One of many largest states within the US, Texas is completely huge and completely epic to discover. With heaps of cities, nationwide parks and coastal retreats, it’s the sort of state that’s received a bit one thing for each kind of traveller. Plus, you received’t be misplaced for issues to do with all the most effective locations in Texas dotted all throughout the state.
You’re going to be spoilt for alternative!
We had probably the most superb time on our highway journey throughout Texas and completely beloved how numerous the state is. After all, you’ve received the historic spots in San Antonio, the bustling downtown space of Houston and Austin (which has such a cool vibe); however there’s a lot to see exterior of the cities, too!
So, that can assist you get probably the most out of your go to to Texas, I needed to share some prime gems that we’re head over heels for!
Have a look, under, at the most effective locations in Texas to go to. Have a tremendous time exploring and driving throughout the state.
1.) San Antonio
The second metropolis we visited when travelling by means of Texas, San Antonio is a complete deal with to discover. It’s such a beautiful metropolis to discover and nice for a protracted weekend metropolis break.
As soon as right here, you’ll want to first cease off on the Alamo; among the finest locations in Texas which you could’t miss. Traditionally, the positioning of the Battle of Alamo (again in 1836), it’s one of many state’s most iconic spots referring to Texas independence. Located within the downtown space of San Antonio, it’s an unbelievable place to discover, particularly with the chapel and lengthy barracks, too.
Afterwards, take a stroll down the San Antonio River Stroll; which we visited every night time! Following the banks of the river, it’s a very picturesque space stuffed with little eating places, bars and al-fresco foodie spots to seize a chunk.
Don’t fancy strolling? Hop onboard on one of many boats that head up and down the river itself. It’s so stress-free and an ideal little jaunt after filling your tummy.
If it’s museums you’re after, head into the Witte Museum or the Museum of Artwork. Each are completely unbelievable and home hundreds of artefacts and artwork that’s simply too good to overlook.
Oh, and for an excellent sundown view, head to the highest of the Tower of the Americas. We beloved the views from right here and beloved popping up after a stroll round La Villita Historic Arts Village.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in San Antonio
2.) Massive Bend Nationwide Park
Massive Bens Nationwide Park would possibly simply be among the finest locations in Texas to go to for the nice outdoor! Perched alongside the western border of Texas, it’s the sort of place that’s received heaps to see and do for a number of days journey.
As soon as right here, you’ll want to hike the South Rim path that’s so lovely. Sure, it’s round 12-miles (and never for the faint-hearted) it’s the sort of hike that’s definitely worth the problem. Although, saying that, by no means head out on a hike when you’re not completely satisfied you may full the path. That is very true with arduous hikes just like the South Rim path. When you’re uncertain, check-in
on the Chisos Customer Middle earlier than you set out. This manner, you’ll get an replace on native circumstances.
Alternatively, hop on the Santa Elena Canyon Trail that follows the Rio Grande and the worldwide border with Mexico. Simply you’ll want to pack oodles of sunscreen and loads of water. This path may be robust on a sunny day.
Oh, and don’t neglect to cease off at Santa Elena Canyon Overlook which’s simply reached by automotive.
Don’t fancy mountain climbing? Drive the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive that stretches past Mule Ears Viewpoint it’s completely cool.
Learn extra: Finest hikes within the USA
3.) Austin
An ideal stopping level when driving west from Houston, Austin is stuffed with the good espresso spots, eateries and bars that make this metropolis completely enjoyable!
Relying on how lengthy you spend (I’d recommend not less than a number of days), you’ll want to go to the Texas State Capitol Constructing that dates all the best way again to the 1800s.
Identical to when it was constructed, the Capitol Constructing nonetheless holds the identical status and historical past that simply places it as among the finest locations in Texas to go to.
Better of all, it’s very easy to observe a self-guided tour of the grounds or a guided tour of the constructing itself. These sometimes happen each 30-45 minutes and it’s nicely price becoming a member of.
Additionally, not too distant is the Bullock Texas State Historical past Museum the place you may actually spend days inside! There are such a lot of exhibition halls and reveals off the ever-changing story of Texas. It’s fairly cool!
Fancy a gander away from town streets? Head over to close by McKinney Falls State Park. The paths round Onion Creek are so chilled and stress-free for a weekend jaunt.
Lastly, when you’ve received time, head over to the Hamilton Pool Protect that’s so lovely.
Simply FYI, you may swim inside the pool, you must be ready that they could cancel this at quick discover. Apparently, it’s one thing to do with micro organism ranges that may bloom and rainfall that may make them a bit unsafe. At all times test earlier than you set out!
After a day of exploring, head over to Uchiko for his or her yummy sushi. You received’t be disenchanted.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Austin
4.) Amarillo
Nestled simply off the historic Route 66, Amarillo is an ideal stopping level to discover and relaxation up when visiting the most effective locations in Texas.
As soon as right here, take a while to discover the gorgeous Amarillo Botanical Gardens and the Amarillo Museum of Artwork. Their each pretty spots to go to, particularly when on a day journey to town.
Plus, when you’re driving, cease off at Cadillac Ranch that’s alongside Route 66 itself. An artwork set up of Cadillac vehicles (half -sank into the bottom), it’s received a new-age Stonehenge vibe that’s really fairly cool to see.
Afterwards, head over to Palo Duro Canyon which’s round a 30-minute drive from the centre of Amarillo. The areas round Capitol Mesa and Lighthouse Peak are simply beautiful.
You’ll additionally discover heaps of trails from simple to strenuous which make it an excellent spot for a day away from town itself.
Lastly, if you’re driving the historic Route 66 by means of Texas, don’t neglect to cease off at Shamrock for a bit nosey round.
It’s round a 90-minute drive east of Amarillo and ideal for a pitstop for an hour. Plus, you’ll get to see the Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Cafe which’s completely iconic. It’s been round for many years and is one thing of an establishment on Route 66.
5.) Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park
Proper on the border with New Mexico, Guadalupe Mountains Nationwide Park is likely one of the finest locations in Texas to go to if you’d like a while within the nice outdoor.
The park itself is completely numerous, with nice forests, huge mountainous areas, deserts, and deep canyons, too! You would possibly even get to identify a few of the desert animals, too. This implies it is best to be careful for rattlesnakes, particularly when mountain climbing the paths.
Speaking of mountain climbing, it’s also possible to head to Pine Springs Canyon for a few of its unbelievable trails. For a few of the finest, observe the Satan’s Corridor Path or the Pine Springs Trailhead which branches off with numerous trails that crisscross the world. It’s pretty!
Oh, and as with every hike, at all times be accountable. When you’re unsure what you want, then pop into the Pine Springs Customer Middle the place the ranges can prep you for probably the most appropriate hike for you.
Learn extra: Finest nationwide parks within the USA
6.) Dallas
Nestled within the north of the state, Dallas is typically missed when you’re heading on a wider US highway journey throughout Texas. Although, with it solely being a 3-hour drive from Austin, it’s the sort of metropolis that’s fairly simple to go to.
After attending to Dallas, your first port-of-call needs to be the Museum of Artwork; it’s unbelievable and probably one in all our favourites in all of Texas. Based nicely over 100 years in the past, it has hundreds of items. As you stroll, look out for the long-lasting portray by Jean-Baptiste Marie Pierre (The Abduction of Europa) that was painted all the best way again within the 1700s.
Then, after getting your artwork fill, pop over to the beautiful grounds of the Dallas Arboretum. Not only for the summer season, this backyard has heaps of seasonal occasions and blooms that make it a very attractive spot to go to at any time of the 12 months. They also have a Christmas village in December!
Fancy an adrenaline-fulled day? Get your self over to Six Flags Over Texas. It’s an enormous theme park that has some white-knuckle rides that’ll go away your throat sore from screaming! You’ll be able to simply spend a complete day right here.
Oh, and don’t neglect to go to the Traders Village flea market. It’s received every thing and something you may ever think about! From antiques, classic finds to Beanie Infants (bear in mind these?). Plus, it has a great deal of foodie distributors and a retro fairground that’s completely kitsch.
Learn extra: Enjoyable cities within the US to go to
7.) New Braunfels
Not too removed from San Antonio, New Braunfels is fairly simple to go to as you’re heading between Austin and San Antonio. In truth, it’s an ideal little stopping level for a bit chillout.
After taking a bit stroll past St Peter and Paul’s Church, get your self over to Schlitterbahn Waterpark. It’s an ideal cool-down spot in Texas and a fairly enjoyable day! Plus, these slides are simply a lot enjoyable.
On the lookout for some tasty meals and craft beers? Head over to Muck & Fuss that’s one thing of a legend in New Braunfels. Their burgers and seasonal brews are so good.
If that’s not your factor, head over to the completely casual Huisache Grill. Their blackened catfish is so yummy.
Additionally, simply exterior New Braunfels streets is the Pure Bridge Caverns, too. It’s one of many largest caverns in Texas and nicely price visiting for a tour. Simply prep prematurely for that humidity!
Learn extra: Finest hikes within the USA
8.) Padre Island
On the lookout for an island journey? Then Padre Island is for you. It’s among the finest locations in Texas to discover on the south coast.
After all, as soon as right here, it’s important to spend a while visiting the Padre Island Nationwide Seashore and Whitecap Seaside for its sandy stretches. It’s completely blissful.
Additionally, don’t neglect to take a stroll up Bob Corridor Pier and seize a chunk at Texas Mesquite BBQ. It’s nothing fancy however is a good spot for BBQ in Padre Island. Their smoked brisket is so good.
9.) Galveston
Not too removed from Houston, Galveston is fairly simple to go to for a day journey from town (or longer chillout).
With attractive seashores, the historic downtown space and many foodie joints, it’s the sort of place that’s excellent to relax out.
As soon as within the metropolis, you’ll want to spend loads of time on the Pleasure Pier that’s completely enjoyable. The rides are epic and the seashores are simply attractive, too!
Close by, you’ve additionally received Moody Mansion which was constructed. again within the 1800s and is completely lovely inside. It virtually feels as if you’re stepping again in time.
For a chunk to eat, try Gilhooley’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar. Gilhooley’s is an Previous College Restaurant that’s completely informal and attractive. Plus, their do-it-yourself shrimp gumbo is every thing.
After all, it’s important to have a few of their oysters and their signature Gilhooley’s Spicy Margarita, too!
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Houston
10.) Houston
Initially, Houston was going to be a fast stopping level for us on our journey round Texas; however after arriving, we determined to remain a bit longer. We’re so glad we did!
In all probability the biggest metropolis in Texas, Houston has heaps going for it and it’s completely enjoyable to go to for a fun-filled journey.
After checking into your resort, head straight exterior to discover the downtown space across the Museum of Pure Science. We completely beloved the combination of museums, parks and quirky foodie spots that make Houston so nice!
For a yummy brunch, head over and seize a desk on the Breakfast Klub. They’ve a few of the tastiest waffles in all of Texas!
Oh, and for a day journey from downtown, head on over to House Middle Houston. It’s among the finest locations to study area exploration, area missions and, after all, NASA’s iconic initiatives.
It’s a lot enjoyable and also you’ll completely geek out when you’re into area as a lot as me!
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Houston
9 Very Finest Issues To Do In Houston, Texas
