247 Best Sights in Texas, USA

With a collection more akin to a first-class art museum than a commercial gallery, Lisa Russell's showcase, recently rebranded as West Chelsea Contemporary, has a long-standing reputation for being the go-to place in Austin for serious art collectors. The permanent collection has more than 100 original works, some dating back to the 1600s, including pieces by Rembrandt, Renoir, Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec, Matisse, and more displayed year-round. Contemporary artists are also a main attraction, with work from the likes of Cody Hooper, Michael Kessler, and Daniel Maltzman. Check the website for special exhibits and events hosted throughout the year.

Stunning contrasting views of the Hill Country and the Austin skyline make it worth the trip to this area near the 360 Bridge. You can wander among the 227 acres on walking trails or take one of the guided tours offered on weekends (by reservation only). The cool folks at the on-site research center (partnered with local St. Edward's University) offer numerous outdoor-oriented classes, nighttime stargazing sessions, and even concerts by well-known touring musicians. Reservations to hike the basin trails are not required on weekdays but highly recommended on weekends. Staff closes the gates whenever the parking area is full.

Although this adventure isn't for the faint of heart—a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle is required—this rough but enjoyable 7¼-mile, one-way drive over what was once the Butterfield Overland Mail Stage Line passes by dramatic limestone cliffs and offers panoramic views. Access is from U.S. 62/180 at the park's southeast border, and you must get a key at the visitor center to unlock the gate. It takes about an hour to reach the old ranch house, at the base of a 3,000-foot cliff. This is a day-trip only; overnight parking is prohibited.

Back in the 1970s, when the mainstream country music scene was based in Nashville, Willie Nelson kept his feet firmly planted in Texas. Playing around Austin at old haunts like the Armadillo World Headquarters, Nelson developed a name for himself strumming his beloved tunes, like the classic "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" and his own "On the Road Again." Today, he's a living legend here in town, and in 2012 on, when else, 4/20, he was immortalized with his very own 8-foot-tall bronze statue, complete with his signature braids and his famed guitar Trigger, standing proudly right in front of ACL Live at the Moody Theater.

This 0.3-mile round-trip paved nature trail is wheelchair accessible and also great for little ones. Take in the beautiful, craggy-sided Chisos and look through the V-shape rock-sided "Window" framing the desert below (you can hike to this very point via the quite rewarding, moderately difficult 5.6-mile round-trip Window Trail, which is accessed from the same trailhead). This self-guided trail, which is especially captivating at sunset, is easily accomplished in 20 minutes. Be on the lookout for wild javelina, which occasionally root through here. They're not normally aggressive, but give them a respectful distance. Easy.

After nearly 25 years on South Congress Avenue, this contemporary folk art, fine art, and pop art gallery moved its wares to the Canopy artist studios on the city's east side. Founded in 1995, the local gallery features works by artists from the great American South, in addition to Canada and Europe. The modest space is open afternoons (Thursday–Saturday) as well as by appointment.