While Austin and Houston tend to steal the spotlight for folks planning their Texas adventures, the Lone Star State holds countless hidden corners that offer way more than you’d expect, from quiet small towns to unexpected natural wonders – all while letting you dodge the big city rush and get to know the real Texas spirit.
From the rolling plains of West Texas to the pine forests of the east, here are 20 places across Texas that deserve a spot on your travel list, whether you’re craving BBQ in a small-town joint or looking to explore wide-open spaces.
San Antonio River Walk
Many tourists flock to San Antonio’s River Walk for its serene waterways, but this destination offers much more than just a pleasant stroll along the San Antonio River. The 15-mile urban waterway winds through the heart of downtown, lined with restaurants, shops, and historic sites that tell the story of Texas culture. During the day, visitors can hop on a river barge for a guided tour or explore the Museum Reach section, home to several cultural institutions. As night falls, the pathway comes alive with twinkling lights and the sounds of live music from riverside venues, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors year-round.
Austin State Capitol
The Texas State Capitol in Austin stands as one of the most recognized landmarks in the Lone Star State since 1888. Built from signature pink granite quarried near Marble Falls, this Renaissance Revival building rises proudly in downtown Austin, stretching even taller than its counterpart in Washington D.C. The building’s grounds cover 22 acres of manicured lawns and monuments, where locals often gather for picnics or afternoon strolls. Inside, the rotunda’s star-studded dome reaches 218 feet high, while the halls display paintings and artifacts that tell the story of Texas’ rich history. Free guided tours run daily, taking visitors through the Senate and House of Representatives chambers, where you can sit in the same spots where Texas legislators have shaped state laws for over a century.
The Alamo, San Antonio
No trip to San Antonio is complete without visiting The Alamo, the city’s most famous landmark. Located in the heart of downtown, this former Spanish mission turned fortress became a powerful symbol of Texas independence after the legendary 1836 battle. While the limestone building may look smaller than you’d expect, its walls hold stories of courage and sacrifice that shaped Texas history.
Space Center Houston
Many visitors flock to Space Center Houston to get up close with NASA’s rich space exploration history, but this destination offers much more than just a museum experience. The center serves as the official visitor complex of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where you can tour actual astronaut training facilities and see real spacecraft that have ventured into the cosmos. Throughout the year, the center hosts special events like “Astronaut Fridays” where guests can meet space pioneers in person, but you’ll find plenty to explore any day you visit – from touching a real moon rock to stepping inside a shuttle replica.
Big Bend National Park
Located along the U.S.-Mexico border, Big Bend National Park draws visitors who want to experience one of the country’s most remote wilderness areas, but this destination offers much more than just isolation. The park’s diverse landscape includes the towering Chisos Mountains, winding Rio Grande canyons, and vast Chihuahuan Desert, making it a prime spot for hiking, bird watching, and stargazing. During spring and fall, temperatures are perfect for exploring more than 150 miles of trails, rafting through ancient limestone canyons, or spotting some of the 450 bird species that call the park home. While many come for the outdoor adventures, the park’s rich cultural history, featuring Native American rock art and old mining towns, adds another layer of interest to any visit.
South Padre Island
Ever caught a wave alongside a sea turtle? It’s a regular occurrence at South Padre Island, a thin strip of paradise off Texas’s southern tip where the Gulf of Mexico meets white sandy shores. This beach town serves up way more than just perfect swimming spots – it’s a hub for kiteboarding and windsurfing when the breeze kicks up, and the clear waters make it ideal for spotting dolphins on boat tours. Between building sandcastles (they host one of the biggest competitions in the country) and releasing tiny sea turtles at Sea Turtle Inc., you’ll find yourself falling into island time at local seafood joints and beachfront bars. The wildlife here puts on quite a show too – from October to March, thousands of birds make this their vacation spot during migration season.
Fort Worth Stockyards
I first visited the Fort Worth Stockyards back in 2018, stepping into what feels like Texas’s most authentic slice of the Old West. Located in the heart of Fort Worth, this historic district sits proudly as a reminder of the city’s rich cattle trading past. Traditional wooden buildings and brick-paved streets make up most of the landscape here, along with the famous twice-daily cattle drive down Exchange Avenue. The Stockyards Championship Rodeo, housed in the century-old Cowtown Coliseum, draws crowds every weekend with its display of cowboy skills and Western heritage that makes you feel like you’ve traveled back to the 1800s.
Natural Bridge Caverns
Curious travelers shouldn’t miss Natural Bridge Caverns, the largest known commercial caverns in Texas. Located just outside San Antonio, these underground caves feature two giant limestone arches that serve as a gateway to a world of fascinating rock formations, hidden chambers, and ancient geological wonders. The caves maintain a constant 70-degree temperature year-round and offer guided tours that take you 180 feet below ground to see towering stone monuments, flowing rock formations, and crystal-clear pools that have formed over millions of years.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
My first visit to Guadalupe Mountains National Park was during a cross-country road trip in 2018. Located in far west Texas near the New Mexico border, this hidden gem rises dramatically from the Chihuahuan Desert floor. The park’s centerpiece, Guadalupe Peak, stands as the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet, drawing hikers and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country. The landscape here tells an ancient story – these mountains were once a thriving coral reef some 260 million years ago when the area lay beneath a vast sea. Today, visitors can explore more than 80 miles of trails that wind through rocky canyons, pine forests, and desert terrain, while the McKittrick Canyon trail offers a special treat in fall when its maple and ash trees paint the area in warm autumn colors.
Dallas Museum of Art
Anyone who loves art should make their way to the Dallas Museum of Art, one of the largest museums in the American South. With over 24,000 pieces spanning 5,000 years of human creativity, it’s a place where I can easily spend hours getting lost among the collections. What I really appreciate about this museum is how it combines famous works from around the world with a strong focus on Texas and Latin American art, giving visitors a great mix of global and local culture. The best part? Unlike many major art museums, admission is completely free, making it possible to pop in for a quick visit or spend an entire afternoon wandering through the galleries. It’s the kind of place where each visit reveals something new, whether you’re an art expert or just someone who enjoys looking at interesting things.
Bet You Didn’t Know:
Did you know that the Dallas Museum of Art houses more than 25,000 works spanning 5,000 years of human creativity, but you can visit this massive collection completely free of charge? The museum introduced free general admission back in 2013, making it one of the few major art museums in the country where you can explore everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary American art without spending a dime.
Galveston Beach
If you’re looking for a laid-back coastal getaway in Texas, Galveston Beach is the place to be. Located on Galveston Island along the Gulf Coast, this 32-mile stretch of sandy shoreline offers classic beach fun with a side of historic charm. The beach runs alongside the famous Seawall Boulevard, where you’ll find beach shops, seafood restaurants, and landmarks like the Pleasure Pier – an old-school amusement park that stretches right out over the water.
Texas State Fair, Dallas
Experience Texas at its most lively when you visit the State Fair of Dallas, the largest state fair in America. Running for 24 days each fall, this massive celebration brings together everything from farm animals to carnival rides, and of course, plenty of deep-fried foods. Head to the Midway area to try your luck at classic carnival games or hop on the Texas Star Ferris wheel for a bird’s eye view of the fairgrounds. For a true taste of Texas tradition, don’t miss the annual livestock shows and auto exhibitions, or catch a free concert at the Chevrolet Main Stage. It’s the perfect place to spend a day with family or friends, especially if you’re craving a famous Fletcher’s Corny Dog.
Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo
Off Interstate 40 just west of Amarillo lies one of Texas’ most unusual roadside attractions – Cadillac Ranch. Created in 1974 by a group of artists called the Ant Farm, this public art installation features ten vintage Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground at the same angle as Egypt’s Great Pyramids. The cars, dating from 1949 to 1963, stand like steel sentinels in an empty field, their tail fins pointing skyward. What started as a tribute to the evolution of the Cadillac tail fin has become an ever-changing canvas, as visitors are encouraged to bring spray paint and add their own colorful marks to the weathered vehicles. The layers of paint grow thicker each year, telling countless stories of travelers who’ve stopped to leave their mark on this quirky piece of American pop culture.
Padre Island National Seashore
Experience the wild beauty of Texas’s coast at Padre Island National Seashore, home to the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world. Stretching over 70 miles along the Gulf of Mexico, this natural paradise offers pristine beaches where you can drive right on the sand and camp under the stars. Watch as endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles nest on the shore during summer months, or try your hand at windsurfing in the Laguna Madre. For bird enthusiasts, the seashore serves as a crucial stopping point for over 380 species of birds during their seasonal migrations.
Cool Fact:
Did you know that Padre Island National Seashore is home to the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world, stretching an impressive 70 miles along the Texas coast? This protected shoreline provides a safe nesting ground for the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle and serves as a crucial stopover point for nearly 400 different bird species during their annual migration.
Hamilton Pool Preserve, Austin
Many visitors flock to Hamilton Pool Preserve for its natural swimming grotto, but this Texas Hill Country gem offers much more than just a place to cool off. The limestone cave and 50-foot waterfall create a unique geological formation that’s been thousands of years in the making. While swimming is the main draw during summer months (when conditions permit), the preserve’s hiking trails wind through native plants and trees, offering opportunities to spot local wildlife and birds year-round. The short quarter-mile trek from the parking area to the pool can be steep at times, but the reward of seeing this natural wonder – where limestone cliffs arch over crystal-clear waters – makes it well worth the effort.
The Sixth Floor Museum, Dallas
Ever wondered where history changed in just six seconds? The Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas occupies the very spot where Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly fired the shots that killed President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Located in the former Texas School Book Depository building, this museum tells the story of that fateful November day through photographs, artifacts, and interactive exhibits. You can stand by the window where Oswald took aim, follow the presidential motorcade’s route down Elm Street, and explore the countless conspiracy theories that still swirl around one of America’s most discussed moments. The museum also paints a broader picture of the 1960s, helping visitors understand the cultural and political climate that shaped this pivotal moment in American history.
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Lost Maples State Natural Area is where I send friends looking to experience Texas at its most colorful, especially in autumn. Located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, this 2,900-acre park shows off the last remaining populations of Uvalde bigtooth maples, which put on a dazzling display of red and orange leaves each fall. The park’s limestone canyons, crystal-clear streams, and 10 miles of hiking trails make it a perfect escape from city life year-round.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark, New Braunfels
Looking to beat the Texas heat? There’s no better place than Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, where crystal-clear spring water feeds over 51 attractions spread across two distinct parks. This massive water wonderland, built along the Comal River, offers everything from lazy rivers that wind through old-growth trees to heart-pumping water coasters that’ll have you screaming with joy. The original section of the park, with its German-inspired architecture and natural landscaping, feels more like a river resort than a typical water park. You can spend hours floating down the Torrent River, racing your friends on the Master Blaster uphill water coaster, or letting the kids splash around in one of the many family-friendly pools and play areas.
Dallas Arboretum
Step into a 66-acre wonderland at the Dallas Arboretum, where seasonal flowers and themed gardens create picture-perfect scenes throughout the year. The gardens feature 19 different areas to explore, including the popular Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden where kids can learn about science and nature through hands-on activities. Make your way to A Tasteful Place, a 3.5-acre garden with a teaching kitchen and lagoon, where you can attend cooking classes using fresh vegetables and herbs grown right there. For a special evening out, visit during the Dallas Blooms festival in spring, when over 500,000 tulips paint the landscape in waves of color.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Ever hiked in the Grand Canyon’s little cousin? That’s what you’ll find at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, just a short drive from Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle. The second-largest canyon in the United States stretches 120 miles long and reaches depths of 800 feet, creating a colorful landscape of red rock layers and rugged cliffs. Visitors can explore over 30 miles of trails on foot, bike, or horseback, while keeping an eye out for the resident roadrunners and wild turkeys that call this place home. There’s even an outdoor musical drama, “TEXAS,” performed in the canyon’s natural amphitheater during summer evenings, telling tales of early settlers against the backdrop of these ancient walls.
Mind-Blowing Fact:
Did you know that Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States, stretching an impressive 120 miles long and up to 20 miles wide in some areas? Often called the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” this natural wonder was carved over millions of years by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River and wind erosion, creating colorful rock layers that tell a geological story dating back 250 million years.
