Location: Odessa
Top Things to do in Odessa
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Odessa, United States
Odessa /ˌoʊˈdɛsə/ is a city in and the county seat of Ector County, Texas, United States. It is located primarily in Ector County, although a small portion of the city extends into Midland County. Odessa's population was 118,918 at the 2010 census making it the 29th-most populous city in Texas; estimates as of July 2015 indicate a population of 159,436 in the city. It is the principal city of the Odessa Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Ector County. The metropolitan area is also a component of the larger Midland–Odessa combined statistical area, which had a 2010 census population of 278,801; a recent report from the United States Census Bureau estimates that the combined population as of July 2015 is 320,513. In 2014, Forbes magazine ranked Odessa as the third fastest-growing small city in the United States.
Restaurants in Odessa
1. Chris Kyle "American Sniper" Memorial
Overall Ratings
5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By Roberta D - San Antonio, Texas
The way this memorial is put together is amazing. Love the quotes scattered around. Thanks to all who donated. Can't wait to see what is put on the 3 slabs I saw when visiting.
2. Stonehenge Replica
Overall Ratings
4 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By Chris N - New Orleans, Louisiana
I often add little roadside attractions to my roadtrips and this one is an easy checkmark. It is not particularly interesting or kitschy, but it is free and always open. The best pictures might be the stonehenge with the Home Depot in the background. Anyway, go if you are passing by Odessa and have a couple minutes. If you miss it, no big deal.
3. Ellen Noel Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By Tonnatraveler - minnesota
This smaller art gallery has 3 wings, each featuring a different artist. We were wow-ed by the art and space. There is also an outdoor sensory garden with sculptures - very pleasant.
4. The Globe Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Odessa is recognized as the center of oil exploration and production in Texas, but the city has a number of attractions that have nothing to do with oil and gas. Of particular interest are the replicas of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and Anne Hathaway's Cottage on the campus of Odessa College.Built in the 1960's, The Globe Theatre is a non-profit organization presenting classical and modern plays using an Elizabethan stage. Bringing a bit of British flair to the West Texas landscape, this replica of the original Globe Theatre, the home of William Shakespeare's acting company in England, is enhanced by its surrounding Writer's Garden and a replica of Shakespear's wife, Anne Hathaway's Cottage. The 410-seat octagonal theatre was the brain child of a local teacher and Shakespearean scholar, Mrs. Marjorie Morris, who wanted a proper showcase in which to showcase the Bard's plays. The Globe hosts community theatre performances, a monthly music show, as well as other great community acivities.
Reviewed By Eric Y - Cleveland, Ohio
New carpet, new seats, and other new decor look so awesome. Kudos to Odessa College and the donors for giving some much needed love to this important space. The opening show this season, The Crucible, has a great venue to live in!
5. Presidential Archives and Leadership Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
The Presidential Archives and Leadership Library is located on the campus of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin and is administered by the John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institute. The archival collection was begun by local Odessa citizens as a memorial to the memory of President John F. Kennedy shortly after his assassination in 1963. There was such an overwhelming response with information about other presidents that a decision was made to create a unique collection that would be dedicated to the office of the presidency and an understanding of the electoral process. It is an outstanding collection of exhibits, campaign memorabilia, books, photos, magazines, and other historic collectibles that tell the history of the office of the president and of events that have shaped the American people. This dynamic collection continues to grow and expand as each new president takes office and is available to both the casual visitor and the serious scholar. Few experiences have greater impact than an encounter with history. The mission of the Archives is to have that impact.
Reviewed By Pat M - Boulder, Colorado
We have visited most of the official Presidential Museums so we were wondering what this one was about. We learned this museum was dedicated the Office of the Presidency rather than the individuals themselves. Of course, each president was featured with the top points of their presidency, without all the overwhelming details depicted in their individual museums. The first lady paintings and information was very interesting. The museum is a bit neglected due to lack of funding and is not very current. The most recent presidents were briefly mentioned and not highlighted along with the rest. Regardless, it is definitely a worthwhile stop if you find yourselves in the area.
6. GET OUT Live Action Escape Rooms
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
Great for team building, or fun with family and friends. You go into a room, and you have one hour to solve the puzzels and follow the clues to GET OUT!
Reviewed By Emilyanne38
My brother and sister in law have tried these in other (bigger) cities, and were excited to take my husband and I to try the Escape Room Odessa. We booked the Baker Street Mystery room on a Saturday night and had a blast! The room was pretty challenging, especially if you had never done one of these before. We figured it out though, with help from the extra clues. It's a little pricey but I would definitely do it again.
7. Cinergy Odessa Featuring EPIC
Overall Ratings
4 based on 15 reviews
Cinergy is a one-stop shop for your entertainment. We have everything you need for a fun and relaxing experience, including a vast selection of video games, pool, bowling, Laser Tag, movies and High Ropes Challenge. Cinergy also offers a wide variety of drinks and chef-prepared favorite food items for in-theatre dining.
Reviewed By lilrox724 - Chicago
We went here a few times on our visit to Odessa. Ennoyed each time. We did watch a movie, play at the arcade and bowled.
Theater has reclining seats and we can order food right from our seats! Its a nice atmosphere. Food options are a good spread too.
Bowling was fun! We went on a weekday where they had a $10/hr special before 5pm.
Arcade had a good selection of games as well.
Definitely worth a trip if you are looking for something to do a date night.
8. Music City Mall
Overall Ratings
3 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Tony B - Odessa, Texas
Typical mall environment, 4 anchor stores, although Sears is closing at the end of march .Lots of chain retail stores, shoes, jewelry, clothing, sports, etc. Mall is pretty well kept and is clean. It has a limited food court and several other food places throughout the mall. It also has an ice skating rink, a sports bar and a run down movie theatre. Like my review title, a good place to walk.
9. Neon Moon Lounge
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 4 reviews
The Neon Moon Karaoke Bar: Family owned/operated, bringing you the best in karaoke and drink specials while keeping that favorite local bar feel. A hidden gem, tucked behind Pojo's 24hr Family Restaurant. We've been serving the Odessa Area for many years and will serve it for many more! Casual atmosphere, great drink specials, and fun karaoke. Hangout with friends in a fun and comfortable place.
Reviewed By Betty M - Odessa, Texas
I can not rate this place. I have not been in 20 years or more. But I remember it was a small place, inside an eating place.
10. Fun City
Overall Ratings
2 based on 18 reviews
Fun City is a combination miniature golf, go-cart, and video arcade complex.
Reviewed By goldengirl1979 - Odessa, Texas
This place used to be amazing. It went downhill but a new owner has it and they are trying hard to fix it up to its original beauty. You can ride go carts here and play mini golf, they used to have an arcade but I am not sure about that now.
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