25 Best Places to Visit in Texas

The Lone Star State, renowned for its values of independence and self-sufficiency, is filled with locations showcasing a rugged, natural beauty that often evokes a sense of humility.

This compilation features some of the most remarkable sites, such as the second-largest canyon in the United States and the largest and most remote national park in the country. These destinations fulfill a fundamental human desire to connect with nature in its raw form, while also providing an opportunity for personal and familial exploration.

Texas boasts a vast array of landscapes, from humid bayous in the east to expansive sand dunes in the west, soaring plateaus in the north, and endless barrier islands in the south.

A softer aspect of Texas can also be discovered, with numerous springs and swimming holes offering reprieve during the summer months, exquisite botanical gardens, vibrant spring meadows teeming with wildflowers, and charming small towns filled with captivating stories.

Having been raised in Dallas, I am well-acquainted with the best places to explore in Texas, and I present to you the highlights:

1. Big Bend National Park

The journey begins at the largest and most remote national park in the United States.

Big Bend National Park is not frequented by many; it is a destination that requires careful planning rather than a spontaneous visit. This stark, otherworldly environment is conducive to meticulously organized adventures.

Activities may include hiking past unique rock formations to breathtaking vistas, observing migratory birds, admiring some of the darkest night skies available, traversing roads with challenging elevation changes, or kayaking through deep canyons along the Rio Grande.

For the adventurous, the rigorous South Rim Trail ascends 2,000 feet, rewarding hikers with desert views stretching for miles from the ridge.

2. Enchanted Rock

Rich in folklore, Enchanted Rock is a prominent batholith featuring a dome of pink granite, rising 425 feet above the terrain.

This formation ranks as the second-largest bedrock hill in the United States, and its historical significance is amplified by the fact that it was once one of many similar formations that were quarried for stone.

A prominent feature in Comanche, Apache, and Tonkawa myths, Enchanted Rock captures one’s attention, with much time spent admiring both the rock and the panoramic vistas it provides.

There are numerous additional rock formations to explore across more than 10 miles of trails.

3. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Often considered Texas’s response to the Grand Canyon, this stunning canyon is located just 25 miles from Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle, witnessing the Comanche’s last stand in 1874.

Characterized by high mesa walls, multi-hued rock layers, and towering hoodoos, this 800-foot deep canyon is an extraordinary result of water erosion spanning countless millennia.

Famed artist Georgia O’Keeffe was drawn to this site and produced several paintings of it between 1916 and 1918.

Accessibility is a highlight of Palo Duro Canyon State Park, featuring 16 miles of paved roads alongside 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails leading to major attractions.

The park’s signature feature is the Lighthouse Rock hoodoo, standing 300 feet tall and accessible via a three-mile trail from the park road.

4. Caddo Lake State Park

Located along the Texas-Louisiana border, the enigmatic Caddo Lake is a natural wetland created around a millennium ago by a massive logjam known as the Great Raft.

The lake is essentially a collection of channels, bays, and ponds, lined with tall bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. The local ecosystem supports a diverse variety of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, snakes, beavers, river otters, bobcats, and over 70 fish species.

Caddo Lake has been continuously inhabited for 12,000 years; upon the Spanish arrival in the 16th century, they encountered the well-established Caddoan society, which had developed advanced agricultural techniques.

The state park offers opportunities for fishing, paddling (rentals available), hiking on 2.5 miles of trails, camping, or staying in one of the park’s historic cabins built by the CCC during the Great Depression.

5. Colorado Bend State Park

If one location could encapsulate the essence of the Texas Hill Country, it would be Colorado Bend, situated a couple of hours northwest of Austin.

Spanning over 5,300 acres, this state park is characterized by its karst landscapes, featuring an array of caves, springs, and sinkholes.

Activities abound here, be it lounging in the clear waters of Spicewood Springs, touring a cave, or marveling at the stunning 70-foot Gorman Falls, the park’s crown jewel.

The terrain is notably diverse, with trails offering ascents to rugged outcroppings or descents to shaded creek beds.

Camping options are plentiful, ranging from traditional drive-up sites to hike-in areas, with the local wildlife including deer and armadillos freely roaming the grounds.

6. El Capitan

This striking natural formation showcases an ancient barrier reef from 290 million years ago, elevated by tectonic activity.

El Capitan’s towering limestone walls, along with the rest of the Guadalupe Mountain peaks, are remnants of the reef stripped of its softer sediment.

Only the most skilled climbers attempt the summit, while others can appreciate this monumental structure from a distance, either on a trail in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park or along U.S. Highway 62/180 from the southeast.

The best time to visit is early on a bright day when the sheer cliffs are bathed in sunlight.

7. Barton Springs Pool

An outdoor municipal pool may not typically be included among the most picturesque locations, yet Austin’s Barton Springs Pool is a unique exception.

This pool is an impounded section of Barton Creek, entirely fed by the fourth largest spring in the state.

The water temperature remains constantly between 68°F and 74°F year-round, allowing for swimming at any time, except on Thursdays when the pool is closed for maintenance.

The scene is captivating, with the shimmering waters, verdant banks of the creek, and the skyline of downtown Austin in the background, affirming Barton Springs Pool’s worthy inclusion on this list.

Also noteworthy is the Barton Springs salamander, a species endemic to this area. This unique creature was also highlighted in my compilation of the 55 Best Things to Do in Austin.

8. Monahans Sandhills State Park

Texas’s enormous scale is highlighted by the fact that on one side lies steaming bayous, while on the other, remarkably, one can encounter expansive sand dunes reminiscent of a desert.

This particular environment is classified as a unique semi-arid ecosystem, distinct from a true desert, and supports the shinoak shrub, whose extensive root systems penetrate the dunes to access groundwater located beneath.

No designated trails are available; instead, visitors are free to explore at will and can rent sand disks for exhilarating sledding down slopes reaching up to 70 feet.

9. Caverns of Sonora

The Caverns of Sonora, both majestic and isolated, are situated on the periphery of the Chihuahuan Desert, roughly equidistant between San Antonio and Big Bend National Park.

This limestone cave system stands apart due to its extraordinary array of calcite formations, which are both plentiful and intricate.

The helictites found within are amongst the finest globally, resembling delicate glasswork crafted by renowned artist Dale Chihuly.

A fascinating characteristic of these caverns is their ongoing geological activity, with 98% of the formations continuing to grow. The primary tour lasts just under two hours, covering two miles of chambers that descend to a depth of 155 feet.

10. Padre Island National Seashore

For those, like myself, who associate the name ‘Padre Island’ with popular resort destinations, the Padre Island National Seashore presents a stark contrast. Instead of holiday crowds, visitors encounter over 60 miles of unspoiled coastline on the world’s longest barrier island.

The seashore is so secluded that access is limited to four-wheel-drive vehicles only. Here, a pristine beachfront extends indefinitely, bordered by dunes, tidal flats, and the vast expanse of the Laguna Madre to the west.

This area evokes a sense of remoteness. It is a haven for birds, with 380 species identified on Padre Island, representing nearly half of all species recorded in North America.

The fall season is ideal for birdwatching, capturing both legendary migrations and the gathering of thousands of birds along the coastline.

11. Fredericksburg

The exit for Enchanted Rock also leads to one of Texas’s most picturesque small towns. Established by German immigrants in the mid-19th century, Fredericksburg still retains a slight German influence evident through its culinary offerings, place names, traditions, and architecture.

This town is excellently positioned amidst both stunning natural features and over 50 vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms just a short drive away, nestled on the gentle southern slopes of the Pedernales River.

The historic Main Street is a vibrant stretch adorned with unique specialty shops, galleries, tasting rooms, boutiques, and German restaurants.

Additionally, Fredericksburg is linked to Chester W. Nimitz, as it was his boyhood home, and houses one of the nation’s finest military museums focusing on the Pacific Theater’s history.

12. Hamilton Pool Preserve

Hamilton Pool Preserve is a classic day trip destination from Austin, featuring a natural pool encircled by cliffs that rise 50 feet high. This incredibly beautiful natural formation was created by the collapse of a subterranean river dome.

The result is a picturesque swimming spot, with Hamilton Creek cascading into the bowl as a waterfall.

While the waterfall’s flow varies with the seasons, the pool’s water level remains consistent.

As natural processes continue to shape Hamilton Pool, closures for swimming may occur when cliff stability is compromised.

The surrounding preserve possesses fascinating plant life, particularly in the rocky canyon areas, where stream orchids and the westernmost colony of red bay can be observed.

13. Franklin Mountains State Park

Esteemed writer Cormac McCarthy made El Paso his residence in the 1970s, and I find the Franklin Mountains, located at Texas’s far western edge, embody the high-desert backdrop characteristic of his renowned works.

Located just 15 minutes from downtown El Paso, this mountainous terrain is a constant feature of the city’s skyline, offering peace, sweeping views of the lowlands, and scenic isolation.

The region belongs to the Chihuahuan Desert, featuring slopes dotted with yucca, poppies, and barrel cactus, while oak, juniper, and cottonwood trees cluster around the mountain springs.

Prepare for taxing desert landscapes with over 100 miles of trails throughout this 37-square-mile wilderness.

14. Jefferson

Located west of Caddo Lake, this pre-Civil War town remains largely intact, preserved in the state it was in when it served as a principal riverport in Texas.

The charm of Jefferson’s brick-paved streets and elegant commercial structures, all marked with historical signs, cannot be overstated.

The town’s golden era spanned from 1845 to 1872, but navigation on the Big Cypress Bayou became impossible in 1875 due to a cleared downstream logjam that resulted in a lowered water level.

In Jefferson, easing into a slower pace is recommended, ideally beginning at a quaint bed & breakfast.

The local historical museum, housed in a Romanesque Revival courthouse and post office, features four floors of exhibits, including displays from the steamboat era and the Civil War.

15. Dallas Arboretum And Botanical Garden

Situated along the shores of White Rock Lake in East Dallas, the Dallas Arboretum, which first opened in 1984, offers a relatively recent yet stunning horticultural experience.

The arboretum is situated on the estate of Everette Lee DeGolyer (1886-1956), a geophysicist whose contributions significantly influenced the oil industry.

The Spanish Revival DeGolyer home (1938) coexists with around 20 distinct gardens, showcasing art, remarkable botany, and skilled landscape design.

As you wander the winding pathways, the arboretum feels like a series of miniature worlds. If there were an ideal time to visit, it would undoubtedly be early spring for the Dallas Blooms festival.

This festival is the largest annual floral event in the Southwest, featuring vibrant spring blooms ranging from tulips to azaleas, accompanied by various cultural events, activities for children, and seasonal celebrations.

16. Willow City Bluebonnets Loop

If you find yourself in Fredericksburg during early April, there is no better opportunity to witness the Texas state flower, the bluebonnet, in full bloom.

Just a few miles northeast of town, you will leave the serene rural landscape for a more rugged terrain of cliffs and deep canyons, offering expansive views.

A 13-mile ranch road meanders through this dramatic landscape, and in spring, the roadside meadows come alive with vibrant color.

After a wet winter, these fields are particularly breathtaking, adorned with diverse wildflowers, though it is the bluebonnets that draw the largest crowds.

A noteworthy tip is to visit during the weekdays, as weekends can be quite congested on the Willow City Loop.

17. Marfa

The small town of Marfa, nestled in the high desert of the Trans-Pecos region and three hours from El Paso, has transformed into a significant center for contemporary art and luxury tourism.

This transformation is primarily attributed to Donald Judd (1929-1994), the Minimalist artist who relocated from New York in the 1970s, acquiring numerous properties and over 30,000 acres of ranch land.

His legacy remains evident in Marfa’s museums, galleries, art installations, artisan shops, and the contemporary architecture throughout the town.

The Chinati Foundation, founded by Judd in 1986, serves as an excellent starting point, offering a museum that embodies Judd’s artistic philosophies and focuses on works closely integrated with their natural surroundings.

18. Big Thicket National Preserve

The diverse ecosystems of Southeast Texas intrigue me, as they represent a convergence of habitats from various regions across the United States.

This area serves as a crossroads, combining plant species from both the East Coast and Midwest. To protect this remarkable biodiversity, the National Park Service established one of the nation’s first two National Preserves here in 1974.

Comprising 15 units that span a total of 113,000 acres, the Big Thicket National Preserve offers a microcosm of American nature within one corner of Texas.

Visitors can paddle through the bayous where bald cypress trees thrive, observe carnivorous plants consuming insects in baygall bogs, or take a leisurely stroll through longleaf pine uplands. A visit to the Visitor Center in Kountze is an ideal first step to understanding the significance of Big Thicket.

19. Texas State Capitol

Overlooking downtown Austin from its elevated position, the Texas State Capitol stands among the finest state capitol buildings in the United States.

Exemplifying the essence of Texas, this structure combines grandeur with artistic design. It ranks as the sixth-tallest state capitol and boasts the most extensive floor space of any.

During the 1880s, a branch of the Austin and Northwestern Railroad was built to transport reddish granite from Marble Falls for the capitol’s construction.

Inside, visitors can marvel at the Great Seal in the Rotunda and the splendid star, installed in the dome 218 feet above the ground in 1958.

A collection of statues commemorates significant political figures in Texas, yet the crowning glory is the Goddess of Liberty atop the dome, which has been replicated since the original was installed in 1888 and is now housed in a dedicated museum on the capitol grounds.

20. Devils River State Natural Area

For those in search of true wilderness, the Devils River, a tributary of the Rio Grande, offers one of the most unspoiled environments in southwestern Texas.

This 37,000-acre natural area, located 60 miles north of Del Rio, features rugged terrain inhabited by mountain lions, black bears, rattlesnakes, and other wildlife.

Primitive camping is available, so it is crucial to plan thoroughly and bring all necessary supplies for several days of self-sufficient living.

With adequate preparation, visitors can paddle on the exceptionally clear waters of the river, where relatively few people dare to explore.

It is essential to be an experienced paddler; the river often features turbulent sections, including the wild Dolan Falls, recognized in my list of the best waterfalls in Texas.

21. Natural Bridge Caverns

In 1960, during an exploratory venture in the Texas Hill Country, four students from St. Mary’s University discovered a limestone cave system so vast that new passages continue to be uncovered even today.

Subsequently, one of the students left the program to assist the landowner in developing the caves for tourism, establishing Texas’s largest commercial caverns, still family-managed over 60 years later.

The basic Discovery Tour allows visitors to retrace the steps of the discoverers, guiding them through the expansive first chambers while highlighting the stunning formations with expert lighting.

Visitors are advised to dress appropriately for conditions, as the humidity remains at 99% with a constant temperature of 70°F underground.

The main attraction is the cave’s namesake—an impressive 60-foot natural bridge spanning the entrance, formed by the collapse of an ancient sinkhole.

22. Caprock Canyons State Park

For those captivated by the striking scenery of Palo Duro Canyon, Caprock Canyons offers an equally stunning vista reminiscent of a classic John Ford Western, situated just over an hour away.

Carved by the Little Red River, Caprock Canyons showcases steep cliffs and vivid layers of rock that represent different geological epochs.

Visitors can escape the hustle and bustle on over 90 miles of trails, some of which are more challenging. Among them is the Haynes Ridge Overlook Trail, which grants panoramic vistas of the canyons below.

The Texas State Bison Herd adds an additional layer of intrigue to Caprock Canyons, roaming freely across 10,000 acres of the state park.

23. Lost Maples State Natural Area

To experience the vibrant fall colors in Texas, Lost Maples State Natural Area is the premier destination, located approximately 70 miles from San Antonio.

This secluded area features a bigtooth maple forest, a remnant of the once sprawling expanses that thrived when the regional climate was cooler and more humid.

It is advisable to monitor autumn temperatures prior to a visit, as the most vivid reds often occur in drier years with cooler nights.

This 3,000-acre area offers a wealth of rugged limestone features, particularly along the Sabinal River, which is flanked by steep canyon walls.

24. Salado

Celebrated as quintessential small-town Texas, Salado emerged in the mid-19th century along the Chisholm Trail used for cattle drives.

The esteemed Stagecoach Inn (1852), regarded as the oldest continuously operating hotel in Texas (now known as Shady Villa Hotel), has stood since the time of the cattle drives.

Located less than an hour from Austin, Salado shares an artistic ambiance with its neighbor, fostering a vibrant community of artists.

The town offers experiences that can fill your days with art, from galleries and studios to visits by acclaimed artists. Noteworthy events to mark on your calendar include the Wildflower Arts & Crafts Festival in March and the Salado Art Fair in August.

25. Mission San José

As the largest of San Antonio’s missions and more than 300 years old, Mission San José is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and affectionately referred to as the Queen of the Missions.

Construction of this intricate church began in 1768 and served as the heart of a mission established for the conversion of the Coahuiltecan Native Americans. The mission’s beauty is evident in its weathered limestone walls contrasted by the striking Baroque carvings surrounding the entrance and the ornate rose window on the south facade.

The mission’s complex history is rich and complex, with many layers to uncover. Visitors are encouraged to start at the visitor center, which presents exhibits detailing life at the mission in the 18th century.

26. Port Aransas

Eco-tourism has significantly developed in Port Aransas, situated across the bay from Corpus Christi on Mustang Island.

This region has become a popular destination for birdwatchers, with numerous native and migratory species observed at six locations along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.

Prominent among them is the endangered whooping crane, which winters only on Mustang Island from November to March, celebrated during an annual festival held in February.

Port Aransas has long been a hotspot for paddling, including Redfish Bay, the first designated paddling trail on the Texas coast.

In summer, Port Aransas offers the simple pleasures of beach relaxation along its 18 miles of open sandy shoreline.

27. The Alamo

It would be remiss to exclude the most iconic landmark in Texas, which holds monumental significance as the site of a 13-day siege in 1836, where Mexican troops confronted rebel Texians.

While The Alamo is renowned as both a battleground and a rallying cry that catalyzed the formation of the Republic of Texas, it originally functioned as a mission, established in 1718.

The Baroque facade of the church remains the signature image of The Alamo, which has also served as a U.S. Army Quartermaster Depot.

Visitors can uncover over 300 years of history across four acres of grounds, featuring interpretive exhibits set within shaded subtropical gardens, framed by the weathered stone walls.

28. Jacob’s Well Natural Area

At the source of Cypress Creek in the Texas Hill Country lies a perennial karst spring enclosed by rocky cliffs.

The water flows through the bedrock, emerging from a dark, 12-foot pool that creates gentle ripples upon reaching the surface.

Jacob’s Well is deeper than it appears; the main cave descends approximately 30 feet, followed by a series of chambers reaching an average depth of about 120 feet.

Its alluring waters are particularly inviting on hot summer days, with swimming typically permitted from May to September.

Given the fragility of this natural site, it’s worth noting that the spring has ceased flowing multiple times since 2000 due to reductions in the Trinity Aquifer resulting from regional development.

29. Zilker Botanical Garden

Two of my selected highlights are conveniently located within walking distance of each other. Just a short distance from Barton Springs Pool lies another of Texas’s premier botanical destinations: Zilker Botanical Garden.

This garden is often referred to as the “jewel in the heart of Austin,” set on a picturesque hillside dotted with majestic live oaks and offering views of the city skyline.

Meandering pathways connect a variety of themed gardens, such as the Hartman Prehistoric Garden, replicating a lush Cretaceous environment, and the Taniguchi Japanese Garden, featuring koi-filled ponds.

Visitors can take advantage of numerous shaded areas to pause or bask on the manicured lawns.

30. Medina River Natural Area

I conclude with a lesser-known gem: the Medina River Natural Area, which spans over 500 acres of idyllic riparian landscapes along the Medina River, located on the southern outskirts of San Antonio.

Accessible just 20 minutes from downtown San Antonio, this natural area is noteworthy for its diverse plant life.

The riverfront features venerable bald cypress and pecan trees, while the upland areas flourish with honey mesquite, cacti, and beautiful wildflowers each spring.

Exercise caution for snakes and poison ivy, although abundant signage informs visitors of any potential hazards.

Currently, water activities are prohibited here; for a paddling experience on the Medina River, it is advisable to head to Bandera, where the waters are remarkably clear.