Questioning what actions and points of interest you possibly can’t miss within the Lone Star State? Our information to one of the best issues to do in Texas is simply what you want!
Nowhere can we replicate Texas’s real ardour and zeal with its huge and daring friendliness and distinctive cowboy tradition.
The Lone Star State is stuffed with world-class Texas actions and common vacationer points of interest that includes world-class theme parks, famend botanical gardens, nationally acclaimed museums, and impactful historic websites, just like the Alamo, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Backyard, and the Sixth Ground Museum at Dealey Plaza.
You may take a look at the large cities of Dallas, Austin, and Houston, or head out to distant nationwide parks and historic places across the state.
We’ve fastidiously crafted this record of one of the best issues to do in Texas so you may get began adventuring the tradition, historical past, and influence of the Southwest.
The 25 Finest Issues to Do in Texas
For those who’re looking for what to do in Texas, we’ve got compiled a listing of all one of the best points of interest, pure sights, enjoyable actions, and extra.
That includes the most well-liked vacationer points of interest, just like the San Antonio River Stroll or the tallest waterfall in Texas at Colorado Bend State Park, touring to Texas is assured to be rewarding!
1) Journey The fifteenth Largest Nationwide Park In The U.S. At Huge Bend Nationwide Park
House to a majority of the Chihuahuan Desert and the entire Chisos mountain vary, Huge Bend Nationwide Park is a popular pure attraction in west Texas. As well as, it holds different notable options, such because the Langford Scorching Springs and the Santa Elena Canyon, which the Rio Grande River carved.
Over 150 miles value of mountaineering trails is offered in Huge Bend Nationwide Park for all ranges and ages. The paths traverse by way of scenic landscapes of mountainous deserts, limestone outcrops, and riverside terrain.
Different common actions to participate in at Huge Bend Nationwide Park embody wildlife watching, horseback using, fishing, kayaking, river rafting, and biking.
2) See The place Astronauts Practice At The House Heart Houston
A Smithsonian Affiliate museum, the NASA House Heart Houston, or House Heart Houston, is a science museum and official customer heart for NASA Johnson House Heart.
Practically 1.25 million guests stroll by way of the doorways of House Heart Houston to discover and study extra concerning the influence of science, engineering, and know-how.
As well as, the middle’s famend schooling programming guides all ages by way of house exploration, inspiring curiosity and attraction in math and science.
Greater than 400 house artifacts and reveals to journey at House Heart Houston, with partaking experiences and important options just like the world’s most intensive assortment of moon rocks and lunar samples welcome for viewing.
That is simply some of the enjoyable issues to do in Houston!
- Tackle: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058, United States
- Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
3) Bask In The Pristine Panorama Of Padre Island Nationwide Seashore
Close to Corpus Christi, Padre Island Nationwide Seashore is the world’s largest undeveloped barrier island, dividing the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre.
It connects two islands, North Padre Island and South Padre Island. North Padre Island accommodates the Padre Island Nationwide Seashore, whereas South Padre Island is a well-liked resort vacation spot.
The Kemp’s ridley sea turtles use the Padre Island Nationwide Seashore’s 66 miles of shoreline as a safe nesting floor.
Individuals come to Padre Island Nationwide Seashore for tenting, chicken watching, and kayaking, surrounded by untainted panorama options of sandy beachlines, spectacular sand dunes, and prairies.
4) Tour The Largest Capitol Constructing At The Texas State Capitol
The Texas State Capitol in downtown Austin, Texas, is a prevalent historic landmark that acts because the capital and seat of the federal government for Texas.
As the biggest capitol constructing in america, bigger than the U.S. Capitol Constructing, the Texas State Capitol stays a powerful landmark that includes beautiful structure, big brass door hinges, glowing chandeliers, and complex handrails.
The grounds of the Texas State Capitol relaxation on practically 22 acres, homing 22 monuments, pristine lawns, and historic buildings to journey.
Excursions of the Texas State Capitol are free. Guests are taken all through the constructing to study concerning the construction’s historical past and the Texas authorities.
- Tackle: 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, United States
- Hours: 7 am – 8 pm weekdays, 9 am – 8 pm weekends
Take a look at our 3 Days in Austin Itinerary for extra inspiration!
5) Pay Your Respects At The Nationwide Museum of the Pacific Struggle
The Nationwide Museum of the Pacific Struggle honors all who served within the Pacific Struggle in World Struggle II.
Acknowledged because the fifth-best historical past museum within the nation by USA At this time readers, the museum has gone by way of intensive renovations and upgrades to be established as a premier museum.
The impactful interactive reveals showcase totally different elements of historical past and tales of the Pacific Struggle.
For instance, the George Bush Gallery of the Nationwide Museum of the Pacific Struggle presents artifacts, memorabilia, and academic data from the conflict.
One interactive exhibit contains animatronic WWII troopers surrounded by bombarding grenades and scurrying rats as a step into the enterprise of the Pacific Struggle.
- Tackle: 311 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, United States
- Hours: 9 am – 5 pm, Closed Tuesdays
6) Witness The Discovery Of Ice Age Fossils At The Waco Mammoth Nationwide Monument
The Waco Mammoth Nationwide Monument is a paleontological web site and museum the place 24+ Columbian mammoths and different spectacular fossils had been found.
The location the place the fossil specimens had been discovered represents an influence in historical past. It’s the nation’s first and solely recorded findings of a nursery herd of Columbian mammoths from the Ice Age.
The finished fossils stand at 14 ft, weighing in at 20,000 kilos. A camel and tooth from a saber tooth cat had been additionally discovered on the grounds.
Take your journey in Waco to the following degree by reserving a horseback using tour with a cowboy information!
- Tackle: 6220 Steinbeck Bend Dr, Waco, TX 76708, United States
- Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
7) Discover Dallas
The most effective issues to do in Texas is to spend a while within the grand metropolis of Dallas! Your first cease needs to be the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Backyard on the shores of White Rock Lake.
Strolling by way of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Backyard presents an impactful expertise crammed with varied factors of curiosity, beautiful shows, distinctive gardens, and extra!
Subsequent head to the Dallas Museum of Artwork. As one of many largest artwork museums in America, the Dallas Museum of Artwork is house to over 25,000 distinctive artistic endeavors from a variety of various time durations and cultures.
Different prime points of interest to incorporate in your sightseeing of the town embody the Dallas World Aquarium, the Dallas County Administration Constructing, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and extra.
Take a look at our full record of the greatest issues to do in Dallas right here!
8) Test Out The Genuine Mummies At The Houston Museum of Pure Science
The Houston Museum of Pure Science houses quite a few points of interest just like the Cockrell Butterfly Heart and the Burke Baker Planetarium.
The museum is famend for its reveals that discover science, astronomy, chemistry, historical past, paleontology, and different thrilling subjects.
Devoted to sharing the intrigue of pure science with all ages, the Houston Museum of Pure Science is likely one of the most well-known museums in america.
Discover the quite a few reveals, together with the Corridor of Historical Egypt, which homes mummies like Ankh Hap, one in all Ramses II’s tax collectors.
Additionally, take a look at the Cockrell Butterfly Heart, stuffed with vibrantly coloured and diverse-shaped butterflies fluttering round varied habitats. The choices are limitless on the Houston Museum of Pure Science!
- Tackle: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, United States
- Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
For extra concepts within the space, take a look at our 3 Days in Houston itinerary!
9) Put together For An Abundance Of Enjoyable At Moody Gardens and Aquarium
Moody Gardens and Aquarium, positioned in Galveston, Texas, is a favourite vacationer vacation spot with an aquarium, lodge, theme park, conference heart, and golf course.
All ages within the aquarium are welcome to discover the spectacular reveals, just like the penguin reveals, that includes 4 species of penguin” Macaroni, Gentoo, Chinstrap, and King.
See the colourful and unique jellyfish gently floating within the water, then go to the ocean lions and seals as they toss their flippers and nostril dive by way of the water.
After scouring the aquarium, take a look at the rainforest zoo, zip line, ropes course, wave pool, lazy river, and extra obtainable for a great deal of enjoyable throughout your go to.
And when you’re performed, witness the revelry of Galveston on this adults-only strolling tour that dives into the historical past of Galveston’s previous whereas stopping at important factors of curiosity like Moody Mansion and the 1892 Bishop’s Palace.
- Tackle: 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 4 pm
Learn Subsequent: Take a look at this put up to search out out extra nice issues to do in Galveston!
10) Bear in mind The Alamo
One of the well-known Texas points of interest, the Alamo is a historic Spanish mission and fort established within the 18th century.
The Alamo was initially a Spanish mission, in-built 1718, the primary to be established in Texas. It was initially often called San Antonio de Valero and utilized by the Spanish to unfold the Roman Catholic religion to the native peoples of the area.
Nonetheless, possession was handed to the Mexicans in 1821 and was used as a garrison for the Mexican forces till 1835, when it was surrendered to the Texian Military.
Through the Battle of the Alamo of the Texas Revolution, the Texicans had been severely outnumbered, shedding the battle to give up the Alamo to the Mexican army. As soon as the Texas Revolution ended, the Texians retook the Alamo.
It was used once more in 1876 by the U.S. Military earlier than finally being reworked right into a historic vacationer attraction, shrine, and memorial for many who died within the Battle of the Alamo.
- Tackle: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
- Hours: 9 am – 5:30 pm
After seeing the Alamo, discover extra issues to do with our 3 Days in San Antonio itinerary!
11) Expertise The American West At The Fort Price Stockyards Nationwide Historic District
The Fort Price Stockyards Nationwide Historic District is a historic district. Within the district are 98 acres listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations.
The Fort Price Stockyards was as soon as stuffed with outlaws and cowboys, and visiting this historic spot is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Texas.
Now, the district welcomes guests from throughout the globe to expertise the American West with common points of interest just like the Fort Price Herd, the one twice-daily cattle drive on the planet, and the Stockyards Championship Rodeo, the place cowboys face off towards bulls and broncs each week.
The Fort Price Stockyards affords favored Texas actions, whether or not purchasing for genuine cowboy boots and hats, experiencing nation music within the Southwest or eating like a Texan.
Go on a historical past tour and pub crawl to study extra concerning the historical past and tradition of the realm whereas visiting saloons and ingesting some native brew!
12) Study About The Affect Of The Breed At The American Quarter Horse Corridor of Fame & Museum
Based in Amarillo, Texas, the American Quarter Horse Corridor of Fame & Museum preserves the historical past of the American Quarter Horse, the cowboy’s horse.
The American Quarter Horse is likely one of the world’s hottest horse breeds, having performed an important position in American historical past. The breed is famend for its unreal instinct and expertise for working with cows, termed “metal mud” by cowboys within the nineteenth century for his or her lightning velocity that lasted 1 / 4 mile.
The space of 1 / 4 mile, and the place the breed acquired its title, refers to the most well-liked run in Colonial racing which incessantly occurred in villages. And out of anyplace on the planet, Texas tops all others by holding the biggest inhabitants of Quarter Horses.
The museum’s distinctive reveals provide an opportunity for guests to study concerning the influence of the American Quarter Horse on shaping america.
- Tackle: 2601 E Interstate Dr, Amarillo, TX 79104, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 4 pm, Closed Sundays and Mondays
Learn Subsequent: Take a look at this put up to search out out extra nice issues to do in Amarillo!
13) Hike The Serene Landscapes Of Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park
Nicely-known for its surprising white Salt Basin Dunes, the Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park houses Texas’s highest summit, Guadalupe Peak.
Filled with charming pure magnificence, the park holds the world’s most intensive Permian fossil reef and impactful historical past.
Ultimately, the Mescalero Apaches moved to the native space for its thriving wildlife. As well as, historic artifacts have been found on the park’s grounds and preserved at a museum at Frijole Ranch.
Hikers and campers love touring to Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park to discover its luscious forests, serene landscapes, and wildlife-watching alternatives.
14) Go to The Texas State Aquarium
The most important aquarium within the state, the Texas State Aquarium, is likely one of the prime ten aquariums in america to witness the distinctive world of marine life.
Discover the Western Caribbean Sea and Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula on the Texas State Aquarium for a rare interactive expertise.
Watch the otters play, the sharks prowl, and the American bald eagle’s majestic attraction earned it the title of the nationwide image for america.
Situated in Corpus Christi, this is likely one of the prime issues to do in Texas for households with children!
- Tackle: 2710 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 5 pm, Closed Mondays
15) Stroll By World-Class Gardens At The Fort Price Botanic Backyard
The oldest botanic backyard within the state, the Fort Price Botanic Backyard, was in-built 1934 within the cultural district of Fort Price.
Fort Price Botanic Backyard homes the world-renowned Japanese Backyard, that includes mastered stonework, koi ponds, the Moon Bridge, the Moon Viewing Deck, and roaring waterfalls. As well as, there are different noteworthy themed gardens, together with the Rose Gardens.
The Rainforest Conservatory can also be a glass-enclosed conservatory crammed with flowers sourced from the world’s rainforests, just like the Traveler’s Tree, grown native to Madagascar.
- Tackle: 3220 Botanic Backyard Blvd, Fort Price, TX 76107, United States
- Hours: 8 am – 4 pm
Learn Subsequent: Take a look at this put up to search out out extra nice issues to do in Fort Price!
16) Wander Alongside the San Antonio River Stroll
The San Antonio River Stroll is likely one of the highlights of the charming southern metropolis of San Antonio, TX.
The River Stroll is commonly thought-about the center of the town, and no go to right here could be full and not using a lengthy, leisurely stroll alongside the pedestrian riverside path.
Lined with outlets, cafes, and native eating places, the San Antonio Riverwalk is a fantastic place crammed with points of interest, twinkling lights, and varied parades and festivals relying on the time of 12 months.
Be sure you cease off on the San Antonio Botanical Backyard and the San Antonio Japanese Tea Backyard, which is a magical vacation spot brimming with pure life and historical past.
Hop on a riverboat cruise that sails alongside the San Antonio River Stroll, that includes the academic narration of the town’s prime historic and cultural websites.
17) See The World’s Tallest Cowboy At The Texas State Honest
The Texas State Honest, or State Honest of Texas, is yearly run within the historic Honest Park in Dallas, Texas.
The longest-running truthful within the nation and one of many largest, the State Honest of Texas has continued working since 1886, apart from lull durations throughout World Struggle I, World Struggle II, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The State Honest of Texas begins close to the tip of September and continues for a few month.
Honest Park grew to become a chosen Nationwide Historic Landmark, serving because the State Honest of Texas’s house for over a century. The truthful’s iconic function, Huge Tex, is the world’s tallest cowboy at 52 ft tall, carrying measurement 70 boots and a 75-gallon hat.
- Tackle: Honest Park; 1300 Robert B Cullum Boulevard; Dallas, TX 75210
Take a look at our Final 3 Days in Dallas Itinerary for extra concepts!
18) Step Again In Historical past At The Fort Davis Nationwide Historic Website
Fort Davis Nationwide Historic Website is a crucial historic web site, representing an instance of an Indian Wars’ frontier army put up within the Southwest that performed an important position within the historical past of the Southwest.
Named after the Secretary of Struggle, Jefferson Davis, the fort was used from 1854-1891 to guard emigrants, freight wagons, and mail coaches from assault as they traversed the Trans-Pecos and Chihuahua Path.
At the moment, over 100 ruins and 24 buildings are preserved on the Fort Davis Nationwide Historic Website, a few of which have been refurbished so guests touring the grounds can image what it was prefer to dwell throughout this time in historical past.
- Tackle: 1504 State St, Fort Davis, TX 79734, United States
- Hours: 8 am – 5 pm
19) Hike To The Breathtaking Hamilton Pool Protect
Hamilton Pool Protect in Dripping Springs, Texas, is a singular nature protect house to the Golden-cheeked Warbler and varied different birds, making it a scorching spot for birdwatching.
A 50-foot waterfall falls over the spectacular field canyon, sourced from the Hamilton Creek water that drifts over the limestone cliff sides.
A part of the Balcones Canyonlands Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, the Hamilton Pool Protect hosts uncommon plant species, just like the chatterbox orchid, and different endangered species.
The historic web site was as soon as house to the Tonkawa and Lipan Apaches earlier than the 1800s. Then, the property was purchased by Morgan C. Hamilton, the brother of Andrew Jake Hamilton, the tenth governor of Texas, who incessantly visited the breathtaking grotto.
Travis County purchased the Hamilton Pool Protect in 1985 to protect and restore the pool, making it extra engaging for guests to come back hike, chicken watch, and discover!
20) Trek To The Tallest Waterfall In Texas At Colorado Bend State Park
A haven of prospering wilderness, Colorado Bend State Park affords 35 miles of mountaineering and biking trails.
There are many enjoyable issues to do on this nationwide park. Gorman Falls is likely one of the hottest factors of curiosity.
The 70-foot waterfall is the tallest in Texas, speeding over limestone formations. The rewarding hike to the falls is three miles roundtrip with Gorman Falls on the finish.
Guests journey to Colorado Bend State Park to go on cave excursions, take a dip in Spicewood Springs, witness the nature-made fantastic thing about Gorman Falls, fish, kayak, camp, and extra!
21) Watch The Bat Present At Richards Congress Avenue Bridge
Arcing over Woman Chicken Lake in Austin, Texas, Congress Avenue Bridge is known for bat-watching at sundown.
This prime Austin attraction is a must-see within the metropolis! The Mexican Free-Tailed Bats made the Congress Avenue Bridge a popular bat cave.
The bats are welcomed by Austin residents for his or her work in dealing with bug mitigation within the metropolis, in addition to providing the spectacular present each evening the place lots of and hundreds of bats exit from below the bridge to fly out over Woman Chicken Lake to search out their nightly meal.
Learn subsequent: The 21 Finest Issues To Do In Austin, Texas
22) Go to the Sixth Ground Museum at Dealey Plaza
Simply one of many prime vacationer points of interest in all of Texas, the Sixth Ground Museum at Dealey Plaza is a outstanding museum in Dallas.
This fascinating museum tells the story of President John F. Kennedy and his tragic assassination. The primary exhibit is known as John F. Kennedy and the Reminiscence of a Nation, and right here you possibly can study all concerning the historic man and the way he died.
The Sixth Ground Museum is positioned inside the previous Texas Faculty Guide Depository constructing, and it takes about 90 minutes to cross by way of all the museum.
Take a look at the reveals, occasions, customer heart and reward store, all of that are devoted to this essential piece of US historical past.
The museum can get extraordinarily busy, so it’s a good suggestion to e-book your tickets on-line prematurely!
- Tackle: 411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 5 pm, Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
23) Tour the Pure Bridge Caverns
The Pure Bridge Caverns is a group of underground caves, bridges, and passageways, lined in stalactites and stalagmites.
Named after the 60-foot limestone bridge that shaped utterly naturally close to the doorway, Pure Bridge Caverns is a pure phenomenon that has been transformed right into a prime vacationer attraction.
Comply with the underground walkways by way of huge caves, and tackle the zip traces and ropes programs if you happen to’re feeling adventurous.
This fascinating pure attraction will be discovered simply exterior San Antonio, TX.
- Tackle: 26495 Pure Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Monday & Tuesday, 10 am – 4 pm Wednesday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm Saturday & Sunday
Take a look at our full record of the greatest issues to do in San Antonio, Texas right here!
24) Check Your Braveness With Unreal Views At The Reunion Tower
Situated in downtown Dallas, the Reunion Tower is a powerful landmark and remark tower stretching 561 ft within the sky.
Providing up panoramic views of Dallas, this remark tower will not be for the faint of coronary heart or anybody who fears heights. Standing at an imposing 561 ft, the remark deck, termed the GeO-Deck, rests at 470 ft above avenue degree to avail spectacular metropolis surroundings from an indoor and outside standpoint.
You don’t need to miss these views that had been voted one of the best on the planet in 2014!
- Tackle: 300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, TX 75207, United States
- Hours: 12 pm – 7:30 pm Monday – Thursday, 1 pm – 8:30 pm Friday – Sunday
25) Go to The #1 Zoo In The Nation, The Fort Price Zoo
Based in 1909, the Fort Price Zoo protects greater than 7,000 unique and native animals in specifically designed indoor and outside habitats.
Nationally acclaimed and voted the #1 zoo within the nation by USA At this time, all ages are welcome to discover world-class reveals and hundreds of distinctive species on the Fort Price Zoo.
Guests can peer on the 4 nice ape species within the World of Primates, examine endangered reptiles and amphibians on the Museum of Dwelling Artwork, and cease by the petting zoo to rise up shut and private.
- Tackle: 1989 Colonial Pkwy, Fort Price, TX 76110, United States
- Hours: 10 am – 4 pm
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