The city is developing effective strategies to promote growth and
development in a dynamic environment. The city has two colleges that provide education and technical training. The city currently features charmed bed & breakfasts in restored Victorian homes, modern hotels, and restaurants filled with diverse fare for visitors to enjoy. 

Popular attractions include the Texas State Railroad, The Museum for East Texas Culture, The Texas Theatre and Eilenberger's Bakery. 

Palestine is home to over 1,800 historic sites; including churches, buildings, monuments, cemeteries, museums and more. Palestine is a designated Texas Main Street City and exhibits historic architecture from the early 1800's through the 1950's.

Our Main Street District covers 44 blocks and is filled with eclectic boutiques, antique stores, cafes, bakeries, and diverse restaurants. Located on Crawford Street two blocks west of the courthouse, the Old Town District offers a relaxed atmosphere.

Turn of the century buildings have been restored and inhabited with boutiques, bakeries, restaurants, and live music venues.  Once the industrial center of the community, this area now features an outdoor stage used for live concerts, military re-enactments, and other local events throughout the year.