Texas · United States
Lubbock travel guide
Lubbock is a city in Texas, United States, home to about 257,000 people.
- Best months
- March to May and October
- Nearest airport
- LBB9 km · Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport
- Currency
- USDUnited States dollar
- Time zone
- America/Chicago
- Language
- Carolinian, Chamorro, Hawaiian
About
About Lubbock
Lubbock ( LUB-ək) is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the county seat of Lubbock County. With a population of 257,141 at the 2020 census (estimated at 273,071 in 2025), Lubbock is the 10th-most populous city in Texas and the 84th-most populous in the United States.
The city is home to approximately 259,000 residents and students (2019). Lubbock is the seat of Lubbock County, the site of state and national parks, two major medical systems, three universities, and is unique among other growing Texas cities in that its sustained economic development and growth are not supported by heavy industry. Lubbock has experienced steady growth for several decades and today occupies approximately 125 mi² (324 km²). Lubbock County was founded in 1876 and named after Thomas S. Lubbock, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence and subsequent Confederate officer.
Wikipedia and Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Things to do
What to see and do in Lubbock
See
Lubbock is one of those rare cities where history permeates everything, and as a result most locals know at least something about the city's history. Most are content with knowing the area, and specifically the city, are of some historical import. There are plenty of folks who are willing to share a few details about their home without repeating the "Buddy Holly is from here" bit.
- Bayer Museum of Agriculture
- American Windmill Museum
- Buddy Holly Center
- Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts
- Silent Wings Museum
- Science Spectrum
- Mackenzie Park
- Clapp Park/Lubbock Garden and Arts Center
- Huneke Park/Lubbock War Memorial
- Maxey Park/The Kenetic Wind Sculpture
- The University Seal & Fountain
- Park Place
Do
Texans love a good party, and Lubbockites are no exception. Lubbock plays host to some of the most-attended outdoor events in the country. Most of these events are not well-known outside the area, and are blessedly free of tourists.
- Lubbock Arts Festival
- 4th on Broadway
- National Cowboy Symposium
- Fiestas del Llano
- Panhandle-South Plains Fair
- Cap*Rock Winery
- Llano Estacado Winery
- Pheasant Ridge Winery
- McPherson Cellars
- La Diosa Cellars
- Lubbock Water Rampage
- Ballet Lubbock
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
When to go
The best time to visit Lubbock
The most comfortable months for a city stay in Lubbock are March to May and October. July is the warmest month, with average highs of 34 °C; June is the wettest, with about 70 mm of rain.
Comfortable means average daytime high between 18 °C and 29 °C and under 80 mm of rain in the month. Averages for 1991–2020 over the surrounding area, a grid square about 50 km across, so a coast or a nearby mountain can make the town itself warmer or cooler. Data: CRU TS v4.10, Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia (Open Database License).
Getting there
Getting to Lubbock: airports and arrival
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB), about 9.0 km from the city centre in a straight line; Clovis Municipal Airport (CVN, 147 km) is also within reach.
Getting around
Lubbock is developed along a large scale grid. North-south streets are labeled A-Z Downtown and progress to city and state names moving west. East-west streets are numbered from 1 to 150 or so. Streets north of Downtown follow the names of colleges and universities, while those east of Downtown are flowers and trees. Block ranges, house numbering and street names are consistent throughout the city and most follow alphabetical order. All major roadways are 1 mi (1.6 km) from each other in either direction and are uniformly straight.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
LBB · Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport
CVN · Clovis Municipal Airport
Local knowledge
Eating, drinking and staying safe in Lubbock
Drink
The Depot District, surrounding the Buddy Holly Center, is the main place to go out for a night on the town. This collection of clubs, coffee houses and live music venues along Buddy Holly Avenue pay homage to Lubbock's most famous son, and the area's rich musical heritage.
Stay safe
Crime in Lubbock is on par with other cities its size, and showcased attractions such as the Depot District are well policed. As with any unfamiliar place, vigilance and awareness are advised. Do not under any circumstances travel to Mackenzie Park or Canyon Lakes System after dark. During the spring months, weather in Lubbock can grow rather tumultuous in rapid fashion. Weather warnings are not to be ignored during severe weather season. The city is also subject to frequent dust storms during the spring; and while not exactly dangerous, these storms are often severe enough to limit visibility. Drive with care, and give yourself a few more car length's worth of reaction time.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Questions
Lubbock: questions travellers ask
When is the best time to visit Lubbock?
The most comfortable months for a city stay in Lubbock are March to May and October. July is the warmest month, with average highs of 34 °C; June is the wettest, with about 70 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Lubbock?
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB), about 9.0 km from the city centre in a straight line; Clovis Municipal Airport (CVN, 147 km) is also within reach.
What currency is used in Lubbock?
United States dollar (USD).
Nearby
Destinations near Lubbock
Sources: city facts from Wikidata and Wikipedia; airports from OurAirports; climate from CRU TS v4.10 (University of East Anglia Climatic Research Unit), 1991–2020 monthly means, 0.5° grid; places to stay, guest scores and amenities from each operator's own public pages. How this guide is made.