Hey there! I know, It’s been a long time since you recharged yourself with a vacation to a destination with as many distinct interests as your family’s. Fill your favorite coffee mug, make yourself comfortable in the bean bag. Take a virtual tour of Texas with this well-researched travel blog about the Top 20 Places to Visit in Texas. It might save you from getting caught off guard.

The USA offers much than you think as a traveler. Visit our list of Top 20 Places to Visit in the USA

From being a location associated with the birthplace of Dr. Pepper to being called the Lone Star, Texas sprawls into endless possibilities of fun and adventure, with beaches, mountains, and deserts all in one place.

About Texas       

Texas celebrates history with a myriad of museums and art-filled streets. The state boasts salty beaches, intricate architecture, natural pools to name a few!

While you may be eager to visit the state, try to plan a trip in the spring. The weather becomes milder and the wildflowers bloom. It is the greatest time to cross this area off your bucket list.

Top 20 Places to Visit in Texas, U.S.A

1.      San Antonio

Is there a more romantic spot among the Top 20 Places to Visit in Texas than this? Dining in restaurants aligned on the wonderful outdoor porches along the flowing river. It is no less than stepping into a vintage Hollywood romance. You can take it up a notch with a cruise or a riverboat, ranging from standard sightseeing trips to dinner cruises.

Another must-see in San Antonio is a world-famous structure. The Alamo, a historic relic famous for the Battle of the Alamo, is now visited by a great number of tourists. It features changeable displays showcasing weaponry and items pertinent to historical events. If you’re visiting with your family, don’t forget to include the San Antonio Zoo on your itinerary.

Best Time to Visit

November to April

Address

San Antonio, Texas, USA

Website

https://www.sanantonio.gov

2.      Big Bend National Park

If you are an adventure junky, this is the craziest place your hiking shoes will ever take you to. Located along the US-Mexico border, this park attracts over 4,50,000 visitors each year. The park features many species of birds, hiking trails, striking viewpoints, and, of course, incredible night skies.

While Santa Elena Canyon and Lose Mine Trail will give you an adrenaline rush, camping and resting in the forest will provide you with peace. Have binoculars handy and your eyes peeled for birds in the Rio Grande, the Chisos Mountains, and the Chihuahuan Desert.

Best time to visit

Spring and Fall

Address

Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA

Website

https://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm

3.      Austin

If you are a musicophile, book a ticket to Austin, the “Live music capital of the world”! It houses wonderful museums, libraries, street art, and one of the ten oldest theatres. Don’t worry your artist friends or history buffs won’t be disappointed either.

Nestled in the heart of Austin, Lady Bird Lake lets you stroll on the Broadwalk and also provides you with a kayak rental facility. Austin is the ideal location for cultural and culinary connoisseurs. Its culinary options span from food trucks to fine-dining restaurants. This town allows you to fill up on scrumptious barbecue.

Best Time to Visit

September to November and March to May

Address

Austin, Texas, USA

Website

https://www.austintexas.gov

4.      South Padre Island

By rehabilitating rare sea turtles and a variety of migratory birds, this land of careful conservation may steal your heart. And it may appear as if an 11:11 wish comes true while spotting wild dolphins in this beloved beach town of Texas.

Whether you are a traveler with an urge to rest in the lap of nature or one with an eye for luxury, South Padre has got it all covered. You can ride horses on the beach or relax your nerves in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Ask us, and we will always name South Padre Island as our favorite go-to place among the Top 20 Places to Visit in Texas.

Best Time to Visit

September to February

Address

South Padre Island, Texas, USA

Website

http://www.myspi.org

5.      Houston

Houston is a science nerd’s paradise among the Top 20 Places to Visit in Texas. Well, with institutions like NASA, the International Space Station Mission Control, and the Space Center Houston, it’s no surprise that it has established a reputation as a science and technology hotspot.

Amid America’s barbecue destinations, Houston is our favorite. Besides appetizing food, several places perfectly complement the aesthetics of our Instagram feed. You’ll fall in love with the town’s culture and absorb art from the Museum and Theatre District.

Best Time to Visit

September to November and February to April

Address

Houston, Texas, USA

Website

http://www.houstontx.gov

6.      New Braunfels

Your dancing shoes will lead you to the most admired destination in New Braunfels; Gruene Hall. It has been in operation since 1878 and is Texas’ largest dance hall. The hall also features nightly performances.

You can visit the Schlitterbahn Waterpark to beat the Texas heat. You can splash around in the water, ride the waterslides, drink your favorite mocktail while floating on an inner tube, or dive into the wave pool. Further, you can relax in the luxurious resort and get a good night’s sleep for your trip ahead.

Best Time to Visit

Summer, this could be the place for your ideal summer vacation.

Address

New Braunfels, Texas, USA

Website

https://www.nbtexas.org

7.      Dallas

Grab a seat on the M-Line Trolley or the D-Link and prepare to see one of the fastest-growing cities in the US. Dallas is also notable for the Kennedy Assassination at The Sixth Floor Museum. If you are a history lover or a political enthusiast, you will undoubtedly spend hours in this tall red structure poring over tales of his presidential campaigns, historic footage, and other documents.

Dallas has an Orinoco Rainforest recreation, full of endangered animals. Birds like toucans and ibises can be seen fluttering around the aviary. If you aren’t convinced to pay a visit yet, well, wouldn’t you want to adore three-toed sloths hanging out in the trees?

Best Time to Visit

September and November

Address

Dallas, Texas, USA

Website

https://dallascityhall.com/Pages/default.aspx

8.      Galveston

You must add the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, located on the city’s south side, to your itinerary. Especially for a ride on the Ferris Wheel for some spectacular vistas. You can also take a trip down the Strand. It features boutiques, galleries, and restaurants that reflect the essence of Victorian culture. Later, pay a visit to the area’s museums before dining on exquisite seafood.

Head to Galveston’s east coast for a fun day on the beach with your family. Further, head to Moody Gardens, a complex of glass pyramids in Galveston that holds a large aquarium and a rainforest simulation. This place is usually the highlight of children’s trips to Texas’ most popular beach town.

Best Time to Visit

October to November and March to April

Address

Galveston, Texas, USA

Website

https://www.galvestontx.gov

9.      Waco

Count yourself in if you are also one of those crazy fans of the HGTV show Fixer Upper. Fans love paying a visit to Magnolia Market at the Silos, owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines. Meanwhile, their shopaholic friends peruse Waco’s most popular market.

While in Waco, don’t miss out on mountain biking or horseback riding in the 416-acre Cameron Park. Visit the Dr. Pepper Museum, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, and the Wooly Mammoth National Park, which houses the Columbian mammoth bones.

Best Time to Visit

March to June, September to December

Address

Waco, Texas, USA

Website

https://www.waco-texas.com

10.  Guadalupe Mountains National Park

If you are nature’s child and hiking has always been on the top of your hobby list, Guadalupe Mountains National Park could be your very own paradise among the Top 20 Places to Visit in Texas. The park offers approximately 80 miles of hiking paths that lead you through lush flora and forested gorges, ranging from cactus-covered valleys to mountaintop woods.

Planning to Visit Texas with your partner? You will love our list of Top 12 Places to Visit in Texas for Couples

The park is home to Texas’ four tallest peaks, with Guadalupe Peak Top being a hiker’s favorite. I recommend visiting in the autumn when the land transforms into a photographer’s paradise. You can capture the snowcapped mountains and maple and oak leaves drenched in hues of red, orange, and yellow.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and Fall

Address

Salt Flat, TX 79847, USA

Website

https://www.nps.gov/gumo/index.htm

11.  Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is the place to go if you’re looking for a unique experience. You may escape the throng by driving along gorgeous roads to Enchanted Rock and enjoy an assortment of wines from more than 50 wineries. Don’t forget to pick souvenirs from vineyards to savor back at home.

Keep your camera ready as you walk around the town square to see a gorgeous recreation of a 19th-century German church. You can also stop by the Pioneer Museum to learn more about Fredericksburg’s ties to Germany.

Best Time to Visit

October to December

Address

Fredericksburg, Texas, USA

Website

https://www.fbgtx.org/

12.  Corpus Christi

The Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington, in Corpus Christi, are two of the most popular attractions among the Top 20 Places to Visit in Texas. The USS Lexington is famous for being the largest surviving World War II vessel. Now, it serves as a museum with vintage planes and 3D movies.

You can enjoy the long stretch of beaches in Corpus Christi. Excellent for both those who want to enjoy soothing sunsets at the seaside and for action seekers who want to surf in the glittering water. You can also visit the Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History.

Best Time to Visit

September to October

Address

Corpus Christi, Texas, USA

Website

https://www.cctexas.com

13.  Amarillo

If you want to add some offbeat sites to your travel schedule, Cadillac Ranch could be the place to go. This stop along Route 66 near Amarillo brings out the creative side of every traveler. Older secondhand cars parked nose-first in the dirt resemble a public canvas with innumerable layers of paint. Be a sport and leave your creative mark on the Cadillacs.

Amarillo is the greatest pick among the Top 20 Places to Visit in Texas if you enjoy immersing yourself in the culture of other places.  There are museums, opera houses, and an award-winning local theatre in this town. Pay a visit to Palo Duro Canyon State Park and witness the spectacular rock formations.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and Fall

Address

Amarillo, Texas, USA

Website

https://www.amarillo.gov

14.  Rockport

Timbered with ancient oaks, Rockport is located in the western part of the Gulf of Mexico. If you desire to explore something beyond the beaches, then plan a visit to Fulton Mansion. It is an architecturally stunning destination that might entice you back.

You can fuel your intellect by visiting the Texas Maritime Museum. It demonstrates the area’s maritime past. followed by the Rockport Center, which never runs out of events and exhibitions.

Best Time to Visit

November, March, and April

Address

Rockport, Texas, USA

Website

https://www.cityofrockport.com

15.  Fort Worth

Get ready to embrace the history of the Texas livestock industry! Prepare to walk down the lane of wooden corals in Fort Worth Stockyard. It features rodeos, theatrical performances, and cattle drives. You can learn about the history of the Stockyards and keep up to date on current and upcoming events by visiting the Stockyards Visitor Center and the Stockyards Museum.

Tour the Bureau of Engraving and Printing for a free insight into US currency printing, then visit the beautiful Fort Worth Water Gardens. Last but not least, a roller coaster ride at Six Flags Over Texas is a must-do.

Best time to visit

September to November

Address

Fort Worth, Texas, USA

Website

https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/Home

16.  El Paso

El Paso, on the western coast of Texas, bordering the Mexican border, tells past stories through a plethora of museums. The El Paso Zoo, Fort Bliss, Wyler Aerial Tramway, and Western Playland Amusement Park are some of the most popular attractions. You can also choose to shop at the Farmers Market to support local businesses.

Experience the breathtaking view of New York City from the Edge NYC

The thrilling part of El Paso lies in the Scenic Drive Overlook, operational since 1920. This 2-mile long drive takes you through sublime vistas of the town. Visit the nearby Franklin Mountains State Park to marvel at the beauty of this secluded landscape adorned with city lights.

Best Time to Visit

March to May and  from September to November

Address

El Paso, Texas, USA

Website

https://www.elpasotexas.gov

17.  Marfa

If you consider yourself a quirky traveler who enjoys art regularly, it’s time to add Marfa to your bucket list. This destination is one of our absolute favorites among the Top 20 Places to Visit in Texas, for its intrinsic and unique atmosphere.

The Chinati Foundation, a modern art museum, is one of the most well-known attractions in Marfa. Visitors are also drawn to the area for housing the world’s smallest Prada store. Consider yourself lucky if you get to see the mysterious Marfa lights.

Best Time to Visit

March, April, and October

Address

Marfa, Texas, USA

Website

https://cityofmarfa.com

18.  Wimberly

This is a favorite site for water babies, with a variety of natural pools, and is one of Texas’ Top 20 Places to Visit. Jacob’s Well and the Blue Hole, both in Wimberly, are two of Texas’ most prized swimming holes. Make sure to score an early reservation, to swim through the blue-green waters, and relish the innate beauty in and around the pools.

Wimberly is also recognized for having Texas’ largest flea market and for having a wonderful view from Old Baldy, the foothill. Cowboy boot statues can also be found throughout the city. Make sure you spot them while strolling around the town.

Best Time to Visit

October and November.

Address

Wimberly, Texas, USA

Website

https://www.cityofwimberley.com

19.  Natural Bridge Caverns

Natural Bridge Caverns is the underground attraction you need to visit now that you’ve marked down 18 of the Top 20 Places to Visit in Texas,  on the ground. The caverns comprise of more than 10,000 stalactite formations. This place gets its name from a naturally carved limestone bridge at its entrance.

A 40-foot-high King’s Throne, an amazing Castle of White Giants, and huge limestone under development may all be found in the United States’ largest accessible cave. Once you’ve worked up a sweat within the cave due to the moist and humid environment, try treetop climbing or ziplining.

Best Time to Visit

Summer

Address

26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266, USA

Website

https://naturalbridgecaverns.com

20.  Port Aransas

Port Aransas is one of the best offbeat destinations among the Top 20 Places to Visit in Texas. It offers a nice blend of serenity and enjoyment with fewer crowds. In the Fishing Capital of Texas, cross paragliding off your bucket list and make the most of your angling talents.

You have the option of going on a dolphin-watching boat. Meanwhile, keep an eye out for uncommon bird species such as the endangered whooping crane. If music and art appeal to you, plan your vacation around one of Port Aransas’s local events to fill your happiness jar with vibrant memories.

Best Time to Visit

From Mid March to Early May and from late October to Mid November

Address

Port Aransas, Texas, USA

Website

https://cityofportaransas.org

Frequently Asked Questions on Top 20 Places to Visit in Texas, USA

Final Words

Certainly, Texas is the best destination for travelers who struggle to choose between mountains and beaches and end up finding a location that at least has water. It’s a land with miles of sandy beaches, towering mountains, awe-inspiring art, and historic structures. So, whether you are that person who travels for the joy of planning a trip or someone who spontaneously heads in any direction, Texas is your place to be! Hope you liked our virtual trip on Top 20 Places to Visit in Texas, USA

Dimple Shiv

She is your go-to hodophile who shares stories and photographs from her backpack. Always ready to roll with a backpack to the Himalayas, her leisure time belongs to Ukulele and Canvas. Storytelling is just her thing! she can weave stories out of your imagination and lay down the virtual alleys to your favorite destinations with her words.