State Map Of Texas With Counties
Introduction
Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the state’s diverse array of attractions. From bustling cities to wide-open spaces, Texas offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or an art lover, there’s plenty to see and do in the Lone Star State. In this travel guide, we’ll take you on a journey through Texas, covering the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
When it comes to top attractions in Texas, there’s no shortage of options. Some of the most popular destinations include:
- The Alamo in San Antonio
- The Space Center in Houston
- The River Walk in San Antonio
- The State Capitol in Austin
- The Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas
- The Big Bend National Park
- The Guadalupe Mountains National Park
- The Padre Island National Seashore
Hidden Gems
While Texas is known for its big attractions, there are also plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Some of our favorites include:
- The Marfa Lights in West Texas
- The Hamilton Pool Preserve near Austin
- The Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo
- The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in Fredericksburg
- The Caverns of Sonora
- The Palo Duro Canyon State Park near Amarillo
Food Scene
Texans love their food, and with good reason. The state has a diverse culinary scene that draws on influences from around the world. From barbecue to Tex-Mex to seafood, there’s something for every palate. Some of the must-try dishes include:
- Brisket from Franklin Barbecue in Austin
- Tacos from Torchy’s Tacos in Dallas
- Chili from the Original Texas Chili Company in San Antonio
- Gumbo from Gumbo Jeaux’s in Houston
- Fried chicken from Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken in Austin
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget in Texas is easier than you might think. Some tips for saving money include:
- Visiting state parks instead of amusement parks
- Eating at food trucks and local diners instead of fancy restaurants
- Staying in budget-friendly accommodations like hostels or camping sites
- Walking or biking instead of taking taxis or rental cars
- Using discount apps and websites like Groupon or Airbnb
Outdoor Adventures
With so much natural beauty, Texas is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the best outdoor adventures include:
- Hiking in the Hill Country
- Kayaking on the Guadalupe River
- Birdwatching at the Big Thicket National Preserve
- Caving at the Natural Bridge Caverns
- Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
Historical Landmarks
Texas is steeped in history, and there are plenty of landmarks that offer a glimpse into the state’s past. Some of the most significant historical sites include:
- The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site
- The USS Lexington Museum on the Bay in Corpus Christi
- The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park in Stonewall
- The Texas State Railroad in Palestine
- The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
Family-Friendly Activities
Traveling with kids? Texas has plenty of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained. Some of our favorites include:
- The Children’s Museum of Houston
- The Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas
- The Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels
- The Houston Zoo
- The SeaWorld San Antonio
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, Texas has plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences. Some of our favorites include:
- The World’s Largest Fire Hydrant in Beaumont
- The Beer Can House in Houston
- The Cadillac Bar in San Antonio
- The Giant Cowboy Boots in San Antonio
- The National Museum of Funeral History in Houston
Natural Wonders
From mountains to beaches to deserts, Texas has plenty of natural wonders to explore. Some of the most beautiful natural attractions include:
- The Palo Duro Canyon
- The Big Bend National Park
- The Padre Island National Seashore
- The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
- The Caverns of Sonora
Vibrant Nightlife
When the sun goes down, Texas heats up. Some of the best nightlife destinations include:
- The Sixth Street in Austin
- The River Walk in San Antonio
- The Deep Ellum neighborhood in Dallas
- The Montrose neighborhood in Houston
- The Sundance Square in Fort Worth
Local Markets
If you’re looking to shop local, Texas has plenty of markets to explore. Some of the best include:
- The Pearl Farmers Market in San Antonio
- The Dallas Farmers Market
- The Houston Farmers Market
- The Austin Farmers Market
- The Fredericksburg Farmers Market
Beaches and Mountains
Whether you’re looking for a day at the beach or a hike in the mountains, Texas has you covered. Some of the best beaches and mountains include:
- The Padre Island National Seashore
- The Galveston Island State Park
- The Guadalupe Mountains National Park
- The Davis Mountains State Park
- The Palo Duro Canyon
Cultural Immersion
Texas has a rich and vibrant culture that’s worth experiencing. Some of the best ways to immerse yourself in Texas culture include:
- Visiting the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
- Attending a rodeo or livestock show
- Exploring the Mexican-American culture in the border towns
- Attending a music festival like South by Southwest in Austin
- Learning about the cowboy culture at a working ranch
Art and Music Scene
Texans have a deep passion for the arts, and there are plenty of museums, galleries, and music venues to explore. Some of the best include:
- The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston
- The Blanton Museum of Art in Austin
- The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth
- The Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth
- The Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater in Austin
Walking Tours
One of the best ways to explore Texas is on foot. Some of the best walking tours include:
- The River Walk in San Antonio
- The Historic Downtown Walking Tour in Galveston
- The Sixth Street Walking Tour in Austin
- The JFK Assassination Walking Tour in Dallas
- The Art Walk in Houston
Architectural Marvels
From historic landmarks to modern skyscrapers, Texas has some impressive architectural marvels. Some of the most notable include:
- The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
- The Texas State Capitol in Austin
- The Reunion Tower in