Top 25 Must-Experience Attractions in Texas

Texas is a state that occupies an area larger than many nations. It encompasses a landmass greater than that of the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium combined, featuring 367 miles of coastline and three mountain ranges exceeding 7,000 feet in elevation.

The Lone Star State extends from vibrant city lights to arid desert canyons, offering visitors opportunities to partake in countless festivals in San Antonio or trek along the Rio Grande’s renowned “Big Bend.”

The state’s history is rich, providing a wealth of knowledge, while the present invites a myriad of experiences.

This compilation of activities in Texas could be extensive, focusing solely on walking routes, museums, or culinary delights. Nevertheless, I have endeavored to curate a diverse selection that encapsulates the best of culture, history, and natural beauty found within the vast expanses of Texas. Here are the top attractions in Texas:

1. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

The Sixth Floor Museum is situated on the sixth floor of the Dallas County Administration Building in downtown Dallas.

It features numerous exhibits that narrate the story of John F. Kennedy’s life, legacy, and assassination.

Visitors to the museum can explore artifacts, photographs, and firsthand accounts.

The collection of the museum is continually growing and currently includes approximately 45,000 items.

2. Six Flags Over Texas

Occupying 213 acres in Arlington, Texas, this amusement park is the state’s largest.

Moreover, it is one of Texas’ most sought-after attractions, housing the famous Batman The Ride.

There are activities suitable for all ages, including live performances that celebrate Texas’ country music heritage.

Throughout the year, the park organizes several notable events that merit attention.

3. The Alamo

Located on the outskirts of San Antonio, The Alamo is one of the most significant historic structures in the United States.

Constructed by Franciscans in 1744, it was converted into a fort by 1834.

The Alamo gained fame when a small contingent defended their position during the Texan War of Independence against a Mexican force of approximately 3,000 soldiers.

Today, the site attracts over two million annual visitors who come to pay respects at the memorial honoring fallen Texans and to explore the building’s interior.

4. Houston Space Centre

Another contender for Texas’ most visited tourist destination is the Houston Space Centre.

This center houses Mission Control, where NASA oversees its manned spaceflights.

Visitors to the Space Centre can enjoy a wide range of artifacts, including items from the Apollo and Mercury missions, and have the opportunity to don astronaut attire.

5. San Antonio River Walk

This charming pathway along the San Antonio River extends for several miles, leading visitors through the city center, showcasing some of the finest dining establishments, shops, and hotels.

Experiencing the walk both during the day and at night is highly recommended.

Situated below street level, it offers a distinctive perspective of San Antonio for both locals and tourists.

6. Big Bend National Park

The name of this national park derives from the significant bend in the Rio Grande River on which it is situated.

The park encompasses elevations ranging from 1,870 feet to 7,875 feet, creating a diverse environment for wildlife, including bald eagles and more than 1,000 species of plants.

Within the park, visitors can explore over 200 miles of hiking trails and visit the park’s three magnificent canyons: Mariscal, Boquillas, and Santa Elena.

Additionally, river excursions are available, providing a unique vantage point of the area’s stunning and rugged landscape.

7. Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Some of the most breathtaking desert landscapes are located within Guadalupe Mountains National Park, approximately 100 miles west of El Paso.

Despite its seemingly inhospitable terrain, the park supports a vast array of wildlife along with several lush woodlands and natural hot springs.

The visitor center in Pine Springs provides excellent resources for information on the park’s hiking and biking trails.

8. Padre Island National Seashore

This unspoiled barrier island is the longest in the world, stretching 70 miles from end to end.

Its 130,000 acres of beaches and grasslands provide habitats for endangered animals, such as sea turtles, and countless birds. It has become a notable destination for birdwatchers, as the island serves as a stopover for over 350 species of migratory birds.

Padre Island is equipped with an informative visitor center that offers valuable insights into the local wildlife and available trails.

9. The Texas State Capitol

This edifice, situated on 22 acres of land in Austin, was completed in 1888 and is over 300 feet in height.

Guided tours are available, providing insight into various monuments, including those dedicated to veterans of the Vietnam War, as well as information about the history and functions of the building, both past and present.

In the evening, thousands of bats emerge from under the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge.

10. The Fort Worth Stockyards

Founded in 1866, this area derives its name from the cattle industry, which facilitated the logistics, administration, and transport of cattle across the United States.

The facility is among the last of its kind in the nation and currently features various attractions, including rodeos, concerts, and shopping in a Wild West theme.

The stockyards also offer access to several exhibits that detail its history and the significant role it played in the nation’s development.

11. The Moody Gardens and Aquarium

The Moody Gardens is one of Galveston’s premier attractions, featuring three remarkable glass pyramids.

The Rainforest, Discovery, and Aquarium pyramids each offer distinct themes for visitors to appreciate.

Inside the Rainforest pyramid, guests will encounter a diverse range of plants and wildlife from tropical environments.

The Discovery Pyramid offers an interactive experience with various science exhibits, while the Aquarium Pyramid houses one of Texas’ largest aquariums, showcasing an array of marine species from the world’s oceans.

12. Natural Bridge Caverns

This impressive subterranean network features over 10,000 distinct stalactite formations and is the largest publicly accessible cave in the United States.

The caverns are located a short distance from San Antonio, offering guided tours along with attractions such as the lantern tour, allowing visitors to experience the cave as its original discoverers did many years ago.

Above ground, various activities are available, including an open-air maze and treetop canopy challenge.

13. The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum

This drilling rig and museum provide insightful perspectives on the crucial oil industry within the Gulf of Mexico.

Located just a short stroll from Downtown Galveston, it offers visitors a close-up look at the equipment used for oil drilling, as well as explanations on the extraction process.

14. Dallas Museum of Art

Established in 1903, the Dallas Museum of Art houses over 24,000 pieces of art from around the world.

As one of the largest art galleries in the United States, it is located in the Arts District of Downtown Dallas. Its exhibitions span from historical European art to contemporary works. Entry to the museum is free of charge.

15. Barbecued Food

A trip to Texas would be incomplete without indulging in some of the region’s renowned culinary offerings.

Barbecue brisket stands out as one of the state’s signature dishes, featuring a slow-cooked preparation over wood that enhances its unique flavor.

Numerous culinary enthusiasts debate which cut of meat and spice rubs yield the best results, but universally, the final product is an unmatched culinary delight.

16. Hamilton Pool

On a warm day (which is frequent in Texas), there is no better place to refresh than in a natural swimming hole.

Arguably the most stunning of these is Hamilton Pool, a breathtaking oasis fed by Hamilton Creek, cascading from an elevation of 50 feet.

Occasionally, the pool may close due to weather conditions, and it is advisable to remember to bring a towel and sunscreen.

17. Bullock Texas State History Museum

Situated in Austin, Texas, this museum, overseen by the Texas State Preservation Board, has a clear mission: to narrate “the Story of Texas.”

Founded by Texan Bob Bullock, the museum houses a multitude of artifacts from the state’s past, alongside an interactive historical timeline.

Additionally, the museum hosts several special events and exhibits throughout the year and features a modern IMAX cinema.

18. Dallas Zoo

Located within Marsalis Park, just 3 miles south of Downtown Dallas, the Dallas Zoo spans 106 acres. Established in 1888, it is the oldest and largest zoo in Texas and operates as a non-profit attraction managed by the Dallas Zoological Society.

The zoo hosts more than 2,000 animals and is particularly renowned for its child-friendly area and African-themed enclosures, which are observed from a monorail.

19. Texas State Fair

If planning a visit to Texas in the autumn, attending the state fair, which occurs for three weeks in Houston, is an event not to be missed.

Hosted on the expansive 277 acres of Fair Park, this gathering attracts over three million visitors annually.

Since 1952, the towering 52-foot mechanical cowboy, Big Tex, has welcomed guests. A wealth of entertainment is offered, encompassing puppet shows and military parades.

Visitors can enjoy an array of delectable Texan cuisine and live music performances.

Fair Park is also home to nine museums, including the African American Museum and the Age of Steam Museum.

20. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

This national park conserves four of the five Spanish Frontier missions located in San Antonio. During the early 1700s, South Texas faced threats from Apache attacks, disease, and drought.

The only means of survival for settlers lay in the missions, which required them to surrender their traditional lifestyles and adopt Spanish customs, including a new religion and fealty to a distant king.

Today, the missions offer an opportunity to learn about history through exhibits and reenactments that illuminate this significant era.

21. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

The Dallas Arboretum encompasses 66 acres of land in East Dallas, featuring extensive flower beds, manicured lawns, and lush trees.

The gardens showcase more than 2,400 varieties of azaleas.

The property also includes the splendid DeGolyer Mansion, a stunning Spanish-style hacienda commissioned by oil magnate Everett DeGolyer in 1940.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden hosts a variety of events and festivals, including live music throughout the seasons.

22. Nasher Sculpture Centre

The Nasher Sculpture Centre is located directly across from the Dallas Museum of Art and encompasses 55,000 square feet dedicated to sculptures.

Curated by Raymond Nasher and his wife Nancy, this collection is regarded as one of the most remarkable assemblages of modern and contemporary sculptures globally.

Featuring over 300 notable works from artists such as Rodin and Picasso, the collection is complemented by an additional twenty-five sculptures scatter throughout the lush 1.4-acre garden surrounding the facility.

23. Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Although the newest addition to Dallas’ cultural scene, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science offers an impressive range of attractions.

It integrates three renowned entities: The Science Place, the Dallas Museum of Natural History, and the Dallas Children’s Museum.

Conveniently located near the Arts District between Downtown and Uptown, it opened its doors on December 1, 2012.

The museum presents a wide variety of exhibits and attractions, including an IMAX theater, a one-acre science park with interactive installations, and a Texas-inspired landscape design.

24. Haunted Mayfield Manor

Nestled within the historic shopping district of The Pleasure Pier in Galveston, Haunted Mayfield Manor features twelve rooms of horror guaranteed to elicit screams.

In addition to its thrilling experiences, the manor also imparts some historical context about the area.

Occasionally, paranormal investigations are conducted in Mayfield Manor, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to engage in supernatural explorations.

25. The Pleasure Pier

After the destruction caused by Hurricane Ike, local residents of Galveston redeveloped this pier to evoke the nostalgic charm of classic boardwalk amusements.

A wristband grants unlimited access to 16 attractions, including The Pirate’s Plunge, which is a perfect way to cool off on a hot Texas day, and the towering 200-foot Texas Star swing.

At night, the pier transforms into a dazzling display of lights, often accompanied by live music performances.