17 Texas Destinations To Add To Your Travel List

Texas is full of places that speak for themselves—no flash, just character. Some surprise you and others stay with you long after you leave. Ready to see what makes the state unforgettable? Start with these standout spots.

South Padre Island

South Padre Island sits on the Gulf Coast and attracts families with its clean beaches and nearby hotels. Wildlife tours and kitesurfing offer outdoor variety. Plan your trip for late fall to early spring, but skip spring break if you want quiet beaches and better rates.

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend covers over 800,000 acres along the U.S.-Mexico border, where the Chisos Mountains meet the Rio Grande. The park offers 150 miles of trails, rugged canyons, and minimal cell service, making it a remote destination for hiking and stargazing under some of the nation’s darkest skies.

Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch stands just off I-40 west of Amarillo, where ten vintage Cadillacs rise from the dirt, nose-down in a surreal display. This iconic 1974 installation invites visitors to leave their mark—literally—with spray paint. That ever-changing graffiti turns each visit into a new visual experience, and it’s completely free to explore.

Texas State Capitol

The Texas State Capitol in Austin is more than just the seat of government; it’s a striking symbol of Texas pride. Taller than the U.S. Capitol and built from sunset-red granite, it dominates the downtown skyline with a warm, stately elegance that stands out against the Texas sky. Visitors can roam the historic halls, explore landscaped grounds, and enjoy free guided tours daily.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

This national park is near the New Mexico border and contains the state’s highest peak at 8,751 feet. The trails remain quiet year-round. So, hikers wanting to climb it should prepare for dry, rugged terrain with little shade. Park services are limited, but the payoff is elevation, space, and no manufactured crowds.

Dealey Plaza

In Dallas, Dealey Plaza is where JFK’s motorcade tragedy unfolded in 1963. You’ll see the “X” on Elm Street, stand by the grassy knoll, and visit the Sixth Floor Museum in the old book depository. It’s eerie, historic, and still sparks questions decades later.

The Alamo

Built in 1718, the Alamo started as a Spanish mission and later became a turning point in Texas’s 1836 revolution. Today, it welcomes visitors in downtown San Antonio with access to the historic church and Long Barrack. The site also offers curated exhibits, guided tours, and a free-entry policy with optional reservations.

Palo Duro Canyon

Palo Duro Canyon spans 120 miles across the Texas Panhandle. It’s the second-largest canyon in the U.S., with depths reaching 800 feet, though some areas drop to 1,000 feet. Carved by the Prairie Dog Town Fork Red River, it offers scenic drives, trails, campsites, and summer amphitheater performances.

Natural Bridge Caverns

Just beyond San Antonio, Natural Bridge Caverns leads visitors through vast underground rooms carved by water over thousands of years. Roads are steep and dimly lit, with cool, humid air throughout. Above ground, you can try rope courses or gem mining, though the caverns remain the central draw.

Fort Worth Stockyards

Fort Worth’s Stockyards National Historic District hosts daily cattle drives and weekend rodeos in a setting that still operates as a working livestock area. Visitors often walk along Exchange Avenue, step into preserved buildings, and experience a district where southern history continues to play an active role.

San Antonio Riverwalk

The River Walk runs 15 miles through San Antonio and stays busy year-round. Its downtown loop draws the largest crowds, making it one of Texas’s most visited attractions. Restaurants and stone bridges line the riverbanks, and tour boats operate daily for an extra fee.

Houston Space Center

Space Center Houston operates as the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center. You’ll find space capsules, moon rocks, and real mission control tours. Interactive exhibits also cover current and historical missions, with children and adults receiving actual information, not just photo ops.

Enchanted Rock

Near Fredericksburg, this pink granite dome rises 425 feet and draws hikers to its steep Summit Trail. The view from the top stretches across Hill Country, especially at sunset. With nearly 11 miles of rugged paths and roaming wildlife, it’s a quiet escape—if you book early because weekend spots fill fast.

Luckenbach

A handful of buildings. A dance hall echoing with country chords. An old post office turned into a general store. In Luckenbach, time drifts. Musicians gather under oaks, strumming through Sunday afternoons. There’s no rush here, just music, conversation, and a place where doing nothing feels like exactly the right thing.

San Jacinto Monument

Taller than the Washington Monument and rising out of Houston’s industrial horizon, the San Jacinto Monument honors the fight that defined Texas. Step into the museum for a crash course in revolution, then take the elevator to the top for sweeping views of where it all went down.