Things To Do In Texas
The Wonder of Nature
Texas is home to some truly gorgeous landscape features, as well as many species of flora and fauna. If you are looking for a state that encompasses the beauty of the natural world, then you have come to the right place.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Situated near the western tip of the state that points toward the Pacific Ocean, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a must-see for admirers of natural landscape wonders. The highest point of Texas boasts incredible rock formations, diverse hiking and biking trails, incredible views, and opportunities for backpacking. The marvel that is Guadalupe Mountains National Park should be on your Texas bucket list.
Big Bend National Park
If you want to witness the power of the Rio Grande River and feel truly isolated from civilization, then Big Bend National Park should be your next stop in western Texas. This region displays an incredible limestone canyon carved by the river over the course of millennia, as well as the Chisos mountain range and various species of flora and fauna to admire. Don’t have the time to plan a day’s visit? There are plenty of scenic drives through Big Bend National Park that will feature amazing views of the landscape and satisfy your passion for the natural world.
Colorado Bend State Park
Head to the Texas Hill Country region to locate the Colorado Bend State Park, an area full of natural sinkholes, caves, and springs. Hiking trails to Gorman Falls, tent camping, and cave tours are just a few of the activities that you can engage in at this park in the Texas Hill Country.
Natural Bridge Caverns
If you find yourself near San Antonio during your trip, then you need to add Natural Bridge Caverns to your itinerary. You can explore two distinct cave systems that are absolutely spectacular with a hidden passages tour. Marvel at the glittering stalactites and stalagmites that protrude from the cave’s ceiling and floor. The whole family can enjoy the experience with chances to pan for gems and make your way through a 5,000-square-foot outdoor maze. Natural Bridge Caverns will wow even the youngest member of the family, so don’t skip out on this miniature wonder in Texas.
Padre Island National Seashore
Are you passionate about the preservation of nature? You will fall in love with Padre Island National Seashore. This 66-mile stretch of undeveloped barrier island is the longest of its kind in the entire world. Beautiful dunes, prairies, and wind-tidal flats make North Padre Island a must-visit. Maybe you’ll get to see some sea turtles or one of the 380+ species of birds in the area. You can kayak along the laguna and even camp overnight. Head to South Padre Island nearby to find some gorgeous beaches and more recreational opportunities.
Dripping Springs
This lovely little town not far from Austin has several notable locations that will make any nature-lover happy. Hamilton Pool is one of the most well-known water holes in Texas, with the Hamilton Creek pouring over limestone to a 50-foot waterfall into the pool. Swimmers have enjoyed Hamilton Pool for decades, and you could join the ranks of visitors who have enjoyed its waters. You’ll also find Pedernales Falls State Park nearby for some more watery views to check out.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
If you love some good old-fashioned greenery preserved in a man-made garden, then head to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. This attraction allows visitors to learn the importance of art and horticulture, with educational programs available to discover more. The life science laboratory at Dallas Arboretum continues to research all things horticulture to continue this important element of preservation and discovery.
Texas State Aquarium
In Corpus Christi, TX, you can find the incredible Texas State Aquarium, where marine life from the Gulf of Mexico is studied and protected. The diverse species of the area represent the beauty and the possibilities of the natural world, so come to Corpus Christi and check out this incredible non-profit facility that seeks to promote environmental conservation.
Family Fun
Are you looking for attractions in Texas that the whole family can enjoy? Those young children need to be entertained and have their imaginations stimulated to create a memorable experience of the lone star state.
From family events to the planetarium to a butterfly center, the Houston Museum of Natural Science may have everything you are looking for. Explore Egyptian history with King Tut’s Tomb Discovery Experience, or bring the kids to HMNS at Sugar Land for an interactive science exhibit. This natural history museum is a bastion of education and interactive experiences.
Moody Gardens
If you want a leisure vacation experience to remember, then Moody Gardens in Galveston, TX is the place to be. This hotel, spa, and convention center features numerous attractions on location at the resort, including an aquarium, 3D/4D theaters, a rainforest pyramid, a discovery center, and even animal encounters. Relax by the pool, enjoy beautiful suites, and make the most of your family vacation with a stay at Moody Gardens. There are plenty of amenities to make the trip memorable for each member of the family.
Sixth Floor Museum
One of the most significant historical figures in the United States is John F. Kennedy. The Sixth Floor Museum commemorates his legacy and the tragic assassination that shook the country. The whole family can learn more about the impact of this historical event at the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas, TX. Check out the visitor center to see what other floors in the museum can teach you about the Kennedy legacy with a guided tour.
Space Center Houston
“Houston, we have a problem!” Sorry, it had to be done. The final frontier represents so much of what we don’t yet understand about the universe. The incredible human feat of space exploration may seem like just another accomplishment for mankind, but Space Center Houston will remind the whole family how crazy this legacy truly is. Plenty of interactive exhibits, tours, and getting to meet real scientists and astronauts make this attraction incredibly exciting for families. You can even look at real moon rocks preserved in a pure nitrogen environment. Your kids will never forget this national museum experience, so make sure it is part of your Texas trip plans.
Texas State Fair
If you find yourself here in late September or during October, then you can truly immerse yourself in Texan culture by heading to the Texas State Fair. A nearly month-long celebration of agriculture, community, and entertainment, the Texas State Fair will feature country music, a mini theme park, exhibits about Texas history, and delicious food and drink. This event is truly one of the most fun things to do in the state, and you can find the fairgrounds in Dallas.
Amusement Parks
If you just want to find a theme park in Texas to spend the day and tire out the kids, there are a ton of options. Six Flags parks are found in both Arlington and Fiesta. There is also the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. If you are looking for a park that is focused on accessibility, head to Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio. The oldest children’s amusement park in the country was built in 1925 and is known as Kiddie Park. Other amusement parks include Hurricane Harbor Splashtown, Kemah Boardwalk, Typhoon Texas Water Park (great for escaping the Texas heat), and Joyland Amusement Park.
Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge
Okay, bridges are cool and all, but how is that going to entertain a twelve-year-old? Because Congress Avenue Bridge has something that no other bridges in the world can claim; the largest urban bat colony on the planet. That’s right, this often-used bridge in the heart of Austin is the home of 750,000 to 1.5 million bats each summer. This colony has been preserved and is the largest of its kind in an urban environment in the whole world. The key is to know when to visit. Almost every dusk during the summer period, the bats fly out and head east to feed before returning to roost under the road deck of the bridge. Plan your trip so that it heads through Austin in the evening during the summer so you can witness this marvelous and surreal event. This strange juxtaposition of the instincts of an animal and the backdrop of a thriving city is pretty crazy to witness in person.
Sports
Texas is a large state with a vast population and multiple dense population centers. This means that there are plenty of teams to support for sports fans. From baseball to basketball to football to hockey, you can enjoy the thrill of live sports throughout the state at various arenas.
Dallas Cowboys
The pride and joy of many Texas football fans is the Dallas Cowboys NFL team. This historic franchise became known as “America’s team” after winning two Super Bowls in the 1970s under head coach Tom Landry. There is no bigger sport in Texas than football, at both the professional, collegiate, and youth level. If you want to join thousands of fans screaming in support of the Cowboys, then head to the AT&T Stadium for a live sporting event that you will never forget.
FC Dallas
Sticking with the city of Dallas, maybe American football is not your jam. But perhaps you are a fan of the world’s most popular sport. Soccer, (or football if you want to really display your fandom), has multiple teams to support in this state, including FC Dallas. If you are here for a visit and want to check out a Major League Soccer team, you can witness them play in Frisco, TX. Come enjoy the beautiful game and support a sport that is a little bit younger in this country but may be catching up quickly with the rest of the world.
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball franchise playing in the NBA. Even if you know nothing about basketball, perhaps you are a fan of the TV show “Shark Tank” which stars the owner of this franchise, Mark Cuban. With one NBA championship in 2011, thanks to international star Dirk Nowitzki, this franchise has been a playoff contender more often than not in the last decade. Make sure you don some blue before heading to the game so that you don’t accidentally support the away team. You never know what loyal Mavericks fans might decide to throw some popcorn at you if their team is losing.
Dallas Stars
Want to see a bunch of well-padded athletes slamming into each other while on ice skates? Then you’ll probably want to head to the American Airlines Center for a Dallas Stars hockey game. Hockey is another major sport in the United States with the National Hockey League running its regular season from October to April. You’ll be amazed at the athleticism of the players as well as their technical skills controlling the puck, all while flying around the ice at speeds that far exceed the fastest sprinters in the world. Traveling is all about gaining new experiences, and maybe now is the time to try out a new sport. Hockey games can be one of the most fast-paced and exciting live sporting events that you could witness, so head to a Dallas Stars game to get a taste of this intense sport. Maybe you will even become a lifelong fan.
Austin FC
One of the youngest professional sports franchises in the country is Austin FC. This MLS team just started playing in 2021 and features one of the most lively fan experiences in the league. Soccer is incredibly popular in Austin, and you are sure to witness a huge wave of green if you head to one of these games. Be part of the young history of this franchise by attending a high-energy match this MLS season. Just be ready for the stadium to get extremely loud if the home team scores a goal.
Houston Astros
Take me out to the ball game! That’s what you might be thinking as a baseball fan traveling through this massive state with multiple MLB teams to support. If you find yourself in Houston, then there is only one team that you will need to check out to get a great baseball experience during your trip; the Houston Astros. Whether you want to see a spring training session or you are here during the regular season and would love to witness a game, the Astros are the perfect solution for your live sport viewing needs.
Houston Texans
Perhaps your Texas trip is taking you closer to the Gulf of Mexico than the northeastern region of the state, but you still want to enjoy one of the most popular sports in the United States. Maybe you just love the idea of sitting in a stadium that is full of energetic fans watching some of the most athletic individuals compete against each other. Well, the Dallas Cowboys are not the only NFL franchise around. If you are in the Houston area and don’t mind navigating large crowds on a Sunday, then you can head to Nissan Stadium to watch an opponent take on the Houston Texans.
College Football
As mentioned before, college football in Texas can be just as big as NFL games. From the Texas Longhorns of Austin to the TCU Horned Frogs of Fort Worth to the Red Raiders of Texas Tech to the Aggies at A&M, there are plenty of storied universities with football teams that compete with the best in the nation. From late August to December, look for any big-name universities near your location and you will be likely to find a big game or two with tens of thousands of screaming fans to keep you company.
Texas Rangers
Another MLB team that you can support is in Arlington, TX. The Texas Rangers play at Globe Life Field from early spring to mid-fall. That means there are plenty of opportunities to attend a home game during the season if your travels bring you close to Arlington.
San Antonio Spurs
One of the winningest franchises in NBA history is the San Antonio Spurs. A dominant stretch of five championships in 15 years made this team a top attraction for both local and visiting fans who found themselves in the southern parts of the state. This historic NBA franchise has plenty of games to choose from between October and May, so check out some basketball on your journey through the state.
College Baseball
Maybe you are a baseball fan but would rather support some college teams or a local hospital. Many college baseball team matchups benefit the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. Games often happen at Minute Maid Park in Houston, TX, so check out one of these events at that stadium featuring various Texas college teams like TCU, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech.
Unique Locations
If you want to plan your trip around visiting a few locations that have a lot to offer, then this section will lay out a few interesting options for your itinerary.
Fort Worth
As has already been mentioned a few times, there are quite a few things to do in this city not far from Dallas. The Zoo has already been mentioned, but you can’t miss out on the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. If you really want to embed yourself in western culture, then this is the attraction for you. Brick walkways, wooden corrals, and a western-style backdrop make the Fort Worth Stockyards worth a visit. Plus, nowhere else in the world can you witness a cattle drive twice a day. Immerse yourself in the history of the livestock industry by visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards.
You can also check out one of the many stock shows and rodeo tournaments at Dickies Arena in this city if you have a hankering for a lively western event.
San Antonio
Along with all the events and attractions mentioned previously, there are many other reasons to visit the city of San Antonio. Here are a few other places and activities that you should include in your plans.
San Antonio River Walk
Billed as the top attraction in the entire state, the San Antonio River Walk combines entertainment, dining, beautiful decorations for every season, parades, markets, shops, recreational spots, and plenty of trees along a 15-mile stretch of the San Antonio River. Travelers and locals of every personality can find something to love along the San Antonio River Walk, so it is extremely easy to take an entire day exploring the various stores, sights, and activities that are available along this stretch.
The Alamo
San Antonio is also the home of the historic Alamo. site of the famous 13-day battle during the Texas War for Independence from Mexico, this structure is part museum and part historical fortress. Learn more about the history of this former Spanish mission compound with a visit during your stay in San Antonio.
Various Museums to Know About
Texas is a big state with a lot of history and a unique culture, which means there is a lot to learn about it. There are many museums that could draw the interest of history buffs, lovers of art, or just curious minds that want to know more about the world.
Pacific War Museum
In central Texas, you will find the city of Fredericksburg, home to the Pacific War Museum. This national museum can teach you all about World War II, specifically the Asian-Pacific theater. The Pearl Harbor attack on December 7th, 1941 kicked off the United States of America’s entrance into World War II, and this museum can expand your knowledge of the history of this brutal conflict around the Pacific theater.
Dallas Museum of Art
If you are a connoisseur of the arts, then you should head to the Dallas Museum of Art. As one of the ten largest facilities of its kind in the United States, the Dallas Museum of Art contains over 24,000 works spanning 5,000 years of history. That is a lot of insight into cultures around the world.
Corpus Christi
Along with the massive aquarium and North and South Padre Island, Corpus Christi has many other attractions to offer visitors. You can visit a WWII aircraft carrier and museum called the USS Lexington. The South Texas Botanical Garden and Nature Center is another must-see for lovers of horticulture. The beautiful Corpus Christi Bay provides the perfect backdrop for this seaside town with plenty of fun things to do in the area.
The Toyota Center in Houston
If you are looking for live events at an updated indoor stadium, then the Toyota Center in Houston may have what you seek. From concerts to stand-up comedians to Houston Rockets games, there are plenty of events throughout the year that could appeal to your tastes. Plan your travels through this city and see what is coming up at this incredible live entertainment venue.]
Why Texas?
The real question is “why not Texas?”. There is so much fun stuff to do in this massive state, whether you are a fan of history, art, sports, wildlife, exploration, or western culture in general. Even people who love to learn about the government can visit places like the Dallas County Administration Building or the Texas State Capitol.
Texas has something for everyone. You can immerse yourself in the natural landscape of the state at Big Bend National Park or the Natural Bridge Caverns. Head to west Texas to explore the Guadalupe Mountains at another national park. Relax by the pool or by floating gently along the lazy river at Moody Gardens. Better yet, head to a natural swimming area like Hamilton Pool and let the water drip down on you from 50 feet up. Experience a full day of excitement at the Texas State Fair in October. If you want a little bit of everything, you can visit the San Antonio River Walk for one of the best attractions in the entire state. Discover the history of humanity by admiring the various art exhibits across world cultures at the Dallas Museum of Art. Or take in a unique piece of Texas history by checking out the Sixth Floor Museum or the Alamo.
Once you start to explore the state, you’ll discover how many amazing places and activities there are to enjoy. when planning your trip through Texas, make sure you have a plan that will help you make the most of the experience. After all, the state itself is huge, which means it is impossible to visit every site in one trip. It may not be possible even for residents to discover all that the state has to offer with such a vast array of locations.
Hopefully, this guide has given you some insight into getting a full experience of the state of Texas. Whether it is the Hamilton Pool in Dripping Springs, the River Walk in San Antonio, the Texas State Capitol, one of the many museums, or a gorgeous national park, your trip is certain to bring you into contact with some truly memorable places. Come visit the lone star state whenever you get a chance and you will see why people say everything is bigger in Texas.