Gladewater, Texas travel guide: things to do, food & where to stay

Overview

Gladewater is a city in the Central Piney Woods region of Texas. It's probably best known for being Elvis Presley's base early in his career, and Johnny Cash wrote "I Walk the Line" here.

2 sights · 2 places to eat · 1 places to stay

Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage

Best things about Gladewater

The Gladewater Museum

Covers the city's founding, oil rush years, and more recent history.

Gladewater Opry

Closed in 2021 but still can appreciate this venue from the outside where Elvis once debuted.

Plan your trip

Best time to visit & weather

Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Summer highs reach about 93°F; winter lows dip to about 36°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Mar and Dec. (climate data from nearby Mansfield)

Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).

Getting there

From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
GGG East Texas Regional Airport, Longview — 18 mi away. Directions
TYR Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, Tyler — 30 mi away. Directions
DAL Dallas Love Field, Dallas — 112 mi away (major hub). Directions

U.S. Routes 80 and 271 go through Gladewater.

Full “Get in” guide ↓

Budget & where to stay

No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.

Sample 1-day itinerary

Day 1

Morning The Gladewater Museum
Lunch Bodacious Bar-BQ
Afternoon Gladewater Opry
Dinner Guadalupe's Mexican Restaurant

Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.

Food for you

Cuisine (tap to filter)

What to ask about, for your diet

Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder