Also known as the Oasis of West Texas and the Pearl of the Conchos, San Angelo is located in the Concho Valley of West Texas. This area has been under the rule of Spain and Mexico before becoming part of the United Nations in 1846, and the arts and culture of the city reflect its long history. When in San Angelo, you may like to learn more about this unique city at one of the eight attractions below!
1. San Angelo Visitor Center
For a fun and informative introduction to San Angelo, don’t miss out on the San Angelo Visitor Center. This visitor center is not just your typical stodgy building stocked with pamphlets and maps, but a beautiful building near the Concho River with attentive and friendly staff ready to help you plan a memorable trip. Multiple walkways lead out from the visitor center along the river, taking you past sculptures, play areas for kids, and lovely waterfalls and seasonal blooms. This is also a popular place for locals to just have a stroll and bring their pet pooches for a walk. Remember to bring your camera to capture some of the scenic views!
San Angelo Visitor Center
Address: 418 West Avenue B, San Angelo, TX 76903
Website: San Angelo Visitor Center
2. Fort Concho
Fort Concho is a place of great historical significance to San Angelo. In the 1800s, troops were stationed at this fort amidst a harsh natural environment to face potential conflicts with outlaws and certain Native Indian tribes. The fort has an incredible forty buildings. Short and informative movies and lots of well-preserved exhibits about the solders’ lives at the fort make the museum a meaningful but also engaging place to spend an afternoon.
If you happen to be around over the Christmas period, definitely come by for the Winter Rendezvous, when the camp will showcase the drills and artillery demonstrations performed in the past. You can even start working on your Christmas list by visiting some of the merchants and artists selling their crafts. Although the last soldiers vacated Fort Concho in 1889, this place is still every bit as imposing and awe-inspiring as it must have been in the past.
Fort Concho
Address: 630 S Oakes St, San Angelo, TX 76903, USA
Website: Fort Concho
3. Miss Hattie's Bordello
For something on a lighter and quirkier note, head on down to Miss Hattie’s Bordello Museum on Concho Avenue. Miss Hattie’s was known for around 50 years as a brothel popular with soldiers, cowboys and travelers from around the area. Miss Hattie herself had started a brothel on the second floor of the building while her divorced husband Mr Hatton operated a saloon on the lower floor. This unusual arrangement was finally disrupted in 1952 when the building was raided and shut down. Now, the second floor has been transformed into a museum while the lower floor houses a jewelry store. At the museum, you’ll be able to see original vintage furniture from Texas in the 1950s and learn about the history of each room, as well as the women who had lived there.
Miss Hattie's Bordello
Address: 18 E Concho Ave, San Angelo, TX 76903, USA
Website: Miss Hattie’s Bordello
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4. San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts
The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts will surely enthrall any art lovers paying a visit to the city. This museum comprises three large, well-maintained galleries. Works by Texas artists are very proudly and prominently featured, but also Mexican and Spanish-Colonial pieces. The museum also has a huge rooftop terrace offering a view of some interesting sculptures and the city. Just be sure not to come down on Mondays, as the museum will be closed.
San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts
Address: 1 Love St, San Angelo, TX 76903, USA
Website: San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts
5. Vino Dipinte Art Gallery
Editor’s Note: Establishment is permanently closed.
The Vino Dipinte is a locally owned art gallery not too far from the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, which makes it a great place to stop by before or after visiting the former. This gallery specialises in “paint and sip” parties, where visitors are invited to participate in creating some artwork of their own. Feeling shy or lacking in inspiration? That’s where the vino comes in! The gallery also organizes fascinating workshops all year round, including classes on how to make your own dream catcher, roll your own sushi, and more.
Vino Dipinte Art Gallery
Address: 602 Orient St, San Angelo, TX 76903, USA
Website: Vino Dipinte Art Gallery
6. Chicken Farm Art Center
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Chicken Farm Art Center is a charming collaborative which houses around 15 studios. Have a look around and you will be sure to run into artists hard at work on their paintings, pottery, sculptures, glass works and more. Every first Saturday of the month, the center also organizes a fair to sell handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and other unique handmade items. Admission is free and you can enjoy great food, live music, and a generally inspiring and uplifting environment.
Chicken Farm Art Center
Address: 2505 Martin Luther King Blvd, San Angelo, TX 76903
Facebook page: Chicken Farm Art Center
7. Tule Princess Steamboat Tour
The Tule Princess is a one of a kind vessel which the owners tracked down in Michigan and returned to Lake Nasworthy in San Angelo. The Tule Princess Steamboat Tour brings you across the beautiful Lake Nasworthy, where you can spot some of the native fauna and flora. Previous guests have also commended the Tule Princess Steamboat Tour guides for being extra accommodating and knowledgeable about the steamboat and the history of the area.
Tule Princess Steamboat Tour
Address: 2680 Fisherman’s Rd. (adjacent to Spring Creek Marina & RV Park) San Angelo, TX 76904
Website: Tule Princess Steamboat Tour
8. San Angelo Nature Centre
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The San Angelo Nature Center is a small, charming animal sanctuary housing animals that are native to the area. Come by to visit its bobcats, porcupines, prairie dogs, turtles and more! Also, did you know that Texas is home to the hissing cockroach, a creature that has been named the “World’s Most Despicable Bug”? Visitors with an extra soft spot for certain animals can also consider “adopting” an animal by making a donation, or opting for an interpretive tour from a staff member, where you can learn even more about the animals and get to interact with certain species up close.
San Angelo Nature Centre
Address: 7409 Knickerbocker Rd, San Angelo, TX 76904, USA
Welcome to the oasis of West Texas!
Whether you prefer to get up close with nature or some peace and quiet contemplating artwork at a gallery, these 8 attractions promise a mix of culture, art, and nature while showcasing San Angelo’s rich and vibrant history as an old West town. For convenience, you can also book a relaxing cabin nearby. We hope this list has been useful for planning your trip to San Angelo!
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