Enchanting Texas

42 Best Places to Visit in Texas Now

Enchanting Texas 1

Welcome to our ultimate guide of the best places to visit in Texas!

From the Gulf Coast beaches in the east to the western desert region, Texas promises a bucket load of fun to its visitors.

The Lone Star State is simply huge – did you know it is the second largest in the country – and has a mind-numbing diversity of landscapes as well as attractions for visitors! 

Also Read: 18 Incredibly romantic Texas honeymoon ideas

Milky Way over Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park in Texas

Texas also has a rich and vivid history as well as many cultural attractions.

Beautiful waterfalls , spectacular city skylines, urban parks, stunning natural areas, as well as pretty beaches, Texas has it all!

Here are our top favorite places to visit in Texas, all worth adding to your bucket list!

Also Read: 20+ Best Spots to Watch 2024 Solar Eclipse in Texas

McKinney Falls State Park Waterfall

Best Places to Visit in Texas

From the cities of San Antonio and Houston to small towns of Fredericksburg and Rockport

…from historic attractions such as the Alamo and Texas State Capitol to beautiful natural areas such as Big Bend National Park and Padre Island on the Gulf Coast,

Here are some of the most amazing and incredible places to visit in Texas!

Also Read: Best Weekend Getaways in Texas for 2022

Greetings from San Antonio mural in San Antonio Texas

Best Places to Visit in Texas 2024

San Antonio

San Antonio is a must for everyone visiting the Lone Star State.

The city is home to some of the most visited attractions, including the historic Mission Alamo, the architectural marvel of San Antonio River Walk, and El Mercado or Historic Market Square.

The Alamo in San Antonio is one of the most popular places to visit in Texas

The Alamo, a Spanish frontier mission, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It was here that the iconic Battle of the Alamo which gave momentum to the Texas Revolution took place.

Another must-visit is the beautiful 15-mile long San Antonio Riverwalk and its many attractions .

It offers a relaxed and romantic atmosphere and an abundance of great restaurants, eateries, and shops.

It can be explored on foot or by bike. 

Bright Fall Foliage on the San Antonio Riverwalk in Texas

Vibrant and bustling Austin is amongst the best cities in Texas for a number of reasons.

It is the state capital and home to the Texas State Capitol building.

Austin is known for its food scene, beautiful parks and lakes, and world-class museums.

Greetings from Austin mural is one of the best things to do in the city

Austin is also known as the live music capital of the world and hosts a variety of music festivals, concerts and performances throughout the year.

The Texas Capitol Building in downtown Austin can be seen on guided tours and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.

Pennybacker Bridge or 360 Bridge Over Colorado River in Austin

It has beautiful Italian Renaissance style architecture and is made from pink granite found in the Texas Hill Country.

Another popular Austin attraction is the Hamilton Pool Preserve.

Hamilton Pool Preserve features a 50-foot waterfall, and fern-covered cliff sides, as well as distinctive plants and birds.

Hamilton Pool is one of the best places to visit in Austin

Located in nearby Dripping Springs, this natural swimming hole is extremely popular during the hot summer months.

Austin’s Lady Bird lake is a great place to visit to admire the city skyline and enjoy kayaking or paddle boarding.

The famous bat flight from under the Richards Congress Avenue Bridge is also worth seeing in Austin.

Related: 5 Secret Camping Spots near Austin to see Total Solar Eclipse 2024

Christmas tree in front of the Texas state capitol building in Austin

Big Bend National Park

Located right on the border with Mexico, Big Bend National Park is a unique spot for nature lovers.

This is one of our favorite national parks to visit in Texas.

The park has beautiful vistas of the Chisos mountains and the Chihuahua desert.

Big Bend National Park is a must on West Texas road trip

There are plenty of attractions in Big Bend National Park for visitors.

Stop by the visitor center to get more information regarding the hiking trails, purchase souvenirs, and get a park map.

Bronze replica of Deinosuchus skull at Big Bend Fossil Discovery Exhibit is a hit with kids

Hike along the famous Rio Grande river and observe beautiful landscapes within the park from the scenic drive.

Big Bend National Park features diverse fauna and flora and is home to around 450 species of birds, as well as hares, roadrunners, mountain cougars, and bears. 

Other popular activities in the Big Bend National Park include camping, horseback riding, and kayaking the Santa Elena Canyon.

Dramatic mountain scenery in Chisos mountains region of Big Bend

H-Town is, undoubtedly, one of the best cities to visit in Texas!

It is the largest city in Texas and home to famous attractions like the Space Center Houston and the Museum District.

Houston Museum of Natural Science

H-Town prides itself for having some of the best barbecue in the state and a laid-back vibe that keeps visitors coming for more.

The Museum District in Downtown Houston is a hit with families and culture lovers.

It features several premier museums including the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Museum of Fine Arts, Contemporary Art, Children’s Museum, and more. 

The Houston Waterwall looks amazing when lit up

The nearby Hermann Park is home to the Houston Zoo, the children’s train, Japanese garden, and green spaces.

The Johnson Space Center Houston is one of Texas’s top attractions and receives millions of visitors every year.

On a visit, you can walk inside a replica of America’s first space station, Skylab, or touch a rock from the moon.

Houston Johnson Space Center NASA

It is great for those interested in space exploration and meeting astronauts.

San Jacinto Monument

The San Jacinto Monument in Texas stands as a towering symbol of Texan pride and a testament to a pivotal moment in history.

At 567 feet, it’s taller than the Washington Monument and offers panoramic views of Houston and the surrounding area.

San Jacinto Monument is a must visit for every Texan

The monument commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836, where Texan forces, led by General Sam Houston, secured victory over Mexican forces, ultimately leading to Texas’ independence.

Inside the monument, the San Jacinto Museum of History showcases artifacts and exhibits, preserving the legacy of this critical event in Texas history and celebrating the state’s vibrant culture.

Padre Island National Seashore

Located a short drive from Corpus Christi, this beautiful undeveloped barrier island separates the Laguna Madre from the Gulf of Mexico.

The island is 70 miles long and the longest barrier island in the world. 

It is home to the National Park site of Padre Island National Seashore.

Padre Island National Seashore is one of the best national parks in Texas

The park is a great place to experience the natural beauty of the Texas Gulf Coast.

Enjoy clean sandy beaches or go for a swim in the ocean.

Camping on the beach, kayaking, fishing, windsurfing and biking on the sand are other popular activities in the park.

Padre Island National Seashore Texas is best place to camp on the beach in Texas

The park is a famous nesting site for Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles and on a visit during summer, you can participate in their famous rare sea turtles hatchling release program.

Galveston , located on the Texas coast near Houston, is the perfect family vacation destination.

There are plenty of things to do in Galveston for visitors.

Get an adrenaline rush at the Pleasure Pier, a beachfront amusement park at any time of the year.

Greetings from Galveston Mural

Visit the Moody Gardens, a tourist complex with a botanical garden, huge glass pyramids, an aquarium and various species of animals.

Spend an afternoon at The Strand, a National Historic District packed with antique shops, restaurants, art galleries, and wonderful architecture.

For those looking to catch some sun, Galveston offers 32 miles of beaches.

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is one of the best things to do in Texas with kids

Galveston is also popular for water activities such as fishing, dolphin cruises, and kayaking.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg, located in the Texas Hill Country, is one of the best small towns in Texas.

It is charming and romantic and features a Main Street filled with historic buildings, boutiques, and restaurants.

Downtown Fredericksburg looks very charming at Christmas

Fredericksburg has a rich German heritage and was founded by German settlers in the 19th century.

Fredericksburg is home to several museums including the national museum of Pacific War, historic sites, and other attractions.

The nearby Enchanted Rock Natural State Area is popular for hiking, wildflowers, and bouldering.

Views from the pink granite dome of Enchanted Rock

Palo Duro Canyon

Looking for an amazing state park to visit in Texas? Head to Palo Duro!

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, located near Amarillo in the Panhandle, is a beautiful place to visit in Texas.

Did you know – Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the US and famously known as the Grand Canyon of Texas.

Stunning sunrise views at Palo Duro Canyon

The canyon is 120 miles long, up to 20 miles wide, and between 600 and 800-feet deep.

Visitors love the streaked bright red and brown rocky mountains and fascinating geological shapes such as the lighthouse formation.

The State Park Visitor Center has lots of interesting exhibits about the geology and the cultural history of the canyon as well as amazing views from the rim.

Beautiful views of the Palo Duro Canyon from park visitor center

Visitors can explore the canyon in depth by hiking within the canyon or on the scenic drive that goes to the foot of the canyon.

The park offers a wide range of activities for outdoor lovers including wildlife watching, birding, nature photography, camping, stargazing, and mountain biking.

Texas Longhorn bull at Palo Duro Canyon State Park

South Padre Island

The resort town of South Padre Island Is located on the southern Texas coast.

This is one of the best beach towns in Texas and offers a variety of attractions from dolphin cruises and sandcastle building lessons to amusement parks and beautiful beaches.

Gorgeous views of the Gulf Coast on South Padre Island

The city also has several fun things to do including short Boardwalk trails, souvenir shopping, sunset sails, horseback riding, and paragliding.

Because of its mild climate, South Padre Island is one of the best places in Texas to visit in winter.

South Padre Island Adventure Park has horse riding zipling and other fun activities

Head to the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District to experience the true spirit of Old Texas.

The Stockyards area features several buildings and streets built in the style of the Wild West.

You will find honky tonk halls with live music, rodeos on Fridays and Saturdays, barbecue, and stores selling western apparel.

Fort Worth Historic Stockyards Cattle Drive is an exciting event

However the highlight of the visit is the daily cattle drive.

Real cowboys with boots and hats lead the cattle drive in front of the Fort Worth Livestock Exchange Building.

The cattle drive is often followed by mock shootouts which are fun to watch for the whole family.

Sundance Square Plaza in Fort Worth

Mustang Island

Mustang Island State Park, located south of Port Aransas between San Jose Island and Padre Island, is one of the most visited state parks in Texas.

The park has over 5 miles of beautiful coastline and white sandy beaches.

It is an ideal location for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities.

Sand castle at Mustang Island near Port Aransas, Texas

Simply relax on the sand with a book or go beach combing for shells and sand dollars.

Enjoy sunbathing, fishing, paddling, hiking, kayaking or bird watching – the opportunities at Mustang island are numerous.

Those interested in paddling can check out the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail.

Downtown Brenham mural is a popular Instagram spot in the city

Located 70 miles northwest of Houston, Brenham is a small German town that makes the perfect Texas getaway.

Every year, it attracts visitors for beautiful Texas bluebonnet displays as well as for Maifest, the annual festival that celebrates the German heritage of Brenham.

Brenham downtown buildings

Other Brenham attractions include Blue Bell Creameries, historic Main Street, Fire Museum, and the Antique Rose Emporium. 

The Washington-on-the-Brazos National Historical Park is also located near Brenham.

It was here that the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed – hence the park is famously known as the birthplace of Texas.

Washington on Brazos State Historic Site Visitor Center

The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is one of the best places to visit in north Texas.

Downtown Dallas is home to a variety of museums, parks, restaurants, and historic buildings.

The Sixth Floor Museum in Dealey Plaza is a must visit while in Dallas.

Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is one of the essential things to do in Dallas Texas

This museum is located in the Dallas County Administration Building and was formerly the site of the Texas School Book Depository.

It was from here that Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated President John F Kennedy in 1963.

The museum is dedicated to events surrounding JFK’s death and his legacy.

The Grassy Knoll in Dealey Plaza marks the spot where JFK was shot in 1963

Visitors can see detailed exhibits about the assassination as well as see the window from where he was shot. The museum also includes excellent information about JFK’s political contribution, his family, and news footage.

Some of the other popular tourist attractions in Dallas include the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Dallas Zoo, Reunion Tower, Dallas World Aquarium, The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, etc.

The Eye aka the eyeball Sculpture near Hotel Joule in Dallas Texas

Texas Hill Country Wineries

The picturesque Texas Hill Country is a popular tourist destination in Texas.

It is a well known grape growing region in Texas and renowned for its wineries.

Several wineries and vineyards color the Hill Country landscape, and most produce high-quality wines that every wine lover can appreciate.

Fredericksburg Winery is located in a beautiful and historic building

Many of the Texas Hill Country wineries are located in and around Fredericksburg.

Located between Fredericksburg and Stonewall, Becker Vineyards organizes events, tastings, and tours within the walls of its impressive stone reception hall.

Grape Creek Vineyards is one of the oldest producing vineyards in Texas.

There are several amazing wineries in Fredericksburg Texas

Fall Creek Winery located near Driftwood is another great option to sample the Texas whites and reds.

The main street of Fredericksburg also has several tasting rooms; Wine Tours are also available from the city.

Garner State Park

Located in the Texas Hill Country, Garner State Park is a stunning natural oasis around the crystal clear Frio River.

Garner State Park has crystal clear water and vivid fall colors in November

Covering over 1,700 acres, this pristine park offers an array of activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and swimming in the spring-fed waters.

The park’s highlight is the iconic Garner Dance Pavilion, hosting summer evening dances that have become a tradition for generations.

With abundant wildlife, stunning limestone cliffs, and opportunities for camping, garner State Park is the perfect escape for Texas families.

Port Aransas

Port Aransas is a charming island community.

It has an interesting variety of unique restaurants, shops, and hotels that cater to visitors.

Port Aransas beach access

One of the highlights of visiting Port Aransas is its pristine beaches.

Other activities available include kayaking, windsurfing, and fishing. You can easily find gear rentals here.

Some of the best beaches in Texas are located here including the IB Magee Beach Park.

Interested in history? Visit the Port Aransas Museum to learn about the past of this little beach town.  

Red Dragon Pirate Cruises in Port Aransas

Marfa is one of the most unique small cities in Texas.

The city has a number of historical attractions as well as art galleries and public art work.

The Marfa Prada, a unique art installation, makes a great road trip stop on the way to Big Bend.

Historic buildings in downtown Marfa

One of the most iconic attractions in Marfa is the Marfa lights.

The cause of these lights appearing on the desert landscape is still unknown and numerous legends including Paranormal Activity is associated with them.

Head to the Marfa Lights observation area just outside the city to see the view for yourself.

Marfa ghost lights roadside rest stop

Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi is a good combination of the sun, the beach, and the city.

It is full of activities for different types of travelers.

Observe the marine world at the Texas State Aquarium or visit the Selena Memorial and listen to iconic songs by the famous musician.

Miradores del Mar or sea overlooks on the Corpus Christi seawall

Go to the Selena Museum if you want to learn more about this important figure and her role in Texan culture. 

Head to the North Beach near the Harbor Bridge to catch some sun or swim in the water on a hot summer day.

Driftwood on the beach at sunrise in Corpus Christi, Texas

Or, take a tour at the USS Lexington museum ship that was operational in World War II.

This former aircraft carrier ship is a National Historic Landmark and has been converted into a naval museum.

On a self-guided tour, you can see various military artifacts, aircrafts, exhibits, or even try the flight simulator. 

Beautiful bald cypress in autumn at Caddo Lake State Park Texas

Caddo Lake State Park

Caddo Lake is a beautiful Lake located on the Texas Louisiana border in the Piney Woods Region.

It is one of our favorite places to visit in East Texas.

Here you will find several acres of cypress swamps.

Canoeing on Saw Mill Pond at Caddo Lake State Park in Texas

The bald cypress trees are draped in Spanish moss while Lotus, lily pads, and reeds grow in the lake.

The Caddo Lake State Park, located on the lakeshore, is great for hiking, camping, and kayaking.

Visitors especially enjoy observing wildlife watching, birding, and spectacular fall colors at Caddo Lake state park.

Read our post on Best Things to do in Caddo Lake State Park for more details.

Jetty boat connecting San Jose Island with Port Aransas

San Jose Island

Come to San Jose Island if you are looking for something more remote and wild.

A great place to escape the noise of the city and wind down, read a book, collect seashells, and take in the scenery – it is recommended for those looking to have a quiet afternoon!

Sunrise on the sand dunes at Mustang Island near Port Aransas, Texas

Enchanted Rock

Enchanted Rock, located in the Enchanted Rock State Park north of Crabapple, is one of the largest natural rock formations in the whole country, rising 425 feet above the ground.

Climb the rock for spectacular views and rocky outcrops, just don’t forget to bring water.

The climb is a little challenging, but definitely worth it!

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area has amazing rock formations

Within the park, there are various other trails and places to rock climb.

Other activities include camping, picnics, observing wildlife, geocaching, stargazing and taking photos of the beautiful landscape.

The park also offers ranger programs, which is great if you want to understand more about the creation of formations and wildlife.

Enchanted Rock is one of the best places to visit in Texas for star gazing and seeing the Milky Way

Being a border town in the Wild West, El Paso combines Mexican flavors with historic architecture and a unique Texas atmosphere.

Visit the iconic Plaza Theater in the Downtown Historic District or venture on the El Paso Mission Trail to admire the colonial buildings.

Greetings from El Paso mural is one of the most popular Instagram spots in the city

Soak in some culture at the Museum of Art, roam through the Mexican Markets, and enjoy the cuisine in El Paso.

Explore El Segundo Barrio, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city.

Here you will find beautiful street murals revealing the town’s Hispanic heritage. 

El Paso has a number of tourist attractions and makes a perfect stop on the west Texas road trip.

Views of El Paso, Texas skyline

Boca Chica State Park

Boca Chica State Park near Brownsville encompasses the Boca Chica beach as well as the SpaceX launch site, 22 miles east of Brownsville.

The facility is pretty impressive that all the spacecraft lovers will appreciate.

The Boca Chica beach is relatively remote and less crowded than the South Padre Beach.

Sunrise at Boca Chica Beach in Texas

This means fewer services being offered, but it is perfect for things like fishing, birdwatching, strolling along the beach, and building sandcastles, or kiting.

There aren’t many amenities, so prepare well if you do decide to spend an afternoon here by bringing enough water and snacks.

Although not very popular among campers, there is an opportunity to camp here if you wish.

Sand Dunes on the Gulf Coast of Texas at Boca Chica State Park

The city of Waco is located on the banks of the Brazos River in Central Texas.

Waco has plenty of attractions for families and makes a great spring break destination in Texas.

At the Waco Mammoth National Monument , visitors can see the fossilized remains of Ice Age Columbian mammoths.

Fossils and dioramas at Waco Mammoth National Monument Texas

Cameron Park Zoo is great to see a variety of animals while the Waco River walk mix what a pleasant stroll.

The well-known Magnolia Market Waco Silos of HGTV’s Fixer Upper fame is also located here.

The iconic silos at Magnolia Market in Waco

The Dr. Pepper Museum in downtown is a great place to learn about Texas’ iconic soda.

Visit art galleries, boutiques, or restaurants in Waco Downtown Cultural District or spend a day on the water at Lake Waco.

Model railroad at Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco Texas

Pedernales Falls State Park

Located around 35 miles west of Austin, Pedernales Falls State Park is where travelers can find some of the best natural views in the area.

Swim in the river, hike Twins Fall Nature Trail, or the more challenging Wolf Mountain Trail.

There are options for kayaking and tubing the river too.

Colorful sunset over the Pedernales River at Pedernales Falls State Park in Texas.Hill Country

Campsites with the necessary amenities are great for those who want to spend more time here.

Ranger Programs are available.

Between Dallas and Fort Worth, Arlington, a loud and lively city that attracts many adventure seekers for the variety of exciting activities it has to offer.

Mural in donwtown Arlington depicting citys history

Six Flags Over Texas, Hurricane Harbor water park, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, Arlington Stadium, and Theatre Arlington are some of the best things to do in Arlington .

After a hectic day, head to lake Arlington or River Legacy Park to wind down before continuing your trip.

If you are looking to have some fun, Arlington is not the one to skip!

Arlington Six Flags Over Texas

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a prime example of what a Permian-era fossil reef is.

It is famous for great hiking and backpack possibilities and for being one of the most unspoiled wilderness locations in the United States.

Summit of Guadalupe Peak in Texas

Around 80 miles of trails, winding through the desert-like areas, displaying some beautiful plants, the mountains, and riverside oases won’t disappoint any type of hiker.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Pine Springs, northern Culberson County, is also home to the highest point in Texas, Guadalupe Peak.

Colorado Bend State Park is one of the best state parks in Texas

Gorman Falls

Amazed by the falls and would love to see some more?

Visit Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend State Park, one of the most beautiful and popular state parks in Texas.

You can explore the 65 feet falls on a 1.4-mile guided walk, or choose the 2.6-mile hike to reach the same destination.

Challenging section of the Gorman Falls trail at the end

In the nearby lake you can go boating, kayaking and swimming.

Campsites are available in the park and dogs are welcome too.

Groups can book tours of the falls to learn more about them.  

Bursting colors of fall foliage surrounding the picturesque Gorman Falls in the Texas Hill Country

Jacob’s Well

Jacob’s well is located in an 81-acre natural area near Wimberley.

Surrounded by limestone cliffs, this artesian spring always remains the same temperature at 68°F.

It is about 140 feet deep, which just adds to its mysterious vibe and look.

People are welcome to take a dip inside this natural wonder, just keep in mind that the swimming season is between May 1 and September 30.

Beautiful swimming hole at Wimberley, Texas

The bravest visitors can go diving and cliff jumping.

The water is crystal clear, so you may want to bring a snorkel or water-proof camera for some underwater views. 

Natural Bridge Caverns

The largest known caverns that are open for visitors!

Kings Throne formation in Natural Bridge Caverns San Antonio

Natural Bridge Caverns were discovered by four college students and since then have become one of the most important tourist attractions in Texas.

On a tour of the caverns, visitors can see stunning geological rock formations including stalactites and stalagmites.

Kids can feed zebras at the Natural Bridge Caverns Wildlife Safari

Gruene Historic District

Gruene , located about an hour away from Austin in New Braunfels by the Guadalupe River is a legacy of the first German settlers in the area

They relied on cotton production which fueled the growth of the region and brought it to life.

Gruene Texas is especially charming in the holiday season

It is a sweet little place to visit, wander through various boutiques, antique stores, and bars in some old buildings that still preserve that old Texas charm.

Gruene Hall, the oldest working dance hall in Texas, is a must visit.

This authentic venue has contributed a great deal to Texas’ music scene and continues to do so, featuring some of the best live shows in the country.

Oldest dance hall in Texas in Historic Gruene

Located in the heart of the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo attracts visitors for its art deco buildings together with hints of Old Texas throughout the town, amazing beer, and great food scene.

For those brave enough, the Big Texan Steak Ranch offers the famous 72-ounce Steak Challenge, which has been around for almost 60 years.

Route 66 mural in Amarillo Texas

After filling that tummy, drive the historic Route 66 and visit the famous Cadillac Ranch .

This art installation is situated along the south of I-40 between exits 60 and 62.

Visitors are welcome to spray graffiti paint on one of the half-buried Cadillacs in the middle of farmland.

Cadillac Ranch Amarillo is one of the best places to visit in Texas

Dinosaur Valley State Park

A short drive northwest of Glen Rose , you will find the Dinosaur Valley State Park.

This park features million-year-old dinosaur footprints at the bottom of the Paluxy River.

Other popular activities include various hiking and biking trails, as well as an area for horseback riding surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.

There are campsites and also picnic areas available.

Birds eye view of Paluxy River at Dinosaur Valley State Park near Glen Rose, Texas

Lake Travis

The 4.5 miles wide Lake Travis, one of the lakes on the Colorado River in central Texas is a piece of paradise for travelers of all ages.

The lake spans over 18,929 acres and attracts many visitors throughout the year.

There is more to do here than you can think of: parks, lodging, boat rentals, zip lining, waterparks, live music events, breweries, and even vineyards, all located around this beautiful lake.

Beautiful Lake Travis is a gem of the Texas Hill Country

Abilene 

Abilene is a small city 185 miles west of Dallas which was designated as the official Storybook Capital of Texas in 2015.

As well as having the biggest collection of storybook sculptures in the country, Abilene hosts various literary events, including the West Texas Book Festival and the Children’s Art & Literacy Festival.

Chimneys at abandoned Fort Phantom Hill near Abilene Texas

For those who are not fans of conventional museums, we recommend visiting Frontier Texas – an interactive exhibition that teaches visitors about the history of Texas in a modern way. 

Abilene also has excellent restaurants , boutique stores, and other attractions for visitors.

Monahans Sandhills State Park

The beuatiful Monahans Sandhills State Park covers an area of over 3,840 acres in the West Texas desert.

It is covered with sand dunes and allows visitors to explore the unique landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see.

Monahans Sandhills State Park near Monahans Texas is famous for its sand dunes

Sand surf, observe the unique flora and fauna that can only be seen here, take photos, and finally, watch as the sun disappears in the horizon.

Chances are you will want to do it again!

There is a campsite in the park, so visitors are welcome to stay overnight.

It is also a great opportunity for stargazing.

Road sign for Terlingua in West Texas

Terlingua Ghost Town

Looking for some mystery?

The ghost town of Terlingua will give you just that.

Once a bustling community, now it is just a few buildings and ruins that echo the village’s history in the Chihuahuan Desert.

Terlingua Cemetery near Big Bend National Park in West Texas

See the ruins of the Chisos Mining Company, visit the St. Agnes Church, as well as the cemetery dating from the early 1900s.  

Port Isabel

Port Isabel , located at the southern tip of Texas, is a small coastal town.

It is best known for the Port Isabel Lighthouse – the only lighthouse open for the public in Texas.

Port Isabel Lighthouse Texas

Climb the stairs for a great view of South Padre Island.

Take in some history at the Port Isabel Historical Museum or go fishing at the Pirates Landing Fishing Pier.

Participate in Texas International Fishing Tournament, go on a dolphin cruise, or explore the sea on the Black Dragon ship surrounded by the pirates who love making jokes!

Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site

Rusk Palestine Railroad

Take a break from driving in a car and explore the East Texas forests on the Texas State Railroad.

Live a moment in history as you ride a 1896 steam train from Rusk to Palestine via the Piney Woods Route.

Entrance to the Palestine railroad depot

The round-trip journey is about 3 hours, 25 miles each way.

Rusk and Palestine are quiet historic towns featuring Victorian architecture, unique boutiques and shopping, as well as cafes!

Each town has a depot featuring information about the locomotives and the history of the town, as well as gift shops.

Vintage steam locomotive of the Texas state Railroad in Palestine, Texas

During the holiday season, you can also ride the Christmas train in Palestine .

Adrian 

Adrian is located at 1139 miles of Route 66

It marks the midpoint of this historic route, meaning there are 1,139 miles left to go to reach Santa Monica, California!

Historic Route 66 Midpoint Sign in Adrian, Texas

Like the Cadillac Ranch, the Midpoint is also a great place to take photos.

There is also a Midpoint Cafe, a small decorated café, where you can grab a snack before continuing the trip.

A lot of Route 66-themed merchandise and postcards are available in a store near the café.

Derelict motel sign on Texas Route 66

Bolivar Peninsula

Bolivar Peninsula, located northeast of Galveston, stretches 27 miles along the Gulf of Mexico.

As a result, it attracts a large number of visitors to its huge sandy beaches and many beach activities.

Bolivar Peninsula also has many attractions available for the whole family.

Bolivar Point Light near Galveston, Texas

It encompasses a number of communities including Gilchrist, Port Bolivar, Crystal Beach, and High Island.

Some of the most popular activities to do on the beach are swimming, surfing, birdwatching, kiting, and also fishing.

Galveston is the closest beach to Houston Texas

Other attractions include Fort Travis, the Bolivar Lighthouse, shops and restaurants, live music, and other events. 

We hope you liked our post on the best places to visit in Texas. Did we miss out on any popular Texas attractions? Let us know in the comments.

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4 thoughts on “42 Best Places to Visit in Texas Now”

Love you Texas…( Miss you too ).

You missed Hico TX a beautiful historic town

Rockport, TX. The only Blue Wave Beach in TX n the best birding place. The BIG tree, great fishing, the aquarium and a cute little artsy town. Not far is the Aransas Wildlife Refuge.

Great content! Keep up the good work!

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PlanetWare.com

20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Texas

Written by Lana Law Updated Oct 6, 2023

Whether you're interested in a city getaway, a nature escape, a beach vacation, or finding an authentic off-the-beaten-path small town, Texas has everything you're looking for and more. This state is brimming with countless possibilities for fun and adventure.

A roadrunner in West Texas

While metropolitan centers like Houston , Austin , and Dallas are the usual go-to destinations for culture, shopping, dining, and action, these cities only scratch the surface. Geographically and culturally diverse, the state offers a wealth of unique attractions and things to do.

San Antonio , famous for the Alamo and the River Walk, is a must-see city if you're going to Texas.

West Texas is one of my favorite places. Big Bend National Park is home to a stunning desert landscape, and the tiny towns in the surrounding area are full of character and characters. Cities like Amarillo or Lubbock are a stark contrast to the larger centers and are easy places to visit, with great food and unusual sights.

In the warmer months head to the coast to experience a whole other side of Texas. Enjoy beaches, fishing, and fabulous seafood in places like Galveston, South Padre Island, or Corpus Christie .

For more ideas on where to go and what to see, have a read through our list of top tourist attractions in Texas.

1. San Antonio's River Walk

2. the alamo, 3. space center houston, 4. big bend national park, 5. padre island national seashore, 6. the texas state capitol in austin, 7. the sixth floor museum, dallas, 8. guadalupe mountains national park, 9. the fort worth stockyards, 10. galveston's beaches & strand historic district, 11. the uss lexington, corpus christi, 12. cadillac ranch, amarillo, 13. natural bridge caverns, 14. houston's museum district, 15. gruene historic district, new braunfels, 16. dallas arboretum, 17. fort worth zoo, 18. national museum of the pacific war, 19. texas state aquarium, 20. lubbock.

River Walk

Stretching for several miles along the San Antonio River in the heart of the city, the River Walk is lined with restaurants and lovely outdoor patios, where you can sit and dine alongside the river. Built below street level, this pedestrian walkway hugs the river as it winds and weaves through the city, and is as popular among locals as it is for tourists, day and night.

Although strolling along the river is the most popular thing to do here, another great way to enjoy the ambience of the area is on a leisurely cruise on a river boat . These run all the time and range from standard sightseeing trips to dinner cruises.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Antonio

The Alamo

The Alamo is one of the most important historic sites in America. Part of a mission station established in 1718, it was built by Franciscans in 1744 and by 1836, had been converted into a fort.

It became famous during the Texas Revolution, when a small force, including Davie Crockett and James Bowie, barricaded themselves in against an overwhelmingly superior Mexican army some 3,000 strong. While the defeat saw all 187 defenders killed, the cry of "Remember the Alamo!" rallied the state to eventually overcome the Mexicans.

The restored buildings and the cenotaph commemorating the fallen Texans is well worth a visit. Inside is a museum with changing displays, featuring weapons and artifacts related to the events and the history of the mission.

If you have time, it's worth visiting some of the other missions in the area, which are all part of the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, and connected by the Mission Trail .

Official site: https://www.thealamo.org/

Space Shuttle Endeavour model at Johnson Space Center in Houston

Just 30 minutes' drive from the heart of Houston, Space Center Houston is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Texas. This is a wonderful place to learn about space exploration, upcoming missions, NASA's latest projects, and possibly even meet an astronaut. Space Center Houston is also home to Johnson Space Center and Mission Control , which can be visited on a tour.

You'll need to plan to spend at least a half-day exploring the entire complex. The whole place is huge, the exhibits engaging, and time flies by unexpectedly even if you aren't a huge fan of space travel.

You can explore a space shuttle replica mounted on a shuttle carrier and walk through a replica of America's first space station, Skylab. The museum also features rockets, moon rocks and Mars rocks.

From downtown Houston, Space Center Houston is about a 30-minute drive. From Galveston, it's closer to a 40-minute drive. It can be easily visited from either destination.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Houston

Santa Elena Canyon, Big Bend NP

In the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas, on a huge bend in the Rio Grande River, lies some of the most dramatic and uniquely beautiful scenery in the state. Mountains, canyons, and the river flowing along the border, separating the United States from Mexico, offer a diverse range of recreational and sightseeing opportunities for visitors to Big Bend National Park.

While most people simply enjoy touring along the roads, the park offers a full range of things to do. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the extensive network of hiking trails and the beautiful campgrounds . Paddling along the Rio Grande or enjoying a picnic and wading into the water are other popular activities on warm days.

With more than 400 species of birds, birdwatching is another prominent pastime in the park, but even if you are not looking for them, you are likely to see roadrunners darting across the roads or trails.

Accommodation: Best Places to Stay near Big Bend National Park

  • Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Big Bend National Park

Padre Island National Seashore

The world's longest undeveloped barrier island, Padre Island is just a short drive south of Corpus Christi and stretches 70 miles from end to end. One of the most important conservation areas in Texas, Padre Island consists of more than 130,000 acres of beach, dunes, and grassland habitats, and is home to rare sea turtles and countless migratory birds, making it a birder's paradise. In fact, 350 different species visit this stopover on the Central Flyway migratory route.

The Malaquite Visitor Center is the best place to begin your visit to this beautiful coastal region of the Gulf of Mexico. It provides plenty of information, as well as assistance for those with mobility issues, including specially adapted beach wheelchairs.

  • Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do on South Padre Island

The Texas State Capitol in Austin

The Texas State Capitol, built in 1888, is considered one of the finest state legislatures in the US. In Austin's downtown core and now a National Historic Landmark, it certainly impresses with its dimensions, standing 308 feet tall.

Highlights of its 22-acre park include monuments to the defenders of the Alamo and to veterans of the Vietnam War. Guided tours of the building's interior are available and start from the visitor center with its many displays. At dusk, head across to the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge for a chance to witness the spectacle of a million or so Mexican free-tailed bats coming and going from their perches under the bridge.

  • Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Austin
  • Best Day Trips from Austin

The Sixth Floor Museum, Dallas

It was from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository in Dallas that the fatal shot that took President John F. Kennedy's life was fired. Now home to The Sixth Floor Museum, this tall red-brick building offers a detailed account of the assassination, as well as Kennedy's legacy. Highlights include accounts of his presidential campaign and term as president, all supported by historic footage, photos, and artifacts.

Also worth a visit while exploring downtown Dallas is the nearby John F. Kennedy Memorial , a huge monument dedicated to President Kennedy unveiled in 1970.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Dallas & Easy Day Trips

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

In the northwestern corner of the state, approximately 100 miles east of El Paso, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the four highest peaks in Texas. It's also known for an abundance of wildlife, including golden eagles.

The landscape itself is stunning, especially around the towering El Capitan, as well as the Guadalupe Peak, the highest elevation in Texas. It's also tremendously popular with hikers thanks to its more than 80 miles of trails through spectacular woodland canyons and lush springs. Be sure to stop in at the visitor center in Pine Springs for information on the park, including details of hiking and biking trails.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in El Paso

The Fort Worth Stockyards

The Stockyards National Historic District remains Fort Worth's biggest draw. Founded in 1866, the area took its name from the cattle industry, as it was here that millions of cattle were rested, sorted, or shipped out to other points across the state.

The last surviving facility of its kind in the US, these historic stockyards have been transformed into a splendid attraction consisting of all sorts of fun things to see, including rodeos, concerts, theatrical performances, and western-themed shopping . Highlights include cattle driving demonstrations and a chance to saddle up for some trail riding.

Be sure to check out the Stockyards Visitor Center and the Stockyards Museum , both of which provide information regarding current events as well as the history of this fun area of Fort Worth.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Fort Worth

Beach in Galveston

Like numerous spots along the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston is home to beautiful beaches that stretch on for miles. The shallow and often calm water makes this a popular area for families and beachgoers. In summer, set up your beach umbrella along the Seawall or enjoy some fun and games at the Pleasure Pier .

But this is more than just a beach town, with plenty to do here all year long. Explore the Strand Historic District in downtown, a National Historic Landmark District, and wander past the ornate Victorian-style mansions that line the quiet streets. If you are traveling with kids, be sure to stop by Moody Gardens and Aquarium . This huge complex, with its landmark glass pyramids, is home to an aquarium, a rainforest, and an amusement park.

If you want to get out on the water, Galveston is also one of the best places in Texas for deep sea fishing . You can fish here year-round, although some of the best months are during the summer.

Galveston is less than an hour's drive from Houston and only about 45 minutes from Space Center Houston.

  • Best Beaches in Galveston
  • Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Galveston

The USS Lexington, Corpus Christi

Moored off the shore just a few minutes' stroll from the center of Corpus Christi, the mighty USS Lexington is one of the largest surviving vessels to have served in WWII. This important aircraft carrier was launched in 1943 and now serves as a naval museum .

On display are a large collection of vintage aircraft, and visitors can see the bridge and crew quarters. Also fun are the simulators and games, as well as a 3D movie that puts you in the pilot's seat. You can also opt for the four-hour Hard Hat Tour, which takes you into the very heart of the ship.

  • Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Corpus Christi & Easy Day Trips

Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch is one of West Texas' most iconic sites. Standing in a line, nose first into the ground, it might seem like an odd attraction. But visitors come here in large numbers, not only to see and photograph this colorful spectacle, they also come here to leave their mark, at least for a short while.

The artwork on the vehicles is an ever-changing canvas, with almost everyone adding their own creative mark to the Cadillacs. You are welcome to spray paint your own design . The layers of paint on these cars is hard to determine, but outside the gate, vendors sell paint chips from the cars, in jewelry settings.

While you may hear you should bring a spray can, there is no need. You can find spray cans of all colors left here on the ground from the thousands of others who have come before.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Amarillo

Natural Bridge Caverns

Just a short drive from San Antonio, the spectacular Natural Bridge Caverns are part of a vast underground network consisting of more than 10,000 different stalactite formations. The largest such cave network in the US accessible to the public, Natural Bridge Caverns includes highlights such as the 40-foot-high King's Throne, a massive wall of stalactites found in one of the largest caverns, the Castle of the White Giants.

Taking its name from the huge 60-foot limestone bridge spanning its entrance, Natural Bridge Caverns also offers a number of other fun activities, including themed tours. Up top are other attractions, including a treetop climbing adventure across a sprawling network of ropeways, platforms, and ziplines.

New in 2023 is the Hidden Wonders Tour, a sound and light show complemented by the "BAT" (belt assisted transport), a conveyor belt that moves you through and eventually out of the cavern.

Official Site: https://naturalbridgecaverns.com/

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

In the heart of downtown Houston is the city's lovely Museum District, home to 19 museums, some of which are free. Many of the museums in this area are within walking distance of each other.

Two of the key highlights here are the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the Houston Museum of Natural Science , but the district houses a mix of quality museums, including a Holocaust museum, a children's museum, and some smaller art museums, which are well worth your time.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Museums in Houston

Gruene Hall

Just a short drive from San Antonio is the small town of New Braunfels, known for its charming Greuene Historic District. One of the main attractions is the historic Gruene Hall , the oldest dance hall in Texas, operating continuously since 1878. Performances run nightly, and some of the biggest names in country music perform here, in this small venue. Children are allowed, and kids under 10 receive a discount on admission at the door.

The Grist Mill Restaurant , on the edge of the Guadalupe River makes a nice destination for day trippers who want to come for lunch. In the spring, the water is packed with people tubing down the river. And don't miss stopping by the General Store , where time seems to have stopped several decades ago.

The Dallas Arboretum

The Dallas Arboretum is one of the top botanical gardens in the United States. Beautifully laid out over 66 acres, these gardens should be on your list of "things to do" while in the city. Located on the shores of White Rock Lake, the gardens are easily reached from downtown.

The gardens are an oasis of calm and color amid the hustle and bustle of Dallas. You can wander at will through the various gardens and flowering plants, or make a beeline for some of the top attractions. One of the marquee gardens within the park is the Woman's Garden , where you'll find an infinity pool, aquatic plants, fountains, and sculptures.

The six-and-a-half-acre Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden is a stunning display of over 2,000 azaleas. The garden is especially vibrant in the spring, when the accompanying daffodils and tulips burst into bloom. Later in the summer, other plants like tapioca and bananas bloom in their unique ways, and the fall brings on the chrysanthemums. Large manicured lawns fill in the spaces between the gardens and are a lovely place to sit and enjoy a coffee or have a picnic with the family.

The on-site Café on the Green or the Lula Mae Slaughter Dining Terrace offer al fresco seating with views of the gardens and downtown Dallas.

Official site: https://www.dallasarboretum.org/

Gorilla at the Fort Worth Zoo

One of the best family outings in the state, the Fort Worth Zoo is a fun and enjoyable thing to do when visiting town. First opened in 1909, the zoo is now home to over 540 species of mammals, birds, and ectotherms. The zoo is expanding and growing with the infusion of a $100 million capital campaign.

At the Fort Worth Zoo, nine different habitats are available for viewing, ranging from the wilds of the African savannah to the chilly waters of the penguin habitat, right through to the inhabitants of the Australian Outback and Great Barrier Reef.

In addition to the various habitats, the zoo also has an area that children will love, the Toyota Children's Ranch & Petting Corral. Here, miniature donkeys, goats, sheep, and other typical farm animals exist in a setting that allows for easy petting and great photos.

Official site: https://www.fortworthzoo.org/

National Museum of the Pacific War

One of the most interesting war museums in Texas is the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg. Well-thought-out exhibits trace the history of the war in the Pacific, an aspect of WWII that many people may not be overly familiar with.

Highlights of a visit here include the Pearl Harbor Exhibit, complete with an intact Japanese midget submarine HA-19; the Doolittle Raid exhibit, showcasing the resorted B-25 Mitchell bomber; and an exhibit on the background of the ferocious 36-day battle on Iwo Jima.

One particularly chilling exhibit is of the Fat Man bomb casing. It's hard to fathom that such a small bomb could be responsible for over 100,000 deaths in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Official site: https://www.pacificwarmuseum.org/

Alligator at the Texas State Aquarium

If you find yourself down in Corpus Christie, be sure to swing by the Texas State Aquarium. This state-of-the-art facility showcases all the wonderful and weird animals that inhabit our oceans. Sixteen different habitats are home to a wide variety of fish, mammals, and other denizens of the deep.

During your visit, a must-see is the H-E-B Caribbean Sea exhibit, home to North America's largest viewing window. The 68-foot-long window makes you feel like you are right underwater. In addition, a walking tunnel through the middle of the exhibit, full of sharks and other predators, adds to the thrill.

It's not all underwater at the Texas State Aquarium. Above-water action is supplied by three North American river otters. Arthur, Merlin, and Fisher provide non-stop otter antics that will have you smiling and laughing.

These are just some of the attractions at the aquarium. Many more are waiting for you and your family to explore, including the H-E-B Splash Park (included with your admission) and up-close and personal animal interactions (additional fee)

Official site: https://www.texasstateaquarium.org/

Buddy Holly statue in Lubbock

West Texas holds many attractions and one of the best is the dynamic city of Lubbock . People of a certain vintage will be well aware of the city's most famous citizen, Buddy Holly . Forever immortalized with an excellent array of memorabilia in a fantastic museum, the Buddy Holly Center (you can't miss the giant glasses out front). This tribute to the musician is a must-see for music lovers.

Not to be confused with the center, new as of 2021 is the architecturally stunning Buddy Holly Hall , Lubbock's main location for a non-stop roster of performers.

But the city is much more than just Buddy Holly's history. This is an artsy up-and-coming place with farmer's markets and incredible new restaurants while still staying true to its ranching roots.

Lubbock's Cultural District is home to fine art galleries, pottery studios, and music venues. In fact, Lubbock has the most music-performing venues on a per capita basis in the entire state.

All that exploring will bring on a Texas-sized appetite and on this front, Lubbock has you well covered. Home to a variety of restaurants you'll be spoiled for choice. Fine dining aficionados with a taste for European fare will want to make a beeline for Chef Finn Walter's Nicolett . Those looking for Texas originals should go to Dirk's for chicken fried steak and other artery-clogging delicacies. The next morning do what the locals do, eat pie for breakfast at the Cast Iron Grill .

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Texas Travel Guide

Happy To be Texas

21+ Best Places to Visit in Texas (Don’t Miss Them!)

As the second largest state in the US, Texas has it all. 

Deserts, mountains, beaches, big cities, small towns – there is so much to explore in the best places to visit in Texas!

World class museums in Texas , historical sites, and beautiful parks are all waiting for you. 

Love shopping?

Whether you love antiques or designer clothes, there’s something for everyone. 

Or take in one of the many sightseeing tours from wine tasting to ghost tours to a tour of NASA’s space center. 

And Texas is all about that food.

Indulge in everything from BBQ to Tex-Mex to Texas sheet cake (and chili…so much chili).

Now let’s explore some of the must-see places in Texas, from Abilene to Austin .

Hey! Want more expert tips on Texas? Check out our other guides!

  • 11+ Best Castles in Texas
  • 13+ Awesome Texas Waterfalls
  • 19 Unique Texas AirBnBs
  • 21 Best Things to do in Texas

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1. San Antonio

Our favorite San Antonio hotel: St. Anthony Luxury Hotel Our favorite San Antonio VRBO: Our favorite San Antonio tour: The Ultimate San Antonio Food Tour

San Antonio is one of the must see places in Texas and best Texas day trips .

It’s the 7th largest city in the US and home to the Alamo , SeaWorld, and the River Walk. 

San Antonio

Entertainment, shopping, beautiful landscape and architecture, history, culture, and food (make sure you try a puffy taco!) are all front and center. 

History buff? 

Take a self-guided walking tour through the four Spanish colonial missions. 

San Antonio

Be sure not to miss the Alamo and its stunning gardens! 

Or head over to La Villita Historic Arts Village and step back in time as you shop, eat, and explore 300-year-old architecture.

San Antonio is easily one of the best vacation spots in Texas for families! 

San Antonio

Six Flags, zoos, museums, water parks, and SeaWorld are just some of the reasons it’s one of the most fun places to visit in Texas.

Our favorite Austin hotel: Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa Our favorite Austin VRBO: Our favorite Austin tour: Double-Decker Austin Sightseeing Tour

Being the “live music capital of the world” easily makes Austin one of the coolest places to visit in Texas. 

Coffee shops, food trucks, ghost tours, murals (take the mural selfie tour!), record stores, and one of a kind shopping all add to the artistic charm of the city. 

Austin Texas

Love music? 

Experience the live music crawl or go two-stepping at one of the dancehalls. 

Spend time on Sixth Street and take in bands or see a movie at Alamo Drafthouse . 

Austin Texas

Surround yourself with art at the Blanton Museum of Art , or wander the sculpture park on Lake Austin (learn more about the best lakes in Texas here!)

Visit a presidential library and then head over to the Museum of Ice Cream to round out your day. 

Austin Texas

Get back to nature at the 240-acre Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center or explore 358-acre Zilker Park and swim in a spring-fed pool. 

There are also some wonderful day trips from Austin to discover, including Texas Hill Country and Texas Wine Country.

Our favorite Houston hotel: C. Baldwin, Curio Collection Our favorite Houston VRBO: Our favorite Houston tour: Pedal Party Barge Houston Tour

World-class dining, shopping, and culture set Houston apart from the rest and make it one of the best places to go in Texas. 

Houston

Houston has a rich arts scene.  

Explore the Museum of Fine Arts along with 18 other museums in the museum district.

The kids will love the children’s museum and the Houston zoo located there, as well. 

Houston

Be part of NASA’s mission as you visit the Space Center Houston and at night relax under the stars and take in a classical concert or a Shakespearean play at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. 

Enjoy nature at the Houston Arboretum . 

And you don’t want to miss the iconic 64-ft-tall water wall in the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park.

Want nightlife? 

Houston

Washington Avenue has you covered. 

Play vintage arcade games at Kung Fu Saloon or sip southern style cocktails at Julep. 

4. Galveston

Our favorite Galveston hotel: Hilton Galveston Island Resort Our favorite Galveston VRBO: Our favorite Galveston tour: Must-Do Dolphin Sightseeing Tour

Stunning Victorian homes, miles of beaches, and a thriving art scene make Galveston one of the most beautiful places to visit in Texas (it’s also one of the best Texas beach towns !).

Galveston

Galveston is also one of the top places to visit in Texas for family fun. 

Spend your days on 32 miles of beaches boating, swimming, surfing, and kayaking. 

Check out Pleasure Pier for exciting rides that take you out over the Gulf of Mexico. 

Galveston

Make sure you explore Moody Gardens to see the Rainforest and Aquarium Pyramids and afterwards take a dinner cruise on a colonial paddlewheel boat. 

Or make your way to Kemah Boardwalk to see the Johnson Space Center, and the games and rides on the fairway and touch a live stingray in Stingray Reef. 

Craving an adrenaline rush? 

Galveston

Schlitterbahn Water Park has water slides, wave rivers, and the world’s tallest water coaster. 

Massive Blaster is 81 ½ ft. of pure fun!

5. Port Aransas

Our favorite Port Aransas hotel: Ocean’s Edge Hotel Our favorite Port Aransas VRBO: Our favorite Port Aransas tour: Glowing Kayak Tour

Get back to nature in Port Aransas (and check out a full guide of things to do in Port Aransas here ).

Explore beaches and parks and dine on seafood as you relax in open air eateries.

Port Aransas

Like to fish? 

Port Aransas is the fishing capital of Texas. 

Take an off-shore excursion and fish in the bays and channels.

Port Aransas

Or get some sun and swim in the 18 miles of shoreline beaches. 

Want more excitement? 

Go parasailing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, or choose from many other water activities. 

Don’t miss Mustang Island State Park . 

It has 5 miles of beach, shallow water fishing, bike trails, and 20 miles of paddle park trails.

Port Aransas

Ever wanted to hunt for treasure? 

Take a pirate cruise and go on a treasure hunt, sword fight, and even dolphin watch.  

6. Fredericksburg

Our favorite Fredericksburg hotel: Hotel Kitsmiller on Main Our favorite Fredericksburg VRBO: Our favorite Fredericksburg tour: Winery Tour with Lunch Included

Fredericksburg is a small town with German roots. 

Art, theater, eclectic shops, and historic charm make Fredericksburg one of the nicest places to travel in Texas. 

Fredericksburg Texas

What Fredericksburg lacks in size they make up for in culture.

Head to a local winery for a tasting and a tour (there are more than 50 wineries to choose from!) 

Prefer beer? 

There’s also a brewery where you can grab German beer and food. 

Check out one of the museums for a history lesson. 

Fredericksburg TX

Or explore the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site.

It’s one of the best places for stargazing and in 2021 was designated an International Dark Sky Park.  

Art is a huge part of life in Fredericksburg with 9 different art galleries. 

Explore the galleries, do some shopping, and then eat at one of the many farm to table restaurants. 

7. Corpus Christi

Our favorite Corpus Christi hotel: Aloft Corpus Christi Hotel Our favorite Corpus Christi VRBO: Our favorite Corpus Christi tour: Walking Ghost Tour

Beaches, Tex-Mex, seafood, and fun in the sun is why Corpus Christi is one of the must visit places in Texas. 

Corpus Christi

With 9 different beaches and miles of shoreline on the gulf, you can play, relax, and reconnect. 

No trip to Corpus Christi is complete without a visit to Padre Island National Seashore . 

It’s 70 miles of shoreline and the perfect place for windsurfing, parasailing, kayaking, and surfing.

Corpus Christi Texas

Want to try something new? 

WaterDog offers a paddleboard yoga class. 

Get outside for some “floating fitness.”

Wander the grounds at South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center. 

Explore the USS Lexington Museum and have fun in the escape rooms and flight simulator.

Or check out the Surf Museum in downtown Corpus Christi. 

Have the adventure of a lifetime snorkeling with sharks, eels, stingray, and other fish at the Texas State Aquarium.  

8. Terlingua

If you ever wanted to see an actual ghost town, now’s your chance! 

Terlingua Texas

Terlingua is an eccentric, artsy, tiny little town loaded with unique art installations including a pirate ship, submarine, statue of liberty, and even a statue of a full mariachi band. 

Its quirkiness makes it one of the best places to travel in Texas, as well as one of the most unique camping spots in Texas .

Stay in a traditional rock house and visit the one-room Terlingua jail and the old cemetery which dates back to 1903 (maybe see a ghost or two.) and check out St. Agnes church which was built in 1914.

Terlingua

Get back to nature and explore Summit at Big Bend which has over 1,000 acres of desert land. 

It’s the darkest sky in the lower 48 states which makes it ideal for stargazing. 

Still have more energy? 

Terlingua neighbors Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Minimalist art, a random, instagram worthy, Prada store art installation, and unexplained light shows in the night sky put Marfa on the list of cool places to go in Texas. 

Marfa Prada

Stay in a yurt, an Airstream trailer, or even a bubble! 

And be prepared for some of the best food of your life as Marfa has world-renowned chefs waiting to feed you.  

See the landscape from above as you take a tour in a glider plane. 

Learn how to make cheese at Marfa Maid Dairy and you can’t miss the Chinati Foundation self-guided tour. 

Marfa Texas

Purchase one of a kind custom made shoes or treat yourself to some specialty soap from a local shop. 

Head to Alta Marfa winery for wine tastings and pick up a bottle of wine to enjoy while you sit under the stars and watch the Marfa lights.

Our favorite Waco hotel: Aloft Waco Baylor Our favorite Waco VRBO: Our favorite Waco tour: Fixer Upper Fan Tour

Besides being the hometown of Dr Pepper and HGTV’s Fixer Upper, Waco also has amazing parks, rivers, shopping, and food. 

Fan of Joanna and Chip Gaines?

Waco

Visit Magnolia Market where you can peruse 6 different shops, eat at the food trucks, and take classes.

Watch artisans work, shop for their handmade goods, and dine in the restaurant at Homestead Craft Village.

Waco

Spend the day exploring Cameron Park’s 416-acres, including a 52-acre zoo, Brazos and Bosque rivers, three playgrounds, splash pads, etc. 

Don’t miss Lover’s Leap overlook and trails.  

Enjoy the Suspension bridge built in 1870 and Waco Mammoth National Monument, a 100-acre park on the Bosque River. 

Drink whiskey at Balcones distillery or head to the Dr Pepper Museum for the “make a soda” experience.

Situated on the banks of the Rio Grande, Laredo is a town steeped in history and Mexican culture. 

Walk the streets of Laredo and check out the various historic streets and districts. 

Take time to explore the museums! 

The Republic of the Rio Grande Museum showcases items from the Laredo area in the 19th century. 

In the Old Mercado district,  you’ll find the Laredo Center for the Arts which houses three galleries in its building. Or

enjoy a state of the art, immersive experience at the Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center Planetarium. 

For outdoor fun head to Lake Casa Blanca International State Park for hiking, biking, and water sports.

Go shopping on San Bernardo Avenue. 

It’s 40 blocks of one-of-a-kind stores.

In the San Agustin de Laredo Historic District you’ll find Zaragoza Street. 

A cobblestone street full of cool boutiques and great restaurants.

12. Jefferson

Jefferson will make you feel like you are stepping back in time. 

Reserve a cozy room in a bed and breakfast and explore this quaint, historic town. 

Do some shopping in the antiques shops and vintage stores, and then relax and enjoy a charcuterie board at Austin Street Bistro. 

Take an historic walking tour that begins and ends at the Excelsior House Hotel. 

The tour showcases historic homes, memorials, and churches. 

Or take a tour of the historic Atalanta rail car. 

It has 4 staterooms, a dining room, a lounge, a kitchen, a butler’s pantry, and a ballroom!

Take a ride on the historic Jefferson railway and then grab a sweet treat at Fudge Factory or try gourmet flavored peanut butter at Nutty’s. 

At night be sure to check out the LED light shows on the Howe Truss bridge.

13. Boerne

Boerne is an upscale city in Hill Country perfect for romantic getaways or family-friendly adventures.

Take the historic walking tour featuring more than 100 historic properties and then check out the  Old Jail Museum. 

Spend the day shopping in vintage, antique, and thrift stores. 

Enjoy art galleries, theatres, and a variety of restaurants that cater to every palate. 

Get pampered at the Puresol Spa and Salt Cave and afterwards take a tour of one of the many local wineries and breweries. 

Explore the outdoors at Cibolo Nature Center. 

Hike the trails and relax by the creek surrounded by 1,000 year old cypress trees. 

Be sure to see the exact replicas of 100,000,000 year old Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur tracks. 

Or head to Cave without a Name, a Natural National Landmark, and see the stalagmites, stalactites, and pan for gemstones and fossils.

14. Rockport

With 367 miles of coastline, fresh seafood, water sports, and a thriving art scene, Rockport Texas is a perfect getaway. 

Discover the Rockport Cultural Arts District and see art galleries, a sculpture garden, and restaurants. 

Hit up Latitude 2802 for a restaurant, bar, and art gallery in one.

Explore the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site, see the Texas Maritime Museum, or have a moment of zen at Schoenstatt Shrine. 

Visit Goose Island State Park and see a 1,000-year-old tree that has a 35 ft. trunk and branches that stretch 89 ft. across. 

Bring a picnic and enjoy hiking, fishing, biking, and birding. 

Get out on the water. 

Enjoy a whooping crane boat tour. 

Go kayaking at night on the GlowRow boat tour. 

Don’t miss Rockport Beach! 

It’s a certified Blue Wave Beach. 

There’s a saltwater lagoon, walking paths, and kids play areas.  

15. Port Isabel

Stunning views of the Texas Gulf Coast, historic museums, great food, and artisan shops make Port Isabel one of the must see places in Texas. 

Get pampered at one of the luxurious spas and then look for hidden gems at the Port Isabel Antique and Flea Market. 

Ever wanted to climb to the top of a lighthouse? 

The Historic Port Isabel Lighthouse is 70 ft. tall, has a 16 mile view and is open to the public. 

Afterwards, check out Lighthouse Square for unique shops and restaurants (Don’t miss the local fudge!)

Go dolphin watching, take an eco tour, or a romantic sunset cruise at Dolphin Docks. 

See wild dolphins at Laguna Madre Bay when you take the boat from South Padre Island Dolphin Research and Sea Life Center.  

16. Amarillo

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50 Best Things To Do & Places To Visit In Texas

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: April 2, 2021  - Last updated: October 15, 2023

places to visit in Texas

Texas is one of America’s biggest states, often referred to as the Lone Star State.

A south-central location bordering some parts of Mexico, it’s known for its hot temperatures, delicious barbecue foods, and certain significant historical sites related to the core of United States history.

It’s also renowned for being the world’s Live Music Capital, boasting over 200 venues for live entertainment throughout its many portions.

Those who aren’t as familiar with America may recognize the state for its cowboy aesthetic, and it continues to be known for ranching, cattle, and livestock till this day.

Because of its size, Texas has no shortage of must-do spots and attractions.

Historic buildings, museums, gardens, national parks, unique geological features, and more pepper the Lone Star State with intriguing sites and locations.

Not sure what to visit?

To help you out, here is our travel guide for the 50 best things to do and places to visit in Texas!

Table of Contents

1. The Alamo

The Alamo

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The Alamo is one of America’s most significant historical structures, and so it’s one of the must-see Texas attractions to visit.

It is located in downtown San Antonio  and was built in the year 1744 by Franciscans as a mission.

By the time the year turned 1834, however, the Alamo was a functional fort.

In 1836, a small force of a mere 187 soldiers barricaded themselves inside the Alamo, including the likes of Daniel Boone, Jim Bowie, and Davie Crockett.

They were part of a group of men taking a stand in the Texan War of Independence against an army of 3,000 Mexican soldiers.

All the soldiers within the Alamo were killed in the battle, prompting Texan forces to use the battle cry “Remember the Alamo!”

The cry rallied the spirits of the state’s soldiers, eventually leading to their victory over Mexico as they earned their independence from them.

Today, the Alamo is the most visited landmark in the whole state of Texas.

Over two million visitors come to see it annually to explore the exterior and check out the features inside.

A trip here lets you see the fort, long barrack, church, and arcade, and there is also a museum and gift shop where you can learn more about the Alamo.

Address: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States

2. Space Centre Houston

Space Centre Houston

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Space Centre Houston is another one of Texas’ most popular tourist draws and it’s one of the coolest places to check out, whether you’re interested in space or not!

It is a Smithsonian Affiliate designed for people of all ages, aiming to promote a love of the STEM fields – that is, the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

There are many exhibits at Space Centre Houston that absolutely spoil you for choice.

Moon rocks, artifacts from missions to Mercury and Apollo, and informational tidbits tell you all about NASA’s projects and missions, as well as the history and purpose of space exploration.

You can see a genuine Saturn V rocket, learn about life in space, dress up as an astronaut, and watch shows, too!

Most importantly, though, Space Centre Houston is the home of NASA’s very own Mission Control.

This is where NASA keeps an eye on its space exploration and flights.

Getting the chance to tour Mission Control – as well as potentially meet astronauts and tour the Johnson Space Center – is certainly one of the most fun things to do in Texas!

Address: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058, United States

3. The Sixth Floor Museum

The Sixth Floor Museum

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The Sixth Floor Museum is a sobering location that sits, as its name suggests, on the sixth floor (and seventh) of the former Texas School Book Depository, which is now the Dallas County Administration Building.

It is from this location on the sixth floor that Lee Harvey Oswald fired three gunshots on the 22nd of November, 1963 in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

The Sixth Floor Museum is an honorary museum that chronicles the life, times, and death of President JFK, framing it within the cultural context of 1960s America.

You’ll see accounts of his presidential campaign and term, artifacts, footage, photographs, and more.

Detailed records of the assassination and tales of the president’s legacy are also highlighted.

Above the Sixth Floor Museum, the seventh floor of the red brick building is home to a space for programs and exhibits related to the museum.

Aside from that, you can also check out the onsite bookstore, gift shop, and cafe.

The total collection of the Sixth Floor Museum totals 45,000 items.

For anyone, whether you’re a history buff or just a curious tourist, it is a must-do as it provides information about an event that changed the course of the nation’s history forever.

It’s certainly in the top 5 of any trip to this state.

Address: 411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202, United States

4. Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park

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Looking for some of the best vacation spots ?

Big Bend National Park is located in West Texas in the Chihuahuan Desert.

It is one of the most scenic places in Texas and is a great place to spend some time this weekend.

It is named after a portion of the Rio Grande river, where it is located, that forms a large bending shape.

One of the reasons that Big Bend National Park is one of the state’s tourist attractions is its unique and highly varied terrain, offering dramatic and gorgeous scenery at many altitudes.

There are points from 1,870 feet above sea level all the way up to 7,875 feet above sea level!

This also provides a lot of space for flora and fauna to call it their home; more than 1,000 plant types can be found here, as well as animals like bald eagles.

You can have fun in many different ways at Big Bend National Park.

More than 200 miles’ worth of trails to hike are ready to use.

There are three large canyons to visit and take photographs at, namely Boquillas, Mariscal, and Santa Elena.

You can also do activities like birdwatching with 400 species to look out for, camping on the stunning campgrounds, doing watersports, or having picnics!

Address: Big Bend National Park, TX, United States

5. San Antonio River Walk

San Antonio River Walk

The San Antonio River Walk is one of the best places to visit in Texas, known throughout the country for its vibrancy and activities.

The walk spans many miles and is packed with shops, eateries, hotels, and more.

It is situated slightly below street level, providing a unique look into San Antonio’s heart.

Though the walk itself is the most popular, you can also enjoy a riverboat cruise, with themes from general sightseeing excursions to fancier dinner tours.

It’s a different experience at night versus during the day, so you’ll want to walk through the San Antonio River Walk twice!

Address: 849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States

6. Texas State Capitol

Texas State Capitol

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Being one of the most beautiful states in the US, one of the top things to see in Texas is the Texas State Capitol itself!

Located in Austin , it’s more than simply the state’s center of legislation – it’s also one of the most beautiful places in Texas!

Seated on 22 acres of land, it is surrounded by stunning gardens, expertly manicured and maintained, with memorials and monuments scattered about onsite.

The State Capitol building measures 300 feet in height.

It was built in the year 1888 and is an official National Historic Landmark.

Tours are rewarding, telling you all about the many monuments on the property while giving you insight into the legal and government systems of the state and some information about the building’s history.

Among the memorials at the State Capitol is a Vietnam war monument and a monument to the battle of the Alamo.

There is also the Governor’s Mansion, the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, and A Visitor’s Center to view.

From the aforementioned bridge at night, you can watch a huge mass of tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of Mexican free-tailed bats leaving the bridge’s underside to take off into the night.

Address: 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, United States

7. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

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The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located in East Dallas, where it takes up a lush 66 acres of space.

It was built in 1984 and has been consistently showcasing, preserving, and educating visitors on the natural life of Texas and its history.

It’s one of the most fun tourist spots for nature-lovers and history buffs alike.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is home to 16 different gardens – including a children’s garden filled with more than 150 engaging and educational activities – and two historical buildings.

More than 2,400 different kinds of azaleas grow here, alongside many other international trees, ferns, flowers, and shrubs.

The walkways are scattered with sculptures that adorn the garden and provide an artistic flair.

The main historic draw of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is the majestic DeGolyer Mansion, an eye-catching hacienda in Spanish style.

It was commissioned by a local oil baron in 1940.

There is also an 8-acre museum that showcases artifacts, demonstrations, games, and more in a whopping 17 galleries.

Address: 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218, United States

8. Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

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One of the best things to do in Texas is to explore the impressive and expansive desert terrain of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park .

Located west of El Paso by about a hundred miles, the barren and hostile-looking land can seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually home to many different kinds of terrain, lots of wildlife, and some lovely bodies of water.

The Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a part of the very large Chihuahuan Desert and has the honor of being home to Texas’ four highest mountain peaks.

This includes its titular Guadalupe Peak, which is extremely popular to hike to for an 8-hour round trip on an 8.5-mile trail.

Despite its harsh environment, the Guadalupe Mountains National Park hosts the world’s most wide-reaching Permian fossil reef, plenty of lush woodlands with 80 miles of hiking trails, and rare animals like golden eagles.

Interesting woodland canyons and relaxing hot springs invite you to visit, and there are so many places to explore that you’ll never run out of things to do!

Address: Salt Flat, TX 79847, United States

9. Fort Worth Stockyards

Fort Worth Stockyards

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The Fort Worth Stockyards is the reason that Fort Worth was once known as Cowtown.

From 1866 to 1890, the stockyards were used in the auctioning of cattle, resulting in millions of sales over the years.

It is currently the last stockyard of its kind that remains standing in America, though its function has changed over the years.

As part of the area known as the Old West, the Fort Worth Stockyards were a staple stop for cowboys, specifically those renowned for cattle driving.

Along the long-stretching Chisholm Trail of southern Texas, this was the very last stop with suitable railroads, making it a crucial settlement for the trading of livestock and beef with the rest of the country.

Eventually, the Fort Worth Stockyards transitioned into modernity as interstate highways made railroads less crucial to the business of livestock trading.

Now, the location is filled with places to go such as eateries, shops, and even an indoor rodeo.

Cattle drives are still showcased in the stockyard by professional cowboys for interested guests.

Address: 2501 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, TX 76164, United States

10. Houston Museum of Natural Science

Houston Museum of Natural Science

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The Houston Museum of Natural Science sits on Hermann Park of Houston’s Museum District, and it’s one of those places where you’ll be spoiled for choice on what to do.

It’s huge in size and full of fun attractions, with different exhibits focusing on various topics like wildlife in North America, local Texas ecology, and even the history and culture of the Native Americans.

16 permanent exhibits are spread out over four stories at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

The most popular is tied between the Morian Hall of Paleontology, packed with two stories fossils and prehistoric replicas, and the Cockrell Butterfly Center, home to three stories of humid tropical “rainforest” and hundreds of fluttering insects.

There is also a planetarium, a showcase of minerals and gems, and a rather delightful Faberge exhibit.

Address: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, United States

11. Padre Island National Seashore

Padre Island National Seashore

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Padre Island National Seashore is an extremely crucial conservation location in Texas and is also the longest barrier island in the world.

It measures 70 miles and takes up 130,000 of land, with primarily grassland, dune, and beach habitats for all sorts of unique animals, like rare sea turtles.

It can be found south of Corpus Christi .

For the most part, Padre Island National Seashore is renowned as a birdwatcher’s haven and is certainly one of the best Texas attractions for people with this hobby thanks to its spot on the Central Flyway migratory route.

350 bird species stop here in their journey to and from warmer climates every year.

Relaxing campsites, stunning beaches, and a Junior Ranger Program all add to the draw of the seashore, too.

The Padre Island National Seashore has a visitor center that provides guests with information regarding the seashore and the routes you can take to explore it.

The center also boasts mobility assistance with wheelchairs specially made for beach terrain, as well as guides for activities that can be partaken in, like kayaking and canoeing.

Address: 20301 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, United States

12. Six Flags Over Texas

Six Flags Over Texas is a fun, 213-acre theme park in Arlington, where it holds the honor of being the largest park of its kind in the state.

This alone is enough to make it one of the surefire places to visit in Texas, especially if you have kids – though to be honest, it brings in lots of daredevil adults, too!

This Six Flags establishment is home to the Texas SkyScreamer, which, at 400 feet in height, is the second tallest ride of its variety on the planet and delivers a sheet adrenaline rush.

It also has the New Texas Giant, the very infamous Batman The Ride, and many rides themed after the Looney Tunes.

Apart from rides, you can also check out seasonal events hosted throughout the year at this Six Flags branch, including live country music shows!

Address: 2201 E Road to Six Flags St, Arlington, TX 76011, United States

13. Hamilton Pool

Hamilton Pool

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Hamilton Pool is one of the state’s most incredible sights to see.

It is an entirely natural spring and serves as a relaxing oasis that you can take a dip into as a break from the local heat.

Its water comes from an underground river that provides freshwater to the plants and tributaries around the main pool.

Hamilton Pool is part of a protected natural preservation area thanks to its waters.

These waters have allowed vegetation and trees of all kinds to thrive in its vicinity.

There is also a large overhang of shade that covers the pool and protects it from the worst of the state’s sweltering sun.

Once upon a time, the pool was hidden in an underground limestone grotto.

Now, it has come free from that dome into a cavern-like space.

From the overhang’s lip, a 50-foot drop of waterfall plunges into the pool, refreshing its contexts and serving as a delightfully cool surprise for visitors.

This is one of those points of interest that you absolutely shouldn’t miss, especially if you’re looking for beautiful places in Texas!

Address: 24300 Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, United States

14. Mission San Jose

Mission San Jose

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In 1720, Mission San Jose was set up by Fray Antonio Margil de Jesus.

It quickly became the Queen of the Missions and was the largest in the state, sustaining more than 300 individuals in its walls.

The mission is now a National Historic Site and a State Historic Site.

The complex of Mission San Jose was worked on by the mission’s own inhabitants, reaching completion in 1782.

It would go on to baptize more than 2,000 Native Americans until it ceased mission operation in 1824.

Mission San Jose is now one of the state’s best tourist attractions, regardless of your personal faith.

It is an active parish with open Sunday mass and is National Park Service-maintained.

Its excellent preservation makes it closely resemble missions from 250 years ago.

You’ll see a gorgeous Rose Window – widely considered one of America’s finest ornamentations of Spanish Colonial origin – and many genuine carvings on the body of the church.

An interesting part of Mission San Jose is a church bell tower, specifically its stairway, and the choir loft.

Both hold twenty-five steps carved out of one log of live oak without the use of pegs or nails.

There is also a granary, a gristmill (the state’s oldest), defensive walls, and flying buttresses.

Address: 6701 San Jose Dr, San Antonio, TX 78214, United States

15. South Padre Island Dolphin Research and Sealife Nature Center

South Padre Island Dolphin Research and Sealife Nature Center

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The South Padre Island Dolphin Research and Sealife Nature Center is a delightful option among places to visit in Texas.

It lets you get up close and personal with their intelligent and friendly titular mammals, with the mission of educating visitors and protecting dolphins via conservation.

There are many touch tanks, aquariums, and interactive portions of the South Padre Island Dolphin Research and Sealife Nature Center.

Hermit crabs, starfish, and other marine creatures are among the center’s most loved attractions, in addition to daily presentations on nature, marine mammals, and more.

You’ll even get to go on dolphin tours, where chartered boats bring you to the Laguna Madre Bay to view live dolphins!

Address: 110 N Garcia St, Port Isabel, TX 78578, United States

16. Texas State Fair

Texas State Fair

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The Texas State Fair was established in 1886 and has been a site for the promotion of community, agriculture, and education in a long-running, entertaining, family-friendly quality event.

It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of Fair Park, which is a National Historic Landmark while advocating for its local community.

The fair runs for a whopping 24 days in a row, during which there is no shortage of fun stuff to do with quintessential Lone Star energy.

Exhibits and activities include petting zoos, exhibits on livestock and farming, entry to the many museums on Fair Park, and more!

The fair is also a charity-oriented event.

It doles out scholarships, offers sponsorship, gives back to the community, puts profits into food banks, and provides free entry to educators and students in the state.

All in all, it’s a spectacle not to be missed if you’re in the state at the right time for it!

Address: 1300 Robert B Cullum Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75210, United States

17. Museum of Fine Arts Houston

Museum of Fine Arts Houston

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The Museum of Fine Arts Houston was created in 1900, with expansions and renovations constantly improving it and propelling it forward into the modern area.

It is home to three buildings, a sculpture garden, and a movie theater.

The three buildings are the Caroline Wiess Law Building, Audrey Jones Beck Building, and the latest Nancy and Rich Kinder Building.

Within the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, you’ll find art of all kinds from many different time periods, including photos, drawings, sculptures, paintings, and cultural pieces of Chinese, African-American, and Native American origin.

A range of 64,000 different works of art from six different continents and numerous styles add incredible variety to the experience.

You’ll see mixed media, Italian Renaissance works, mobiles, and French impressionist art.

Some great numbers include Nympheas by Monet and Bacchanale by Picasso.

Outside, the Sculpture Garden is home to some incredible works by the renowned Aniah Kapoor, including the first Bean prototype and the Cloud Column.

Throughout the year, rotating exhibits add some spice to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, so be sure to check them out if you’re looking for where to visit in Texas!

Address: 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005, United States

18. Kimbell Art Museum

Kimbell Art Museum

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The Kimbell Art Museum is a very small museum, but it should be on your Texas bucket list because it’s largely considered among the best of its size internationally.

Set up in 1965, the museum is located in Fort Worth and was commissioned by wealthy art collector Kay Kimbell.

The museum’s goal is simple: it aims to foster a love and appreciation for art via its permanent collections, which showcase art, antiquities, and sculptures from international sources.

You’ll find works by Picasso, El Greco, Matisse, Monet, and Rembrandt, as well as collected artifacts from continents like Africa, Asia, and Europe.

With 350 artworks on display, the Kimbell Art Museum is surprisingly comprehensive for its size.

Most of the collection comes from Europe, specifically of the classical period, but it has much more to offer too – like a library of almost 60,000 different reading materials!

Address: 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States

Looking for more thrill around Texas? Why not check out Austin and Dallas? If you do plan the trip, here are some of the top things to do in Austin and some of the best things to do in Dallas !

19. Fort Worth Zoo

Fort Worth Zoo

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Fort Worth Zoo is Texas’ oldest continuously operating zoo, founded in 1909 and not stopping since.

It began its life with a mere few animals in 1909 and has since grown to be ranked as America’s fifth-best zoo, with 42 animal species.

Fort Worth Zoo aims to provide education and information regarding wildlife conservation as well as the mammals, reptiles, and birds in their care.

As a world-class facility, there are many places to see within the zoo, sectioned off into different species.

More than 68 species here are threatened or endangered, which makes getting to see them up close all the more special.

In addition to all its fun features, Fort Worth Zoo is also the only American zoo that is home to all Great Ape species, namely bonobos, chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans.

It also has one of the globe’s most well-known and successful colonies for breeding flamingo.

While here, you’ll also see African lions, penguins, hippos, cheetahs, giraffes, meerkats, and so many more.

Address: 1989 Colonial Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76110, United States

20. Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake

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Lady Bird Lake is named after President Lyndon Johnson’s wife and is a portion of the Colorado River.

It flows over 416 acres of land and is a reservoir that has grown into one of Texas’ top hangouts.

Hotels and homes line one side while a wide beach is open to the public on the opposite end, fitted with many different trails for your cycling and hiking needs.

The most commonly walked path at Lady Bird Lake is the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, which leads to Pedestrian Bridge.

From here, you can cross the river into Austin and visit other local parks that are interconnected, as well as some of the many tourist traps along the river’s edge.

Want to do some more involved activities?

Lady Bird Lake allows for the use of boats, including rentable canoes and kayaks or your own decked-out motorized water vehicle.

A boardwalk, stretching 1.1 miles, gives you a panoramic view of the downtown area while you’re at it.

If you’re looking for what to do while in Texas that will unwind you, definitely give Lady Bird Lake a try!

Address: Lady Bird Lake, Austin, TX 78701, United States

21. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is one of the more unique places on our list of Texas attractions.

The rock in question is an igneous rock intrusion, also known as a pluton, made up of a huge pink granite dome measuring 425 feet in height from ground level and spanning over 640 acres.

The monolith, which has been around for a minimum of 11,000 years, gained its name of Enchanted Rock from Anglo and Spanish interpretations of the folklore of the Native Americans.

There are many legends surrounding the centerpiece of the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, with some dating far back into the past and others with more modern connotations involving Anglo-Texans and conquistadors.

One legend that surrounds Enchanted Rock is that the last of a tribe of braves fought to defend themselves from another tribe on the very peak of the batholith.

In a variation of this legend, a princess of the losing tribe threw herself off the mountain when her tribe was killed.

Now, some believe that the monadnock is haunted by the spirits of the fallen tribal warriors and the princess, supported by the Tonkawa natives, who tell tales of ghostly campfires being seen on the rock at night.

One of the best factual features of the Enchanted Rock is that it creaks on cool nights after hot days because of the outer rock’s contraction.

Though the explanation is scientific, it still adds to its lore.

There are also small vernal water pools that appear in the rockface’s depressions, where small little shrimps and marine life begin to take root until the pools dry in the hot months.

This includes a very small quillwort species that is only present here and nowhere else globally.

A final feature worth discussing of the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is its cave, which is one of the planet’s longest granite talus caves.

It is 1,500 feet or so long, packed with spiders, and has tight walls.

If you’re brave, head on in and explore and you’ll find your way out onto the dome.

Artifacts of all sorts have been seen here, as well as plants that thrive on spring water, like prickly pear, persimmons, pecans, and mesquite.

Address: 16710 Ranch Road 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, United States

Planning to visit Fredericksburg soon? Why not check out some of the fun things to do in Fredericksburg, TX before you go?

22. Dallas World Aquarium

Dallas World Aquarium

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The Dallas World Aquarium is a fantastic way to explore the entire world’s oceans from one little spot in Texas.

To call it an aquarium would be a bit of an understatement.

Not only does it hold all sorts of marine and aquatic creatures, but it is also home to land animals, birds, and plants, hosting many that are native to river and sea areas of the planet.

Different portions of the Dallas World Aquarium have something different to offer.

The 20,000-gallon tunnel hosts octopi, stingrays, eels, and other fish.

The Yucatan Peninsula exhibit shows off different birds.

A South African section brings you closer to amphibians and reptiles.

There is even a living rainforest with monkeys, manatees, toucans, and crocodiles, and a fascinating Mayan section houses ocelots and Jabiru storks.

While you’re at the Dallas World Aquarium, try to catch some live feedings.

You may be able to participate in handing an animal some food, and that’s one of the most fun things to do in Texas, for sure!

Address: 1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202, United States

23. Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

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The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is situated in Dallas and claims a floor space of 180,000 square feet.

It first opened its doors in 2012 in order to provide a museum about science for children, providing interactive and hands-on exhibits that are sure to entice your kids.

With 11 halls for exhibits, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is virtually three different museums crammed into one space.

It’s varied with many different fun activities to check out, and it’s designed mindfully with the highest possible score from the Green Building Initiative.

Among the topics that the Perot Museum of Nature and Science covers include human evolution, dinosaur skeletons, earthquakes, bird flight and socialization, and the ecosystems of Texas.

It also has unique exhibits like the T. Boone Pickens Life Then and Now Hall, which includes an interactive activity in the form of a scavenger hunt.

If you love science, a visit here is one of the top things to do in Texas, so head on down this weekend whether you have children in tow or not!

Address: 2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States

24. Bullock Texas State History Museum

Bullock Texas State History Museum

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The Bullock Texas State History Museum is one of the most engaging and accurate ways to learn about the story of the state.

It earned its name from the state’s 38th lieutenant governor and has been chronicling the history of the Lone Star State since its opening in 2001, welcoming a total of over 9 million visitors as one of the state’s most popular tourist attractions.

All sorts of different landmarks of the state’s past are recorded here and exhibited alongside artifacts, information, and galleries.

More than 500 of these artifacts are here at the Bullock State History Museum along with interactive exhibits, the state’s biggest IMAX screen, a 4D theatre, and plenty of audio-visual displays.

You’ll get to see the original statue of the Goddess of Liberty, which once resided on the dome of the State Capitol, and an Apollo 14 mission space suit used by Edgar Mitchell himself.

Some other loved exhibits include a preserved hull from the shipwrecked La Belle of the 17th century, presentations on the Alamo, details of the state’s oil industry, and information on the Tejano native culture.

Address: 1800 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, United States

25. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

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The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is one of the most interesting places to visit in Texas, especially if you’re interested in Spanish colonial history or the uptick of Catholicism in the Southwest.

It is here where Mission San Juan, Mission San José, Mission Espada, and Mission Concepción are located – all of the most historic missions in San Antonio.

In the 18th century, Franciscan friars decided to establish all these missions along the San Antonio River, about three miles apart along the way.

All of them are some of the most beautiful places in Texas, with unique features like Mission San Juan’s Romanesque features and the gorgeous frescos that remain untouched at Mission Concepción.

Given how many missions there are in this state, it’s natural that the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is a convenient way to see as many of these early 1700s structures as possible.

They are free to visit and provide some serenity in the hubbub of the city.

26. Natural Bridge Caverns

Natural Bridge Caverns

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The Natural Bridge Caverns are nothing short of beautiful and are among the many pretty places in Texas that deserve a spot on your vacation list.

The network is the biggest accessible one of its kind in America, with more than 10,000 formations of stalactite, including a 40-foot-high wall full of them known as King’s Throne.

Fifty years ago, the Natural Bridge Caverns were found by students from St Mary’s University burrowing bravely through a narrow passage.

The caverns were a huge discovery and were named after the giant bridge of limestone, spanning 60 feet, across its entrance.

In 1971, the caverns became a National Natural Landmark.

If you want to witness the many things to see in the Natural Bridge Caverns, you can book your choice of themed tour and be privy to the many individual chambers.

When you’re done exploring the underground, head back up top to check out the extremely large maze of 5,000 square feet, the zip lines, and the opportunity to pan for gems!

Address: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266, United States

27. Nasher Sculpture Centre

Nasher Sculpture Centre

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The Nasher Sculpture Centre is the proud site of a whopping 55,000 square feet of space dedicated entirely to sculptures.

Located opposite the Dallas Museum of Art, it was created by husband and wife team Raymond and Nancy Nasher.

It is widely considered the world’s most incredible collection of contemporary sculptures, making it a great choice for where to go in Texas this weekend, whether or not you’re an art aficionado!

At the Nasher Sculpture Centre, you’ll find more than 300 different artworks from the likes of Rodin, Matisse, and even Picasso.

Different sizes of art pieces, ranging from the tiny to the massive, are scattered about, easy to learn about via docent-led tours.

Don’t forget to check out the garden outside the Nasher Sculpture Centre, which spans 1.4 acres and has 25 more fascinating pieces to witness!

Address: 2001 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States

28. Dallas Zoo

Dallas Zoo

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The Dallas Zoo is one of the best things to do in Texas for animal lovers.

It can be found in Marsalis Park, where it takes up 106 acres and has been around since 1888.

This makes it the biggest and also the oldest zoo in Texas.

Better yet, it is run by the Dallas Zoological Society and is a non-profit attraction!

Over 406 species of animals – with more than 2,000 individual creatures – are housed at the Dallas Zoo across a variety of habitats.

The zoo primarily focuses on two themes, seen in its two major exhibit sections.

The first is the Wilds of Africa and the second is ZooNorth, and specific highlights include the Endangered Tiger Habitat, the Otter Outpost, and the Giants of the Savanna.

There is also a fun Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari monorail that lets you see animals from habitats of nations like Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia in the Great Rift Valley.

Address: 650 S R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75203, United States

If you’ve got more time and the willingness to explore, do check out El Paso and Fort Worth! If you do plan the trip, here are some cool things to do in El Paso and some of the best things to do in Fort Worth !

29. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

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Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is located in the Texas Gulf Coast and is one of the key places to go if you want to do a lot of touristy activities and find amusement and entertainment galore.

Though high in price, the boardwalk is a great place to check out eateries, amusement rides, shops, games, and more.

Pleasure Pier itself was first built in the 1940s before it was destroyed by Hurricane Carla in 1961.

It was reestablished in 2008, then was damaged by both Hurricane Ike and Hurricane Harvey.

It has since been, once more, rebuilt to continue offering its delightful array of attractions.

Address: 2501 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550, United States

30. Dallas Museum of Art

Dallas Museum of Art

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The Dallas Museum of Art is another option for what to do in Dallas, Texas.

It first opened its doors in 1903 and is home to over 24,000 works of art.

It is one of America’s biggest museums and offers tons of art from the country and from international sources, ranging from ancient to contemporary.

At the Dallas Museum of Art’s permanent collection, you’ll see all sorts of art styles, eras, and cultural depictions.

Artifacts from Greece, Rome, and Egypt provide glimpses into classical artistry.

Ancient works from the Mediterranean, Africa, and Asia provide unique insights into global creativity.

The European art gallery boasts big names like Claude Monet and spans the 18th to 20th centuries.

Modern works are done by greats like Jackson Pollock, Roy Lichtenstein, and Mark Rothko.

It’s an art-lover’s paradise!

Address: 1717 N Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States

31. Japanese Tea Garden

Japanese Tea Garden

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The Japanese Tea Garden is one of the best Texas attractions for a calm, serene time.

It began its life as a simple quarry until officials of San Antonio, Texas decided to turn it into a thriving, peaceful space.

They turned it into a garden and a lily pond and requested the aid of a knowledgeable Japanese family to transform it into a genuine Japanese space.

Sadly, that family was violently moved away after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the attraction was changed to a Chinese tea garden in order to avoid public backlash.

The war would have to end before it could be returned to its original name and purpose.

In the early 2000s, the city began refurbishing it after years of vandalism and neglect.

It is now a gorgeous space with a pagoda, koi ponds, and waterfalls.

Address: 3853 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212, United States

32. Schlitterbahn Waterpark

Schlitterbahn Waterpark

Schlitterbahn Waterpark

Texas attractions are often about beating the powerful heat!

That’s why Schlitterbahn Waterpark located in New Braunfels is so popular as one of the fun things to do in Texas.

It is packed with attractions for people of all ages, including downhill racing slides, fast tube slides, a heated lagoon, a water coaster, a lazy river, splash parks, and child-specific attractions.

Planning to stay in this part of Texas for a while?

Schlitterbahn Waterpark is also a resort, so you can book cabanas or rooms to enjoy the full experience!

Address: 400 N Liberty Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

33. Jacob’s Well

Jacob's Well

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Jacob’s Well is a fascinating place and one of the more unique points of interest in Texas.

It rests at the base of a large rock pile and is a round blue pond that has a 30-foot vertical drop on the surface.

Then, beneath that, there are many caverns and caves, arranged in a dangerous network and ready to be explored.

Jacob’s Well is the state’s second-biggest entirely submerged cave.

For adrenaline junkies who like diving and swimming with a little risk, a dip in Jacob’s Well may be one of the most fun things to do in Texas.

Just make sure that you’re experienced, equipped, and aware of the risks before you check out the cave network, as several divers have become trapped there over the years.

Address: 1699 Mt Sharp Rd, Wimberley, TX 78676, United States

34. The Moody Gardens and Aquarium

The Moody Gardens and Aquarium

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The Moody Gardens and Aquarium are a theme park comprising 242 acres of excitement and fun, complete with a hotel, a convention center, nine attractions, a beach, lazy river, a rainforest zoo, and even a rope and zip line course!

It’s basically numerous tourist attractions all rolled up into one.

Though the prices are a little steep, most visitors to Texas consider a trip to The Moody Gardens and Aquarium to be very worth it.

There are so many things to try, explore, and experience for those of all ages, so you’ll be spoiled for choice!

Address: 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554, United States

35. Rothko Chapel

Rothko Chapel

Rothko Chapel

Rothko Chapel isn’t just one of the best places to visit in Texas, it’s also one of the world’s most holy locations.

In fact, it is on the list of “Sacred Places of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Most Peaceful and Powerful Destinations” according to National Geographic.

The chapel is a mix of a simple, serene building of faith and a complete work of art.

14 paintings cover its walls on the interior, made with black-and-color-splashed styles by Mark Rothko himself.

Rothko worked with many great architects to create the windowless structure, but he passed away in 1971, a little while before the chapel could officially open.

More than 80,000 people come to this part of Texas every year in order to visit the majestic brilliance of the Rothko Chapel.

It is meant as a meditative worship space for people of all faiths, so it is free to use by you when you visit.

Address: 3900 Yupon St, Houston, TX 77006, United States

36. Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Fort Worth Botanic Garden

The oldest botanic garden in Texas is definitely one of the sites to see to add to your list!

Within its bounds, there are more than 1,700 begonia species and 350 orchid species, which are just some of the over 2,500 different plant species that call the Fort Worth Botanic Garden home.

It is dedicated to the preservation of exotic and rare plants.

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is made up of 22 individual gardens that take up a total of 110 acres.

It was first set up in 1934 and has grown to contain a vegetable garden, a conservatory measuring 10,000 square feet, a Zen Garden, the Fort Worth Japanese Garden, and a Lower Rose Garden.

Address: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States

37. Sea Turtle, Inc.

Sea Turtle, Inc

Sea Turtle, Inc

Sea Turtle, Inc. located in South Padre Island isn’t one of the typical tourist places in Texas, but it’s a lot of fun to visit!

It is a non-profit group focused on rehabilitating sea turtles and releasing them back into the wild.

Its mission also involves the education of the public regarding the plight of sea turtles and current conservation efforts in their favor.

At Sea Turtle, Inc., which was founded in 1977, expect to leave with a lot of new knowledge.

You’ll be privy to educational talks, get to witness sea turtles swimming and recovering in big tanks, and garner access to an outdoor facility tour.

Address: 6617 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, United States

38. McDonald Observatory

McDonald Observatory

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McDonald Observatory is a bit of a niche item to add to a Texas bucket list, but it’s well worth the trip for those who love space and the world beyond our world.

Located on the campus of the University of Texas, it takes advantage of the naturally dark, clear skies above the state.

As an education center, the McDonald Observatory offers a wide range of events and programs.

Nighttime viewing events, sun viewing, and popular star parties are just a few of the ways that it involves the space-loving community in its operations.

Many different large telescopes are present at the McDonald Observatory, which is a research department at its core.

One of the biggest scopes on the planet, called the Hobby-Eberly, is also onsite.

A guided tour will let you see these huge telescopes up close, though you won’t be able to look through the most valuable ones.

Address: 3640 Dark Sky Dr, Fort Davis, TX 79734, United States

Looking for more excitement around Texas? Why not check out Galveston and Houston? If you do plan the trip, here are some top things to do in Galveston and some cool things to do in Houston !

39. SeaWorld San Antonio

SeaWorld San Antonio

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If you’ve decided that San Antonio is one of your places to travel to while in Texas, you’ll have a lot of fun visiting SeaWorld San Antonio !

The amusement park is aquatic-themed, allowing you to get up close and personal with all sorts of marine wildlife and animals.

Dolphins, seals, penguins, sharks, orcas, and more make up the different aquatic creatures you’ll be able to witness at SeaWorld San Antonio.

There are also lots of water rides that are perfect for cooling yourself down in the state’s blistering heat as well as normal, adrenaline-pumping dry rides like the hypercoaster of the Steel Eel or the inverted roller coaster of the Great White.

Check out the show schedule this weekend and see if you can watch the killer whales perform!

Address: 10500 Sea World Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251, United States

40. The Frontiers of Flight Museum

The Frontiers of Flight Museum

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The Frontiers of Flight Museum is a prime example of what to do in Texas for aviation enthusiasts.

It was founded in 1988 and has since become the premier museum of aerospace in Dallas and beyond.

Situated on Lemmon Avenue, it takes up around 100,000 square feet of space and is affiliated with the Smithsonian.

Among the coolest artifacts and exhibits at the Frontiers of Flight Museum include 200 or so aircraft from World War II, a full-sized model of the Wright flyer, a preserved Apollo 7 Command module, a Stearman PT-17 Kaydet Biplane, and remnants of the famous Hindenburg airship.

There are a total of 13 galleries to pursue that each discusses different aspects of aviation history.

Address: 6911 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75209, United States

41. National Museum of the Pacific War

National Museum of the Pacific War

The National Museum of the Pacific War is an educational and engaging offering among Texas attractions.

It is dedicated to the remembrance of World War II’s Pacific theater, with displays and artifacts presented in a glamorous and pizzazz-filled way.

It spans 33,000 square feet across six acres of space.

The museum takes up space in what was once the Nimitz Museum.

It was set up in 2000 and provides visitors with extremely modern amenities and fascinating exhibits that are surprisingly glitzy for a topic this sovereign.

More than 90 display cases, all climate-controlled, showcase artifacts, posters, photographs, and more.

The National Museum of the Pacific War also provides a full theater, 40 audio-visual displays, decommissioned armament and vehicles, and a replica battlefield complete with troop carriers, tanks, and foxholes.

Address: 311 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, United States

42. The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum

The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum

Warren Price Photography / Shutterstock

The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum is a rather interesting choice among places to visit in Texas.

It’s a genuine jack-up drilling rig that was retired and converted into a fun attraction for those curious about the operation of such rigs and what it’s like living on them.

Fittingly, the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum is located close to downtown Houston, Texas, which is the oil capital of the world.

It is run by the Offshore Energy Center and offers a unique look into the 1969 operation of the Ocean Star.

A self-guided tour lets you roam three different levels of the rig, where you’ll see videos on oil exploration and extraction, exhibits, equipment, and even the pipe deck.

Address: 2002 Wharf Rd, Galveston, TX 77550, United States

43. San Jacinto Monument

San Jacinto Monument

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The San Jacinto Monument is the tallest war monument in the entire world, measuring 570 feet and boasting a wide base of 125 feet squared.

It weighs 220 tons, offers a lift to an observation deck on its peak, and is made of a mix of concrete, stone, and steel.

The San Jacinto Monument is a testament to honor those who fought for the independence of Texas, especially during the Battle of San Jacinto.

The land of that battle led to the beginnings of the monument, which was purchased in the 1890s with the aid of fundraising efforts by Jesse H. Jones, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Republic’s Sons and Daughters group.

Today, the San Jacinto Monument rests in the San Jacinto Battleground Historical State Park, which is also one of the points of interest you should visit.

The structure is also a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark thanks to its incredible Art Deco design.

Address: 1 Monument Cir, La Porte, TX 77571, United States

44. San Antonio Botanical Garden

San Antonio Botanical Garden

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The San Antonio Botanical Garden is one of the many stunning tourist attractions in Texas, and it’s a lot of fun to walk through its many paths.

It covers 38 acres of ground, is family-friendly, and seeks to increase knowledge of plants through entertainment and education regarding the information on conservation.

The formal gardens boast different blooms every season, providing vibrant hues and lovely scents as they burst forth to show off their colors.

Tropical plants, a Rose Garden, and a country area add variety to the already vast garden.

Indoor displays and the Texas Native Trail all let you check out the many different florae, ranging from local to international and from common to exotic.

Guided tours can help you discover all that San Antonio Botanical Garden has in store.

If you’re interested in creating your own garden back home, the WaterSaver Garden provides information and examples of backyard design, green gardening, and more.

Address: 555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209, United States

45. Fort Davis National Historic Site

Fort Davis National Historic Site

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The Fort Davis National Historic Site is a gorgeous frontier fort that is expertly preserved.

Named after Jefferson Davis, the Secretary of War at the time, Fort Davis was erected in 1854 as a method of protecting travelers from raiders on the San Antonio – El Paso road of Texas.

From 1867 to 1881, it was staffed exclusively by African American and blank soldiers.

During the Civil War, Fort Davis fell into disuse and was eventually abandoned in 1891.

It wasn’t until 1867 that it was reopened.

Today, it contains over 20 well-preserved buildings – a successful amount among the 100 ruins – and five of them are decorated to include furnishings of the period.

One of them is the barracks, which have been refurbished with beds, each one labeled with the name of an actual occupant from 1884.

At Fort Davis National Historic Site, interpreters tell you the story of what life was like on Fort Davis.

Bugle calls sound regularly to emulate the atmosphere of its time.

It’s one of the most fascinating places to visit in Texas, especially for history-lovers.

Address: Fort Davis, TX 79734, United States

46. Caddo Lake

Caddo Lake

westtexasfish / Shutterstock

Caddo Lake is a collection of ponds and swamps in a lovely medley that forms a 25,400-acre bayou.

It rose to fame in 1910 after freshwater pearls were found in the mussels of the lake, leading to the three-year “pearl rush” of Texas.

Now, Caddo Lake continues to harbor mussels with pearls, though harvesters no longer frequent its depths.

Instead, it has turned into one of the things to see in the state of Texas.

Bald cypress trees are dropped in Spanish moss and gently grace the surfaces of the stunning waters.

You can fish, birdwatch, examine the flora, or test your luck in spotting some cool places and reptiles as you kayak around!

Address: Anthony Dr, Karnack, TX 75661, United States

47. Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center is the home stage of the must-see Dallas Symphony Orchestra .

Their reputation is tremendous, with acoustics and performances known throughout Texas.

They perform everything from modern pieces from pop culture and movies to classical staples of Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart.

The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center itself was finished in 1989 and boasts incredible acoustics thanks to its shoebox shape.

It’s also popular thanks to its clever interior design that allows even the rear seats to get a direct, clear view of the stage.

If you have time this weekend, drop in to see if a show is happening!

Address: 2301 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States

48. Caverns of Sonora

Caverns of Sonora

Kate Connes / Shutterstock

The Caverns of Sonora are among the best things to do in Texas if you like odd but entirely natural formations.

The cave was found in 1905 by sheer accident and, decades later, sparked the interest of professional spelunkers.

When caver Jack Burch noticed some damage to the natural rock formations in 1956 due to all the exploration, he decided to create trails, stairs, and railings that would allow people to explore safely without harming the caverns.

The formations with the Caverns of Sonora have odd, fun names.

The little nodes of minerals along the surfaces of the caves are called popcorn.

The hollow cylindrical mineral pieces are soda straws.

And of course, the layered flowstone made from water flowing through the floor, again and again, is called bacon!

These formations cover every corner and inch of the caves, providing a fascinating spectacle that feels a little like a fantasy world away from Texas!

Address: 1711 Pvt Rd 4468, Sonora, TX 76950, United States

Planning a road trip around Texas? Why not visit Lubbock, San Antonio, and Waco? If you do plan the trip, here are some of the best things to do in Lubbock , some cool things to do in San Antonio , and some top things to do in Waco !

49. Palo Duro Canyon

Palo Duro Canyon

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The Palo Duro Canyon is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Texas, and with a title like that, it had better be on your list of places to go!

In the center of the Texas Panhandle, the canyon opens up slowly – a mere gap that grows and grows into a plunging schism of vibrant layers of red, tan, and brown.

The Palo Duro Canyon is the second longest and second-largest of American canyons, boasting a 20-mile width at its widest point and a 120-mile length as it rises 3,463 feet above sea level and dives 800 feet down.

It was created by the Red River’s Prairie Dog Town fork and was named after the mesquite and juniper trees around it, with the Spanish word for “hardwood”.

For 12,000 or so years, Folsom and Clovis’s natives have inhabited the area, hunting bison and mammoth.

In more recent times, Kiowa, Apache, and Comanche natives have also used Palo Duro as a home and resource.

Address: 11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015, United States

50. Museum of the Weird

Museum of the Weird

Bex Walton / flickr

The Museum of the Weird is one of the few remaining dime-store museums in America, with most dying out in the 1920s.

This one, located in Austin, Texas, is extremely rare as a result.

It was made by Steve Busti, who runs it out of the rear of his store, which is called the Lucky Lizard.

Many unique and cool pieces decorate the Museum of the Weird.

Among them are a feejee mermaid, a hand of glory that was pickled and dried from a real hanged man, shrunken heads, a chicken with two heads, a cyclops pig, and even mummies.

There is a special Wax Museum portion as well as a unique darkroom called the Minnesota Iceman, which tells the tale of an old, confusing mystery.

The Museum of the Weird also boasts a theatre with a rotating cast of strange performers.

One will hold a live wire, one will hurt themselves, one will perform a traditional sideshow, and one is a three-legged dog.

If nothing else, the museum lives up to its name, so if you love the bizarre, add it to your list of what to do!

Address: 412 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Texas

Texas is a warm, friendly, and vibrant state, and its size means that depending on where you are, you’ll get to experience a different vibe and atmosphere.

Each one makes up a unique aspect of Texas, and this list can help you figure out what to see that will let you experience the very most of that variety!

Happy travels.

The Crazy Tourist

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Texas (TX) » 30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Texas

30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Texas

The Lone Star State, which prides itself on qualities like independence and self-sufficiency, is full of places with the kind of uncompromising rough-hewn beauty that makes you feel pretty insignificant.

I’ve picked a lot of these for my list, like the second-largest canyon in America, or the largest and remotest national park in the country. These are places that cater to a human need to be out in the elements, fending for yourself and those you love.

Size is another thing that Texas has in spades, and this is reflected in the full breadth of the state’s natural beauty, from steamy bayous in the east to sand dunes in the west, high mesas in the north and unending barrier islands in the south..

There’s a gentler side too, with springs and swimming holes for joyous summer days, exquisite botanical gardens, springtime meadows flush with wildflowers, and quaint small towns with a story to tell.

I was born and raised in Dallas, so as a Texas native I’m pretty confident you’re gonna like my list of the best places to visit in Texas:

1. Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park

It’s only right that the starting point should be the largest and remotest national park in the entire United States.

Not many people make it to Big Bend National Park, and it’s not the kind of place to visit at the drop of a hat or on a detour. This forbidding lunar environment is a place for carefully planned adventures.

This might mean hiking past bizarre rock formations and up to distant lookouts, observing migrating birds, gazing at the darkest night skies in the world, driving roads with dizzyling accents or descents, or paddling through deep canyons on the Rio Grande.

If you’ve got what it takes, hike the strenuous South Rim Trail, which rises 2,000 feet, and compensates you with desert views for miles from the ridge.

Tip: You may also like my article on the most popular national parks .

2. Enchanted Rock

Enchanted Rock State Park

Steeped in legend, Enchanted Rock is an exposed batholith, a dome of pink granite erupting from the landscape at a height of 425 feet.

This makes it the second-largest hill composed of bedrock in the United States, and if there’s cause for regret it’s that this formation was once one of many to be found on the edge of Gillespie and Llano counties, a lot of which were quarried for their stone.

Enchanted Rock is prominent in Comanche, Apache and Tonkawa folklore, and I think it’s easy to see why—much of your time in the natural area will be spent transfixed by the hill and the panoramas that it affords.

There are many more rock formations to be admired and conquered, on more than 10 miles of trails.

3. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Texas’s answer to the Grand Canyon is only 25 miles from Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle, at the site of the Comanche’s last stand in 1874.

With its high mesa walls, multi-colored bands of rock and spire-like hoodoos, this 800-foot cleave in the landscape is the work of water erosion across many millennia on the Prairie Dog Town Fork Red River.

The artist Georgia O’Keeffe was drawn to this place, and painted it multiple times between 1916 and 1918.

One of the things I love most about Palo Duro Canyon State Park is how accessible it is, with 16 miles of paved roads, and another 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails leading to the main sights.

The canyon’s icon is Lighthouse Rock hoodoo, 300 feet tall and three miles along a trail from the park road.

4. Caddo Lake State Park

Caddo Lake State Park

Straddling the Texas-Louisiana border is the mysterious Caddo Lake, a natural body of water formed around a thousand years ago by a giant log jam known as the Great Raft.

The lake is essentially a network of sloughs, bayous and ponds, sprouting tall bald cypresses draped in Spanish moss. Alligators, turtles, snakes, beavers, river otters, bobcats, and more than 70 fish species flourish in this environment.

Caddo Lake has been inhabited for 12,000 years, and when the Spanish arrived in the 16th century they came across the Caddoan society, which had developed sophisticated agriculture.

The state park is a place to go fishing, paddle (rentals are available), hike on 2.5 miles of trails, camp, or rent one of the park’s historic cabins, built by the CCC during the Great Depression.

5. Colorado Bend State Park

Colorado Bend State Park

If I had to choose one place that encapsulates the Texas Hill Country it would surely be Colorado Bend, a couple of hours northwest of Austin .

Over 5,300 acres, the state park is a land of karstic formations, woven with caves, springs, and sinkholes.

There’s a lot to get up to, whether you’re lounging in crystal clear waters at Spicewood Springs, touring a cave, or marveling at the 70-foot Gorman Falls, the park’s standout sight.

The topography varies wildly, with trails that lift you to craggy outcrops or zigzag down a valley to a shaded creek bed.

There’s camping of all kinds, from drive-up to hike-in, and you find yourself in the company of local wildlife like deer and armadillos, which go as they please at the park.

You may also like my guide on where to stay when visiting Austin .

6. El Capitan

El Capitan

What you see when you look at this icon of Texas is an ancient barrier reef from 290 million years ago, hoisted up by tectonic forces.

El Capitan’s sheer limestone walls, like the rest of the Guadalupe Mountain peaks, are the exposed sides of the reef stripped away of all their softer sediment.

Only the hardiest of climbers reach the summit, and for everyone else this is a natural monument best enjoyed from a distance, either on a trail in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, or from the southeast side along U.S. Highway 62/180.

My ideal time to make the stop is early on a sunny day, when those sheer cliffs are aglow.

7. Barton Springs Pool

Barton Springs pool in Austin, Texas

An outdoor municipal pool might not be an obvious candidate for my list of the most beautiful places, but Austin’s treasured Barton Springs Pool is something special.

The pool is an impounded stretch of Barton Creek, fed entirely by the fourth largest spring in the state.

The water on the surface is between 68 °F and 74 °F all year, with swimming permitted year round, except on Thursdays when the pool is closed for cleaning.

When you stop to take in the scene, with the glassy waters, the green sloping banks of the creek and the towers of downtown Austin visible along the valley, it’s impossible to deny the Barton Springs Pool’s place on the list.

Also extraordinary, the Barton Springs salamander is a species that exists pretty much only in this spot. This one also made it to my list of  55 Best Things to Do in Austin .

8. Monahans Sandhills State Park

Monahans Sandhills State Park

It’s a testament to the size of Texas that on one side you can have steamy bayous and on the other you can enter a range of sand dunes that look like the Sahara.

I think you’ll be fascinated to learn that this isn’t even a desert. The Monahans Sandhills are a rare semi-arid ecosystem supporting the shinoak shrub, which has huge root systems penetrating the dunes and reaching the groundwater many feet below.

There are no marked trails here—instead you can go where you please, and rent sand disks for some Texas-style sledding, down slopes as high as 70 feet.

See also :  23 Amazing Hidden Gems in Texas

9. Caverns of Sonora

Caverns of Sonora

As magnificent as they are remote, the Caverns of Sonora are on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, halfway between San Antonio and Big Bend National Park.

What elevates this limestone cave above most others is the breathtaking quantity and complexity of its calcite formations.

The helictites are among the finest on show anywhere in the world, and resemble intricate works of glass art by someone like Dale Chihuly.

My favorite fact about this place is that it’s active, with 98% of those formations still growing as we speak. The main tour is just under two hours long, taking through two miles of chambers to a depth of 155 feet.

10. Padre Island National Seashore

Padre Island National Seashore

If, like me, you associate the name ‘Padre Island’ with the famous resort town then the Padre Island National Seashore will come as a shock. Instead of spring breakers there’s more than 60 miles of uninhabited shoreline, on the longest barrier island in the world.

The national seashore is so remote that you can only reach it with a four-wheel-drive vehicle. A pristine sandy shoreline continues to the horizon, with dunes, tidal flats, and the immensity of the Laguna Madre on the west side.

To me it feels like the far end of the world. Birds love it here. In fact 380 species have been documented on Padre Island, which is almost half of species recorded in North America.

Fall through is the best time for birdwatching, either during the epic migrations or when many thousands of birds winter along the shore.

11. Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg, Texas

The off-ramp for Enchanted Rock also happens to be one of Texas’s most beautiful small towns . Settled by Germans in the mid-19th century Fredericksburg still has a bit of a German accent, present in its cuisine, place names, customs and architecture.

The town could not have a better location, with epic natural wonders but also more than 50 vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms minutes away, lined out on gentle south slopes of the Pedernales river.

Back in town, the historic Main Street is a long, twin row of engaging specialty shops, galleries, tasting rooms, boutiques and German restaurants.

As the boyhood home of Chester W. Nimitz (1885-1966), Fredericksburg is the site of one of the country’s best military museums, documenting the Pacific Theater.

12. Hamilton Pool Preserve

Hamilton Pool Preserve

The obligatory day trip from Austin is a natural pool in a bowl with overhanging cliffs 50 feet in height. This stunning work of natural architecture was created when the dome of a subterranean river collapsed.

For you and me, the result is a swimming hole of unrivaled beauty, with Hamilton Creek entering the bowl as a waterfall.

The volume of the waterfall changes with the seasons, but the level of the pool never changes.

The natural processes that forged Hamilton Pool are ongoing, so the pool is occasionally closed for swimming when the cliffs become unstable.

The surrounding preserve has interesting botany, especially in the rocky canyon areas, where stream orchids and the westernmost colony of red bay can be seen.

13. Franklin Mountains State Park

Franklin Mountains State Park

The writer Cormac McCarthy moved to El Paso in the 1970s, and I think the Franklin Mountains at the far western limit of Texas embody the high-desert setting of his most famous books.

Little more than 15 minutes from downtown El Paso, this range is a constant presence in the city, and promises a sense of peace, widescreen vistas over the lowlands, and a scenic desolation.

You’re in the Chihuahuan Desert here, with slopes sparsely tufted with yucca, poppies and barrel cactus, and oak, juniper and cottonwood crowding the mountain springs.

Be ready for tough desert terrain on more than 100 miles of trails in 37 square miles of pure wilderness.

14. Jefferson

Jefferson

West of Caddo Lake, this pre-Civil War town is almost intact, preserved as it was when it was one of Texas’s main riverports.

I can’t get enough of Jefferson’s brick-paved streets and genteel commercial buildings, all labeled with historical markers.

The town’s golden age was between 1845 and 1872, but navigation on the Big Cypress Bayou was suddenly made impossible in 1875 when a logjam was cleared downstream, lowering the level.

In Jefferson it behooves you to slow things down a little, and the best way to start is at a quaint old bed & breakfast.

You can pore over the collections at the local historical museum, set in a Romanesque Revival courthouse and post office, with four floors of exhibits, including the steamboat days and the Civil War.

15. Dallas Arboretum And Botanical Garden

Dallas Arboretum And Botanical Garden

On the shores of White Rock Lake in East Dallas, this relatively young arboretum first opened to the public in 1984.

I think the setting is part of the magic of the Dallas Arboretum, on the estate of the geophysicist Everette Lee DeGolyer (1886-1956), whose work was instrumental to the oil industry.

The Spanish Revival DeGolyer home (1938) mingles with some 20 gardens, incorporating art, fascinating botany, art and expert landscape architecture.

On the winding trail it feels like you’re in a new little world every few steps. If there’s an ideal time to be here, it’s surely early spring, for Dallas Blooms.

This is the largest annual floral festival in the Southwest with uplifting spring blooms, from tulips to azaleas, paired with live culture, children’s activities, Easter events and more.

I’ve written some great guides on Dallas:

  • Guide to Downtown Dallas
  • 55 Amazing Things to Do in Dallas
  • 15 Best Day Trips from Dallas
  • Best Tours in Dallas

16. Willow City Bluebonnets Loop

Bluebonnets, Texas

If you’re in Fredericksburg around early April there’s never a better time to see the Texas state flower, the bluebonnet in bloom.

A few miles northeast of the town you’ll leave behind a bucolic rural landscape for something a little rougher, in a rocky land of cliffs and deep canyons, with views that scroll out for miles.

Here a 13-mile ranch road twists through the rugged terrain, and in spring your eyes will be drawn to the roadside meadows in the valleys.

After a wet winter these fields are astonishingly beautiful, sporting wildflowers of many different varieties and colors, but it’s bluebonnets that bring the crowds.

In fact, my word to the wise is to make the drive on a weekday as the weekends can get hectic on the Willow City Loop .

Marfa

A little town adrift in the high desert of the Trans-Pecos, three hours from El Paso has become a hotspot for contemporary art, and a luxury tourist destination.

For this you can thank Donald Judd (1929-1994), the Minimalist artist who relocated here from New York in the 1970s, buying a slew of buildings and acquiring more than 30,000 acres of ranch land.

His legacy abides in Marfa’s museums, galleries, art installations, contemporary artisan shops and the town’s sleek architecture.

The Chinati Foundation, established by Judd in 1986, is a great starting point. The museum is rooted in Judd’s own philosophies and specializes in works that have a close relationship with their natural surroundings.

18. Big Thicket National Preserve

Big Thicket National Preserve

Something that fascinates me about Southeast Texas is that it’s the meeting point for a variety of habitats that are spread across big chunks of the United States.

This is a crossroads, at the western and southern limit for plant species associated with the East Coast and Midwest. To protect this unique diversity the National Park Service set up one of the first two National Preserves here in 1974.

The Big Thicket National Preserve is 15 units comprising a total 113,000 acres, and while that may sound massive, you can think of it as a cross-section of American nature condensed into one corner of Texas.

You can paddle between the bald cypresses in a bayou, observe rare carnivorous plants dining on insects in baygall bogs, and take an easy walk in longleaf pine uplands. Start at the Visitor Center in Kountze to wrap your head around Big Thicket’s importance, and go from there.

19. Texas State Capitol

Texas State Capitol

Presiding over downtown Austin from its hilltop perch, the Texas State Capitol is up there with the nation’s finest state capitol buildings.

Truly Texas, this monument mixes scale with artistry. It’s the sixth-tallest state capitol, and has more floor space than any other.

A whole spur of the Austin and Northwestern Railroad was constructed in the 1880s to transport the reddish granite that clads the capitol from Marble Falls.

Inside, check out the Great Seal in the Rotunda, and the magnificent star, which was installed in the dome, 218 feet above the floor, in 1958.

There’s a whole statuary for Texas’s political and historical figures, but the greatest work of all is the Goddess of Liberty crowning the dome.

The current statue is a replica from 1986, and the 1888 original can be seen in a dedicated museum on the capitol grounds.

See also :  15 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways in Texas

20. Devils River State Natural Area

Devils River State Natural Area

If it’s true wilderness you’re seeking I don’t think it gets more wild than the Devils River, a tributary of the Rio Grande, wriggling through a sparsely inhabited tranche of southwestern Texas.

The 37,000-acre natural area on the river is 60 miles north of Del Rio, in rugged lands inhabited by mountain lions, black bears, rattlesnakes, and not much else.

Camping is primitive here, so plan carefully and bring everything you need to survive for several days.

With some care, you’ll have the privilege of paddling on some of the clearest water you’ve ever seen, in a place where, even now, few people dare to venture.

You’ll need to be an experienced paddler too, as the river is notoriously boisterous, with rapids and drops like the roaring Dolan Falls which is listed in my selection of the best waterfalls in Texas .

21. Natural Bridge Caverns

Natural Bridge Caverns, Texas

In 1960, while exploring the Texas Hill Country, four students from St. Mary’s University stumbled upon a limestone cave system so large that even today new passages are being discovered.

Later, one of the students dropped out to help the landowner develop the caves for tourism, and this is the origin of the largest commercial caverns in Texas, still family owned and operated more than 60 years later.

The basic Discovery Tour puts you in the boots of the people who found the cave, taking you through the hall-like first chambers, and showing off the engrossing formations with expert lighting.

I recommend you dress for the conditions, as there’s 99% humidity and a constant 70 °F underground.

The headline feature is the one that gives the caverns their name—a 60-foot natural bridge spanning the bowl-like entrance, formed when a sinkhole collapsed underneath.

22. Caprock Canyons State Park

Caprock Canyons State Park

For anyone enchanted by the harsh beauty of Palo Duro Canyon, there’s another place with scenery straight out of a John Ford Western, little more than an hour away.

Hewn out by the Little Red River, Caprock Canyons has the same steep bluffs and colorful stratification, each line layer representing a different geologic age.

You can get away from it all on more than 90 miles of trails, some of which are hard going. One of the tougher routes is the Haynes Ridge Overlook Trail, taking you to the very top of the park for all-encompassing views of the canyons below.

The Texas State Bison Herd adds some extra mystique to Caprock Canyons, roaming free over 10,000 acres in the state park.

23. Lost Maples State Natural Area

Lost Maples State Natural Area

If you want to see fall colors in Texas then you may not need me to tell you that the place to go is Lost Maples State Natural Area, around 70 miles of San Antonio.

This isolated stand of bigtooth maple forest is a remnant of a once massive expanse that flourished thousands of years ago when the region’s climate was much cooler and damper than it is today.

My tip is to make a note of the weather in autumn before visiting, because the reds are even more vivid in years when there’s less rain and the nights are cooler.

These 3,000 acres pack a lot of rugged limestone features, especially along the Sabinal River, which is flanked by steep canyon walls.

Salado

Small-town Texas at its best, Salado was born in the mid-19th century, along the Chisholm Trail cattle drives.

Something that has been here since the time of the trail is the Stagecoach Inn (1852), thought to be the oldest operating hotel in Texas (now known as the Shady Villa Hotel).

Less than an hour from Austin , Salado shares its near neighbor’s artsy vibe, with a whole community of creators doing their thing here.

The town is by no means large, but packs days’ worth of art experiences, at galleries and studios where you can see acclaimed artists in action. Two art-related dates to keep in the diary are the Wildflower Arts & Crafts Festival in March and the August’s Salado Art Fair.

25. Mission San José

Mission San José

More than 300 years old, the largest of the San Antonio Missions is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is affectionately known as the Queen of the Missions.

The church as we see it was begun in 1768, and was the core of a complex to convert Coahuiltecan Native Americans. I think Mission San José’s beauty is plain to see.

Those weathered limestone walls contrast with theatrical Baroque carvings, around and above the main portal, and on the stunning rose window on the south facade.

Of course, there’s a complicated and thorny history to unravel at Mission San José, and there’s no two ways about it. Drop by the visitor center first for exhibits depicting life at this place in the 18th century.

Be sure to also check out my guides on San Antonio:

  • 15 Best Things to Do in Downtown San Antonio
  • 25 Best Things to Do in San Antonio (TX)
  • 15 Best Day Trips from San Antonio
  • 15 Best San Antonio Tours

26. Port Aransas

Walking over the Dunes in Port Aransas

Eco-tourism has taken off in a big way at Port Aransas, which sits across the bay from Corpus Christi on Mustang Island.

Birds play a big part in that, with hundreds of native and migrating species to be observed at no fewer than six sites on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.

The star of the show is the endangered whooping crane, which winters on Mustang Island and nowhere else between November and March, and is even the subject of an annual festival in February.

People have been paddling this waters for years, and the inward Redfish Bay is the site of the first designated paddling trail on the Texas coast .

Come summer Port Aransas is a place for the simple joys of the sand between your toes, wind in your hair, on 18 miles of open sandy shoreline.

27. The Alamo

The Alamo

I can’t leave out the most iconic landmark in Texas, charged with monumental importance as the site of a 13-day siege in 1836 by Mexican troops against rebel Texians.

And while The Alamo is remembered as a battleground and a battle cry that soon led to the formation of the Republic of Texas, this was originally a mission, founded in 1718.

The church’s Baroque facade remains The Alamo’s signature image, and this building was later adapted as a U.S. Army Quartermaster Depot.

There’s 300+ years of history to uncover on four acres of grounds, with interpretive exhibits woven into shaded subtropical gardens, framed by those old stone walls.

28. Jacob’s Well Natural Area

Jacob’s Well Natural Area

At the source of Cypress Creek in the Texas Hill Country there’s a perennial karstic spring walled by rocky bluffs.

The water percolates through the bedrock and up through this dark, 12-foot hole, forming a light ripple when it reaches the surface.

Jacob’s Well is even deeper than it looks—and it looks deep. The main cave descends vertically for around 30 feet, and then there’s a series of chambers reaching an average depth of about 120 feet.

With its shimmering waters, the spring is tempting on hot summer days, and is normally open to swimmers May through September.

As a reminder of the fragility of this natural site, the spring’s flow has ceased several times since 2000, and this down to the lowering of the Trinity Aquifer, caused by development in the area.

29. Zilker Botanical Garden

Zilker Botanical Garden

Two of my entries on this are within walking distance of each other. In the same park, just a few hundred feet from Barton Springs Pool there’s another of the state’s great botanical attractions.

Zilker Botanical Garden has been billed as the “jewel in the heart of Austin”, laid out on a hillside with stately live oaks and views of downtown.

Meandering paths link a diversity of themed gardens, like the Hartman Prehistoric Garden, which recreates a lush Cretaceous environment, or the koi-filled ponds of the Taniguchi Japanese Garden.

You can pause at any number of little shaded nooks, or bask in the sun on the neat lawns.

30. Medina River Natural Area

Medina River Natural Area

I’ll finish with a lesser known spot. On the south side of San Antonio there’s more than 500 acres of picture-perfect riparian landscapes along the Medina River.

As well as being just 20 minutes from downtown San Antonio, the Medina River Natural Area stands out for the variety of plant life.

Down on the riverfront there’s pecan and venerable bald cypress, while the uplands have honey mesquite, cactus and gorgeous wildflowers in springtime.

I recommend keeping a watchful eye for snakes and poison ivy, but thankfully there are plenty of signs to keep you informed of any threats.

Water activities are not permitted here, but if you want a paddling trip on the Medina River, head to Bandera, where the waters are clear as can be.

Want more? Check out my other posts on Texas:

  • 40 Places to See in Texas Before Your Kids Grow Up
  • 15 Best Places to Live in Texas
  • 23 Amazing Hidden Gems in Texas
  • 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in Texas

30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Texas:

  • Big Bend National Park
  • Enchanted Rock
  • Palo Duro Canyon State Park
  • Caddo Lake State Park
  • Colorado Bend State Park
  • Barton Springs Pool
  • Monahans Sandhills State Park
  • Caverns of Sonora
  • Padre Island National Seashore
  • Fredericksburg
  • Hamilton Pool Preserve
  • Franklin Mountains State Park
  • Dallas Arboretum And Botanical Garden
  • Willow City Bluebonnets Loop
  • Big Thicket National Preserve
  • Texas State Capitol
  • Devils River State Natural Area
  • Natural Bridge Caverns
  • Caprock Canyons State Park
  • Lost Maples State Natural Area
  • Mission San José
  • Port Aransas
  • Jacob’s Well Natural Area
  • Zilker Botanical Garden
  • Medina River Natural Area

Totally Texas Travel

The 20 Best Places To Visit In Texas

By: Author texasonly

Places to visit in Texas Pinterest Pin

Everything is bigger in Texas, right?! Well, that is the saying, and we agree, especially based on all of these awesome places to visit in Texas!

As the second largest state in the USA, Texas is big in size and big on charm.

Texas offers delicious barbecue, breathtaking vistas, a plethora of state and national parks, miles of coastline, small towns, and big cities.

Really, there are so many great vacation spots in Texas that we have devoted this entire website to showing you all of the great things that the Lone Star State has to offer.

While Texas is best known for its cowboy culture, it is really so much more than just that.

Texas is home to world-class museums, the Houston Space Center, an exciting music scene, unique geological features, loads of history, and an extreme amount of southern hospitality.

Let’s check out some of the best places to visit in Texas (in no particular order) !

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lake with Austin skyline in the background-places to visit in Texas

Austin, Texas, the Texas state capitol and a city with a vibe all its own. Known as the ‘Live Music Capital of the World,’ Austin is a lively city with so much to offer locals and visitors.

Whether you are spending a weekend in Austin , or a week, Austin will definitely keep you entertained.

The city surrounds beautiful Lady Bird Lake (one of the lakes in Austin ) which offers visitors (and locals) the opportunity to get out in nature during their time in Austin.

Lady Bird Lake is a great place to go walking, jogging, cycling, paddle boarding, and more.

A quirky Austin attraction to enjoy during your time in the city is to see the Austin bats.

Head to Congress Street Bridge on the edge of Lady Bird Lake at sunset to get a chance to see the nightly flight of the largest urban bat colony in the world!

Of course, you can’t visit the Texas state capitol and not visit the state capitol building.

The Texas state capitol building is open daily and free tours are offered of the interior of the building.

After you have toured the Texas state capitol, don’t miss a chance to tour the Governor’s Mansion as well.

Austin is also one of the best places to visit in Texas if you are a live music lover.

Not only do they host huge music festivals like South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits Festival, but you can also find live music playing around the city every night.

Some fun areas to consider for nightlife in Austin include Rainey Street and the famous Austin Sixth Street.

During your time in Austin you will also want to check out the Austin food scene.

For this, think delicious taco (especially breakfast tacos), great Texas barbecue, even fancy five-star restaurants!

Don't Mess With Texas mural

Austin also has some great museums to offer to visitors.

To learn more about the history of Texas, you definitely want to visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum .

This museum walks you through the history of Texas from the fight for independence through modern day events.

To ‘keep Austin weird,’ you definitely don’t want to miss the Museum of the Weird during your time in the city!

There are also several art museums in the area. Austin offers the Contemporary Austin Jones Center, the Mexic-Arte Museum , and the George Washington Carver Museum.

If you have time, don’t miss out on some of the fun day trips from Austin as well.

One of which is the scenic drive from Austin to Fredericksburg or visit some of the best waterfalls in Texas that can be found in this area!

Houston skyline with park in front

Houston is the largest city in Texas, and is considered by many to be the hub of the state.

Offering up world-class museums, famous attractions, and a great food scene, Houston is another of the Texas cities that will keep you entertained for as long as you wish to stay.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Houston is the Space Center Houston .

The Space Center Houston welcomes over 800,000 visitors every year!

With a mission to educate and inspire young people to embrace science and technology, the Space Center Houston allows visitors to get hands on with space exploration.

There are several permanent exhibits, artifacts, and various space items on display at the Space Center Houston as well.

Kids and kids at heart will have a great time at the Space Center!

Just past the Space Center Houston is the fun little town of Kemah.

Kemah is a great seaside town that has a fun boardwalk full of carnival rides and games.

There are also some great restaurants and some fun shops to explore in Kemah, so don’t miss your opportunity to visit it while in Houston.

The Houston museum scene is fabulous as well, with downtown Houston loaded with choices.

You can visit the Museum of Fine Arts which contains over 64,000 works of art from six continents.

If you prefer a natural museum, then head to the Houston Museum of Natural Science .

Here you can see the butterfly exhibit and investigate the origins of the Houston area.

Don’t miss the culinary scene during your time in Houston as well.

With food ranging from delicious Texas barbecue to fresh, gulf coast seafood, Houston has you covered on all levels.

If you are wanting to get outdoors, Houston has you covered there as well.

There are several parks and lakes in Houston that you can use to escape the summer heat.

Dallas skyline lit up at night-one of the best places to visit in Texas

A visit to Texas isn’t complete without visiting Dallas.

Home to an incredible arts district, world-class restaurants, and a fabulous nightlife scene, Dallas is the place to see and be seen during your visit to Texas.

One of the top attractions in Dallas is the Dallas World Aquarium . The Dallas World Aquarium is home to more than just fish.

This awesome rainforest-like environment houses exotic birds, mammals, fish, and more for visitors to enjoy.

Dallas is also home to a thriving arts district.

The Dallas Arts District is comprised of numerous museums, live theatre venues, and great outdoor spaces right in the heart of downtown Dallas.

This is also a great city to enjoy wining and dining your significant other.

There are so many choice for Dallas date ideas that we could go on forever.

Just find one that speaks to your style and go for it!

History buffs will want to visit Dealey Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum housed in the Texas School Book Depository.

The Sixth Floor Museum is a museum dedicated to chronicling the life and assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

The Sixth Floor Museum contains more than 90,000 items related to the assassination and presidency of Mr. Kennedy.

Guests at the Sixth Floor Museum can view a timeline of the events surrounding the President’s assassination.

The Sixth Floor Museum also offers contains items of pop culture related to the Kennedy family which are unique for sure!

ferris wheel and pond at Fair Park in Dallas

There are loads of great museums in Dallas to explore.

Some others that you might want to consider include the Dallas Holocaust Museum, the Perot Museum, the Museum of Illusion, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, and the Old Red Museum.

If you want to see the Dallas of the past, then head to the Dallas Heritage Village .

Dallas Heritage Village houses a large collection of 19th century Pioneer and Victorian homes and commercial building for visitors to explore.

You might want to head to the Dallas Farmer’s Market during your time in the city as well.

Not only does the Farmer’s Market sell fresh fruits and vegetables, but it also houses numerous food stalls that are great for a fun lunch in the city.

Dallas is a great area to enjoy being outdoors also.

Outdoor recreation in the area is comprised of some fabulous lakes in Dallas , parks (including a teddy bear park), fun Dallas beaches , and more!

Dallas also makes for the perfect hub to explore more areas in Texas, especially the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

There are numerous weekend getaways from Dallas that allow you to do just that.

fountains in front of building in Fort Worth Sundance Square

Although Fort Worth is located only about 30 minutes west of Dallas, the two could not be more different.

Fort Worth locals (like us) will tell you that Fort Worth is the more fun, laid-back version of the two cities. LOL!

Home to the Fort Worth Stockyards, the city chooses to embrace its cowboy heritage, and it sure shows.

As one of the top tourist attractions in the state, the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is well worth some of your vacation time.

Head to the Stockyards National Historic District to watch the daily cattle drive, see a rodeo, eat some delicious Texas beef, and learn how to do the Texas two step!

The Stockyards is packed with fun shops and loads of restaurants to choose from.

There is also a cattlepen maze and a mechanical bull that you can try during your time in Fort worth.

Cowboy culture and the Fort Worth Stockyards aren’t the only things that Fort Worth has to offer though.

Fort Worth has fabulous museums, a great zoo, and outstanding restaurants throughout the city.

Some of the popular museums in the city are the Fort Worth Museum of Natural Science and History , the Modern Art Museum , and the Kimball Art Museum .

Other areas of Fort Worth that you should check out are Sundance Square, the Magnolia area, and Fort Worth Cultural District, and the West 7th area.

flowers at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens

If you want a night of live entertainment, then Fort Worth has loads of choices.

Bass Hall hosts everything from comedy acts to symphony performances while Billy Bob’s Texas houses loads of country music concerts.

You should also take time to explore some of the city parks while in Fort Worth. T

he Fort Worth Botanical Gardens is home to acres of Texas flora and fauna to enjoy.

For an unique urban park, the Fort Worth Water Gardens is a great place to visit.

The Dallas-Fort Worth suburbs also have loads of great sports venues, a theme park, and some great outdoor spaces.

San Antonio

San Antonio River Walk

San Antonio is definitely one of the best places to visit in Texas!

Home to the San Antonio River Walk, the world famous Alamo, amusement parks, and a fabulous food scene, there are so many great things to do in San Antonio.

The Alamo is one of the most visited attractions in Texas.

Visitors flock to this historic Spanish Mission to learn the history associated with the city and the historical monument.

While you definitely don’t want to miss visiting the Alamo, don’t make it the only mission you visit in the city.

San Antonio is home to a total of five Spanish Colonial Missions, all well worth visiting.

Another must visit site in the city is the San Antonio River Walk.

The San Antonio River Walk is lined with great restaurants and fun shops.

Honestly, the San Antonio River Walk is the place to go if you love to people watch.

Just grab a table overlooking the River Walk and your favorite margarita and you can sit and people watch for hours.

mission of San Antonio

Another one of the best places to visit in the city is the San Antonio Botanical Garden .

The gardens are home to beautiful Texas flora and fauna and a great Japanese Garden.

The delicious cuisine in San Antonio is another reason to visit.

There are great restaurants throughout the city, not just the River Walk.

ake time to explore the historic Pearl District for some great dining and entertainment options as well.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme park and Sea World also call San Antonio home. Both of these are great options for some great family fun.

Outdoor lovers will want to check out the state parks near San Antonio in addition to all of the local San Antonio parks.

Another fun attraction in the area is the Natural Bridge Caverns .

The fact that the Natural Bridge Caverns are located right off of Interstate-35 makes it a popular stop, especially for visitors driving from Dallas to San Antonio .

Visitors to the Natural Bridge Caverns can enjoy the opportunity to explore the cave system on one of the guided tours, or on one of their adventure tours.

The Natural Bridge Caverns also have a zipline course, a ropes course, a maze, and gem and fossil mining.

Galveston Pleasure Pier

Galveston Island is one of the best places to visit in Texas on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Home to cruise ship ports, the historic Pleasure Pier, Moody Gardens, and miles of Texas coastline, Galveston has lots to offer.

Families love to explore the many fun offerings that Moody Gardens has to offer.

Kids love the rainforest pyramid, the water park, and the aquarium at Moody Gardens.

The downtown Strand area offers visitors an opportunity to see the historic Victorian-style building from Galveston’s hey day.

Housed in these old buildings are numerous boutique shops, and some great restaurants and bars.

If you are a foodie, then consider taking a food tour during your time in Galveston.

They are fun and informative!

Be sure to visit the the rooftop bar at the the Tremont House Hotel.

The drinks here are amazing and the views from the Tremont’s rooftop bar are stunning.

The Strand street sign

The Galveston Pleasure Pier is another hot attraction in the city.

Enjoy riding the amusement park rides, and playing the carnival style games as you are surrounded by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Nature lovers will, of course, feel right at home in Galveston.

In addition to the numerous beaches in Galveston, the city is also home to great restaurants, the Galveston Island State Park and Nature Center, and more.

During your time in Galveston, be sure to take one of the many history tours of the city.

The history of the island is so intriguing and there is no better way to learn about it then from a local guide.

The Galveston Island State Park is a great place to go bird watching, fishing, go horseback riding, or just enjoy the stretch of beach while listening to the surf.

Padre Island

beach and ocean on Padre Island-one of the places to visit in Texas

Another one of the best places to visit in Texas on the Texas Gulf Coast is Padre Island, one of the best beaches in Texas .

Padre Island is the longest barrier island in the world, so it only makes sense that people flock to this area.

People come to Padre Island for the numerous ecological opportunities, Schlitterbahn Water Park , and the great local restaurants that are in the area.

The South Padre Island National Seashore is a major attraction on Padre Island.

The South Padre Island National Seashore has 60 miles of sandy beaches for you to explore.

During your time visiting the South Padre Island National Seashore, you can enjoy driving and camping on the beach.

Of course South Padre Island National Seashore also offers all of the normal beach activities that people love!

You can build sandcastles, collect sea shells, fish, swim, and more!

The ecological tours from the island are another one of the many reasons people flock to Padre.

The island offers dolphin watching tours, a birding and nature center, a sea turtle rescue and recovery program, and numerous nature trails.

Since Padre is part of the Central Flyway Migratory Route for birds, it is the perfect place to do some bird watching.

Fredericksburg

vineyard in Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is one of the Texas small towns that will steal your heart for sure!

Known for the Texas wine and wineries that line the area, Fredericksburg is definitely one of the best places to visit in Texas if you are a wine lover!

Wine isn’t the only attraction in Fredericksburg though.

This small town is also home to Enchanted Rock State Park, a unique German heritage, and numerous museums.

If you are wanting to learn more about the history of the area, then Fredericksburg has you covered.

You can visit the Pioneer Museum or the historic Fort Martin Scott.

Outdoor lovers will want to visit Enchanted Rock to climb to the top of the rock and to explore the other hiking trails in the area.

Fredericksburg is also home to one of the fabulous lavender fields in Texas !

Close by are the small towns of Luckenbach Texas and Johnson City , the birthplace of President Lyndon B. Johnson.

No matter what you choose to do, there are so many things to do in Fredericksburg that you will enjoy your visit for sure!

bridge over river

What was once a small college town has become one of the top places to visit in Texas thanks to the hit HGTV show featuring Chip and Joanna Gaines.

People love to visit Waco to visit the Magnolia Market at the Silos, but that isn’t the only thing Waco has to offer.

Waco visitors should also check out the Dr Pepper Museum , the Cameron Park Zoo, and the Waco Mammoth National Monument .

Outdoor lovers will find that Waco has plenty to offer them as well.

Take time to explore Cameron Park or enjoy some time on Lake Waco to get your outdoor fix.

road into the countryside in Alpine

The city of Alpine is located in the hills of West Texas.

Alpine is a small town that is often used as a hub to explore Big Bend National Park, but don’t overlook what the town of Alpine has to offer as well.

This small town has a great downtown area that is full of fun boutique shops, some great local restaurants, and fabulous art galleries.

You can also visit the Museum of the Big Bend to learn more about the local history of the area.

New Braunfels

river with trees in New Braunfels

Located just north of San Antonio, New Braunfel s is close to both the Guadalupe River and the Comal River.

The proximity to these Texas rivers mean that people love to visit this central Texas town to enjoy all that the rivers have to offer.

In the summer, you will find people floating the rivers and visiting Schlitterbahn Waterpark to escape from the Texas heat.

Of course, you can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, and swimming on the rivers as well.

If you aren’t into the water sports, no worries, the New Braunfels area has other attractions.

Visit the Gruene Historic District to see the German heritage in the area.

The Gruene Historic District is also home to Gruene Hall, the oldest continually operating dance hall in the country, a great little shopping area, and some wonderful restaurants.

Corpus Christi

marina with boats in Corpus Christi

There are so many fabulous things to do in Corpus Christi that it is easy to see why it is one of the best places to visit in Texas!

Corpus Christi overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy a great little coastal community.

Of course, the biggest attraction in Corpus Christi is the beaches.

The beaches in Corpus Christi range from secluded stretches of sand to a bustling beach in the middle of the city.

Other popular attractions in Corpus Christi are the Texas State Aquarium , the SS Lexington, the Selena Museum, and Schlitterbahn Waterpark.

You will definitely want to visit Mustang Island State Park and enjoy some time on the long stretches of beach the park offers.

Corpus Christi is a great getaway, whether you are doing a Texas road trip or a weekend getaway , it is perfect.

the city of Amarillo

Amarillo is the quintessential West Texas town.

One of the top tourist attractions in Amarillo is Cadillac Ranch.

Cadillac Ranch is a roadside attraction that has turned into a tourist hot spot in not only Texas, but all of the United States.

People flock to Cadillac Ranch for their chance to spray paint one of the Cadillac cars that have been buried nose down in the Texas dirt.

After leaving your mark at Cadillac Ranch, then head to Big Texan Steak Ranch to see if you can conquer their 72-oz. steak challenge. (Good luck!)

To burn off some of the food that you just ate, head out to Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

Known as ‘the Grand Canyon of Texas,’ Palo Duro Canyon will surround you with gorgeous rock formations and loads of hiking trails.

Of course, there are other things to do in Amarillo also.

You can explore the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, check out the art galleries in the city, or see a live performance in the theatre.

street in Laredo Texas

The South Texas town of Laredo is another Texas town that you should have on your list of places to visit.

Sitting at the bottom of the state means that Laredo borders the Rio Grande River and the country of Mexico.

Crossing over the bridge from Laredo to Mexico means that you cross over the Rio Grande and into another county.

If you don’t want to venture out of the United States, then take time to explore the town of Laredo instead.

Laredo attractions include the Imaginarium of South Texas and the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum.

If you are looking for outdoor activities in Laredo, then head to Lake Casa Blanca International Park.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

mountain in Guadalupe Mountain State park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to four of the tallest mountain in the state of Texas.

Not only that, but Guadalupe Mountains National Park is also home to an extensive Permian fossil reef thanks to the ocean that used to cover this part of Texas.

Visitors to Guadalupe Mountains National Park can enjoy miles of hiking trails and can view a fabulous view of the night sky.

During your visit, don’t miss the opportunity to hike to the top of Guadalupe Peak. Guadalupe Peak offer you gorgeous views of Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Just be sure to bring all of the supplies that you will need as this national park is in a remote area and there are few areas to refill supplies.

Big Bend National Park

Canyon in Big Bend

Big Bend National Park is located in far west Texas on the border of Texas and Mexico.

The remote location makes it one of the least visited national parks in the United States, which is a shame, because it is amazing!

Big Bend National Park is made up of the Chisos Mountains and the Chihuahuan Desert, meaning that the terrain here is harsh.

Don’t let that stop you from visiting Big Bend National Park though.

The countryside is beautiful and the night skies here are like no other!

A trip to Big Bend National Park offers visitors over 200 miles of hiking trails, an opportunity to kayak in the Rio Grande, and gorgeous scenic drives.

The conditions here can be harsh though, so always come prepared.

Bring plenty of food and water and wear good hiking shoes when you visit.

Marble Falls

lake at sunset

Marble Falls is a small lakeside community (and one of the best Texas lakes ) in the Texas Hill Country.

Known for it’s fabulous lakeside location, great Texas wineries and breweries, fabulous outdoor spaces, and great local restaurants, Marble Falls has something for everyone.

During your visit, you have to visit the Bluebonnet Café which is located right in the center of town.

The Bluebonnet Café has welcomed visitors for years, and the biggest draw is their pie!

After you have had your fill of country cooking and that famous pie, then walk off some of that food while shopping in Marble Falls’ historic downtown area.

beer with awards hanging on it

The downtown area of Marble Falls has everything from home décor to boutique clothing shops!

Maybe you will find the the perfect Texas souvenir during your shopping adventure!

There are also several state and local parks to enjoy in the area, and, of course, lake Marble Falls for some fun lake recreation.

Honestly, there are so many things to do in Marble Falls that you will definitely want to devote several days to exploring the city.

This is also a great place to see Texas bluebonnets if you are visiting during the springtime.

Port Aransas

sand dunes by ocean with the sun setting

Located close to Corpus Christ, Port Aransas is another Texas coast community to make our list of vacation spots in Texas.

This beachfront community features 18 miles of Texas shoreline, great museums, and loads of other fun activities.

You can start your time in Port Aransas by visiting the Port Aransas Museum.

This museum is the perfect introduction to the history of Port Aransas before you dive deeper into what the city has to offer.

Of course, one of the major draws is the Port Aransas Beach.

The miles of sparkling water and soft sand are the perfect place to enjoy a day outdoors.

Enjoy building sand castles, swimming, or just lounging on the sand.

Bird lovers will want to visit the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center.

There is an abundance of wildlife in the area that can be seen from the 700 foot boardwalk on the property.

Other popular activities include taking a dolphin watching tour or a charter fishing trip to get some time out on the ocean.

Mustang Island is also close to Port Aransas and another great place to enjoy some time in the surf and sand.

river with cypress trees

The artistic community of Wimberley, TX is a Texas gem that you have to visit!

Wimberley offers visitors great wineries, fun distilleries, crystal clear rivers, and an awesome community full of welcoming people.

The town of Wimberley is a tourist hot spot in the summer.

That is thanks to the many water activities that Wimberley has to offer.

People flock to Jacob’s Well to experience the unique swimming hole that remains a cool 68 degrees year-round.

Another popular swimming hole in the Wimberley area is the Blue Hole Regional Park.

The Blue Hole offers visitors an opportunity to swim in an incredible blue-green colored swimming hole surrounded by gorgeous towering Cypress trees.

Wine lovers will definitely want to visit Wimberley Valley Winery as well.

This great winery has a fabulous outdoor space to enjoy drinking their delicious varieties of Texas wines.

Take time to support the local artists when you visit the many art galleries in the area.

There are several galleries in town ranging from hand-blown glass to one-of-a-kind paintings.

After shopping on the town square, then visit one of the many great restaurants in town for a delicious dinner.

Wimberley also offers some great seasonal events, especially around Christmas time.

For a laid-back, fun evening, then consider heading to Ino’z.

If you want something a little fancier, then the Leaning Pear might be what you’re looking for.

bridge over river in Jefferson

The East Texas town of Jefferson, Texas is a great place to visit if you are a history or nature lover.

Jefferson is a town filled with an interesting history.

This history makes the town home to almost 100 historic landmarks.

Visitors come to Jefferson to enjoy the many bed and breakfasts inns, the Historic Jefferson Railroad, Caddo Lake State Park, and more.

A visit to the Jefferson Historical Museum will introduce you to the history of Jefferson and Marion County as a whole.

Taking a ride on the Historic Jefferson Railway is a must during your visit to Jefferson.

The railway travels along miles of the Big Cypress Bayou through the east Texas forest, showing off the beauty of East Texas to all of its visitors.

Caddo Lake State Park is another must-see while in this area.

The 26,000-acre lake is an incredible combination of natural swamp land with beautiful moss strewn Cypress tress everywhere you look.

Caddo Lake State Park truly makes you feel like you have been transported to another land!

While you are in this area, be sure to check out the wineries in East Texas ; there are some great ones!

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Michelle Snell founder of That Texas Couple and Totally Texas Travel

About The Author

Michelle Snell is a travel writer, history buff, wine lover, and enthusiast of different cultures. Michelle enjoys bringing places to life through her informative writing style on her blogs, That Texas Couple and Totally Texas Travel.  Her practical tips and suggestions help make travel dreams a reality while immersing her readers in the history, culture, and food of a region.  She is happiest sipping wine in Italy or chilling on a beach with her husband, Marty.

tiffy roxxx

Tuesday 18th of October 2022

Such a great list! I learnt so much about the different cities and how there's so much to do in Texas wow

Thanks so much for reading, Tiffy!

Sunday 16th of October 2022

I have not spent a lot of time in Texas but your article makes it seem like I could find a lot of great experiences there. Thanks for sharing!

Monday 17th of October 2022

Hi Heather! Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment. Texas is full of amazing places to explore. I hope you get to visit soon!

Saturday 15th of October 2022

We have been to several places on this list but still have some to cover!

Oh Yay! So glad we could add to your list!

One of the things I love about Texas is that the terrain is so diverse. From the hill country to Big Bend, you'll see so many beautiful landscapes. I even love Amarillo! Years ago this was such a small town, but what's interesting it is the capital for several important industries like AHCA. Excellent article, and love that it is full of helpful tips.

Wow Texas looks amazing! Love the diversity of places, the NP look just mindblowing!!!

Hi Marina. It really is amazing. There is truly something for everyone!

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13 Best Places to Visit in Texas, According to a Local

Whether you want buzzing city life or solitude in a small town, you can find it in Texas.

top 15 places to visit in texas

Jacob Bryant/EyeEm/Getty Images

As the largest contiguous state in the U.S., Texas is home to vast desert grasslands, dense forests, miles of beaches , rolling plains, and rugged hills. With more than 268,000 square miles making up the Lone Star State, there’s lots of room to roam and plenty of places to explore. 

Whether you want a bustling city or quiet place to explore, you can find it in Texas, from the Panhandle Plains and Hill Country to the Gulf Coast and Piney Woods. Here, the best places to visit in Texas, according to a local.

Mariah Tyler ©

About 30 minutes west of the hustle and bustle that is Dallas lies Fort Worth, where world-class art museums and an excellent food and drink scene collide. And while Fort Worth is growing — it’s the 12th largest city in the U.S. — it still feels relaxed and approachable. Perhaps it’s that friendly Western hospitality and a range of dining options and activities that make it a win.

In the Cultural District , visitors can check out five museums dedicated to art, science, and local history. Of course, the Stockyards is a Fort Worth rite of passage, where the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive and year-round rodeo occurs. Downtown Fort Worth is another gem, with block after block of restaurants, Broadway shows at Bass Performance Hall , and nightlife in the form of pubs, bars, live music, comedy shows, and more. The Fort Worth Zoo remains one of the best in the U.S. today, too.

Mariah Tyler

Austin , the state's quirky capital, is home to nearly one million people. Locals love to take advantage of the city’s numerous parks and public spaces, including Zilker Metropolitan Park , a 351-acre oasis with gorgeous views of the skyline and plenty of four-legged friends roaming about, as well as Barton Springs Pool , a three-acre, spring-fed pool used year-round for swimming. There are also lots of hiking trails throughout the city, including the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake, the Barton Creek Greenbelt , and McKinney Falls State Park .

Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, too, and there are numerous places to catch a show , including the annual Austin City Limits festival. One of the best perks, though, is the city's location near Hill Country, which provides easy access to charming small towns , rivers for floating, and more.

San Antonio

Under two hours south of Austin lies San Antonio, another cultural treasure Texans love to visit and call home. Known for the Alamo, this city is home to four other beautiful missions, all part of the UNESCO-designated San Antonio Missions National Historical Park . Of course, there’s also the beautiful River Walk , full of shopping and dining, and Market Square , where more than 100 vendors sell Mexican wares and cuisine.

San Antonio also brims with incredible museums such as the Witte Museum , McNay Art Museum , Briscoe Western Art Museum , and San Antonio Museum of Art .

Located at the southern edge of Texas Hill Country, San Antonio is also full of outdoor pursuits, including Government Canyon State Natural Area , where 12,00 acres and more than 40 miles of trails offer plenty of room to roam. There’s also river access all around for fishing, swimming, and floating.

If you’re looking to explore the vast Big Bend area, Terlingua is a great base camp. Located in between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park , this former mining town became one of the country’s largest producers of quicksilver in the early 20th century, later transforming into a ghost town when the mine closed.

Terlingua is also home to two renowned chili cook-offs, which bring in thousands each fall. Hike through the state or national park, or rent a canoe and float down the Rio Grande along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Back in town, the Starlight Theatre Restaurant and Saloon is a must for dinner and live music, as it was known as the theater in town for miners back in its heyday. The Terlingua Cemetery, home to a few graves with quirky embellishments, is one of the most photographed in Texas.

There’s also lots of great art throughout town. Stop by a local gallery for mosaics, paintings, photography, and more, and don’t miss the Terlingua Trading Company for souvenirs, art, and gifts. Foodies will enjoy Taqueria El Milagro for its tacos and Tex-Mex plates, while Long Draw Pizza serves up delicious specialty pizzas like the Terlingua Spur (fajita chicken, onions, jalapeno, cheddar, mozzarella, barbecue sauce, and marinara).

Mustang Island

Courtesy of Visit Port Aransas

Named for the wild horses that inhabited the area for hundreds of years, Mustang Island, just south of Port Aransas, is a barrier island that’s ideal for those seeking a beach escape without the crowds found along the Texas coast. Visit Mustang Island State Park , where more than five miles of coastline offer swimming, fishing, kayaking, and beachcombing. The island is also a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts, as 400-plus bird species have been identified here, plus sea turtles can be spotted nesting. Adventure lovers can parasail or try their hand at surfing, or cast a line during an offshore fishing excursion.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Alisha McDarris/Travel + Leisure

In West Texas near the New Mexico state line, you’ll find Guadalupe Mountains National Park , which includes the four highest peaks in Texas. The park has more than 80 miles of hiking trails, from easy walks to all-day endeavors that require a bit of planning. Trek to the "Top of Texas" (a.k.a. Guadalupe Peak), an 8.4-mile hike with views from the highest point in the state, at 8,751 feet. Here, surrounded by vast terrain, you can see the surrounding mountains and a seemingly never-ending expanse of the desert. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is part of the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef complex, Capitan Reef, and other activities include backpacking, camping, horseback riding, and birding.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Craig Sears/Getty Images

Texas is home to the second largest canyon in the U.S., and it’s found at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in the Panhandle. Here, the canyon sprawls for roughly 120 miles and is about 20 miles wide and up to 800 feet deep in some places. As you hike, you’ll notice four geologic layers that make up the canyon, which began forming a million years ago.

Aside from 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, the park has 1,500 acres dedicated to horseback riding. Catch the " Texas Outdoor Musical " show in the summertime at the amphitheater, and learn about the struggles and successes of early Texas settlers. Campsites and cabins are available, but new to the park are luxury glamping sites with covered porches with swings, air conditioning, fire pits, bicycles, and rustic decor.

Hal Bergman/Getty Images

This iconic Texas town is a trek, but it’s worth the drive. Marfa is an artistic oasis, full of galleries, boutiques, museums, and stand-alone art pieces. The Chinati Foundation is a contemporary art museum with pieces inspired from the surrounding landscape; guided tours are available. There’s also Ballroom Marfa , another contemporary art museum that strives to give artists and musicians a platform in the Big Bend area.

Toast to a great day at Marfa Spirit Co. , where rum, sotol, vodka, and more are blended into signature cocktails, and grab a tasty burrito from Marfa Burrito. For a cool souvenir, stop by Marfa Book Co. , and when it comes to where to stay, there are loads of quirky-cool options such as Chinati Hot Springs cabins , El Cosmico , Hotel Paisano , and Hotel Saint George .

While here, don't miss the Marfa Lights, a mysterious dancing light phenomenon that occurs southeast of town. The lights appear in a few different colors, and the cause is still argued today.

Fredericksburg

Dennis Garrels/Getty Images

Located in Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is a well-known destination for local and out-of-state tourists looking for an escape. Home to about 11,000 people, this small city is situated in the middle of Texas wine country , with more than 50 wineries, tasting rooms, and vineyards in the county.

There are also lots of shuttle options in Fredericksburg that take visitors to wineries outside of town, plus breweries and distilleries dotting the area. Nature lovers have an array of options as well, including rock climbing and hiking at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area , plus cycling and horseback riding through parks and backroads across town. For shopping and dining, head to Main Street, where you’ll find more than 150 boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and museums.

New Braunfels

Roberto Galan/Getty Images

Between Austin and San Antonio lies New Braunfels, a charming Hill Country city founded by German immigrants in the mid-19th century. In the summer months, visitors flock here to float the Guadalupe and Comal rivers, both located in New Braunfels and a favorite way to spend a long, hot day.

Back in town, Texas-German architecture lines the downtown streets, where you’ll find boutique shopping, a developing bar and restaurant scene, museums, and art galleries. New Braunfels is also home to historic Gruene and Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas and a beloved live music venue today.

Courtesy of Visit Georgetown

A suburb of Austin, Georgetown has plenty of parks and outdoor space for adventure, including Lake Georgetown, where you can picnic, swim, and hike around the water on a 26.5-mile trail. In the downtown square, you’ll find everything from fine jewelry and boutique clothing to guitars and gourmet foods. Each year, Georgetown hosts the annual Red Poppy Festival , plus a summer concert series, and the Georgetown Wine and Music Festival. Whether you want room to roam or a great place for restaurants and shopping, this city delivers.

Getty Images

Denton, north of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, is a college town with two universities: the University of North Texas (UNT) and Texas Woman’s University. The city has a fun, quirky vibe, but still holds onto a small-town feel with a cute downtown square and pocket after pocket of charming neighborhoods. The creative scene here is huge, too, from a thriving liberal arts program at UNT to community organizations showcasing and promoting local artwork and performing arts. Surrounding the 19th-century courthouse are lots of local restaurants and shops to explore, including a bookstore, an ice cream parlor, and bars serving cocktails. In the fall, catch a UNT football game at Apogee Stadium and cheer on the Mean Green in a sea of green and white.

Rockport-Fulton

Lupe Chacon/Getty Images

If a beach town is what you’re after, then Rockport-Fulton might be the ticket. It’s quieter and not as touristy as Galveston or South Padre Island, but it still offers plenty of fun in the form of outdoor exploration, coastal dining, and history. Rockport-Fulton has a booming arts scene, and the Rockport Center for the Arts holds classes and workshops and has rotating exhibitions.

Birders love the area, too, as hundreds of species migrate through the area or call it home. Adventurers love to explore the coastline via kayak or boat, or head to one of the piers for fishing. Geocaching, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, and windsurfing are popular pastimes as well. More than 30 locally owned restaurants provide an array of dining options, and the sunsets here are some of the best along the Gulf Coast.

Lone Star Travel Guide

101 Fun Things to Do in Texas (Bucket List Ideas!)

From beautiful cities to adorable small towns, and from crystal-clear waterfalls to dramatic caves, there is absolutely no shortage of fun things to do in Texas.

The Lone Star State boasts an enormous variety of exciting attractions, and whether you prefer to stroll the streets of a city, go museum hopping, lace up your boots and go for a hike, float the river, tour a historic small town, or relax on a beach, there are a near-limitless number of travel destinations to add to your Texas bucket list.

Here’s what to do in Texas!

The front facade of the Alamo in San Antonio Texas as seen from the ridge side of the building

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The Best Things to Do in Texas Cities

San antonio, stroll along the san antonio riverwalk..

Lining the San Antonio River, the beautiful Riverwalk is one of the most popular Texas attractions, and is a must-see when visiting San Antonio.

Colorful tourist boats parked along the Riverwalk in San Antonio. The Riverwalk is one of the most instagrammable places in San Antonio

Remember the Alamo.

Located just steps from the famous Riverwalk, the Alamo is the most famous Spanish mission in Texas, known for being the setting of a failed revolt by Texans against the Mexican army in 1836, at the beginning of the Texas Revolution.

Visit Texas’ only UNESCO World Heritage Site.

San Antonio’s four other Spanish missions ( Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission Espada, and Mission San Juan Capistrano), along with the Alamo, make up the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas.

Every visitor tends to walk away with a favorite–Mission San José is mine.

Exterior of Mission Concepion, one of the best photography locations in San Antonio TX

Shop for souvenirs at Historic Market Square.

Bustling with delicious things to eat and beautiful things to buy, Historic Market Square is the largest Mexican market in the USA!

Check out La Villita.

La Villita’s history dates back to the beginning of San Antonio when the area was a collection of small buildings meant for housing the Spanish soldiers who staffed the Alamo during its time as a mission.

As San Antonio’s first neighborhood, La Villita has gone through plenty of changes since then, and today is a beautiful and photogenic art community, packed with galleries and excellent shopping.

La Villita and Arsen River Theater along the river in San Antonio Texas with a small stone bridge visible

Shop the boutiques along South Congress in Austin.

Lined with eclectic boutiques, restaurants, shops, and of course murals, South Congress is Austin’s most popular street to visit for a good reason!

big top candy shop, one of the best shops on south congress austin, as seen from the outside

Watch the bats fly out from under the South Congress Bridge.

From roughly March to October each year, 1.5 million Mexican Free-Tailed Bats call the South Congress Bridge home–and with good timing and a bit of luck, you can watch the natural show of a lifetime when they fly out from the bridge at sunset in search of food.

Take a dip in Barton Springs.

Austin’s most beloved swimming pool is filled with natural spring water and is an absolute delight on a hot summer (or spring or fall–this is Austin, after all) day.

Watch the sunset at Mount Bonnell.

The most classic tourist attraction in the city, the view from Mount Bonnell has been a favorite of tourists and locals alike since the 19th century!

View of Lake Austin From Mount Bonnell, one of the most popular things to do in Austin TX

Tour the Texas State Capitol.

Built in the 1880s and the home of Texas’ state government ever since, the Texas State Capitol is designed to impress. 

Tours are free, and a great way to peek into the history of Texas. One small example: when the Texas House of Representatives in session, a battle flag dating to the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836 hangs in the room.

The dome of the Texas State Capitol as seen through a line of trees. Visiting the state capitol belongs on any Texas bucket list

Attend a show.

No Texas bucket list would be complete without attending a show in the Live Music Capital of the World!

Admire the skyline from the water.

Kayak, canoe, or tour boat–it’s your choice, but whatever method you choose, be sure to enjoy the views from Lady Bird Lake when visiting Austin.

Austin skyline with Lady Bird Lake with kayakers in the foreground. Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake is one of the most fun things to do in Texas

Snap photos with Austin’s iconic murals.

From “I love you so much” to “ Greetings From Austin ” to “Before I Die” and beyond, there is no shortage of photogenic murals in Austin!

Learn all about the last frontier at Space Center Houston.

No trip to Houston is complete without a visit to Space Center Houston, which is connected to NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

A visit here is absolutely one of the best things to do in Texas!

NASA sign with logo against a blue sky. The Houston Space Center is one of the best things to do in Houston TX

Visit the San Jacinto Monument.

Standing tall over the site of the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, the San Jacinto Monument is a symbol of Texas pride and independence.

San Jacinto Monument in Texas as seen from across a refletion pool. This monument is one of the best Texas attractions

Enjoy the views from Buffalo Bayou Park.

With plenty of trails and green space available, the dominating feature of Buffalo Bayou Park is the amazing views of the Houston skyline that surround it!

Two cyclists crossing a bridge in Buffalo Bayou Park Houston with the downtown skyline in the background

Sample one of the most diverse food scenes in the USA.

As the 4th-largest city in the USA, Houston is an incredibly diverse city (by some measures, equal to or even surpassing NYC), and nowhere is that better celebrated than in its absolutely magnificent food scene.

Visit the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple.

This intricate Hindu temple is one of the most magnificent pieces of architecture in Texas.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple as seen from the side with leaves in the foreground. This traditional Hindu temple is one of the most instagrammable places in Houston Texas

Admire the skyline from Reunion Tower.

This iconic view of Dallas’ skyline is not to be missed!

Consider timing your visit for sunset for the perfect light.

View of Dallas skyline from Reunion Tower with bars visible in the foreground. Reunion Tower is one of the most instagrammable places in Dallas!

Visit the beautiful Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

A local favorite, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is home to 66 stunning acres of gardens, all of which are worth exploring.

Small waterfall with a lily pad in the foreground in the Dallas Arboretum, one of the most instagrammable places in dallas tx

Wander through the picturesque Bishop Arts District.

Self-described as “Dallas’ most independent neighborhood”, the Bishop Arts District is home to 60+ independent boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and more, all knitted together with a cozy, walkable vibe that makes it one of the most sought-after corners of Dallas.

Tour the Sixth Floor Museum.

Dedicated to telling the story of the assassination of President Kennedy, the Sixth Floor Museum is one of the darker items included on this list of what to do in Texas, but there is no doubt that that tragic day in 1963 is a deep part of US history.

Exterior of the red brick building that houses the 6th Floor Museum in Dallas Texas

Enjoy the nightlife in Deep Ellum.

Known for its music venues, bars, restaurants, and street art, Deep Ellum is a must-see neighborhood in Dallas.

Watch an actual cattle drive at the Ft. Worth stockyards.

Twice a day, you can witness a cattle drive through the Fort Worth stockyards.

Longhorn cattle being driven through the ft worth stockyards, one of the best fort worth photo spots

Watch U.S. currency get printed.

At the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth, you can witness actual US currency being printed. It is one of only two locations in the US where you can do so, making this one of the most unique things to do in Texas!

Admission is free, and the bureau is generally open to visitors during regular business hours, Tuesday-Friday.

Visit the beautiful Fort Worth Water Gardens.

These sunken pools are absolutely stunning, and one of the most popular things to see in Ft. Worth.

Close up of the Fort Worth water gardens, one of the best ft worth photography locations

Other Cities in Texas

Visit amarillo’s section of historic route 66..

Lined with boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and plenty of street art, this is one of the best stops on Texas’ section of Route 66 !

Admire the architecture in Galveston’s Strand Historic District.

Lined with stunning Victorian and Greek Revival mansions, Galveston’s Strand Historic District is a beautiful look into the 19th-century history of Texas’ Gulf Coast.

Enjoy a slice of Americana on the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.

With a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, carnival games, and plenty of other rides and shops, the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is a colorful addition to the Galveston Island coastline.

Galveston Pier with beach in the foreground where people are swimming. Galveston is one of the best houston day trips

Tour the USS Lexington.

Nicknamed “The Blue Ghost”, this WWII-era aircraft carrier now calls Corpus Christi home and can be toured!

USS Lexington in Corpus Christi TX belongs on any list of what to do in Texas

Pay tribute to a music legend at the Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock.

Dedicated to keeping the legacy of Buddy Holly alive, as well as general music from west Texas, the Buddy Holly Center is a must-see for music fans visiting Lubbock!

Must-Do Texas Bucket List Items in the Great Outdoors

Visit some of the hill country’s best swimming holes..

Some of the most famous include Hamilton Pool in Dripping Springs, Jacob’s Well in Wimberley, and Krause Springs in Spicewood, but there are plenty more around!

Kate Storm swinging from a metal ring above the water at the Wimberley Blue Hole

Visit the Lighthouse in Palo Duro Canyon.

The second-largest canyon in the USA is located in the Texas panhandle, and definitely deserves a visit!

While you’re exploring Palo Duro Canyon, you can’t miss hiking to the Lighthouse , the most famous formation in the park.

Kate Storm standing in front of the Lighthouse in Palo Duro Canyon TX

Float the river.

Grabbing a tube, a cooler, and a whole lot of sunblock to hit the river on a hot summer’s day is a Texas tradition, and indisputably one of the best things to do in Texas!

The Guadalupe River, Comal River, and Frio River are some of the most popular rivers to float, but there are opportunities all across the state to enjoy excellent tubing in Texas .

View of Guadalupe River from above with Texans floating on it. Guadalupe River State Park is one of the best day trips from San Antonio TX

Climb Enchanted Rock.

This looming rock of pink granite in the Texas Hill Country has fascinated people for more than 10,000 years–and climbing it is one of the most fun things to do in Texas.

Be prepared, though: with little-to-no shade, Enchanted Rock can be a dangerous scorcher on hot summer days.

Kate Storm hiking on Enchanted Rock State Natural Area on a day trip from Austin

Seek out Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend State Park.

Stroll up to 70-foot Gorman Falls located deep in the Hill Country, and you just might swear you’ve been transported to Hawaii rather than Texas.

View of Gorman Falls Texas from the side with fall foliage surrounding it

Drive the official Ennis Bluebonnet Trail.

There are dozens of places to check out amazing bluebonnet fields in Texas , but Ennis has some of the absolute best!

Bluebonnets bloom from around mid-March to mid-April each year, give or take, and are one of the prettiest sights in Texas.

Wide field of blooming Texas bluebonnets at sunset

Go hiking in Big Bend National Park.

Santa Elena Canyon, the Lost Mine Trail, the Window View Trail are among the most popular spots, but there are plenty of stunning hiking trails to choose from in Big Bend National Park!

Hiker standing in Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park looking away from the camera

… and in Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

For a real challenge, hike the 8.4-mile Guadalupe Peak trail, which will deliver you to the highest point in Texas!

Go kayaking at Caddo Lake State Park.

Lined with bald cypress trees and populated by alligators, Caddo Lake definitely isn’t a standard Texas lake–but it is one of the most unique features of the state, and visiting it absolutely belongs on any list of what to do in Texas.

Not a big fan of kayaking? You can also visit with a more standard boat tour!

Caddo Lake in East Texas with cypress trees lining the lake

Enjoy the late-fall foliage at Lost Maples State Natural Area.

Home to some of the best fall foliage in Texas, Lost Maples is at its best from roughly late October through mid-November each year–but it’s a fantastic Texas hiking destination year-round.

Get underground at one of Texas’ limestone caves.

The Caverns of Sonora are often considered the most beautiful but are located quite out of the way.

Stunning options for Texas caves closer to cities include (but certainly are not limited to!) Natural Bridge Caverns, Cave Without a Name, and Inner Space Cavern.

Interior of the Caverns of Sonora, one of the best caves in Texas

Go tubing on the lake.

There’s nothing quite like a summer afternoon tubing on the lake in Texas!

Watch the sunset at The Oasis.

Located on Lake Travis, The Oasis is a Texas institution and one of the most popular sunset spots in the Lone Star State.

Dive into stunning Canyon Lake.

Texas has plenty of stunning lakes to choose from, but the turquoise waters of Canyon Lake are definitely a local favorite.

view of canyon lake texas from above

Enjoy the beach on Texas’ only tropical island.

Palm trees, sand dunes, seagulls, and a cool ocean breeze are waiting for you on South Padre Island!

Admire actual Texas longhorns.

Members of the official Texas longhorn herd live in four state parks: Palo Duro Canyon, Lyndon B. Johnson State Historic Site, San Angelo, and Copper Breaks.

Of course, there are far more longhorns hanging out around Texas than that–head out to the countryside on a road trip and you just might spot some.

Group of longhorns on a grassy field in Texas

Go find dinosaur tracks!

In Dinosaur Valley State Park, you can follow in the literal footsteps of dinosaurs.

Take a dolphin-watching cruise.

Dolphins in Texas? Yes, absolutely! One of the best things to do in Texas is to admire wild dolphins along the Gulf Coast. You can find boats ready to take you out in Port Aransas , Rockport , South Padre, and more.

3 wild dolphins as seen from a boat in texas

Go for a walk in the Pineywoods.

For a slice of Texas that feels completely different than the typical images of the Lone Star State, head east to the Pineywoods.

Sam Houston National Forest and Davy Crockett National Forest are both great places to hike, though there are plenty of hiking spots in the Pineywoods to choose from.

Climb Mount Baldy in Garner State Park.

Not only is the trail short and the view stunning, but you’ll also be absolutely ready to dive into the ice-cold, crystal-clear waters of the Frio River once you finish your hike!

Clear waters of the Frio River in garner state park, one of the best texas state parks near houston tx

Fun Foodie Things to Do in Texas

Dive into a plate of classic pit barbecue in texas..

For the full experience, pick a popular spot that’s only open at limited times during the week and stand in line with the rest of the hungry visitors–it adds to the experience (and somehow makes the food taste better, too).

… or take a whole barbecue-themed road trip.

Lockhart is the self-declared barbecue capital of Texas, but Taylor and Luling may want to contest that.

The best way to decide who made it best? Try them all, of course.

plate of texas barbecue on a tray set on a checkered table cloth. eating pit barbecue is one of the best things to do in texas and a bucket list texas experience

Eat at Whataburger. 

Whataburger is a Texas institution, and a must-try when visiting the Lone Star State. Don’t forget to ask for spicy ketchup!

Enjoy tacos in the morning.

Breakfast tacos are a Texas staple!

Samples Texas kolaches and klobasneks.

Brought to Texas by Czech immigrants, kolaches (sweet) and klobasneks (savory) are essential road trip snacks in Texas.

Texas kolaches arranged on a tray with fruit and cheese on top

Drink a frozen margarita.

Invented in Dallas in 1971 by Mariano Martinez, frozen margaritas are a staple at Texas happy hours, tailgates, and more.

Hit up some wineries along the Texas Wine Trail.

With over 50 wineries on the official trail to choose from, not to mention the rest of the wineries in the state, there’s no shortage of beautiful places to sip tasty wines in Texas!

2 glasses of wine with a bottle between them and a plate of crackers and fruit in the foreground near Fredericksburg Texas

Devour a bowl of queso (or several).

Invented in Texas in the early 20th century, chile con queso is an essential part of any Texan’s diet (and yes, one that has exactly zero nutritional value).

Eat some of the best pie in Texas in Marble Falls.

The Blue Bonnet Cafe has been serving up delicious pie and homestyle American food since 1929, and their pies stand the test of time!

Exterior of the Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls with the red sign visible on the corner. Visiting the Blue Bonnet Cafe is one of the best things to do in Marble Falls TX

Participate in a chili cook-off.

… or just eat the results. Whichever works for you!

Either way, be sure to enjoy a few bowls of classic Texas chili.

Sample Round Rock Donuts.

Food Network-featured and open in downtown Round Rock since 1926, Round Rock Donuts are–if it’s possible–even tastier than their reputation suggests.

Exterior of Round Rock Donuts as seen from the corner, one of the best things to see in Texas for foodies

Visit the Dr. Pepper Museum.

Dr. Pepper is a beloved Texas invention, and there are actually two places you can visit to learn about its history in the state: the Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco and the Dr. Pepper Bottling Works & Museum in Dublin, where the drink used to be bottled!

Pick your own peaches in Fredericksburg.

Up north, they may pick apples in the fall, but in Texas, it’s all about picking peaches in the summer–head out to one of Texas’ pick-your-own orchards to pick some of the most delicious peaches on the planet right off the tree yourself.

3 wooden baskets of ripe peaches shot from above

Visit the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham.

The birthplace of Blue Bell Ice Cream is open to visitors on weekdays–and of course, any Blue Bell Creameries visit should be followed up with a visit to the on-site Ice Cream Parlor, where you can enjoy gigantic scoops of Blue Bell for $1 each!

two scoops of blue bell ice cream being held up in the sunshine at a tour blue bell brenham

… and the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner.

The home to Shiner Beer is open to visitors!

Enjoy plenty of TexMex.

Perhaps second only to barbecue as an iconic Texas meal–though it is a very close race–TexMex is characterized by hearty, cheesy dishes, and is a beloved centerpiece of Texas cuisine!

Bowl of chili con queso with tortilla chips on a plate in front of it

More Fun Things to Do in Texas

Attend a college football game..

The atmosphere of a college football game in Texas, particularly when the score is close, is infectious, and experiencing it definitely belongs on any list of the most fun things to do in Texas!

… and maybe a few other sports games, too.

Texas is big enough that it doesn’t just have one NBA, NFL, or MLB team–it has at least two of each!

Visit the Texas State Fair.

… and eat oodles of fried food while you’re there.

Stop to smell the roses in Tyler.

The small city of Tyler, Texas is home to the largest municipal rose garden in the USA, and each October, it plays host to the Texas Rose Festival.

Rose Garden in Tyler Texas in bloom, as seen from above

Stop at Buc-ee’s Gas Station during a Texas road trip.

Clean restrooms, kolaches, eclectic souvenirs, breakfast tacos, a beaver statue out front, and more: there is no more welcome sight to a road-weary Texas road tripper in search of gas than a Buc-ee’s!

We also have a full guide to Buc-ee’s snacks to peruse before you go–and yes, there really are an overwhelming number of them to choose from!

selfie of kate storm jeremy storm and ranger storm in a car with beaver nuggets buc ees

Check out the ghost town of Terlingua.

At first glance, Terlingua looks like the set of an old western movie–but this was once a very real mining town.

It went bust when the demand for mercury did and then promptly turned into a ghost town.

Today, Terlingua has come slightly back to life thanks to the tourist trade and its annual chili cook-off, but a visit here still, in many ways, feels like looking backward in time.

Columns framing the entrance of Terlingua ghost town, one of the coolest small towns in Texas and a Texas bucket list destination

Visit the smallest Prada store in the world in Marfa.

Technically, it’s not a store at all, but an art installation–that doesn’t take away from how much fun it is to see the Prada logo pop up in the middle of the desert, though!

prada marfa as seen from across the street in valentine texas

Explore the Piney Woods via the Texas State Railroad.

An opulently decorated rail car on a steam train and gorgeous Piney Woods scenery out the window–what could make for a more memorable Texas experience?

Head to the Brazos State Historic Site to see “where Texas became Texas”.

Before Texas was a US state, and after it was part of Mexico, it was its own independent nation–and that all started at Washington-on-the-Brazos, where 59 delegates met in March 1836 to declare independence from Mexico.

White building surrounded by green grass that is the Washington-on-the-Brazos state historic site in Texas

Visit the LBJ Ranch.

Home to both Lyndon B. Johnson’s childhood home as well as the Texas White House (so nicknamed because LBJ spent so much of his time as president working from there), the LBJ Ranch is a piece of US History.

It also happens to be right next door to Pedernales Falls State Park, which makes an excellent next stop when checking things off of your Texas bucket list!

… and each of Texas’ three presidential libraries.

LBJ’s library is located in Austin at UT, George W. Bush’s is located at SMU in Dallas, and H.W.’s at A&M in College Station.

Spend a weekend at a dude ranch.

The self-proclaimed Cowboy Capital of the World, Bandera, Texas, is the perfect place to check into a dude ranch for a few days!

Horses on an open field at a ranch in Texas near sunset

Stroll through the most “beautiful town square in Texas” in Georgetown.

You can find gorgeous town squares in towns and cities across Texas, but according to many, Georgetown’s is the loveliest of them all!

Dance the night away at a classic Texas dance hall.

Two-stepping the night away is a classic Texas pastime!

Iconic options include Gruene Hall and Luckenbach Dance Hall, but there are historic and not-so-historic places to dance all over the state.

Exterior of Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, one of the best Austin day trips

Snap photos at Cadillac Ranch.

Ten Cadillacs, lined up in a row, with their front ends buried in the ground and thousands of layers of spray paint covering every inch of them: Route 66’s Cadillac Ranch is one of the most classic roadside attractions in Texas , and incredibly whimsical!

Jeremy Storm sitting on top of a car at Cadillac Ranch, one of the best Route 66 attractions in Texas

Go shopping at the Magnolia Silos.

Chip and Joanna Gaines, of HGTV fame, have put Waco even more firmly onto the Texas road trip map with their repurposed silos featuring a boutique and bakery.

Tour the painted churches of Schulenberg and beyond.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, German and Czech immigrants came to Texas, bringing kolaches, smoked meat, and plenty of other details with them–including the stunning painted churches of Texas.

Most prominently found in Fayette County, these antique churches may look unassuming from the outside, but are stunningly beautiful, with intricately painted facades, on the inside.

Find Europe in Texas.

London, Athens, Florence, Dublin, Paris, and more all have a Texas-style counterpart on this side of the pond.

Some of the towns aren’t all that interesting beyond the name, but others have great roadside Texas attractions ( like Paris’ Eiffel Tower ) and still others are fabulous places to visit in their own right (like the charming town of Dublin).

Eiffel Tower in Paris Texas with a red cowboy hat on top, belongs on any list of what to do in Texas

Enjoy a dash of whimsy in Wimberley.

As the home of two of the Hill Country’s most beloved swimming holes (the Blue Hole and Jacob’s Well), Wimberley is bound to be a delight–add it a charming downtown that is practically exploding with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, and you have a near-perfect Hill Country town to explore.

Be sure to track down at least a few of Wimberley’s adorable (or as they would say, “bootiful”) painted boot statues while you’re there!

painted boot in downtown wimberley texas

Learn about Spindletop in Beaumont.

On January 10, 1901, the Lucas Gusher erupted into the air, spewing oil for nine straight days–and so began the Texas oil boom.

The drillers, in this case, were looking for water. But Spindletop, as the event came to be known, turned attentions to oil, and quickly brought wealth and fortune-seekers to Beaumont and beyond.

Today, visitors can learn about this integral history to the state of Texas at the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, a recreated early-20th century town.

Get a new angle on Texas’ giant skies at the McDonald Observatory.

Located in west Texas, the McDonald Observatory allows visitors to access one of the most impressive views of the night sky imaginable, and a visit here is a special addition to any Texas bucket list!

Milky Way as seen at night from the McDonald Observatory, one of the most unique places to visit in Texas and a bucket list Texas travel destination

Browse the Round Top Antiques Fair.

Three times a year, the Round Top Antiques Fair descends on Round Top, Texas, and it is the perfect destination for those in pursuit of the weird, wacky, and wonderful.

The spring and fall shows are the largest, but they do have a smaller winter show as well.

… and First Monday in Canton.

From dawn to dusk, Thursday-Sunday before the first Monday of each and every month, the self-proclaimed largest flea market in the world is open in Canton, Texas!

Collection of small porcelain items for sale at a flea market. First Monday Canton is one of the most interesting things to do in Texas for people interested in flea markets!

Celebrate Christmas in Fredericksburg. 

While Texas is littered with towns boasting proud German roots, but perhaps nowhere is it better on display than in Fredericksburg, where the town hosts its own German Christmas Market each December!

Other fantastic places to celebrate Christmas in Texas include San Antonio, Grapevine, Jefferson, and New Braunfels!

Ride roller coasters at the original Six Flags.

Six Flags may be a national theme park brand now, but it all started in Arlington, Texas, with Six Flags Over Texas.

The Six Flags brand is named for Texas history, as it represents the six different flags that have ruled over Texas since European settlers arrived in North America ( Spain, France, Mexico, the USA, the Confederacy, and Texas itself as an independent nation).

Blue iron roller coaster loop as seen looking up with a yellow train car on it

Stay in a cozy bed and breakfast in Jefferson.

The adorable small town of Jefferson, Texas , is known for its incredible collection of bed and breakfasts–it’s a perfect romantic getaway for couples looking for a quiet weekend, and staying in a bed and breakfast here definitely belongs on any list of what to do in Texas.

Be sure to shop in the gorgeous Jefferson General Store while you’re in town!

Climb the Port Isabel Lighthouse.

The charming Port Isabel Lighthouse dates to 1852, and a mere 75 steps will deliver you to the top, where you can admire beautiful views of the coast and the Queen Isabella Causeway, as well as South Padre Island in the distance!

White Port Isabel lighthouse at the top of a small hill covered in a green lawn, one of the best things to do in port isabel texas

Attend a music festival.

While there is a near-limitless choice depending on the time of year, music preference, and even how many crowds you want to tolerate, there’s no doubt that Austin’s SXSW is the most iconic music festival in the state.

Hit up Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels.

Schlitterbahn may be a chain of water parks now, but the original location in New Braunfels has been open since 1979, and visiting is a Texas childhood right of passage!

Parts of the park are fed by the Comal River, rather than the standard chlorinated water typical of water parks, and the award-winning park is one of the best family attractions in Texas.

Check out Texas’ stunning historic courthouses.

Drive through enough of Texas’ small towns, and you’ll start to notice something interesting about them: so many seem to boast an intricate, beautiful courthouse in the center of town (unsurprisingly, they’re often made of limestone).

And, of course, Texas’ major cities tend to have incredibly beautiful courthouses as well.

Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart, Bexar County Courthouse in San Antonio, Ellis County Courthouse in Waxahachie, and Dallas County Courthouse in Dallas are just a few that are considered exceptionally lovely in the Lone Star State!

Ellis County Courthouse in Waxahachie Texas

Buy some boots!

If you’ve ever wanted to own a pair of cowboy boots, there’s nowhere better to buy them than during a memorable Texas vacation.

Prices range from similar to a standard pair of shoes that you buy off the shelf all the way up to thousands of dollars for a custom-made pair (that could take months or years to arrive), depending on how dedicated you are to acquiring the perfect pair.

Cowboy boots lined up on a shelf with saddles about them. Cowboy boots are one of the most classic things to buy in Texas!

Check out the Dutch Windmill Museum in Nederland.

In the late 19th century, Nederland, Texas was settled by people from Holland (in other words, the inspiration behind the name “Nederland” is quite obvious!).

In a tribute to their homeland, the new residents of Texas erected a beautiful replica of a Dutch windmill, and you can visit it today when exploring the best things to do in Texas.

Take a road trip (or fifty).

… and sing along to “Deep in the Heart of Texas” and “God Blessed Texas” at least a few times each during it. 

Many of the items included on this giant Texas bucket list are best seen via a road trip–the Lone Star State was made for road tripping, so jump in the car and set off on a Texas-style adventure (after filling up at Buc-ee’s, of course). No matter what part of the state you head to, you’re bound to run into some of the best things to do in Texas.

4 photos of texas: hamilton pool, galveston strand, alamo, bluebonnets. black and red text on a white background reads "101 best things to do in texas"

7 thoughts on “101 Fun Things to Do in Texas (Bucket List Ideas!)”

Serious bucket list goals! I’ve lived in Texas (Houston area) most of my life and have never even heard of a lot of these. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks, Jessica! It’s truly incredible how much there is to do in Texas.

All I can say, is….GOD, has truly Blessed Texas!

Yee Hah, there is endless FUN to be had in Texas, and we didn’t even include Dime Box, Muleshoe or Bear Creek.

I did not know Wimberley did boots. I know San Angelo does sheep and another town does horse but I don’t remember which. Is there a list (or can you put it together) of towns that do these kinds of statues all over the place?

That’s a fun idea, I’ll add it to our list of posts we hope to publish one day!

all beautiful places

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15 Best Places to Visit in Texas

By: Author Susan Moore

Posted on Last updated: February 28, 2024

Texas is a huge place with so much to see and do. Yes, the saying is that “Everything is bigger in Texas” and this is totally true when it comes to the list of places to visit in the Lone Star State.

When I moved to Austin I found out first-hand the vastness and diversity of the landscape after my initial road trip in Texas .

Truthfully, it can be a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry! This list helps narrow it all down with 15 of the best places to visit in Texas to add to your Lone Star State bucket list.

It has everything from perfect beach towns to historic outposts . Choose from outdoor adventures at national parks or chic urban experiences. This list has it all.

Okay, let’s get into it so you can start planning your next Texas trip!

15 Best places to visit in Texas.

Places to Visit in Texas

Big bend national park.

The first stop on our list of best places to visit in Texas is the fantastic Big Bend National Park. It’s one of the best national parks and seriously a must visit.

With over 800,000 acres to explore there’s so much to do in Big Bend. You’ll love hiking the terrain with a variety of trails .

Paddling down the Rio Grande is another top attraction at the park. Or you take a soak in the hot springs if you’re looking to relax.

The landscape of Big Bend is breathtaking with its deep canyons and geological formations. And the night skies are spectacular, on clear nights you will see the glorious Milk Way and thousands of stars.

Window View Trail Big Bend National Park Texas.

Big Bend National Park Texas

Galveston has it all, clearly making it one of the best places to visit in Texas.

You can spend the entire day having fun on the sand, fishing, or hopping on the rides at the Pleasure Pier .

You’ll love seeing the historic buildings and visiting the museums.

Nature lovers head to Galveston Island State Park . You’ll find some of the best wildlife viewing and kayaking in the great state of Texas.

Read our full list of 25 things to do in Galveston .

Galveston Texas Pleasure Pier at sunset.

Galveston Texas

Port Aransas

You’ll find some of the best beaches in Texas in the small Gulf town of Port Aransas making it one of the best beach towns in Texas .

Beyond the 18 miles of beautiful sand and sun, Port Aransas has a great downtown where you’ll find perfect shops and restaurants.

Port Aransas is also considered the Fishing Capital of Texas . That’s right, it’s another reason Port Aransas is a fabulous beach getaway.

Find more fun things to do in Port Aransas .

Port Aransas birding center boardwalk and viewing site.

Port Aransas birdwatching site

San Antonio

There’s something for everyone in San Antonio .

You’ll love the River Walk where you can shop, eat, and of course, enjoy a stroll along the river.

Pearl Farmers Market is one of the best markets in the country and clearly the place to be on the weekend.

No visit to San Antonio is complete without a visit to The Alamo .

In addition you can also visit the San Antonio Missions which are UNESCO Heritage Sites and on our list of best historical sites in Texas .

The Alamo San Antonio Texas.

The Alamo in downtown San Antonio Texas

Of course, you’ve heard the phrase “Keep Austin Weird”. So it makes sense that you’ve just got to find out what makes this city so special and “weird”.

Foodies will love the restaurant scene as well as craft beer at any of the 50 breweries.

Lady Bird Lake and Mayfield Park are perfect for nature lovers. Spend some time at Zilker Park, take a dip in Barton Springs Pool, and visit the luscious Zilker Botanical Garden .

There’s always live music happening in town every day of the week.

Austin isn’t just “weird” it’s one of the best places to visit in Texas.

Capitol Building in Austin Texas.

Austin Texas

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is known far and wide for its incredible German food, beer, music, and friendly small town Texas vibe.

Located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg has been a favorite destination since it was founded in 1846. Since then everyone loves joining in the celebration of its German heritage.

Oktoberfest is a main event, but you’ll love the architecture, food, and fun that’s there year-round. Fredericksburg has over 50 wineries nearby, so it’s also a great place for wine tasting.

And if you love flowers be sure to pop into Wildseed Farms for gorgeous gardens and lots of great souvenirs in their gift shop.

LEARN MORE: 12 Best German Towns in Texas

Fredericksburg Texas rows of red flowers at Wildseed Farms.

Fredericksburg Texas Wildseed Farms

In El Paso, you’ll enjoy history, the sun, and fun. Once you’re there, you’ll understand why it’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Texas.

You’ll love strolling around town and discovering everything El Paso has to offer. Be sure to stop by the Mexican markets, enjoy the delicious Tex-Mex foods, and admire the beautiful murals and rich history of the city.

A good idea is to use the City of El Paso Visit El Paso App for a self-guided tour of the historic sites. And the best part? It’s free!

El Paso Texas skyline at dusk.

El Paso Texas

As one of the largest cities in the US, Houston is a major destination worldwide and one of the best places to visit in Texas.

No matter who you are, your itinerary will be filled with tons of things to do and see in Houston.

Sports fans will love cheering for their team at NRG Park. Art lovers and history buffs will love the Museum District.

And music lovers will totally dig the H-Town music scene with a variety of genres to satisfy your soul.

Looking to shop ‘til you drop, there’s Montrose and The Galleria . You’ll find restaurants and nightlife are top-notch in Houston.

Houston Texas skyline.

Houston Texas

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

The Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a special place in the Lone Star State.

Located in the Chihuahuan Desert, it has an incredible landscape that’s one of the best places in Texas for hiking.

Here you’ll find not 1 but 4 of the highest peaks in the state, the largest fossil reef in the world, and some of the best fall foliage. The white Salt Basin Dunes are a favorite spot for everyone, including families.

Guadalupe National Park Texas.

Guadalupe National Park in far West Texas.

Corpus Christi

If you’re looking for the perfect beach day (or vacation) in Texas head to Corpus Christi.

This fabulous town has a ton of beaches to choose from.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for the best beach that’s quiet, family-friendly, has awesome surfing conditions, and ideal spots for fishing, yes it has it all.

Off the sand, there are tons to do like visiting the Texas Aquarium , USS Lexington Museum , and the South Texas Botanical Gardens .

Corpus Christi Texas skyline on the bay.

Corpus Christi Texas harbor

If you’re looking to “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” then definitely make a visit to Amarillo.

Known as a major stopping point on Historic Route 66, its popularity has grown over the last century.

You’ll love exploring the city and learning its history from the Wild West to Texas Air and Space Museum .

Make sure to visit The Cadillac Ranch , a cool art piece where graffiti-covered cars are partially buried in the ground. It’s one of the coolest places to visit in Texas.

LEARN MORE: Top 15 Landmarks in Texas

Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo Texas.

Photo credit: Richie Diesterheft  from Chicago, IL, USA,  Cadillac Ranch ,  CC BY 2.0

Fort Worth is the place to experience the life of a cowboy. That’s right. You’ll learn so much from the National Cowgirl Museum .

A must-do is to experience living history at the Fort Worth Stockyards . It’s where you can see a rodeo, hear live music, and experience a longhorn cattle drive.

Head to Sundance Square for shopping, eating, and just about anything you can think of.

If you love flowers and plants you won’t want to miss the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens .

Art lovers will enjoy the Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum and Amon Carter Museum of American Art .

Wooden bridge and fall colors at Japanese Gardens in Fort Worth Texas Botanic Gardens.

Fort Worth Texas Botanic Gardens

South Padre Island

South Padre Island is one of the best places to visit in Texas for nature lovers.

This wonderful barrier island has 34 miles of white sand beaches and endless outdoor activities.

You’ll love paddling through the calm waters, watching the local wildlife, or just plain relaxing on the beach.

A favorite activity is to get out on the water with a dolphin boat tour.

It’s no wonder South Padre is also on our list of Best Beach Towns in Texas!

South Padre Island Texas beach.

South Padre Island Texas

How cool is it to paddle through the bayou? Haven’t done it yet? Then head to Caddo Lake, one of the coolest places to visit in Texas.

Located on the Louisiana border, this lake has everything to make for an awesome trip in the south.

Be sure to bring your kayak or rent one there.

You’ll love paddling between the moss-covered cypress trees. Keep an eye out for wildlife that calls the lake home including gators.

Caddo Lake Texas cypress trees.

Caddo Lake cypress trees

If you’re looking to learn about the history of western expansion, pioneers, and military posts in the Southwest, Fort Davis is the best place to visit in Texas.

Established in 1854 it was a strategic point in the protection of emigrants and securing of land. Today several buildings remain from that time for us to explore and understand the complex history.

Fort Davis also has a gorgeous landscape that is perfect to hike and enjoy.

Also, you can take a short drive to visit the amazing University of Texas McDonald Observatory and join a tour to see the ginormous telescopes. For extra fun you can attend a star party at night!

Marfa is only 20 minutes’ drive from Fort Davis so it’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon in far West Texas.

Fort Davis Texas National Historic Site.

Fort Davis Texas

Final Thoughts on Places to See in Texas

As you can see, there’s great variety in places to see and things to do in the great state of Texas. The possibilities are endless, and honestly, it can make your head spin. With this list of the 15 best places to visit in Texas you’re all set to pick your next adventure.

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Bucket list places to visit in Texas, including Port Aransas, San Antonio, Austin, and Big Bend National Park.

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The 27 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Texas

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You know what they say: everything is bigger in Texas. You’ve heard it countless times, but that’s because it’s true! The largest state in the contiguous United States serves up a veritable tableau of mountains, deserts, rivers, meadows and sand dunes worthy of any Impressionist painter’s study, not to mention incredible state parks and two national parks. That translates to endless opportunities for adventure, awesome camping, relaxing resorts and photogenic sights. From the Chisos mountain range to the whimsical waters of the Rio Grande and charming landscapes of Hill Country, here are 27 beautiful places in Texas to visit on your upcoming trips to the Lone Star State.

15 Road Trips from Houston That Show Off the Best Part of Texas

most beautiful places in texas: big bend national park

1. Big Bend National Park

  • Things to Do: take a scenic drive ; go stargazing ; hike along the Rio Grande
  • Where to Stay: Riata Inn (from $149/night); Hotel Saint George (from $245/night); The Perch (from $479/night, sleeps 8)
  • Explore Car Rentals

Big Bend National Park is jam-packed with natural beauty that truly looks untouched by the outside world. This Texas-size expanse in Brewster County covers the entire Chisos mountain range, a huge portion of the Chihuahuan Desert, Santa Elena Canyon and natural hot springs. It’s also home to a fascinating array of wildlife and world-class stargazing.

most beautiful places in texas guadalupe mountains

2. Guadalupe Mountains National Park

  • Things to Do: stop off at a scenic viewpoint ; explore the salt basin dunes ; bird watching
  • Where to Stay: Hotel Paso Del Norte (from $179/night); The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park (from $189/night); Salt Flat Yurt (from $74/night, sleeps 2)

We really don’t need to sell you on Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Salt Basin Dunes and the sprawling Chihuahuan Desert are reason enough to visit. Plus, it’s got the largest wilderness area in the state and tons of scenic hiking trails.

most beautiful places in texas enchanted rock

3. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

  • Things to Do: try climbing or bouldering ; go stargazing ; hike one of the many short trails
  • Where to Stay: Peach Tree Inn & Suites (from $121/night); Frederick Motel (from $115/night); Hill Country Home (from $135/night, sleeps 8)

There are many enchanting rocks in Texas, however, the towering 425-foot pink granite dome that’s the crown jewel of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area really takes the cake. Sure, seeing (and, of course, snapping pics of) the famously beautiful batholith is the main attraction, but it’s also deeply fascinating to learn about the mystical legends that swirl around the site (at least, we think so).

most beautiful places in texas monahands sandhills

4. Monahans Sandhills State Park

  • Things to Do: sand surfing; horseback riding (bring your own horse); picnic
  • Where to Stay: Days Inn & Suites (from $86/night); Cotton Court Hotel (from $180/night); Secluded Odessa Ranch (from $357/night, sleeps 16)

It seems almost like torture for beach lovers living in the Lone Star State to look at Monahans Sandhills State Park only to realize the ocean is nowhere in sight. A lack of waves certainly shouldn’t turn you off from this stunning act of nature. While many travel here to take in the beauty of the scene as a whole, those brave enough to surf the dunes will surely leave with the best stories (and videos).

most beautiful places in texas: dallas arboretum

5. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

  • Things to Do: attend a Thursday night concert ; take a cooking class ; catch one of the many events (picnics, tours, exhibits)
  • Where to Stay: Omni Dallas Hotel (from $243/night); Renaissance Dallas North Hotel (from $108/night); Historic Butler Brothers Apartment (from $102/night, sleeps 4)

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is acclaimed for its floral displays, sculptures, seasonal events and education programs. The 66-acre horticulture haven hugs the shores of White Rock Lake for blooms with a beautiful waterfront view. While walking around, it’s easy to forget you’re in a major city.

most beautiful places in texas: franklin mountains state park

6. Franklin Mountains State Park

  • Things to Do: go camping, mountain biking and rock climbing
  • Where to Stay: Stanton House (from $199/night); Marriott El Paso (from $129/night); Miami-Style Pool House (from $370/night, sleeps 10)

Franklin Mountains State Park sits there in a sneakily unassuming way, waiting to entice visitors with its 100 miles of mixed-use trails, scenic picnic spots overlooking dreamy desert terrain and the heart-racing thrill of scaling McKelligon Canyon. (The last is for experienced rock climbers only. The rest of us should probably just watch in amazement from a safe distance.)

most beautiful places in texas: palo duro canyon lighthouse rock formation

7. Palo Duro Canyon

  • Things to Do: go zip lining ; visit the Pandhandle Plains Historical Museum; shop the Palo Duro Trading Post  
  • Where to Stay: The Barfield (from $368/night); Farfield by Marriott Inn & Suites (from $189/night); Palo Duro Canyon Cabin (from $165/night, sleeps 6)

If you had a blast ticking the Grand Canyon off your bucket list, it might be time to visit the second-largest canyon in the United States. Palo Duro Canyon in the Texas Panhandle is absolutely massive—120 miles long and with a width of 20 miles in some places. (Do we need to say it again? Everything is bigger in Texas.)

most beautiful places in texas: longhorn cavern state park

8. Longhorn Cavern State Park

  • Things to Do: take a wild cave tour ; do a cavern walking tour ; take the kids gemstone mining
  • Where to Stay: Fairmont Austin (from $218/night); The Loren at Lady Bird Lake (from $255/night); Marble Falls Ranch (from $155/night, sleeps 2)

An ancient cavern that dates back to prehistoric times, Longhorn Cavern is rife with carvings and sinkholes, plus the stealthy history of a gunpowder manufacturing facility during the Civil War. While it sounds like the setting for an Indiana Jones flick, that’s just a few of the subterranean thrills waiting to be discovered at Longhorn Cavern State Park.

most beautiful places in texas: lake austin aerial view

9. Lake Austin

  • Things to Do: relax at Lake Austin Spa Resort ; go fishing ; hang out at Emma Long Metropolitan Park
  • Where to Stay: Omni Austin Hotel (from $207/night); Aiden by Best Western (from $134/night); Merlin’s Cabin (from $83/night, sleeps 2)

Austin gets more than 300 days of sunshine each year. That translates to pretty good odds of picture-perfect weather for a day of outdoor recreation—boating, fishing, swimming and water skiing—on beautiful Lake Austin. We should mention that it’s also a particularly great place to cool down when the thermometer reaches 100 degrees, as it’s known to do in the summertime.

most beautiful places in texas gorman falls

10. Gorman Falls

  • Things to Do: go hiking ; tour a wild cave ; go camping   
  • Where to Stay: Arrive East Austin (from $170/night); The Driskill (from $212/night); Hill Country Retreat & Horse Farm (from $175/night, sleeps 5)

A major highlight of Colorado Bend State Park (though truly the entire park deserves to be explored), Gorman Falls is an enchanting 70-foot waterfall. Not to be overlooked, the 1.5-mile hike to the cascade passes beautiful scenery. (Pro tip: it gets pretty steep towards the end, so many trekkers recommend bringing hiking poles.)

most beautiful places in texas lost maples state park

11. Lost Maples State Park

  • Things to Do: go leaf peeping ; geocache hunting; attend a stargazing party
  • Where to Stay: Omni La Mansion del Rio (from $198/night); DoubleTree San Antonio (from $133/night); Orchard Inn (from $130/night, sleeps 4)

Most people associate striking fall foliage with places like Vermont and Connecticut (OK, basically all of New England) and New York, but locals and in-the-know travelers know Lost Maples State Park, located two hours northwest of San Antonio, is the best spot in the Lone Star State to peep fiery leaves.

most beautiful places in texas: caddo lake

12. Caddo Lake

  • Things to Do: play a round of golf ; guided bass fishing ; go on a swamp tour   
  • Where to Stay: DoubleTree Shreveport (from $112/night); Bally’s Shreveport Casino & Hotel (from $68/night); Certain Grace Lakehouse (from $332/night, sleeps 8)

Yes, we’ve mentioned that everything is bigger in Texas about a billion times. Want yet another prime example of that fact? Feast your eyes upon 25,400-acre Caddo Lake, an East Texas treasure distinguished by its labyrinth of bayous and Span­ish moss-draped Cyprus trees. It’s the perfect spot to go boating, fishing, paddling or post up in a tent on the shorefront.

most beautiful places in texas: caverns of sonora

13. Caverns of Sonora

  • Things to Do: visit the Fort McKavett Historical Site ; tour the Old Ice House Ranch ; wander the caverns
  • Where to Stay: Quality Inn (from $90/night); Super 8 by Wyndham Sonora (from $77/night); Hilltop Hideaway (from $150/night, sleeps 6)

While the Caverns of Sonora have been touted as one of the most beautiful snow caves on the planet, it’s also not a place that many people outside of Texas know about. That means lots of folks are missing out on the chance to navigate to subterranean limestone lairs, peep calcite crystal formations and even pan for gemstones.

msot beautiful places in texas: fort worth botanic garden

14. Fort Worth Botanic Garden

  • Things to Do: tropical conservatory; Japanese gardens, forest boardwalk
  • Where to Stay: The Worthington Renaissance Hotel (from $189/night); Omni Fort Worth (from $247/night); Modern Condo (from $95/night, sleeps 4)

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden spans a whopping 109 acres and includes the famous rose gardens, rainforest conservancy Japanese garden, an orchard collection and the Native Texas Boardwalk, which is basically a living outdoor classroom with plants and educational stations.

most beautiful places in texas rockport beach

15. Rockport Beach

  • Things to Do: take an airplane ride over Rockport ; dolphin watch and sunset cruise ; beach yoga
  • Where to Stay: Hampton Inn & Suites (from $129/night); Hyatt Place Corpus Christi (from $137/night); Key Allegro Waterfront Condo (from $255/night, sleeps 4)

Remember when we lamented for beach-loving residents of the Lone Star State? Don’t feel too sorry for folks on the coast because they do have access to beautiful Rockport Beach. The first Blue Wave Certified beach, it’s a mile-long playground of sand, sunshine and turquoise tides.

most beautiful places in texas: south llano river

16. South Llano River State Park

  • Things to Do: go tubing down the river; fishing; hiking
  • Where to Stay: Thompson San Antonio Riverwalk (from $265/night); The Westin (from $149/night); Cozy on the River Cabin (from $142/night, sleeps 6)

South Llano River State Park is a little-known gem in Texas Hill Country. Most people who visit (which honestly isn’t that many) go to swim or float on the spring-fed river. Wander around for a while, you’ll surely stumble on wildlife and babbling brooks, too. It’s also an epic spot to go hiking and biking or catch the sunset.

most beautiful places in texas mount bonnell

17. Mount Bonnell

  • Things to Do: hike to the top ; city tour with stops at Mount Bonnell & state capitol
  • Where to Stay: The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel (from $166/night); The Driskill (from $229/night); The Bloomhouse (from $477/night, sleeps 4)

Towering 781 feet above Austin, Mount Bonnel, also known as Covert Park, is one of the highest points in the area. Climbing to the summit will test your endurance, but the pay of commanding views of the city and Lake Austin feels like a proportionate award for all that effort.

most beautiful places in texas: Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir of Houston

18. Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir of Houston

  • Things to Do: take a guided tour ; Houston Museum of Natural Science ; city mural tour
  • Where to Stay: Club Quarters Hotel (from $83/night); The Chifley Houston (from $144/night); Houston Pool Paradise (from $246/night, sleeps 10)

Few places truly have the power to transport onlookers. The glimmering BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir of Houston, a traditional Hindu temple in Fort Bend County, causes many visitors to do a double take. Besides beautiful architecture, there are unique cultural exhibitions showcasing paintings, tableaux and traditional crafts.

most beautiful places in texas: san antonio river walk

19. San Antonio River Walk

  • Things to Do: hop-on-hop-off river cruise ; historic downtown food & culture tour ; UNESCO missions tour
  • Where to Stay: Drury Plaza Hotel (from $153/night); Grand Hyatt River Walk (from $283/night); The Wildflower (from $45/night, sleeps 3)

San Antonio has a little, er-—a lot—of everything. If you ask us, the city’s best (and most beautiful) asset is the San Antonio River Walk. A park and pedestrian pathway that loops around the water, it’s the perfect place to go for a stroll and soak in the scenery or hit up one of the many restaurants for a meal with a mesmerizing view.

most beautiful places in texas: medina river

20. Medina River

  • Things to Do: go camping ; birding; fishing
  • Where to Stay: Element San Antonio (from $149/night); Mokara Hotel & Spa (from $274/night); Heavenly Hideaway (from $210/night, sleeps 6)

The Medina River ranks among the most peaceful places to put your kayak in the water and float through Texas. It's also close to a couple of sizable cities to stay at a swanky hotel, play and eat chef-crafted meals if you so choose. Though, we'd recommend an overnight stay to really immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. (Franks and beans can be gourmet, right?)

most beautiful places in texas: the alamo

21. The Alamo

  • Things to Do: take a guided tour ; explore San Antonio’s natural bridge caverns ; historic city tour
  • Where to Stay: Menger Hotel (from $141/night); The Gunter Hotel (from $96/night); River Walk Downtown Apartment (from $110/night, sleeps 4)

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about what actually happened at the Alamo. But what’s not up for debate is that the 18th-century Spanish mission and fortress lives up to the hype as both a photogenic and historic landmark. Once you’ve visited the Alamo, it’s a pretty hard place to forget.

most beautiful places in texas marfa

  • Things to Do: Marfa & Presidio County Museum ; Marfa Lights Festival ; visit the Presidio County Courthouse   
  • Where to Stay: Hotel Saint George (from $294/night); Riata Inn (from $139/night); Casa 415 (from $198/night, sleeps 6)

An artsy and photogenic little dot on the map in west Texas, Marfa draws creative types (and, yes, many social media content creators) with its giant indoor and outdoor art installations, exhibitions at Ballroom Marfa, breathtaking arid scenery and, of course, the phenomenon known as the Marfa Lights. In Marfa, it’s almost like you’re not sure if a tumbleweed or an Insta influencer will blow past next.

most beautiful places in texas bayou bend collection

23. Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

  • Things to Do: tour the Museum of Fine Arts ; catch an international flick ; visit the Houston Space Center ;
  • Where to Stay: Blossom Hotel (from $154/night); The Whitehall (from $168/night); Historic Montrose Home (from $169/night, sleeps 3)

Touring the gorgeously groomed historic gardens of Bayou Bend, the former home of Houston philanthropist Ima Hogg, feels like stepping back in time to a regal and refined era. It’s not just the impeccably manicured hedges, flower beds and fountains that are impressive. Inside, you’ll find an incredible collection of decorative art, paintings and furniture.

most beautiful places in texas south padre island

24. South Padre Island

  • Things to Do: South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center ; see the largest outdoor sandcastle ; dolphin watch tour
  • Where to Stay: Ramada by Wyndham & Suites (from $85/night); La Copa Inn (from $187/night); Modern Beach Complex (from $277/night, sleeps 4)

Remember when we said Texas was big? Well, it’s so huge that the drive from Dallas to South Padre Island takes over eight hours (FYI you can also fly). Don’t let the distance deter you. Not when some of the best white sand beaches in the state, dolphin watching and the Gulf of Mexico await.

most beautiful places in texas black jacks crossing

25. Black Jack’s Crossing Golf Course

  • Things to Do: tour Ghost Town Texas ; Starlight Theatre Restaurant & Saloon ; Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center
  • Where to Stay: The Chisos Suite (from $250/night); Secluded Terlingua Ghost Town Cabin (from $225/night, sleeps 2); The Perch (from $479/night, sleeps 8)

Even if you aren’t a particularly skilled driver or putter, it’s worth booking a tee time at the Lanny Wadkins-designed Black Jack’s Crossing Golf Course. Bordering Big Bend National Park and situated along the Rio Grande, it offers spellbinding west Texas scenery. With views so good, you won’t even care if you go a few strokes above par.

most beautiful places in texas: fredericksburg in hill country. vintage pickup truck sitting in an open field

26. Fredericksburg

  • Things to Do: National Museum of the Pacific War ; wine tasting at Grape Creek Vineyards ; shop on Main Street
  • Where to Stay: La Quinta Inn & Suites (from $137/night); Inn on Barons Creek (from $142/night); The Live Oak Treehouse (from $283/night, sleeps 2)

Welcome to the mythical, legendary Texas Hill Country. Fredericksburg is one of a slew of charming towns in the region with rich German heritage—not to mention a wine country. Spend a morning strolling down the charming Main Street, filled with shops and restaurants, and then the afternoon at a wine tasting whiling away the afternoon sipping a crisp white among the vines, and then drive over to the towns of Gruene or Luckenbach for great live music in historic dance halls. And before you leave, you’ll want to pit stop in Lockhart for what is said to be some of the best barbecue in the state.

most beautiful places in texas brenham

27. Brenham

  • Things to Do: visit the Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory ; Antique Rose Emporium ; Home Sweet Farm Biergarten
  • Where to Stay: Comfort Suites (from $92/night); Best Western Inn (from $71/night); The Secret Garden (from $134/night, sleeps 2)

Nestled between Houston and Austin on Highway 290, Brenham is a town where bluebonnets abound in the spring. That’s why it’s a top destination for spotting the cheerful blue bloom—just drive around, and you can’t miss them. Of course, there’s also plenty to see and do year-round, from the Blue Bell Ice Cream factory to the quaint downtown area. Lovers of vintage wares will appreciate the antique shops, and flower connoisseurs will want to stop in at the Antique Rose Emporium, whose beautiful, landscaped gardens are filled with dazzling varieties.

The 15 Best State Parks in Texas for Camping, Stargazing & Everything in Between

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Texas Travel 365

flag of a barn with blue and red stars one of the best places to visit in texas

17 Best Places to Visit in Texas (+ Unique Vacation Spots)

November 23, 2021 //  by  Texas Travel 365 //   Leave a Comment

If you are looking for the best places to visit in Texas, look no further than here! We are going to recommend some of the most unique and loved spots in Texas that you can enjoy for any type of vacation!

There are so many places to visit in Texas, but we want to focus on the best Texas vacation spots to make sure you know where to stop. So whether you fly into the lone state for a week-long trip or are driving through, start creating your own personal list of where you want to visit! We promise you won’t regret it: the best places to visit in Texas are the best for a reason. So start planning and traveling– this is your vacation!

A barn in Texas has the Texan flag painted on the roof.

Take a Dip in Canyon Lake

There are so many fun things to do in Canyon Lake, Texas, which is why we have added it to the list of best places to visit in Texas! This place is often referred to as “The Jewel” because it features a lake with clear blue waters. It is perfect for some fun in the sun!

So whether you want to go fishing, tube with some friends and family, or even go fossil hunting, the 80 miles of shoreline and sunshine is perfect! From vineyards to golf courses and everything in between, this is truly one of the best places to visit in Texas.

Located just halfway between San Antonio and Austin, this perfect location offers plenty of places to stay in between its beaches, parks, and more. So whether you take a day trip here or want to stay a weekend or whatnot, make sure to swing by and experience the Jewel for yourself! For more suggestions check out our article on Best Things to do in Canyon Lake ! We also have a wonderful article that features 15 cozy lake cabins that you may want to check out!

Where to Stay: Lakehouse Bed and Breakfast

The blue waters of Canyon Lake stand out against the green edge of this shot one of the best places to visit in texas.

Stay in a Treehouse

One of the best things to do in Texas is to stay at the amazing Airbnbs that they have to offer! One of our favorite things to add to this list is to stay in a treehouse: how cool would it be to rest in a treehouse during your vacation? It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

There is a treehouse known as the Extraordinary Treehouse. It is located in Little Forest Hills, which is a neighborhood in Dallas. This treehouse will make all of your childhood dreams come true! It sleeps four people and is a truly exquisite, handcrafted home.

From its rustic vibes to the surrounding area that is full of Japanese Maple Trees, this gorgeous treehouse gives you a wonderful taste of Texas, which is why we added it to the best things to do in Texas! You won’t regret experiencing treehouses, and if you are interested in staying at a different one, make sure to check out our article on the 16 Best Airbnb in Dallas (Treehouses, Cabins, and More) or even 15 Cozy Cabins in Texas .

Where to Stay: The Extraordinary Treehouse

The wall to ceiling windows of this treehouse explore the nature of texas vacation spots

Experience German Heritage in Fredericksburg

The little German town of Fredricksburg, Texas is one of the best places to visit in Texas! Don’t miss the amazing activities, restaurants, and sites if you are planning to visit the lone state, because this town is enchanting.

Founded in 1846, this town is home to a German community and has much German culture and influence in it. So whether you are trying to find an authentic German restaurant to eat at, explore a variety of museums, stroll by historical sites or shop downtown, there are so many things to do here. You won’t be disappointed!

If you happen to be near central Texas, make sure to stop by Fredericksburg and plan yourself at least a day trip. The attractions of this German town is true to German Heritage! from scavenger hunts to farms, and state parks in between, you will love this charming town. And if you are unsure about what to do here, check out our list of 14 Things to do in Fredericksburg that you Shouldn’t Miss!

Where to Stay: Peach Tree Inn and Suites

An old-stone building in Fredricksburg one of the best places to visit in texas

Swing by San Antonio

If you are going to Texas and don’t go to San Antonio, what is wrong with you?! Make sure to plan some time to visit this famous city. We promise it is one of the best things to do in Texas! And it is one of the most popular Texas travel destinations.

San Antonio has a variety of amazing things to do. This city loves to showcase its history, culture, and modern vibe. There are plenty of attractions that are perfect for you and your family. In fact, we suggest you check out our article on the 20 Best Things to Do in San Antonio if you want suggestions on what to add to your vacation bucket list! This can help narrow down all of your choices (because there are so many of them!).

So whether you want to check out the nearby beaches , or if you are looking for the best hiking trails , or maybe you just want suggestions of the best restaurants on the San Antonio Riverwalk , we’ve got you covered. Just know that there is so much to do in this glorious city, which truly makes it one of the best places to visit in Texas! Make sure to stop by!

Where to Stay: Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk

The lights are bright in the San Antonio riverwalk one of the best vacation spots in texas

Stroll through Big Bend National Park

Lucky for you, there are so many national parks in Texas, which means you know one of them was going to make it on this best places to visit in Texas list! Big Bend National Park offers so much to explore because it is so popular. This is home to some of the best mountains in Texas!

It is most famous for the Santa Elena canyon and its easy 1.4 mile round hike. Plenty of people have seen bobcats or black bears here, especially because there is more than 150 miles of trails within the park.

So whether you are hiking or backpacking, you can visit the Chihuahuan desert, the Chisos Mountains or wander through the Rio Grande. With this variety of scenery, no wonder this park is on the best places to visit in Texas list! And if you want to check out more national parks, look at our article of the 16 best national parks in Texas to explore . Or maybe even look at our list of the best 14 scenic trails for hiking in Texas if that interests you!

Where to Stay: Lajitas Golf Resort

The hiking trails and mountains of Big Bend National Park loop around and around one of the best places in texas

Enjoy Big Thicket

East Texas is always full of amazing things, so we love recommending different spots in East Texas to visit (hence our article on 15 of the best things to do in East Texas ). But we wanted to make sure to add Big Thicket National Preserve to this best places to visit in Texas!

This could be something you add to a quick day trip or stop on any vacation you take. This National Preserve is one of the most biodiverse areas in the US. it contains around 3.5 million acres of land across East Texas alone!

There are plenty of areas of public land you can explore here: so you are welcome to go hunting, fishing, hiking, bike riding, paddling and more! If you’re lucky, you will catch a glimpse of one of the 1,320 species that live here. Keep an eye out for alligators and armadillos!

Where to Stay: Comfort Suites Beaumont I-10

The trees of Big Thicket National Preserve tower over the lake.

Stay at Lakeaway Resort and Spa in Lake Travis

We know that sometimes the best part of a vacation includes where you are staying: so why wouldn’t we add a resort to the best places to visit in Texas? We are going to talk about Lakeaway Resort and Spa in Lake Travis, but if you want a larger list, check our our article on the other 16 luxurious resorts you can visit .

This Resort and Spa offers so much: from four private golf courses, to a three tier pool that features a swim-up bar, a business center, and a full- service marina, we know once you stay here you may not want to ever leave.

The ceiling windows in your room will let you enjoy amazing sunset and sunrise views while you have a drink at The Front Porch. And don’t think we didn’t consider the little ones: this place is also family friendly with a children’s pool and an iconic waterslide!

Check Prices at Hotels.com

A view of the whole campus of the Lakeside Spa in Texas vacation spots-- including their huge pool and swim-up bar!

Glamp at the Riverside Safari Tent

If you know anything about Texas, you know that glamping is popular! So we recommend taking a look at some of the coolest places for Glamping in this lone state. We are going to add the Riverside Safari Tent as one of the best places to visit in Texas!

Located on the Wahwahtasee Resort, this Safari Tent offers over 100 acres to explore while you stay here! You can spend your time hiking away on nearby trails, or you can just relax by the Lazy San Marcos River.

This inside of this tent is stunning and well stocked. From a kitchen to outdoor showers, this is one of the best places to visit in Texas. You can really experience glamping to the max while enjoying the wonderful beauty of Texas!

Check Prices at Vrbo.com

The inside of a glamping tent with a couch, wide windows, and comfortable seats one of the best places to visit in texas

Go to El Paso and Enjoy Thrills at the Playland Amusement Park

First, we love El Paso. So make sure to stop at El Paso when considering the best places to visit in Texas. But when you are looking for the best things to do in Texas, make sure to add the Western Playland Amusement Park for a sense of adventure!

This 25 acre park will keep people of all ages excited: there are classic rides like merry-go-rounds and bumper cars, and then there are more thrilling rides like roller coasters that feature a seventy-foot tidal wave at the end.

Here you can either pay by the ride or purchase a day pass. Just remember that no outside food is allowed in! And if you want to do something else in El Paso, just make sure to check out our article on the 15 best things you can do in El Paso .

Where to Stay: The Hotel at Sunland Park Casino El Paso

People swing on a rotating swing at Playland Amusement Park one of the best places to visit in texas

Stop at Hamilton Pool

If you are looking for some of the best places to visit in Texas, especially if you are driving through this large state, make sure to stop by Hamilton Pool. We already have a fantastic Road Trip Itinerary Article that you can check out but we wanted to pause on this stop for a reason.

Hamilton Pool is a great day trip: it is only 45 minutes outside of the city of Austin and is truly an Oasis. This place is a popular swimming hole that features a 50-foot waterfall and a carved out cave behind the waterfall.

Around the water is a variety of hiking trails of course, and some picnic tables so you can spend some time out of the water too. Just make sure to pack some sunscreen, check your rain radar and make reservations before taking a dip!

Where to Stay: The Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel

The carved out cave in Hamilton's Pool looks out over the water at one of the best texas vacation spots

Go Island Hopping

It is always strange to think about Texas having islands, but their Islands are some of the best places to visit in Texas! We have already complied a list of the best islands to visit in Texas , which you can check out, but we wanted to highlight some of the best here.

When you go island hopping in Texas you can jump from Galveston Island and visit barrier islands, and then go to Mustang Island. After you can check out the white sand beaches and sea turtles at Padre Island.

There are so many beautiful islands in Texas, so of course they are some of the best places to visit in Texas. So whether you are looking to participate in water sports, go horseback riding at sunset or just soak in the sun and island views, you can hop around and find your getaway!

Where to Stay: The Islander

The blue waves of mustang island crash against a rocky shore.

Visit Houston for a Getaway

Houston is now the fourth most populous city in the United States, making it the largest city in Texas. This means there are tons of things to do in Houston! Which is why it is one of the best places to visit in Texas.

Houston is home to over 150 museums, has the first dome football stadium, and more. The city itself is one of the most dynamic cities in Texas: it is full of life and culture. Here you can experience nightlife and visual and performing arts.

This city is truly perfect for any day trip, or consider even extending it to a weekend-get-away– there is that much to do! If you need suggestions about what to add to your bucket list while visiting Houston check out our article on the 20 Best Things to do in Houston !

Where to Stay: Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria

The cityscape of Houston during the day makes it bright and sunny.

Relax by the Beach in Galveston

We know we already mentioned island hopping, but we want to make sure you know about the beach towns in Texas too! Theres are some of the best places to visit in Texas, especially Galveston!

This island-city is Victorian-style architecture and a colorful boardwalk. There is much to do here: during the evening the historic pier has stunning sunsets. But the best part of this town is obviously the beach!

Galveston has over 32 miles of sandy shores. This town also has the world’s longest continuous sidewalks so it is a great place to just take a stroll or even a bike ride. many people flock to East Beach or even Surfside for bird watching and amenities. But no matter what beach you choose to go to, just relax in Galveston! The town is worth it! And if you need help choosing which beach to go to, check out our posts about some of the Best Beaches nearby !

Where to Stay: Gaido’s Seaside Inn

The Galveston Pier features thrill rides at sunset off the waters at one of the best places to visit in texas

Visit the Beach Town of Corpus Christi

The beach town of Corpus Christi has a lot to offer and is becoming more and more popular amongst visitors, which is why we want to add it to the list of best place to visit in Texas!

This beach town features miles of pristine beaches and is also a conservation area so it’s full of wildlife and stunning flora and fauna. In this town you can also visit the Texas Surf Museum, the Science Museum and an art center!

Many people love to visit McGee beach here because it is more “downtown” but others also love to check out JP Luby Beach. But whether you want to surf, check out some great restaurants or just sit and soak, visit this wonderful town! And if you are interested in checking out more of Texas’ beach towns, check out our article on the 10 Cutest Beach Towns in Texas !

Where to Stay: Emerald Beach Hotel

Corpus Christi's skyline at dusk is lit up with street lights, hotels, and more.

Take some time in Austin

There is no denying the fact that Austin, Texas is a popular destination spot. This is why we are adding it to the list of best places to visit in Texas! From spooky ghost tours to world-class art museums, there is not a dull moment in this wonderful city. It is full of attractions!

We also love mentioning that Austin has truly “Texan” activities as well. You won’t want to miss an evening of dancing at the Broken Spoke or visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum.

So whether you have a day or a weekend or even a week to enjoy the Austin cityscape, you know you will enjoy it! If you are struggling to find things to do, check out our articles on the 20 Best Things to Do in Austin or our 3 Days in Austin Itinerary !

Where to Stay: Hyatt House Austin/Downtown

The skyline of Austin Texas in the morning sun by a river.

Escape to Texas Hill Country

The landscape and unique location of this region is enough to add it to your best places to visit in Texas list. Texas Hill Country is so charming. So whether you want to explore small town shops or take a stroll down a winding river bank or even sit in a field of flowers, there are so many Texas Hill Country attractions you can enjoy.

We mentioned earlier that Fredericksburg is a tiny German charm town– this is in Texas Hill Country and can help you get a sense of how intimate the whole country is. Hamilton Pool is also located here!

From state parks to wells to amusement parks and everything in between, this location is perfect. There are things to do for everyone (the Alamo anyone?), so whether you want to explore here for a day or even three, you will never be bored. Make sure to check out our article on 15 of the best things to do in Texas Hill Country !

Where to Stay: Sonesta Bee Cave

A field of purple flowers in Texas Hill Country that are being backlit by the setting sun in a pink hue one of the best places to visit in texas

Wrap it Up in Fort Worth

Last, but certainly not least, is Forth Worth, Texas of course! Would you have a great vacation without mentioning Fort Worth on your list of best places to visit in Texas? I think not!

Forth Worth is famous for its cowboy history, but this city is bustling with so much to offer. Sometimes Fort Worth is out-shadowed by its neighboring city, Dallas, but this city has a small town meets big city vibe that is wonderful! There are so many great things here, including the mouth-watering food and friendly locals!

So whether you want to enjoy a night out in Sundance Square or take a stroll through a world-class museum, you can enjoy a classic honky tonk or history lesson. There are always exciting things to do in Fort Worth, and we have a list of them: look at our 15 Best Things to Do in Fort Worth if you are interested in staying in one of the best places to visit in Texas!

Where to Stay: Omni Fort Worth Hotel

the cityscape of a small town meets big city vibes in Fort Worth one of the best places to visit in texas

So there you have it folks, 17 of the best places to visit in Texas. So whether you are in the lone state for a weekend or for a while, choose your best places to visit in Texas carefully. There are so many wonderful locations to explore. We promise you won’t be disappointed no matter what you end up picking! Safe travels!

bayfront area of city beaches in corpus christi

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20 most romantic getaways in texas.

From city to spa, find the perfect couples retreat in the Lone Star State.

Romantic Getaways in Texas

Exterior of porch/cabin at Skybox Cabins.

Courtesy of Skybox Cabins

Skybox Cabins' unique treehouse residences are just one idyllic option for a romantic getaway in Texas.

Texas offers something for every duo, whether you want to reconnect over dinner in a chic city restaurant or disconnect from the rest of the world in a remote cabin. To help you and your partner choose a romantic getaway in Texas, we've highlighted some of the best big cities, quiet locales and luxurious hotels throughout the Lone Star State. Pack your bags and grab your honey; it's time to take a much-needed break together.

The Most Romantic Getaways in Texas

  • Sinya at Lone Man Creek
  • Skybox Cabins
  • Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District
  • BlissWood Bed and Breakfast Ranch
  • Sage Hill Inn & Spa

San Antonio

  • Mokara Hotel & Spa

Fredericksburg

  • The Granbury Cabins at Windy Ridge

Dripping Springs

  • Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Corpus christi, new braunfels.

  • The Tremont House

Marble Falls

Sinya at lone man creek: wimberley.

Glamping

Courtesy of Sinya on Lone Man Creek

It doesn't get much more romantic than Sinya at Lone Man Creek. One of the best places for glamping in Texas , this secluded property accommodates just one duo at a time. Inside the glamping accommodations, couples will find luxurious amenities including a king-sized bed with a goose-down comforter and pillows, a clawfoot tub, Turkish cotton towels, spa bathrobes, and a kitchenette with a Nespresso coffee maker. Outside, you can sway in a hammock, traverse a rock path to a waterfall, soak in a hot tub beneath the stars and more.

For the ultimate romantic escape, book the all-inclusive Sinya Exclusive Couples Retreat, which includes two nights' accommodations; a 90-minute massage for you and your partner; a 90-minute bonding session with a therapist; and three farm-to-table meals.

Sinya at Lone Man Creek is located in Texas Hill Country, which means that when (or if) you decide to leave your lodging, you can visit local wineries , breweries and distilleries among more stunning scenery. The Square in Wimberley is also worth a visit, with two glass studios, art galleries, restaurants and shops.

Address: 428 Deer Lake Estates, Wimberley, TX 78676

Skybox Cabins: Glen Rose

Inside a Skybox Cabin looking through open door onto the porch on a sunny day.

Skybox Cabins offers an ideal retreat for you and your special someone, and previous guests praise the cabins' location and views. The cabins are nestled in a forest within a 50-acre property in Glen Rose, which sits about 55 miles southwest of Fort Worth. Along with the enchanting setting, Skybox Cabins does not permit guests younger than 18 in an effort to preserve a relaxing environment for its lodgers.

Couples can select one of five residences for their stay. Four of the accommodations are cabins, each with their own unique design and theme. No matter which you choose, you'll find comfortable beds, interior and exterior seating, and kitchenettes. The other option, a glamping experience, provides slightly more rustic amenities in a bell tent; you'll still enjoy modern conveniences like air conditioning, heat and electricity, with showers and a kitchenette provided in a detached building.

From Skybox, you can drive less than 10 miles to Glen Rose's town center and walk its streets to see historic buildings and a few museums, such as Barnard's Mill and Art Museum. For a special treat, arrange for a private tour of the museum on a weekday. Looking to stay more active? Head to Dinosaur Valley State Park to literally walk in a dinosaur's footsteps, take a hike or attend a ranger event like a "Star Party." If you and your partner would rather spend a day on the water, visit Wheeler Branch Reservoir and its neighboring park for fishing or kayaking.

Address: 1767 County Road 1011, Glen Rose, TX 76043

Sixth Street music and entertainment district in downtown Austin, Texas, USA.

Getty Images

The self-proclaimed "Live Music Capital of the World" has more than 250 venues that offer every kind of music, from country to blues to jazz. After spending your evenings listening to music and dancing the night away, stroll hand in hand through Zilker Metropolitan Park's botanical garden or take a swim in the 3-acre Barton Springs Pool. Partners who wish to learn more about Texas history will enjoy perusing the exhibits at the Bullock Texas State History Museum.

Austin is also a dream for foodies. For a special evening, try Lenoir, which sources its food from local producers and has an ever-changing seasonal menu; Olamaie, a Southern-inspired restaurant; or Jeffrey's, which serves a number of seafood and steak options. Take time to peruse the city's craft beer scene by sampling a pint or two from Lazarus Brewing Company or taking a short drive out to Vista Brewing for a side of ranch views with your draught. If you're short on time, take advantage of an Austin food tour or brewery tour with expertise from a local.

Where to stay: One of the best hotels in Austin , The Driskill is a longtime favorite thanks to its incomparable service and luxurious accommodations. It's also an architecturally beautiful and historic property, so even if you don't stay here, it's a must-see in Austin.

Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District: Houston

ZaSpa at Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District

Courtesy of Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District

While Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District offers traditional guest rooms with crisp white linens and dark furnishings, the main draw to this hotel, especially for couples, is its suites. The Magnificent Seven Suites are massive – they range from roughly 900 to 2,200 square feet – and each is decorated in its own style, such as the Italy-inspired Bella Vita. Then there are the unique Concept Suites, each of which has a different offbeat theme. Take to the stars by staying in the space-themed Houston We Have a Problem suite, or revisit Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant's romance in the An Affair to Remember suite. Though previous visitors admit the suites can seem a little kitschy, they rave about the well-appointed, comfortable rooms.

Outside your digs, you'll find even more of the hotel's signature style. The ZaSpa seeks to give transformative treatments that will leave you and your partner feeling rejuvenated. Its Romance Ritual includes a foot soak, a salt scrub, a body wrap, and scalp and body massages for both you and your honey. After you've been pampered, relax by the pool before dining on the terrace at Monarch Restaurant & Lounge. Be sure to wander the hotel before checkout to peruse its unique collection of art sourced from creators all over the world.

What's more, there are a bevy of local attractions for you and your partner to explore just outside the hotel's door. Houston's hip Museum District surrounds the property, and Hermann Park is situated across the street. When you're ready to explore the local food scene, sign up for a Houston food tour to get acquainted with the city's best offerings. You'll also want to save one day of your Houston itinerary for a day trip south to Galveston , where beachfront strolls await.

Address: 5701 Main St., Houston, TX 77005

Starry night at Big Bend. Sphinx formation at night.

Big Bend is every outdoors-loving couple's dream. Located in West Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border, the area boasts more than 1 million acres of protected land across both Big Bend Ranch State Park and Big Bend National Park. No matter which park you explore, you'll be treated to magnificent scenery at every turn. Mountains and cliffs rise above the Chihuahuan Desert landscape, while the Rio Grande winds through numerous canyons.

At the state park, there are nearly 250 miles of trails where you and your partner can hike, bike and see who can spot the most wildlife. More than 300 different species of birds frequent the park, and a variety of other animals like kangaroo rats, coyotes and bats (16 species!) reside here. At the national park, fill up your gas tank and hop on the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, which passes the park's famed geologic features, including Tuff Canyon and Santa Elena Canyon. If you'd rather see the rock formations up close, schedule a tour via kayak or raft on the Rio Grande. Meanwhile, nature lovers will enjoy the Dagger Flat Auto Trail, a dirt road that winds through a forest of giant dagger yucca plants.

Be sure to stick around Big Bend after the sun sets. Both parks are International Dark Sky Parks , meaning there is little light pollution to interfere with your stargazing. Each night of your stay can involve you and your better half relaxing beneath the blanket of stars. Additionally, you'll want to make time to visit Terlingua. Once a town that the Chisos Mining Company called home, Terlingua is now a ghost town where you can explore the gravesites of miners and find a few spots for refreshments, if you so require.

Where to stay: You and your sweetie will have plenty of lodging options. Both parks offer primitive campsites, ideal for enjoying your getaway basking in the glow of a campfire outside your tent. If you'd rather not rough it, you can find numerous vacation rentals in the area or head to Lajitas Golf Resort. Nestled at the base of Big Bend Ranch State Park, Lajitas offers cozy Western-inspired accommodations, as well as a golf course and zip line tours.

BlissWood Bed and Breakfast Ranch: Cat Spring

Interior of room at BlissWood.

Courtesy of Jumping Rocks

BlissWood Bed and Breakfast Ranch offers impeccable amenities and service that make it easy to connect or celebrate an anniversary. The property is located on Lehmann Legacy Ranch and sprawls across 350 acres. You're welcome to enjoy all the ranch has to offer, including trails for walking, hiking and biking; beautiful lakes; and abundant wildlife spanning horses and cattle to deer and bison. This tranquility can be found approximately 65 miles west of Houston.

Each lodging option is a private cabin or home with features to make your stay extra special. The Mystic Woods Cabin is just big enough for two and includes romantic touches like an electric fireplace, a jetted bathtub and a private outdoor hot tub. The Sunset Pond Cabin comes equipped with a fully stocked kitchen in case you want to cook for your sweetheart; it also offers a private fire pit, a hot tub and its own fishing pond – where you can cast a line for free.

If you can manage to pull yourselves away from your cozy accommodations, a plethora of activities await adventurous twosomes   on the ranch. Try your hand at knife or ax throwing, fishing, archery, or trapshooting. As you may expect, the ranch also has horses available for leisurely guided rides. (Note: Activities may require an additional fee.) BlissWood can also create a picnic for you and your partner to enjoy at your cabin or in the ranch's gazebo. For an indulgent experience, spring for one of the property's romance packages: Options include everything from guided horseback rides to couples massages to photography sessions.

Address: 13597 Frantz Road, Cat Spring, TX 78933

Sage Hill Inn & Spa: Kyle

top 15 places to visit in texas

Courtesy of Sage Hill Inn & Spa

Romantic sunsets at this property do not disappoint, with pretty views from rooms as well as the Sage Hill Inn & Spa's main porch. After watching the sunset, linger outside for a bit longer to stargaze.

The property sits atop 88 acres of land along Onion Creek in Kyle, about 25 miles southwest of Austin. You and your sweetheart can explore the area along the miles of hiking and biking trails. You'll see plenty of flora and fauna along your walks, including bluebonnets, lilies, blackbuck antelopes, birds and armadillos. One of the trails leads to an overlook from which you'll discover stunning views of the surrounding Texas Hill Country. Sage Hill provides guests with access to a pool and a hot tub, spa services like couples massages, corn hole, and a bocce court. If you and your sweetie are pickleball enthusiasts, try one of the many events or packages centered around the game at this property.

Accommodations are a mix of individual rooms, suites and stand-alone cottages, all equipped with amenities such as a fireplace and sitting area. When mealtime rolls around, there's little need to leave the property: Room rates include daily continental breakfast and a three-course dinner every night. Sage Hill sources its ingredients from local purveyors as much as possible – it even gets vegetables from its own garden – so you and your partner are guaranteed to enjoy a fresh meal.

Address: 4444 FM150 W., Kyle, TX 78640

San Fernando Cathedral in downtown San Antonio, Texas, illuminated at twilight blue hour.

Whether you're seeking a cheap weekend getaway or a more extensive vacation, you'll have plenty of options for daytime outings and date nights in San Antonio; the trouble will be narrowing down the list of things to do . Nature enthusiasts can enjoy an early lunch (or weekend brunch) at Jardín, the restaurant inside the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Once you've both satiated your appetites, spend the rest of the day below ground in the enchanting Natural Bridge Caverns or strolling through beloved Brackenridge Park. Food-loving duos should swing by the Pearl district, which has a burgeoning dining scene, as well as several bars and shops to check out. Those who arrive on a weekend morning should also save time for exploring the district's farmers and artisan markets.

No matter how you and your partner pass the time during the day, you should reserve at least one night for walking through downtown. San Antonio's famous River Walk, the Alamo and the San Fernando Cathedral are aglow each evening, making for a truly memorable romantic stroll.

Where to stay: San Antonio's accommodations are much like its attractions: diverse and able to suit any taste. The award-winning Hotel Emma houses cozy rooms with dark wood furniture, Frette linens, and windows overlooking the cityscape or the river. If you want something with a bit more Texan flair, consider the Omni La Mansión del Rio . This hotel on the banks of the River Walk sits within a historic Spanish colonial building.

Mokara Hotel & Spa: San Antonio

Candlelit spa at Mokara Hotel & Spa.

Courtesy of Mokara Hotel & Spa

Located on the banks of San Antonio's famous River Walk, Mokara Hotel & Spa demands its own visit to the city. Rooms feature romantic touches like large windows and four-poster beds made of wrought iron. In every bathroom, you'll discover a tub big enough for both you and your partner, as well as luxurious Gilchrist & Soames bath products. Upgrade to a room with a balcony for a private place to enjoy the bustle of the River Walk without rubbing elbows with other tourists.

Though the River Walk has bountiful dining options, enjoy at least one of your meals at the on-site Ostra, a AAA Four Diamond restaurant. Sip on a glass of fine wine while you savor a scrumptious seafood dinner. Alternatively, try Four Brothers for Southern foods with Latin and French flair; it also serves breakfast. If you opt to have dinner away from the hotel, stop by Mokara's Rooftop Café for pre-dinner cocktails and appetizers.

The property's Mokara Spa offers "Together" massages for couples, tailored to your individual needs, as well as host of other treatments (including facials, nail treatments and body treatments) so you and your honey can feel your best. Complement your stay at Mokara with a guided tour of San Antonio 's historical attractions or its neighboring wine country. Alternatively, get your adrenaline pumping on the rides at Six Flags Fiesta Texas .

Address: 212 W. Crockett St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Dawn breaks over a field of bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes near Fredericksburg, Texas.

Located roughly 70 miles northwest of San Antonio and about 80 miles west of Austin, Fredericksburg is a gem in the Texas Hill Country. More than 50 wineries can be found within the city itself and in the surrounding county. You and your honey can start your trip downtown: You'll find several wineries and tasting rooms spread along Main Street. Tempranillos, merlots, viogniers and roses are just a few of the tantalizing varietals you can sample.

To explore some of the surrounding area's wineries without having to drive yourself, try a guided wine tour to spend the day with a knowledgeable local or purchase a pass for the 290 Wine Shuttle. The shuttle ferries visitors to local Texas wineries, including Fat Ass Ranch & Winery, Grape Creek Vineyards (which has a downtown location as well) and Messina Hof Hill Country Winery. Travelers also recommend visiting William Chris Vineyards for its delicious wines and beautiful scenery.

Save room in your itinerary for Fredericksburg's other pursuits. History-loving twosomes will enjoy visiting the National Museum of the Pacific War or the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, which is located in nearby Stonewall. There's also the dreamy Enchanted Rock State Natural Area just north of Fredericksburg. Tonkawa tribe legends tell of the pink granite dome's power and warn of spirits that haunt the rock. Hikers say the journey to the top of this magical place is difficult but worth the effort.

Where to stay: When you're ready to turn in, you'll have plenty of inns, hotels, vacation rentals and bed-and-breakfast accommodations to choose from. Hoffman Haus wins rave reviews for its comfortable rooms, suites and stand-alone houses, as well as its delicious breakfasts. For an adults-only escape, consider the Swiss Log Cabins at Barons CreekSide, which feature fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs big enough for two.

top 15 places to visit in texas

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

The Granbury Cabins at Windy Ridge: Granbury

Exterior of a cabin at The Granbury Cabins at Windy Ridge.

B Family Films | Courtesy of The Granbury Cabins at Windy Ridge

Situated about 40 miles southwest of Fort Worth, The Granbury Cabins at Windy Ridge provides a secluded location perfect for couples who want to avoid the distractions of the modern age. The property's accommodations do not offer Wi-Fi access or cable TV, contributing to the cabins' off-the-grid atmosphere, which previous guests agree makes the cabins an ideal place to unwind and relax with your partner.

Each of the property's three cabins is tucked away into the surrounding forest, offering the utmost privacy and seclusion for guests. The cabins – ranging from 450 to 800 square feet – also come equipped with antique furniture, private hot tubs, fire pits, and kitchens or kitchenettes stocked with equipment. Whether you book the Hideaway, Dilly Dally or Farmhouse cabin, you'll be able to experience this rustic retreat from the comfort of a front porch or other outdoor spaces.

Outside your cabin, you'll have the property's 10 acres to explore; there's a trail to help guide you on your hike. Start a competition with your partner or battle against other guests at the communal game space. The property provides complimentary equipment to play cornhole and other lawn games.

If you can pull yourselves away from your comfortable digs, you and your sweetie will find a variety of things to do in downtown Granbury, which sits about 10 miles west of the cabins. Rent a kayak from one of Lake Granbury's marinas and spend the day paddling on the water. Then, walk through the Historic Granbury Square, where you and your better half can enjoy dinner, peruse local boutiques, explore museums or go wine tasting.

Address: 6350 Windy Ridge Court, Granbury, TX 76049

Dripping Springs is an ideal locale for a romantic Texas getaway. It is called the "Wedding Capital of Texas," after all. This area in the Texas Hill Country about 25 miles southwest of Austin hosts more than 1,000 weddings annually and boasts numerous dreamy venues, from barns to mansions to wineries. It's also LGBTQ+ friendly.

If you and your partner have already tied the knot, there's still plenty to do together. Visit Hamilton Pool Preserve, where after a short and steep hike you'll arrive at a limestone box canyon. A 50-foot-tall waterfall spills into the park's namesake pool. If you're lucky, you and your honey may be able to take a dip together (swimming is not always guaranteed due to the water's bacteria levels and falling rocks). In town, browse the shops and historic buildings of Mercer Street and see the real dripping springs for which the town was named.

A trip to Dripping Springs wouldn't be complete without sampling its local goods. For wine, travel south to Driftwood, where you'll find Driftwood Estate Winery, Duchman Family Winery and Fall Creek Vineyards, all within about a 15-mile radius. For spirits in Dripping Springs, try Treaty Oak Distilling, and when hunger strikes, stop by a local eatery like Rolling in Thyme and Dough.

Where to stay: Lodging options in town are limited to a few budget hotels and motels, but outside the downtown area, you'll find a smattering of charming B&Bs, plus various vacation rentals and inns. Lucky Arrow Retreat offers accommodation selections such as cabins and two-person yurts, and Camp Lucy makes for a perfectly luxurious wedding venue or romantic retreat.

Dallas cityscape with blue sky at sunset.

If your idea of the perfect couples vacation involves endless sampling of the local dining scene, you're in for a treat in Dallas . Tex-Mex, the Lone Star State's staple cuisine, is big here, and you'll find plenty of restaurants dishing up enchiladas, tacos and flautas for you and your partner to share. Favorite spots include Taqueria La Ventana, Pepe's & Mito's and E Bar Tex-Mex. Alternatively, sign up for a Dallas food tour to sample some of the city's top eats with a knowledgeable local. End your night sharing a few margaritas from bars along Dallas' famed Margarita Mile (after all, Dallas is   the birthplace of the frozen margarita).

In between food stops, take time to soak in some of the area's history. Presidential history buffs can visit The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza for an in-depth look at the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Alternatively, visit the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum to learn more about the nation's 43rd president and his administration.

Where to stay: Hotels in Dallas are everything you'd expect from a metropolitan area: elegant and relaxing. Hotel Crescent Court offers neutral-toned rooms with gold accents. On top of amenities like in-room Nespresso makers, guests will have access to a complimentary car service and the on-site spa. Culture-loving duos may want to consider bedding down at HALL Arts Hotel Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton . Not only is the hotel within walking distance of performance venues and museums, but it also displays a curated art collection throughout its rooms and public spaces.

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek: Dallas

Grand Deluxe room at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek at night.

Courtesy of Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

Following a day of browsing museums, viewing wildlife and touring the city, duos visiting Dallas will need a refuge to relax and spend some quality time together. The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek offers just the place. The historic property earns excellent reviews from travelers – many of whom have visited more than once – for its comfortable rooms.

The current structure was built in the 1920s as a 10,000-square-foot residence for Sheppard W. King, a wealthy merchant, and his family. To inspire the building's architectural and interior design, the family traveled throughout Europe with their architect to select materials and furnishings, including a stone fireplace from Germany, carved wooden doors from a Spanish cathedral, marble columns from Italy and a stained glass window from England. The mansion was converted into a Rosewood hotel in 1979.

Today, lodgers seeking an upscale couples retreat will find elegantly appointed rooms here, some outfitted with outdoor sitting areas or soaking tubs. For a romantic dinner or special brunch, head to the on-site Mansion Restaurant, which serves up American favorites with a French twist. Alternatively, you and your beau can stop by The Mansion Bar for a nightcap. Its dark, coffered ceilings and candlelight set a cozy atmosphere. Should you and your partner need a bit of care after stomping around DFW, take a swim in the hotel's heated outdoor pool (it's open year-round), relax in the sauna or steam rooms, or indulge in a massage.

Address: 2821 Turtle Creek Blvd., Dallas, TX 75219

Autumn colors along Pine Canyon, Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Overnight visits to Guadalupe Mountains National Park will have you and your partner cozying up in a tent beneath the stars. The park is located along the Texas-New Mexico border and has no options for traditional lodging. Within the park, you'll find two campgrounds that accommodate both tents and recreational vehicles; a third has horse corrals alongside campsites. To ensure some one-on-one time with your sweetie, backpack to one of the remote backcountry sites and curl up in a double sleeping bag. If camping isn't your style, you can find a few lodging options and restaurants in nearby Dell City, about 45 miles west of the park. Alternatively, the park is a great day trip option from El Paso , as it's about 115 miles east of the city.

Planning a fall getaway here with your sweetie will provide not only comfortable high temperatures that span the low 80s to the low 60s, but also incredible autumn foliage . According to the National Park Service, colors begin to pop in mid-October and generally continue until mid-November. For optimal viewing, try hiking to the Grotto along the McKittrick Canyon trail, a moderate 7-mile hike round trip, or the Smith Spring Loop trail, which is around 2 miles.

As you hike, keep your eyes peeled for a variety of birds and other wildlife. Depending on where you trek, you could see warblers, mockingbirds, roadrunners, lizards, rabbits and coyotes. At night, if the sky is clear, be sure to spend some time stargazing. Thanks to its remote location, the park experiences little light pollution, meaning lovebirds can easily spot constellations and the Milky Way.

Corpus Christi, Texas, skyline on the bay in the day.

Travel less than 30 miles southeast of Corpus Christi to find some of the most beautiful shores along the Texas coast. Padre Island National Seashore (not to be confused with South Padre Island) provides lovebirds with a quiet and scenic beach getaway. If you and your partner are nature lovers, you're in luck: Bird-watching is a popular pursuit in the Corpus Christi area. A summertime visit also gives you two the chance to witness the release of sea turtle hatchlings on Malaquite Beach. One of the best beaches in Texas can be found at Mustang Island State Park, a barrier island just east of the city and north of Padre Island. Rent a tandem kayak from a nearby shop, then spend the day gliding along the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail.

For beach days in the city, head to North Beach or McGee Beach. North Beach not only offers more than a mile of sandy shores, but it's also where you'll find two of Corpus' best attractions : the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium. At McGee Beach, enjoy calm ocean waters and plentiful fishing opportunities; however, know that you may be sharing the beach with families if you visit at peak times, which are typically in March and April during spring break, as well as the summer months. Following your days in the sun, take time to visit the city's other unique attractions, such as the Selena Museum or the Texas Surf Museum.

Where to stay: When it's time to bed down, you'll find plush accommodations at Corpus Christi hotels like the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel , as well as resorts and vacation rentals.

Comal County Courthouse, recently restored Romanesque Revival architecture, in Central Texas town of New Braunfels.

Couples who love the water will relish a trip to New Braunfels, located about 30 miles northwest of San Antonio. You can take a tubing trip down either the Comal or Guadalupe rivers or go boating on nearby Canyon Lake (where you'll also find hiking trails). Or, if you and your sweetheart want some thrills, Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort features everything from waterslides and tube rides to lazy rivers and heated pools.

New Braunfels also has a rich German history. While couples can trace the city's past at the Sophienburg Museum and Archives, a more interactive way to celebrate the history is by attending Wurstfest. The annual celebration of German sausage takes place in early November and features 10 days full of food, drink, music, dancing and other entertainment. Can't make it to the festival? Lovers can get a heaping helping of German food and German draft beer at Krause's, which travelers agree is all delicious. The Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre and Dry Comal Creek Vineyards are two additional visitor-favorite attractions in the city.

Hold your partner close at Gruene Dance Hall, which sits a few miles from downtown. Since 1878, the hall has been welcoming dancers and music lovers with nightly concerts and events. The hall – as its name suggests – sits in Gruene (pronounced "green"), a small town in New Braunfels featuring historic buildings, unique shops and restaurants.

Where to stay: Travelers recommend the cozy Gruene Mansion Inn, which sits on the banks of the Guadalupe River, a stone's throw from Gruene Hall.

The Tremont House: Galveston

The Tremont House Hotel with the colorful Mardi Gras Arch located at 2300 Mechanic Street on Historic Galveston Island.

Robert Mihovil | Courtesy of The Tremont House

One of the best hotels in Galveston , The Tremont House completed extensive renovations in 2022, blending past with present in a redesign of its accommodations, lobby, public spaces and food and beverage establishments. Fully refreshed rooms and suites feature hardwood floors, exposed brick, 14- to 16-foot ceilings, and luxury amenities like NEST bath products.

Start or end your day with bistro-style fare at Blum & Co. or enjoy a local brew or cocktail at the trendy Toujouse Bar. In fall 2023, you'll also have the option to sit at the newly renovated rooftop bar, which affords sweeping city views. When booking your stay, be sure to check out the hotel's packages, which include a Pride-inspired Out & About package (available year-round), and a dining package that includes breakfast for two daily, a $100 daily food and beverage credit and valet parking.

The Tremont House is located on The Strand, a historic district lined with boutiques, shops and restaurants in Galveston. As you stroll down the street hand in hand, make sure to stop and snap pictures of the gorgeous buildings. With all this opulence, it's easy to forget Galveston is a beach town. Laze on Stewart Beach or East Beach, letting Texas Gulf Coast waters lap at your ankles, or take in the ocean vistas from one of the rides at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.

Address: 2300 Ship Mechanic Row St., Galveston, TX 77550

Stockyards Historic District in Fort Worth, Texas, USA.

The Wild West comes alive at the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. Spending the day here will give you and your darling insights into more of Texas' history by exploring one of several museums, taking a walking tour of the area or watching a real cattle drive (held twice daily). Plus, a visit here will allow you to nosh on a favorite Texas cuisine: barbecue.

But if you and your partner aren't too much into Texas' cowboy history, Fort Worth has plenty of other attractions to ignite romance. Couples continually rate the Kimbell Art Museum as a top activity, thanks to its lovely art and intriguing rotating exhibits. Have your date nights at Sundance Square, where a selection of restaurants (try Branch & Bird for cocktails followed by dinner at Reata Fort Worth) and entertainment venues await you. Travelers generally enjoy the live music performances that Sundance Square Plaza hosts each weekend. About half a mile away you'll find the Fort Worth Water Gardens, a quiet outdoor area featuring architecturally beautiful fountains.

Where to stay: The Omni Fort Worth Hotel generally receives praise from reviewers for stellar service and location, though a few note some rooms could use updating. The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel has comfortable beds, according to recent travelers, and a bar where you and your love can have a nightcap before turning in.

If long walks are your idea of romance, the pedestrian-friendly Marble Falls may be a great place to start. The city prides itself on its downtown area being walkable with plenty of shops and activities to boot. Lakeside Park not only provides access to Lake Marble Falls for water activities like kayaking, but also boasts barbecue pits and picnic tables so you can prepare and enjoy a romantic lunch.

When it's time for refreshments, share a pint or two downtown at either Bear King Brewing Co. or Double Horn Brewing Co., which both earn winning reviews from guests for tasty beers and food. Be sure to save room for pie at Blue Bonnet Cafe, a must-try according to recent visitors.

When you're ready to get out and explore more of Texas Hill Country, you and your sweetheart will have plenty of state parks and recreation areas at your disposal. About 15 miles from Marble Falls, Krause Springs is home to 32 springs as well as both an artificial and natural pool for swimming. This camping and swimming site is especially busy during the summer, so know you'll likely be rubbing elbows with other travelers. At Inks Lake State Park, you two can hike nearly 10 miles of trails before taking a dip in the water.

Where to stay: Accommodations in and around Marble Falls, meanwhile, are varied enough to suit any couple. You'll find traditional hotels, glamping resorts, inns, treehouses , vacation rentals and even a castle. Hidden Falls Inn at Lake Marble Falls wows guests with incredible lake views from rooms plus friendly service.

You might also be interested in:

  • The Best Romantic Getaways in the U.S.
  • The Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  • The Cheapest Travel Insurance Options

Tags: Travel , Couples Vacations , Texas Vacations , Southeast Vacations , US Vacations

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The 8 best places to visit in Texas

Aug 25, 2023 • 6 min read

top 15 places to visit in texas

Escape the summer heat in Austin by paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake © RyanJLane / Getty Images

So you want to visit the best places in Texas ? Then get prepared to embrace the open road because the Lone Star State is far from small!

While it’s possible to visit a number of Texas' big attractions in one trip, combining several popular destinations will likely require a rental car and a long drive – or two. If you want to see both Austin and Big Bend National Park, for example, be prepared for an eight-hour road trip (one way).

If you want to visit both San Antonio and Dallas, gear up for a five-hour trek on Interstate Highway 35. Although there are enough Willie Nelson albums to fill over 70 hours of driving, we’ve grouped some of the state’s best destinations by region to help you get around more easily and make the most of your time in the Lone Star State.

Best city for live music

Austin became the capital of Texas in 1846, and the University of Texas was established in 1883. For about a hundred years, the city remained a sleepy college town and political seat until the tech boom of the 1980s attracted more businesses and residents. Known for its rich history of live music thanks to televised performances from the Austin City Limits studios, the city is still the best spot in Texas to catch a troubadour on every corner.

Be sure to browse the local boutiques on South Congress Avenue, such as Allens Boots . Founded in 1977, the store’s red boot sign and extensive collection of Western wear have made it a go-to shopping destination for decades. Two-step across the street to South Congress Hotel for a drink in the hotel’s lobby bar before catching live music at the legendary Continental Club down the street.

Planning tip:  If you're visiting in summer, join the locals and escape the city heat with a kayaking adventure on one of Austin's many waterways.

Sunrise Over Enchanted Rock State Park, TX

2. Texas Hill Country

Best place for breweries and vineyards

A trip to Austin or San Antonio pairs well with a day trip or short venture to Texas Hill Country , where wine lovers and beer experts will feel equally at home. Visit Altstadt Brewery for a tour and taste of German-style beer, or head to William Chris Vineyard in Hye for an afternoon among the grapes.

Southold Farm and Cellar is another top vineyard in the region, but if alcohol isn’t your thing, make a pit stop at any of the local peach stands along Highway 290 for a sweet taste of summer. For an outdoor adventure, take in the views from nearby Enchanted Rock, or watch the bats emerge from the abandoned railroad tunnel at Old Tunnel State Park .

3. San Antonio

Best place for top Texas attractions

Some of Texas' best things to do are in San Antonio. While no trip is complete without a visit to The Alamo , there are several other worthwhile museums and attractions in San Antonio. Be sure to wander the Pearl Brewery Complex , where the swanky Hotel Emma holds court as queen of luxury. Try a drink in the hotel’s Sternewirth bar, where you can sip a cocktail in one of the renovated silos from the bygone brewery.

A short drive to the Witte Museum will give you an immersive experience of Texas history, while an afternoon at the McNay Art Museum is the ideal spot for a picnic on the grounds after wandering the galleries.

Planning tip:  Stretch your budget by visiting the Witte Museum on a Tuesday – it's free to enter between 3pm and 6pm.

Best place for space exploration

Houston also boasts its share of galleries, especially the Menil Collection , whose vast exhibits span human history from the Paleolithic era to the 20th Century and contemporary art. But the biggest draw to Houston is NASA’s  Johnson Space Center , home to Mission Control, which led the Gemini and Apollo missions and the first lunar landing.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the history and future of space exploration, as well as a glimpse of artifacts such as spacecraft and the largest collection of moon rocks on public display.

Planning tip:  Visiting Houston with the tots in tow? Check the Space Center's schedule and book the kids into a day-long Explorer Camp that will have them reaching for the stars.

People sunning on Galveston Beach in Texas

5. Galveston

Best place for a beach party

Not far from Houston is the port town of Galveston , which was once one of the largest port cities in North America before it was devastated by a deadly hurricane in 1900. Today, the island city remains a top Gulf Coast destination and one of the state’s best beach towns.

Go ghost hunting at the historic Grand Galvez or head to the Bryan Museum for a chronological exhibit of Texas history and an impressive collection of local art. Animal lovers will enjoy the aquarium and rainforest exhibits at Moody Gardens , while architecture aficionados will appreciate a walking tour of the historic churches and homes like Bishop’s Palace .

Best place to become a brewmaster

About halfway between San Antonio and Houston, Shiner is home to one of the state’s oldest and most popular breweries, the Spoetzl Brewery . Take a tour of the brewery, which started as a tin house in 1909, to learn how the Bavarian beer was first made by Kosmos Spoetzl. Then, sample different Shiner brews from the current brewmaster, who is only the sixth in the history of the company.

Combine the trip with a drive through Gonzalez, where the first shots of the Texas Revolution were fired in October 1835. Or venture slightly further for a walk through the jungle-like trails of Palmetto State Park .

Best place for sports fans

Among the many reasons to visit Dallas is the plethora of professional sports teams in the area. Whether you’re a fan of football, baseball, basketball or hockey, Dallas is home to several state-of-the-art arenas and stadiums, such as the American Airlines Center, which hosts both the NHL’s Dallas Stars and the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.

Nearby Arlington hosts both the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and the MLB’s Texas Rangers. Downtown Dallas is also a great option for art lovers, and the Nasher Sculpture Center and nearby Crow Museum of Asian Art are quieter attractions for a rainy day.

Planning tip:  Adventure fans, this is your time to rejoice! The first ever Six Flags theme park was established in Dallas and is still thrilling visitors to this day . Bring the whole family – there is no shortage of rollercoasters for everyone.

Senior woman walking on trail trough cactus, yucca plant and rocks in Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA

8. Big Bend National Park

Best place for hiking in the great outdoors

Texas’ only national park is also one of the largest in the country, as well as the least visited thanks to its remote location. Separated from neighboring Mexico by the Rio Grande, Big Bend National Park is known for its scenic vistas and many hiking trails. Over 1200 plant species call the park home, along with over 450 species of birds. The South Rim Trail is also one of the best hikes in the whole of Texas.

But celestial beings remain one of the park’s biggest draws – certified as an International Dark Sky, the park boasts some of the best stargazing in the continental US. The Santa Elena Canyon is a main attraction, where temperatures can rise above 110F (43C) in the summer. Enjoy slightly lower temps in the Chisos Mountains, which offer lodging and unforgettable views over the whole park.

This article was first published September 2021 and updated August 2023

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The 27 Most Beautiful Places In Texas, According To A Local

From beaches to bluebonnets, and desert mountains to vineyards, Texas is full of stunning surprises.

top 15 places to visit in texas

Wynn Meyers

The amazing thing about Texas being as big as it is—almost 270,000 square miles to be exact—is that there is no shortage of places to explore and unique terrains that differ drastically from one region to the next. From bustling cities to small towns , Gulf Coast beaches to West Texas mountains, Texas is full of surprises just waiting to be discovered, and I've explored almost every inch.

It's home to some of the best state parks , whether you prefer tubing down the Guadalupe River or finding epic views at Enchanted Rock. You can walk along the largest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world, explore underground prehistoric caves, sip wine in a lush Texas vineyard, or take a road trip through fields of blooming bluebonnets . If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then there's something—many things, really—for everyone to find beautiful in Texas.

Here are the most beautiful places in Texas to visit, according to a local.

Guadalupe River State Park

This state park welcomes you with four miles of riverfrontage. Just one hour from San Antonio and two hours from Austin, Guadalupe River State Park is also one of the more popular  camping destinations  in the state, particularly during the summertime when swimming in its cool waters is extra appealing for families and kids. When you're not tubing, paddling, or taking a dip, embark on its hiking and biking trails. Feel free to bring your own tube and access the rivers via river parks, or use an outfitter like  Rockin’ R River Rides .

tpwd.texas.gov/guadalupe-river , 3350 Park Rd 31, Spring Branch, TX 78070

Big Bend National Park

With more than 800,000 acres, Big Bend National Park is the eighth-largest national park in the continental U.S., but it sees less than half a million annual visitors, making it one of the most sparsely touristed parks in the system. Chalk it up to the remote location, more than 400 miles away from Austin or San Antonio and a three-hour drive from the nearest airport in Midland. While you can explore countless hiking trails and lookout points on your own, enjoy a more immersed experience by booking an activity with  Big Bend Boating and Hiking .

nps.gov/bibe , multiple entrances

Willow City Loop

Just outside Fredericksburg , this 13-mile scenic loop is amongst the best ways to see the famed Texas wildflowers each spring. You'll find it bursting with bright fields of bluebonnets, fiery red Indian paintbrushes, and cheery yellow coreopsis. From March through May, it is more than worth the drive. Start at the town of Willow City, and follow the loop.

Texas Wine Country

Gabriela Herman

More than 100 vineyards and tasting rooms are located in and around Fredericksburg, Texas, and along the Fredericksburg Wine Road 290, providing the ultimate vino experience while learning about Texas grapes. Fredericksburg is one of the most-visited  wine destinations  in the country. Book the  290 Wine Shuttle  for safe all-day transportation between the wineries. Our favorite recommendations include  Grape Creek Vineyards ,  Messina Hof Hill Country Winery ,  Signor Vineyards , and  Barons Creek Vineyards .

290wineshuttle.com , 308 S Washington St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Garner State Park

A tubing and swimming destination in the warmer months, Garner State Park sees many visitors year-round. During fall, temperatures are often still high enough for enjoying the water of the Frio River—but they aren't sweltering—so you can swim, hike, view the changing leaves, and take advantage of the park's more developed campsites all in one trip. Weekends can get crowded, but weekdays are quieter, meaning the short, steep hikes to various overlooks—including Old Baldy (the park's most notable hill) will be less traversed.

tpwd.texas.gov/garner , 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

There’s perhaps nowhere that native wildflowers put on a more marvelous display than at the  Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center , southwest of downtown Austin. Founded by Lady Bird Johnson and actor Helen Hayes in 1982, the 284-acre state botanic garden and arboretum is home to over 10,000 species from all across Texas, the most diverse collection of such in North America. Throughout the year, the not-for-profit puts on events like movie nights in the gardens, sunset happy hours with live music, and workshops on how to grow your own native varieties.

wildflower.org , 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

The top of Enchanted Rock offers panoramic views of Texas Hill Country, making it an ideal spot for leaf peeping. Located north of Fredericksburg,  Enchanted Rock State Natural Area  has 11 miles of trails to see fall color on your way to the top of the pink granite dome. This park is also designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it a great place to see fall colors and relax under the stars.

tpwd.texas.gov/enchanted-rock , 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Barton Springs Pool

This outdoor swimming hole in  Zilker Park  is entirely fed by natural springs, making it the perfect spot to cool down during hot Texas summers. It's surrounded by a picturesque grassy area, and on hot summer days, it seems as if all of Austin is there to cool off. (The visitor count has approached 800,000 in recent years.)

austintexas.gov/barton-springs-pool , 2131 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746

Padre Island National Seashore

Located on Padre Island, the barrier between the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre Bay, this national park contains the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world. Its 66 miles of pristine coastline shelter the rare Kemp's ridley sea turtle and more than 380 bird species, while offering its human visitors ample opportunities for walking, swimming, and birdwatching. Head to Malaquite Beach for a visitor center, pavilion, and wheelchair access to the shore.

nps.gov/pais , End of Park Road 22, Corpus Christi, TX, 78480

Marfa, Texas

ROBBIE CAPONETTO

This funky art town in the remote desert lands of West Texas became an unlikely hub attracting curious Texans, artistic bohemians, and incognito celebrities, who flock here throughout the year for its art, film, and music festivals. It's also just a perfect place to post up for a weekend to enjoy the art exhibits, local restaurants, and close proximity to Big Bend National Park. You'll feel million miles away from any city, and there's no place quite like it.

San Antonio River Walk

The great San Antonio River winds its way through the center of the city with a pedestrian-friendly River Walk that follows right alongside it, offering a serene respite that's lined on each side with countless activities to discover, from art museums to public parks to historic landmarks that have become bustling districts. Explore the San Antonio missions (including the Alamo), Historic Market Square, La Villita neighborhood, and the Pearl District. Find the map here.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

The  Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden  is a 66-acre living showplace that you can find blooming in the spring with thousands of flowers, overflowing in the fall with pumpkin displays, and absolutely decked out at Christmastime when the grounds are decorated with over 1 million LED lights, a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree, and a quaint German village.

dallasarboretum.org , 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218

Hamilton Pool Preserve

One of the most iconic natural landmarks in Texas, Hamilton Pool is a unique grotto with a cascading 50-foot waterfall. It only takes a short hike from the entrance of the  230-acre preserve  to see the pool and find a spot to post up for a picnic or picture.

parks.traviscountytx.gov/hamilton-pool-preserve , 24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

On many country roads and small parks throughout Texas Hill Country, you'll find plenty of blossoming wildflowers to behold, such as at Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area in Spicewood. During early spring, you'll find  bluebonnets  (Texas’ famous state flower) blanketing every grassy surface. In this park near Austin, enjoy tent camping along the shore of Lake Travis or under the shade of oak-tree canopies. 

lcra.org/muleshoe-bend , 2820 Co Rd 414, Spicewood, TX 78669

Lost Maples State Natural Area

At nearly 3,000 acres,  Lost Maples State Natural Area  contains the headwaters of the Sabinal River and trails that lead up to views of undisturbed rolling hills. Each year, once the leaves have already changed and dropped to the ground in heaps throughout most of North America, the park's famed bigtooth maples begin their show, bursting into brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow during late October and November.

tpwd.texas.gov/lost-maples , 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885

Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail

Located in Austin , this 10-mile trail floats on and off the water and offers unbeatable views of the growing skyline and (often) blue skies that the Capital city is known for. Meander on a morning to see the city come to life with walkers, joggers, and bikers. Stop off along the way to see downtown, South Congress, and Zilker Park. Find the map here.

Wildseed Farms

Unlike most floral fields where you can look but not touch, you can pick a bouquet at the nation's largest working wildflower farm,  Wildseed Farms . This family-owned countryside escape has 200 acres of wildflower fields, a beautiful butterfly garden, a wine-tasting room, and frequent special events.

wildseedfarms.com , 100 Legacy Dr, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Find this state park near Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle. Palo Duro Canyon is also known as the "Grand Canyon of Texas," and photographers come from far and wide to capture the blended colors of the canyon walls. In addition to over 30 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding, the park hosts the TEXAS Outdoor Musical in its amphitheater throughout the summer, with musical performances highlighting the struggles and triumphs of Texas pioneers.

tpwd.texas.gov/palo-duro-canyon , multiple entrances

Utopia, Texas

There's a sign that greets visitors rolling into Utopia—a very tiny town in a remote corner of Texas Hill Country with little cell service—with a somewhat ambiguous message: "Welcome to Utopia, a paradise. Let's keep it nice." Anyone passing through town is likely here for two reasons:  Lost Maples State Natural Area and Garner State Park.  Utopia is located smack-dab in the middle of the protected sites, with each around the same distance from the main drag in perpendicular directions. Stay at one of four  luxury treehouse escapes  known as Treehouse Utopia, which are built into centuries-old bald cypress trees and fully furnished and outfitted with an outer deck and a bathroom boasting a walk-in shower.

Trinity Park

Scott Slusher

Stretched along the banks of the Trinity River and nestled next to the Fort Worth Zoo, Trinity Park feels like big breath of fresh air. You can walk or bike while taking in the stunning skyline views, or take advantage of the many attractions within the park. The Trinity River Trails is a network of over 100 miles of paved trails connecting Fort Worth to many other surrounding cities. Moreover, book a trip with Stockyards Stables , and saddle up for a ride on the banks of the Trinity River.

fortworthtexas.gov/trinity-park , 2401 University Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76107

Big Bend Ranch State Park

Southern Living

Texas’ biggest state park is also an International Dark Sky Park, with ample space (300,000 acres) for stargazing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, rafting over rapids, paddling along the Rio Grande, and even off-roading. El Solitario is the park’s signature geological feature, a 10-mile-wide collapsed volcanic dome visible from various trail overlooks and via 4-wheel-drive vehicle. Along the trails, visitors can see weathered rock hoodoos, natural springs, Native rock art, and historical ruins of ranches and other structures.

tpwd.texas.gov/big-bend-ranch , 21800 FM170, Terlingua, TX 79852

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Getty Images/VW Pics/Contributor

A UNESCO World Heritage Site (and the only one in Texas), this storied site preserves four of the five Spanish frontier missions in San Antonio. The 475-acre park boundaries are exciting to explore via walking or biking along the city's established Mission Trail.

nps.gov/saan , multiple locations

Fort Worth Stockyards

You'll still find remnants of a bygone era, like weekly rodeos, music-filled honky-tonks, and a working herd of hometown cattle at the Fort Worth Stockyards. Additionally, Fort Worth's National Historic District is shaking off the dust with new museums, restaurants, watering holes, and a renovated entertainment hub, Mule Alley. Hop on one of the  Historic Walking Tours  to learn about its history.

fortworthstockyards.org , 145 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164

Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park

Courtesy Uptown Houston

This Houston landmark and community centerpiece offers one of the prettiest backdrops in the city. You can have a unique experience standing in the Waterwall’s mist and getting enveloped by the gentle roar of cascading water. The multi-story sculptural fountain is located in the Uptown district.

uptown-houston.com/waterwall-park , 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056

Pedernales Falls State Park

The massive limestone slabs at  Pedernales Falls State Park  create cascading waterfalls that are beautiful any time of year. During fall, the trees lining the rocks create a postcard-worthy backdrop. Take the half-mile Twin Falls Nature Trail for a scenic view of the falls, or take some of the more challenging hikes to get up close to fall color.

tpwd.texas.gov/pedernales-falls , 2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636

Natural Bridge Caverns

Courtesy of Natural Bridge Caverns

Back in 1960, four college students discovered the largest known cave system in Texas—now one of the state's most popular attractions—below a natural rock bridge on a ranch near San Antonio. The caverns, open to the public since the sixties, continue to be explored. A National Natural Landmark, the Natural Bridge Caverns attraction is still owned by the Wuest family, who risked their land and livelihood to develop it decades ago.

naturalbridgecaverns.com ,  26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, San Antonio, TX 78266

Gruene Dance Hall

Robbie Caponetto

In the late-1970s and 1980s, musicians flocked to  Gruene Hall , the oldest dance hall in Texas. The white-clapboard venue hasn’t changed much since its founding in Gruene, Texas, in 1878, barring the occasional coat of paint, and that just adds to the charm. With more dance halls closing as urban migration marches on, groups such as the  Texas Dance Hall Preservation Inc.  are committed to saving these historic sites, as well as the music and culture that can still be found within them. 

gruenehall.com , 1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130

Frequently Asked Questions

Currently, the Texas park systems oversees more than 640,000 acres of land, including 89 state parks, historic sites and natural areas.

Make your way through exploring the Hill Country, Gulf Coast, Panhandle, Pineywoods, and Big Bend Country (West Texas).

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A Native Texan’s List of the 9 Best Places to Visit in the Lone Star State

From small town getaways to big city lights, these are the best places to visit in texas..

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Indoor bar area with red lanterns and high ceiling

Known as the Cultural Capital of the South, Houston has no shortage of things to do—or eat.

Photo by Mae Hamilton

As the biggest state in the contiguous United States, Texas can seem larger than life. But there’s so much more to the Lone Star State than cattle ranching, cowboys, and barbecue —though those things can certainly be found here.

Each area of the state has its own distinct personality and culture. The piney woods of East Texas feels about as Southern as you can get in the state. Central Texas is characterized by the rolling, rocky knolls of the Hill Country. The coast boasts white, sandy beaches that are home to unique wildlife. West Texas is characterized by rugged, desert landscapes that have inspired creative works like No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood .

Ready to plan your trip to the Lone Star State? These are the nine best places to visit in Texas.

  • Come for: The state’s most exciting and diverse culinary landscape; plus a thriving arts and culture scene
  • Where to stay: La Colombe d’Or

H-Town is home to hundreds of ethnic communities from all around the planet—more than 145 different languages are spoken here. Naturally, Houston’s multicultural population has created one of the most exciting foodie havens on Earth. Here in Bayou City, you’ll find upscale hand-rolled sushi bars like Handies Douzo as well as James Beard Award–winning soul food restaurant Lucille’s and Viet Cajun crawfish boil outposts like Crawfish Cafe .

Besides the food, one of the best things about Houston is its museum scene. Houston’s Museum District , in the heart of the city, features 20 museums all within walking distance of one another. (If you’re visiting in the summer, bring water if you plan on walking.)

The Menil Collection offers everything from Byzantine artifacts to mind-boggling surrealist paintings by artists such as René Magritte. Head to the Houston Museum of African American Culture to learn more about the Black American history of the city or the Houston Museum of Natural Science to visit such interactive attractions as the Burke Baker Planetarium and the Cockrell Butterfly Center.

How to get to Houston

Fly into either George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or William P. Hobby Airport (HOBBY), the city’s oldest commercial airport. IAH is about 20 miles from downtown Houston while HOBBY is a little less than 10 miles from the city’s center.

Forested mountain peaks and hills a Big Bend NP

Though the state is known for its big, flashy cities like Dallas and Austin, there are also plenty of lovable small towns and natural spaces.

2. Big Bend National Park

  • Come for: Beautiful, rugged West Texas desert
  • Where to stay: The Gage Hotel

Big Bend National Park is one of the country’s bewitching national parks , covering more than 800,000 acres. The landscape is dotted with cactus, yucca, aspen, mesquite, and Ponderosa pine and populated by critters like bobcat, javelinas, and mountain lions. Here, visitors can kayak the Rio Grande or hike, bike, or camp in the Chisos Mountains, which tower nearly a mile above the Chihuahuan Desert. The 4.8-mile Lost Mine Trail offers sweeping views of Casa Grande and Juniper Canyon; the strenuous South Rim traverses nearly 14.5 miles with 2,000 feet gained in elevation.

The best place to stay is in the park itself, either at the 60-site campground at Chisos Basin or one of five stone cottages at the Chisos Mountain Lodge , the only brick-and-mortar accommodations in the park. However, if something more developed is your game, drive to Marathon, the “Gateway to Big Bend” and stay at the Gage Hotel , housed in a mission-style adobe building constructed in 1927.

How to get to Big Bend National Park

The closest airport to Big Bend National Park is El Paso International Airport (ELP), which is 287 miles or four and a half hours away. From Austin, the drive will be 435 miles, or about six and a half hours. From San Antonio, it will be 370 miles and will take about six hours.

Large green tree near small, one-story house

Historic Fort Martin Scott is one of the places travelers can visit to learn about Fredericksburg’s history.

Courtesy of Mark König/Unsplash

3. Fredericksburg

  • Come for: A historic German town in the heart of Texas wine country
  • Where to stay: The Hoffman Haus

Though Texans have long known its laid-back charms, the Texas Hill Country is having a moment as of late thanks to the forecast total eclipse that will pass through the area on April 8, 2024. Fredericksburg may be the region’s crown jewel. Founded by German immigrants in 1946, the town of less than 30,000 is now known for its German restaurants and breweries, booming winery scene, and fresh peaches that grow in its orchards.

After booking a room at the Hoffman Haus (a bed-and-breakfast that delivers breakfast to guest rooms via gingham-covered picnic basket), explore the more than 150 local shops in downtown Fredericksburg and then learn about the town’s history at the Pioneer Museum . Finish the day with peach cobbler topped with Blue Bell ice cream at Das Peach Haus , which also sells jams, jellies, and preserves.

How to get to Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is located in the Texas Hill Country, which is not serviced by any major airports. Visitors will need to fly into either Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) or San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and then drive. From Austin, it’s about a 90-minute drive, while San Antonio is an hour away.

White and blue concrete building with Prada signs near desert highway

Marfa, Texas, can feel a little unreal at times—like a desert mirage.

Photo by Shelby Cohron

  • Come for: The coolest art town in the middle of nowhere
  • Where to stay: Hotel Saint George

Located squarely in the middle of nowhere deep in West Texas, Marfa is obsessed with art, thanks to the efforts of minimalist artist Donald Judd who moved to the area in the 1970s. There are about 2,000 residents and 19 permanent galleries in town, including the Judd Foundation and the Chinati Foundation (both founded by Judd), the Inde/Jacobs Gallery , and the Rule Gallery .

While Marfa may be a small town, there is no shortage of great eats: For wood-fired pizza, check out Para Llevar , and for creative cocktails and eclectic dishes, go to the Water Stop , which has a rotisserie chicken dish on its menu that Bon Appétit called the “second best reason to go to Marfa .” As an added bonus, the town is an hour and a half drive from Big Bend National Park (see above).

How to get to Marfa

The nearest international airport to Marfa is El Paso International Airport (ELP). From there, it’s a two-and-a-half hour drive to Marfa. However, it’s not uncommon for people to drive 430 miles from Austin or around 400 miles from San Antonio.

Exterior of the Alamo, with small green plaza in front of it

San Antonio is perhaps best known for the Alamo, but visitors can also find a thriving art scene, independent restaurants, and boutique hotels.

Courtesy of Eric Francis/Unsplash

5. San Antonio

  • Come for: Puro San Antonio
  • Where to stay: Hotel Emma

Now, I may be biased as a native San Antonian, but Alamo City is the most stunning of all the Lone Star State’s metropolitan areas. Thanks to a series of extensions, the River Walk is now 15 miles long, and it’s the perfect place to take a long hike or bike ride (albeit, not through the busy downtown corridor, usually packed with tourists and day drinkers). And with the transformation of the Pearl Brewery from condemned building to a vibrant cultural hub, the city has a new favorite hangout. At the Pearl, visitors will find Brasserie Mon Chou Chou , which is perhaps one of the best French restaurants in the state, Cured , which focuses on farm-to-table American cuisine, and Best Quality Daughter , which serves Asian American food inspired by Jennifer Dobbertin’s South Texas upbringing.

How to get to San Antonio

Fly into San Antonio National Airport and then drive or take a cab to downtown, about eight miles away.

White stork standing in water

A little less than 180 miles east of San Antonio is one of the Texas Coast’s best kept secrets: Port Aransas.

Photo by Joshua J. Cotten

6. Port Aransas

  • Come for: Quiet, small beach town vibes
  • Where to stay: The Tarpon Inn

Sure, Galveston is one of the most visited beach destinations in the state and South Padre Island is popular among spring breakers. But Port Aransas offers small town charm along an immaculate stretch of white-sand Texas coastline. Here, visitors will find 18 miles of beaches and a cornucopia of fresh Gulf Coast seafood: red snapper, blue crab, oysters, and endless quantities of shrimp. The last wild flock of endangered whooping cranes make their winter home at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Between April and August, travelers can witness baby sea turtles (including the endangered species, Kemp’s ridley) make their big journey to the ocean at Mustang Island State Park , 16 miles south of Port Aransas.

How to get to Port Aransas

Fly into Corpus Christi International Airport and then drive four minutes north on Mustang Island to reach Port Aransas. Many folks also drive in from Houston (200 miles away), San Antonio (180 miles away), and Austin (200 miles away).

Skyscrapers near forested area

The capital of the Lone Star State is ever-evolving and these days, it’s changing fast.

  • Come for: All the thrills that the Live Music Capital of the World has to offer
  • Where to stay: The Loren at Lady Bird Lake

There’s a little joke in Austin that every generation of Austinites says, “You should have seen it 10 years ago.” And it’s true. Over the past three years or so, Austin’s skyline has transformed thanks to an influx of folks and tech companies looking for a place to weather out the early days of the COVID pandemic.

But that’s not to say that Austin has lost its soul. The Live Music Capital of the World is still very much focused on music—head over to the Skylark Lounge for soulful blues and funk bands, the Continental Club for jazz, and the Broken Spoke for a tried-and-true honky-tonk experience. The state capital’s culinary scene has come into its own as well. Dark, broody, and only open 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. (midnight on weekends), East Austin favorite Justine’s Brasserie serves French cuisine and craft cocktails by the glow of dim lamps. Franklin Barbecue has had its praises sung the world over for its tender brisket, and the adulations are more than deserved—hop in line or order in advance on its website. Jester King Brewery , located on the outskirts of Austin on a 100-acre Hill Country spread, specializes in barrel-aged wild ales and wood-fired pizzas.

How to get Austin

The Texas capital is serviced by Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), about five miles southeast of downtown Austin. The easiest way to get out of the airport and into the city is via car.

Cloudy sky and an empty road after a rain storm in Lubbock, Texas

Located in northwest Texas, the area surrounding Lubbock is one of the largest viticultural areas in the United States.

Photo by Joshua Brian/Shutterstock

  • Come for: High plains hospitality and a fast-growing winery scene
  • Where to stay: Cotton Court Hotel

The Texas Panhandle has admittedly been overlooked as its vast seas of grass make it an ideal place to raise cattle rather than, say, see mind-blowing vistas. However, the area surrounding Lubbock has more than 9 million acres devoted to growing wine grapes—the region produces 80 percent of the state’s , far more than the Hill Country. Consider putting McPherson Cellars , the Llano Estacado winery, vino-and-tapas restaurant La Diosa Cellars , and the Funky Door Bistro & Wine Room on your to-do list. After you’ve had your fill of wine, head over to the Buddy Holly Center , where visitors can learn all about the rock ‘n’ roll legend. And if you’re looking for something more outdoorsy to do, drive 90 minutes north to Palo Duro Canyon State Park , the second largest canyon system in the United States after Arizona’s Grand Canyon.

How to get to Lubbock

Fly into Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB). You’ll need a car to get around town.

A cowboy leads several longhorn bulls down a street

The Fort Worth Stockyards dates back more than 100 years.

Photo by James Kirkikis/Shutterstock

9. Fort Worth

  • Come for: Cowboy charm with big city amenities
  • Where to stay: Bowie House

Long overshadowed by its glitzy neighbor, Dallas , Fort Worth is steadily coming into its own. Known for its historic stockyards , in operation since 1866 (it still puts on a twice daily cattle drive), Fort Worth is now attracting attention as the next Texas boomtown —and it’s attracting travelers’ attention as well. One of the latest hotels to hit the scene is the Bowie House (which opened in December of this year), an Auberge Resorts Collection property that pays homage to the West and owner Jo Ellard’s love of horses.

Fort Worth is also making headlines in the culinary realm. In 2021, Goldee’s Barbecue snagged Texas Monthly ’s top spot on its annual list of the 50 Best BBQ Joints —the restaurant is planning to open a second location, Ribee’s, which will focus solely on ribs, soon. But if cowboys and barbecue aren’t your thing, Fort Worth has a healthy offering of museums in town including the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History .

How to get to Fort Worth

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is located almost dead center between Dallas and Fort Worth. From the airport, it’s about a half an hour’s drive into the heart of Fort Worth.

Malibu Creek State Park

TheTravel

10 Least-Crowded, But Still Scenic Places To Visit In Texas

  • Texas offers lesser-known, scenic locations for nature lovers looking to avoid crowds, such as Caprock Canyons State Park and Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center.
  • Monahans Sandhills and Enchanted Rock are tranquil spots with unique landscapes, while Caverns of Sonora and Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge offer guided tours and wildlife watching opportunities.
  • Colorado Bend State Park and Big Thicket National Preserve provide a range of outdoor activities, and Devils River State Natural Area and The Blue Lagoon in Huntsville are perfect for swimming and diving.

Texas is big enough, about 268,820 miles big, to host countless natural wonders. Many of Texas' adorable small towns , parks, deserts, resorts, museums, rivers, sand dunes, and more are already well-known and well-visited. This presents a challenge for vacationers seeking tourist locations where they can enjoy the beauty and calming effect of nature away from the bustling crowds.

Luckily, there are still a few stunning and yet less-trodden places to visit within the state. From underground caverns and sand dunes to scenic lakes and massive waterfalls, there are many lesser-known, unique spots that tourists can visit and enjoy as much as the famous attractions in Texas. For tourists interested in such tranquil locations, here are some of the least-crowded yet scenic places to visit in Texas.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Places In Texas To Visit That Actually Feel Like A Winter Wonderland

Caprock Canyons State Park

Caprock Canyons State Park is a relatively remote tourist location compared to the more popular attractions and activities in Palo Duro Canyon State Park , which is just a 1.5-hour drive away. The glowing red canyon is largely free of the crowds that are a fixture of more popular tourist sites. The park is just three miles from the city of Quitaque, and it is home to Texas State's official Bison herd.

It has several miles of hiking trails with stunning views along the entire route. The Bison herd roams the park's lands, and visitors are sure to encounter them while exploring the canyon. There are also camping sites within the park, and tourists are advised to make reservations online before visiting.

  • Address : Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway, 850 Caprock Canyon Park Road, Quitaque, TX, United States
  • Hours : 8 am to 10 pm
  • Gate Fee : Adults ($5), Children 12 Years and Under (Free), Group - Adult: ($3)
  • Things to Do : Hiking, camping, scenic driving, horseback riding, water sports

Related: Palo Duro Is Considered The ‘Grand Canyon’ Of The South

Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center

This 76-acre preserve is one of Texas' best-kept secrets. Visitors to Westcave Preserve are taken on guided tours through the site's varied natural ecosystems, from wildflower meadows and a stunning 40-foot waterfall to a grotto with a cave. The site is in Dripping Springs, and the closest large urban settlement is the city of Austin, which is a 52-minute drive away.

Only a maximum of 20 to 25 people are allowed to tour the sheltered canyon at a time, and tourists can enjoy the 90-minute tour without the distraction of large crowds. The experience is truly special, and visitors are advised to make a reservation online before making the trip.

  • Address : 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, TX 78663, United States
  • Hours : Open Wednesday to Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday
  • Gate Fee : Adults ($5), children under 12 ($2), family ($15)
  • Things to Do : Guided tours, hiking, wildlife watching

Monahans Sandhills

Monahans Sandhills is another one of the less crowded places in Texas to visit that's still just as scenic as the popular hotspots in the state. This is a mystical, desert-like place with 70-foot tall sand dunes and a thriving ecosystem of plant life and animals despite the unforgiving natural conditions. The town of Monahans is close by, but the 3,840-acre park is never crowded. There is more than enough room for everyone, even during the busy season.

Visitors to the park can enjoy activities like sand surfing and horseback riding. Sand disks can be rented on-site, and the dedicated 800-acre horseback riding area has all the necessary amenities. There are also 26 campsites within the park, and tourists can make online reservations.

  • Address : Monahans, TX 79756, United States
  • Hours : 6 am to 10 pm
  • Gate Fee : Adults ($4), Children 12 Years and Under (Free)
  • Things to Do : Dune surfing, horse riding, picnics, camping

The park's sands are ever-changing, and there are no marked trails. Visitors are advised to take plenty of water and be aware of their surroundings at all times to ensure they can find their way back.

Enchanted Rock

This pink granite mountain is located right in the heart of Texas Hill Country (which offers plenty to do) , and it's the largest Monadnock hill in the United States. The 425-foot tall dome is called "enchanted" because of legends created about it by the local Tonkawa and Apache tribes due to its regular creaking and groaning from the natural heating and cooling of the rock.

The 1,640-acre hiking, rock climbing, and camping site gets a significant number of visitors, but people seeking a tranquil visit shouldn't be concerned since the park is always closed once a specific number of visitors is reached. There is enough space and crowd control measures to prevent overcrowding. Visitors should make reservations in advance before visiting the park to avoid being turned back.

  • Address : 16710 Ranch Rd. 965 Fredericksburg, TX 78624
  • Hours : 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Gate Fee : Persons 13 years and older ($8)
  • Things to Do : Hiking, star gazing, rock climbing, wildlife watching

It can get very hot here, and hikers and rock climbers should prepare for the heat by having plenty of water with them before they start exploring.

Caverns Of Sonora

The Caverns of Sonora is one of the most beautiful cave networks in the world, with calcite crystal formations all over the caves. It is one of the most unique places to visit in Texas , and it's little wonder why the site is a national landmark. The site is just ten miles from the city of Sonora, but it is never crowded. Visitors are taken on guided tours in groups of 10 to 12 people to ensure an intimate experience.

The 1-hour-45-minute tour, which takes place 155 feet below ground, is always helmed by experts who forbid visitors from bringing in any gear other than their cameras to protect the cave's fragile formations. There are also above-ground activities like camping and gemstone panning.

  • Address :1711 Private Rd 4468, Sonora, TX 76950, United States
  • Hours : 9 am to 5 pm
  • Gate Fee : $20
  • Things to Do : Guided tour, camping, gemstone panning

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is among the most scenic uncrowded places in Texas to visit. It offers a wide variety of ways to connect with nature and is home to endangered songbirds and other wildlife species. Also within the reserve are caves, streams, rock formations, and numerous hiking trails with stunning views of everything the park has to offer.

The site is just five miles from Lago Vista, and its remote location makes it the perfect place to enjoy hiking in peace and quiet. Visitors who aren't interested in hiking the trails can still survey the park's wonders from strategically located observation decks.

  • Address : Marble Falls, TX 78654, United States
  • Hours : Open year-round, 24 hours a day
  • Gate Fee : Free
  • Things to Do : Hiking, wildlife watching, archery, hunting (permit only)

Colorado Bend State Park

Colorado Bend State Park is another one of the scenic hidden gems in Texas, and it's home to several natural attractions, including caves, springs, a stretch of the Colorado River, and the stunning Gorman Falls. Being hours away from any large city has made the park the perfect place to get away from crowds. The site is still a 35-minute drive from Lampasas and 28 minutes from San Saba, but both cities have populations of less than 10,000 people.

Visitors need to make a reservation before traveling to avoid being disappointed upon arrival. Being one of Texas' most budget-friendly, scenic trips , tourists can engage in many activities here to keep them occupied, including fishing, swimming, and cave tours.

  • Address : 2236 Park Hill Dr, Bend, TX 76824, United States
  • Gate Fee : Adults ($5), children 12 Years and under (Free)
  • Things to Do : Guided tours, hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, camping

Related: 12 Of The Most Beautiful Lakes You Can Visit In Texas

Big Thicket National Preserve

Big Thicket National Preserve is one of the least crowded places in Texas to visit that's super scenic; it's a stunning forest that is home to eleven ecosystems, 1320 known tree species, bayous, geological formations, and numerous wildlife. The 113,114-acre site is just a 10-minute drive from the city of Kountze, and visitors can visit the park at any time and day of the year.

The sheer expanse of the reserve means it's big enough for everyone. It is a great location for hiking, bird watching, biking, canoeing, and hunting. Visitors can engage in any of those activities without ever running into crowds.

  • Address : Kountze, TX 77625, United States
  • Things to Do : Hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, camping, hunting

Devils River State Natural Area

One of the least crowded scenic places in Texas to visit, the Devils River runs through this pretty Texas park and influences its three distinct ecosystems. The spring-fed river and the stunning rock formations that line its banks are the main attractions in the park. The remote location of the 37,000-acre park, hours from any large urban area, has made it one of the most underrated tourist attractions in Texas without crowds and hordes of visitors.

The site is close to the small city of Del Rio, and visiting tourists are strongly encouraged to book reservations before coming to avoid being turned back. The trip is certainly worth it, and visitors will be delighted that they can enjoy all the available activities without any crowds.

  • Address : 21715 Dolan Crk Rd, Del Rio, TX 78840, United States
  • Hours : Open from Friday to Monday between 8 am to 5 pm. Closed Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
  • Gate Fee : Persons 13 years & older ($5), children 12 and under (Free)
  • Things to Do : Hiking, swimming, kayaking, fishing

Visitors are universally required to pay with their credit cards, and cash payments are not accepted.

Related: 10 Swimming Holes That You Can Dive Into Right In Austin, Texas

The Blue Lagoon, Huntsville

This swim park and scuba training facility is among the many beautiful yet lesser-known destinations in Texas to visit. It's centered around the spring-fed turquoise waters of an old limestone quarry. The site is an 18-minute drive from the city of Huntsville, and it's arguably the most spell-binding swimming hole in the state of Texas.

The Blue Lagoon in Huntsville is never overcrowded since the number of visitors is controlled. There are dive platforms for divers and shades from which tourists can just soak in the beauty of the location. Divers can make reservations online, but non-divers must pay on-site.

  • Address : 649 Pinedale Rd, Huntsville, TX 77320, United States
  • Hours : Open Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Closed on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
  • Gate Fee : Certified Divers ($25), non-divers ($30), children 9 and under ($10)
  • Things to Do : Swimming, scuba diving,

10 Least-Crowded, But Still Scenic Places To Visit In Texas

Super Tuesday 2024: Which states are voting, the key rules to know and what's at stake

Voters cast their ballots in Richmond, Va.

Tuesday is the most consequential day in the race for both parties' presidential nominations — a day political junkies have come to call "Super Tuesday."

Sixteen states and one U.S. territory are holding presidential nominating contests Tuesday in some form. For both Republicans and Democrats, they will award more than one-third of the total delegates available throughout the entire nominating contest, all on one day.

Follow live updates on Super Tuesday 2024

Here's a guide to what to expect as voters cast their ballots across the country:

When are the polls open? 

The first polls of the day open in Vermont at 6 a.m. ET, and the final polls close in Alaska at midnight ET. In between, here are the other most important times to know:

  • 7 p.m. ET : Polls close in the Virginia and Vermont primaries.
  • 7:30 p.m. ET : Polls close in North Carolina.
  • 8 p.m. ET : Polls close in Alabama, Maine, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Tennessee and most of Texas.
  • 8:30 p.m. ET : Polls close in Arkansas.
  • 9 p.m. ET : Polls close in Colorado, Minnesota and the rest of Texas.
  • 11 p.m. ET : Polls close in California and in Utah's Republican caucuses.

Who can vote? 

That depends on the state. A variety of rules govern nominating contests in certain states — here's a look at three of the most common:

  • Open : Voters may choose which primary to vote in regardless of their registration (in many cases, these states also don't ask voters to register by party). Among the Republican contests Tuesday, Alabama, Arkansas, Minnesota, Texas, Virginia and Vermont are holding open primaries.
  • Partially open : These contests are typically restricted to members of the party, as well as unaffiliated voters. In some cases, voters are considered to be registered with a party if they cast their ballots in that primary, at least for the rest of the election cycle. The Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Tennessee primaries are partially open.
  • Closed : Voters must be registered with a party to vote in its primary or caucus. The contests in Alaska, California, Oklahoma and Utah fall into this category on the GOP side.

What’s at stake on the Republican side? 

For all the attention paid to the first nominating contests, those early states awarded just 11% of the total delegates in the GOP presidential nominating contest. 

There are 865 Republican delegates at stake in the Super Tuesday GOP nominating contests. That’s about 36% of all the delegates in the entire race.

Once all of the delegates from Super Tuesday and the previous contests are allocated, more than 47% of the delegates will have been awarded. And after the four contests March 12, more than 50% of the delegates will have been awarded. 

Are the contests winner-take-all or proportional? 

While the Republican National Committee's rules don't allow most states to hold true winner-take-all contests before March 15, many Super Tuesday states will turn into de facto winner-take-all states because of the one-on-one nature of the race. 

Five states will award every single delegate they have to a majority vote-winner: California, Maine, Massachusetts, Utah and Vermont. Tennessee awards all its delegates to one candidate if he or she wins two-thirds of the vote. Minnesota awards all its delegates to one candidate if he or she wins 80% of the vote. 

Five other states — Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia — award all their statewide delegates (at-large delegates) to a candidate who wins a majority of the vote, and then they dole out congressional district delegates separately. A candidate who wins the majority of a district wins all three congressional district delegates. 

In all of these states, delegates are awarded proportionally if no candidate wins a majority. 

And in others, all the available delegates are awarded proportionally.

What's the GOP’s 'magic number'? 

The GOP nominee will be the candidate who clinches the majority of the party’s delegates to the national convention, or 1,215 of the 2,429 delegates. 

What do I need to know about the Democratic side? 

There’s not much you need to know about the Democratic contests because President Joe Biden is the far-and-away favorite in every one.

Unlike the Republican side, Democrats always award delegates in each state proportionally to candidates who hit a 15% threshold. So it's possible that one of Biden's opponents wins some delegates to the convention based on the results (or, like what happened in Michigan, "uncommitted" wins delegates).

Are Democratic superdelegates still a thing? 

Yes, but their power has been greatly diminished since 2016.

Only “pledged delegates,” those won by virtue of the results in nominating contests, can vote for the nominee on the first ballot (those delegates have pledged to cast their ballots for the candidates to which they were allocated, and those candidates’ campaigns play a big role in selecting those pledged delegates). 

They can still endorse whatever candidate they please. But the only ways superdelegates are given votes for the nominee at the convention are if: 

  • A presidential candidate has clinched the required number of pledged delegates and there’s no doubt about the outcome. That way, superdelegates can technically cast their votes for the party’s presumptive nominee without putting their thumbs on the scale. 
  • No candidate has clinched the required number of pledged delegates and the race moves to subsequent ballots in a contested convention. The superdelegates can’t vote on the first ballot, but they become free to cast votes on the subsequent ballots.

top 15 places to visit in texas

Ben Kamisar is a deputy political editor in NBC's Political Unit. 

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  2. 8 Beautiful Places in Texas That Are Worth a Visit

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  1. 15 Best Places to Visit in Texas

    San José Island. #15 in Best Places to Visit in Texas. Easy to reach by ferry from Port Aransas, this former ranch is now a prime beach destination. Because San José Island is privately owned ...

  2. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Texas (Updated 2024)

    1. San Antonio River Walk. Also known as Paseo del Rio, this 15-mile-long river walk is a must-do in San Antonio. Opt for a self-guided walking or bike tour of the riverside paths, lined with beautiful cypress trees, shops, museums, hotels and of course, Tex-Mex restaurants.

  3. 42 Best Places to Visit in Texas Now

    The iconic silos at Magnolia Market in Waco. The Dr. Pepper Museum in downtown is a great place to learn about Texas' iconic soda. Visit art galleries, boutiques, or restaurants in Waco Downtown Cultural District or spend a day on the water at Lake Waco. Model railroad at Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco Texas.

  4. 35+ Best Places to Visit in Texas (Cool Vacation Spots!)

    Amarillo. Amarillo may not immediately come to mind as one of the best vacation spots in Texas, but not only is this small, out-of-the-way city in Texas full of quirky attractions, it's also located right on Route 66!. While driving Texas' (admittedly short) portion of the Mother Road, be sure to stop in Amarillo to see the Route 66 Historic District, the famous Cadillac Ranch, and-if ...

  5. 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Texas

    The Malaquite Visitor Center is the best place to begin your visit to this beautiful coastal region of the Gulf of Mexico. It provides plenty of information, as well as assistance for those with mobility issues, including specially adapted beach wheelchairs. ... 15 Top-Rated Things to Do in Abilene, Texas. 14 Top-Rated Things to Do in San ...

  6. 21 Top Things to Do in Texas

    So, don your best knight in shining armor or damsel in distress costume, and head out for a medieval adventure to remember. You can find the Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission, about 55 ...

  7. 21+ Best Places to Visit in Texas (Don't Miss Them!)

    4. Galveston. Stunning Victorian homes, miles of beaches, and a thriving art scene make Galveston one of the most beautiful places to visit in Texas (it's also one of the best Texas beach towns !). Galveston is also one of the top places to visit in Texas for family fun.

  8. 50 Best Things To Do & Places To Visit In Texas

    Getting the chance to tour Mission Control - as well as potentially meet astronauts and tour the Johnson Space Center - is certainly one of the most fun things to do in Texas! Address: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058, United States. 3. The Sixth Floor Museum. ShengYing Lin / Shutterstock.

  9. 15 Incredible Places to Visit in Texas

    The Alamo. Best Places to Stay. Located in the heart of San Antonio, the Alamo is one of the most famous and significant historical places in the state of Texas. It was established as a mission and later used as a fort to protect soldiers in the Texan War of Independence against Mexico. Another top attraction in San Antonio is the famous River ...

  10. 28 Best Places to Visit in Texas (And Top Vacation Spots!)

    7. Galveston. For a relaxing beach vacation filled with basking in the sun and swimming in warm waters, Galveston is one of the best places to go in Texas. Take advantage of the glorious weather with a dolphin or whale-watching tour or get the whole family tickets to Schlitterbahn, a massive waterpark in the city.

  11. 30 Things To Do In Texas: The Ultimate Bucket List

    Jacob's Well. Jacob's Well is located in Hays County and is one of the most popular places in Texas! The natural well area is roughly 81 acres and is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily! Jacob's Well is the second-largest submerged cave in Texas and at its deepest point reaches 140-feet deep!

  12. 30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Texas

    4. Caddo Lake State Park. Straddling the Texas-Louisiana border is the mysterious Caddo Lake, a natural body of water formed around a thousand years ago by a giant log jam known as the Great Raft. The lake is essentially a network of sloughs, bayous and ponds, sprouting tall bald cypresses draped in Spanish moss.

  13. The 20 Best Places To Visit In Texas

    Galveston Island is one of the best places to visit in Texas on the Texas Gulf Coast. Home to cruise ship ports, the historic Pleasure Pier, Moody Gardens, and miles of Texas coastline, Galveston has lots to offer. Families love to explore the many fun offerings that Moody Gardens has to offer. Kids love the rainforest pyramid, the water park ...

  14. 25 Most Beautiful Places in Texas, According to a Born and ...

    15 of 25. Enchanted Rock . ... 13 Best Places to Visit in Texas, According to a Local. 6 Best Weekend Getaways in Texas for National Park Adventures, Luxury Resorts, and Small-town Charm.

  15. 10 BEST Places to Visit in Texas

    1. San Antonio River Walk. 27,009. Scenic Walking Areas. Also known as Paseo del Rio, this 15-mile-long river walk is a must-do in San Antonio. Opt for a self-guided walking or bike tour of the riverside paths, lined with beautiful cypress trees, shops, museums, hotels and of course, Tex-Mex restaurants.

  16. 13 Best Places to Visit in Texas, According to a Local

    Fredericksburg. Located in Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is a well-known destination for local and out-of-state tourists looking for an escape. Home to about 11,000 people, this small city is ...

  17. 21 Terrific Places to Visit in Texas!

    Discover the best places to visit in Texas, from lively cities like Austin and San Antonio to charming towns, state parks, coast and islands. ... February 15, 2024 February 26, 2024. 17 Wonderful Things to Do at the Venetian Las Vegas! December 10, 2023 February 11, 2024.

  18. 101 Fun Things to Do in Texas (Bucket List Ideas!)

    Climb Enchanted Rock. This looming rock of pink granite in the Texas Hill Country has fascinated people for more than 10,000 years-and climbing it is one of the most fun things to do in Texas. Be prepared, though: with little-to-no shade, Enchanted Rock can be a dangerous scorcher on hot summer days.

  19. 15 Places to Visit in Texas (Y'all Don't Want to Miss!)

    Places to Visit in Texas Big Bend National Park. The first stop on our list of best places to visit in Texas is the fantastic Big Bend National Park. It's one of the best national parks and seriously a must visit. With over 800,000 acres to explore there's so much to do in Big Bend. You'll love hiking the terrain with a variety of trails.

  20. The 27 Most Beautiful Places in Texas

    The 19 Best Cooling Comforters For Hot Sleepers, Vetted By PureWow Editors. The 10 Best Patio Umbrellas with Lights to Make Your Backyard Feel Magical. From the Chisos mountain range to the whimsical waters of the Rio Grande, here are 27 of the most beautiful places in Texas to visit on your upcoming trips to the Lone Star State.

  21. 17 Best Places to Visit in Texas (+ Unique Vacation Spots)

    Which is why it is one of the best places to visit in Texas. Houston is home to over 150 museums, has the first dome football stadium, and more. The city itself is one of the most dynamic cities in Texas: it is full of life and culture. Here you can experience nightlife and visual and performing arts.

  22. 20 Most Romantic Getaways in Texas

    From Austin to San Antonio beaches to vineyards, explore the top places to go in Texas for a romantic weekend getaway. From city to spa, find the perfect couples retreat in the Lone Star State.

  23. 8 best places to visit in Texas

    3. San Antonio. Best place for top Texas attractions. Some of Texas' best things to do are in San Antonio. While no trip is complete without a visit to The Alamo, there are several other worthwhile museums and attractions in San Antonio.Be sure to wander the Pearl Brewery Complex, where the swanky Hotel Emma holds court as queen of luxury. Try a drink in the hotel's Sternewirth bar, where ...

  24. The 27 Most Beautiful Places In Texas To Visit Now

    Tara Donne. With more than 800,000 acres, Big Bend National Park is the eighth-largest national park in the continental U.S., but it sees less than half a million annual visitors, making it one of the most sparsely touristed parks in the system. Chalk it up to the remote location, more than 400 miles away from Austin or San Antonio and a three-hour drive from the nearest airport in Midland.

  25. The 9 Best Places to Visit in Texas

    From San Antonio, it will be 370 miles and will take about six hours. Historic Fort Martin Scott is one of the places travelers can visit to learn about Fredericksburg's history. Courtesy of Mark König/Unsplash. 3. Fredericksburg. Come for: A historic German town in the heart of Texas wine country.

  26. 10 Least-Crowded, But Still Scenic Places To Visit In Texas

    This 76-acre preserve is one of Texas' best-kept secrets. ... Gate Fee: Adults ($5), children under 12 ($2), family ($15) Things to Do ... One of the least crowded scenic places in Texas to visit ...

  27. Super Tuesday 2024: What time polls close, which states are voting and

    For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. ... Oklahoma, Tennessee and most of Texas. 8:30 p.m. ET: Polls close ... state proportionally to candidates who hit a 15% threshold. ...

  28. Dallas, Tarrant counties top at-risk list from hail damage

    North Texas loses over $59 million to nearly $103 million each year from storm related damage. Three North Texas counties made the top 15 list of places most at risk from hail damage. The study ...