Tourist Attractions in Texas – The second largest state in the US, Texas, is filled with many possibilities for fun and adventure. Geographically and culturally diverse, the state offers many unique attractions and things to do. From cities to coastal beaches, mountains, and deserts, the possibilities for a vacation in Texas are endless.
Metropolitan centers, such as Houston, Austin, and Dallas, are an interesting contrast to West Texas cities, such as Amarillo or Lubbock, but each has its own character and reasons to visit. San Antonio, famous for the Alamo and the River Walk, and nearby Hill Country, should also be on any traveler’s itinerary.
Tourist Attractions in Texas
Larisia | For nature lovers, some of the best places to visit are parks, such as Big Bend National Park, located along the bend in the Rio Grande in West Texas, and Padre Island National Ocean Coast, along the Gulf of Mexico.
For those of you who want to vacation in Texas, it never hurts to visit some of the following tourist destinations:
1. San Antonio’s River
You can sit in the heart of San Antonio and enjoy the river by eating or drinking on patios that hug it. The River Walk is a great place to appreciate the city’s culture, as locals as well as tourists love it. It runs underground along the river and is a bustling place day or night.
The most popular thing to do here is walk along the river. However, another great way to enjoy the ambience of the area is by taking a leisurely cruise on a river boat. These cruises happen all the time and include sightseeing trips and dinner cruises.
2. The Alamo
Located in downtown San Antonio, the Alamo is a mission that was originally founded in 1718 and was later transformed into a fortress by the Spanish. In 1836, it became famous as the site of a battle between Texas settlers and Mexican General Santa Anna’s army. Today, visitors can tour the grounds and learn about this historic battle.
3. Houston’s Space Center
The Space Center in Houston is a great place to visit for anyone interested in space and the history of manned space flight. Here, visitors can tour the grounds and learn about the history of NASA‘s space program, as well as the Apollo moon missions.
4. Austin’s Capitol Building
The capital of Texas, Austin is filled with things to do and see. One such attraction is the state capitol building itself, located on Congress Avenue. Built in 1888, this Italian Renaissance-style building is open for tours and contains many beautiful architectural features, such as stained glass windows and marble staircases.
5. Dallas’ Arts District
Located in downtown Dallas, the Arts District is home to some of the city’s most interesting attractions, such as the Winspear Opera House and the Dallas Museum of Art. With numerous art galleries and restaurants to choose from, this neighborhood is a great place for a night out on the town.
6. San Antonio’s Museum of Art
Located in downtown San Antonio, this museum is home to one of the largest collections of Spanish art outside of Spain. It also houses many other works from various periods and styles, including American paintings and contemporary art.
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7. The Sunset Strip in Houston
One of the most famous streets in Houston, the Sunset Strip is filled with restaurants, bars, and clubs that cater to a variety of different tastes. Whether you’re looking for a quiet dinner or want to party until the wee hours of the morning, this is the place for you.
8. The Texas Renaissance Festival
Located in Todd Mission, about an hour outside of Houston, this festival is a great place to spend a day enjoying fun and food. The festival takes place in October and November, so plan your visit accordingly.
9. The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
This cinema chain has many locations around Texas. It is known for serving its customers dinner and a movie all at one table, where you can order your meal right from your seat before the movie starts. You also get a free refill on your soda during the movie. There are no commercials shown between films, and they show only films that have been released within the past few years.
10. El Paso’s Chamizal National Memorial
This memorial commemorates the treaty that ended the Chamizal war between Mexico and the US, which occurred in the mid-1800s. It is located at the intersection of the Rio Grande and Chamizal rivers.
11. The Texas State Capitol
Located in downtown Austin, this capitol building was completed in 1888 and is still housing state government today. Visitors can tour the government buildings and even walk on the floor of the House and Senate chambers.
12. The State Fair of Texas
This annual festival takes place in Dallas at Fair Park every autumn. Here, visitors can enjoy carnival rides, games, live music, exhibits, livestock shows, shopping, and more.
13. The Fort Worth Stockyards
A visit to Fort Worth is not complete without a trip to the famous Stockyards. The area is rich in history and contains many attractions, such as the Cowtown Coliseum and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.
14. The Texas Motor Speedway
This venue has hosted many racing events over the years. It is located about halfway between Fort Worth and Dallas and is home to the annual NASCAR race, which takes place every November.
15. The Texas Rangers Ballpark in Arlington
Located in Arlington, this stadium is home to the Texas Rangers baseball team. It has been in existence since 1994, but has undergone many renovations since then. It was also the site of the first game played in the World Series in 2010.
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16. The Dallas World Aquarium
This aquarium is located in Fair Park, which is also home to the State Fair of Texas. Here, visitors can learn about the many different aquatic animals that inhabit our world’s oceans and lakes.
17. The AT&T Stadium in Arlington
Located in Arlington, this stadium has been home to the Dallas Cowboys since 2009. In 2014, it hosted Super Bowl XLVIII and will do so again this year. It is also used for many other events, such as concerts and soccer matches.