According to people’s saying, everything is bigger in Texas.
We can say that this statement is actually true as there is a number of things to do, see, and explore here.
Texas is the second-largest state in the USA, and its inhabitants are fiercely proud of their history and culture.
In case you are planning your trip to the Lone Star State, you should check our list of best places to visit in Texas.
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Palo Duro Canyon
Palo Duro Canyon can be found in the High Plains region of Texas.
We consider it worth mentioning that the Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest in the United States, after the Grand Canyon which is enough to make it a must-see once in Texas.
However, there are other reasons to see this canyon, as it is not just void.
This is the place where Native American tribes, the Apache and the Comanche, used to live.
Being that there are numerous trails to hike, you cannot but notice the wildlife in the park, and things such as Aoudad sheep, whitetail deer, and even mountain lions.
Other attractions are horse riding and dining on chuckwagon cuisine in and around the canyon.
El Paso
El Paso is located on the Mexican border in a city called El Paso, Texas.
You might have heard of this destination as Sun City as it is popular due to the incredible views of the sun which sets over the Franklin Mountains.
Besides this, you can enjoy many great attractions in El Paso, such as the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, the Museum of Archeology at Wilderness Park, and the Centennial Museum.
In El Paso, visitors can be active outdoors, as there is a chance of hiking along the El Paso Mission Trail or having a picnic in view of McKelligon Canyon.
The famous trips to Ciudad Juarez just across the border used to be very popular but nowadays, it is too dangerous to go there due to drug-related violence.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park has a reputation as the least-visited park in the United States, we consider it a jewel in the heart of Texas and if you find yourself in Texas, this is a must-see destination.
The park is giant, borders the Rio Grand River, and was once underwater.
You can go on a scenic drive throughout Big Bend National Park, but our suggestion is to go hiking if you want to see everything that the park has to offer, from the rock formations to amazing landscape.
Tourists like to try an east stroll along Window View Trail, the more challenging Chimneys Trail, or a relaxing float down the river.
Dallas
Dallas is the state’s third-largest city and it is a significant portion of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
The city is known for the infamous assassination of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy.
Visitors of Dallas like to see the Sixth Floor Museum which is dedicated to the assassination and is can be found in the same building from which Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots.
The city boasts more stores per capita than any other American city so it is ideal for people who love shopping.
Plus, there are other attractions in Dallas, such as many amusement parks or local rodeo shows.
Galveston
Galveston is situated an hour’s drive south of the city of Houston.
It is on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, which makes it a popular vacation spot.
Tourists come to Galveston, due to the miles of sandy beaches as well as excellent dining, shopping, and nightlife opportunities.
People who come to Galveston should not miss the older architecture of The Strand National Historic Landmark District or the incredible indoor Moody Gardens.
Other attractions are the Lone Star Flight Museum, the free Bolivar Ferry rides, and a walk along Pleasure Pier.
Texas Hill Country
Hill County is located in the very center of Texas.
This is a place where a variety of cultures combine.
Travelers can enjoy the natural beauty of the region at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, where they can try hiking and camping, or the Hill Country State Natural Area, where they can go swimming and fishing.
Our suggestion is to go to Fredericksburg if you wish to experience the German culture, being that this area was settled by German settlers in the 19th century.
Here in Fredericksburg, you get a chance to visit a winery where you can taste bratwurst and sauerkraut at an authentic beer garden.
The best period of the year to visit is in the spring when the Hill Country is blazing so you can enjoy seeing wildflowers including the Texas State Flower; the Bluebonnet.
Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore is a small, thin island that is stretching all the way from Corpus Christi to the Mexican border.
It is surrounded by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and is a protected treasure due to the fact that you can see blue waters in any direction you turn.
Besides its amazing wildlife, this is an important spot for bird watching in Texas.
Actually, the Padre Island National Seashore leads to South Padre Island, which is well known as a popular place for beach vacations, and family fun.
Austin
Austin is the city well known for its slogan, “Keep Austin Weird,” and we have to say that this city is certainly a little different from the rest of Texas.
The majority of the population are young people, due to the enormous campus of the University of Texas.
So, the city is famous as the Live Music Capital of the country.
Austin is the capital city of the Lone Star State, and tourists should not leave the city without touring the capital building, which is pink and taller than the U.S. Capitol Building.
Other attractions in Astin that are definitely worth exploring are the LBJ Presidential Library, the striking paths along Barton Creek, and the Congress Avenue Bridge, where you get a chance to see one million bats fly out at sunset.
According to the locals, this bats watching is a must-do in Austin.
Houston
Houston is the biggest city in Texas and definitely one of the most popular places to visit here.
Besides being home to the NASA Mission Control Center, Houston is a place that boasts the beautiful campus of Rice University and the Galleria Area.
If you wish to explore all the city’s biggest attractions, you will be glad to know that the majority of them are located in the Warehouse District of Downtown Houston.
Tourists are able to see the incredible Downtown Tunnel System, the stunning vistas from the 60th floor Chase Tower Observatory, the Downtown Aquarium, or enjoy the performance at TUTS – the Theater Under the Stars.
San Antonio
Even though it is not the biggest, but the third-largest city in Texas, San Antonio is the place that is the most frequently visited and it deserves our attention.
It is located in the South Texas Plains and offers a large number of restaurants and nightlife options.
We suggest trying the River Walk, among tall buildings and cypress trees.
the River Walk boasts boutique hotels, specialty shops, and various restaurants with open-air dining, which attracts a lot of tourists.
San Antonio is also home to the Alamo where the iconic Battle of the Alamo was fought.
Those who want to learn more about the history can explore the 19th-century homes in the King William Historic Area, tour the Casa Navarro State Historical Park or visit the Institute of Texan Cultures.