30 Best Places to Visit in Texas

Garner State Park is not close to Houston, but it's worth every bit of the 4.5-hour drive. It's under 3 hours from Austin and only an hour and a half from San Antonio.

Garner State Park is full of incredible views and trails. You can hike the Crystal Cave Trail, a steep, rocky trail that involves lots of scrambling over rocks to get to a beautiful cave where the walls seem to sparkle with crystals.

There are a lot of activities, especially in summer. You can swim, float, and sunbathe there. Or explore one of the great trails.

Lake Conroe is a great place to unwind or go on an adventurous adventure. If you want to perform some motorized water activities without having to go far from Houston, Lake Conroe is a terrific option. There is everything: a boathouse, a swimming beach, and lakeside dining. Don't have access to a boat? Don't worry, Lake Conroe offers a range of boat rental and guiding services.

If you have kids and want family rest, you can go to the Margaritaville lake resort and have a nice time there. Make a point of ending the evening at one of the lakefront eating establishments. There is everything: a boathouse, a swimming beach, and lakeside dining.

The city of Houston was formed in 1836 by land investors, although it wasn't incorporated until 1837. The Allen brothers bought 6,642 acres along Buffalo Bayou for $1.40 an acre, and the city was named after President Sam Houston. The Allen brothers persuaded the Texas government to choose Houston as the interim capital, but in 1839, the capital was moved to Austin.

Some interesting facts about Houston:

• Greater Houston is the country's most ethnically diversified metropolitan area. Locals speak 145 languages, and 90 countries have consular representation in the city.
• The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA encompasses 9,444 square miles, slightly less than Massachusetts but significantly more than New Jersey.
• Houston is the largest city in the United States in terms of total parkland. Cullen Park with 9,270 acres, George Bush Park with 8,043 acres, Lake Houston Wilderness Park with 4,787 acres, and Bear Creek Pioneers Park with 3,067 acres are the four largest parks in the city of Houston.
• The first word spoken from the moon was "Houston" in 1969. The Apollo 11 mission cemented the city's place in history when astronaut Neil Armstrong delivered the now-famous remark, "Tranquility Base has arrived in Houston. The eagle has successfully landed."
• The Texas Medical Center does more cardiac surgery than any other hospital in the world.

Austin, Texas's capital, is a bustling city known for its live music scene, numerous beautiful lakes and parks, and world-class museums. It is frequently at the top of everyone's list when it comes to the greatest locations to visit in Texas, and for a good reason.

Lake Bird Lake is located in the middle of the town and provides many possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts: swimming, kayaking, cycling, and jogging.

Culinary options range from beat-up food trucks offering fantastic barbeque to fancy farm-to-table restaurants. Take a cuisine tour or arrange a brewery visit to discover more about Austin's craft beer.

The city's nightlife caters to nearly everyone. Every night, live music is performed around the city. Still, it's especially beneficial to visit one of the city's two big musical festivals: South by Southwest and the Austin City Limits Festival.

Galveston is a bustling resort city on the island of the same name, with six cruise ship ports and an excellent selection of restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions. Visitors are spoiled for choosing what to see and do. Galveston is one of the greatest spots to visit in Texas for a relaxing beach vacation complete with sunbathing and swimming in beautiful seas.

Take advantage of the beautiful weather by going on a dolphin or whale-watching trip, or get tickets for the entire family to Schlitterbahn, the city's large waterpark.

Moody Gardens, an educational wildlife facility with sharks, monkeys, and other creatures housed in massive glass pyramids, is another famous visit.

However, for nonstop excitement, visit the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, which offers rides for all ages. Spend a day roaming around The Strand, an avenue of repurposed 19th-century warehouses that now houses stores and eateries, once you've had your fill of adventure.

The Space Centre Houston is another famous tourist destination in Texas, and it's one of the greatest locations to visit, whether you're interested in space or not! It is within a 30-minute drive from downtown Houston.

There are so many exhibits at Space Centre Houston that you will be spoiled for choice. Moon rocks, artifacts from Mercury and Apollo flights, and informational nuggets tell you everything you need to know about NASA's projects and missions and the history and purpose of space exploration.

You may visit a real Saturn V rocket, learn about space life, dress up like an astronaut, and watch shows. This is an excellent site to learn about space exploration, future missions, NASA's most recent projects, and perhaps even meet an astronaut.

Most importantly, Space Centre Houston is home to NASA's own Mission Control. This is where NASA monitors its space exploration and flights.

Padre Island National Seashore is an important conservation site in Texas and the world's most extended barrier island. It has more than 130,000 acres of beach, dunes, and grassland habitats and is home to rare sea turtles and innumerable migrating birds, making it a birder's heaven. In fact, 350 distinct species visit this migratory stopover on the Central Flyway.

Relaxing campsites, beautiful beaches, and a Junior Ranger Program all contribute to the seashore's allure.

The Malaquite Visitor Center is the finest site to start your tour to this lovely Gulf of Mexico coastal region. It informs where visitors may get information about the seashore and the routes they might take to explore it. The center also provides mobility help with wheelchairs designed specifically for beach terrain and guides for sports such as kayaking and canoeing.

Hamilton Pool is a hidden pearl of Texas State and one of the most breathtaking views in the state. It is a part of a designated natural preservation area.

The pool was once hidden in an underground limestone grotto. It has now broken free from the dome and entered a cavernous region. A 50-foot waterfall plunges into the pool from the overhang's lip, freshening its contents and providing visitors with a delightfully cold surprise.

This is the attraction that you should not miss, especially if you're looking for lovely spots in Texas!

Lady Bird Lake is one of the best part of the Colorado River named for President Lyndon B. Johnson's wife.

Hotels and homes line one side, while a huge beach open to the public on the other end is equipped with numerous pathways for cycling and hiking. Don't miss the Bike Trail and Ann and Roy Butler Trail, which leads to the Pedestrian Bridge. They are the most popular walking path at Lady Bird Lake.

Boats are permitted on Lady Bird Lake, including rentable canoes and kayaks and your own decked-out motorized water vehicle.

A 1.1 mile-long boardwalk provides a panoramic view of the downtown area while you're at it, so it's one of the best instagrammable spots

The Palo Duro Canyon is commonly referred to as the Grand Canyon of Texas.

The Palo Duro Canyon is the second-longest and second-largest canyon in America, with a 120-mile length that rises 3,463 feet above sea level and drops 800 feet.

It was formed by the Prairie Dog Town fork of the Red River and was named for the surrounding mesquite and juniper trees and the Spanish word for "hardwood."

It's a unique instagrammable spot.

Mustang Island State Park, located on this 18-mile-long barrier island 28 miles southeast of Corpus Christi, is a popular spot for mountain biking, kayaking, and swimming.

It used to be home to wild horses but is now famed for its miles of beaches and outdoor activities. Outside of the park, visitors can enjoy water sports such as kiteboarding, wakeboarding, surfing, and snorkeling at North Packery Beach.

There is a small village called Port Aransas. It's a beautiful instagrammable spot and a good place for sunbathing, parasailing, fishing, or splashing around at the beach.

San José Island is a hidden pearl of Texas State. This old ranch, which is easily accessible by ferry from Port Aransas, is now a popular beach resort. The island's more than 600 different fish species and around 300 bird species make it an excellent site for fishing and birding. Shelling and surfing are two more popular activities in the area.

Because San José Island is privately owned, the only publicly accessible property on the island is a 21-mile stretch of unspoiled beach.

Boca Chica Beach may not be as well-known as other Texas beaches, but it's a great place to unwind. Spend most of your time at Boca Chica's 8-mile-long length of sand, but bring your own equipment because water sports rentals like surfboards, snorkeling gear, and kiteboards are not available on-site.

Save time for wildlife viewing as well, as the area is a sanctuary for various bird and sea turtle species. Arrive in the spring or summer to catch a glimpse of a highly endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle laying eggs on the beach.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in the northwest part of the state, about 100 miles east of El Paso, is home to Texas' four highest peaks. Exploring the stunning and broad desert scenery of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park is one of the top things to do in Texas.

It's also famous for its fauna, which includes golden eagles. The scenery is breathtaking, especially around the towering El Capitan and Guadalupe Peak, Texas' highest point. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is also a popular hiking destination, with more than 80 miles of paths winding through stunning wooded canyons and verdant springs. There are so many places to explore that you'll never be bored!

The Fort Worth Zoo is Texas' oldest zoo. As a world-class institution, there are numerous areas to visit within the zoo, which is divided into different species. It s the only American zoo that houses all Great Ape species, including bonobos, chimps, gorillas, and orangutans.

More than 68 of the species found here are threatened or endangered, making the opportunity to observe them up close all the more special. The Fort Worth Zoo also has one of the most well-known and successful flamingo breeding colonies on the planet. You'll also witness African lions, penguins, hippos, cheetahs, giraffes, meerkats, and many other animals.

There aren't many sites in the United States where the ocean can give you a warm hug, but Corpus Christi is one of them. Corpus Christi is the state's most significant coastal city, with a view of the Gulf of Mexico. The beaches range from calm oases surrounded by dunes to crowded stretches of sand ideal for surfing. Plan a boating or fishing trip if you can't get enough of the warm water!

However, the city also has many other water-themed attractions, such as the famous Schlitterbahn Riverpark and an aviation museum located aboard the SS Lexington, the world's oldest remaining aircraft carrier.

In Corpus Christi, there's also the Texas State Aquarium, where you and your family may see aquatic life up close! Book a day at one of the town's day spas to amp up your relaxation before you return home.

El Paso is one of the most exciting tourist attractions. You can't go wrong with a trip to El Paso, with over 300 days of sunlight every year.

Plan a day trek in Franklin Mountains State Park to make the most of those bright days; if the trails don't, the scenery will (though they probably will).

There is a nice scenic route that goes along the Franklin Mountains for people who desire mountain vistas without the effort of trekking.

You can't go wrong when you pack your El Paso schedule with things like looking for dinosaur footprints, learning about local history, or riding a horse through a winery.

Gorman Falls is awe-inspiring. The pictures don't do it justice. It is twenty times prettier than it appears in photos.

Gorman Falls is 70 feet tall and is one of Texas' most beautiful waterfalls. It is located in Colorado Bend State Park. It's so unusual that tourists frequently say that it doesn't appear as it belongs in Texas and that it belongs in a tropical environment like Hawaii or Costa Rica.

To put it another way, it's an extraordinary place–which is why trekking to Gorman Falls is the most popular activity in Colorado Bend State Park! The climb down to the falls, however, is challenging. If you don't mind carrying 30 gallons of water, don't do it in the summer. Do this hike in the winter or autumn when the temperature isn't pretty hot.

Utopia is the beautiful, aptly named town of the Sabinal River. There is beautiful nature and true Texas' spirit. Utopia River Park offers access to the river with a rope swing and looks like so much fun!

There is actually no phone service in this town, which makes it a great option if you really look for peace and queit. And it's located super close to Garner State Park.

The Alamo was founded as a mission by Franciscans in 1744 and is located in downtown San Antonio. On the other hand, the Alamo was a functioning fort by the year 1834. It is one of America's most important historical landmarks.

In 1836, a small army of 187 soldiers, including Daniel Boone, Jim Bowie, and Davie Crockett, barricaded themselves inside the Alamo. They were members of a troop of men who fought an army of 3,000 Mexican soldiers in the Texas War of Independence. Although all 187 defenders were murdered, "Remember the Alamo!" cry united the state, and it eventually defeated the Mexicans.

The Alamo is now the most visited attraction in the state of Texas. It attracts over two million visitors each year who come to see the exterior and interior elements. The fort, long barracks, church, and arcade are all worth seeing, and there is also a museum and gift store where you can learn more about the Alamo.

San Antonio is the city that will enchant everyone. The city's theme parks, top-notch museums, professional sports teams, and the famed River Walk will appeal to families in particular.

San Antonio is also a booming culinary attraction, with a variety of classic Tex-Mex restaurants as well as new barbecue joints and eccentric luxury diners.

Though The San Antonio River Walk is the most popular, a riverboat trip is also available, with themes ranging from general sightseeing excursions to nicer dinner tours.

You'll want to walk through the San Antonio River Walk twice because it's a different experience at night and during the day.

The Texas State Capitol isn't just the state's legislative capital — it's also one of Texas' most gorgeous sites! It is located in Austin.

It stands 308 feet tall and is located in the heart of Austin's downtown district. The Capitol is set on 22 acres of land and is surrounded by beautiful gardens that have been skillfully mowed and maintained and memorials and monuments.

There are guided tours of the interior of the structure available, which begin at the visitor center with its various exhibits. The tours are informative, telling you about the many monuments on the grounds and providing insight into the state's legal and government processes and some background on the building's history.

These gardens are part of one of the best botanical gardens in the country. The Dallas Arboretum, which is beautifully spread out over 66 acres, should be on your list of "things to do" while in the city. The gardens are easily accessible from downtown and are located on the beaches of White Rock Lake.

It was built in 1984 and has continually showcased, preserved, and educated visitors on Texas' natural life and history. There are 16 gardens, including a children's garden with over 150 engaging and instructive activities and two historic structures. One of the park's signature gardens, the Woman's Garden features an infinity pool, aquatic plants, fountains, and sculptures. The six-and-a-half-acre Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden showcases approximately 2,000 azaleas.

There is also an 8-acre museum with 17 galleries that showcase antiques, demonstrations, games, and more.

Alfresco dining with views of the gardens and downtown Dallas is available at the on-site Café on the Green or the Lula Mae Slaughter Dining Terrace.

The Dallas World Aquarium is home to a variety of marine and aquatic organisms and land animals, birds, and plants.

There are a lot of exhibitions and each of them can amaze you:

• Octopi, stingrays, eels, and other creatures live in the 20,000-gallon tunnel.
• The Yucatan Peninsula exhibit features a variety of birds.
• A South African section introduces you to amphibians and reptiles.
• There's even a live jungle with monkeys, manatees, toucans, crocodiles, and an intriguing Mayan area with ocelots and Jabiru storks.

Try to catch some live feedings at the Dallas World Aquarium while you're there. You may be able to assist in feeding an animal, which is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable things to do in Texas!

For animal enthusiasts, the Dallas Zoo is one of Texas's top things to do. Dallas Zoo is the largest and the oldest zoo in Texas. It is located in Marsalis Park, which spans 106 acres and dates back to 1888.

The zoo primarily concentrates on two themes, which can be observed in the zoo's two primary exhibit areas. The first is the Wilds of Africa, while the second is ZooNorth, with highlights including the Endangered Tiger Habitat, the Otter Outpost, and the Giants of the African Savannah.

The Perot Museum is located in Dallas and has 180,000 square feet of floor area. It is essentially three museums crowded into one area, with 11 display rooms.

Human evolution, dinosaur skeletons, earthquakes, bird flight and socializing, and Texas ecosystems are among the themes covered at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. It also contains one-of-a-kind displays, such as the T. Boone Pickens Life Then and Now Hall, which includes an interactive treasure hunt.

If you enjoy science, this is one of the best things to do in Texas!

The Nasher Sculpture Centre is the proud owner of a massive 55,000 square feet of sculpture-only area. It was designed by husband and wife pair Raymond and Nancy Nasher and is located directly across from the Dallas Museum of Art.

The Nasher Sculpture Centre is largely regarded as the world's most magnificent collection of modern sculptures. It houses almost 300 distinct pieces by artists such as Rodin, Matisse, and even Picasso.

Don't forget to visit the garden outside the Nasher Sculpture Center, which spans 1.4 acres and has 25 additional amazing works!

The Museum was created in 1988. The Frontiers of Flight Museum is the foremost aerospace museum in Dallas and worldwide.

There are 13 galleries to explore, each of which covers a distinct area of aviation history. A full-sized replica of the Wright flyer, a restored Apollo 7 Command module, a Stearman PT-17 Kaydet Biplane, and parts of the renowned Hindenburg airship are among the greatest items and displays at the Frontiers of Flight Museum.

The Reunion Tower is not the highest structure in Dallas, but it is the most distinguishing and recognized. Its 560-foot length is beautifully lighted up at night, accentuating its distinctive design. It was completed in 1978 and appears as a geodesic ball resting atop five cylindrical concrete poles.

The Reunion Tower now has a revolving restaurant with 360-degree views over Dallas. Another attraction is the GeO-Deck observation level, which has an attractive, interactive display with information about the building and prominent sites.

Dallas is a well-known city in Texas that has seen rapid expansion. There you will find a sophisticated cultural scene, a culinary hotspot, and the influx of enormous crowds. Dallas is a home for a true Texas State spirit.

On Margarita Mile, you can not only drink a boatload of Margaritas, but you can also see the giant eyeball sculpture, shop at the farmer's market, visit the Sixth Floor Museum, or visit one of the city's many excellent museums.

There are also a handful of fantastic rooftop pubs and restaurants in the city that are well worth a visit. Even the Airbnbs are incredible!

If you're planning a weekend in Dallas later in the year, particularly in the fall, don't miss the Texas State Fair; it's one of the finest things to do in Texas!

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