Houston, Dallas, and Austin are popular metropolitan centers that are different in the brew of from Western Texas cities like Lubbock and Amarillo. As a result, Texas is a state of cultural diversity and endless possibilities. San Antonio and its famous attractions like the Alamo, River Walk, and Hill Country just testifies to the rich culture and modern beauty of the big state. If big cities are not your taste, Texas has a variety of stunning geographical attractions such as mountains, coastal beaches, and even deserts. Known as the second-largest and second-most-populous state in the United States, running out of places to visit in Texas is just impossible. Here are the best places to visit in Texas that would most likely make a memorable trip.
Natural Bridge Caverns
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Texas is known for the largest things in scale. The Natural Bridge Caverns found in San Antonio is also the biggest in scale in the whole United States because of its stalactite formations. Consisting of more than 10,000 stalactite formations, The Natural Bridge Caverns have a labyrinth of attractions underground. The highlights like the 40-foot-high King’s Throne and the Castle of the White Giants are just some of the underground attractions visitors can explore. Even if some parts of the natural park are still being discovered, tourists have a myriad of attractions both below the surface and up top. There are also themed parks, treetop adventures where zip lines, ropeways, and platforms are found in a whole network of fun activities. Different tours including the Hidden Passage Tour are very worthy to try out.
Gruene Historic District
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Travel back in time and visit Gruene Historic District in a part of the San Antonio-New Braunfels Metropolitan Area. Gruene is a former Comal County in Texas and was known because of cotton production near the Guadalupe River. Now the Gruene Historic District is a part of the National Register of Historic Places in the United States. Preserved architecture, artifacts, and culture make the district a living part of history and a top tourist attraction in the region. Moreover, the Gruene Hall, since 1878 is still operational as the oldest dance hall in Texas. Country music is well-celebrated because, at the Gruene Hall, many famous country artists perform in the location. There is shopping, fly fishing, dancing, and dining options in the historic district. The Gruene Cottages offer comfortable stays with a design that is themed after the historical site.
Strand Historic District
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Also known as the Strand District, it is a National Landmark District mainly consisting purely of Victorian-era buildings and architecture. The old historic buildings houses restaurants, curio shops, and antique stores. In addition, the district also hosts two popular and seasonal festivals in Texas. Moreover, the historic district is a National Historic Landmark because of its unparalleled collections of Victorian architecture buildings.
Tourists, filmmakers, and patrons of historical infrastructures love the location and what it can offer both aesthetically and culturally. Located at the port city of Galveston, it is just less than an hour’s drive from Houston. Houston Sightseeing Tour and Galveston Day Trip will make a trip between Houston and Galveston worth it and packed with experiences from two very different cultures. Traveling with pets? Check out our Top 11 Pet Friendly Hotels In Galveston.
Caddo Lake State Park
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In Eastern Texas lies Caddo Lake State Park near Karnack. Created by a gigantic log jam called the Great Raft, the lake is now a haven surrounded by bald cypress trees in bayous, ponds, and sloughs. A variety of activities await tourists and adventurers in the state park. Tourists can paddle around and fish in the bayous while making friends or spending quality time with the family.
Another option while at the lake is traveling via a raft to reach a historic cabin to stay in. Camping and picnic sites are all over the place providing better and more enjoyable ways to discover this tranquil park in East Texas.
Route 66
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The legendary and iconic Route 66 is very famous not only because of the popular cartoon movie. It’s a symbol of changing America and the opportunity it meant for hundreds of Americans to escape the Dust Bowl in 1930. Texas has a fair slice of this Route and it is a delightful experience to cruise along the 178 miles of roadside attractions and ghost towns.
Visit the Amarillo Cadillac Ranch that is totally rad and is a unique art installation worth visiting in Texas. The Devil’s Rope Museum, Mclean’s tribute to Barbed Wire is a historical gem that highlights unique installations related to the location’s heritage connected to barbed wire. Traveling with pets? Make sure to stay at one of the Top 11 Pet Friendly Hotels In Amarillo, Texas.
Lake Texoma
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Texas is a state of natural beauty and sheer magnificence. It is home to a large number of lakes and Lake Texoma is one of them. The lake is notable because of its size and the significant development that has been put into it. In addition, it is in the middle of both Texas and Oklahoma. It sits in the junction of Washita and Red Rivers. Its beauty is one reason why it is considered one of the best places to visit in Texas.
Surrounded by ecological sanctuaries, national parks, and cities, it provides limitless activities. An average of six million people visits the place just to ski, fish, sail, and windsurf. There are many cabins to choose from like Lake Texoma Camping Resort with comfortable cabins near the waterfront. Most of all, it is a great escape into nature for most visitors.
Lake Travis
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Similarly, Lake Travis is another lake that is a must-visit especially if you are in central Texas. It is located on the Colorado River and is a popular location for adventurers and extreme sports. Scuba diving, swimming, and boating are some of the activities visitors and patrons go for on the lake to entertain themselves.
Famous for a large population of catfish and sunfish in the region, fishing is also a top activity on the lake. The 400km shoreline welcomes picnicking and camping. Nudists can go to the Hippie Hollow Park while the LGBT community can also join in the Splash Day at the park every year.
Lady Bird Lake
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Most lakes in Texas are detached from the big cities of Texas. On the other hand, Lady Bird Lake is located right near downtown Austin providing unique ways to relax and have some fun while in the city center. The location allows easy access to shopping centers, hiking trails, restaurants, and hotels.
The lake offers a friendly location where people can do kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and even use motorized watercraft. If it’s almost impossible to get out of the city of Austin during a business trip to have some fun as the lake offers a haven inside the metropolis.
The Texas State Capitol
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The Texas State Capitol in Austin is an important part of the history of the United States more than it is an architectural marvel. The architecture of the Capitol is impressive with its dimensions that stand 308 feet tall. Built and established in 1888, it is still the finest state legislature in the United States and its aesthetic glory still looks as if it was built yesterday.
Today, it’s a National Historic Landmark with a large historic significance for the whole country. The park of the Texas State Capitol highlights the monuments of the defenders of the Alamo and the veterans of the Vietnam War. Tourists can join the guided Capitol of Texas Segway Tour with friends and strangers.
The Fort Worth Stockyards
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Founded in 1866, The Stockyards National Historic District remains Fort Worth’s largest draw. The stockyards were where millions of cattle were sorted and shipped throughout the states of the country. Today, it’s the last surviving facility of its kind in the United States. However, it is considered a tourist spot because it also turned into an entertainment location for visitors who would love to experience the old west.
The most popular activities are rodeos, theatrical performances, and country music concerts. Western-themed shopping is also a thing in the historic district. Visit the Fort Worth Stockyards Visitor Center for some accessories. Stays such as Hyatt Place Fort Worth Stockyard makes it convenient to be as close to the district as possible for more action and fun.
Galveston’s Beaches and Pleasure Pier
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The Gulf of Texas is home to breathtaking beaches. The state is full of natural wonders and its beaches should not be overlooked. Galveston’s beaches are wonderful for family trips. The waters are often calm and refreshing. Setting up some umbrellas and having a nice picnic is one of the best things to do near the sea wall.
There are fun games and activities in the Pleasure Pier, especially at night for some breathtaking rides and attractions. Moreover, the Moody Aquarium Gardens and the Strand Historic District Downtown are also close to ensure a trip to the city is memorable and packed with activities.
The USS Lexington
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One of the best places to visit in Texas is The USS Lexington for those who are patriotic. Located at Corpus Christi, the USS Lexington is a massive living glory of the United States in WWII. It is one of the largest vessels that served during the second world war and it lives until today to tell its tale.
The vintage aircraft are displayed while you can try out activities such as visiting the living quarters of crews, playing some games, and trying out the simulators. Experience being in the pilot’s seat with 3D technology. There is a four-hour Hard Hat tour that highlights going into the heart of the ship.
Fredericksburg
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Featuring a laid-back vibe with rich arts and culinary culture, Fredericksburg is a special place to visit in Texas. It’s a small town well-known for fine wine and a surviving German culture. The small town offers romantic restaurants, outdoor locations, and wineries that are also picture-perfect.
The lone star town is calming and will bring anyone a unique yet dazzling culinary experience. This is one of the most underrated yet one of the best places to visit in Texas. Stay at Hotel Kitsmiller on Main if staying near shopping centers and museums matter in your travel plans.
Davis Mountains State Park
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Camping and the lovely outdoors are some of the things adventure seekers love about Davis Mountain State Park. Travel on a higher elevation and hike through a number of trails the state park offers.
It holds a historic park and a frontier fort. The size of it provides endless things to do. Go backpacking, biking, ride horsing, and stargazing. Staying at the Indian Lodge is also a great experience after taking a scenic drive around the mountains.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
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100 miles east of El Paso rests Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Wildlife and ecology enthusiasts will surely love this place because it’s the home to a lot of animals including golden eagles. The national park is a unique destination because it holds the four highest peaks of Texas.
In all the National Parks in Texas, it’s a combination of canyons, woodlands, and the highest elevated location in the state. El Capitan and the Guadalupe Peak are stunning views offered by the rich nature of the location. The 80-mile trail is a top destination for bikers and hikers alike.
Padre Island National Seashore
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Impeccable beauty and untouched magnificent barrier islands are the reasons why Padre Island is one of the best places to visit in Texas. It is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier islands in the whole world. That means tranquility is waiting for those who travel to see a glimpse of it.
Camping, kayaking, and seeing sea turtles released into the open ocean are just a few of the many things you can do on the island. Jumping on an Eco and Dolphin Watch Tours of South Padre Island always takes the trip to the island a level higher. It is near Corpus Christi and it is one of the most important wildlife conservation areas.
Space Center Houston
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Astronauts are rare to find as many of them are in space. However, visiting Houston to go to its space center might promise a larger chance of meeting a real-life astronaut. It’s every space exploration and NASA enthusiast’s dream to visit Space Center Houston. Therefore, there is no doubt why the location is one of the best places to visit in Texas.
Children and adults might fancy touching rockets and rocks that came from the moon and mars. The space center also homes the Johnson Space Center and Mission Control. A replica of the Skylab is also shown at the space center. Updates, future projects, and educational tours are highlighted in this fascinating place. Finally, there is already a NASA’s Space Center plus Houston’s Official City Tour to make the travel easier and more convenient.
Big Bend National Park
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Holding the most dramatic and beautiful stunning and unique scenery in the state of Texas, Big Bend National Park is something you would not expect to be average. It’s located in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas and lies on a stretch of Rio Grande River. The mountains and the canyons with a large river separate the United States of America from Mexico.
There are countless activities in Big Bend National Park. A few of the activities are camping, hiking, and sightseeing. Considered one of the best places to visit in Texas, it presents unique and unchallenged beauty. In conclusion, those who would love to have a trip in the wilderness, this national park should be on top of your list.
The Sixth Floor Museum
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Texas School Book Depository in Dallas reveals where the fatal shot that took John F. Kennedy’s life came from. Moreover, It was on the sixth floor of the red-brick building that allowed the historic event to occur.
The Sixth Floor Museum offers a detailed account of the president’s assassination. Moreover, the museum offers films, photographs, and artifacts explaining the events that led to the grave event. After all, it is important to remember past events that shaped the country once in a while.
The Alamo
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Franciscans built the Alamo in 1744 and turned into a fort during 1836 leaving a very important legacy to the nation today. It’s one of the most significant sites in America today. Actually, a small force of Texans defended the Alamo against 3,000 strong Mexican invaders. The defeat revealed 187 Texans killed after the battle. However, with the small force which includes Davie Crockett and James Bowie, the cry “Remember the Alamo!” inspired the whole state of Texas to overcome against the Mexicans.
The cenotaph commemorating the Texans and the restored buildings make it easier to go back in time and feel the story come to life. There are exhibits of artifacts in The Alamo to discover. In addition, find guided tours available.
San Antonio’s River Walk
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Firstly, the most important thing to do in San Antonio’s River Walk is to take a stroll around the riverside and choose a good place to lounge at and eat. Second, look for a beautiful boat to hop on and start cruising along the river. Finally, get some good rest at a nice hotel near the center.
San Antonio’s River Walk is top on the list for anyone who visits the state because of its unparalleled modern beauty. It’s a stretch of restaurants and local shops both locals and tourists love. Witness the local culture of San Antonio flourish during the day and the night. It is definitely one of the best places to visit in Texas. Most of all, its unparalleled beauty is known worldwide.
