Texas is one of the most popular and distinctive destinations in the United States of America. Known for its vast, endless skies and stunning landscapes as well as its proud traditions and vibrant, rich culture, it is a larger-than-life place and one of the best places to visit in the country.
Texas has it all. From vibrant big cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin to stunning natural beauty, it’s hard to think of a place that offers so much variety. Where else can you explore beaches, deserts, and mountains, along with a cosmopolitan culture and exciting, sophisticated nightlife? There are so many great things to do and places to stay that it can be hard to know where to start!
So, if you're sailing out of Galveston on a cruise adventure or taking a southern road trip this summer, here are the top 10 unforgettable experiences every trailer should have when visiting Texas.
Explore the Alamo in San Antonio
The Alamo is one of the most important historical sites in Texas, if not the entire United States, and an iconic symbol of the struggle for independence from Mexico.
The Alamo is a historic Spanish mission and fort in San Antonio that was the site of one of the most important battles of the Texan Revolution in 1836, the final battle that has resonated through the ages and remains a fundamental aspect of the character of Texas to this day.
Here, legendary figures such as Davy Crockett and James Bowie held out for 13 days against the Mexican army before falling and being brutally massacred. This defiance against insurmountable odds inspired an influx of Texans and Texans to join the Texan army and eventually defeat the Mexicans and form the new Republic of Texas.
These days, the Alamo is a museum and historic site, with guided tours and reenactments to bring this living story to life.
Enjoy the live music scene in Austin.
Austin is one of the best places on the planet to see a concert, and is described as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” For music lovers, a visit to the Lone Star State is a must.
With over 250 live music venues, Austin’s variety of offerings is truly astounding. Whatever your taste or style, you’ll find something to enjoy, from blues and rock at Antone’s to indie, grunge and mohawk. It’s also home to two of the world’s best music festivals, South by Southwest and Austin City Limits.
Discover the natural beauty of Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is one of Texas’ natural icons and one of the most interesting national parks in the country. Located in West Texas, it features a wide variety of ecosystems from deserts and mountains to rivers and valleys, and is a great place to explore the beauty of the outdoors. The majestic Rio Grande River flows through the heart of Big Bend and offers ample opportunities for kayaking and canoeing, as well as stunning views along hiking trails. A highlight for adventurous travelers is the opportunity to spend a magical night under tents on a camping trip, as the reserve’s dark skies make it one of the best places in the United States for stargazing!
Visit Space Center Houston
While Cape Canaveral in Florida may be the most famous space travel destination, Space Center Houston is the official visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center and a great place to explore for anyone fascinated by the mysteries of the universe.
There are some fascinating exhibits and artifacts on display that delve into the history of space exploration, including some of the most famous spacecraft, simulators that astronauts trained on before their flights, and even a replica of the International Space Station! But the most exciting part of the center is the Mission Control Room, the actual control room used during the Apollo missions, where you can step in the footsteps of the men and women who made history and feel the significance of those first steps on the moon for you.
Taste Texas BBQ in Lockhart
Texas is world-famous for its barbecue, and no visit to the state is complete without a taste of this amazing cuisine. As a result, the place that is described as the “Barbecue Capital of Texas” should be on your itinerary.
Barbecue isn't just a way of cooking in Texas. It's a culinary tradition rooted in the state's history and heritage. Lockhart is where the best barbecue masters ply their trade, at places like Cruz Market, Black's, and Smitty's.
Tour the art districts of Dallas
Dallas rivals Austin and Houston as the most vibrant and exciting urban center in Texas, and while Austin may win in terms of sheer number of venues, Dallas' arts and cultural scene is hard to beat.
The Dallas Arts District is the largest arts district of its kind in the entire United States. From the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center to the Myerson Symphony Center and the Montgomery Arts Theater, the district is truly a great place for lovers of art, dance, performance and music.
Take a cruise through the scenic roads of the Hill Country.
The Texas Hill Country turns the traditional view of Texas into a landscape of vast open plains, rugged mountain ranges, and desert valleys, and replaces it with a stunning landscape of rolling hills, wildflowers, wineries, and picturesque small towns.
A drive through the Texas Hill Country allows you to enjoy the picturesque German heritage of Fredericksburg, the beautiful bluebonnet-covered trails of Willow City, and the rolling hills covered in vines on the road from Johnson City.
Fort Worth Rodeo Experience
Rodeo is at the heart of Texas’ character and heritage. Cowboys were a key element in the state’s founding, so a visit to Fort Worth, known as “Cow City,” to experience rodeo at its purest is a must.
Explore the Stockyards to see a cattle drive and visit the Cowboy Hall of Fame, then grab a ticket to the weekly Championship Rodeo to see the best in the business in action.
Wander the beaches of South Padre Island.
Another place that may not fit the stereotype of Texas is South Padre Island. This gorgeous barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico is a peaceful retreat from the Texas summer heat, with stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and an amazing array of wildlife to see, from sea turtles to dolphins.
Explore the Caves of Sonora
The ultimate adventure destination, the Caverns of Sonora are among the most fascinating subterranean cave systems in the world. Located between San Antonio and Big Bend, these stunning caves feature stunningly beautiful crystals and incredibly bizarre geological formations. Guided tours take you underground to learn about the geology and ancient history of these wonders.
10 Unforgettable Texas Experiences Wrapped Up
Texas is more than just a great vacation destination. A trip to the Lone Star State guarantees an unforgettable experience and a deeper understanding of what makes Texas so special, thanks to its wonderful blend of fun, excitement, and adventure. Exploring the state is essential to understanding the Texan way of life, and with everything from stunning scenery to delicious cuisine, amazing accommodations to adventurous activities, Texas has something for everyone.
About the author
Frankie is the person behind the blog Popsicle Stand. She writes about everything from vibrant city tours to pop culture, style, and female empowerment.
Hi! We’re Jen and Ed Coleman, aka Coleman Concierge. In short, we’re a Gen X couple from Huntsville sharing our stories of amazing adventures through transformative, experiential, activity-based travel.
