What To See And Do In Texas
As the second largest state in the United States (by both area and population), Texas is a fascinating part of the world with an incredible amount to see and do. It is so large that it can be difficult to know where to go and what to see, but there are a few must-visit places that will provide an authentic Texan experience that will reveal the state’s fantastic and unique cultural identity. Whether you are traveling with a loved one, with the little ones, with a few friends or by yourself, here are a few ideas for things to see and do during your time in The Lone Star State.
The Alamo, San Antonio
The Alamo is a place of great historical importance as the place where volunteer soldiers occupied during Texas’ war of independence from Mexico in 1835. Although vastly outnumbered, they bravely held out for 13 days before finally being overpowered. It now represents Texan pride and their struggle for independence, which they won soon after.
Space Centre, Houston
Houston is famous for being a pioneer in everything space-related and home to NASA. The Space Centre in Houston is a fascinating museum which will show visitors the intriguing history of space exploration to this date with large collections of moon rocks, theater experiences, shows, interactive exhibits and much more. Whether you have an interest in space exploration or not, this is an incredible experience and one that will really open your eyes to the amazing discoveries that have been made so far.
Riverwalk, San Antonio
The biggest tourist attraction in all of Texas, and for good reason, the Riverwalk in San Antonio is a city park and network of walkways along the bank of the San Antonio River which is lined with shops, museums, art galleries, cafes, food stalls and much, much more. It is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Texan culture and a lovely experience on a warm summer’s day.
Restaurants
Food is a huge part of the cultural identity in Texas and one of the main reasons that people visit. The Lone Star State is known for its fusion of cuisines, most notably Mexican, Southern, Native American and Cajun/Creole. There are too many great places to eat to list, but there are certain hotspots for good food like the restaurants in Grapevine TX. Tex-Mex and barbecue are both types of cuisine that are an absolute must try here and taste better here than anywhere else in the world.
Live Music
Live music is also an important part of the cultural fabric here as it is the birthplace of many notable musicians and a center for musical innovation. Country music, rock n roll, hip-hop, psychedelic rock, the blues and mariachi are just a few of the key genres here, so every taste is well catered for and you are never too far from a live show whether it is an acoustic set in a coffee shop or a lively jazz band in bar. The Music Box Theatre in Houston is one great place for live music with original sketch comedies and great food, while the capital city of Austin is somewhere with many great venues.
Fort Worth Zoo
Animal lovers will adore Fort Worth Zoo, which was originally founded in 1909 and is the oldest zoo in the state and ranked as the fifth best in the country. It is home to 542 species, including a wide range of animals birds and reptiles. It is a great day out for the whole family with a petting zoo, splash park, carousel, theater and much more.
Big Bend National Park
Located in southwest Texas, this spectacular National Park is a great place to visit if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the lively cities. The largest protected area of the Chihuahuan Desert topography and ecology, it is home to over 1,200 species of plants, 56 types of reptiles and over 450 species of birds. The 800,000-acre park is built up of stunning river, desert and mountains that provide astonishing views and 150 miles of hiking trails.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort, New Braunfels
The Texas heat can be relentless during the warmer months of the year and there is no better way to beat it than a trip to the brilliant Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort in New Braunfels. Here you will find all kinds of exhilarating fast tube slides, water coasters, a lazy river, a heated lagoon and much, much more. There are attractions for all ages and a resort with lodging available if you want to stay for a few days.
Wineries
Texas has a long and rich history of wine production thanks to the dry and sunny climate which allows for similar production to that of Portugal. There are over 100 wineries throughout the state, so be sure to visit a few to taste the local produce. It is also home to over 36 members of the Vitis grape vine family with 15 native to the state - this is more than any other region on the planet!
Sports
Sport is a big deal in Texas and going to a live game is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and have some fun. There are numerous teams throughout the state playing at various levels, but a few of the biggest names include the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), the Houston Rockets (NBA), the Dallas Mavericks (NBA), the Houston Astros (MLB), the Texas Rangers (MLB) and the San Antonio Spurs (NBA).
As you can see, there is a tremendous amount to see and do in Texas. Due to the sheer size of The Lone Star State, it is hard to fit it all into one trip but these are a few of the highlights to try. As with any destination, there are many hidden gems to find on your trip and the best way to find these will be to immerse yourself in the culture, be adventurous and to speak to friendly locals to get their recommendations.
The Alamo is a place of great historical importance as the place where volunteer soldiers occupied during Texas’ war of independence from Mexico in 1835. Although vastly outnumbered, they bravely held out for 13 days before finally being overpowered. It now represents Texan pride and their struggle for independence, which they won soon after.
Space Centre, Houston
Houston is famous for being a pioneer in everything space-related and home to NASA. The Space Centre in Houston is a fascinating museum which will show visitors the intriguing history of space exploration to this date with large collections of moon rocks, theater experiences, shows, interactive exhibits and much more. Whether you have an interest in space exploration or not, this is an incredible experience and one that will really open your eyes to the amazing discoveries that have been made so far.
Riverwalk, San Antonio
The biggest tourist attraction in all of Texas, and for good reason, the Riverwalk in San Antonio is a city park and network of walkways along the bank of the San Antonio River which is lined with shops, museums, art galleries, cafes, food stalls and much, much more. It is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Texan culture and a lovely experience on a warm summer’s day.
Restaurants
Food is a huge part of the cultural identity in Texas and one of the main reasons that people visit. The Lone Star State is known for its fusion of cuisines, most notably Mexican, Southern, Native American and Cajun/Creole. There are too many great places to eat to list, but there are certain hotspots for good food like the restaurants in Grapevine TX. Tex-Mex and barbecue are both types of cuisine that are an absolute must try here and taste better here than anywhere else in the world.
Live Music
Live music is also an important part of the cultural fabric here as it is the birthplace of many notable musicians and a center for musical innovation. Country music, rock n roll, hip-hop, psychedelic rock, the blues and mariachi are just a few of the key genres here, so every taste is well catered for and you are never too far from a live show whether it is an acoustic set in a coffee shop or a lively jazz band in bar. The Music Box Theatre in Houston is one great place for live music with original sketch comedies and great food, while the capital city of Austin is somewhere with many great venues.
Fort Worth Zoo
Animal lovers will adore Fort Worth Zoo, which was originally founded in 1909 and is the oldest zoo in the state and ranked as the fifth best in the country. It is home to 542 species, including a wide range of animals birds and reptiles. It is a great day out for the whole family with a petting zoo, splash park, carousel, theater and much more.
Big Bend National Park
Located in southwest Texas, this spectacular National Park is a great place to visit if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the lively cities. The largest protected area of the Chihuahuan Desert topography and ecology, it is home to over 1,200 species of plants, 56 types of reptiles and over 450 species of birds. The 800,000-acre park is built up of stunning river, desert and mountains that provide astonishing views and 150 miles of hiking trails.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort, New Braunfels
The Texas heat can be relentless during the warmer months of the year and there is no better way to beat it than a trip to the brilliant Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort in New Braunfels. Here you will find all kinds of exhilarating fast tube slides, water coasters, a lazy river, a heated lagoon and much, much more. There are attractions for all ages and a resort with lodging available if you want to stay for a few days.
Wineries
Texas has a long and rich history of wine production thanks to the dry and sunny climate which allows for similar production to that of Portugal. There are over 100 wineries throughout the state, so be sure to visit a few to taste the local produce. It is also home to over 36 members of the Vitis grape vine family with 15 native to the state - this is more than any other region on the planet!
Sports
Sport is a big deal in Texas and going to a live game is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and have some fun. There are numerous teams throughout the state playing at various levels, but a few of the biggest names include the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), the Houston Rockets (NBA), the Dallas Mavericks (NBA), the Houston Astros (MLB), the Texas Rangers (MLB) and the San Antonio Spurs (NBA).
As you can see, there is a tremendous amount to see and do in Texas. Due to the sheer size of The Lone Star State, it is hard to fit it all into one trip but these are a few of the highlights to try. As with any destination, there are many hidden gems to find on your trip and the best way to find these will be to immerse yourself in the culture, be adventurous and to speak to friendly locals to get their recommendations.