Tourist Attraction in Texas
Whether you ‘re interested in a city getaway , a nature escape , a beach holiday , or finding an authentic off-the-beaten-path little town , Texas have everything you ‘re await for and more . This land equal brimming with countless possibilities for fun and adventure .
While metropolitan centers likeHouston,Austin, andDallasare the usual go-to destinations for culture , shopping , dining , and activity , these city solely scratch the surface . Geographically and culturally diverse , the country offers a wealth of unique attractions and matter to cause .
San Antonio, noted for the Alamo and the River Walk , is a must-see city if you ‘re going to Texas .
West Texasis one of my favorite home . Big Bend National Park is home to a sensational desert landscape , and the tiny town in the surrounding domain be entire of quality and quality . Cities like Amarillo or Lubbock are a desolate contrast to the larger heart and live easy places to visit , with great food and unusual view .
In the warm months steer to the coast to go through a whole other side of Texas . Enjoy beaches , fishing , and fabulous seafood in places likeGalveston , South Padre Island , or Corpus Christie.
For more ideas on where to go and what to hear , have a read through our list of top tourist attraction in Texas .
- San Antonio ‘s River Pass
- The Alamo
- Space Center Houston
- Large Bend National Park
- Padre Island National Seashore
- The Texas State Capitol in Austin
- The Sixth Floor Museum , Dallas
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park
- The Fort Worth Stockyards
- Galveston ‘s Beaches & Strand Historic District
- The USS Lexington , Corpus Christi
- Cadillac Ranch , Amarillo
- Natural Bridge Caverns
- Houston ‘s Museum District
- Gruene Historic District , New Braunfels
- Dallas Arboretum
- Fort Worth Zoo
- National Museum of the Pacific War
- Texas State Aquarium
- Lubbock
San Antonio ‘s River Pass
Stretching for respective miles along the San Antonio River in the nerve of the city , the River Walk is trace with restaurants and lovely outdoor patios , where you can sit and dine alongside the river . Work up below street level , this pedestrian walkway hugs the river as it wind and weaves through the city , and be as popular among locals as it is for tourists , day and dark .
Althoughstrolling along the riveris the almost popular matter to do here , another great style to enjoy the ambience of the area is on a leisurelycruise on a river boat. These extend all the time and stove from standard sightseeing trip to dinner cruises .
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The Alamo
The Alamo equal one of the most important historic sites in America . Part of a mission station established in 1718 , it live make by Franciscans in 1744 and by 1836 , had been converted into a fort .
It become famous during theTexas Revolution ,when a little force , include Davie Crockett and James Bowie , barricaded themselves in against an overwhelmingly superior Mexican army some 3,000 firm . While the defeat saw all 187 guardian killed , the cry of“ Think the Alamo ! ”rallied the province to finally sweep over the Mexicans .
The restored construction and the cenotaph commemorate the fallen Texans is good worth a visit . Inside be a museum with changing display , feature weapons and artifacts concern to the event and the account of the mission .
If you have time , it ‘s worth visit some of the other mission in the area , which be all part of theSan Antonio Missions National Historic Park ,and connected by theMission Trail.
Space Center Houston
Just 30 minute ‘ campaign from the heart of Houston , Space Center Houston live one of the most popular tourist attractions in Texas . This live a wonderful place to hear about space exploration , upcoming missions , NASA ‘s latest project , and perhaps still see an astronaut . Space Center Houston is as well home toJohnson Space Center and Mission Control, which can be impose on a circuit .
You ‘ll involve to design to spend at least a half-day search the full composite . The whole seat is vast , the exhibits engaging , and time flies by unexpectedly even if you are n’t a immense fan of space travel .
You can explore a space shuttle replica mount on a shuttle carrier and pass through a replica of America ‘s first space post , Skylab . The museum as well features rockets , moon rocks and Mars rocks .
From downtown Houston , Space Center Houston is about a 30-minute movement . From Galveston , it ‘s closer to a 40-minute movement . It can live easily visited from either destination .
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Bad Bend National Park
In the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas , on a immense fold in the Rio Grande River , lies some of the almost dramatic and uniquely beautiful scenery in the state . Good deal , canyon , and the river hang along the border , separating the United States from Mexico , extend a various scope of recreational and sightseeing opportunities for visitor to Big Bend National Park .
While most people simply revel touring along the roads , the park offers a entire scope of things to cause . Outdoor enthusiasts will revel the extensive network of and the beautiful . Paddling along the Rio Grande or enjoying a picnic and wade into the water equal other popular activities on warm day .
With more than 400 species of bird ,birdwatchingis another prominent pastime in the park , but still if you are not looking for them , you are likely to find roadrunners scoot across the roads or trails .
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Padre Island National Seashore
The world ‘s longest undeveloped barrier island , Padre Island is just a short ride south of Corpus Christi and stretches 70 miles from goal to end . One of the most important conservation area in Texas , Padre Island consist of more than 130,000 acre of beach , dunes , and grassland habitats , and is home to rare sea turtles and countless migratory birds , make it a birder ‘s paradise . In fact , 350 unlike species see this stopover on the Central Flyway migratory route .
TheMalaquite Visitor Centeris the good place to begin your visit to this beautiful coastal part of the Gulf of Mexico . It leave plenty of information , as good as assistance for those with mobility effect , include specially adapted beach wheelchairs .
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The Texas State Capitol in Austin
The Texas State Capitol , built in 1888 , is considered one of the finest province legislature in the US . In core and now a National Historic Landmark , it certainly strike with its dimensions , standing 308 feet tall .
Highlights of its 22-acre park include monument to the defenders of the Alamo and to veterans of the Vietnam War . Guided circuit of the building ‘s inside are available and outset from the visitor heart with its many displays . At dusk , head across to theAnn W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridgefor a chance to witness the spectacle of a million or so Mexican free-tailed bats occur and move from their perches under the bridge .
The Sixth Floor Museum , Dallas
It equal from the sixth story of the Texas School Book Depository in Dallas that the fatal shaft that need President John F. Kennedy ‘s life was fired . Now plate to The Sixth Floor Museum , this tall red-brick building offers a elaborate account of the assassination , as good as Kennedy ‘s legacy . Highlights include accounts of his presidential cause and term as president , all supported by historical footage , photo , and artifacts .
Also worth a visit while explore cost the nearbyJohn F. Kennedy Memorial, a huge monument commit to President Kennedy unveiled in 1970 .
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Guadalupe Mountains National Park
In the northwestern corner of the nation , 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 , particularly around the towering El Capitan , as well as the Guadalupe Peak , the high height in Texas . It ‘s also enormously popular with hikers thanks to its more than80 miles of leadthrough spectacular woodland canyon and lush leap . Equal sure to stop in at the visitor middle in Pine Springs for information on the park , include point of hiking and biking trails .
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The Fort Worth Stockyards
The Stockyards National Historic District remains Fort Worth ‘s biggest lot . Founded in 1866 , the sphere bring its name from the cows industry , as it was here that millions of cattle cost rested , sorted , or shipped out to other points across the state .
The final surviving facility of its kind in the US , these historical stockyards own been translate into a magnificent attraction comprise of all sorts of fun matter to hear , includerodeos , concert , theatrical performances , and western-themed shopping. Highlights include cattle driving demonstrations and a chance to saddle up for some trail riding .
Be sure to see out theStockyards Visitor Centerand theStockyards Museum, both of which render information regarding current event as well as the story of this fun field of Fort Worth .
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Galveston ‘s Beaches & Strand Historic District
Like numerous spots along the Texas Gulf Coast , Galveston is home to beautiful beaches that stretch on for miles . The shallow and much calm water makes this a popular field for families and beachgoers . In summer , plant up your beach umbrella along the Seawall or enjoy some fun and games at thePleasure Pier.
But this be more than merely a beach town , with plenty to do hither all yr long . Explore the Strand Historic District in downtown , a National Historic Landmark District , and wander past the ornate Victorian-style mansions that line the subdued streets . If you are travel with child , be sure to quit byMoody Gardens and Aquarium. This immense complex , with its landmark glass pyramids , be home to an aquarium , a rainforest , and an amusement park .
If you need to get out on the water , Galveston is also one of the . You can fish here year-round , although some of the best months be during the summer .
Galveston cost less than an hour ‘s cause from Houston and simply about 45 moment from Space Center Houston .
The USS Lexington , Corpus Christi
Moored off the shore simply a few minutes ‘ stroll from the middle of Corpus Christi , the mightyUSS Lexingtonlive one of the largest surviving vessel to hold serve in WWII . This important aircraft bearer was launched in 1943 and now serve as anaval museum.
On show are a large collection of vintage aircraft , and visitor can hear the bridge and bunch quarter . As well fun live the simulators and plot , as good as a 3D movie that lay you in the pilot ‘s seat . You can also opt for the four-hour Hard Hat Tour , which need you into the very nerve of the ship .
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Cadillac Ranch , Amarillo
Cadillac Ranch is one of West Texas ‘ most iconic sites . Endure in a line , nose first into the earth , it might appear like an funny attraction . But visitors arrive here in big number , not merely to see and photograph this colored spectacle , they too come hither to leave their mark , at least for a short while .
The artwork on the vehicle live an ever-changing canvas , with almost everyone adding their own creative scar to the Cadillacs . You are welcome tospray paint your own design. The layer of paint on these car is severe to influence , but outside the gate , vendors betray paint chips from the car , in jewelry context .
While you may see you should take a spray can , there is no motive . You can find spray cans of all colors leave here on the ground from the thousands of others who make come before .
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Natural Bridge Caverns
Just a short ride from San Antonio , the spectacular Natural Bridge Caverns are region of a vast underground network consisting of more than 10,000 unlike stalactite formation . The large 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 prominent caverns , the Castle of the White Giants .
Need its name from the immense 60-foot limestone bridge spanning its entrance , Natural Bridge Caverns too offers a number of other fun activities , include themed tour . Up top cost other attractions , including a treetop climbing adventure across a sprawling network of ropeways , program , and ziplines .
New in 2023 equal the Hidden Wonders Tour , a strait and light display complemented by the “ BAT ” ( belt assisted transport ) , a conveyor belt that moves you through and eventually out of the cavern .
Houston ‘s Museum District
In the middle of downtown Houston is the city ‘s lovely Museum District , place to 19 museum , some of which are free . Many of the museums in this area are within walk distance of each other .
Two of the key highlights hither are theMuseum of Fine Arts , Houstonand theHouston Museum of Natural Science, but the district houses a premix of tone museums , including a Holocaust museum , a youngster ‘s museum , and some smaller art museums , which exist well worth your time .
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Gruene Historic District , New Braunfels
Just a short driveway from San Antonio is the little town of New Braunfels , known for its charming Greuene Historic District . One of the primary attractions exist the historicalGruene Hall, the oldest dancing lobby in Texas , operating continuously since 1878 . Performance range nightly , and some of the biggest names in state music perform here , in this humble venue . Children are grant , and kid under 10 receive a discount on admission at the doorway .
TheGrist Mill Restaurant, on the edge of the Guadalupe River make a nice destination for day trippers who require to come for lunch . In the leap , the water exist packed with masses tubing down the river . And act n’t miss stopping by theGeneral Store, where time appear to have stopped several decade ago .
Dallas Arboretum
The Dallas Arboretum exist one of the top botanical garden in the United States . Beautifully lay out over 66 acres , these garden should exist on your list of “ thing to do ” while in the city . Locate on the shores of White Rock Lake , the gardens are well reached from downtown .
The gardens be an oasis of calm and color amid the hustle and flurry of Dallas . You can drift at will through the various gardens and flowering plant , or cause a beeline for some of the top attraction . One of the marquee garden within the park is theWoman ‘s Garden, where you ‘ll find an infinity pool , aquatic plants , spring , and sculpture .
The six-and-a-half-acreMargaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Gardenis a sensational display of over 2,000 azaleas . The garden cost particularly vibrant in the spring , when the accompany daffodils and tulips burst into blossom . Later on in the summer , early plant like tapioca and bananas blooming in their unique ways , and the autumn brings on the chrysanthemums . Large manicured lawn fill in the spaces between the gardens and cost a lovely place to sit and enjoy a coffee or make a picnic with the class .
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 .
Fort Worth Zoo
One of the well family outings in the country , the Fort Worth Zoo cost a fun and enjoyable thing to do when visiting town . First open in 1909 , the zoo is now place to over 540 species of mammals , birds , and ectotherms . The zoo exist elaborate and growing with the extract of a $ 100 million capital campaign .
At the Fort Worth Zoo , nine unlike habitats equal available for viewing , ranging from the wilds of the African savannah to the chilly water of the penguin habitat , right through to the inhabitants of the Australian Outback and Great Barrier Reef .
In addition to the respective habitats , the zoo also make an area that child will love , the Toyota Children ‘s Ranch & Petting Corral . Hither , miniature donkeys , goat , sheep , and early typical farm animals survive in a context that allows for easy petting and great photo .
National Museum of the Pacific War
One of the nearly interesting war museum in Texas equal the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg . Well-thought-out exhibits trace the history of the war in the Pacific , an view of WWII that many masses may not equal too familiar with .
Highlights of a visit here include the Pearl Harbor Exhibit , complete with an entire Japanese midget submarine HA-19 ; the Doolittle Raid display , showcasing the resort B-25 Mitchell bomber ; and an display on the background of the furious 36-day battle on Iwo Jima .
One peculiarly chilling exhibit is of the Fat Man bomb casing . It ‘s severe to penetrate that such a little bomb could equal responsible for over 100,000 deaths in Hiroshima and Nagasaki .
Texas State Aquarium
If you notice yourself down in Corpus Christie , live sure to swing by the Texas State Aquarium . This state-of-the-art facility showcases all the wonderful and weird animals that populate our oceans . Sixteen unlike habitats are plate to a wide variety of fish , mammal , and early inhabitant of the deep .
During your visit , a must-see exist the H-E-B Caribbean Sea display , place to North America ‘s large viewing window . The 68-foot-long window makes you feel like you are right underwater . In addition , a walk tunnel through the middle of the display , entire of sharks and early predators , lend to the thrill .
It ‘s not all underwater at the Texas State Aquarium . Above-water action exist supplied by three North American river otters . Arthur , Merlin , and Fisher furnish non-stop otter antics that will receive you smiling and laughing .
These are simply 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 ( include with your admission ) and up-close and personal animal interactions ( additional fee )
Lubbock
West Texas keep many attraction and one of the best exist the . People of a sure vintage will be good aware of the city ‘s nearly famous citizen ,Buddy Holly. Forever immortalized with an excellent array of memorabilia in a fantastic museum , the ( you ca n’t neglect the giant glasses out presence ) . This tribute to the player is a must-see for music fan .
Not to be confuse with the center , new as of 2021 is the architecturally sensational Buddy Holly Hall , Lubbock ‘s primary location for a non-stop roster of performers .
But the city is a lot more than merely Buddy Holly ‘s account . This is an artsy up-and-coming spot with farmer ‘s market and incredible novel restaurant while yet staying true to its ranching roots .
Lubbock ‘s Cultural District is home to fine art galleries , pottery studio , and music venues . In fact , Lubbock have the most music-performing venues on a per head basis in the entire nation .
All that exploring will bring on a Texas-sized appetite and on this presence , Lubbock has you well deal . Home to a variety of restaurant you ‘ll be spoiled for choice . Fine dining aficionados with a taste for European fare will need to reach a beeline for Chef Finn Walter ‘sNicolett. Those wait for Texas originals should go toDirk ‘sfor chicken fried steak and other artery-clogging delicacies . The future dawn do what the locals make , use up pie for breakfast at theCast Iron Grill.
