Texas covers so much, just when you think you have seen it all you cross into the next county. We’ve been all over our beautiful state and love every mile. From the Texas Gulf Coast to the Big Bend and from the Piney Woods to the Panhandle – so many lovely places!
The Hill Country is a paradise in itself with its wildflower fields, rivers, spring fed pools, caves and caverns, waterfalls, state parks, friendly small towns, festivals, starry night skies, and barbecue runs.
From the cities of San Antonio and Houston to Texas towns of Fredericksburg and Rockport… from historic places such as the Alamo and San Jacinto Monument to natural areas such as Big Bend National Park and Devil’s River, there are extraordinary attractions in all parts of Texas.
Sand, tumbleweeds, skeeters, and skeeter eaters – Texan til I die.
Best Places to Visit in Texas
A reader once messaged me – ‘I don’t need to see the world, I just wanna see Texas’. How accurate and apt is that? So many Texans have never set foot in the remote corners of West Texas while an equally staggering number have never heard of the unique landscape and treasures in Central Texas.
Subscribe now and get a FREE Printable Texas Bucket List – just click the button below to download.So this year, let’s get out more and explore more of our beautiful state. God bless Texas!
San Antonio
If you can visit only one Texan site – go to the Alamo. Located in San Antonio, this is a sacred site for Texans and serves as a symbol of resilience against tyranny and oppression. It was here that the iconic Battle of the Alamo – which gave momentum to the Texas Revolution – took place. The Spanish frontier mission is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and visited by over millions every year.
Besides the Alamo, San Antonio is home to many other popular attractions including the San Antonio River Walk, El Mercado or Historic Market Square, Missions National Historical Park comprising of 4 other missions, SeaWorld, Six Flags theme park, and several museums. The city is also famous for its culinary scene – especially Tex Mex food.
The San Antonio Riverwalk is a beautifully landscaped architectural beauty. It is 15 miles long and quite romantic. The waterway is lined with shady trees, flowering shrubs, public art, restaurants, bars, shops, and a variety of striking buildings. The ambience here is very romantic and is a perfect spot to go for a date with your partner.
The downtown part gets quite crowded and often called a tourist trap – head to the Mission Reach or Museum Reach if you want to experience the River Walk without crowds. It can be explored on foot or by bike or on a boat trip down the river.
Read more: 28 Spectacular Things to do in San Antonio
Dallas
Dallas probably has more tourist attractions than most American cities, save for New York or Los Angeles. Museums, parks, zoos, nature trails, kayaking, quirky neighborhoods, historic neighborhoods, concerts, operas, exhibits, public art, restaurants, bars, video game arcades, libraries, rodeos, fairs – you name it, Dallas has it.
One of the most iconic attractions in the city is the Sixth Floor Museum in Dealey Plaza. This museum is located in the Dallas County Administration Building – formerly the site of the Texas School Book Depository – from the window of which Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated President John F Kennedy in 1963. The museum is dedicated to events surrounding JFK’s death and his legacy.
The exhibits take you behind the scenes into this shocking event. Visitors can learn about various details surrounding the assassination. Highlight is seeing the window from where Lee Oswald stood as he pulled the trigger. The museum also does an excellent job of capturing JFK’s personal life, family, work done while in office, and unfolding of events on that historic day through news footage and newspaper clippings.
Some of the other popular tourist attractions in Dallas include the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Dallas Zoo, Reunion Tower, Dallas World Aquarium, The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum at SMU, Deep Ellum nightlife, and shopping in Bishops Arts District.
Read more: 32 Incredibly Fun Things to do in Dallas
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is Texas’ not-so-secret secret. The average visitor has barely heard of this park; hikers and road trippers have Big Bend on their bucket list. This national park is located in a remote part of Brewster County in West Texas. The park’s reputation confuses most visitors: it has been described as breathtaking, dangerous, remote, true wilderness, crowded, intimidating, massive, inhospitable, and peaceful. Despite this, it ranks 4th Best US National Park.
That might give you a clue – Big Bend is not for the faint-hearted. Located right on the border with Mexico, Big Bend National Park is an otherworldly paradise for nature lovers. The park has beautiful vistas of the Chisos mountains and the Chihuahuan desert. It can kill you in the heat of the summer but is a treat for the eyes from October to March.
Stop by the visitor center to get more information regarding the hiking trails, purchase souvenirs, and get a park map. Hike along the famous Rio Grande river and observe beautiful landscapes within the park from the scenic drive. Kayak the Santa Elena Canyon and go horseback riding with the park. Camp in Big Bend and enjoy its starry skies at night. If you venture out here on a road trip, be sure to get a 4WD to make the most of your time and hike to Balanced Rock.
Big Bend National Park features diverse fauna and flora and is home to around 450 species of birds, as well as hares, roadrunners, mountain lions, and bears. In spring, you will find knee high bluebonnets framing your view of the mountains while flowering cacti make hiking a delight.
San Jacinto Monument
The San Jacinto Monument in Texas stands as a towering symbol of Texan pride. The monument commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836, where Texan forces, led by General Sam Houston, secured victory over Mexican forces, ultimately leading to Texas’ independence. It is located 20 mins east of downtown Houston.
At 567 feet, it’s taller than the Washington Monument and a testament to a pivotal moment in Texas history. The San Jacinto Museum of History is located inside the monument. It features a variety of artifacts and exhibits that preserve the legacy of this decisive battle. The museum also has a great film about the events leading to the battle.
But the highlight of a trip is to take an elevator to the very top of the monument. An observation deck located almost 490 feet over the battleground offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. After checking the monument, be sure to drive around and take a self-guided tour of the battlefield. The monument is a perfect place to visit with kids and teach them the history of our great state.
Fredericksburg
Want to visit one of the prettiest small towns in Texas? Head to Fredericksburg! Located in the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is famous for its German heritage, boutique shopping, and wineries. Given its cozy and romantic ambience, it’s perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, and even girls’ trips.
The downtown area is very charming with lots of historic buildings lining Main Street. Fredericksburg was founded by German settlers in the 19th century and still retains several German traditions and culture. It is home to several museums including the National Museum of the Pacific War, Nimitz museum, historic sites, and other attractions. And no trip will be complete without sampling some delicious German cuisine.
Fredericksburg is also famous for its peaches. If you happen to visit during peach season, you will find everything from peach ice cream and peach cobblers to fresh peaches on roadside stands. On the outskirts, you will find Willow City Loop – one of the most scenic drives in Texas in bluebonnet season.
Also Read: 41 Amazing Things to do in Fredericksburg, Texas
Caddo Lake
Caddo Lake has the distinction of being the only natural lake in Texas. It is located on the Texas Louisiana border in the Piney Woods Region. Visiting Caddo Lake is a unique experience. The lake is beautiful, quiet, and very peaceful.
Here you will find several acres of bald cypress swamps. The cypress trees are weighed down with heavy curtains of Spanish moss while lotus, lily pads, and reeds grow across the lake.
On its shores, you will find the incredible Caddo Lake State Park – one of our favorite places to visit in East Texas. The park is great for hiking, biking, birding, and kayaking. It also has several campsites and cabins for overnight visitors.
On a trip to Caddo Lake, you’re never alone. Snakes, gators, dragonflies, mosquitoes, frogs, and carnivorous plants share this space too. The best time to visit Caddo Lake I think is autumn – the leaves turn and it looks even more magical here. If you haven’t been, you should definitely put Caddo Lake on your bucket list.
Read more: 18 Best Things to do in Caddo Lake State Park
Enchanted Rock
The very appropriately named Enchanted Rock State Park is a paradise full of hiking trails, blooming wildflowers, rocky outcrops, and bouldering. It is located north of the rural community of Crabapple, TX in Gillespie County. The park is named after the Enchanted Rock natural rock formation – a pink granite dome that rises 425 feet over the surrounding area.
Climb to the top of the rock for spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The climb is challenging, but worth it. A great alternative is the loop trail that goes around the rocks. You can also enjoy rock climbing and bouldering at Enchanted Rock. Other popular activities include camping, day picnics, wildlife watching, geocaching, nature photography.
Enchanted Rock is also one of four Dark Sky parks in Texas. While it’s no Big Bend; the starry skies are pretty gorgeous here. Here are some tips for planning your visit: Beware of rattlesnakes that like to hide under rocks, avoid the deadly summer heat, carry enough water, and make reservations in advance. Be on the lookout for fairy shrimp in vernal pools after a shower.
Austin
Austin is the city all Texans love to hate: the city has its own identity which frequently clashes with a lot of Texas values. That said, Austin is a magnet for out of state visitors as well as many locals. Its vibrant culture, food and music scene, hip reputation, and proximity to natural areas make Austin one of the top cities in Texas.
As you would mostly know, Austin is the capital of Lone Star State and home to the majestic Texas State Capitol. You can see the historic building on a guided tour. It has beautiful Italian Renaissance style architecture and is made from pink granite found in the Texas Hill Country. The University of Texas campus is also great to explore.
Take a dip in the famous Barton Springs swimming pool. Austin’s Lady Bird lake is a great place to admire the city skyline and enjoy kayaking or paddle boarding. The famous bat flight from under the Richards Congress Avenue Bridge is cool to watch. Try some of the famous food trucks, bbqs, and breweries while in Austin.
The city’s geography and natural resources lend themselves to days spent hiking, fishing in the creek, floating down rivers, or discovering a hidden waterfall. Wrap that up with checking out an upcoming band, attending a live music show, or scoring tickets to one of Austin’s famous music festivals. After all, Austin is known as the live music capital of the world and lives up to its name.
Another popular Austin attraction is the Hamilton Pool Preserve in nearby Dripping Springs. The park features a 50-foot waterfall, and fern-covered cliff sides, as well as distinctive plants and birds. Access is currently limited due to water level and unstable rocks around the waterfall, but when open to public it’s worth the visit.
Read More: 31 Best Things to do in Austin, Texas
Palo Duro Canyon
Shh… Don’t tell anyone but Palo Duro Canyon State Park is one of the most underrated places in Texas. On our first visit I fell in love with the steep canyon walls, the vastness of the park, the beautiful orange red rock formations, and the seasonal live musical.
Located near Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle, the state park is home to the massive Palo Duro Canyon – the second largest canyon in the US. It is famously known as the Grand Canyon of Texas and well deserves this moniker. The canyon is 120 miles long, up to 20 miles wide, and has a depth that varies between 600 and 800 feet.
Just the drive through the park is worth the price of admission! Start your visit at the Park Visitor Center. Here you will find interesting exhibits about the geology and cultural history of the area. The center overlooks the canyon floor and provides amazing views from the rim.
Explore the canyon by hiking the many trails. One of the most popular trails in Texas lies within this park – Lighthouse Trail. This trail leads visitors to the unique lighthouse formation – so named after its iconic shape. It is 6 miles out and back so best attempted in cooler months. Be sure to take a lot of water for this hike.
The park also offers a wide range of activities for outdoor lovers including wildlife watching, birding, nature photography, camping, stargazing, and mountain biking.
Plan your trip: 20 Amazing Things to do in Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park in the far West is a true Texas treasure. Guadalupe Mountains is a part of the same formation as Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands in New Mexico. In fact, the national park also has its own gypsum sand dunes similar to the ones at Las Cruces. The park is one of the best preserved Permian-era fossil reefs in the world.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park offers great hiking and backpacking and is famous for being one of the most unspoiled wilderness locations in the United States. Around 80 miles of trails wind through the desert landscape. Hikes such as Devil’s Hall and McKittrick Canyon are a great way to enjoy the park’s beauty.
The park is also home to the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak. The peak sits at a height of 8751 feet. You can hike up to the top of the peak via the Guadalupe Peak trail. It is a consistently steep trail that follows the mountain ridges for the most part and makes for an exhilarating but tough hike.
Fort Worth Stockyards
While most Texans don’t need an intro to Fort Worth Stockyards, visitors are often overwhelmed by how big, how boisterous, and how western a day at the Fort Worth Stockyards can get! The Stockyards are pretty huge and are the best place to experience the true spirit of Wild West / Old Texas.
The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is a really neat attraction for anyone interested in Texas history. The Stockyards area features several buildings and streets built in the style of the Wild West. You will find honky tonk halls with live music, rodeos on Fridays and Saturdays, barbecue, and stores selling western apparel.
Experiencing the daily cattle drive featuring the longhorn cattle is a highlight of the visit. The longhorns are steered by Texan cowboys dressed to the nines in boots and western hats. They drive the cattle in front of the Fort Worth Livestock Exchange Building – an event eagerly watched by all visitors. We recommend getting there a bit early to get a good watch to spot. The cattle drive is often followed by mock shootouts which are fun to watch for the whole family.
Houston
H-Town is, undoubtedly, one of the best cities to visit in Texas!
It is the largest city in Texas and home to famous attractions like the Space Center Houston and the Museum District.
H-Town prides itself for having some of the best barbecue in the state and a laid-back vibe that keeps visitors coming for more.
The Museum District in Downtown Houston is a hit with families and culture lovers.
It features several premier museums including the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Museum of Fine Arts, Contemporary Art, Children’s Museum, and more.
The nearby Hermann Park is home to the Houston Zoo, the children’s train, Japanese garden, and green spaces.
The Johnson Space Center Houston is one of Texas’s top attractions and receives millions of visitors every year.
On a visit, you can walk inside a replica of America’s first space station, Skylab, or touch a rock from the moon.
It is great for those interested in space exploration and meeting astronauts.
Padre Island National Seashore
Located a short drive from Corpus Christi, this beautiful undeveloped barrier island separates the Laguna Madre from the Gulf of Mexico.
The island is 70 miles long and the longest barrier island in the world.
It is home to the National Park site of Padre Island National Seashore.
The park is a great place to experience the natural beauty of the Texas Gulf Coast.
Enjoy clean sandy beaches or go for a swim in the ocean.
Camping on the beach, kayaking, fishing, windsurfing and biking on the sand are other popular activities in the park.
The park is a famous nesting site for Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles and on a visit during summer, you can participate in their famous rare sea turtles hatchling release program.
Galveston
Galveston, located on the Texas coast near Houston, is the perfect family vacation destination.
There are plenty of things to do in Galveston for visitors.
Get an adrenaline rush at the Pleasure Pier, a beachfront amusement park at any time of the year.
Visit the Moody Gardens, a tourist complex with a botanical garden, huge glass pyramids, an aquarium and various species of animals.
Spend an afternoon at The Strand, a National Historic District packed with antique shops, restaurants, art galleries, and wonderful architecture.
For those looking to catch some sun, Galveston offers 32 miles of beaches.
Galveston is also popular for water activities such as fishing, dolphin cruises, and kayaking.
South Padre Island
The resort town of South Padre Island Is located on the southern Texas coast.
This is one of the best beach towns in Texas and offers a variety of attractions from dolphin cruises and sandcastle building lessons to amusement parks and beautiful beaches.
The city also has several fun things to do including short Boardwalk trails, souvenir shopping, sunset sails, horseback riding, and paragliding.
Because of its mild climate, South Padre Island is one of the best places in Texas to visit in winter.
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 5 miles of beautiful coastline and white sandy beaches.
It is an ideal location for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities.
Simply relax on the sand with a book or go beach combing for shells and sand dollars.
Enjoy sunbathing, fishing, paddling, hiking, kayaking or bird watching – the opportunities at Mustang island are numerous.
Those interested in paddling can check out the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail.
Brenham
Located 70 miles northwest of Houston, Brenham is a small German town that makes the perfect Texas getaway.
Every year, it attracts visitors for beautiful Texas bluebonnet displays as well as for Maifest, the annual festival that celebrates the German heritage of Brenham.
Other Brenham attractions include Blue Bell Creameries, historic Main Street, Fire Museum, and the Antique Rose Emporium.
The Washington-on-the-Brazos National Historical Park is also located near Brenham.
It was here that the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed – hence the park is famously known as the birthplace of Texas.
Texas Hill Country Wineries
The picturesque Texas Hill Country is a popular tourist destination in Texas.
It is a well known grape growing region in Texas and renowned for its wineries.
Several wineries and vineyards color the Hill Country landscape, and most produce high-quality wines that every wine lover can appreciate.
Many of the Texas Hill Country wineries are located in and around Fredericksburg.
Located between Fredericksburg and Stonewall, Becker Vineyards organizes events, tastings, and tours within the walls of its impressive stone reception hall.
Grape Creek Vineyards is one of the oldest producing vineyards in Texas.
Fall Creek Winery located near Driftwood is another great option to sample the Texas whites and reds.
The main street of Fredericksburg also has several tasting rooms; Wine Tours are also available from the city.
Garner State Park
Located in the Texas Hill Country, Garner State Park is a stunning natural oasis around the crystal clear Frio River.
Covering over 1,700 acres, this pristine park offers an array of activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and swimming in the spring-fed waters.
The park’s highlight is the iconic Garner Dance Pavilion, hosting summer evening dances that have become a tradition for generations.
With abundant wildlife, stunning limestone cliffs, and opportunities for camping, garner State Park is the perfect escape for Texas families.
Port Aransas
Port Aransas is a charming island community.
It has an interesting variety of unique restaurants, shops, and hotels that cater to visitors.
One of the highlights of visiting Port Aransas is its pristine beaches.
Other activities available include kayaking, windsurfing, and fishing. You can easily find gear rentals here.
Some of the best beaches in Texas are located here including the IB Magee Beach Park.
Interested in history? Visit the Port Aransas Museum to learn about the past of this little beach town.
Marfa
Marfa is one of the most unique small cities in Texas.
The city has a number of historical attractions as well as art galleries and public art work.
The Marfa Prada, a unique art installation, makes a great road trip stop on the way to Big Bend.
One of the most iconic attractions in Marfa is the Marfa lights.
The cause of these lights appearing on the desert landscape is still unknown and numerous legends including Paranormal Activity is associated with them.
Head to the Marfa Lights observation area just outside the city to see the view for yourself.
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is a good combination of the sun, the beach, and the city.
It is full of activities for different types of travelers.
Observe the marine world at the Texas State Aquarium or visit the Selena Memorial and listen to iconic songs by the famous musician.
Go to the Selena Museum if you want to learn more about this important figure and her role in Texan culture.
Head to the North Beach near the Harbor Bridge to catch some sun or swim in the water on a hot summer day.
Or, take a tour at the USS Lexington museum ship that was operational in World War II.
This former aircraft carrier ship is a National Historic Landmark and has been converted into a naval museum.
On a self-guided tour, you can see various military artifacts, aircrafts, exhibits, or even try the flight simulator.
San Jose Island
Come to San Jose Island if you are looking for something more remote and wild.
A great place to escape the noise of the city and wind down, read a book, collect seashells, and take in the scenery – it is recommended for those looking to have a quiet afternoon!
El Paso
Being a border town in the Wild West, El Paso combines Mexican flavors with historic architecture and a unique Texas atmosphere.
Visit the iconic Plaza Theater in the Downtown Historic District or venture on the El Paso Mission Trail to admire the colonial buildings.
Soak in some culture at the Museum of Art, roam through the Mexican Markets, and enjoy the cuisine in El Paso.
Explore El Segundo Barrio, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city.
Here you will find beautiful street murals revealing the town’s Hispanic heritage.
El Paso has a number of tourist attractions and makes a perfect stop on the west Texas road trip.
Boca Chica State Park
Boca Chica State Park near Brownsville encompasses the Boca Chica beach as well as the SpaceX launch site, 22 miles east of Brownsville.
The facility is pretty impressive that all the spacecraft lovers will appreciate.
The Boca Chica beach is relatively remote and less crowded than the South Padre Beach.
This means fewer services being offered, but it is perfect for things like fishing, birdwatching, strolling along the beach, and building sandcastles, or kiting.
There aren’t many amenities, so prepare well if you do decide to spend an afternoon here by bringing enough water and snacks.
Although not very popular among campers, there is an opportunity to camp here if you wish.
Waco
The city of Waco is located on the banks of the Brazos River in Central Texas.
Waco has plenty of attractions for families and makes a great spring break destination in Texas.
At the Waco Mammoth National Monument, visitors can see the fossilized remains of Ice Age Columbian mammoths.
Cameron Park Zoo is great to see a variety of animals while the Waco River walk mix what a pleasant stroll.
The well-known Magnolia Market Waco Silos of HGTV’s Fixer Upper fame is also located here.
The Dr. Pepper Museum in downtown is a great place to learn about Texas’ iconic soda.
Visit art galleries, boutiques, or restaurants in Waco Downtown Cultural District or spend a day on the water at Lake Waco.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Located around 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 Twins Fall Nature Trail, or the more challenging Wolf Mountain Trail.
There are options for kayaking and tubing the river too.
Campsites with the necessary amenities are great for those who want to spend more time here.
Ranger Programs are available.
Arlington
Between Dallas and Fort Worth, Arlington, a loud and lively city that attracts many adventure seekers for the variety of exciting activities it has to offer.
Six Flags Over Texas, Hurricane Harbor water park, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, Arlington Stadium, and Theatre Arlington are some of the best things to do in Arlington.
After a hectic day, head to lake Arlington or River Legacy Park to wind down before continuing your trip.
If you are looking to have some fun, Arlington is not the one to skip!
Gorman Falls
Amazed by the falls and would love to see some more?
Visit Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend State Park, one of the most beautiful and popular state parks in Texas.
You can explore the 65 feet falls on a 1.4-mile guided walk, or choose the 2.6-mile hike to reach the same destination.
In the nearby lake you can go boating, kayaking and swimming.
Campsites are available in the park and dogs are welcome too.
Groups can book tours of the falls to learn more about them.
Jacob’s Well
Jacob’s well is located in an 81-acre natural area near Wimberley.
Surrounded by limestone cliffs, this artesian spring always remains the same temperature at 68°F.
It is about 140 feet deep, which just adds to its mysterious vibe and look.
People are welcome to take a dip inside this natural wonder, just keep in mind that the swimming season is between May 1 and September 30.
The bravest visitors can go diving and cliff jumping.
The water is crystal clear, so you may want to bring a snorkel or water-proof camera for some underwater views.
Natural Bridge Caverns
The largest known caverns that are open for visitors!
Natural Bridge Caverns were discovered by four college students and since then have become one of the most important tourist attractions in Texas.
On a tour of the caverns, visitors can see stunning geological rock formations including stalactites and stalagmites.
Gruene Historic District
Gruene, located about an hour away from Austin in New Braunfels by the Guadalupe River is a legacy of the first German settlers in the area
They relied on cotton production which fueled the growth of the region and brought it to life.
It is a sweet little place to visit, wander through various boutiques, antique stores, and bars in some old buildings that still preserve that old Texas charm.
Gruene Hall, the oldest working dance hall in Texas, is a must visit.
This authentic venue has contributed a great deal to Texas’ music scene and continues to do so, featuring some of the best live shows in the country.
Amarillo
Located in the heart of the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo attracts visitors for its art deco buildings together with hints of Old Texas throughout the town, amazing beer, and great food scene.
For those brave enough, the Big Texan Steak Ranch offers the famous 72-ounce Steak Challenge, which has been around for almost 60 years.
After filling that tummy, drive the historic Route 66 and visit the famous Cadillac Ranch.
This art installation is situated along the south of I-40 between exits 60 and 62.
Visitors are welcome to spray graffiti paint on one of the half-buried Cadillacs in the middle of farmland.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
A short drive northwest of Glen Rose, you will find the Dinosaur Valley State Park.
This park features million-year-old dinosaur footprints at the bottom of the Paluxy River.
Other popular activities include various hiking and biking trails, as well as an area for horseback riding surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
There are campsites and also picnic areas available.
Lake Travis
The 4.5 miles wide Lake Travis, one of the lakes on the Colorado River in central Texas is a piece of paradise for travelers of all ages.
The lake spans over 18,929 acres and attracts many visitors throughout the year.
There is more to do here than you can think of: parks, lodging, boat rentals, zip lining, waterparks, live music events, breweries, and even vineyards, all located around this beautiful lake.
Abilene
Abilene is a small city 185 miles west of Dallas which was designated as the official Storybook Capital of Texas in 2015.
As well as having the biggest collection of storybook sculptures in the country, Abilene hosts various literary events, including the West Texas Book Festival and the Children’s Art & Literacy Festival.
For those who are not fans of conventional museums, we recommend visiting Frontier Texas – an interactive exhibition that teaches visitors about the history of Texas in a modern way.
Abilene also has excellent restaurants, boutique stores, and other attractions for visitors.
Monahans Sandhills State Park
The beuatiful Monahans Sandhills State Park covers an area of over 3,840 acres in the West Texas desert.
It is covered with sand dunes and allows visitors to explore the unique landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see.
Sand surf, observe the unique flora and fauna that can only be seen here, take photos, and finally, watch as the sun disappears in the horizon.
Chances are you will want to do it again!
There is a campsite in the park, so visitors are welcome to stay overnight.
It is also a great opportunity for stargazing.
Terlingua Ghost Town
Looking for some mystery?
The ghost town of Terlingua will give you just that.
Once a bustling community, now it is just a few buildings and ruins that echo the village’s history in the Chihuahuan Desert.
See the ruins of the Chisos Mining Company, visit the St. Agnes Church, as well as the cemetery dating from the early 1900s.
Port Isabel
Port Isabel, located at the southern tip of Texas, is a small coastal town.
It is best known for the Port Isabel Lighthouse – the only lighthouse open for the public in Texas.
Climb the stairs for a great view of South Padre Island.
Take in some history at the Port Isabel Historical Museum or go fishing at the Pirates Landing Fishing Pier.
Participate in Texas International Fishing Tournament, go on a dolphin cruise, or explore the sea on the Black Dragon ship surrounded by the pirates who love making jokes!
Rusk Palestine Railroad
Take a break from driving in a car and explore the East Texas forests on the Texas State Railroad.
Live a moment in history as you ride a 1896 steam train from Rusk to Palestine via the Piney Woods Route.
The round-trip journey is about 3 hours, 25 miles each way.
Rusk and Palestine are quiet historic towns featuring Victorian architecture, unique boutiques and shopping, as well as cafes!
Each town has a depot featuring information about the locomotives and the history of the town, as well as gift shops.
During the holiday season, you can also ride the Christmas train in Palestine.
Adrian
Adrian is located at 1139 miles of Route 66
It marks the midpoint of this historic route, meaning there are 1,139 miles left to go to reach Santa Monica, California!
Like the Cadillac Ranch, the Midpoint is also a great place to take photos.
There is also a Midpoint Cafe, a small decorated café, where you can grab a snack before continuing the trip.
A lot of Route 66-themed merchandise and postcards are available in a store near the café.
Bolivar Peninsula
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 huge sandy beaches and many beach activities.
Bolivar Peninsula also has many attractions available for the whole family.
It encompasses a number of communities including Gilchrist, Port Bolivar, Crystal Beach, and High Island.
Some of the most popular activities to do on the beach are swimming, surfing, birdwatching, kiting, and also fishing.
Other attractions include Fort Travis, the Bolivar Lighthouse, shops and restaurants, live music, and other events.
We hope you liked our post on the best places to visit in Texas. Did we miss out on any popular Texas attractions? Let us know in the comments.
Love you Texas…( Miss you too ).
You missed Hico TX a beautiful historic town
Rockport, TX. The only Blue Wave Beach in TX n the best birding place. The BIG tree, great fishing, the aquarium and a cute little artsy town. Not far is the Aransas Wildlife Refuge.
Great content! Keep up the good work!