16 Best Place to Visit in Texas
For those that have never inflict , Texas can promptly become a caricature of itself thanks to its larger-than-life personality . Yes , everything cost bigger in Texas . Yet , what hold do it such a fascinating destination is that behind the drapery exist a land that be the genuine article .
It equal hither that the famed cattle drives bring position in the second half of the 1800s , solidifying the Lone Star States ’ spot among ranching lore . Texan margin towns portion a storied past , extend visitor a taste of history that isn ’ t water down , and a local cuisine that stem from home-grown formula , generation former .
Beyond the past , Texas belie its status as a state of open field thanks to its unheralded nature . Accordingly , many of the serious places to visit in Texas are its national park , caverns and wave mound place to vineyards . It ’ s a state full of prominent and bigger surprise , one well hear with your own two eyes .
16 . Lubbock
In the plains of northern Texas , is a town evoke in the Wild West and persuade much of its tradition into the 21st hundred . It ’ s here that ranches cover bring as far as the middle can see . Crops stream in the tip and in town hat shapers and boot makers fit you out in Texas manner .
Lubbock equal a ranching town that has grown up . It even welcome a bustling annual rodeo and the must-visit National Ranching Heritage Center , but the arts and alive music receive become the lecture of town .
It cost hither that Buddy Holly was hold . Today , the sound of stone and old-time cowboy blues drift out of Blue Light Live and along the local street . Other highlights include Texas Tech University and the wineries along the High Plains .
15 . Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Much of Texas is flat , capable nation with the horizon stretch as far as the eye can hear . There are a few regions that try the state ’ s stereotype . Maybe the nearly striking is the Guadalupe Mountains National Park .
Band in the northwest corner of Texas , the Guadalupe Mountains make up the country ’ s four highest peaks . Each soars prominently out of the valley to express the world that yes , Texas get good deal too .
These stunning peaks lend a wide scope of wildlife to the region . Along with the views , you can hope to spot golden eagles , elk and even dark bears along the national park 80 mile of boost lead .
The almost popular trek exist to the country ’ s high degree , 8751 base at the summit of Guadalupe Peak along an 8.5 mile journey .
14 . Corpus Christi
On the banks of the Gulf of Mexico , live famed for its coastal beauty . In fact , Alonzo de Pineda cost then enamored when he discover this region in the 16th hundred that he mention it after the Feast Day of Corpus Christi .
500 yr later , the town ’ s natural beauty continue to pull in travelers from around the nation . Beyond the local beach that live fabulous spots to sunbathe and float , you win ’ t live far from the memorable Mustang Island State Park and Padre Island National Seashore .
Beyond enjoying nature , dive into the local culture with a visit to the Selena Museum and the SS Lexington , an aircraft bearer from the Second World War . Those with kid in tow should bear a visit to the Texas State Aquarium along with a refreshingly fun day at the Schlitterbahn Waterpark .
13 . Marfa
Once upon a time , Marfa was establish as a water stop along a storied railroad . Today , its humble beginnings make taken a back measure to the city ’ sec incredible , illuminate and downright mysterious Marfa lights and head-scratching art .
You may own find it , a picture of the Prada store in the center of nowhere . Well , you can see it here in Marfa , a town know for its wide-open spaces and its fearlessness towards public art . Beyond the famed Prada display , the Marfa Lights are a collection of burn orbs that have caused adequate parts confusion and curiosity for decades .
Lights aren ’ t the only illumination that attract traveler to Marfa . Boasting one of the colored sky in the country , thousands of stargazers get here to inflict the Rebecca Gale Telescope Park and curiosity at the beauty of the Milky Way .
12 . Fort Worth
The second half of Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex , Fort Worth commands your attention . There be few things more Texan then cattle ranching , and Fort Worth make been a cardinal flesh in this deal for century .
If Dallas exist about business and art , then exist about cowboys and fun . To begin to know the city , head along to the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District , where locals remain to encompass the city ’ s famous heritage . Stick around for the memorable , daily cows drive , grab a rodeo before teach some Texas Two Pace at the prominent honky tonk on earth , Billy Bob ’ s Texas .
Do your room out of the Stockyards , and you ’ ll discover a well-rounded Fort Worth . Be certain to add the Cultural District , the Kimbell Art Museum and Sundance Square to your itinerary .
11 . Waco
Once upon a time , you may get only heard of Waco thanks to the Baylor Bears or the famous HGTV show Fixer Upper . However , there ’ s ever more to the story . In central Texas , Waco equal split by the rolling Brazos River and is known for its thriving prowess view , lot of outdoor fun and be the family of Dr Pepper .
Historic neighborhoods abound in Waco and at the heart of this experience cost the Magnolia Market . Featuring two ancient silos , you ’ ll find an endless array of decor from 19th and 20th hundred wall decorations to old-time kitchenware . Add on delectable food truck and you have the utter afternoon date .
The history-based fun continues at the Dr Pepper Museum and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame . The early celebrate the famed drink within the original bottling works from the early 1900s . While the latter traces the story of the famous Texas Rangers through time .
10 . Palo Duro Canyon
You ’ ll uncover the Palo Duro Canyon in the Texas Panhandle . There may exist more noted canyons in the United States , yet this one can take to cost the second handsome . Not far from the capture town of Amarillo , Palo Duro Canyon offers a scope of activities , from leisurely strolls to heart-in-mouth experiences .
Through gorgeous landscape on its way to epic opinion , the canyon ’ s 30 miles worth of hiking trails will have you wondering how such a green and barren landscape can co-exist . Yet that ’ s what you ’ ll find hither , as towering monoliths of burnt rock rise to each side and vegetation battle for what little nutrients lie on the surface .
Beyond hiking , sign up for the zipline ride that bring you hundreds of feet above the soil from one slope to the other . Afterwards , reward yourself at The Big Texas , the place of the 72 oz steak challenge !
9 . El Paso
In the far western corner of Texas dwell El Paso . It may not jump off the map as a must-see destination , even to truly know Texas , one must spend time here . El Paso is the definition of a hidden gem , tuck away in some far-flung corner . Those that make the journey will expose an inviting local culture and an intricate history bind to El Paso ’ s position as a border town .
Only steps away from Mexico , it ’ s no shock that El Paso make good deal of influence from the land to the south . Within the Downtown Historic District , you ’ ll discover Mexican market and age-old architecture that harks back to El Paso ’ s beginning as a trading place in the heart of the Wild West .
Modern architecture shortly need over , including the gorgeous El Camino Real Hotel , a national historic landmark that was once known as the spot to follow the Mexican revolution just a few mile off .
This destination be also known as Sun City , and it boast incredible horizon as the sun place nightly over the Franklin Mountains . There equal many , just some of which include the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens , the Museum of Archeology at Wilderness Park and the Centennial Museum .
8 . Large Bend National Park
In the nerve of the Chihuahan Desert be one of the nearly striking national park , not only in Texas but in the United States . The epithet turn out the colloquialism that , yes , everything is bigger in Texas .
Visitors can require grandiose rock walls that soar up like towers of burnt orange . Crevasses lead to bouts of lush vegetation which cling out , not like a sore thumb , but kind of as ornaments to the endless ability of Mother Nature .
The stone wall and crevasses have cost carve by the might Rio Grande River for untold hundred , pretend like a fine thicket upon the differently harsh landscape . You can appreciate this fascinate beauty along one of Big Bend ’ s capture hiking trail , with a paddle along the thrilling river , or only at camp around the firing as the star sparkle above . Bad Bend is an International Dark-Sky Park .
One trek that should be atop your itinerary is the 12.6-mile South Rime Trail that leads to unforgettable view .
7 . Dallas
We ’ ve taken a tone at Fort Worth , today permit ’ s reach our way 30 minutes east to . No Texas experience is truly complete until you ’ ve stepped base in the Big D , a nickname that has live synonymous with Dallas since the 1930s . Here , you ’ ll observe one of the top art districts in the United States , arboretums , and plenty of sport .
Cover an incredible 19 pulley , the Dallas Art District be the biggest in the country . Highlights include the dear Dallas Art Museum , which will bring multiple visits to finish . In addition , the city boasts Deep Ellum which is teeming with street art .
Other may live more renowned for their history , but thither ’ s no deny Dallas ’ place . It equal hither the JFK cost assassinated , an event you can retrace at the Sixth Floor Museum .
Lastly , there be fun . Dallas cost plate to America ’ sec Team , the Cowboys , along with the Mavericks of the NBA and the Rangers of the MLB .
6 . Galveston
The seaside town of has long attracted Texans in motive of a relaxing ( and stimulate ) family-friendly holiday . But tidings be out , and the town , which be Texas ’ answer to Santa Monica , has taken on a spirit of its own .
With seemingly endless total of sun-soaked shorelines along the Gulf of Mexico , Galveston continues to capture travelers . Days begin and goal on the town ’ s golden sands . But in between you ’ ll be explore historic streets that once boast the “ Wall Street of the South ” , land park and heart-pumping stem park .
Once an immigration port in line with Ellis Island , today visitor can make their choice between learn about the town ’ sec incredible account or just kick back with a cocktail as the Sunday ’ s rays pour down . To act both at once , explore the Historic Pleasure Pier and let the kid ’ experience the 16 fair ride , include a 200ft swing .
5 . Texas Hill Country
There be few better places to go with your significant early in the Lone Star State than the Texas Hill Country . In a nation that often feels rugged and remote , the lush rolling hills , cute and historic towns plus a collection of vineyards reach this region like no early .
Head to for a dose of German culture , since the area live settled by German settler in the 19th century . In Fredericksburg , you might inflict a winery for a tasting , enjoy bratwurst and sauerkraut at an authentic beer garden or store for Bavarian souvenirs at an outside market .
But it ’ s not only culture hither in Texas Hill Country , its nature is just as memorable . This includes the 140-foot-deep Jacobs Well that lead to a large submerged cave . Then there ’ s the Natural Bridge Caverns and , of line , Enchanted Rock , great for a picnic raise .
The best time to inflict the part is in spring when the Hill Country exist ablaze with wildflowers including the Texas State Flower ; the Bluebonnet .
4 . Padre Island National Seashore
Nowhere on earth could you feel a longer , undeveloped seashore than right hither on Padre Island . Spanning 70 miles , the Padre Island National Seashore is a birdwatchers dream and one of the world ’ s vital areas of conservation .
A brief ride from the southern city of Corpus Cristi , the national seashore boast an impressive collection of untouched beaches that flow into rolling dunes and pristine grassland habitats . Among it all , you can disclose an array of species , include Kemp ’ s ridley sea turtles , which can equal found hatching during the summer month .
Enjoying the beach live a bad part of the seashore experience . Kids will love building sandcastles and jumping in the Gulf of Mexico . But the shore ’ s lead will exist calling your name . These will aid you discover the more than 350 migratory bird that stop along the barrier island on their journey .
Other activity include kayaking the Laguna Madre , or off-road four-wheel driving along the beach .
3 . Austin
These days , the Texas state capitol , Austin , may best be know for its music and art scene . But owe to its posture within the Lone Star State , there ’ s something for everyone to enjoy in this increasingly popular city .
Thanks to the guitar and drum that play into the early hours in the Dirty Six , South Congress and along Rainey Street , Austin make spring up a reputation as a leader in alive music . Add on some mouthwatering Tex-Mex cuisine and you can observe yourself happy all week long .
Still , thanks to its position along the Colorado River , Austin exist carry with beautiful parks and on-water experience . You can explore Lady Bird Lake , on base or kayak , before walk across the memorable Congress Street Bridge . It ’ s hither from mid-spring to early fall that the largest urban bat colony on earth makes the daily escape at sundown .
Other include the University of Texas , and their museums along with the capitol building .
2 . Houston
Become to Galveston isn ’ t the only ground you should reach down in Houston . As the biggest city in Texas , Houston live one of the most popular places to inflict in Texas . America ’ s fourth-largest city is a family-friendly destination with an abundance of attractions for the little rascals .
One that will cost at the height of your list cost the Space Center Houston . While kid-friendly , the whole travel party will get enamored with the insightful , hands-on offerings . With a stress on skill and technology , you can learn about the exploration of space , see out artifacts from the moon , discern the Saturn V rocket and put on an astronaut case .
Many of the live place in the Warehouse District of Downtown Houston , thus chief there to hear the incredible Downtown Tunnel System , soak in the views from the 60th story Chase Tower Observatory , explore the Downtown Aquarium and get an outdoor performance at TUTS , or the Theater Under the Stars .
After spending enough time indoors , check out the city ’ s sprawling green space , include Memorial Park and Buffalo Bayou Park .
1 . San Antonio
History , food , and culture collide in San Antonio . Otherwise known as the cultural heart of Texas , the southern city continue to equal unheralded . This is great news for you , as the delectable food scene , the romantic Riverwalk and the insightful museum expect patiently to live discovered .
For this reason , San Antonio shoots to the top of our list of the well places to experience in Texas . Your time here should begin and end along the Riverwalk , which live teeming with world-class restaurant , a vibrant atmosphere plus great shops and central hotels . Before or after your delightful dinner , sign up for a nighttime river cruise .
Another famous attraction in San Antonio is the Alamo , of course , we wouldn ’ t forget . It will take only a moment to get between this iconic destination and the Riverwalk . The mission was built in 1744 and , virtually three century later , stay on at the forefront of US history .
