Welcome to the best things to do in Texas!
I have to honestly say that when I search “best things to do in Texas,” the results just seem, um… boring??
As a lifelong Texan, I think there’s a ton of unique things to do in Texas that many people don’t know about.
So without further ado, here are the fun things in Texas you ACTUALLY don’t want to miss!
Let’s dive in.
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Texas Essentials
1. Explore Big Bend National Park
There’s a place in Far West Texas where the night skies are dark as coal, and rivers carve towering canyons out of ancient limestone.
That place is Big Bend National Park.
Although remote, Big Bend’s beautiful scenery is putting it on the map as the perfect off-the-grid getaway!
Related: Desert Instagram Captions
2. Glamp In Marfa
Not too far from Big Bend National Park, you’ll find the quirky West Texas town of Marfa.
Here, you’ll find a unique blend of rural Southwest culture and international art Mecca.
Of course to get the entire Marfa experience, you’ll want to try glamping at El Cosmico.
This boho-retro resort offers a chance to stay in a teepee, safari tent, or a vintage airstream!
While you’re in the area, make sure to check out the famous Prada Marfa art installation.
Related: Camping Instagram Captions
3. Try Famous Texas Barbecue
The title of “Best Barbecue In Texas” is hotly contested, but you can’t go wrong with Austin hotspots like Franklin Barbecue, Black’s Barbecue, and La Barbecue.
Read more: 15 Best Things To Do In Austin, Texas
4. Ride A Rollercoaster At Six Flags
If you’re a thrill-seeker, you’ll love spending a day on the giant coasters of Six Flags.
You can get your fix at the original Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, or Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio.
Related: Travel Instagram Captions
5. Jump Into Jacob’s Well
This popular swimming hole is definitely worth the trip to Wimberley on a hot summer day.
Fed by the Trinity aquifer, the water here is a crisp 68º year round!
Fun fact? The extensive underwater cave system that lies beneath has been measured at almost 140 feet deep, and almost a mile long.
Related: 10 Best Things To Do In Fredericksburg, Texas
6. Explore Fort Worth Stockyards
Nothing says quintessential Texas like the Fort Worth Stockyards!
This historic district features shopping, dining, bars, music venues, a rodeo, and a (twice) daily cattle drive right down the brick-lined main street.
Related: Rodeo Instagram Captions
7. Discover Krause Springs
This magical spot doesn’t look like it belongs in the middle of Texas, but it’s really there!
Krause Springs is a beautiful swimming and camping site, nestled into the Hill Country.
Located just under an hour west of Austin, it’s home to a manmade pool and a natural pool, both perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
The natural springs that feed the pools keep the water consistently at 68 degrees, year round!
Related: Texas Instagram Captions
8. Explore South Congress
South Congress, or SoCo, is a vibrant Austin neighborhood.
It’s home to cool boutiques, trendy hotels, local eateries, and art like the popular “i love you so much” mural.
You could spend the whole day here, but make sure to stay til dusk.
That way, you can catch the sunset on the picture-perfect view of the Texas State Capitol.
Then, you can witness the famous Congress Avenue Bridge bats (the world’s largest urban bat colony) take flight.
Here, you’ll also find live music galore, including nightly sets at the legendary Continental Club.
Austin is the Live Music Capital Of The World, after all!
Read more: 15 Best Things To Do In Austin, Texas
9. Float The River
Probably the MOST popular summer activity in Texas, floating the river with a cold drink on a hot day is perfection.
Related: Sassy Instagram Captions
10. Visit Magnolia Market At The Silos
If you’re a fan of Fixer Upper, this won’t need any further explanation!
If you’re not, then… what are you even doing??
Just kidding. Sort of.
Either way, there’s a ton of fun to be had here in Waco with the girls or the family.
You can eat your way through the coffee shop, bakery, food trucks, and the nearby Magnolia Table.
Then, you can stock up on home decor and other locally-sourced goods to round out your trip.
Related: Aesthetic Instagram Captions
11. Dance The Night Away At Gruene Hall
This iconic dance hall was built in 1878, making it the oldest continually operating in Texas.
Gruene Hall has hosted everything from the likes of George Strait and Willie Nelson, to graduations and dance lessons.
This is the perfect place to experience a Texas country concert, or brush up on your swing dancing.
12. Explore Houston’s Museum District
The Museum District is Houston’s cultural heart, with venues exploring subjects across art, history, and science.
Nineteen institutions make up the Museum District, and eleven are free all the time!
Some of the highlights are the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum Of Fine Arts Houston, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, and the Houston Zoo.
Exploring the Museum District is the perfect way to spend a rainy day.
Related: 10 Best Things To Do In Houston (From A Local)
13. Climb Enchanted Rock
One of the most unique hikes in the state, Enchanted Rock is one of the best things to do in Texas for nature lovers.
Climb this massive pink granite dome, that stands 425 feet taller than its surroundings
At the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning Hill Country views.
The more adventurous will enjoy climbing through the caves at the top.
There are also more fun hikes to do in the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
If you can, I recommend camping for the night, so you can experience the amazing stargazing!
Related: Hiking Instagram Captions
14. Picnic At The Waterwall
Houston’s most photographed site, this dramatic 64-foot fountain will be a killer backdrop for your next Instagram pic.
After that, the adjacent park is the perfect place to have a sunset picnic.
If you’re into retail therapy, make to sure to stop by the next-door Houston Galleria, and stock up on your favorite designers.
Related: Smile Instagram Captions
15. Drink A Margarita On The Riverwalk
The Riverwalk is the heart of San Antonio, winding through downtown and the city’s historic districts.
This 15-mile urban waterway is totally walkable, and full of shopping, dining, and sightseeing opportunities.
Related: Cocktail Instagram Captions
16. Tour Blue Bell Creameries
One of Texas’ crown jewels, Blue Bell Ice Cream was born in Brenham back in 1907.
Since then, Blue Bell has become a huge company, but you can still tour their hometown facilities, called The Little Creamery.
You can watch ice cream being made, enjoy free samples, and shop in their store.
This is super fun to do with kids, or even on a date.
17. Go Wine Tasting In The Hill Country
Did you know Texas boasts some awesome wineries?
The sunny and dry climate of the Hill Country makes for some delicious vino, and the region was even named one of the top 10 wine destinations by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Every trip to the Hill Country wine region must include a stop in Fredericksburg, a part of the Texas Hill Country Wine Trail.
This town is home to some of the oldest wineries in the state, and offers a taste of authentic German culture.
Read more: 10 Best Things To Do In Fredericksburg, Texas
18. Explore Guadalupe Mountains National Park
I went a looong time without knowing that Texas is actually home to two national parks.
The lesser known Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in West Texas, just south of the New Mexico border.
The park is home to desert vistas, spectacular night skies, and the tallest mountain in Texas, Guadalupe Peak.
Related: Adventure Instagram Captions
19. Spend The Day At Pleasure Pier
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, or just Pleasure Pier, is the perfect place to spend a beautiful day with the family, the girls, or on a date.
Set right on the beach, this pier is full of fun carnival games, rides, food, and shops.
It reminds me of the iconic Santa Monica Pier, but right here in Texas!
20. Visit The Alamo
Stand in awe at the shrine of Texas Liberty, and explore the 1836 battlefield as well as all of its history!
21. Explore Palo Duro State Park
Few people know that Texas is home to the second largest canyon in the United States, Palo Duro Canyon.
Found in Palo Duro Canyon State Park near Amarillo, this canyon is known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas.”
This underrated Texas treasure is perfect for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities- with little crowds!
Related: Scenery Instagram Captions
22. Explore Bishop Arts District
One of my favorite neighborhoods in all of Texas is the Bishop Arts District in Dallas.
This neighborhood was Dallas’ busiest trolley stop in the 1930’s, making it a historically significant place in the city.
Nowadays, that historic charm blends perfectly with the trendy shops, cafes, and bars that call the district home.
I love how walkable this whole area is, and how many beautiful (and super Instagrammable) places there are to check out.
Read more: 10 Best Things To Do In Dallas, Texas
23. Stop At Buccee’s
This is the one that gets me weird looks from non-Texans.
If you’re from Texas, you already know.
Basically, Buccee’s is a gas station chain- you heard me, a gas station chain, BUT it’s also so much more.
It’s a must-stop on every Texas road trip, so just hear me out.
First of all, Buccee’s original claim to fame is their bathrooms.
Bathrooms??
Well, if you’ve ever been on a road trip, you know how unique this is.
Their bathroom are pristine. And enormous. Like, dozens of stalls, all perfectly clean.
After that, the rest of the store is HUGE. Snacks, drinks, souvenirs- you name it, they got it.
Most locations also include an in-house deli, home decor, an outdoor gear section, and of course an entire range of Buccee’s-branded goods.
So if you want to feel like a true Texan… stop by Buccee’s, pick up a T-shirt, and try some beaver nuggets.
Related: Photoshoot Instagram Captions
Honorable Mention: Visit Hamilton Pool
Hamilton Pool is undeniably one of the most beautiful places in Texas.
And it’s only a 45 minute drive from downtown Austin.
The pool was formed thousands of years ago, when the dome of an underground river collapsed.
Unfortunately, it only gets an honorable mention because a lot has changed in the last few years.
Due to a combination of overwhelming popularity and fragility of the area, it’s become a lot less accessible.
Hamilton Pool now requires reservations, which are usually booked out months in advance.
Also, due to conditions like falling rocks and water bacteria levels, swimming will not be allowed for the foreseeable future.
Similarly, walking on the trail behind the waterfall is no longer allowed.
So… basically the only thing allowed at Hamilton Pool is hanging out and exploring the surrounding preserve.
I’m still mentioning it because it’s so well known, and it IS very beautiful.
So, if you happen to get the opportunity to go, I think it’s worth it.
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