Calling all graduating Aggies and their proud families! Graduation season is here, and it's time to plan a celebratory weekend that goes beyond the gown and ceremony at Reed Arena. College Station awaits with open arms, offering a vibrant mix of experiences for both graduates and loved ones to explore on and off the Texas A&M campus.
Explore Texas A&M Sights & Attractions
Texas A&M University is both picturesque and historic, and if you have family visiting from out of town, a tour of the most notable sights may be in order. Be sure to swing by the legendary Kyle Field, home of the Aggies, which welcomes over 100,000 fans every week during football season.
The Academic Building–built in 1914 and famous for its ornate design–is a well-known emblem of the school, and there are plaques and signs distributed throughout that help tell this building’s impressive history. Speaking of history, the Texas A&M campus is home to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum, which contains documents, artifacts, and rotating exhibits from Bush’s administration.
Bookworms will want to check out the Texas A&M University Libraries, including the Cushing Memorial Library & Archives, which contains rare books. Any performing arts lovers in your group will enjoy touring the Rudder Theatre Complex, Texas A&M’s collection of theaters, auditoriums, and lecture halls.
As for landmarks, the campus features plenty, from the Century Tree (a live oak planted over 100 years ago which, according to legend, will bless any couple who walks under its branches with eventual marriage) to the Military Walk (a quarter-mile path dating back to the late 1800s that runs through the Texas A&M campus) to the Albritton Bell Tower (one of the tallest structures on the Texas A&M campus and a working bell tower).
If you’d like to stick to outdoor campus attractions, visit The Gardens, a stunning 27-acre public garden. The gardens feature a range of themes and plant life and serve as an ideal venue for strolls, photos, and botanical education.
What to Do Off Campus
Venturing off the Texas A&M campus and into College Station will give you and your loved ones a chance to explore this charming town and its many activities.
College Station is home to many lush public greenspaces and parks, from Research Park’s 40 acres just north of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library to the Bee Creek Park south of campus. Another visit-worthy park, Lick Creek, features an educational center, native plants and animal species, and trails for hiking, cycling, and more.
If shopping is more your speed, head to Century Square, College Station’s premier destination for retail therapy. In addition to shops like Sephora and Lululemon, you’ll find signature Texas brands like Lucchese Boots and Kendra Scott Jewelry. Plus, Century Square contains restaurants like Hopdoddy, Lick Honest Ice Creams, and Velvet Taco, along with Star Cinema Grill, a premium dine-in movie theater.
For nightlife, the Northgate District is the place to be. Find bowling, arcade games, and refreshing libations at Grand Station Entertainment, spirited two-stepping at Hurricane Harry’s, local Texas beers at Rough Draught, an impressive whiskey list at 1791 Whiskey Bar, and craft cocktails at Commander’s Cove.
College Station’s restaurant scene includes an appealing mix of cuisines and service styles. Visit Sôlt for elegant and inventive global dishes, Republic Steakhouse for prime cuts and white tablecloths, Dixie Chicken for satisfying fried chicken baskets, and Napa Flats for wood-fired pizzas.
Where to Stay
Friends and relatives visiting their Aggie in College Station can choose from a number of comfortable hotels that suit any budget.
For a reasonably-priced stay just outside of campus, consider the Hilton College Station & Conference Center, which features a pool, a fitness center, and pet-friendly options. If you’re looking for a more boutique experience, try The George (a luxurious hotel just across from campus with easy access to shopping at Century Square) or Aggieland Boutique Hotel (a chic hotel within walking distance of Texas A&M with a full suite of amenities and free parking).
Make Grad Weekend Unforgettable
With so many things to see and do and places to stay, grads and families can enjoy a memorable weekend in College Station.
