So you’re planning a trip to Texas, the second-largest state in the United States. That sounds like a lovely idea, and I’m thrilled for the opportunity to help with your itinerary preparation! The Lone Star State is massive, and planning a trip can be overwhelming if you’re not acquainted with its top attractions.
Texas is known for cowboy culture, tasty Tex-Mex food, space exploration, and varied landscapes. Traverse through the deserts in the west or stroll down the beaches in the east. Tour museums to learn about the state’s rich and tumultuous history, and head to national and state parks to climb mountains and swim in natural pools.
Maybe you’re more about fun and exciting things to do, and that’s okay. There’s absolutely no shortage of thrilling activities in Texas, whether that’s riding the longest zipline in the state or free-falling from 16 stories at Six Flags.
Whatever it is you enjoy the most, I’m certain that at least a few of these awesome things to do in Texas will end up on your itinerary!
Best Things To Do In Texas
The best things to do in Texas range from historic landmarks like the Alamo to the NASA Space Center in Houston, and there are at least two dozen activities in between. The southern state can appeal to anyone, which is just one of many reasons why 250+ million people visit it every single year.
I’ve included a good mix of city attractions and natural landmarks, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you want to visit museums and explore historic monuments or spend your time in Texas wandering around its national parks and marveling at the diverse landscapes, I’ve got you covered!
Best of Texas Quick Guide
- Must-See: The Alamo, NASA Space Center Houston, Texas Capitol, Dealey Plaza, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Dallas Historic Fair Park,
- Where To Stay: Magnolia Hotel Downtown Dallas, Hyatt Place Austin Downtown, La Colombe d’Or Hotel (Houston)
- Fun To Do: USS Lexington, San Antonio River Walk, The Reunion Tower, Lake Travis Zipline, Six Flags Over Texas
- Day Trips: South Padre Island, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Big Bend National Park, Palo Duro Canyon State Park
- Must-Try Foods: Puffy tacos, Chili, Nachos, Barbecue, Steak
1. History Lesson at The Alamo
The Alamo is a historic landmark in San Antonio and one of the state’s most important attractions. It’s a symbol of the Texas Revolution and is famous worldwide for the Battle of the Alamo. The former mission church now operates as a museum with artifacts from the revolution era.
Because this is one of the most popular landmarks in the entire state, it tends to be crowded all the time. I recommend booking a guided tour because the guides will tell you many stories about the Alamo’s history, plus you’ll get to skip all the lines.
Bonus points if you can find an evening tour because the Alamo is rumored to be one of San Antonio’s best spots for ghost tours!
Practical Information: The Alamo Exhibit’s admission fee is $14, but a more comprehensive tour of the entire complex costs $45.
2. Camp at Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park in West Texas is one of the best destinations for hikers and mountaineers in the state. It’s home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest summit in Texas, rising to an altitude of 8,751 feet. Pretty impressive for a desert!
Other interesting attractions at the national park include the ruins of a stagecoach station, a stone cabin from the 1930s, and the restored Frijole Ranch, with a small exhibit on local history. All the notable sights are accessible by hiking trails, making this park a must-visit if you enjoy embarking on outdoor adventures.
Camping is another popular activity in the national park. If you’re road-tripping through Texas in a campervan or an RV, consider staying here for a few nights.
Practical Information: The visitor’s center at the Guadalupe Mountains National Park is open from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. The standard entrance fee is $10.
3. Explore Natural Bridge Caverns
Natural Bridge Caverns is the largest underground cave system in the state. San Antonio is the closest city to Natural Bridge Caverns, and Austin isn’t too far away, either.
Come here to tour the unique geological formations of the subterranean caves. Guided tours of the cave system are available every day, and everyone is welcome. However, the caves are uncharacteristically hot and humid, so it’s not necessarily an enjoyable experience for everyone.
There’s also an adventure course above the ground, with rope courses, a maze, and several zip rails. Some of the activities are specifically designed for children, so visitors of all ages can have fun here.
Practical Information: Tours of Natural Bridge Caverns occur daily, from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. It’s $30-50 per person for a tour, depending on the type of tour you choose.
4. Beach Time at South Padre Island
Situated off the coast of southern Texas, South Padre Island is a resort town known for sandy beaches and excellent resorts. If you want to spend a day or two relaxing on the beach and enjoying the sound of the whooshing waves, definitely add it to your Texas itinerary.
The resort town is set on Padre Island, a barrier island that stretches for a whopping 113 miles. It’s the only tropical island in Texas and one of the best destinations in the state if your idea of a relaxing vacation includes sipping cocktails on the beach.
Practical Information: South Padre Island is in southern Texas, close to the border with Mexico. The resort town is roughly a three-hour drive from Corpus Christi.
5. Check Out The Mummies At The Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the best in the state and a must-visit if you’re in the city. Its exhibits include dinosaur bones, Egyptian mummies, and rare gemstones.
I like how the museum also boasts lots of interactive exhibits, which are particularly fun for the youngest visitors. They can attempt to excavate a dinosaur and play around with chemical elements, which is not only loads of fun but also a great learning opportunity.
Practical Information: The Houston Museum of Natural Science is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Adult general admission is $25.
6. Learn About Space Exploration at NASA Space Center Houston
If you’re even a little bit interested in space travel, NASA Space Center Houston might just be the highlight of your trip to Texas. Book a tram tour of the complex for the most comprehensive tour of the grounds. You will also see the NASA Johnson Space Center, which is the actual training site for astronauts.
The tram tours take you to the Mission Control Center too, where you can catch an in-depth presentation of the 1969 Moon Landing. Other exhibits include a collection of spacesuits, the Starship Gallery, and an International Space Station Gallery that offers insight into life on the space station. Overall, this is by far one of the best things to do in Houston, and it’s exciting for visitors of all ages.
Insider Tip: Tram tours sometimes sell out weeks in advance, so book yours as soon as possible.
Practical Information: NASA Space Center Houston is open for tours from 10 AM to 5/6 PM. Tickets are $30-55, depending on what tour you want.
7. Walk Around The Largest State Capitol Building
Everything is bigger in Texas, so it’s not surprising that the state Capitol building in Austin is the largest one in the United States. The Texas state capitol offers free guided tours that take only about 30 minutes, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the rest of Austin while you’re in the city.
But first, don’t miss the chance to tour the capitol grounds. The building is set in a sprawling park with walking trails that lead to different monuments and memorials.
Practical Information: Free guided tours of the Capitol building are available from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
8. Bike Tour of Fort Worth
Texas is widely known for cowboy culture, and few places illustrate this, as well as Fort Worth. The city is famous for its Stockyards National Historic District, which hosts the daily cattle procession and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. The historic district is also a top location for ghost tours and pub crawls, which offer even more insight into the local culture.
But the Stockyards district is only one neighborhood in this city, and certainly not the only one worth exploring. A bike tour is the best option for a day full of sightseeing, and it will allow you to explore more of Fort Worth’s famous landmarks. You must stop by the Fort Worth Water Gardens. The sprawling public park has an awesome fountain reminiscent of an oasis in the middle of the desert.
Head to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden for even more lovely water features and the chance to see one of the best Japanese Gardens in the United States. In the afternoon, take the time to tour a museum in the city’s Cultural District. The Kimbell Art Museum boasts an excellent collection of European and Asian art, while the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame celebrates the women of the Wild West.
Practical Information: Bike tours of Fort Worth take 3-4 hours. The Botanical Garden and museums are usually open until 5 PM.
9. Tour USS Lexington in Corpus Christi
How often do you get a chance to walk aboard a World War II aircraft carrier? A trip to Texas is the ideal opportunity to cross this off your bucket list if only you head to the lovely waterfront city of Corpus Christi.
On a self-guided tour, discover 20 different aircraft aboard the carrier and do your best to solve an exclusive escape room on the USS Lexington. There’s even an IMAX theater where you can watch historic films and a flight simulator that allows you to discover what it’s like to fly a warplane.
Practical Information: USS Lexington is open for tours daily from 9 AM to 5/6 PM. The admission fee is $20.95 for adults.
10. Admire The Flowers At The Dallas Arboretum
Set on the shore of White Rock Lake, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is one of the best attractions in the Lone Star State. The arboretum spans 66 acres and features many miles of walking trails and countless flowers in a serene lakefront setting.
One thing I love about this place is that their exhibit is heavily dependent on the season. If you visit in the spring, you’ll see loads of pretty flowers in bloom, but come to the arboretum in the winter, and you’ll witness one of the best Christmas displays in Texas. Even if you’ve been here before, there’s merit in revisiting, especially if you’ve been there in a different season.
Practical Information: The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. The admission fee is $22 for adults.
11. Do The San Antonio River Walk
There are many fun and interesting attractions in San Antonio, but the River Walk is by far the most famous one in the city after the Alamo. The promenade follows the San Antonio River for around 15 miles, and much of it is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops.
The best way to experience the downtown San Antonio River Walk is to get in a boat and cruise down the river for about 30 minutes. If you’re in the city for a day or two, I highly recommend you do this cruise in the evening for the most special experience. The boats light up in neon colors, and the bars and restaurants fill up with locals and tourists.
Practical Information: The San Antonio River Walk promenade is free to access. Boat rides are $14.5 and take place every 15-20 minutes.
12. Indulge in Tex-Mex Cuisine
Food is one of the best things about traveling to Texas. Because Texas is such a large state, its cuisine is influenced by multiple cultures and regions. The foods in Texas range from traditional southern Tex-Mex to classic Native American, and there’s absolutely no shortage of tasty dishes to try.
Chili, fajitas, enchiladas, and nachos are some of the most popular Tex-Mex dishes, but certainly not the only ones. Steak and barbeque are also big in Texas, and you’ll have endless opportunities to try hearty meat dishes.
Any Texas city is a good place for a food tour, but if you’re looking for the absolute best I have to recommend San Antonio. The city’s Market Square is known for vendors with delicious Tex-Mex dishes, plus it’s the birthplace of the puffy taco!
Practical Information: Food tours are available in all major cities in Texas. They usually last 2-4 hours.
13. Hike To The Top of Enchanted Rock
Enchanted Rock is a mountain summit deep in the Texas Hill Country. It’s close to San Antonio and Austin, so it’s relatively easy to visit on a quick road trip from either city.
The summit is known for two things – its dome-like shape and pink color. Hiking paths take you from the trailhead to the top of Enchanted Rock in less than an hour, where you can enjoy endless panoramic views of hill country.
It’s generally not a difficult hike, but the ascent is quite steep, so it’s recommended for hikers with some experience. Weather conditions also impact the difficulty, as the trail becomes much more challenging in wet weather.
Insider Tip: The hike is on exposed terrain, so remember sunscreen and a hat.
Practical Information: The Enchanted Rock Nature Park is open from 6:30?AM to 8 PM. Admission fee is $8.
14. Visit The Historic Fair Park in Dallas
The Dallas Fair Park is home to the Texas State Fair, and it’s by far one of the top places in the city for an afternoon full of fun, excitement, and delicious fried food. Big Tex is the fair mascot, and he’s famous for being the world’s tallest cowboy.
Attending the fair for the first time is an overwhelming experience. There’s just so much to do there, from pumpkin competitions to carnival rides. Food stalls are everywhere, and the scents are so inviting – even if you don’t arrive hungry, it will be practically impossible to resist picking up some snacks.
You can test drive cars, attend a rodeo, ride Ferris Wheels, and shop until you drop. The vendors sell everything from artisan soap to classic souvenirs. Just keep in mind that everything costs money, and trying many different activities at the fair can quickly become very expensive.
Practical Information: The State Fair of Texas is open from 10 AM to 9/10 PM. Entrance to the Fair Park is free of charge unless there is a special event on the grounds.
15. Kayaking At Big Bend National Park
Situated in southwest Texas on the border with Mexico, Big Bend National Park is a great collection of mixed landscapes. The park spans 801,163 acres and encompasses The Chisos Mountains, the Chihuahuan Desert, and the canyons carved by the Rio Grande River.
This national park is very popular for outdoor activities. It features numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for kayaking and mountain climbing. If you like exploring the great outdoors and possibly even camping in the wilderness, the Big Bend National Park is the place to be in Texas.
Practical Information: The Big Bend National Park is open 24/7. The entrance fee is $15 for pedestrians but $30 for private vehicles.
16. Bullock Texas State History Museum
Is there a better place to visit than a museum dedicated to telling the story of Texas over the years? The Bullock Texas State History Museum is just a few blocks from the Capitol building in Austin, so pay it a visit if you want to become an expert on all things Texas.
The main exhibit spans three floors and features more than 700 artifacts recounting Texas’s history from its earliest inhabitants to the present day. Learn about the European explorers who arrived in Texas with the hope of striking gold and the darker side of Texas history during the divisive Civil War.
Practical Information: The Bullock Texas State History Museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Museum tickets are $13.
17. Biking At Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Located near Amarillo in northern Texas, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is an excellent place for hikers and mountain bikers. Visitors can discover the diverse scenery of this magnificent state and attend a musical show in the park’s open-air amphitheater.
Traverse the NP’s hiking and biking trails to visit unusual rock formations and enjoy the views of the US’ second-largest canyon system. Palo Duro is also home to many native plant and animal species and is a very popular spot for birdwatching in northern Texas. The largest population of Palo Duro mice lives at this park, but it’s unlikely you’ll spot one because they tend to hide in the canyon walls and come out only at night.
Practical Information: The Palo Duro Canyon State Park is open from 7 AM to 9 PM. The entrance fee is $8.
18. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
The assassination of John F. Kennedy remains one of the most shocking events in United States history. The president was shot while riding along the streets of Dallas by Lee Harvey Oswald, who was hiding on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository.
The entire sixth floor of the historic building is now open for tours and features an in-depth exhibit on the fourth assassination of a US president. It is a fascinating exhibit, complete with a replica of the rifle discovered at the scene of the crime.
The museum exhibit also includes a miniature replica of Dealey Plaza and JFK’s motorcade. Each artifact on display is accompanied by a detailed description and additional photographs that further illustrate its history and significance.
Practical Information: The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets are $25.
19. Enjoy The View of Dallas From The Reunion Tower
The Reunion Tower is only the 16th tallest building in Dallas but by far the best one for panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Come here for a Dallas vista unlike any other, preferably at nighttime when all the street lights come on, and you can experience the city in full glory. The observation deck is at an altitude of 470 feet and offers sweeping, 360-degree views of Dallas.
Spot the Dealey Plaza buildings and all the iconic skyscrapers of Dallas. My favorite is the view of the Bank of America Plaza at night; the building lights up in neon colors, looking like something straight out of a futuristic video game.
Practical Information: The Reunion Tower is open for visits from 12 PM to 8 PM. Tickets are $19.
20. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is Texas’ only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Come here to discover four incredible historic buildings, constructed by Spanish colonists to spread Christianity among the native population.
The National Historical Park is only part of the UNESCO Site; the fifth and most important Mission is the Alamo, situated in a different part of San Antonio. The Espada Aqueduct is another sight not to be missed in this San Antonio park.
You can tour the park on foot, by bike, or even in a car. Cycling tours are generally the best because you can move throughout the area at a quicker pace, but still stop by every Mission to check it out more thoroughly. A trail for hikers is available at the park, and it takes roughly four and a half hours to cover the entire grounds from Mission Concepcion to Mission Espada and back.
Practical Information: The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park operates from sunrise to sunset daily. Admission is free of charge.
21. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
Head to Lake Travis, northwest of Austin, to experience the fastest and longest ziplines in the state. It’s one of the best things to do in Texas for travelers who are always looking for the next adrenaline rush. As a bonus, you get to enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the Texas Hill Country as you soar through the air.
Tickets for the Lake Travis Zipline Adventures are expensive but include several different activities. You get to cruise the lake in a boat, hike over stunning landscapes, and ride no less than five different ziplines at the park.
You’ll start with the easier ziplines, the so-called “bunny slopes”. Gradually you’ll move onto the higher and faster rides, and your three-hour experience culminates with a ride on a zipline that’s over 2800 feet long. You’ll reach speeds of up to 65 mph as you rush down, and you’ll land right at the concession stand. Treat yourself to an ice cream because you’ve most certainly deserved it!
Practical Information: Lake Travis Zipline Adventures operates rides from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM. It’s $141 per person for a three-hour adventure that includes all five ziplines.
22. Have Fun At Six Flags Over Texas
Six Flags Over Texas is the largest amusement park in the state, covering more than 200 acres. Situated in Arlington, it is most easily accessible from Dallas and Fort Worth.
There are more than 50 rides at this Six Flags amusement park, as well as live music performances and family-friendly shows. If you’re traveling through Texas with children, this is by far one of the best places in the state where you can take them.
The park is mostly known for its kid and family-friendly rides, but it also boasts loads of thrill rides that are not for the faint of heart. My favorite activity is a seasonal Dive Bomber Alley, which replicates the feeling of skydiving. You’re dropped from 16 stories and experience an incredible free fall, reaching speeds of 80 mph until the steel cable catches you.
Practical Information: Six Flags Over Texas is open on the weekends and select weekdays, from 12 PM to 7 PM. Daily passes start at $55.
23. Mammoth Remains At Waco Mammoth National Monument
Waco Mammoth National Monument is one of the best detours on a Texas road trip. If you’re driving between Austin and Dallas, this dig site is roughly halfway between the two cities. Stop by to see actual mammoth remains that are more than 65,000 years old.
It’s surreal to know you’re looking at fossils of animals that roamed these grounds tens of thousands of years ago. Go for the guided tour and you’ll hear the story of the flash flood that is thought to have killed the animals. Without the tour, you’re kind of just looking at animal bones and it’s harder to see the bigger picture.
Practical Information: Waco Mammoth National Monument is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. The park is free of charge, but the dig site has a $6 admission fee.
24. Cool Off At Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve
The Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve is a natural swimming pool some 30 miles west of Austin. Come here to swim in the serene waters of a natural pool surrounded by a grotto. There’s even a cascade rushing over the rocks into the natural pool, provided it’s not a particularly dry season.
One thing to keep in mind is that the pool is quite small and can get crowded really fast. You must make reservations online before visiting, and even then it’s not guaranteed that you’ll be able to swim. Get there as early as possible, and with a bit of luck, you might have this lovely place all to yourself.
Practical Information: The Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve is open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM. The fee for daily use is $20, and it includes an obligatory reservation. Only cash is accepted at the entrance.
25. Wine Tasting In Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country is home to roughly 60 wineries, most offering tours and tastings. Arrange a guided excursion to one or more boutique wineries, and you’ll tour vineyards and learn about the differences between the local wines made in Texas.
You’ll also get to taste many of the best local wines, and that’s precisely why it’s best to book a guided tour. Driving to your wine tasting is not a good idea, especially if you want to have fun and let loose. Becker Vineyards, Fall Creek Vineyards, and Invention Vineyards are some of the most popular in the region.
A lunch is usually included in the tasting, and you can often make arrangements about the food with the tour guides. Some tours will even have a private chef take care of the lunch, which elevates this experience to the next level.
Practical Information: Winery tours in Texas usually depart from Fredericksburg and last for 5-6 hours.
26. Ancient Artworks At The Dallas Museum of Art
The Dallas Museum of Art has one of the best art collections in the entire state. Anyone can see the museum’s permanent collection without spending any money, making it one of the best free things to do in Dallas.
The DMA’s collection includes textiles from Japan’s Edo Period, Islamic art, impressionist paintings, and much more. It’s an impressive exhibit that will make any art lover happy, especially because prominent artists like Matisse, Monet, and Munch are featured at this museum.
Practical Information: The Dallas Museum of Art is open from 11 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday through Sunday. Admission to the museum’s main exhibit is free, but there’s usually a surcharge for temporary and special exhibits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the #1 tourist attraction in Texas?
The Alamo is still the #1 tourist attraction in Texas. The historic mission is part of the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas, and it’s one of the most significant historic landmarks in the United States.
What is Texas most famous for?
Texas is most famous for its traditional cowboy culture with rodeos, cattle, and vast ranches. The state is also known for its massive cities, diverse landscapes, delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, and classic Southern hospitality.
Which city is better to visit in Texas?
The best city to visit in Texas depends on your interests, but most people agree San Antonio is the best city. Austin, Dallas, and Houston are also great cities to visit in Texas.
What is the nicest place to visit in Texas?
South Padre Island is the nicest place to visit in Texas. With sprawling white-sand beaches and picturesque landscapes, the tropical island is an oasis of serenity in South Texas.
Tips And Information For Visiting Texas
Best Time To Visit
Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Texas. If possible, avoid traveling in the summer because it gets unbearably hot. Also, the crowds are quite big in the summer months, which makes it less enjoyable to explore the popular attractions and landmarks.
March-May and September-November are the ideal times to travel to Texas. I say go early in March or late in November if you want to avoid crowds as much as possible, but choose a period closer to the summer months if you’re fine with some crowds as long as it means nice weather.
Getting There
The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is the second-busiest airport in the United States, servicing more than 35 million passengers annually. You’ll likely arrive at this airport, which makes Dallas the best starting point for a trip to Texas.
Other major airports in the state are Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and El Paso. They’re all international airports, and you can fly to any one of them if it better suits your itinerary. But in terms of efficiency and value for money, the busiest airport in the state is usually the cheapest one to travel to.
Getting Around
Texas is the largest state in the contiguous United States, and traveling around it is time-consuming. Flying is the fastest way to get from one city to another, but it’s also very expensive and inefficient. Car rental is the second-best option, but only if you’re comfortable with long drives.
Traveling by bus is an option for getting from one big city to another. It’s slower than driving but not by much, plus it’s the more affordable option. But buses can’t take you to attractions off the beaten path, and car rental offers the most freedom and convenience for exploring Texas.
How Much Time Do You Need
You need at least a week in Texas, especially if you want to explore several cities in the state. Keep in mind that it’s often a 4-5 hour drive between two cities, and that’s if there’s no traffic and you can avoid rush hour entirely. If you’re getting around by bus, the travel times are even longer.
San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, and Austin are the top cities to visit in the state, and I reckon you need at least two days for each one. So, if you want to do an epic tour of Texas and hit all the best landmarks and cities, plan a trip of 10-15 days. But if you want to stay in one place for a while and maybe do a couple of day trips from there, the trip is manageable in five days.
Where To Stay In Texas
Texas is a big state and the best way to discover it is to stay in multiple cities. Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio are all excellent places to stay in Texas. San Padre Island is the best destination for travelers who are more interested in the beach vacations the Lone Star State offers, while Texas’ national and state parks feature some of the best camping grounds.
Whether you want to pinch pennies or live it up, it should be pretty easy to find accommodation in your price range in any one of these Texas cities. Here are some of the best hotels in Texas for all budgets:
Ideally, you won’t spend all your time in Texas in just one place, so I included hotels in the three best cities in the state. It doesn’t matter quite as much where you begin or end the trip; as long as you cover all the landmarks and sights that interest you most, you’ll have the time of your life in Texas!