Living in Austin, I’ve always known Texas had range...bluebonnets one weekend, brisket the next, and world-class art or history never too far off. But this trip reminded me just how vast and varied the state really is. From the echoes of the Alamo to the futuristic hum of rockets ready for space, I explored places that made me feel awe, pride, and sometimes just plain wonder.
Here are the places that made me pause, look closer, and feel lucky to call Texas home.
Best Things to Do in Texas
Reaching for the Stars at Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston made me feel like a kid again—curious, small, and full of questions. I wandered through full-scale rockets and moon rovers, my sneakers squeaking on the polished floor, and thought, "This is the closest I’ve come to touching the sky."
The exhibits were immersive and smartly designed. I toured a replica of the space shuttle Independence mounted on a 747, and stood inches from a flown Mercury capsule. In Mission Control, I listened to the story of the Apollo 11 moon landing, and honestly got chills. Science felt heroic here, and deeply human.
Afterward, I grabbed lunch at Lucille’s in nearby Hermann Park. I ordered the chili biscuits and fried green tomatoes—Southern comfort with serious style. Sitting on the patio, sun warming my shoulders, I replayed the sound of astronauts' voices over the radio. It still gives me goosebumps.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at the Hotel Zaza Museum District, an artsy boutique hotel that felt both glamorous and grounded. That night, flipping through photos of rocket engines and mission patches, I thought, "Texas doesn’t just dream big—it launches big."
Space Center Houston At a Glance
- Location: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058
- Vibe: Futuristic, awe-inspiring, educational
- Highlights: Historic Mission Control, shuttle replica, Apollo and Mars exhibits
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds
- Cost: $29.95 adults, $24.95 children
- Hours: Daily 10am–5pm (longer in summer)
- Tip: Book a Level 9 VIP tour if you want behind-the-scenes NASA access—it’s incredible
Standing Still in History at The Alamo
I’d seen the photos and heard the story, but nothing prepared me for the stillness of standing in front of The Alamo. Tucked into downtown San Antonio, surrounded by modern shops and sidewalks, it felt like stepping into a pause in time. I stood quietly beneath the stone arch and thought, "This ground remembers."
The mission-turned-fortress is compact but powerful. Inside, the artifacts—flintlocks, letters, faded uniforms—tell a story of courage and complexity. Outside, the gardens offered a peaceful moment under oak trees, and the sound of water from the acequia added to the hush. I lingered longer than I expected. It felt like something you don’t just visit—you bear witness to.
Afterward, I walked to Schilo’s, a century-old German deli nearby. I had their famous root beer and a hearty bowl of split pea soup with rye bread. It was warm, humble, and comforting—just like the city itself.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at Hotel Emma at the Pearl District—a reimagined 19th-century brewhouse with vintage charm and modern luxury. That night, reflecting on the sacrifices woven into Texas history, I thought, "Some stories get louder the quieter you listen."
The Alamo At a Glance
- Location: 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
- Vibe: Reverent, historic, solemn
- Highlights: The chapel, Long Barrack museum, peaceful gardens
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for soft light and fewer crowds
- Cost: Free general admission; guided tours and exhibits extra
- Hours: Daily 9am–5:30pm
- Tip: Reserve a timed-entry ticket online if you want a more in-depth visit
For Culture Seekers: The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park
Amid the buzz of downtown Houston, The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park felt like a little miracle of memory. Eleven historic buildings dot the green lawns—restored and furnished to reflect life in the 1800s and early 1900s. I stepped through the gate and thought, "I didn’t expect to find this much soul in the middle of the city."
The guided tour was personal and detailed—each home had a voice of its own. From log cabins to Victorian parlors, I saw Houston’s story told through front porches, quilts, and kitchen stoves. It wasn’t flashy, but it was deeply felt. The kind of history you walk through, not just past.
Afterward, I walked over to Common Bond Café & Bakery in Midtown and ordered a quiche Lorraine and an iced lavender latte. It was refined yet welcoming—just like the homes I’d just toured.
Where I Stayed: I was still at Hotel Zaza Museum District, close to Houston’s green spaces and galleries. That evening, with the skyline glowing outside my window, I thought, "Houston hides its history in plain sight—you just have to slow down and look."
The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park At a Glance
- Location: 1100 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
- Vibe: Quiet, authentic, full of charm
- Highlights: Restored homes, museum gallery, docent-led tours
- Best Time to Visit: Mornings for cooler temps and small tour groups
- Cost: $15 for a guided tour; museum gallery free
- Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 10am–4pm
- Tip: Take the guided tour—it’s the only way to go inside the buildings
For Art Lovers: The San Antonio Museum of Art
The San Antonio Museum of Art , housed in a former brewery on the banks of the River Walk, felt like a slow, rich conversation with the world. I stepped into a gallery of ancient Greek pottery and immediately thought, "Art doesn't just reflect history—it carries it."
The museum's collection spans continents and centuries—from pre-Columbian sculpture to Chinese ceramics and Latin American modernism. Each room felt like a portal. I especially loved the Texas artists' section, where bold color and homegrown perspective met in unexpected ways. The building itself—industrial bones softened by sunlight—only deepened the experience.
Afterward, I followed the Museum Reach of the River Walk and stopped at Rosario’s for lunch. I ordered their famous fish tacos with chipotle mayo and a prickly pear margarita. Every bite was bright, fresh, and unapologetically San Antonio.
Where I Stayed: I stayed at Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, a stylish boutique spot with Spanish-inspired architecture and easy access to the museum. That night, with city lights flickering on the river, I thought, "This city doesn’t just protect its culture—it celebrates it."
San Antonio Museum of Art At a Glance
- Location: 200 W Jones Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215
- Vibe: Global, thoughtful, artfully layered
- Highlights: Ancient to contemporary art, Texas artists, riverside setting
- Best Time to Visit: Midday for quiet galleries and soft light
- Cost: $20 adults, $12 seniors/students
- Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm; later on Tuesdays and Fridays
- Tip: Follow your visit with a river walk—there are public art installations all along the way
Exploring Time and Space at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
From dinosaurs to diamonds, the Houston Museum of Natural Science felt like the universe folded into one building. I stepped beneath the towering skeleton of a T. rex and whispered, "There’s nothing quite like this place."
The permanent exhibits are vast and varied—ancient Egypt, Texas wildlife, space science, and more. I lost track of time in the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, where everything shimmered. The Burke Baker Planetarium pulled me into orbit with a show that made the cosmos feel both enormous and familiar. It was a museum you don’t just walk through—you journey across eras and elements.
After the exhibits, I walked to Barnaby’s Café near the Museum District and ordered their lemon artichoke chicken and a glass of iced hibiscus tea. Light, fresh, and grounding—just what I needed after so much cosmic wonder.
Where I Stayed: Still based at Hotel Zaza Museum District, I felt like the hotel itself was an extension of the exhibits—colorful, curated, and full of stories. That night, I journaled beneath a gallery wall of quirky art and thought, "Houston knows how to mix science with soul."
Houston Museum of Natural Science At a Glance
- Location: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
- Vibe: Expansive, educational, hands-on
- Highlights: Dinosaur Hall, planetarium, gems & minerals, Egypt gallery
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for families; late afternoon for a quieter crowd
- Cost: $25 adults, $16 children; separate tickets for special exhibits and shows
- Hours: Daily 9am–5pm
- Tip: Don’t miss the pendulum in the main hall—it’s mesmerizing
Drifting Through Charm on the San Antonio Riverwalk
Even though I’d been to the San Antonio River Walk before, this time I decided to slow down. I wandered along the water’s edge, passing shaded patios, vine-draped bridges, and bursts of mariachi music floating through the air. As a boat slid quietly past, I thought, "This might be the most romantic place in Texas."
What makes the River Walk special isn’t just the scenery—it’s the feeling. The cobblestone paths curve with the water, and something about the pace here encourages lingering. I browsed a few shops, watched ducks nap under willow trees, and ducked into the historic La Villita arts village for handmade treasures.
Eventually, I settled in for dinner at Boudro’s, a riverside bistro with twinkling lights and a warm breeze. I ordered the blackened prime rib and their famous tableside guacamole. With a prickly pear margarita in hand and candlelight dancing on the water, I thought, "I could sit here forever."
Where I Stayed: Still at Hotel Valencia Riverwalk, I had easy access to the river and a courtyard view that made every morning feel like a storybook. That night, listening to water ripple beyond the balcony, I thought, "San Antonio doesn't just welcome you—it wraps around you."
San Antonio River Walk At a Glance
- Location: Downtown San Antonio, TX 78205
- Vibe: Lush, lively, timeless
- Highlights: Walkable paths, boat tours, restaurants, shops, historic spots
- Best Time to Visit: Evening for lights and ambiance; morning for quiet strolls
- Cost: Free to walk; boat tours around $13
- Hours: Always open
- Tip: Wear comfy shoes—the loop is longer than it looks, and you’ll want to explore it all
Waco Charm & Riverside Ease
Waco was a blend of small-town warmth and big-city surprises. I admired historic brick facades meeting fresh coffee shops and bustling markets. The Brazos River shimmered in the afternoon sun as I strolled across the Waco Suspension Bridge, the breeze carrying the faint scent of barbecue. I paused to watch kayakers drift past and thought, “This is a city that knows how to slow down without standing still.”
What I Loved Most: Wandering through Magnolia Market at the Silos, the air filled with the smell of sweet pastries from the bakery and the hum of happy visitors.
My highlights? A tour of the Waco Mammoth National Monument, where ancient fossils whispered stories from 65,000 years ago; a lazy riverside picnic in Cameron Park; and a plate of smoky brisket that left me planning my next visit before I’d even left.
A downside? August is punishingly hot so it's best to avoid going then.
Plan your Waco day trip:
- Drive Time from Austin: ~1.5 hours north
- Vibe: Relaxed, historic, welcoming
- Highlights: Magnolia Market at the Silos, Waco Suspension Bridge, Cameron Park, Waco Mammoth National Monument, Dr Pepper Museum
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for comfortable temperatures and outdoor events
- Cost: Many attractions free; museum and tour admissions vary
- Hours: Most attractions 9am–5pm; parks open daily
Conclusion
Texas has a way of stretching the imagination—where rockets launch in Houston and riverboats glide through San Antonio, all within a day's drive of my home in Austin. Every stop on this trip reminded me why I love living here: the stories run deep, the landscapes shift dramatically, and the people never stop adding heart to it all.
Whether you’re chasing space history, stepping into a mission’s shadow, or simply sipping margaritas by the water, Texas will meet you with something unexpected. And if you let it, it might just stay with you long after the road home ends.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Reaching for the Stars at Space Center Houston
- • Standing Still in History at The Alamo
- • For Culture Seekers: The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park
- • For Art Lovers: The San Antonio Museum of Art
- • Exploring Time and Space at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
- • Drifting Through Charm on the San Antonio Riverwalk
- • Waco Charm & Riverside Ease
About VacationIdea