People who have never been to Texas can quickly make fun of it because it has such a big personality. No doubt about it, Texas has bigger things. But what makes it such an interesting place to visit is that behind the wall is a real state. Famous cattle runs happened here in the second half of the 1800s, making the Lone Star States a legendary place for ranchers. Border towns in Texas all have a rich history that tourists can experience firsthand. The food is also excellent and comes from family recipes for generations.
Texas is known as a state of open fields, but its quiet nature makes it seem anything but that. Because of this, many of the best places to visit in Texas are its national parks, caves, and vineyard-covered hills. Every time you turn a corner, you’ll find a bigger and bigger surprise in this state.
1. Texas Hill Country
To spend time with your special someone in Texas, the Texas Hill Country is one of the best places to go. The lush rolling hills, cute and historic towns, and wineries in this area make it stand out in a state that can feel rough and far away.
It was German residents in the 1800s who made Fredericksburg a place where you can experience German culture. A farm in Fredericksburg might let you try some wine, a real beer garden might serve bratwurst and sauerkraut, and an outdoor market might have things from Bavaria for sale.
In Texas Hill Country, there is more than just culture to remember. The landscape is also very beautiful. This includes Jacobs Well, which is 140 feet deep and goes to a big cave that is underwater. You can also walk to Enchanted Rock or the Natural Bridge Caverns.
When to go: Spring is the best time to visit because the Hill Country is full of wildflowers, like the Bluebonnet, which is Texas’s state flower.
2. Galveston
Texans looking for a fun and relaxing family vacation have been going to Galveston for a long time. However, the town, which is like Santa Monica in Texas, has become its own thing now that word has spread.
There are what seems like endless sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico in Galveston, which keeps drawing tourists. At the town’s sandy beaches, days begin and end. But in between, you can visit state parks, exciting theme parks, and historic streets that were once known as the “Wall Street of the South.”It used to be an immigration hub like Ellis Island, and now tourists can choose to learn about the town’s fascinating past or just relax with a drink while the sun shines. Explore the Historic Pleasure Pier and let the kids ride any of the 16 fair rides, which include a 200-foot swing, to do both at the same time.
3. Dallas
Once we’re done looking at Fort Worth, let’s head east for 30 minutes to get to Dallas. Since the 1930s, “The Big D” has been used to refer to Dallas. If you’re from Texas, you have to visit “The Big D.” There are lots of sports areas, arboretums, and one of the best art neighborhoods in the US here. The Dallas Art District is the largest in the country, spanning 19 blocks. Some of the best places to see are the famous Dallas Art Museum, which will require more than one visit to fully appreciate. Also, the city has Deep Ellum, which is full of street art. If you’re interested in Texas history, other towns are better known than Dallas. This is where JFK was killed, and you can learn more about it at the Sixth Floor Museum.
And finally, there are sports. As well as the Cowboys, the Mavericks of the NBA, and the Rangers of Major League Baseball play in Dallas.
4. Big Bend National Park
One of the most beautiful national parks in the United States is in the middle of the Chihuahua Desert. The name of the park, “Big Bend,” shows that, yes, everything is bigger in Texas.
Huge rock walls that rise like towers of bright orange are what people can expect. Lots of lush plants grow in cracks that stand out, not because they’re ugly, but because they show how powerful Mother Nature is. For hundreds of years, the powerful Rio Grande River has cut the rock walls and crevasses, making the landscape look smoother. You can enjoy this stunning scenery on one of Big Bend’s delightful hiking trails, while paddling down the exciting river, or just by the campfire under the stars. There is an international dark sky park in Big Bend. There are some amazing views along the 12.6-mile South Rime Trail, which should be at the top of your list of hikes.
5. El Paso
This city is in the very western part of Texas. Though it might not seem like a must-see spot, you have to spend time here to understand Texas. There is a real gem in El Paso that is hidden away in a faraway corner. People who make the trip will find a friendly culture and a rich past connected to El Paso’s role as a border town. To be honest, it’s not a surprise that El Paso gets a lot of its ideas from the southern country. In the Downtown Historic District, you can find Mexican shops and old buildings that remind you of when El Paso was just a trading post in the middle of the Wild West. It doesn’t take long for modern buildings to take over, like the beautiful El Camino Real Hotel, which is a national historic site and was once known as the place to watch the Mexican Revolution.
This place is also called Sun City, and it has great views of the Franklin Mountains at night as the sun goes down. The Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, the Museum of Archeology at Wilderness Park, and the Centennial Museum are just a few of the many great places to visit in El Paso.
FAQ’s
Q1. What are the must-visit attractions in Austin, Texas?
Austin is the capital city of Texas. South Congress Avenue, the State Capitol, and Sixth Street, where live music is often played, are just a few of the city's highlights. Do not miss the chances to enjoy nature near Lady Bird Lake or the arts at the Blanton Museum of Art.
Q2. What makes San Antonio a top destination in Texas?
The famous Alamo, which stands for Texas's freedom, is what San Antonio is known for. The River Walk is a beautiful place to visit with cute shops and restaurants. Visit El Mercado, a lively market, and learn about the unique mix of countries in this city.
Q3. Why is Houston included in the list of best places to visit?
There are many interesting things to see and do in Houston, such as the Space Center Houston, where you can learn about space travel. There are many artistic things to do in the Museum District, and the Houston Zoo and Hermann Park are great places for families to have fun.
