Whether you are interested in the typical Texan experience or the more modern side of the state, there is plenty to see and do. Head to Houston to marvel at the Space Center Houston, swing by Marfa to see the stunning contemporary art on display at the Chinati Foundation, or visit one of the state's beautiful parks or preserves - no matter what you choose to do, Texas is sure to provide a great vacation.
Austin
The capital of Texas, Austin is a bustling city known for its live music scene, its many beautiful lakes and parks, and its world-class museums. Lady Bird Lake sits in the heart of Austin, offering opportunities to swim, kayak, cycle, and jog. Culinary options range from beat-up food trucks selling delectable barbecue to upscale farm-to-table restaurants, and the city's nightlife has something for almost everyone. Live music performances are held every night all over the city, but it's especially worthwhile making a trip to the city during one of its two major music festivals: South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Festival.
South Padre Island
Nestled up against the southern coast of Texas, South Padre Island is the longest barrier island in the world.
The island caters to visitors interested in a luxurious vacation as well as to those who want to unplug and lose themselves in nature; the south end of the island is home to a busy resort town full of spas, restaurants and shops.
Breathtaking beaches can be found on almost every part of the island, ensuring plenty of opportunities to surf, sunbathe, and swim in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Fredericksburg
Best known for its excellent wineries, Fredericksburg also has a proud German heritage and a vibrant art and music scene. There are plenty of opportunities for wine tours, and the area's many wineries are complemented by an excellent selection of restaurants.
A beautiful replica of a 19th century German church can be seen in the town square; visitors interested in the city's history would also be well advised to visit the Pioneer Museum.
The downtown core is very pedestrian and cyclist-friendly, and thanks to its location in beautiful Texas Hill Country, the city is surrounded by plenty of beautiful walking and cycling trails as well.
Houston
Although it's not the capital, Houston is considered by many to be the heart and soul of Texas. Houston is home to famous attractions like the Space Center Houston and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
It also boasts some of the best barbecue in the state and a laidback atmosphere that keeps visitors coming back time and time again.
The city has a reputation as a hub for science and technology, but there are also plenty of attractions here for anyone who loves art and culture. The Museum District and the Theater District are two of the best places to start.
New Braunfels
Established by German settlers in 1845, New Braunfels is notable for its proximity to both the Comal and Guadalupe rivers. There are almost endless opportunities to fish, swim, kayak, and engage in other water sports on the rivers, but visitors can also head to the 70-acre Schlitterbahn Waterpark for a day of family-friendly fun in the water. Adventure lovers should also make time to tour the limestone caves at the Natural Bridge Caverns, while anyone interested in history can visit the Gruene Historic District to marvel at the original German buildings, which date back to the 1800s.
Alpine, Texas
Tucked away in the hills of West Texas, Alpine is a tiny town surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. Many visitors simply use the town as a base to explore nearby Big Bend National Park, but it's well worth a visit in its own right.
Visitors can stop by the Museum of the Big Bend if they're interested in learning about the area's history. It's also possible to have an enjoyable day simply strolling around downtown and visiting the many boutique shops, art galleries, cozy cafes, and perhaps the weekly farmers market if you time it right.
Amarillo
For visitors looking to get an authentic taste of Texas, few destinations are better than the city of Amarillo. Visitors can chow down on a 72-oz. steak at the Big Texan Steak Ranch, and admire the stunning rock formations in Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
An excellent collection of classic Western art and artifacts can be found at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.
Anyone interested in art and culture can visit the opera, the symphony, the ballet, or one of the city's excellent art galleries.
Rockport-Fulton
Rockport-Fulton consists of two twin communities on the Texas Tropical Trail, surrounded by ancient oaks on the Live Oak Peninsula.
They are located on the western side of the Gulf of Mexico, with a long, narrow barrier island separating the peninsula from the Gulf of Mexico.
One of the most popular attractions is Fulton Mansion, a beautiful Second Empire structure overlooking Aransas Bay, today an education and history center.
The Texas Maritime Museum is great place to learn about the area’s maritime past.
The Rockport Center for the Arts is the heart of the community’s art life, with plenty of exhibitions and events. Rockport Beach Park is the place to go for a swim or try your hand at fishing. Get a fishing license here.
Boerne
Only a short drive from San Antonio, Boerne has a rich history dating back to more than 150 years ago when it was first settled by immigrants from Germany. The city is still dotted with a good number of beautiful stone buildings that hold great historical importance, but it also offers modern attractions like contemporary art galleries, locally owned cafes and wine bars, and trendy boutique shops.
Many of these attractions can be found on the Haupstrasse, or Main Street, but visitors should also make time to check out the tree-lined Cibolo Creek and its many hiking trails.
San Antonio
San Antonio holds the honor of being home to two of the best attractions in Texas: the world-famous Alamo and the beautiful River Walk that runs along the San Antonio River. The River Walk is lined with excellent cafes and shops that can be explored either on foot or by bicycle. These might be the things that bring visitors here in the first place, but people find themselves returning over and over again to enjoy the delicious cuisine, the beautiful architecture, and the vibrant art scene.
Dallas
They say that everything is bigger in Texas, and nowhere is that truer than in the action-packed city of Dallas. In addition to well-known attractions like the Dallas World Aquarium and Reunion Tower, the city boasts the largest urban arts district in the country, stunning Pritzker Prize-winning architecture, and an excellent array of world-class restaurants and bars.
Visitors who fly to Dallas might not even need to worry about renting a car; it's easy to explore the city thanks to free transportation options like the M-Line Trolley and a shuttle service known as the D-Link.
Fort Worth
Sometimes known as the City of Cowboys and Culture, Fort Worth is like an unpolished version of its neighbor Dallas. The Stockyards National Historic District attracts more visitors than any other part of the city. Its old wooden buildings make it look like the set of an old Western movie, but it offers plenty of modern restaurants, bars, and shops.
An impressive herd of Longhorn cattle is paraded through here twice daily.
Visitors should also make time to visit the pedestrian-friendly downtown, which boasts a 4.3-acre water park, a beautiful theater called the Bass Performance Hall, and an excellent array of dining options, many of which are actually dog friendly.
Galveston
Set on an island of the same name, Galveston is a busy resort city with six cruise ship ports and an incredible array of restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions. Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to things to see and do. Head to the south shore to enjoy the rides and restaurants on the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. Visit the state park on the west side of the island, or explore the beautiful beaches on the east coast. Another top destination is Moody Gardens, an educational nature center that features sharks, monkeys, and other animals housed in enormous glass pyramids.
Grapevine
Conveniently situated between Dallas and Fort Wort, the city of Grapevine is full of beautifully restored buildings that were originally constructed in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The city got its name from nearby Grapevine Lake, but several wineries and tasting rooms can be found here as well.
Most of the city's best restaurants, shops, and art galleries are located on the attractive Main Street, but it's also worth making a trip out to the Cotton Belt Railroad District to visit the artisans' workshops.
This area is also where you'll find the starting point for the scenic Grapevine Vintage Railroad ride which was mentioned in our article about the Best Train Rides & Museums in Texas.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Encompassing part of the enormous Chihuahuan Desert, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is notable for protecting the four tallest mountains in Texas as well as the most extensive Permian fossil reef in the world.
Most visitors come here to take advantage of the park's 80 miles of hiking trails, which range in difficulty from easy nature walks to strenuous all-day adventures.
One of the most popular trails takes visitors up to the top of Guadalupe Peak for stunning views of the park; the trail is 8.5 miles in length and typically takes between 6 and 8 hours on a round trip.
Laredo
Tucked away in southern Texas right on the Mexican border, Laredo is a thriving city with a fascinating Mexican-American history.
A bridge right next to Los Tres Laredos Park crosses over the Rio Grande and provides direct access to Mexico, while nearby Lake Casa Blanca International State Park offers a great selection of hiking trails and an excellent fishing lake.
However, visitors who choose to spend their time in the city itself won't be disappointed.
Attractions include the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum and a unique children's museum known as the Imaginarium of South Texas.
Lubbock, Texas
Sitting on the plains of northwest Texas, Lubbock offers fascinating museums, a buzzing nightlife scene, and some of the best wineries in the state.
The city is also known for being the birthplace of legendary rock n' roll musician Buddy Holly, and visitors interested in his life and music can visit the Buddy Holly Center to view an excellent collection of artifacts and mementos.
Another worthwhile stop in the city is the West Texas Walk of Fame, which features a statue of Holly as well as a collection of plaques dedicated to other musicians from the area.
Marfa
Despite its small size, Marfa is a destination for tourists interested in the arts. One of the biggest draws here is the Chinati Foundation, a contemporary art museum founded by Donald Judd, which features both indoor and outdoor installations displayed on an old army base.
At certain times of the year, visitors also flock to the town to attend the many concerts, exhibitions, and festivals held at the Ballroom Marfa arts center.
Lucky visitors will also have the chance to see the Marfa Lights, mysterious glowing orbs that sometimes appear outside the town and can be seen from a special viewing platform. Chinati Hot Springs is one of the best hot springs in Texas.
Big Bend National Park
Situated right on the border with Mexico, Big Bend National Park encompasses the whole Chisos mountain range as well as a significant chunk of the Chihuahuan Desert.
Because of its remote location, the park is one of the least-visited national parks in the country, but anyone who makes the effort to get here will be well rewarded.
“With over 200 miles of trails, Big Bend is a world-renowned hiking location,” says Big Bend National Park Superintendent Bob Krumenaker.
Many of these trails wind through scenic canyons or bring visitors to breathtaking desert rock formations. Hiking trails vary in difficulty and length, but there are also plenty of paved trails for those interested in exploring the park by vehicle.
Corpus Christi
Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Corpus Christi, is the largest coastal city in the state. The biggest attractions here are the beaches, which range from peaceful oases surrounded by sand dunes to bustling strips of sand perfect for surfing.
However, the city offers plenty of other water-themed activities as well, including Texas State Aquarium, and an aviation museum situated on the USS Lexington, the oldest remaining aircraft carrier in the world.
Once visitors have had enough of the water, they can also visit the Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History or spend the day in the beautiful botanical gardens.
McKinney
Located about 30 miles from downtown Dallas, McKinney is a charming city with a small-town feel and much slower pace than the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex it is part of.
With its historic downtown and tree-lined streets, McKinney is a popular weekend destination for the Dallas folks looking for a bit of peace.
There is a lot to see in McKinney. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary features a 1880s prairie village, animatronic dinosaurs, and scenic nature trails.
Historic Downtown McKinney is a perfect walking area and offers a great way of getting the feel of the city and its past, with McKinney Square in its heart. Frontier Park features kids’ play areas and a splash pad as well as soccer fields and baseball diamonds.
San Marcos
Found right in the heart of Central Texas, San Marcos is a vibrant university city that has something to offer everyone, including beautiful historic buildings that can be found on the campus of Texas State University and in the downtown Historic District.
The city is home to a good number of outlet malls, including the biggest outlet center in the United States, but it boasts plenty of beautiful parks and green spaces as well.
Nature lovers can also head to the nearby San Marcos River, which offers the opportunity to swim, fish, kayak, and engage in other water sports.
Seguin
Seguin isn't as well known as many of the other cities in Texas, but that's a big part of its charm. Its sleepy small-town atmosphere is perfect for anyone wanting to relax, but visitors looking for a more active vacation can visit the ZDT Amusement Park, take a ghost tour of the Haunted Magnolia Hotel, or kayak down the Guadalupe River.
The town is also known as the Pecan Capital of Texas, and visitors shouldn't miss the chance to marvel at the World's Largest Pecan and stock up on locally grown nuts to bring home with them.
Waco
Waco is smaller than many other cities in Texas, but it has more than its fair share of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. The city is especially popular with fans of the HGTV show Fixer Upper, who come to visit and shop at Magnolia Market at the Silos.
Other attractions include the Cameron Park Zoo, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, and the Dr Pepper Museum, which was established in honor of the locally created soft drink.
Just outside the city is the Waco Mammoth National Monument, a special fossil site home to Columbian mammoth bones.
El Paso
Located on the westernmost edge of Texas, El Paso is a friendly and welcoming city that also happens to be right across the Rio Grande from the busy Mexican city of Chihuahua. The city (Video) has been heavily influenced by its proximity to its southern neighbor, meaning that visitors can indulge in spicy Mexican food until they burst or join a ghost tour on Día de los Muertos.
Of course, the area has its own rich history as well, and there's no better way to learn about it than by taking a tour of the El Paso Mission Trail.
