Texas is one of the most iconic, unmissable, and recognizable destinations in the US. Famous for its vast, endless skies and epic landscapes as well as its proud traditions and rich, vibrant culture, it is a larger-than-life place and one of the best places to visit in the country.
Texas pretty much has it all. From dynamic metropolises like Houston, Dallas, and Austin to stunning natural beauty, it is hard to think of a place that offers so much variety. Where else can you explore beaches, deserts, and mountains, alongside cosmopolitan culture and exciting, cutting-edge nightlife? There are so many awesome things to do and places to stay that it can be hard to work out where to start!
So if you are sailing from Galveston on a cruise adventure or setting off on a southern road trip this summer, here are the top 10 unforgettable experiences every trailer should try on a visit to Texas.
Explore the Alamo in San Antonio
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The Alamo is one of the most important historic sites in Texas, if not the whole US, and is an iconic symbol of the struggle for independence from Mexico.
The Alamo is a historic Spanish mission and fortress in San Antonio and was the site of one of the most significant battles in the Texas Revolution of 1836, a last stand that has resonated down the ages and remains a fundamental aspect of the Texas character to this day.
Here, legendary figures like Davy Crockett and James Bowie held out for 13 days against the Mexican army before falling and being brutally slaughtered. This defiance in the face of insurmountable odds inspired an influx of Texians and Tejanos to join the Texan army and ultimately defeat the Mexicans and form the new Republic of Texas.
These days the Alamo is a museum and historical site, with guided tours and reenactments to bring this vivid story to life.
Experience the Vibrancy of Austin’s Live Music Scene
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Austin is one of the best places on Planet Earth to see gigs and concerts, described as the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’. For music lovers, visiting the Lone Star State is a must.
With over 250 live music venues, the variety of shows in Austin is truly staggering. Whatever you taste or style, you’ll find something to enjoy, from hard blues and rock at Antone’s to indie and grunge and Mohawk. It is also home to two of the finest music festivals in the world, in the shape of South by Southwest and Austin City Limits.
Discover the Natural Beauty of Big Bend National Park
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Big Bend National Park is one of the natural icons of Texas and one of the most interesting and exciting national parks in the country. Located in West Texas, it has a huge variety of ecosystems from deserts and mountains to rivers and canyons, and is a wonderful place to explore the beauty of the great outdoors. The majestic Rio Grande flows through the heart of Big Bend and provides ample opportunities for rafting and kayaking, as well as offering great views along the hiking trails. A particular highlight for adventurous travelers is the chance to spend a magical night under canvas on a camping trip, as the dark skies of the reserve make it one of the best places in the US for stargazing!
Visit the Space Center Houston
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While Cape Canaveral in Florida might be the more famous space travel destination, the Space Center in Houston is the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center and is an incredible place to explore for anyone fascinated by the mysteries of the cosmos.
There are some fascinating exhibitions and artifacts on display delving into the history of space exploration, including some of the most famous spacecraft, the simulators the astronauts trained on before their missions, and even a replica of the International Space Station! But the most exciting part of the center is Mission Control, the actual mission control room used during the Apollo missions, where you can stand in the footsteps of the men and women who made history and feel the importance and significance of those first steps on the moon for yourself.
Savor Texas BBQ in Lockhart
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Texas barbecue is renowned the world over, and no visit to the state is complete without a comprehensive sampling of this larger-than-life cuisine. As a result, somewhere described as the ‘Barbecue Capital of Texas’ has to be on your itinerary.
BBQ is more than just a way of cooking in Texas. It is a culinary tradition with its roots in the state’s history and heritage. The town of Lockhart is where the best pit masters ply their trade, at joints like Kreuz Market, Black’s, and Smitty’s.
Roam the Art Districts of Dallas
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Dallas rivals Austin and Houston as the liveliest and most exciting urban center of Texas, and while Austin might win out in terms of the sheer number of venues, the arts and cultural scene of Dallas is hard to beat.
The Dallas Arts District is the largest of its kind in the entire US. From the Dallas Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center to the Meyerson Symphony Center and the Montgomery Arts Theater, it is a truly spectacular spot for art, dance, performance, and music lovers to explore.
Cruise the Scenic Byways of Hill Country
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Texas Hill Country upends the traditional view of Texas, of vast open plains, craggy mountain ranges, and desert canyons, and replaces it with a charming landscape of rolling hills, wildflowers, wineries, and picturesque small towns.
A drive through Texas Hill Country lets you take in the quaint 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.
Experience the Rodeo in Fort Worth
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Rodeo is at the heart of Texas’s character and heritage. Cowboys were fundamental to the founding of the state, so a visit to Fort Worth, known as ‘Cowtown’, to experience rodeo in its purest form, is a must.
Explore the Stockyards to see cattle drives and visit the Cowboy Hall of Fame, then grab a ticket for the weekly Championship Rodeo to see the best in the business doing their thing.
Wander the Beaches of South Padre Island
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Another place to visit that might not sync up with stereotypical images of Texas is South Padre Island. This gorgeous barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico is a serene escape from the heat of a Texas summer, with stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a delightful variety of wildlife to see from sea turtles to dolphins.
Explore the Caverns of Sonora
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A final destination for adventure lovers, the Caverns of Sonora are some of the most spectacular underground cave systems in the world. Located between San Antonio and Big Bend, these amazing caves boast startlingly beautiful crystals and brilliantly bizarre geological formations. Guided tours take you beneath the ground to learn about the geology and ancient history of these wonders.
Wrapping Up 10 Unforgettable Texas Experiences
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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 such a special place, thanks to its remarkable combination of fun, excitement, and adventure. Exploring the state is crucial to understanding the Texan way of life, and with everything from breathtaking scenery to mouthwatering culinary delights, amazing accommodations to adventurous activities, Texas has something for everyone.
About the Author
Photo Credit: Frankie Girl.
Frankie is the personality behind Popsicle Stand. She writes on everything from vibrant city tours to pop culture, style, and empowerment.