Welcome to the Lone Star State, where everything is bigger, bolder, and more beautiful!
Whether you’re a lifelong Texan or visiting for the first time, these 50 must-do experiences capture the essence of Texas.
From wide-open spaces to big-city excitement, Texas is a diverse wonderland of history, culture, and adventure.
Ultimate Texas Travel Bucket List
Visit the Alamo in San Antonio
A Texas pilgrimage—explore the site of one of the most important battles in Texas history.
Cruise Down the San Antonio Riverwalk
Stroll or take a boat ride along the scenic Riverwalk lined with restaurants, shops, and colorful culture.
Attend the State Fair of Texas in Dallas
Feast on deep-fried delicacies and meet Big Tex at the largest state fair in the U.S.
Hike Big Bend National Park
Experience rugged canyons, deserts, and the majestic Rio Grande in this outdoor paradise.
Watch a Football Game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington
See the Dallas Cowboys in action at their world-renowned stadium.
Explore Space Center Houston
Walk through history and the future of space exploration at NASA’s visitor center.
Witness Bluebonnet Season in Hill Country
Drive through miles of beautiful bluebonnet fields in the springtime.
Wander Around Magnolia Market in Waco
Shop at Chip and Joanna Gaines’ famous market, bakery, and garden.
READ NEXT: 10 Unique Places to Stay in Waco
Party on 6th Street in Austin
Enjoy the live music capital of the world by exploring the famous bars and music venues.
Swim in Barton Springs Pool in Austin
Take a dip in this iconic spring-fed pool that stays a cool 68°F year-round.
Attend the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo
Experience Texas’ western heritage with livestock shows, rodeos, and entertainment in Fort Worth.
Tour the Texas Capitol in Austin
Walk through the largest state capitol in the U.S. and learn about Texas history and politics.
Float the Guadalupe River
Spend a relaxing day tubing down one of Texas’ most popular rivers.
Experience a Dude Ranch
Live out your cowboy or cowgirl dreams by staying at a working ranch.
Catch a Sunset at Palo Duro Canyon
Hike through the second-largest canyon in the U.S. and watch a stunning sunset.
Sip Wine in Fredericksburg
Explore Texas wine country and its beautiful vineyards and tasting rooms along the 290 wine trail.
Discover the Historic Strand District in Galveston
Wander through this beautifully restored area with shopping, dining, and Victorian architecture. There is more than just beaches in Galveston!
READ NEXT: 10 Best USA Trips for Families
Watch a Spurs Game in San Antonio
Cheer for the San Antonio Spurs at one of the loudest arenas in the NBA.
Snap a Picture at Cadillac Ranch
Check out the quirky art installation of half-buried cars outside Amarillo.
Visit the Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco
Learn the history of the famous soft drink invented in Texas.
Explore the Natural Bridge Caverns
Take a tour of these impressive underground limestone caverns outside San Antonio.
Enjoy a Texas Barbecue Feast
Visit famous BBQ joints like Franklin’s in Austin, Pecan Lodge in Dallas, or Snow’s in Lexington.
Walk Along Padre Island National Seashore
Enjoy the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world, with pristine beaches and wildlife.
Attend South by Southwest (SXSW)
Immerse yourself in one of the largest festivals for film, music, and tech in Austin.
Marvel at the Marfa Lights
Witness the mysterious, unexplained lights in the West Texas town of Marfa.
Step Back in Time at the Fort Worth Stockyards
Watch a cattle drive, shop for western gear, and two-step in this iconic district.
Visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas
Experience hands-on exhibits, interactive learning, and incredible displays at this Dallas Museum.
See a Performance at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth
Enjoy world-class concerts, musicals, and operas at this stunning venue.
Explore the Missions in San Antonio
Walk through centuries-old Spanish missions, including Mission Concepción and Mission San José.
Take a Road Trip on Route 66
Drive the historic highway through Texas, stopping at nostalgic diners, motels, and landmarks.
See the Bats at Congress Avenue Bridge
Watch 1.5 million bats emerge from under the bridge in Austin at sunset.
Enjoy Art at The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston
Browse one of the most extensive art collections in the southern U.S.
Visit the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi
Tour the historic aircraft carrier and its naval aviation museum.
Experience First Monday Trade Days in Canton
Shop at the largest outdoor flea market in the U.S., held the first weekend of every month.
Explore the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking White Rock Lake.
Discover Dinosaur Valley State Park
Walk in the actual footprints of dinosaurs in this unique state park in Glen Rose.
Visit the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco
Learn about the legendary Texas law enforcement agency and its fascinating history.
Stargaze at McDonald Observatory
Marvel at the night skies in West Texas, one of the best places for stargazing in the U.S.
Take a Ghost Tour in Jefferson
Explore one of Texas’ most haunted towns with a spooky history in this charming town.
Hike through the Davis Mountains
The Davis Mountains is the largest mountain range in Texas, and is part of the southern Rocky Mountains. It is surrounded by the Chihuahuan dessert which is the 2nd largest desert in North America.
Taste Texas Chili in Terlingua
Sample award-winning chili at the Terlingua International Chili Championship.
Camp at Enchanted Rock
Climb the massive pink granite dome and camp under the stars in Hill Country.
Learn at the Bullock Texas State History Museum
Dive into Texas history and culture at this Austin museum with interactive exhibits.
Try Kolaches in West, Texas
Taste this delicious Czech pastry, especially popular in the small town of West.
Go to the Moody Gardens in Galveston
Explore the aquarium, rainforest, and science exhibits at this family-friendly attraction.
Explore the Caverns of Sonora
Marvel at one of the most beautiful cave systems in the world, known for its stunning formations.
Visit the JFK Memorial and Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas
Reflect on history at the site of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.
Walk Along the San Jacinto Battleground
Visit the site of the battle that won Texas its independence and see the towering San Jacinto Monument.
Visit the Fort Worth Zoo
Discover one of the top-rated zoos in the nation, home to over 7,000 animals. Enjoy beautifully themed exhibits, interactive experiences, and engaging conservation programs that make for a fun day for visitors of all ages.
Eat Tex-Mex in San Antonio
Indulge in authentic Tex-Mex at local favorites like Mi Tierra or La Margarita.
Taking weekend trips to unique and fun destinations around Texas with my family is one of the main reasons I created this blog. Head to the about us page to find out more about me and the blog!
I have always wanted to go to Texas. I had a layover there once and got a taste – ever since then I am dying to go back.
I didn't realize there so many things to do in Texas! I'd personally want to experience a rodeo, sounds so much fun.
Texas is SO LARGE that I feel like whenever I go, I barely make a dent. I've gone to Wichita Falls and San Antonio. I hope to get to Austin and Dallas sometime soon!
I cant believe I havent been to Shiner yet. We really want to go this summer!
Wow. We can build our own itinerary from this post! These places must be the best ones, coming from you who seems to know Texas very well. Thanks for the suggestions. Hope to visit someday.
I've been to Texas several times but not to anywhere on your list! I guess that means I need to come back one day!
I've never been to Texas but really want to go Sunday thanks for the amazing list of places to visit and things to see.
A good blogging friend of mine just moved to Texas so I have to share this information with her. I know she wants to see as much as she can since they just moved there.
Lots to do in Texas! Wow, we will be traveling there soon and I have to add most of these to a must see/do list!