Introduction
If you’re like me—someone who loves mixing wide‑open landscapes, vibrant city energy, historical depth and unexpected roadside wonders—then a trip through the Lone Star State is bound to leave you with a full memory book. I recently set out across Texas and discovered that beyond the big names, there’s a delicious variety of places and experiences that together capture the spirit of this immense, surprising state. Here are the 12 Best Things To Do & Places To Visit in Texas—the spots I fell in love with, the moments that stuck, and why I think you’ll find them perfect too.
12 Best Things To Do & Places To Visit In Texas (2025)
1. Walk the Historic Mission The Alamo in San Antonio
My journey started in San Antonio, and stepping into the Alamo felt like stepping into a fundamental chapter of Texas and American history. The bold phrase “Remember the Alamo!” makes sense when you’re standing in the stone walls of the old mission‑fort. Travel‑guides consistently list it among Texas’s top historic sites.
Why I loved it: You feel the weight of history here—early missions, fights for independence, and present‑day cultural pride all in one site.
Tip: Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds, then wander the nearby River Walk for a full San Antonio experience.
2. Stroll the Scenic San Antonio River Walk
Right outside the Alamo lies the picturesque River Walk—cafés, boats, shaded trees and a city hum that’s both relaxed and alive. According to travel lists, it ranks among Texas’s most popular tourist attractions.
Why I loved it: After history and touring, this was a perfect place to unwind—cool drink in hand, boats gliding by, lights reflecting in water.
Tip: Hop on a boat tour if you want a narrated version of the story, or simply stroll and stop where your rhythm takes you.
See Also: 51 Best Things To Do & Places To Visit In Connecticut
3. Explore the Vast & Wild Big Bend National Park
Heading far west, I encountered Big Bend—one of the wildest and most remote national parks in the lower 48. The desert, river and mountain environment felt like something otherworldly. Sources highlight it as not to be missed.
Why I loved it: The silence, the scale, the starry skies—the kind of place that resets your sense of space.
Tip: Spend at least a full day (or camp overnight if you can) and pick a hike off the beaten path for maximum reward.
4. Hike the Stunning Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Often called the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro offers dramatic vistas, red‑rock cliffs and hiking trails that feel rugged yet accessible.
Why I loved it: Less crowded than many famous parks, but no less beautiful—hiking among those mesas felt like discovering a hidden gem.
Tip: Arrive late afternoon for the golden‑light on the canyon walls—bring sun protection and water.
5. Visit the Space & Science Hub at the Johnson Space Center (Houston)
In Houston I stepped into the world of space exploration at the Johnson Space Center—spacecraft, training simulators and a peek at how humans have pushed the frontier. Travel content highlights it as one of the top Texas experiences.
Why I loved it: It made me feel part of something larger—space travel, science, human ingenuity.
Tip: Check ahead for any special events or tours—they often offer behind‑the‑scenes access.
6. Experience the Live‑Music Scene in Austin
Austin has a reputation for music and culture, and yes—it delivered. Local guides list it among must‑do destinations for music lovers.
Why I loved it: Late‑night shows, street performers, food trucks and that “Keep Austin Weird” vibe made it endlessly entertaining.
Tip: Check the live‑music schedule, pick a venue off the main drag for something more local, and grab tacos as your city fuel.
7. Tour the Historic San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (UNESCO Site)
For a combination of history, culture and outdoor trail time, the San Antonio Missions site—recognised by UNESCO—is a standout.
Why I loved it: Walking, biking or just exploring the missions along the trail felt like a deeper dive into Texas’s roots.
Tip: Rent a bike to ride the Mission Reach Trail for a relaxed way to move between missions, then pause at a café.
8. Find Wildflowers & Wine in the Texas Hill Country
Rolling hills, vineyards, wildflowers in spring—this region offers a quieter, scenic side of Texas away from the big cities.
Why I loved it: Sitting on a winery patio with glass in hand, surrounded by hills and the gentle hum of countryside—pure bliss.
Tip: Visit in late spring for wildflower season, pick a couple of wineries rather than racing through, and enjoy the slow pace.
9. Snap a Quirky Photo at Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo)
Off Interstate 40 near Amarillo, Cadillac Ranch is a vivid, unexpected roadside art installation: vintage Cadillacs half‑buried nose‑first, covered in spray‑paint.
Why I loved it: It’s goofy, fun, interactive—and uniquely Texan in its boldness.
Tip: Bring spray‑paint if you want to take part, stay for sunset if you can—the colours pop then.
10. Sample BBQ, Culture & Music in Dallas & Fort Worth
Dallas and nearby Fort Worth offer a blend of big‑city culture and cowboy heritage—BBQ joints, rodeos, skyscrapers and stockyards.
Why I loved it: A day‑trip city contrast—grab brisket, explore the Stockyards, then return to modern Dallas for a rooftop drink.
Tip: For the best BBQ, ask locals for their go‑to spots (you’ll often queue—but it’s worth it). Stockyards has daily cattle drives.
11. Relax on the Beaches of the Texas Gulf Coast
Whether it’s Galveston, Padre Island or other sandy stretches, Texas’s Gulf coast offers sun‑and‑sand relief.
Why I loved it: After city days and hiking, a beach afternoon with waves and breeze felt like the reset button.
Tip: Check tide and wind conditions, bring insect repellent (coast can have bugs), and plan for a sunset walk.
12. Take a Road‑Trip & Embrace the Unexpected
One of my favourite memories from Texas wasn’t a specific landmark—but a long drive on open highway, the wind in the car, choosing a detour and stopping where a sign caught my attention. Texas isn’t just about big sights—it’s the journey in between.
Why I loved it: That sense of freedom—no rush, just space, road and the horizon.
Tip: Rent a car, pick a stretch (Hill Country to Gulf, or Panhandle canyon loop), bring a cooler and let spontaneity rule.
Final Thoughts
Texas surprised me—not just by size (yes, it’s huge) but by its variety: history and wildness, music and desert, vineyards and stockyards. If I were to sum up what makes it special: the contrast. One day you’re watching live music in Austin, the next you’re stargazing in Big Bend, the next you’re sipping wine in lush hills.
Here are a few travel take‑aways:
- Stay at least a week if you can—even a condensed version will leave you wanting more.
- Mix big cities + nature days: A couple of days in Austin or San Antonio, then a park or countryside day.
- Pack smart: Layers for desert/mountains, sun protection for coast, good walking shoes for history/rivers.
- Go early or late: For parks or historic sites, beat the heat and the crowd.
- Embrace local eats: BBQ, tacos, Tex‑Mex, live music—part of the experience.
- Rent a car: Texas is built for driving—some of the best stops are off‑highway.
- Leave room for the unexpected: Some of my favourite moments happened just because I pulled off the road or visited a smaller town.
If I had one favourite memory: rolling down the window on a wide open road through the Hill Country, bluebonnets on either side, with no rush. That, for me, captured Texas better than any photo‑op.