Odessa, a port city on the Black Sea, is known for its beaches and 19th-century architecture.
Today, it has thoroughly contemporary energy that complements the historic grandeur.
Why come to Odessa?
Visit its unusual museums in the morning, relax by the sea during the day and experience the wildest party of your life in Ukrainian Ibiza at night.
Odessa was the home of First Lady Barbara Bush in 1948 and is also home to a former President of the United States.
Summers in this area are always hot and sunny. However, winters as cold as snow are not observed here.
This is a must-visit area for people who like sand and beaches, as the climate is semi-arid.
Odessa was named in honor of the region located in Ukraine.
This city has many things to keep you interested during your stay. It is full of art scenes and an impressive art and entertainment center.
Among the most interesting places in Odessa are replicas of the Globe Theater, which hosts the annual Shakespeare Festival, and the largest statue of Jack Rabbit in the world.
Also, the Odessa Meteorite Crater and the Permian Basin are places you should not miss during your visit.
The city is welcoming and lively, and many events are planned to provide visitors with entertainment, that includes live performances, vibrant color festivals, and cultural activities.
Odessa is home to famous restaurants that you should not miss when visiting. If you are currently planning a trip, here are the best things to do in Odessa, TX.
Fun Things to Do in Odessa (TX)
1. Visit the Odessa Meteor Crater
The Odessa Meteor Crater site is located in southwestern Ector County. It is one of three major impact crater sites in Texas.
From a geographical point of view, the crater’s formation must result from the impact of thousands of tetrahedrites.
A museum was built for the meteor crater in Odessa, located near the crater. A 70-pound specimen of the meteorite is on display at the museum.
Over time, 1,500 meteorites have been recovered from the surrounding areas. Interestingly, the rock is estimated to be approximately 63,000 years old.
The museum is a member of the National Natural Monument.
2. A Bite at Southern Maid Donuts
This place has delicious donuts that you might want to try, and their donuts are out of this world.
From chocolate to blueberry, maple, strawberry, orange, and lemon, there are so many flavors to choose from to make you taste great.
Their cherry doughnuts are highly recommended when visiting because they are fluffy and delicious. You’ll start drooling just looking at it. The cherry doughnuts are delicious. Take a bite!
The donuts are prepared just right, and the result is a perfect taste that gives you that amazing feeling after you take a quick bite and leaves you wanting more.
Doughnuts go for good prices and are affordable for everyone. Craving for delicious sweet doughnuts yet? This is the place to come.
3. Football game at Ratliff Stadium
Ratliff Stadium is one of the places you should be when you visit Odessa. The stadium was opened in 1982 and had a capacity of 19,302 seats.
The stadium has appeared in films such as the football action in the 2004 film “Friday Night Lights” 1990
Ratliff Stadium is a place you must add to your list of fun things to do in Odessa for football lovers.
The stadium is the home field for Odessa and Perm high schools and is primarily used for playing American football.
Ratliff Stadium hosts high school athletic events, graduations, and football and band competitions.
Things to Do in Odessa (TX) at Night
1. Go See the Globe of the Great Southwest
The Globe of the Great Southwest sits phenomenally in Odessa. It is a duplicate of Shakespeare’s Globe Theater in London.
It is located on the university campus on the southern side of Odessa.
Theoretical films such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, classics such as Romeo and Juliet, and contemporary productions such as Augustus, and Beauty and the Beast are screened here.
Nearby is a clone of the house Shakespeare’s wife Anne Hathaway lived in as a child.
Many stage plays are exhibited here, and the annual Shakespeare festival is held here.
2. Visit the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
The Wagner Noel Arts Center is located about 25 miles northeast of Odessa and at the University of Texas at Permian Basin.
The theater hosts various musical concerts and lectures with major symphonies and big country bands.
It’s an exciting place to listen to great tunes and see live performances. The theatre also offers music education and community programs.
You can browse the theatre’s website to see their music schedule, buy tickets, and enjoy the music.
3. Attend a Concert at Permian Theater
Anyone who loves live plays and performances would not want to miss a visit to the Permian Playhouse.
The theater has various theatrical performances, plays, comedies and musicals that are performed on stage.
Are you wondering where to take the whole family to have a great time and watch live performances? Then book your tickets for an amazing experience
Many burger places are nearby for visitors when they are hungry.
With these things to do in Odessa, TX, for fun, consider adding them to your list of things to do in Odessa, TX.
Things to Do in Odessa (TX) For couples
1. Visit Ratliff Ranch Golf
Measuring around 6,849 yards of golf, Ratliff Ranch was the idea of Jeffrey D. Brauer, and the golf course opened in 2008.
Ratliff Ranch Golf is a nice site to visit if you are a golfer. It is a beautiful attraction for locals and tourists who love golf.
The lawns here are properly mowed, and the grounds are maintained.
If you are new to golf, this is a great place to play as it has an 18-hole course.
A wheelchair rental is also available.
You might want to stop by the golf shop to check out golf accessories, sets, and equipment.
2. Replica of Stonehenge
A replica of Stonehenge is located on the campus of the University of Texas.
This is one place in Odessa that’ll give you chills.
Tourists and visitors who have come here say that this is one of the best areas to visit in Odessa.
This place has large monolithic rocks that remind you of the main Stonehenge.
Visitors can touch the stones to get a feel of the stone and their texture.
It is also a great place for meditation and reflection, and its beautiful artworks are believed to have been created by primitive people.
Its scenic view is excellent as you can take many great photos and post them on your social media accounts.
3. Sibley Nature Center
Sibley Nature Center occupies 49 acres of land in Hogan Park in Midland and features the southern Llano Estacado, Edwards Plateau, and Transpecos.
The Sibley Nature Center has collections of animals from the region that are great fun for kids.
Toddler times with story time, gardening and guided tours are offered for children.
The Sibley Center is open to visitors throughout the week. Working days are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and weekends are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There are many activities for children at the Sibley Nature Center. If you want a place to visit and enjoy exciting trails, then visit the Sibley Nature Center.
Things to Do in Odessa (TX) For Kids
1. Floyd Gwin Park
Floyd Gwin Park occupies more than 21 hectares, which is a large plot of land. This area consists of children’s playgrounds and playing areas.
There are loads of fun consignments to keep the kids going, including swings and much more. There are also soccer fields, volleyball courts, and basketball courts.
The area and its facilities have been properly built and shaded so that adults can have a great rest while their children are having fun all around.
The park is neatly maintained, and the lawns are properly trimmed.
2. High Trampoline Park
This Trampoline Park is a fun place in Odessa that you should not forget to add to your Odessa list because it gives you the feeling of childhood while jumping on the trampoline.
The fun of having to jump on these trampolines, come up high and also fall face down makes it sparkling.
Their massive trampoline park will provide you with these fun moments and experiences.
The trampoline park offers exciting and fun activities. Examples are trapeze swing, combat beam, foam mat, chutes, and dodgeball.
The trampoline park gives you a lifetime experience and promises a lot of fun. It is an excellent activity zone and entertainment center.
You should also try racing the kids on their Olympic-sized trampoline.
3. McKinney Park Spray Ground
This part of the playground is old-fashioned and full of fun that kids would always want to visit.
The playground is located in the Main Park and is open to visitors at certain times of the year.
But you might be lucky enough to visit when the park opens and give your kids a nice experience.
In the park, there is an efficient water device for repeated spraying of water at important points.
Also, the main water lot takes up a huge area and has a large water bucket that throws water at you.
Indoor Activities to Do in Odessa (TX) For Adults
1. Bowling in Cinergy Odessa
Cinergy is a state-of-the-art complex with theatrical dining, special events, state-of-the-art facilities and an excellent gaming center.
The facilities in Odessa offer a stunning range of recreational and gaming options for you to choose from.
Visitors keep coming to experience the fun in its full capacity as the facility offers a mini escape room, bowling and state-of-the-art racing games.
If you intend to organize a fun night with friends, family or colleagues, Cinergy is the place for you.
The Cinergy bowling alley is one of the most famous gaming facilities you will find in Odessa.
The facility has 18 luxury bowling lanes with high-end seating and architectural design.
2. Visit the National Theater of Opera and Ballet
Locals appreciate the culture of walking and consider a visit to such a place a significant cultural event.
Ukrainians are well acquainted with Russian musicians like Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky, so Ukraine is the perfect place to get acquainted with their masterpieces at an extremely affordable price that starts from 50 UAH (2 USD).
There is a magical atmosphere inside and outside the theatre.
The 19th-century building of the National Theater of Opera and Ballet in Odessa is influenced by the French and Italian Baroque styles.
3. Get to the Odessa Catacombs
Beneath Odessa is a magnificent network of tunnels – the Odessa Catacombs.
These tunnels are a big part of the city’s history, during the Second World War they were a refuge for Soviet partisans and later for smugglers.
Today there is a small museum of the partisan movement, the Museum of Partisan Glory, and you can explore the tunnels on organized trips to the Odessa underground.
It’s easy to get lost there, so don’t try to visit these tunnels alone or with an unregistered guide.
Romantic Activities to Do in Odessa (TX)
1. Rosa’s Cafe and Tortilla Factory
This Mexican food is something you want to try when you visit Odessa, so you can make it a priority on your list of things to do in Odessa, TX.
The tortilla factory offers you refreshing tortillas better than what you can find around town.
Here’s a list of what you’ll find on their menu and more: nachos, burritos, fajitas, and tortillas.
If you settle for breakfast here, you can try the chorizo or other things from their menu.
The environment is friendly, and it is one place you can visit with the whole family.
You can also try sopapillas and carrots. The environment is calm, and you will feel relaxed. It’s a great place full of fun.
2. Light display at McKinney Park
The light display at McKinney Park is something you should not miss while visiting Odessa.
The light display in the park is magical and enchanting.
You can choose to visit at night when the Light shines through the dark sky with pure pigments of yellow, blue, red, and many more.
McKinney Park is pet friendly, and you can bring your pet along. The children’s playground is exciting as it has many fun facilities such as slides.
3. Visit the Parker House Museum
The Parker House Museum was the home of rancher Jim Parker and he lived there in the early 20th century.
This is a great place to get a glimpse into and knowledge of the early lives of ranchers.
These ranchers’ homes have been turned into major tourist attractions housing rancher exhibits and artifacts.
The museum displays memorabilia and photographs of exceptional ranchers.
A visit here will leave you awestruck as it is quite entertaining and educational.
Free Things to Do in Odessa (TX)
1. Go See the Statue of Jack Ben the Rabbit
The Jack Ben Rabbit is an eight-foot-tall statue known for its historic city landmark.
The statue was built in 1962 by John Ben Shepperd, leader of the Odessa Commerce Chamber.
The statue was called Jack Ben Rabbit in honor of Odessa’s Jackrabbit Roping Competition held annually at the Odessa Rodeo.
There is a medallion around the statue’s neck, and the words “Odessa” and “Texas” are written on it.
You should never miss an opportunity to take a photo with “Jack Ben” to post on your social media accounts.
2. Explore the cafes along Derybasivska Street
Derybasivska Street is a pedestrian zone in the center of Odessa.
It is a busy street, surrounded by ancient monuments and shops, numerous bars, restaurants, and cafes.
You can hit Derybaviska in the morning for a cup of coffee and tasty breakfast or brunch; at noon, business lunches are served in cafes and restaurants.
In the evening, Derybasivska is the perfect place for a good meal or just to walk and enjoy the city’s atmosphere.
3. Party in Arcadia
Arcadia, a historic district about half an hour from the city center, is affectionately nicknamed “Ukraine’s Ibiza.”
Like other popular nightclubs in Ibiza, the Arcadia district hosts the wildest parties in Odessa and concerts by world-famous stars.
During the day, Arcadia is full of families going to the sea, but at night it turns into a party hotspot with clubs, bars, and people dancing the night away, especially in the summer.
Cheap Things to Do in Odessa (TX)
1. Visit the White-Pool House
The White-Pool House is one of the oldest buildings in Odessa.
The Indiana family built the house in 1887, and inside the house are exhibits that depict different periods of Odessa’s history.
This house is a two-story red brick house with a windmill, water tank, Eclipse, and replica barn.
This house of history offers guests the opportunity to see how the city used to be in the past.
2. Visit Kellus Turner Park
Kellus Turner Park is a dog-friendly environment worth meeting your furry friends while visiting Odessa.
There is a pond in the area where you can feed the ducks.
The park is suitable for children and is full of fun activities.
You can bring edible grains for the ducks and small birds that swim in the waters.
3. Pay Your Respects at the Chris Kyle memorial
A memorial for slain Navy Seal and “American Sniper” author Chris Kyle has been unveiled in the West Texas city where he was born in 1974. (Jacob Ford/Odessa American via AP)
This site was built in memory and honor of Chris Kyle, a renowned military sniper, and highly decorated US veteran.
The Chris Kyle Memorial celebrates his bravery and stewardship. It is a well-built and excellent monument.
The monument depicts Chris Kyle holding the flag and looks magnificent and special. It was a well-built monument.
As you look at it and walk around the memorial, there is a breathtaking aura.
Chris Kyle’s family also wrote heartfelt and loving messages about the plague to express their love for him.
One interesting thing about the memorial is that it inspires you to show stewardship in whatever area of life you serve.
This is a sleek attraction in Odessa, TX.
A visit here reflects the selfless service and sacrifice that the men and women of the military and navy go through to keep us safe.
Cool Places to Visit in Odessa
1. Presidential Museum and Library of Management
This museum in Odessa is quite different from most presidential libraries because it does not focus its information on the presidents themselves.
However, the area of focus is the offices of past presidents who have run the United States.
The museum is located at 4919 East University Boulevard but was previously located in downtown Odessa.
This museum houses an extensive collection of related campaign documents such as signatures, memorabilia, portraits, and much more.
There are also political cartoons of presidents and vice presidents, and some of them are quite good.
The library has a section known as the Library of Presidents dedicated to John Ben Shephard, the eldest son of Texas Attorney General John Ben Shephard.
This section contains more than 4,500 volumes of magazines, newspapers, periodical repositories, documents, and many other items related to the Presidency.
Another collection that will interest you is the exhibit known as Presidential Hopes. The collections include candidates defeated in the elections and who did not emerge president.
Another segment of the museum and library is dedicated to Lyndon B. Johnson and John F. Kennedy. It is called “We Shall Overcome,” and focuses its books on civil rights movement impacts.
Within the library is a replica of the Oval Office used by President Harry S. Truman during his time in office.
There are other interesting artifacts in the museum.
2. Ellen Noël Art Museum
Fun things to do in Odessa, Texas, include visiting the Ellen Noel Art Museum.
Accepting art in all shapes and forms, the Ellen Noel Art Museum is the best place to view artwork in the area.
For example, the museum held a great exhibition where wedding dresses were used as a theme.
Such exhibits are only the tip of what can be seen here and are so beautiful to look at.
The museum is divided into many collections and galleries, and it consists of rotating and permanent exhibits.
It also has a photography section and a sculpture garden with an artistic and appealing look.
There is also a small old-fashioned gift shop where you can pick up souvenirs to bring back to your family.
3. George W. Bush Childhood Home
George W. Bush’s childhood home is about 1,400 square feet and is located in Texas.
Do you know that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places?
The house is open for visits Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
For $5, you can walk around the house and see the president’s childhood home.
The house has been home to two presidents, two governors and a first lady. The remarkable restoration of the house gives visitors ample opportunity to get a real look at the early life and legacy of the Bush family.
Conclusion
Odessa can be fun, exciting, and the best vacation experience if you take part in one or all of these things to do in Odessa.
From the festivals to Peoria Cuisines, you are sure to have the best stay in Peoria.
We are itching to hear how your Peoria holiday experience went, and we can’t wait to hear that this article was helpful for this vacation.
