Places to Visit in Texas
Searching for the best places to visit in Texas and things to do there? You are in the right place! I live in Texas and I especially adore the beautiful coastal areas on the Gulf and the Texas Hill Country because it's where I live and travel to the most with my husband and son.
The Lone Star State is vast and I'm still getting to know its hidden corners. Here are the places I personally vetted on my Texas day trips and weekend getaways that I hope you’ll enjoy them too.
Best Places to Visit in the Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country is one of my favorite places on the planet and it's also where I live year-round with Chris and our son. I love our super long summers that start in March and end in October, friendly people, amazing nature, and great food (of course!). The biggest Texas Hill Country cities (Austin and San Antonio) are perfectly situated to enjoy exciting day trips nearby. Here are the places I think you should visit in the Texas Hill Country.
Fredericksburg - 1 hour from Austin
Looking for a place to go near Austin, TX with tons of history? Check out Fredericksburg, TX, just a short 60-minute drive from Austin where I live.
Locals told me that it was founded in 1846 by German immigrants, and you can definitely see the remnants of its Old World culture all around town (especially amazing traditional German food, beer and music!).
For a taste of the town’s German heritage, stroll down Main Street as soon as you arrive, where you’ll find shops, bakeries, and biergartens like Altdorf Biergarten which was my personal highlight!
After, stop by Pioneer Museum, which showcases early settler life through preserved cabins and artifacts. Later, head to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, a massive pink granite dome offering stunning views.
One of the top historical attractions my son appreciated is the National Museum of the Pacific War, dedicated to Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, a Fredericksburg native. When it’s time to relax, unwind with live music and craft beer at Altstadt Brewery, a striking German-style Texas castle and brewery. Later, for dinner, indulge in hearty German-Texan fare at Otto’s German Bistro or enjoy upscale Southern comfort food at Vaudeville.
Visiting Wildseed Farms with my son was incredible next morning. It's the largest working wildflower farm in the U.S., where children can roam colorful fields and adults can shop for seeds and Texas wines.
A downside? Weekends (especially during wildflower season, Oktoberfest, and holidays) mean heavy tourist traffic.
Austin
This easily my favorite city to visit in Texas, not just because I live here! I think that Austin has the absolute best mix of live music, museums, and nature, and is the perfect road trip stop. But first, be sure to spend a few days getting to know our wonderful city - there are heaps of things to do here!
Unlike many big cities in the USA, I think that Austin still manages to feel down-to-earth where you can spend the morning admiring the views over Lady Bird Lake, the afternoon exploring boutique shops on South Congress Avenue, and evenings sampling unique foods and visiting music venues.
I recommend starting your visit in Downtown Austin, where you should visit the Texas State Capitol for history, and Zilker Park for lovely views.
When the sun goes down, head to The Continental Club or Antone’s to experience Austin’s legendary live music scene (blues, rock, or country. Foodies will want to dine at Uchi, a contemporary Japanese restaurant loved for its innovative sushi and chic ambiance, and indulge in Texas barbecue perfection at Franklin Barbecue.
Just a heads up: Austin is actually pretty spread out with many unique neighborhoods. That's why when I have friends visiting from out-of-town, I highly recommend a local tour with a guide to orient yourself. Luckily, there some really cool tours to choose from in my hometown, including walking tours, cruises, food tours and even a double decker bus tour!
A downside? From June through September, temperatures often sit at 100°F+ so you need to be near a pool, swimming hole (or somewhere air conditioned).
What I loved best:
The most popular and my favorite swimming place is Barton Springs Pool, a three-acre swimming pool fed by underground springs in Zilker Metropolitan Park. There are two parking lots and admission is $9 for non-residents (but often free during the colder months!). See if you can spot our adorable (and unfortunately endangered) Barton Springs Salamander!
What about accommodations? There are lots of choices for every budget, from hotels to more affordable vacation rentals. Our room at 5-star Hotel Saint Cecilia had one of the most comfortable beds I've ever slept in, with lush private gardens that were such a hidden gem and my personal highlight.
New Braunfels - 50 minutes by car from Austin
I thought this place, between San Antonio and Austin, has to be one of the absolute best day trips in Texas.
First thing we did was grab coffee downtown at New Braunfels Coffee and wander around Downtown New Braunfels. The historic buildings mixed with cool shops felt like an underrated but amazing experience. We ended the morning with another coffee and a snack at Pink Coffee & Co. New Braunfels.
After that we headed straight to the Comal River, which is literally right there, and floating in it was the absolute best way to slow down and feel that Texas summer magic.
We laughed a lot, soaked up the sun, and this part was easily my favorite because it felt joyful, affordable, and kind of like a dream afternoon.
Later we checked out Gruene, just outside of town, and it felt like a hidden time capsule with live music, antique stores, and the coolest dance hall ever. We didn’t even plan much, but stumbling into Gruene Hall for music was such a brilliant idea and one of the most authentic experiences of the trip. Locals told me that it's the oldest dance hall in Texas.
That evening we ate ay Alpine Haus Restaurant, my personal highlight, especially their Black Forest Cake for dessert!
The next morning after breakfast we explored Landa Park, which I think is one of the most underrated parks in Texas, especially for a family or chill weekend. We walked along the trails, and loved how green and peaceful everything felt.
San Antonio
If you are looking for the best places to visit in Texas on a family vacation, I think that San Antonio in South-Central is the ideal choice. Why? First off, your kids will have heard of The Alamo in their history class, which you can visit in San Antonio (my son really appreciated this historical perspective!).
In addition, the iconic San Antonio River Walk is very family friendly where you can easily stop for refreshments, enjoy a peaceful riverboat cruise, and then easily pop back to your hotel for an afternoon nap.
Next day, for art and culture, visit La Villita Historic Arts Village and the San Antonio Museum of Art, while nature enthusiasts can spend a morning at the Japanese Tea Garden and the San Antonio Botanical Garden, both ideal for a serene escape within the city.
When it’s time to dine, we've enjoyed elevated Tex-Mex at Mi Tierra Café y Panadería, and refined dining at Biga on the Banks, a River Walk gem where we love their New American cuisine and romantic riverside ambiance.
Finally, there are many events you can catch in San Antonio throughout the seasons but my favorite is Muertos Fest at Hemisfair in October!
As the night winds down, I loved our stay at 5-star Hotel Emma (a AAA Five Diamond hotel so you can expect amazing service), or check out the more affordable 3-star Hotel Gibbs Downtown San Antonio Riverwalk.
In addition, LEGOLAND Discovery Center San Antonio is within easy walk from hotels like the 4-star Hilton Palacio del Rio and 4-star Hotel Contessa, making it easy to visit even with smaller kids.
If you have time for a day trip from San Antonio, Natural Bridge Caverns was a must-see stop on our journey! This underground natural wonder in Texas has to be one of the coolest and most exciting cave experiences I’ve ever had in the U.S.! I loved that there are several unique tours to to choose from, and afterwards above ground the park offered even more fun—like zip-lining, obstacle courses, and gem mining. Expect to pay around $25-$40+ for standard cavern tours, plus a separate $10 parking fee per vehicle.
Killeen, TX
About an hour north of Austin, Killeen makes for a cool and easy road trip stop that’s full of unique attractions like Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) at the heart of the city, where I found the museums and exhibits absolutely fascinating.
When I want to be outdoors, Stillhouse Hollow Lake and Belton Lake are my go-to spots for a picnic, fishing, or simply relaxing by the shore at sunset.
One of my favorite food stops were flavorful tacos at Taqueria Mexico Lindo, a hidden gem.
Best Day Trips from Dallas
The Dallas area offers so many unique corners to explore, whether you like nature, museums or dining. Here's where to stop on your road trip, especially if you choose Dallas as your starting point.
Things to Do in Dallas
One of the coolest things is stopping in Dallas! I I especially love exploring the Dallas Arts District, which I read is the largest urban arts district in the nation!
Afterwards, we relaxed at Peticolas Brewing Company tucked just west of downtown in the Design District and I thought this spot is a true hidden gem for craft beer lovers.
For a step back in time, Dealey Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum are unusual and powerful places to visit.
One of my favorite museums is Meadows Museum, part of Southern Methodist University, houses one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Spanish art outside of Spain.
Whenever I want a peaceful escape, the Dallas Arboretum is my go-to because the gardens are absolutely beautiful, and a stroll by White Rock Lake is one of the most underrated and romantic things to do in the city.
One of my favorite places to stay is The Joule, a AAA Four Diamond award winner, where we checked into a Premier Room with a King Bed with hypo-allergenic bedding and modern decor.
There are many cool day trips and weekend getaways you can take from Dallas as well.
More Unique Places to Visit Around Texas
From the incredible energy of Houston to the rugged West Texas character Alpine, you can choose from some super unique destinations in other parts of Texas. Here's where I think you should start.
Things to Do in Houston
I love visiting this mega city with my family (and on last minute solo day trips too!) A scenic 25-minute drive from almost anywhere in Houston (thanks to its impressive loop system I can totally vouch for) can take you from the sleek Museum District to the laid-back vibes of the Heights or the buzz of Midtown. A fair warning, though, Houston is very spread out so you can easily end up wandering aimlessly without a plan. It's a good idea to chart your itinerary ahead of time or sign up for one of the cool local guided tours.
We started downtown near Discovery Green which is right in the heart of the city, and it felt vibrant, exciting, and full of magic right away. Walking around first thing was a brilliant idea because we got to see hidden gems, cool murals, and unique architecture before it got busy.
After that we headed toward Midtown which is near downtown Houston, and this area was one of my favorite spots for food and people watching. Trying local tacos there was an absolute best experience, affordable and family-friendly.
After lunch, we explored the Museum District near Hermann Park, and this was such a spectacular and interesting area that felt almost like a dream. The museums are close together which made it easy, and honestly this part of Houston felt like a cultural gem and very family friendly.
I loved our afternoon wandering through the Museum of Fine Arts, followed by dinner at Christie's Seafood (a local gem in business for over 100 years!).
Next day after breakfast we relaxed at Buffalo Bayou Park which sits just west of downtown, and it was one of the most peaceful and romantic moments. Watching the skyline from there felt special and unusual, especially since Houston is so spread out but still looks incredible.
When hunger hits, Houston truly shines and lunch at Coreanos is a fun spot blending Korean and Mexican street food. I found the Korean BBQ tacos to be addictively good and perfect after a day of exploring. !
In the evening we went to Montrose which is near the city center. This neighborhood was vibrant, artsy, and totally my favorite. The Burger Joint captures the city’s casual, come-as-you-are charm perfectly, and set along Montrose Boulevard, it’s the kind of spot where the sizzle from the grill mingled with the hum of conversation spilling out onto the patio.
We ended the trip near the Galleria area uptown Houston, and it felt like the perfect mix of luxury, fun, and the absolute best way to finish.
We settled into Hotel ZaZa's Junior Suite with a separate sitting area for two days.
Amarillo
I think that this is a fantastic vacation getaway if you’re looking for a mix of cowboy spirit, Route 66 nostalgia, and wide-open Texas Panhandle skies.
To get here, the first option is to fly to Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, or as a second option drive 1 hour 45 minutes from Lubbock as part of a larger road trip like we did.
Start your journey at Amarillo's iconic Cadillac Ranch, where ten half-buried vintage Cadillacs stand nose-down in the dirt (a totally unique public art installation that was oh-so-Texan!), then, explore the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, celebrating one of Texas’s most beloved traditions.
A notable outdoor park here is Palo Duro Canyon State Park, often called the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” where you can hike along the colorful red-rock trails (my favorite!), catch a horseback ride through the canyon floor, or take in the famous TEXAS Outdoor Musical, a summer tradition set under the stars.
When hunger strikes, head to The Big Texan Steak Ranch because it's an Amarillo institution famous for its 72-ounce steak challenge, or for something more refined, head to OHMS Café & Bar, where I loved their locally inspired dishes!
Beaumont
Once here, you’ll quickly see why this city is one of my favorites to visit with its unique blend of Cajun culture, Texas heritage, and outdoor adventure opportunities. We drove about 3.5 hours east from our home in Austin to Beaumont, a city of about 110,000 near the Louisiana border on the Neches River.
I recommend starting your trip by exploring Downtown Beaumont, home to colorful murals, and restored Art Deco buildings. If you are a history buff like me, you'll love visiting the Spindletop Boomtown Museum, where the Texas oil boom began in 1901, or the McFaddin-Ward House Museum, a grand Beaux-Arts mansion that showcases early 20th-century elegance.
Nature lovers can’t miss the chance to wander through the Cattail Marsh Wetlands, a serene 900-acre habitat we spotted herons, roseate spoonbills, and alligators along the boardwalk, and for a wild Texas experience, stop by the Gator Country Adventure Park that's home to hundreds of rescued reptiles, including “Big Al,” a 1,000-pound alligator.
When hunger hits, indulge in Beaumont’s flavorful Cajun-Texan cuisine at Floyd’s Cajun Seafood where I ordered spicy crawfish, or head to Katharine & Company for fresh, locally inspired dishes in a charming setting.
Waco TX in 48 Hours
I adored this Texas destination where small-town charm meets big personality with brick warehouses turned into chic boutiques, riverside trails, and a thriving creative scene. For me, it's one of the best Texas day trips from Austin.
We drove about 1.5 hours north from our home in Austin to Waco (population ~140,000), and once a cattle-trading town on the Brazos River, Waco still carries its frontier spirit.
I started with a stroll through the Magnolia Market at the Silos, wandered through the Dr Pepper Museum, admired the modern art at the Martin Museum of Art, and I walked along the Brazos Riverwalk at sunset.
My personal highlight was visiting the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum, strolling along the historic Suspension Bridge (1870), and exploring Cameron Park, a 416-acre green space with bluffs overlooking the river.
McAllen - 1 hour by car from Brownsville
This unique city, located in the Rio Grande Valley near the U.S.–Mexico border, is one of my favorite underrated destination on our Texas road trips.
We started our experience downtown McAllen, which was the best first stop because everything felt walkable, colorful, and full of energy, with murals, cafés, and music setting the magic mood.
After that, breakfast turned into one of my favorite moments at a local café, where the food was affordable but absolutely amazing, and the coffee fueled the rest of our dream day.
Then we headed to Quinta Mazatlán, a hidden nature gem near central McAllen, and it was such a cool and unusual experience seeing peacocks, tropical plants, and historic architecture all in one place.
Later in the afternoon we explored shopping at La Plaza Mall, which is honestly one of the best shopping experiences in Texas, and see in my photos how vibrant and lively it felt.
As the sun started to set, we drove just a short distance to the McAllen Nature Center, which felt peaceful and romantic, a total underrated spot for walking and slowing down.
Dinner was next and we chose a local Mexican restaurant that turned into an exceptional food experience, easily the absolute best flavors we had all weekend.
If I’m in the mood for something lively, I love catching a performance at the McAllen Performing Arts Center where the shows are top-notch - I think it’s one of the coolest venues in South Texas.
That night was spent walking around downtown again, enjoying live music and people watching, which made McAllen feel joyful and full of life.The next morning we took it slow, which was the best idea, grabbing breakfast tacos before heading out to explore nearby Mission and the surrounding Valley towns.
What makes McAllen so special is how unique and interesting it is, combining culture, food, nature, and city vibes into one brilliant idea of a family or romantic getaway.
Alpine
Tucked away in the heart of the Big Bend region, I thought that this was one of the most scenic weekend getaways when I moved to the Lone Star State.
Just hop on I-10 West and US-67 South from Midland or El Paso, and after a few hours of open-road-trip beauty, you’ll arrive in this charming high-desert town surrounded by rolling hills and endless blue skies. Once here, you’ll understand why Alpine is often called the “Heart of the Big Bend”. It’s so peaceful, artsy, and full of rugged West Texas character.
I love how totally authentic Alpine is, a place where locals don't have tourism fatigue, and star-filled nights are brighter than you have imagined.
Start this part of your road trip adventure in Downtown Alpine, see the murals, browse local art galleries, and stop for a latte at Cedar Coffee Supply, and if you enjoy history the Museum of the Big Bend is for you... located on the Sul Ross State University campus, a fascinating stop that highlights the area’s rich Native American, ranching, and frontier heritage.
For a day outdoors, there's Big Bend National Park or Davis Mountains State Park both offering some of the best hiking, stargazing, and desert scenery in Texas. If you’re still in town at the right time, catch a local festival like Trappings of Texas in September, celebrating Western art and cowboy culture.
When it’s time to eat, head to Reata Restaurant, a West Texas legend where we adored its perfectly cooked steaks, spicy jalapeño crab bisque, and cozy rustic ambiance.
I think that Alpine is one of the best places to visit in Texas.
After dinner, we retreated to the 3-star Holland Hotel (around $127/night), a beautifully restored Spanish Colonial landmark. Our elegant room with a King bed for two days was comfortable, we enjoyed their on-site restaurant, and proximity to downtown...I really thought it’s the most incredible base for our romantic getaway in Texas, my favorite highlight.
Conclusion
The more we explore across Texas, the more we realize that each city and town has its own unique magic that makes it special. I hope that you see from my list of best places to visit in Texas how vast and diverse the Lone Star State really is. If you only have a weekend, fly to Austin, Dallas or Houston and base yourself there for bit of exploring. Most of all, I hope you enjoy exploring Texas as much as we do.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
