Texas
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Texas - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Barton Creek Greenbelt
West Austin/Zilker ParkThis 12-mile series of hike-and-bike trails follows the contour of Barton Creek and the canyon it created west along an 8-mile-long area from Zilker Park to west of Loop 360. The popular Greenbelt features even more sought-after swimming holes when the creek is full (very rain-dependent, it's usually in spring and fall). Several access points will get you on the riverside trails, including at Zilker Park, Loop 360, Twin Falls, Scottish Woods Trail Falls (near the intersection of MoPac and Loop 360), and Scottish Woods Trail (at the trail's northern border, off Loop 360).
3755 S. Capital of Texas Hwy. B, Austin, Texas, 78704, USA512-974–6700Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
2. Barton Springs Pool
West Austin/Zilker ParkNo visit to Austin is complete without a ceremonial dip in the sacred waters of Barton Springs. The hallowed crown jewel of the Zilker Park area, this historic spring-fed pool maintains a constant 68° temperature year-round, and the chilly waters attract hordes of people from all walks of life. It's an idyllic paradise for free-spirited people-watching and unique experiences, like the nightly and full-moon (when revelers howl at the moon in unison) free swims and the annual Polar Bear Plunge held on New Year's Day. Weather can affect operating hours throughout the season, so be sure to check their website in advance.
2201 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, Texas, USA512-974–6300Sight Details
Rate Includes: From $2, Closed Thurs. -
3. Big Bend Ranch State Park
The largest state park in Texas serves as an enormous western buffer to Big Bend National Park. This rugged desert wilderness extends along the Rio Grande across more than 300,000 acres from east of Lajitas to Presidio. It's far less developed than the national park (if that seems possible) and nearly one-third as large, and it's filled with amazing opportunities to hike, mountain bike, backpack, raft, and ride horseback. A collection of hiking trailheads spoke off from FM 170 across from the Barton Warnock Visitor Center at Lajitas, which serves as the park's eastern information post and contains excellent exhibits on the region as well as a covered picnic area. The western visitor center is at 23-acre Fort Leaton State Historical Site near Presidio and contains a thick-walled adobe fort and trading post that dates back to pioneer days, plus exhibits, a ½-mile nature trail, and picnic sites.
FM 170, Presidio, Texas, 79845, USA432-358–4444Sight Details
Rate Includes: $5 peak, Park 24 hrs; visitor centers daily 8–4:30 -
4. Blanton Museum of Art
University of Texas AreaOne of the largest university art museums in the United States, with 200,000 square feet that includes two buildings and the adjacent Ellsworth Kelly Austin installation, the Blanton is the city's de facto art collection. There are more than 19,000 various works on display (from ancient Greek pottery to abstract expressionism) and a year-round schedule of incredible traveling exhibitions. As part of an ongoing "New Grounds" initiative, the Blanton campus (featuring outdoor and indoor event spaces, classrooms, a museum shop, and a café) will soon include additional public art installations, such as a massive mural by Cuban-American artist Carmen Herrera that will span both sides of the entrance. Admission is free on Thursday.
200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78712, USA512-471–5482Sight Details
Rate Includes: $12, Closed Mon. and Tues. -
5. Brackenridge Park
Alamo HeightsBeloved Brackenridge Park has been a big part of San Antonians' lives for more than a century. The 343-acre riverside park makes an excellent setting for a picnic or a stroll, with about 3 miles of walking trails, public art, softball fields, a municipal golf course, concessions, and sights like the Japanese Tea Garden and the San Antonio Zoo. Take a 2-mile ride around the park on a miniature train that runs daily; buy tickets at the Train Depot. The mission of the Brackenridge Park Conservancy is to work as a steward of and an advocate for the park, enhancing and protecting its natural, historic, recreational, and educational resources. One of its numerous projects is the renovation of the Sunken Garden Theater, including the preservation of the historic amphitheater and its backstage facilities, redesigned landscaping, and more. The park is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Texas State Antiquities Landmark.
3700 N. St. Mary's St., San Antonio, Texas, 78212, USA210-207–7275Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Bullock Texas State History Museum
DowntownThe 38th lieutenant governor of Texas, Bob Bullock—a potent political force in his day—lobbied hard to establish a museum of state history during his years of public service. Bullock didn't live to see it happen—he died in 1999—but his dream came true in 2001 with the opening of this fascinating museum just a few blocks north of the Capitol. Now, over 9 million visitors from around the world have toured the museum's 34,000 square feet of exhibit space that showcases "The Story of Texas." See exhibitions of archaeological objects, historical documents, and touring shows from regional museums throughout the state. You can also check out educational and family-friendly programs, or get tickets to a show at the 400-seat IMAX theater.
1800 Congress Ave., Austin, Texas, 78701, USA512-936–8746Sight Details
Rate Includes: $13, Closed Mon. and Tues. -
7. Cave Without a Name
That's not a typo; this cave officially has no name—or rather, not having a name is part of its name. The story goes that in 1939, the owner of the cave, James Horne, held a public contest to name the cave. A young boy commented that the geological site was too beautiful to name and won the contest with the suggestion that it be called Cave Without a Name. Similar to the other living limestone caverns in the region, the cave has magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations and calcite deposits. Be sure to make reservations in advance.
325 Kreutzberg Rd., Boerne, Texas, 78006, USA830-537–4212Sight Details
Rate Includes: $20 -
8. Chinati Foundation
With one of the largest permanent installations of contemporary art in the world, the Chinati Foundation displays works by American minimalist Donald Judd and others in buildings spread over 340 acres of the former Ft. D. A. Russell. The Judd collection includes 15 concrete works outdoors, plus 100 aluminum pieces housed in two converted artillery sheds. You'll also see 25 sculptures by John Chamberlain and an installation by Dan Flavin that occupies six former army barracks. The museum's comprehensive guided tours require a significant commitment of time—six hours, including a two-hour break for lunch—and energy to walk up to 1½ miles over uneven terrain. While self-guided tours are always an option, space on the guided tours is limited.
1 Cavalry Row, Marfa, Texas, 79843, USA432-729–4362Sight Details
Rate Includes: $15 self-guided tours, Closed Mon. and Tues., Wed.–Sun. 10–5 -
9. Chisos Basin
Panoramic vistas, a restaurant with an up-close view of jagged mountain peaks, and glimpses of the Colima warbler (which summers in Big Bend) await in the forested Chisos Basin. The spiritual heart of Big Bend, at an elevation of 5,400 feet, it's ringed by taller peaks and has a lodge, a campground, a grocery store, an amphitheater, a visitor center, and access to some of the park's best hiking trails. Winter sometimes brings snow, but in summer this is where you can find relief from the desert heat below.
Big Bend National Park, Texas, 79834, USA -
10. Chisos Basin Road
This 7-mile road climbs majestically from Chisos Basin Junction to Chisos Mountains Lodge, with a spur leading to a campground. In these higher elevations you're slightly more likely to spot mountain lions and bears as well as white-tailed deer amid juniper and pinyon pines. You'll also see smooth, red-barked Texas madrone along with some Chisos oaks and Douglas fir trees. Roadside exhibits explain the various ecosystems. Because of sharp curves and switchbacks, this drive is not suitable for RVs longer than 24 feet.
Big Bend National Park, Texas, 79834, USA -
11. Devil's Hall Trail
Wind through a Chihuahuan Desert habitat thick with spiked agave plants, prickly pear cacti, ponderosa pines, and a dry riverbed strewn with giant boulders to Devil's Hall, a narrow 10-foot-wide canyon with walls that soar to more than 100 feet. At a leisurely pace, this 4.2-mile round-trip jaunt will take three or four hours. Moderate.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, 79847, USA -
12. Dog Canyon Campground
Park (National/State/Provincial)Thirteen campsites have picnic tables, which you can use during the day for free. This is a lovely shaded area at 6,300 elevation where you're likely to see mule deer. Drinking water and restrooms are available on the grounds, about a two-hour drive from the Headquarters Visitor Center.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, 79847, USA -
13. Dr Pepper Museum
While working at the Old Corner Drug Store in Waco, pharmacist Dr. Charles Alderton was experimenting with some chemicals and accidentally invented the soft drink he later called Dr Pepper. The drugstore is gone, but the original bottling plant remains open as a museum. Interesting exhibits and films offer a look at some early promotional materials as well as the manufacturing process. Much of the second floor is devoted to promotional materials tracing its history. After a look through the museum, most travelers make their last stop the re-creation of the Old Corner Drug Store fountain for an ice-cream soda or (what else?) a Dr Pepper.
300 S. 5th St., Austin, Texas, 76701, USA254-757--1025Sight Details
Rate Includes: $10, Mon.–Sat. 10–4:15, Sun. noon–4:15 -
14. Dreamland
This unique outdoor entertainment and arts venue is spread across 64 fun-filled acres, with plenty to do, no matter your interests. You’ll find sculptures and murals scattered throughout the property as well as the world’s most extreme miniature golf course, pickleball courses, a beer garden, and multiple stages for live music and films.
2770 W. Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs, Texas, 78620, USA512-827–1279Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free; activities and events from $8 -
15. El Paso Museum of Art
This superb, free museum in the heart of downtown El Paso's up-and-coming cultural district features a striking array of contemporary and historic Latin American, Spanish, and native art, as well as works by Southwest artists, such as Tom Lea and Henrietta Wyeth.
1 Arts Festival Plaza, El Paso, Texas, 79901, USA915-212–0300Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Mon., Tues., Wed., 9–5, Thurs. 9–9, Fri., Sat. 9–5, Sun. noon–5. -
16. Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
This stunning architectural site and museum is just off of the Hike and Bike Trail, overlooking Lady Bird Lake. Dedicated to celebrating notable Latino artists and empowering a new generation of Mexican-Americans, the museum has a phenomenal education department and offers popular youth and family programs. While there is no permanent collection on display, you’ll find traveling exhibits. Various live performances and community events, from flamenco recitals to Día de los Muertos celebrations, are also hosted here.
600 River St., Austin, Texas, 78701, USA512-974–3772Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Sun. -
17. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Protruding from the earth in the form of a large pink dome, Enchanted Rock looks like something from another planet. This granite formation rises 1,825 feet—the second-largest in the nation, after Georgia's Stone Mountain—and its bald vastness can be seen from miles away. Today the massive batholith is part of the 624-acre Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and one of the most popular destinations in the Hill Country region. Once considered to have spiritual powers by the Tonkawa tribe, Enchanted Rock is traversed day in and day out by those curious about its mysterious occurrence. The park is perfect for day hikers, most of whom can't wait to scale the summit. The rock also yields a number of faces to test the skills of technical rock climbers, plus there are caves for spelunkers to explore. And even if you're not into rock climbing, the area is a perfect spot for camping, picnicking, and hiking. Arrive early; once parking lots reach capacity, the area is closed to more visitors to protect the resources. Amenities include restrooms, an interpretative center, and campgrounds.
16710 RR 965, Fredericksburg, Texas, 78624, USA830-685–3636Sight Details
Rate Includes: $8 -
18. Fort Davis National Historic Site
Fort Davis (also the city's namesake) provides a history lesson on this late 1800s region, with exhibits and many original buildings preserved. You can spend hours touring the sprawling grounds, which include barracks, the post hospital, the visitor center, and servants' quarters.
101 Lt. Henry Flipper Dr., Fort Davis, Texas, 79734, USA432-426–3224Sight Details
Rate Includes: $10 per person, $20 per vehicle -
19. Franklin Mountains State Park
Within this spectacular desert mountain park's 37 square miles are more than 100 miles of hiking, mountain-biking, and horseback trails, the southern section offering amazing views of the city below. This is a good place to get up close and personal with native species like foxes and kestrels and bluebirds, as well as plants found nowhere else in Texas, like the stout barrel cactus.
2900 Tom Mays Access Rd., El Paso, Texas, 79911, USA915-444–9100Sight Details
Rate Includes: $5, Daily 8–5. -
20. Frijole Ranch History Museum
With its grassy, tree-shaded grounds, you could almost imagine this handsome and peaceful little 1876 ranch house somewhere other than the harsh Chihuahuan Desert. Inside what's believed to be the region's oldest intact structure, displays and photographs depict ranch life and early park history. Easy, family-friendly hiking trails lead to wildlife oases at Manzanita Spring and Smith Spring. Hours are sporadic, so check with the visitor center if you wish to go inside. Still, it's good fun just to explore the ranch grounds and outbuildings, orchard, and still-functioning irrigation system.
Frijole Ranch Rd., Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, 79847, USA915-828–3251Sight Details
Rate Includes: Ranch grounds daily; museum has irregular hrs depending on staffing
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