When you consider everything that Texas has to offer, it’s simple to see why the Lone Star State is so popular with tourists. As they say, “everything is bigger in Texas.” Beautiful scenery, important historical sites, a wide variety of museums, immaculate city parks, suburban retail hotspots, delectable BBQ, and more can all be found in Texas. In order to determine the top tourist destinations in Texas, U.S. News considered both expert research and traveler feedback. Do you want to express your thoughts? Remember to cast your vote below to influence the list for the following year.
Big Bend National Park
This U.S.-Mexico border national park welcomes over 500,000 visitors each year who want to spend time in nature. In addition to more than 150 miles of hiking trails, Big Bend National Park boasts hundreds of miles of paved and dirt roads for picturesque driving. Keep a look out for the 450 bird species and 75 mammal species that inhabit the park as you explore its portions of the Chihuahuan Desert, the Chisos Mountains, and the Rio Grande. Discover why Big Bend is one of the top dark sky parks in the nation by camping (or glamping) at night under the stars.
Texas Hill Country
This region, which spans more than 11 million acres in central Texas, is renowned for its picturesque little towns, natural wonders, and undulating terrain. In addition to the character-rich stores and eateries in slow-moving Wimberley, there are neighboring swimming holes like the cypress-lined Blue Hole Regional Park and the 140-foot-deep Jacob’s Well. Gruene Hall, the state’s oldest dance hall, and Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark & Resort will have your heart racing in the meanwhile. Before raising a glass to your fellow travelers at a nearby vineyard, make sure to pause and take in the scent of the wildflowers in Dripping Springs.
San Antonio
Despite Davy Crockett’s death at the Alamo, San Antonio still honors the Texan pride displayed by the “King of the Wild Frontier” and his fellow Texans in 1836. Throughout downtown, the past of our contemporary metropolis is particularly evident. A reminder of the city’s religious history, the austere San Fernando Cathedral still exists amid the glittering skyscrapers. Other well-known missions can be found farther out; these are all now included in the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
However, you might be completely enchanted by San Antonio without having a strong desire for the past. The city’s theme parks, world-class museums, professional sports teams, and the well-known River Walk are especially appealing to families. Furthermore, San Antonio is a true gastronomic destination, with upmarket Southern and European-influenced food and fascinating fusion cuisine complementing the city’s typical Tex-Mex and barbecue options. With so many options for how to spend your day, you may be too busy to “Remember the Alamo.” For a taste of the history, culture, and cuisine of San Antonio, if you’re pressed for time, think about enrolling in one of the top tours.
Fredericksburg, TX
For a different kind of Texas vacation, explore Fredericksburg instead of the state’s major cities and beach towns. This Texas Hill Country area is well-known for its delicious wines, deep German heritage, and excellent stores. When you’re not shopping on Main Street, visit the Pioneer Museum to discover the town’s German heritage. There are over 60 wineries and tasting rooms in and around Fredericksburg, so don’t forget to try some of the delicious wine before you depart.
Fort Worth
Fort Worth, 30 miles west of Dallas, provides a more distinctively Texan experience despite all of the city’s glamor and glamour. Historical sites like Sundance Square, which is named after the notorious Sundance Kid, and the Fort Worth Stockyards, which hold a real cattle drive twice a day, are reminders of the city’s Wild West past. Visit the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame or go boot scooting at Billy Bob’s Texas, the biggest honky-tonk in the world, for more Western culture. Fort Worth, one of the state’s most populated cities, offers a wide range of entertainment options, including theater, restaurants, and family-friendly events.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
You should visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park if hiking is one of your favorite activities. Eight of the state’s ten tallest peaks, including the well-known El Capitan, are located in this national park in the southern Texas-New Mexico border. It also boasts more than 80 miles of hiking trails, including popular ones like Devil’s Hall and the Guadalupe Peak Trail. Even while the park’s landscape is breathtaking all year round, if you want to see absolutely breathtaking views, try going in late October when the maple, oak, and ash trees change to vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
South Padre Island
The South Padre Island is regarded as one of the nicest Gulf Coast shorelines in Texas. Along the Gulf of Mexico’s warm waters, South Padre boasts almost 35 miles of serene beaches. Although the island is known for being a popular destination for spring breakers, families prefer it throughout the year because of its reasonably priced accommodations and kid-friendly amenities. Visit Beach Waterpark to cool off on a hot day or visit Sea Turtle, Inc. to find out about local sea turtle rehabilitation initiatives.
Port Aransas
There are lots of options for sunbathing in this little village located approximately 40 miles northeast of Corpus Christi on Mustang Island’s northern edge. Take a dolphin-watching tour or test your fishing prowess in the “Fishing Capital of Texas” when you’re not swimming, parasailing, or lounging on the beach. In this birdwatcher’s paradise, you should also look for other species, such as the endangered whooping crane. Plan your trip to coincide with one of Port Aransas’ festivals, which highlight everything from food to music to art, for a festive environment.
Mustang Island State Park
The appropriately called Mustang Island, which was formerly home to untamed horses, is today well-known for its relaxed beaches and outdoor pursuits. Mustang Island State Park, located approximately 30 miles southeast of Corpus Christi, offers tourists the opportunity to swim along the 5-mile beach or paddle over 20 miles of bays and marshes along the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail. The park is a great place to see wildlife because it is home to over 400 bird species and endangered sea turtles. Visitors looking for additional outdoor activities can enjoy water sports like wakeboarding, kiteboarding, and surfing at North Packery Beach, which is located just south of the park.
Houston
Houston, known as one of America’s best barbecue locations, provides visitors with an unforgettable experience. However, did you know that Houston is a center of culture as well? There are numerous museums within the metropolitan sprawl, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and NASA’s magnificent Johnson Space Center. Instagram-worthy murals adorn many of the city’s eateries and retail establishments. Additionally, Houston is a great (and reasonably priced) family holiday destination because to its world-class Houston Zoo, lush Buffalo Bayou Park, and children’s museum. For even more cost savings, think about getting a CityPASS.