Welcome to our definitive guide to the best things to do in Texas!
From the beaches of the Gulf Coast in the east to the desert region in the west, Texas promises plenty of fun for visitors.
The Lone Star State is simply huge - did you know it's the second largest in the country - and offers a breathtaking variety of landscapes and attractions!
Also read:18 Incredibly Romantic Texas Honeymoon Ideas
Texas also has a rich and vibrant history and many cultural attractions.
beautiful waterfalls, spectacular skylines, urban parks, breathtaking natural areas and beautiful beaches - Texas has it all!
Here are our favorite places in Texas that are worth putting on your bucket list!
Also read:20+ Best Places to Watch the 2024 Solar Eclipse in Texas
From the cities of San Antonio and Houston to the small towns of Fredericksburg andRockport
…from historic landmarks like the Alamo and the Texas State Capitol to beautiful natural areas like Big Bend National Park and Padre Island on the Gulf Coast,
Here are some of the most amazing and unbelievable places in Texas!
Also read:The Best Texas Weekend Getaways for 2022
Saint Anthony
Saint Anthonyis a must for anyone visiting the Lone Star State.
The city is home to some of the city's most visited attractions, including the historic Mission Alamo, the architectural wonder of the San Antonio River Walk, and El Mercado, or the historic Market Square.
The Alamo, a Spanish border mission, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The famous Battle of the Alamo that started the Texas Revolution took place here.
Another must is thebeautiful 15 mile long San Antonio Riverwalk and its many attractions.
It offers a relaxed, romantic atmosphere and an abundance of great restaurants, eateries and shops.
It can be explored on foot or by bike.
Austin
AustinIt's a busy Texas city.
It is the state capital and home of the Texas State Capitol Building.
Austin is known for its food scene, beautiful parks and lakes, and world-class museums.
Also known as the live music capital of the world, Austin hosts a variety of music festivals, concerts and performances throughout the year.
The Texas Capitol Building in downtown Austin is open to guided tours and is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions.
It has beautiful Italian Renaissance style architecture and is made of pink granite found in the Texas Hill Country.
Another popular attraction in Austin is the Hamilton Pool Preserve.
Hamilton Pool Preserve features a 50-foot waterfall and fern-covered cliffs, as well as distinctive plants and birds.
Located in close proximity to Dripping Springs, this natural pool is extremely popular during the hot summer months.
Austin's Lady Bird Lake is a great place to admire the city skyline and go kayaking or paddle boarding.
Also worth seeing in Austin is the famous Bat Walk under the Richards Congress Avenue Bridge.
Big-Bend-Nationalpark
Located right on the Mexican border, Big Bend National Park is a unique place for nature lovers.
This is one of our favorite national parks in Texas.
The park offers beautiful views of the Chisos Mountains and the Chihuahuan Desert.
There are many attractions in Big Bend National Park for visitors to enjoy.
Stop at the visitor center to learn about the trails, shop for souvenirs, and receive a park map.
Stroll along the famous Rio Grande River and observe the beautiful landscapes in the park from the scenic drive.
Big Bend National Park is home to nearly 450 species of birds, as well as rabbits, roadrunners, mountain cougars and bears, with a diverse flora and fauna.
Other popular activities in Big Bend National Park include camping, horseback riding, and kayaking in Santa Elena Canyon.
Houston
H-Town is hands down one of the best cities in Texas!
It is the largest city in Texas and is home to famous attractions such as Space Center Houston and the Museum District.
H-Town prides itself on having some of the best barbecues in the state and a relaxed atmosphere that draws visitors.
Downtown Houston's Museum District is popular with families and culture vultures alike.
It has several top museums including the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Museum of Fine Arts, Contemporary Art, Children's Museum and more.
Nearby Hermann Park is home to the Houston Zoo, Children's Train, Japanese Garden and Green Spaces.
Johnson Space Center Houston is one of Texas' top attractions, welcoming millions of visitors each year.
Visit a replica of America's first space station, Skylab, or touch a moon rock.
It's great for those who are interested in space exploration and meeting with astronauts.
Padre Island National Rim
Just a short drive from Corpus Christi, this beautiful undeveloped barrier island separates Laguna Madre from the Gulf of Mexico.
The island is 70 miles long and is the largest barrier island in the world.
It is home to Padre Island National Seashore National Park.
The park is a great place to experience the natural beauty of the Texas Gulf Coast.
Enjoy clean sandy beaches or cool off in the sea.
Camping on the beach, kayaking, fishing, windsurfing, and sand biking are other popular activities in the park.
The park is a famous nesting site for Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles, and if you visit in the summer you can take part in their famous rare sea turtle reintroduction program.
Galveston
Galveston, located on the Texas coast near Houston, is the perfect destination for a family vacation.
There are many things for visitors to do in Galveston.
Feel the adrenaline rush at Pleasure Pier, a year-round waterfront amusement park.
Visit Moody Gardens, a tourist complex with a botanical garden, giant glass pyramids, an aquarium, and several species of animals.
Spend an afternoon at The Strand, a National Historic District full of antique shops, restaurants, art galleries and beautiful architecture.
For those wanting to soak up some sun, Galveston offers 32 miles of beaches.
Galveston is also popular for water activities such as fishing, dolphin cruises and kayaking.
Friedrichsburg
Located in the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is one of the best small towns in Texas.
Charming and romantic, it has a main street lined with historic buildings, boutiques and restaurants.
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 Pacific War Museum, historical sites and other attractions.
The nearby Enchanted Rock Natural State Area is popular for hiking, wildflowers, and bouldering.
Palo Duro Gorge
Looking for an awesome Texas state park to visit? Go to Palo Duro!
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, is nearbyGelbin the Panhandle, is a beautiful place in Texas.
Did you know -Palo Duro GorgeIt is the second largest canyon in the United States and is known as the Grand Canyon of Texas.
The canyon is 120 miles long, up to 20 miles wide, and between 600 and 800 feet deep.
Visitors love the rocky mountains streaked with bright red and brown and the intriguing geological features like the lighthouse formation.
The State Park Visitor Center has many interesting exhibits related to the canyon's geology and cultural history, as well as incredible views from the rim.
Visitors can explore the gorge in depth by walking inside the gorge or by taking the scenic drive to the foothills of the gorge.
The park offers a wide range of activities for outdoor lovers, including wildlife viewing, bird watching, nature photography, camping, stargazing, and mountain biking.
South Padre Island
Die TouristenstadtSouth Padre IslandIt is on the south coast of Texas.
This is one of the best beach towns in Texas and offers a wide variety of attractions, from dolphin cruises and sand castle building lessons to amusement parks and beautiful beaches.
The city also has plenty of fun things to do, including short boardwalk walks, souvenir shopping, sunset walks, horseback riding, and parasailing.
Due to its mild climate, South Padre Island is one of the best places in Texas to visit in the winter.
Fort Worth
Head to the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District to experience the true spirit of old Texas.
In the area around the Stockyards there are several buildings and roads built in the Wild West style.
Here you'll find honky-tonk lounges with live music, Friday and Saturday rodeos, barbecues and shops selling western clothing.
However, the highlight of the visit is the daily cattle movement.
Real cowboys in boots and hats lead the cattle drive in front of the Fort Worth Livestock Exchange Building.
The cattle drive is often followed by mock shootings, which are fun for the whole family.
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 8km of beautiful coastline and white sandy beaches.
It is an ideal place for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of big cities.
Just lounge on the sand with a book or head to the beach to shop for shells and sand dollars.
Enjoy sunbathing, fishing, paddling, hiking, kayaking or bird watching - the possibilities on Mustang Island are endless.
Those interested in paddling can check out the Mustang Island State Park Paddle Trail.
brenham
Located 70 miles northwest of Houston,brenhamis a small German town that is the perfect Texas getaway.
It attracts visitors every yearbeautiful Bluebonnet monitors from Texasas well as Maifest, the annual festival celebrating Brenham's German heritage.
Other Brenham attractions include the Blue Bell Creameries, historic Main Street, the Fire Museum and the Antique Rose Emporium.
Washington-on-the-Brazos National Historic Park is also near Brenham.
This is where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed - hence the park is known as the birthplace of Texas.
Dallas
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 at Dealey Plaza is a Dallas must-see.
Located in the Dallas County Government Building, this museum 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 the events surrounding JFK's death and legacy.
Visitors can see detailed exhibits about the murder and see the window where he was shot. The museum also contains excellent information on JFK's political contributions, family and news material.
Some of the other popular tourist attractions in Dallas are Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Dallas Zoo, Reunion Tower, Dallas World Aquarium, George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, etc.
Texas Hill Country Wineries
The scenic Texas Hill Country is a popular tourist destination in Texas.
It is a well-known wine-growing region in Texas and is known for its wineries.
Several wineries and vineyards dot the Hill Country landscape and most produce quality wines that any wine lover will appreciate.
Many of the Texas Hill Country's wineries are located in and around Fredericksburg.
Located between Fredericksburg and Stonewall, Becker Vineyards hosts events, tastings and tours within the walls of its impressive stone lobby.
Grape Creek Vineyards is one of the oldest wineries in Texas.
Fall Creek Winery near Driftwood is another great choice for sampling Texas reds and whites.
Fredericksburg's Main Street also has several tasting rooms; Wine tours are also available in town.
Porto Aransas
Port Aransas is a charming island community.
It has an interesting range of restaurants, shops and exclusive hotels catering to visitors.
One of the highlights ofVisit to Port Aransasis its pristine beaches.
Other activities include kayaking, windsurfing and fishing. You can easily find equipment rentals here.
SomeThe best beaches in Texasare located here, including the IB Magee Beach Park.
Interested in history? Visit the Port Aransas Museum to learn about the past of this small coastal town.
Marfa
Marfa is one of the most unique small towns in Texas.
The city has a number of historical sights, as well as art galleries and public works of art.
A one-of-a-kind art installation, Marfa Prada is a great stop on a road trip en route to Big Bend.
One of the most famous attractions in Marfa is the Marfa Lights.
The cause of the appearance of these lights in the desert landscape is still unknown and numerous legends, including paranormal activity, are associated with them.
Visit the Marfa Lights viewing area outside of town to see the sights for yourself.
Body of Christ
Corpus Christi is a good combination of sun, beach and city.
It's full of activities for different types of travelers.
Observe marine life at the Texas State Aquarium or visit the Selena Memorial and hear the famous musician's famous songs.
Visit the Selena Museum if you want to learn more about this important figure and her role in Texan culture.
Head to North Beach near the Harbor Bridge to soak up some sun or swim in the water on a hot summer day.
Or take a tour of the USS Lexington museum ship, which saw service in World War II.
This former aircraft carrier is a National Historic Landmark and has been converted into a naval museum.
On a self-guided tour, you can see various military artifacts, aircraft, and exhibits, or even try out the flight simulator.
Caddo Lake State Park
Caddo Lake is a beautiful lake on the Texas-Louisiana border in the Piney Woods region.
It's one of our favorite places in East Texas.
Here you will find several acres of cypress swamps.
Bald cypress trees are draped in Spanish moss while lotus flowers, water lilies and reeds grow in the pond.
Located on the lake shore, Caddo Lake State Park is great for hiking, camping and kayaking.
Visitors particularly enjoy the wildlife viewing, bird watching and spectacular fall colors at Caddo Lake State Park.
Read our post about itThe best things to do at Caddo Lake State Parkfor more details.
Insel San Jose
Come to San Jose Island if you're looking for something more remote and wild.
A great place to get away from the city noise and relax, read a book, collect shells and enjoy the scenery - recommended for anyone looking for a quiet afternoon!
enchanted stone
Enchanted Rock, located in Enchanted Rock State Park north of Crabapple, is one of the largest natural rock formations in the entire country, towering 425 feet above the ground.
Climb the rock for spectacular views and ledges, but don't forget to bring water.
The climb is a bit challenging, but definitely worth it!
Within the park there are several other hiking trails and places for rock climbing.
Other activities include camping, picnicking, wildlife viewing, geocaching, stargazing, and photographing the beautiful scenery.
The park also offers ranger programs, which is great if you want to learn more about formations and wildlife husbandry.
The step
As a frontier town in the Old West,The stepcombines Mexican flavors with historic architecture and a unique Texan vibe.
Visit the famous Plaza Theater in the Downtown Historic District or embark on the El Paso Mission Trail to admire colonial buildings.
Immerse yourself in culture at the art museum, browse the Mexican markets and enjoy the cuisine in El Paso.
Explore El Segundo Barrio, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city.
Here you'll find beautiful street murals that reveal the city's Hispanic heritage.
El Paso has a number of tourist attractions and makes a perfect stop on your West Texas road trip.
Boca Chica State Park
Boca Chica State Park nearbyBrownsvilleincludes Boca Chica Beach and the SpaceX launch site, 22 miles east of Brownsville.
The installation is quite impressive, which all spaceship lovers will appreciate.
Boca Chica Beach is relatively remote and less crowded than South Padre Beach.
This means there are fewer services on offer, but it's perfect for activities such as fishing, bird watching, beach walks and sandcastle building or kiting.
There aren't many amenities, so prepare well if you decide to spend an afternoon here by bringing enough water and snacks.
Although not very popular with campers, there is an opportunity to camp here if you wish.
waco
The city ofwacois located on the banks of the Brazos River in central Texas.
Waco has many family attractions and is a great Texas spring break destination.
NOWaco Mammoth National Monumentvisitors can see the fossilized remains of Colombian Ice Age mammoths.
Cameron Park Zoo is great for seeing a variety of animals, while the Waco River Walk makes for a pleasant stroll.
the well known onesMagnolia Market Waco Silosof HGTV's Fixer Upper fame is also located here.
The doctor. Downtown, the Pepper Museum is a great place to learn more about the legendary Texas soft drink.
Visit art galleries, boutiques or restaurants in the Waco Downtown Cultural District or spend a day on the water at Lake Waco.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Located about 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 the Twins Fall Nature Trail or the more challenging Wolf Mountain Trail.
There are also opportunities for kayaking and river tubing.
Campsites with the necessary amenities are ideal for those who want to spend more time here.
Ranger programs are available.
Arlington
Between Dallas and Fort Worth lies Arlington, a noisy and lively city that attracts many adventurers for its variety of exciting activities.
Six Flags Over Texas, Hurricane Harbor Water Park, home of the Dallas Cowboys, Arlington Stadium and Theater Arlington are a fewThe best things to do in Arlington.
After a busy day, you can relax at Lake Arlington or River Legacy Park before continuing your journey.
If you want to party, Arlington is not for you!
Guadalupe-Mountains-Nationalpark
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a prime example of what a Permian-era fossil reef is all about.
It's famous for its great hiking and backpacking opportunities and for being one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the United States.
Roughly 80 miles of trails that meander through desert terrain and showcase some beautiful flora, mountains and riverside oases will not disappoint a hiker.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Pine Springs in northern Culberson County is also home to the highest point in Texas, Guadalupe Peak.
Gorman Falls
Impressed by the falls and want to see a few more?
Visit Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend State Park, one of the most beautiful and popular state parks in Texas.
You can explore the 20-foot waterfalls on a 2.6-mile guided hike, or choose the 2.6-mile hike to reach the same destination.
Boating, kayaking and swimming are available at the nearby lake.
Camping sites are available in the park and dogs are also welcome.
Groups can book case tours to learn more about them.
Jacob is fine
Jacob's Well is set in 200 acres of nature reserve near Wimberley.
Surrounded by limestone cliffs, this artesian spring always maintains the same temperature of 20°C.
It's about 140 feet deep, which only adds to its mysterious atmosphere and appearance.
People are welcome to immerse themselves in this natural wonder, but please remember that the swimming season is between May 1st and September 30th.
The bravest visitors can dive and jump off cliffs.
The water is crystal clear, so you might want to bring a snorkel or waterproof camera to take some underwater photos.
Natural bridge caves
The largest known caves open for tours!
Discovered by four college students, the Natural Bridge Caverns have since become one of the top tourist attractions in Texas.
Touring the caves, visitors can see impressive geological rock formations, including stalactites and stalagmites.
Green old town
Green, about an hour from Austin inNova Braunfelsacross the Guadalupe River is a legacy of the early German settlers in the area
They depended on cotton production, which fueled the region's growth and gave it life.
It's a cute little place to visit, stroll through the various boutiques, antique shops and bars in some old buildings that still retain that old Texan charm.
Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas, is a must-see.
This authentic venue has contributed a lot to the Texas music scene and continues to do so by hosting some of the best live shows in the country.
Gelb
Located in the heart of the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo draws visitors for its Art Deco buildings along with Old Texas accents throughout town, fantastic beer, and a great food scene.
For those brave enough, Big Texan Steak Ranch offers the famous 72-ounce steak challenge that has been around for almost 60 years.
After filling your tummy, drive along historic Route 66 and visit the famousRancho Cadillac.
This art installation is located south of I-40 between exits 60 and 62.
Visitors can paint graffiti on one of the Cadillacs, half buried in the middle of a farm.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
A short drive northwest of Glen Rose is Dinosaur Valley State Park.
This park features dinosaur footprints millions of years old at the bottom of the Paluxy River.
Other popular activities include several hiking and biking trails, as well as an area for horseback riding in beautiful natural surroundings.
There are campsites and also picnic areas available.
Lago Travis
Lake Travis, 4.5 miles wide, one of the lakes on the Colorado River in central Texas, is a slice of paradise for travelers of all ages.
The lake covers 18,929 hectares and attracts many visitors throughout the year.
There are more things to do here than you can imagine: parks, accommodation, boat rentals, zip lines, water parks, live music venues, breweries and even vineyards, all centered around this beautiful lake.
Abilene
Abileneis a small city 185 miles west of Dallas that was named the Official Picture Book Capital of Texas in 2015.
Abilene not only has the largest collection of picture book sculptures in the country, but also hosts several literary events, including the West Texas Book Festival and the Children's Art & Literacy Festival.
For those who aren't fans of traditional museums, we recommend visiting Frontier Texas - an interactive exhibit that teaches visitors about Texas history in a modern way.
Monahans Sandhugel State Park
Beautiful Monahans Sandhills State Park covers more than 3,840 acres in the West Texas desert.
Covered by sand dunes, it allows visitors to explore the unique landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see.
Surf the sand, observe unique flora and fauna found only here, take photos and finally watch the sun disappear below the horizon.
Chances are you'll want to do it again!
There is a campsite in the park where visitors can stay overnight.
It's also a great opportunity for stargazing.
Terlingua ghost town
Looking for a secret?
The ghost town of Terlingua offers you exactly that.
Once a bustling community, today few buildings and ruins remain, reflecting the history of the village in the Chihuahuan Desert.
See the ruins of the Chisos Mining Company, visit St Agnes and the early 20th century cemetery.
Port Isabel
Port Isabel, located on the southern tip of Texas, is a small coastal town.
It is best known for the Port Isabel Lighthouse - the only lighthouse in Texas open to the public.
Climb the stairs for great views of South Padre Island.
Learn about history at Port Isabel Historical Museum or go fishing at Pirates Landing Fishing Pier.
Join the Texas International Fishing Tournament, go on a dolphin cruise or explore the seas on the Black Dragon ship surrounded by pirates who love to crack jokes!
Ferrovia Rusks Palestine
Take a break from driving and explore theForests of East Texasat the Texas State Railroad.
Enjoy a moment in history as you travel in an 1896 steam train along the Piney Woods route from Rusk to Palestine.
The round trip takes about 3 hours, 25 miles each way.
Rusk and Palestine are quiet historic towns with Victorian architecture, unique boutiques and shops and cafes!
Each town has a depot with information about locomotives and the town's history, as well as souvenir shops.
You can also come along during the holiday seasonTrem de Natal in Palestine.
Adriano
Adrian is 1139 miles off Route 66
It marks the midpoint of this historic route, meaning Santa Monica, California is 1,139 miles away!
Like Cadillac Ranch, Midpoint is a great place to take photos.
There is also the Midpoint Cafe, a small decorated cafe where you can grab a snack before continuing your journey.
Many Route 66-themed merchandise and postcards are available at a shop near the cafe.
Bolivar Peninsula
The 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 vast sandy beaches and many beach activities.
The Bolivar peninsula also offers many attractions for the whole family.
It spans several communities including Gilchrist, Port Bolivar, Crystal Beach and High Island.
Some of the most popular beach activities are swimming, surfing, bird watching, kiting and also fishing.
Other attractions include Fort Travis, Bolivar Lighthouse, shopping and dining, live music and other events.
We hope you enjoyed our post on the best places to visit in Texas. Did we miss popular Texas attractions? Let us know in the comments.