Unforgettable Texas experiences to add to your bucket list

The best of the Lone Star State

Everything is bigger in Texas. From the buzzing cities and charming beach towns of the Gulf Coast to the rugged, rolling terrain of Hill Country, the Lone Star State serves up big landscapes, big flavors, and even bigger thrills.

Read on as we reveal the huge Texan experiences you need to add to your bucket list right now…

1. Dance to live music

A thriving, open-hearted city, state capital Austin is also known as 'the Live Music Capital of the World'. With more live venues per capita than any other city, Austin's music scene is unparalleled, typically hosting dozens of festivals throughout the year. Whether you prefer old-school honky-tonk saloons or up-and-coming indie venues, locking into the vibrant music scene is the surest way to get under the city's skin.

2. Get a taste of politics and power

In true Texan style, everything is just a little oversized in the grand domed state capitol, liberally emblazoned with Lone Star motifs and standing 14 feet taller than its DC counterpart. The building is open for self-guided tours seven days a week and it provides a whistlestop introduction to Texan history. The colossal capitol building is one of the city's grandest landmarks and its leafy grounds are especially nice for a leisurely stroll afterwards.

3. Stay at the most historic hotel in the state

Though The Driskill's facade is Romanesque and the rooms Victorian, this hotel is Texan through and through. Adorned with stuffed cattle heads – a nod to the venue's original owner, cattle baron Jesse Driskill – the hotel, which dates back to 1886, still remains Austin's go-to spot. The Driskill has an extensive collection of art and has hosted numerous governors' inauguration balls too. It was also here that Lyndon B Johnson awaited the results when he ran for president.

4. Swim at an unusual spot

Normally popular with Austin locals in summer, Hamilton Pool Preserve is a natural swimming hole just 30 miles west of the Texas state capital. The bright-green pool, fed by a 50-foot waterfall, was once entirely underground until the sheltering limestone roof above it collapsed. Swimming is allowed but you'll need to make a reservation online ahead of your visit.

5. Cheer on a Texan team

If there's one thing Texans love, it's their sport and there's plenty of opportunity to embrace it all around the state. In Dallas there are NFL's Cowboys, NBA's Mavericks, or NHL's Stars to follow; San Antonio is home to NBA's Spurs; while MLB's Astros, NFL's Texans, and NBA's Rockets are based in Houston. You also shouldn't forget motorsport, which is hugely popular in the state. The Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth is home to both NASCAR and IndyCar races.

6. Burn the rubber

Speaking of motorsports, Circuit of the Americas near Austin is the first purpose-built track for Formula One in the US, and it now hosts the Formula One United States Grand Prix. Described as "spectacular" by several drivers, Circuit of the Americas also offers various tours and track experiences to visitors. There's COTA Karting for fun-loving families (in some karts drivers can be as young as 14) and a chance to whizz around the track in a BMW M2, M3, or M4.

7. Journey deep underground

In 1963, the Texas Highway Department was drilling through rock to test if it could support an overpass in Georgetown, just north of Austin. When their drill bit dropped suddenly, they realized they'd stumbled across a vast subterranean network of karst caves. Now known as the Inner Space Cavern, the chambers are open to visitors, who are wowed by the sharp stalagmites, still pools, and even coral (this was once the ocean floor).

8. Enjoy the best BBQ around…

Texas is part of the 'barbecue belt' along with the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Kentucky. In this state, no food is a bigger deal, and Franklin (Austin) and Salt Lick BBQ (Driftwood) have long fought the battle to be the best BBQ joint in Texas. Many gladly wait for hours to be served at both, and both have been featured on countless 'best of' lists. You'll just have to try for yourself...

9. …and some of the best steak

Steak receives as much love in Texas as barbecue, so you'll have to make time to eat plenty of both. With two locations just outside Houston, Killen’s Steakhouse is an elegant place to relish perfectly seared steaks. From USDA prime beef to Japanese wagyu, there's plenty for carnivores to get their teeth into. Tasty starters and vegetable sides add to the menu too.

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10. Go on a road trip

Starting out in Austin, the designated scenic highway US-290 beats a path west to take in Fredericksburg (pictured) in the heart of Texas Hill Country. It’s around one hour 30 minutes and just under 80 miles between these two enchanting cities and you’ll be traveling through Texan wine country too. In fact, given the abundance of wineries, the stretch of US-290 between Johnson City and Fredericksburg is known as Wine Road 290.

11. Make friends with the cutest animals

With a mission statement promising to "connect communities with animals" and "inspire action to save wildlife," Houston Zoo is a top destination for getting up close to an array of incredible species, and also learning about population management, conservation efforts, and caring for endangered wildlife and their habitats. There are more than 6,000 animals from 900 species, so you could easily spend a whole day here getting to know black bears, cheetahs, Asian elephants, red pandas, and more.

12. Imagine life as an astronaut

This is the world's best and most famous space museum, so to miss Space Center Houston would be a real shame. Your first port of call should be Independence Plaza, where you'll see a huge space shuttle replica. Next, head for the Astronaut Gallery: it boasts a large collection of spacesuits, coupled with stories about the people who wore them. The accessible exhibits are suitable for all ages and live presentations offer a glimpse of life beyond Earth.

13. See real cowboys

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, also known as RodeoHouston, is one of the largest livestock exhibitions and rodeos in the world. Ranchers, cowboys, and spectators flock to Houston from far and wide to enjoy some of the best concerts of all genres, rodeo, beer, and barbecue. You'll get a real taste of that Southern hospitality Texas is famous for.

14. Escape to the seaside

Only an hour's drive from Houston lies Galveston Island, and the beach town of Galveston. Here you can explore 32 miles of beautiful beaches, find some good old-fashioned seaside entertainment at the Pleasure Pier, and marvel at the historic homes in the downtown area. Finish the day with a stroll along Seawall Boulevard and a meal at one of the many restaurants on offer.

15. Roam around a palace

It’s a little small for a palace, but this beloved Galveston property is deserving of its name. Built in 1892, the Bishop's Palace is an impressive example of Victorian architecture, with its red turrets, gargoyles, and bold, circular towers. It was the brainchild of celebrated Galveston architect Nicholas Clayton, who built many of the city’s most beautiful buildings. Still a great source of city pride and now on the National Register of Historic Places, it's open for tours and occasionally for special events.

16. Dip your toes in the water

Beaches and barrier islands might not be the first things that come to mind when you think of Texas, but that might change once you dip your toes in the calm, clear waters that lap the sands at South Padre Island. It’s a popular spring break spot with happy hour cocktails, sunset cruises, and activities from dune buggying to kiteboarding. To escape the crowds, head straight for the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center – more than 3,300 feet of boardwalk and a five-story watchtower are both perfect for observing migratory birds.

17. Visit an underrated city

San Antonio is a treasure trove for architecture buffs. The city, which was colonized by the Spanish in the early 1700s, has the largest concentration of Spanish architecture in North America. It also has an abundance of brilliant attractions, from the historic Alamo to the modern Tower of the Americas. But it's not all about the history – there's a great zoo for animal lovers, fragrant botanical gardens, and a cowboy museum.

18. Relax by the river

Flanking the San Antonio River, the cobblestoned Paseo del Rio (River Walk) snakes serenely through the city center, overhung with lush cypress and oak trees and forded by cute stone bridges. Lined by countless bars, stores, restaurants, and museums as well as five historic missions, the River Walk is one of the most-visited San Antonio destinations. Typically, spring is an especially great time to pass by as flowery floats adorn the river during the Fiesta San Antonio.

19. Learn more about the state's history

The Alamo mission and fortress complex was a key site during the Texas Revolution. It was the location of the fabled Battle of the Alamo in 1836, which saw the Texans fight off thousands of Mexicans in their fight for independence. The Alamo church, or the Shrine as it is commonly known, is the heart of the complex: the names of the Texan soldiers who defended the mission can be found inscribed inside. 

20. Get your adrenaline pumping

The 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas has one of the highest observation decks in the country, alongside a bar, a restaurant, and 4D rides. A glass-fronted elevator allows you to take in vistas of downtown before you even reach the top. Once you're into the viewing area, historical displays will help you make sense of the pocket-sized buildings below.

21. Stay at one of the best hotels in the US

Urban and eclectic within the shell of a 19th-century brewery, San Antonio's Hotel Emma is a destination property, ranked the fifth-best US hotel in TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice 2024 awards. Soft textiles clash with the hard brick and steel, while all rooms feature high ceilings and plenty of light.

22. Enjoy a wild ride

Six Flags Fiesta Texas's wood-steel hybrid roller coaster is stomach-churningly good, with a satisfying series of speed-filled twists and turns. It features a whopping 171-foot-tall drop which is taken at an 81-degree angle, four steep overbanked turns, and an inverted barrel roll. And that’s all taken at fierce speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.

23. Be in awe of a light show

Home to the oldest continuously functioning religious community in the state of Texas, San Fernando Cathedral has been at the center of San Antonio's religious life since its inception in 1731. Occupying a unique position in the state's history, the cathedral today welcomes more than 5,000 participants at weekend masses every week. It's also famous for San Antonio | The Saga – a light show depicting the history of San Antonio projected onto the facade of the cathedral every week from Tuesday through Sunday.

24. Spot autumnal foliage

Texas might not be your first thought when planning a leaf-peeping trip, but the Lost Maples State Natural Area gives the northeast a run for its money. The site rambles for more than 2,000 acres, sewn with miles of hiking trails allowing visitors to delve deeper into the fiery autumn foliage. The West Trail covers a great expanse and includes a breathtaking overlook, while the shorter West Loop Trail takes in one of the site's rushing springs.

25. Experience a slice of Germany

Fredericksburg proudly describes itself as having a Texan heart with a German soul, since it was established by German settlers in the 1840s. The city still wears its German heritage on its sleeve, with beautifully preserved German-style architecture, detailed exhibitions at the Pioneer Museum, and events such as Oktoberfest. A walking tour of the Historic District is a great way to kick off your adventures here.

26. Shut off the world

It’s hard to find somewhere better to disconnect than Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas. Characterized by dramatic, seemingly endless landscapes, the park gives a feeling of complete isolation. Ranger-led hikes, scenic drives, and river trips are all highlights, but it’s not just the daylight hours that make this park worth a visit. As the sun sets, a coal-black sky sweeps above the desert and is slowly illuminated by a blanket of twinkling lights.

27. See a truly unique art installation

No, it's not a real designer boutique, but an art installation, located in the desert along US Route 90 in western Texas. Created in 2005 by Berlin-based artists Elmgreen and Dragset, Prada Marfa is now being left to fall apart and decay back into the landscape. And if you're wondering about the merchandise on display – yes, it is real, but all the bags are bottomless and the shoes are right-footed.

28. Be spooked in a ghost town

Between the 1940s and the 1960s, the busy Route 66 sent thousands of travelers through the town of Glenrio. Built on the border between New Mexico and Texas, the town offered motorists a road stop with gas stations, diners, bars, motels, and even a dance hall. However, when the I-40 was built in the 1970s, these travelers bypassed the former desert oasis. The broken signs welcoming non-existent motorists to the Little Suarez Diner and the State Line Motel are especially creepy.

29. Stretch your legs

Around 100 miles east of El Paso, right in the northwestern corner of the state, lies Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Home to the four highest peaks in Texas, it's popular with hikers thanks to more than 80 miles of trails that stretch through woodland canyons. There's plenty of wildlife to spot as well, including golden eagles, and the visitor center in Pine Springs offers more information on the park, as well as all the details on hiking and biking trails.

30. Marvel at the second-largest canyon in the US

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, located in the Texas Panhandle, is home to the second-largest canyon in the United States (trumped only by the famed Grand Canyon in Arizona). Its rugged red scarps are dotted with shrubs and when it comes to sunsets, Palo Duro rivals its better-known western counterpart. You can horse ride, bike, or hike the park's miles of trails, spend the night in a rustic cabin, and even see live music at the park's open-air amphitheater. 

31. See a curious roadside attraction

Fun and sometimes bizarre roadside attractions are huge in the US, and Texas has some of the best. Cadillac Ranch, just outside of Amarillo in northern Texas, is an art installation that consists of a series of upturned cars painted with bright colors and psychedelic patterns. Installed in 1974, using ten junk Cadillacs, it's now become a popular tourist attraction.

32. Live the ranch life

Located around 80 miles northwest of Fort Worth, you'll find the Wildcatter Ranch & Resort in Texas's Panhandle Plains. A unique escape from the city, it offers a taste of ranch life in total comfort. Perfect for family holidays, special events, or simply to get away from it all, the ranch offers a choice of accommodation, from cabin suites to cottages and guesthouses. Once you've spent the day horseback riding, hiking, or relaxing by the pool, the Steakhouse restaurant offers excellent on-site dining.

33. Admire modern art

Better known as The Modern, Fort Worth's Modern Art Museum is recognized as having one of the foremost collections of international modern and contemporary art in the central United States. Designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando and opened to the public in 2002, the museum building consists of five large pavilions set in a reflecting pond. The Modern's collection currently consists of almost 3,000 pieces including works by Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Cindy Sherman.

34. See a Texan cattle drive

If you happen to be in Fort Worth's Stockyards at 11.30am and 4pm and see cattle roaming along East Exchange Avenue, there’s no need to be alarmed. Fort Worth’s herd of Texas longhorns at the city’s Stockyards is the only twice daily cattle drive in the world. And it’s managed by authentic Texan cowhands too. 

35. Soak up the sunshine

A safe bet for a warm-weather city break, Dallas is one of Texas's most enticing cities to visit. It can get a little too hot in summer, with temperatures soaring to around 96°F, but it barely matters when there are so many world-class museums, chic cocktail bars, and top-rated restaurants to hide out in. When it's pleasant out, sculpture gardens and patio seating mean you can enjoy those attractions without missing out on the sunshine.

36. Learn at a museum

One of Texas' best museums, the Dallas-based Perot Museum of Nature and Science promises to be an exciting day out for kids and adults alike. Named after Ross Perot, who made billions as the founder of Electronic Data Systems, the museum hosts exhibits ranging from interactive dioramas depicting Texan ecosystems to the world's third-largest gold nugget. There's even an opportunity to build your own robot.

37. Get lost in fragrant flowers

With the Dallas skyline stretching into the distance, you can temporarily turn your back on the city to get lost in one of the top arboretums in the world. With over 500,000 tulips and over 100 different varieties of spring flowers, the Dallas Blooms festival provides the perfect floral backdrop to the wine tastings, picnics, and live events that take place there. Plus, it's perfect for youngsters thanks to the dedicated Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden, with a wetlands area and a canopy tree walk. 

38. Visit another world-class art museum

The Dallas Museum of Art houses more than 24,000 pieces from across the world spanning 5,000 years. Work your way through collections showcasing paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and jewelry independently – or, if you want a guided visit, check out the museum's range of free talks and tours.

39. Follow the life and legacy of JFK

If you want to learn more about the life and assassination of President John F Kennedy, take a trip to the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas. Located in the old Texas School Book Depository building, where a sniper’s perch and rifle were found on the sixth floor after President Kennedy was assassinated in Dealey Plaza, the museum chronicles the life and legacy of the president through the lens of his assassination in 1963, with historic images and news footage.

40. Paddle in a fairy-tale lake

This tucked-away Texan escape hugs the state’s border with Louisiana. The Caddo Lake area is an ethereal mix of swampy bayous, ponds, and cypress trees, which rise from the water and drip with Spanish moss. People (though not too many – don’t worry) come here to fish from the pier, paddle around the maze of waterways, or just rent one of the park’s cabins.

41. Watch millions of bats emerge into the night

At dusk each night from mid-March to November, 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge and head out into the night to forage. For a moment a black cloud of bats blankets the rose-tinged sky, the soft roar of millions of wings blocking out all other sound. It’s one of most awe-inspiring sights in Texas and best experienced on hot, dry August nights when wave after wave of bats emerge. Take your place at one of the several viewpoints on the bridge and watch North America’s largest urban bat colony do its thing.

42. Step into the world’s largest cowboy boots

We said everything is bigger in Texas and here’s your proof – a 35-foot-high pair of cowboy boots beside busy Interstate 410 in San Antonio. The boots have been marking the entrance of the North Star Mall for over 40 years now and were the brainchild of artist Bob 'Daddy-O' Wade. He fashioned the boots from tubular steel sprayed with polyurethane foam and claimed they could hold 286,000 gallons each.

Read on for the best road trips in Texas

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