a time-enhanced exciting location. Branson Craft Mall Visit the Branson Craft Mall for a retail market that focuses on the unique and original. The Branson Craft Mall, lined with vendors and specialty craft goods, is also home to the famous Pickin' Porch Grill. You won't leave hungry with a diverse menu that includes House-Smoked BBQ, sandwiches, wings, and even tacos. For an after-meal treat, take a stroll down the candy aisle. Branson Craft Mall is a fantastic shopping destination where you can buy unique arts and crafts and enjoy a delicious dining experience at some of the finest restaurants. This expansive 160,000-square-foot craft mall offers visitors one-stop shopping from over 200 vendors, artists, and crafters. Many of these vendors sell clothing, quilts, leather goods, jewelry, rugs, baskets, pottery, and other items. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows The Shoppes at Branson Meadows provides a wide range of shopping experiences. Shepherd Hills Cutlery, Tuesday Morning, Neil's Home Store, the Consignment Clothing Exchange, Touch of Class Boutique, Made in the USA, and more are all worth a visit! Visit Branson's 1984 Arcade for a nostalgic and rejuvenating break. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows offers discounted local brands, chic home goods, and one-of-a-kind clothing. This shopping spot is a treasure trove of housewares and other household goods. Grand Village Shops Over 25 distinguished novelty stores can be found at Grand Village Shops. With each offering its distinct originality, you're sure to leave with a perfect memory of your time in Branson. The Grand Village Shops are an excellent place to find a meaningful gift for everyone on your list. With the diversity of shops, there is something for everyone in this great shopping spot in Branson. While shopping in this fascinating place, you'll see singing waiters entertain shoppers. At the same time, they enjoy diner-style food and tasty ice cream from the soda fountain at Mel's Hard Luck Diner. Tanger Outlet Mall No shopping spree in Branson is complete without a trip to Tanger Outlets. You will find well-known brands at a discounted price at this unique shopping location. Tanger Outlets is located inside Branson's Entertainment District and offers extended shopping hours and great discounts to reward members. Tanger Outlets have everything that you need and even hard-to-find items. Conveniently located on Highway 76 West, the fully stocked mall offers discounts for favorite name brands such as Gap, Levi's, Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and much more. When looking for great shopping spots to shop and adventure after an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO , don't forget to check out the shopping malls listed above.