Starting your next adventure and need a list of things to do in Texas? You are in the right place! We've got the most epic Texas stops, attractions, road trips and more that will make you want to bring a pen to keep track of where you've been so you can complete the list!
Texas is extremely unique and there is something for everyone! Whether you're here for just a day, a few weeks, or live in Texas and just want to explore, this list is the perfect companion for your Texas adventure.
piscina hamilton
Hamilton Pool is a nature preserve in the Travis County Park. This is one of the most epic things to do in Texas! It's so popular that a reservation is required before you can show up and be prepared for reservations to fill up early!
Hamilton Pool is home to a 50 foot waterfall that is the perfect subject for any photo or the perfect background for your group photos!
Hamilton Pool is also home to the golden-cheeked warbler and many other diverse bird species. The golden-cheeked warbler is even featured on their Travis County Park logo!
This is one attraction you'll want to have at the top of your itinerary!
Explore small towns
One thing you must do in Texas isExplore small towns!
You can visit Luckenbach with just 3 residents or check out the popular Prada location in Marfa! No matter which small town you choose, you'll find a uniqueness that can only be found in that particular town!
Many of the small towns are close together, so you can get away for the weekend or take a few days and stretch from Dripping Springs to Nacogdoches.
Exploring the small towns of Texas is one way to find some of the most hidden gems the state has to offer!
Spukender Texas Road Trip
Now, that might be something for the faint of heart.A Haunted Texas Road TripIt's the perfect way to test your limits and experience something you just can't explain!
The most prominent stops are Yorktown Memorial Hospital, Lobo, Marfa and Terlingua. Each stop has an inexplicable sensation that will make your trip unforgettable.
While the Marfa Prada store might seem like a great place to stop, there is an unexplained phenomenon in town called the Marfa Lights, which are floating glowing spheres that no one has been able to explain. Not to mention, Lobo is deserted, so any isolation you may feel here will give you the willies!
We guarantee that you will want to stay with this road trip and see what phenomena you can experience.
Ver los bluebonnets
Of course, one of the things you must do in Texas is to stop and see the bluebonnets. The official state flower is an eye-catching experience as the areas where they are found form fields of blue!
You can visit the Bluebonnet House in Marble Falls or drive to Ennis, just south of Dallas, to tour the official Bluebonnet City of Texas. In Ennis, see the official Texas Bluebonnet Trail and experience hundreds of beautiful bluebonnets.
You should also stop at Burnet, the official bluebonnet capital of Texas! If there's anywhere to see glorious fields of bluebonnets, it's Burnet.
Gorman Falls Waterfall
If you are near Wichita, Texas, you must stop and see Gorman Falls!
Packed with tiered cascading drops, this 650-foot waterfall is one of the most mesmerizing things to do in Texas. This waterfall is located in Colorado Bend State Park, and you do have to pay park admission to see the falls, but it will be worth every penny!
Make sure you use the bridge and see the perfect vantage point!
Swimming is not allowed here, but seeing the falls makes the one-mile loop walk from the parking lot well worth it.
big curve
You can't come to Texas without making time to visit Big Bend!
Located in Brewster County, Big Bend is often referred to as the "Gift of Texas to the Nation." You must make the trip to Big Bend National Park and spend some time in the Chisos Mountains.
Here you can stop and explore Langford Hot Springs or take a day hike through the park. The best time to visit Big Bend is spring or fall, so it's not too hot or too cold outside.
The beauty of Big Bend is one of the best things to experience in Texas, so don't leave this off your itinerary!
Kayaking Nichol's Landing Paddle Trail
Kayakers traveling to Texas will definitely want to add this kayaking hotspot to their list of things to do in Texas!
Located on the upper Guadalupe River, Nichol's Landing Paddle Trail consists of approximately 10 miles of kayak trails.
Here you will see beautiful cypress trees and many ways to relax and spend time on the water. This kayak hotspot is ideal for a 3-6 hour experience. So plan a good part of your day here!
The trail ranges from fast and rushing to calm and serene so all skills are required to experience this trail.
Dallas Museum of Art
The Dallas Museum of Art is one of the most luxurious museums in Texas. With art from the third millennium B.C. You're sure to see a lot of history and even some famous artists, extending to this day.
At the Dallas Museum of Art you can see works by Jason Pollock, Andy Warhol and Vincent van Gogh. These works have made people from all over the world travel to see these famous works!
They also have children's programs and many lecture series with famous authors and artists. There's something for everyone at this Texas museum!
Boca Chica Beach
Located in the southernmost part of Texas, this beach is considered the hidden gem of Texas.
This beach is close to Corpus Christi and South Padre Island with a great view of the Mexican border! Boca Chica Beach has the clearest water in Texas. If that doesn't sound like enough of a reason to stop and explore the beach, there's always that special wildlife to entice you!
This beach is home to the endangered Kemp's Ridley sea turtle, and they nest on Boca Chica beach every spring and summer!
Guadalupe-Mountains-National-Park
One thing you must experience in Texas is the Guadalupe Mountains National Park!
This Texas park is known for having the 4 highest peaks in Texas and stargazing on a clear night like nowhere else! From here you can see more than 11,000 stars and have a perfect view of the Milky Way!
You can also hike one of the many hiking trails or camp out in the countryside for a few days. If you are short on time, you can visit the visitor center and spend some time in the museum.
Admission to the park is $10, but it's worth every penny!
Burg Falkenstein
This Texas castle will feel like something out of a fairy tale!
This castle was created by Terry Young and his wife after a trip to Europe inspired them to build their own castle in Texas.
Located in Burnet, part of the Texas Hill Country, this castle is frequently used for private functions, weddings, and even lodging rentals. If you are looking for a fairy tale experience for your trip to Texas, this castle is perfect for you!
Fall foliage at Lost Maples State Park
If you find yourself in Texas in the fall, this place has to be one of your first stops!
Here you will find Uvalde big tooth maple trees that turn red, orange and yellow during the fall season. The park even has a Fall Foliage Color Report, which is updated weekly in November so you can make sure you go at a time when the colors are at their most vibrant!
The park tends to fill up quickly, especially during Thanksgiving week, so get there early!
san antonio floods
The San Antonio River Walk is one of the most famous attractions in Texas!
The Riverwalk is home to numerous hotels and restaurants that put you right in the heart of the Riverwalk. The River Walk hosts festivals and parades throughout the year.
Some of the most notable parades are the Lantern Parade and the Holiday River Parade!
Between March and September you can also kayak on the San Antonio River Walk!
Jakobsbrunnen
Located in Hays County, Jacob's Well is one of the most popular places in Texas. The natural spring area is approximately 81 hectares and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. m. to 6 p.m. m. daily!
Jacob's Well is the second largest submerged cave in Texas, reaching 140 feet at its deepest point. People from all over the world come here to swim, so much so that you need to make a reservation to swim in the fountain!
The time allowed for each swim reservation is 2 hours, so plan your day around that! You can also walk in this area and you don't need a reservation to walk just to swim!
a fabulous weekend
While in Texas, you must have a fabulous weekend getaway at The Driskill Hotel in Austin!
The Driskill Hotel is located on 6th Street, one of the most famous streets in Austin! This street is historic and home to Austin's nightlife and culture! The hotel is a 10-minute walk from the State Capital Building.
The hotel is extremely luxurious and you will feel like royalty during your stay! You don't want to come to Austin without enjoying this experience for a weekend!
Go camping in Palo Duro Canyon State Park
You can't come to Texas without a camping trip! The perfect place to pitch a tent is Palo Duro Canyon State Park! This state park is truly one of the best things to do in Texas!
This area is known as the Grand Canyon of Texas. This park in the Texas Panhandle offers camping in several different areas! All campgrounds in the area offer electricity, but you can opt out to get the full camping experience!
No matter which camp you stay at, you're guaranteed a view of Palo Duro Canyon! It really is one of theThe best things to do in Amarillo.
Visit the Jester King Brewery
Are you really in Texas if you don't stop at a brewery while you're there?
Located in Austin, Jester King Brewery is much more than just a brewery. Here they serve pizza, wine, beer and many events for their guests!
The 165-acre ranch has a nature trail and many areas where you can stop and enjoy the brewery experience. They also host many summer concert series and goat yoga!
We know you'll enjoy this Texas brewery!
Houston Museum of Natural Science
One of the best things to do in Texas is to visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science! The world around you will seem so much more interesting after a visit here!
There are many permanent exhibits here, such as the Cabinet of Curiosities, the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, and the Morian Hall of Paleontology!
Not only does it have these amazing exhibits, but you must stop by the Burke Baker Planetarium and see the Lamps of Atlantis and the Black Holes, two very popular exhibits!
Visit Kyle's Field
When you're in Texas, Texas Football is one of the first connections you can make! That's why you should take a tour of Kyle Field, the largest stadium in Texas!
This stadium is the largest for its capacity limit of 102,000. It is located on the Texas A&M campus in College Station.
The tour lasts 45-60 minutes and is a fun and affordable way to experience the best home of Texas football!
Road trip on the Texas coast
With the Gulf of Mexico close by, it would be a shame not to take a road trip up the Texas coast!
This road trip takes you through popular Texas coastal cities such as Galveston, Matagorda, Corpus Christi, and South Padre Island.
At any of these stops you can stop and explore the beaches or take a dip in the warm waters thanks to the Gulf of Mexico!
You'll find a uniqueness at every stop on this road trip that will keep you entertained for days!
Go to the State Fair of Texas
If you are in Texas in September or October, you must visit the State Fair of Texas in Dallas!
This Texas fair is the oldest fair in the United States, and better yet, it's also the biggest! This fair is the home of Big Tex, the tallest cowboy in the world, and also a famous Texan icon!
Since 1886, the State Fair of Texas has proudly promoted Texas traditions in agriculture, education, and community service.
If you're in Texas, this will be at the top of your list!
Visit the Fort Worth Zoo
This one is for animal lovers!
One of the oldest zoos in Texas, the Fort Worth Zoo is home to 540 species of animals! The zoo is constantly hosting special events like field trips, weddings, holiday parties, and corporate events!
Here you can interact with sharks and rays up close! It's one of the reasons USA Today ranked this zoo the #5 zoo in the nation!
Get ready for a beastly day here!
Eating at Tito's Mexican Restaurant
Located in San Antonio, Tito's Mexican Restaurant is a great place to experience authentic Mexican food in Texas.
Tito's is famous for its margarita/tequila bar, as well as its fajitas and enchiladas. Here's a taste of Mexico in Texas!
This San Antonio restaurant opened in 2003 in the historic King William District! If you're in Texas, this is the place to stop for some delicious food and drinks during happy hour!
Bat surveillance on the Avenida Congreso bridge
This is a Texas experience you simply can't get anywhere else!
Austin's Congress Avenue Bridge is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. More than 1.5 million bats reside here during the summer before returning to their central Mexican homeland in the fall.
The best time to see these night fliers is at sunset on any summer night! You can enter the bridge for a perfect view for free.
The largest bat colony in North America awaits you during your stay in Texas!
Visit Space Center Houston
You definitely don't want to miss out on this experience!
Space Center Houston is one of the most popular venues in Texas. This is partly because NASA's Mission Control Center is located here!
Here you'll find the world's largest collection of moon rocks and see tons of NASA systems. If you're here on vacation, you can even experience Galaxy Lights, a Christmas display downtown is famous for in the winter!
Start planning your trip to NASA!
Corrales de Die Fort Worth
Fort Worth Stockyards is the perfect place to feel like you are in an old west movie!
Fort Worth Stockyards is the perfect place to see a real Texas rodeo. There are also western-themed concerts and shops all over the corrals!
You can stop at the museum and learn about the history of Fort Worth while shopping for the best pair of boots you can't find anywhere else!
Rancho Cadillac
Cadillac Ranch is one place in Texas where you can make your mark on the state!
The Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo is an iconic installation of Cadillac vehicles parked on the ground and overlaid over years by past visitors. People come from all over to spray paint their own brand on a vehicle!
You can bring your own spray paint or if you're lucky you might find a can left behind by a previous visitor!
You can also visit the visitor center and buy jewelry made from paint chips that have fallen from cars! There is no record of how many coats of paint are currently on this accessory!
Visit the Texas State Aquarium
This Texas aquarium was voted the #4 aquarium in America by USA Today in 2019!
One of the best things about this aquarium is the 4 bottlenose dolphins they house in their Dolphin Bay exhibit! They also have a Saving Sharks exhibit where you can track tagged sharks in real time!
Other popular exhibits here include Jungle, Caribbean Sea, and Living Shores. Anyone who has something that can teach you about wildlife and marine life.
You need to make sure you stop here at least once while in Texas!
Visit The Gaylord Texan at Christmas
A Texan Christmas to remember can happen at the Gaylord Texan!
While Texas isn't known for snow, the Gaylord Texan isn't. During the holidays, this hotel offers snow tubing, snow throwing, various snow slides and its famous ICE. show.
The ice! Show is a 9 degree ice show of a true winter wonderland. Be sure to pack a coat and gloves for this experience!
The Alamo
One thing to do is… remember the Alamo! You cannot come to Texas without stopping at this historic landmark.
The Alamo is known as the Texas Sanctuary of Freedom, and there is no doubt that this is a big part of Texas history! You can take a guided tour and see all that the Alamo has to offer.
Be sure to tour Living History and talk to the Living Historians. Here you'll get an up close and personal look at life in the 19th century and even learn about the events surrounding the Battle of the Alamo in 1836!
Texas is one of the largest states in the United States and that means there is a lot to experience in Texas. Whether you're looking for a place for a weekend getaway, the best place to see different species of wildlife, or just want to see what Texas is all about... well, Texas!
There is something unique for everyone in Texas. We know you'll love the stops on this list!