12 Best Things to Do in Texas

Big Bend National Park is located in southwest Texas and offers a chance to explore varied geography, from the Chisos Mountains to the Chihuahua Desert. Like everything else in Texas, the park is big. It’s best to plan your excursion ahead of time so you can make the most of your time.

Some of the most popular attractions in the park include the Sam Nail Ranch and the Homer Wilson Ranch, as well as the Castolon Historic District. Santa Elena Canyon offers a nice hike at 1.4 miles roundtrip, while the Lost Mine Trail is a longer trail that takes you into the mountains.

Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest in the USA. It’s located within its own state park in the heart of the Texas Panhandle, offering stunning vistas and soaring natural monuments. Overnight camping is available throughout the state park (at designated sites, of course).

You can explore the canyon in several ways, such as tackling trails through the hill by foot or on horseback. Biking is a popular option, too. You’ll find over 30 miles of mixed-use trails in the Palo Duro Canyon State Park. The TEXAS Outdoor Musical takes place from Tuesdays through Sundays at the onsite Pioneer Amphitheater.

Fort Worth is synonymous with cattle, and the Fort Worth Stockyards is an excellent place to get up close and personal with them. You’ll find a live cattle drive held twice per day. A must-do is exploring the historic district on original brick walkways and learn firsthand about livestock history in Texas.

Of course, there’s more to enjoy here than just livestock. You’ll discover saloons and restaurants, as well as the Fort Worth Stockyards Adventure, where you can try your hand at being a real cowboy. There are also lots of shopping options, including Kokopelli Jewelry and The General Store & Trading Post.

The Dallas World Aquarium lets you get up close and personal with fish, birds, and mammals from all over the world. It’s home to exotic animals such as capuchin monkeys, manatees, otters, sloths, Caribbean fish and penguins.

Take in Mundo Maya (the Mayan World), Orinoco, South Africa, and Borneo, as well as the aquarium. Along with conventional exhibits, the aquarium holds daily live feeding events. If you're feeling hungry, there are 3 restaurants within the Dallas World Aquarium.

The San Antonio Zoo has over 3,500 different animals from across 750 different species. You’ll find many different exhibits on offer, as well as experiences such as the Beastly Breakfast, Giraffe Feeding, Flamingo Mingle for singles, Lory Landing, and several behind-the-scenes options that let you get a close-up view of these incredible animals.

The zoo is home to some notable animals, including Asian elephants named Boo, Nicole, Karen, and Lucky. There are also several educational programs on offer, including a zoo camp and after-hours programs.

The Padre Island National Seashore is on North Padre Island, offering a rare glimpse of the area’s natural, unspoiled beauty. There are many attractions, though strolling the beach and enjoying the water are the most common things to do here. North Beach, South Beach, and Malaquite Swimming Beach are all very popular.

Big Shell Beach and Little Shell Beach are fun for little ones and shell collectors. If you have a boat, head down to Bird Island Basin’s boat ramp. Hiking and biking are also possible, thanks to miles of trails and camping areas within the Padre Island National Seashore.

The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier offers a world of fun and amusement set over the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Built in 2012, it’s home to a full-size rollercoaster, along with iconic rides like the Texas Star Flyer, Gulf Glider, and Galaxy Wheel.

You can get your shopping on here, with destinations like Pelican's Bag, Lolli & Pop's. The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier also has plenty of dining options, from fast food and sit-down venues to fast-casual restaurants.

Guadalupe National Park offers a wide range of things to see and do for outdoor enthusiasts. You can hike 8,000 ft to the peak of El Capitan, but there are moderate and easy trails for beginners too. If you have more time, make sure to take the Smith Spring Trail, which is a 2.3-mile roundtrip.

For those who want more of a challenge, consider backpacking through the park. Camping is also possible – there are 20 tent and RV sites at Guadalupe National Park’s campground. Birding and wildlife viewing are also popular activities. The Pine Springs Visitor Center is the place to go for information and to visit the park’s museum.

The Cadillac Ranch dates back to 1974 when 3 members of the art group Ant Farm decided to plant 10 Cadillacs nose-first in the Texan soil. Today, the art installation is one of the state’s most popular tourist attractions.

This installation isn’t just about viewing someone else’s artistic creation. While you’re there, make sure to pick up a couple of spray paint cans and leave your mark on the Caddies. Painting the installation is encouraged, though you can always just admire and photograph it.

The USS Lexington earned her fame in the Pacific Theater of WWII. Today, the ship rests on the water, just across the channel from Corpus Christi’s downtown. Offering the chance to learn about WWII history, the LEX is open for self-guided tours that let you explore the decks and bunks.

There are 3D movie experiences that highlight the ship’s history, as well as novel experiences like an escape room, virtual battle stations, and a flight simulator. Head to the mess deck of the USS Lexington, where you can grab a bite to eat.

Abbreviated simply as ‘The Alamo’, the mission is seen as a crossroads of history. Although not particularly striking in appearance, the bullet-riddled building holds great importance in Texan history and its label as the ‘Lone Star State’. Here, the legendary battle between Mexicans and Texans took place in 1836 – a famous last stand against impossible odds. The mission is now a museum for this time in US history. Tour and audio guides are offered for a more in-depth experience.

Peek into mission control of the United States’ manned space flight programme at Space Center Houston. The special visitor hub of NASA’s Johnson Space Center has lunar mission exhibits, flight simulators, and programmes where you can meet and listen to stories from real astronauts. You can enjoy compelling space documentaries in one of America’s largest 4K theatres. Out on Independence Plaza, check out the magnificent Independence space shuttle replica, piggybacking on a historical carrier jet.