As the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas. There are quite a few big cities here that are nothing short of impressive and have a range of fascinating attractions. Some parts of Texas are known for ranches, while others have beaches or wineries. There is also an excellent state park system in Texas that showcases the state’s natural beauty and exciting landscapes. It’s a prominent place, so allow plenty of time to get a feel for what each region is all about.
These are the top cities to add to your Texas travel bucket list.
San Antonio
If you’ve never been to Texas, San Antonio is a great place to start. Here you’ll find a perfect blend of history, modern attractions, and natural beauty…not to mention fantastic food! The top spots to satisfy your taste buds are Boudro’s on the Riverwalk for prickly pear margaritas and the Menger Hotel for mango ice cream. Visiting the Alamo is a must, and check out the historic missions in the area too. A Mariachi Mass at the San Jose Mission is worth checking out.
Galveston
Some people are surprised to learn that Texas has a coastline, and the city of Galveston is one of the best coastal destinations in Texas. It’s been called the “playground of the south” because there is always something fun. Pleasure Pier has roller coasters, and The Strand hosts yearly festivals. The nightlife scene here is lively, with plenty of live music venues to entertain you. This is also a popular port to hop on a cruise ship and sail the open seas.
Houston
Houston is a vast city, so the options are endless to do and see here. There are some excellent hotel accommodations here, spas to relax, and sporting venues to cheer on the local teams. The Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, annual parades, and local rodeos are top attractions.
El Paso
A trip to El Paso is like a trip back to the Old Southwest. It’s located in West Texas and the corner of Big Bend County, near the U.S./Mexico border. Enjoy nice year-round weather, shop for excellent Western wear, find fantastic food, and play a few golf games here. This area has a rugged mountain landscape perfect for hiking, biking, and climbing. You can reach Franklin Mountains State Park within a 15-minute drive from downtown El Paso. Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site is another great place to visit if you enjoy rock climbing and history. Don’t miss the El Paso Mission Trail, which encompasses over 300 years of history from when the first European explorers moved into this area. Some fun festivals in El Paso to check out are the Hueco Rock Rodeo, the Sun Bowl, and Viva! El Paso.
Austin
Austin is a modern city that defies the stereotypes that you may have about Texas. This is the place for live music festivals, craft beer, food trucks, and unique shops. Head to Sixth Street to find record stores, organic food markets, and hip restaurants. The city has a young, energetic, and quirky vibe that is a perfect setting for improv comedy shows and cultural events. It is also home to the state capital and the Governor’s Mansion. Just a short distance from downtown Austin is Lake Travis, Town Lake, and Lake Austin, which are excellent places to visit if you enjoy water sports, fishing, and swimming.
Dallas
Dallas is another massive city in Texas that can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to go or what to do. The West Village neighborhood is nice to visit between McKinney and Blackburn Street and between Lemmon and Cole Avenues. Here you’ll find outside dining spaces and Western shops to stock up your Western wear, boots, and hats. While in Dallas, you can catch a game of the Cowboys, Stars, or Rangers, depending on the season.
Fort Worth
Fort Worth is famous for its old stockyard, and you can visit the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District to learn more about the city’s role in Texas history. In this area, you can get into the honky-tonk spirit at Billy Bob’s Texas. The Fort Worth Cultural District is packed with museums to explore. There’s the Kimball Art Museum, the Amon Carter Museum of Art, and the Texas Civil War Museum.
Amarillo
The downtown area of Amarillo has been growing lately and become a place where Old West traditions meet new and exciting activities. It’s also famous for the collection of painted Cadillacs sticking out from the dirt at Cadillac Ranch along Route 66. The Big Texan Steak Ranch is a popular eatery with the 72-ounce steak challenge, which dates back to 1962 and challenges diners to finish an entire 72-ounce steak in an hour for a $0 bill. Other places to visit in the town are the Amarillo Botanical Gardens, Amarillo Zoo, the Wildcat Bluff Nature Center, and the American Quarter Horse Heritage Center & Museum. Make a point to hike around the dramatic and impressive Palo Duro Canyon State Park nearby because it’ll change your perception of the Texas landscapes.
San Angelo
Head out to West Texas to experience the beautiful art and jewelry in San Angelo. The downtown area has lots of lovely shops that specialize in Concho Pearls. This is also a great place to shop for Western wear, like belt buckles and boots. The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts has an extensive ceramics collection, and the Fort Concho National Historic Landmark has special events to check out.
Corpus Christi
Another lovely seaside place to visit in Texas is Corpus Christi. Plan to spend plenty of time on the beach to soak up some sun and relaxation away from the hectic pace of daily life. From Corpus Christi, about 75 miles of shoreline is part of the Padre Island National Seashore. The South Texas Botanical Gardens is worth a visit, and there’s a loop you can drive to get around the beaches of Mustang Island and the artists’ colony at Rockport-Fulton, with lots of galleries to check out. Other top attractions are the Texas State Aquarium and USS Lexington.
