Big 12 destinations offer some of the most diverse experiences in college football. We're talking about everything from desert landscapes in Arizona to mountain views in Colorado, from Texas BBQ culture to Great Plains hospitality. Each town has its own personality, and honestly, that's what makes this conference so exciting to explore.
I've experienced these college towns from both sides—as a reporter on the sidelines and a travel advisor organizing trips for clients. And here's what I've discovered: Big 12 college football weekends require planning, and game day logistics can be tricky if you don't know the local landscape. That's where having a Fora travel advisor becomes invaluable. We know which hotels are actually walkable to stadiums (spoiler: it's not always the ones that claim to be), which restaurants can handle game day crowds, and how to time everything so you're not stuck in traffic when you should be tailgating.
Whether you're planning a weekend trip to see your team play or embarking on a Big 12 stadium tour, here's my insider guide to the best the conference has to offer.
For more intel on traveling to see your favorite teams, check out my SEC guide and where to stay for football bowl season.
Where to stay and what to do in Big 12 college towns
Images courtesy of Tori Petry
Arizona: Tucson
The tradition you can't miss: Yelling "Bear Down"
Where to stay: The Leo Kent, a sleek new boutique downtown
Where to eat: Eegee's for their iconic frozen slush and sub combo
What to do: Visit Saguaro National Park to see the giant cacti you only get in Arizona
Arizona State: Tempe
The tradition you can't miss: Throwing the "Forks Up" sign
Where to stay: The Westin Tempe for rooftop pool views
Where to eat: The Chuckbox has been a student staple since the '70s
What to do: Hike Camelback Mountain for the best city views
Baylor: Waco
The tradition you can't miss: Visit the live bear mascots on campus
Where to stay: Hotel 1928, Joanna Gaines' design-forward project
Where to eat: Milo for Southern food with a modern twist
What to do: Browse the Silos at Magnolia Market for food trucks and shops
BYU: Provo
The tradition you can't miss: Cosmo the Cougar stealing the show with sideline stunts
Where to stay: Hyatt Place Provo right by campus
Where to eat: J Dawgs for a hot dog smothered in their special sauce
What to do: Hike the Y Mountain trail for sweeping valley views
Cincinnati: Ohio
The tradition you can't miss: "Down the Drive" chant
Where to stay: Hotel Celare, a buzzy new opening near campus
Where to eat: Adriatico's, the deep-dish pizza legend
What to do: Explore Over-the-Rhine—Findlay Market is the centerpiece for foodies
Colorado: Boulder
The tradition you can't miss: Ralphie's run (when a new buffalo is selected!)
Where to stay: St. Julien Hotel for mountain views and a spa scene
Where to eat: The Sink, a student dive with graffiti-covered walls, or Cozobi Fonda Fina for upscale Mexican
What to do: Stroll the Pearl Street Mall for shops and restaurants
Houston: Texas
The tradition you can't miss: Throw up the cougar paw
Where to stay: Hotel St. Augustine in Midtown
Where to eat: Frenchy's Chicken, a Third Ward institution
What to do: Spend a day museum-hopping—Houston's district rivals any big city
Iowa State: Ames
The tradition you can't miss: Tailgating outside Jack Trice Stadium
Where to stay: Courtyard Marriott near campus
Where to eat: Hickory Park, an Iowa State classic for barbecue
What to do: Stroll Reiman Gardens, complete with a butterfly house
Kansas: Lawrence
The tradition you can't miss: "Rock Chalk Jayhawk" chant echoing across campus
Where to stay: The Oread, right outside the stadium’s doorstep
Where to eat: The Wheel, known for burgers and college-town grit
What to do: Hit Mass Street for nightlife
Kansas State: Manhattan
The tradition you can't miss: The Wabash Cannonball dance gets the stadium rocking
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott in Aggieville
Where to eat: So Long Saloon, famous for its burger topped with peanut butter
What to do: Bar hop through Aggieville—the beating heart of K-State
Oklahoma State: Stillwater
The tradition you can't miss: The Paddle People pounding the walls
Where to stay: The Atherton Hotel right on OSU's campus
Where to eat: Eskimo Joe's—cheesy fries and a souvenir are mandatory
What to do: Visit the National Wrestling Hall of Fame
TCU: Fort Worth
The tradition you can't miss: "Riff Ram Bah Zoo" chant
Where to stay: Bowie House, a stunner from the Auberge brand
Where to eat: Dutch's Hamburgers, a student favorite across from campus
What to do: Head to the Stockyards for honky tonks and rodeo culture
Texas Tech: Lubbock
The tradition you can't miss: Tortillas fly at kickoff
Where to stay: Cotton Court, retro motor-lodge vibes with a pool courtyard
Where to eat: Spanky's for fried cheese sticks or Las Brisas for steak night
What to do: Visit the Buddy Holly Center for a slice of music history
UCF: Orlando
The tradition you can't miss: Bouncing with the crowd at the Bounce House
Where to stay: The Celeste Hotel, full of space-themed design nods
Where to eat: Lazy Moon Pizza—slices bigger than your head
What to do: Hit East End Market for craft food stalls and local makers
Utah: Salt Lake City
The tradition you can't miss: Singing "A Utah Man Am I"
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco downtown
Where to eat: The Pie Pizzeria Underground—a student favorite near campus
What to do: Hike or ski in the Cottonwood Canyons, just 30 minutes from town
West Virginia: Morgantown
The tradition you can't miss: "Take Me Home, Country Roads" after a win
Where to stay: Hotel Morgan, a historic boutique downtown
Where to eat: Black Bear Burritos, funky and filling
What to do: Head to High Street for college-town nightlife