When you think about Texas, what are the first things that come to mind? Cowboys, cattle ranches, and oil fields? Chances are good that this is your mental image of the Lone Star State. While these aspects play a significant role in shaping our Texas culture, they don’t tell the whole story.
Texans have a reputation for being proud and independent. That’s because Texas has a great history full of people who were both strong-willed and fiercely protective of what they believed in. Texans are tough, resilient, and hard working – qualities that make them some of the best neighbors you’ll ever find. So if you’re looking to experience this state like a Texan, these are the places where you should go.
San Antonio’s River Walk and the Alamo
The city of San Antonio is well known for its fast-growing population, which is impacted by the strong job market, affordable living, vibrant culture, hospitality, and fantastic food. Aside from the quality of life experienced by San Antonio residents, many tourists claim that the city has some of the state’s best attractions.
Two of the most well-known attractions are San Antonio’s River Walk and the Alamo. Stretching along the San Antonio River in the heart of the city, you have the River Walk, which is one of the best places for strolling and dining. Dining alongside the river while indulging in some of Texas’s finest dishes is an unforgettable experience. The pedestrian walkways that hug the river make it one of the most desirable places in Texas for both residents and tourists. Day and night, people storm the area to dine alongside the river, walk or cruise on a riverboat.
Just when you thought things couldn’t get better, San Antonio has more to give. Amongst America’s most important historical sites is the Alamo, which is also located in the city. The Alamo was created as part of a mission station established in 1718, and it was built in 1744 by Franciscans. In 1836, it was converted into a fort, and it became famous during the Texas Revolution when a small force barricaded itself against the overwhelming numbers of the Mexican army. Even though the small force of defenders was killed, the cry of “Remember the Alamo!” rallied the state into overcoming the Mexicans eventually.
Today, the restored building can be visited, and the site features a museum with displays of weapons and artifacts related to the mission. Without question these are two of the best places to visit in Texas; however, there are many more things to do in San Antonio so be sure to check them out.
Space Center Houston
We all know the famous words, “Houston, we had a problem.” spoken by Jim Lovell when Apollo 13 experienced an explosion and the Lovell called mission control in Houston to report the issue. Nowadays, the city of Houston TX is home to one of the leading science and space learning institutions in the US.
A 30-minute drive to downtown Houston will get to one of the most popular tourist attractions in Texas, Houston Space Center. This museum encompasses the best interactive and learning experience about everything related to space exploration, NASA’s latest projects, and upcoming missions. Also, Space Center Houston is home to the Johnson Space Center and Mission Control, which can be visited on tour.
You might need more than half a day to explore the museum. Some of the most exciting exhibits include a space shuttle replica mounted on a shuttle carrier, mission Mars with detailed explanations on how to get there, and the Starship Gallery, where you can view multiple miniature spacecraft models. The Space Center Houston is a beautiful place to explore with the entire family, and it is unquestionably one of the best places to visit in Texas.
Space Center Houston is not the only place waiting to be explored in the area. Houston holds plenty of other great museums for art, history, or science enthusiasts, so make sure to check them out as well.
The Sixth Floor Museum
Another famous museum that impressed with its significance and set a reminder towards an event that shaped our country’s history is The Sixth Floor Museum. Once the Texas School Book Depository in Dallas, this red-brick building is the place from which the fatal shot that took President John F. Kennedy’s life was fired. The museum holds a detailed account of the assassination and details about Kennedy’s legacy.
Highlights include presidential campaign and term as president, all of which are accompanied by historical footage, artifacts, and photographs. While exploring the city of Dallas TX, especially the downtown area, make sure to check out the nearby John F. Kennedy Memorial dedicated to President Kennedy in 1970. There are plenty more museums and attractions Dallas has to offer, and we hope that you enjoy your stay and make the most out of it.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Nature enthusiasts who want to explore the rocky mountains and their wildlife can attend the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, home to the highest peaks in Texas and considered one of the most beautiful National Parks in America. The park is located in the northwestern corner of the state, about 100 miles east of El Paso, and the region is well known for its abundance of wildlife, which includes the majestic golden eagles.
The stunning landscape, especially around the towering El Capitan, is a view to remember. Popular amongst hikers and nature lovers, the Guadalupe Peak is the highest elevation in Texas. The mountain range offers more than 80 miles of trails through spectacular woodland canyons and lush springs, and the park is one of the best hiking and biking experiences in Texas. Be sure to go by the visitor center in Pine Springs for more details about biking or hiking trails as well as the dos and don’ts in nature while you are exploring the area.
The Texas State Capitol in Austin
Another building with historical meaning is the Texas State Capitol in Austin TX. Built in 1888, the structure represents Austin’s downtown core, and it is considered one of the finest state legislatures in the US. Nowadays, the Texas State Capitol is a National Historic Landmark that impresses with its dimensions, standing 308 feet tall.
The park where the Capitol is located stretches for about 22-acres, and it includes other important monuments such as the veterans of the Vietnam War and the defenders of the Alamo. To visit the Capitol’s interior, you can attend a guided tour available at the visitor center where the tour usually starts. At dusk, tourists take the opportunity to head across the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge to witness the spectacle of millions of free-tailed bats coming and going from their perches under the bridge.
The city of Austin TX is a monument to be admired in itself, and if you ever have the opportunity to relocate here, you shouldn’t hesitate to do so. Get in touch with one of our real estate agents in Austin TX if you want to find a new home in the City of the Violet Crown.
Padre Island National Seashore
Considered the world’s most extended undeveloped barrier island, Padre Island is located a short drive shout of Corpus Christi and stretches for more than 70 miles. The barrier island is the most important conservation area in Texas, and Padre Island holds more than 130,00 acres of beaches, grassland habitats, and dunes. Home to rare sea turtles and numerous migratory birds, the island is ideal for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers.
To visit the Gulf of Mexico’s beautiful coastal region, you can begin your journey at the Malaquite Visitor Center. Here you can find all the information you need about Padre Island, and you can get assistance for people with mobility issues like specially adapted beach wheelchairs. If more than 350 different species of birds stopover on the Central Flyway migratory route, you should too, because it is one of the best places to visit in Texas.
Conclusion
They say that everything is bigger in Texas, and if you take into account the number of attractions and fun places to visit, it is easy to see why the Lone Star State is such a big hit with travelers. From breathtaking countrysides, historical attractions, and shopping meccas to diverse museums, pristine city parks, and mouthwatering barbecue, everything is possible in Texas.
We have outlined a list of some of our favorite places to be in Texas. If you never had the opportunity to visit any of these attractions, consider them for your next vacation destination. You will be impressed with how much fun, excitement, and thrill some of these Texan attractions can provide.
Do you agree with our list of best places to visit in Texas? Tell us in the comment section below what is your favorite place to visit in the Lone Star State? If you enjoy the content, don’t hesitate to share it with your friends on your social media platforms.
