Wichita Spots Worth Adding To Your List

Becs
2 days ago
6 min read

Updated: 8 hours ago

Planning a trip to Wichita? Whether you're looking for local coffee shops, unique boutiques, great restaurants, or places to unwind after a day of exploring, these are the spots that stood out during my visit. Here's a list of places worth adding to your Wichita itinerary.

Tanganyika Wildlife Park

If you're looking for unique things to do in Wichita, Tanganyika Wildlife Park should be at the top of your list.

Unlike a traditional zoo, Tanganyika focuses on interactive animal experiences that allow guests to get much closer to the animals. During our visit, we fed giraffes, giant tortoises, hippos, and lemurs, plus had the chance to pet kangaroos as they hopped around their habitat.

One of the highlights of the day was participating in a private lemur encounter. We learned about the animals from their caretakers and got to feed them while they explored the area around us. It was a memorable experience that offered a closer look at these curious and playful animals.

The park offers a variety of animal encounters and feeding opportunities throughout the day, making every visit a little different. Whether you're traveling with kids, planning a girls getaway, or simply love animals, Tanganyika provides one of the most interactive wildlife experiences in the Midwest.

Don't miss: Feeding the giraffes, meeting the lemurs, and giving a few carrots to the hungry hippos.

Station 8 BBQ

Station 8 BBQ is one of those places that locals will tell you not to miss—and after one visit, it's easy to see why. Housed inside a historic fire station, this Wichita BBQ joint combines great food with plenty of character.

When we visited, there was a steady line of people waiting to order, which is always a good sign. I went with the burnt ends, ham, and mac & cheese, but also sampled the ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. The burnt ends were my personal favorite, but honestly, everything we tried was delicious.

The restaurant offers both indoor seating and a patio, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal with friends or family. If you're in a hurry, consider ordering to-go since it can get busy.

Whether you're a BBQ lover or just passing through Wichita, Station 8 BBQ is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.

Beau Monde Spa

Beau Monde Spa was one of my favorite stops during our Wichita girls' trip. We booked the FarmHouse Fresh Deluxe Pedicure and spent time in the salt room and infrared sauna.

Everything felt clean, calm, and relaxing, and the staff was incredibly kind throughout our visit. The salt room ended up being one of my favorite parts of the experience. If you're looking for a little self-care while visiting Wichita, this is a great spot to unwind.

Piatto Neapolitan Pizzeria

If you are looking for the best wood-fired pizza in Wichita, look no further than Piatto Neapolitan Pizzeria! This elevated pizza spot prepares and cooks your pizza in the same are you are dining in. While you are enjoying your pizza, you can enjoy watching the pizza making process! They have white and red sauce pizzas with classic toppings, but they also have some unique options! We had a pizza with pistachios on it...incredible! The crust is soft yet crunchy and will have you craving to return. Make sure to end your meal with one of their desserts! We went with the cannoli and the tiramisu...both were fantastic!

Hopping Gnome Brewing Company

If you're looking for a laid-back spot to unwind in Wichita, Hopping Gnome Brewing Company is worth adding to your list. This local brewery offers a rotating selection of craft beers, plenty of indoor seating, and a spacious patio that's perfect for enjoying Kansas weather. We grabbed one of their house brews, settled in with some popcorn, and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're meeting friends after work, planning a casual date night, or just looking for a place to slow down for a bit, Hopping Gnome is an easy stop to add to your Wichita itinerary.

Hatman Jack

Hatman Jack's is one of those Wichita spots that's worth visiting even if you aren't in the market for a hat. The shop is filled with every style imaginable—from western and safari hats to boating hats, Derby hats, and more.

What made our visit especially memorable was getting to meet the owner and see part of the hat-making process firsthand. They also create custom hats, making each piece unique to the person wearing it.

Whether you're a hat enthusiast or just enjoy discovering local businesses with character, Hatman Jack's is a Wichita staple that's worth a stop.

Lava & Tonic

One of the more unexpected finds in Wichita was Lava & Tonic.

Tucked away downtown, this tiki-inspired cocktail bar feels like a mini tropical escape in the middle of Kansas. From the colorful drinks to the fun atmosphere, it's the kind of place that makes a night out a little more memorable.

If you're planning a Wichita weekend, I'd add this one to your list—especially if you're looking for something a little different than your typical bar scene.

GROW Plant Bar

Arguably one of the cutest spots to visit in Wichita, Grow Plant Bar will live rent free in my memories! At Grow Plant Bar, you can pot plants, decorate a terrarium, grab a coffee, sip on a cocktail, hang out with friends and more! This plant filled shop serves the most unique beverages in town. We ordered 3 of the special cocktails: one had bubbles on top, one had Fruity Pebbles, and the other had gold sparkles in it. They had seating inside as well as a patio that you can enjoy on nice days. They had a meeting room where you can work remote or have meetings too! While you sip on their drinks, make sure to check out their merch plants, and plant accessories for purchase. I would highly recommend checking out Grow Plant Bar in Wichita!

Reverie Coffee Roasters

We went to Reverie Roasters in Wichita, KS and had the best breakfast before exploring the town. I started with the house mocha latte and a homemade stuffed burrito. My gal pals also ordered the chocolate pastry, another breakfast burrito, and Ube cold brews that were both pretty AND tasty. This coffee shop is spacious and modern with lots of natural lighting. They also have a patio with outdoor seating that is a perfect spot to relax on a nice day. Grab your breakfast to go or enjoy the vibes at the coffee shop. If you are looking for good coffee and tasty breakfast options, Reverie Roasters is a great spot to stop!

Tanganyika Wildlife Park

If you're looking for a unique experience in Wichita, Tanganyika Wildlife Park is a must-visit. This interactive wildlife park gives guests the chance to get much closer to animals than a traditional zoo.

During our visit, we fed giraffes, lemurs, hippos, and even giant tortoises, plus had the opportunity to pet kangaroos. One of the highlights was a private lemur encounter where we learned more about the animals while getting up-close interactions and feeding opportunities.

Whether you're visiting with family, friends, or planning a girls getaway, Tanganyika offers one of the most memorable experiences in Wichita.

Hotel at Old Town

If you're looking for a place to stay in Wichita, Hotel at Old Town is a great option in the heart of the city's historic entertainment district. The hotel embraces Wichita's aviation roots with airplane-themed details and local touches throughout the property, giving it a sense of place that feels uniquely Wichita.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable, while the large central atrium adds character and charm to the hotel experience. Its location is one of the biggest highlights—you're just steps away from local restaurants, breweries, cocktail bars, and nightlife in Old Town. Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway, girls' trip, or exploring the city for the first time, Hotel at Old Town makes an excellent home base for your Wichita itinerary.

Wichita completely surprised me in the best way. From unique coffee shops and local boutiques to incredible restaurants, breweries, and unforgettable attractions, this city has so much more to offer than most people realize. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a girls' trip, or just passing through, Wichita is packed with hidden gems worth adding to your list. I know I'll be back to explore even more.

Thanks for reading!!