17 Best Places To Visit In Texas: Top Picks For Texas Travel

Though we live in uncertain times, the simple act of traveling helps bring light to even the darkest of days. It stirs hope and optimism. And no matter the difficulties, the lasting inspiration we find along journeys well-traveled will sustain us. Journey to a beautiful state and know about the best places to visit in Alaska.

Texas is famously known as "The Lone Star" state. This nickname pays tribute to the flag of the state which was adopted when it got its independence from Mexico. Before becoming a part of the US, Texas was actually a whole country.

You will surely experience an exclusive blend of heritage, culture, and beautiful charms in this state. Apart from this, the state houses some of the best food in the country. From barbecue to Tex-Mex to Gulf Coast seafood, there's something for every palate in Texas.

Best Places To Visit Texas:

The state of Texas has many astonishing attractions in its cities. The culture of Texas originates from a blend of Dixie, Frontier, and Anglo fusion influences. To enhance your bucket list, look down at the locations that you can explore in Texas.

18. Guadalupe Mountains National Park

If you are the one who loves backpacking, then this park is your best option. It has the tallest mountains in all of Texas and is in the Chihuahuan Desert. This remote wilderness area offers many hiking and camping spaces.

Best places to visit in Guadalupe National Park:

Devil's Hall Trail
El Capitan
Pine Springs Visitor Center

Best time to visit Guadalupe National Park: The months from March to May and September to November are perfect for enjoying this scenic beauty.

17. Duro Canyon

This state park in the Panhandle is an awesome place for horseback riding. You can also watch the annual musical drama "Texas" if you visit this park in the summer season. There is a lovely waterfall where you can do bird watching while exploring the place.

Best places to visit in Palo Duro Canyon:

Lighthouse Trail
Palo Duro Creek Ranch
TEXAS Outdoor Musical

Best time to visit Palo Duro Canyon: The most superb time to visit this park is in the seasons of spring and fall.

16. Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi is a coastal city in Texas on the Gulf of Mexico. The pristine beaches, cultural diversification, and historical implications make it one of the best places to visit in Texas. The city shines out with many festivals, concerts, and cultural events, throughout the year. It is surely one of the best places to visit in Texas.

Best places to visit in Corpus Christi:

Texas State Aquarium
Selena Museum
Mustang Island State Park

Best time to visit Corpus Christi: September and October are the ideal months to visit this beautiful city.

15. Terlingua Ghost Town

An abandoned mining town in southwest Texas. It was once a thriving center for the production of mercury. It is a unique and fascinating destination if you are interested in history and the American West. If you want to explore the ruins of the past, add this own to your bucket list.

Best places to visit in Terlingua Ghost Town:

Starlight Theatre
Far Flung Outdoor Center
Many Stones

Best time to visit Terlingua Ghost Town: Spring and summer seasons are perfect for visiting this desert town.

14. Port Isabel

This is a small coastal town in Texas on the Laguna Madre Bay. It shares its borders with Mexico. You can enjoy some amazing outdoor recreational activities or go fishing in this town. The Christmas Light Boat Parade is an extraordinary event in Port Isabel.

Best places to visit in Port Isabel:

Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site
Black Dragon Cruises
Port Isabel Historical Museum

Best time to visit Port Isabel: November, February, and March are the most pleasant months to visit Port Isabel.

13. Waco

A city in central Texas. It is famous for its link to the television show "Upper Fixer," which featured many renovation projects in Waco and helped to boost tourism to the area. You can dig into many museums and cultural institutions in this city.

Best places to visit in Waco:

Magnolia Market
Dr. Pepper Museum
Waco Mammoth National Monument

Best time to visit Waco: During the months of March, April, and November, you can have a lot of fun in Waco.

12. Boca Chica

If you are looking for a low-key getaway, then this is one of the best places to visit in Texas. It is near the Boca Chica State Park and the SpaceX South Texas launch site, which is a major center for space exploration and rocket testing. Boca Chica also offers amazing wildlife-watching opportunities.

Best places to visit in Boca Chica:

Boca Chica Beach
La Matica
San Rafael Church

Best time to visit Boca Chica: The months from January to April are perfect for enjoying this community area.

11. Fredericksburg

This is a charming town in the Texas Hill Country. It was founded by German immigrants in 1846. You can still see the strong cultural heritage in the towns' cuisine, architecture, and festivals. The town is popular for its wineries, art galleries, and boutique shops, as well as its historic sites.

Best places to visit in Fredericksburg:

Pioneer Museum
Old Tunnel State Park
Enchanted Rock

Best time to visit Fredericksburg: You can visit this enchanting town in August and September or enjoy great festivals in the month of October.

10. El Paso

This is a city in the far west corner of Texas. It is known for its magnificent desert scenery and Hispanic heritage. The music scene here is on fire. The city is also famous for its Tex-Mex cuisine, which is a blend of traditional Mexican and American flavors.

Best places to visit in El Paso:

El Paso Museum of Art
Ysleta Mission
El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Best time to visit El Paso: You can get excellent weather and can have fun in this city in the months from October to November.

9. Fort Worth

This city is in North Central Texas. The western heritage of the country makes it a popular spot. Fort Worth is nicknamed the "Cowtown" because of its cowboy culture. You can see various rodeos, cattle drives, and western-themed events in this city.

Best Places to Visit in Fort Worth:

Fort Worth Water Gardens
Kimbell Art Museum
Fort Worth Stockyards

Best time to visit Fort Worth: Spring and fall are the perfect seasons to visit this Old Texas vibes city.

8. San Jose Island

This island is a natural paradise. You can do shelling and fishing on the beaches of this lovely island. San Jose is also a popular spot for camping and hiking. There are many designated campsites and trails for you to explore. This island is your perfect escape from the everyday hasty life.

Best places to visit in San Jose:

Winchester Mystery House
Santana Row
Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

Best time to visit San Jose: May to September is the best to experience the Mediterranean climate on this island.

7. Mustang Island

An island on the Gulf Coast of Texas. You can have a great romantic or family vacation on Mustang Island. It is a beautiful and serene destination with a laid-back atmosphere. The white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters make it one of the best places to visit in Texas.

Best places to visit in Mustang Island:

Red Dragon Pirate Cruises
Mustang Island State Park
Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center

Best time to visit Mustang Island: Party all day long and have a fun time on this island in the months from September to February.

6. Galveston

If you are looking for a beach vacation spot, then this coastal city is a great option. It is on Galveston Island in southern Texas. You can roam around the city's historic district, which features several 19th-century buildings. There are many outdoor things to do like boating, fishing, and surfing in this coastal city.

Best places to visit in Galveston:

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Moody Mansion
Bishop's Palace

Best time to visit Galveston: To bask in the pristine beaches of Galveston, plan your trip between October to April.

5. South Padre Island

This barrier island and resort town is on the southern coast of Texas. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and abundance of outdoor activities. You can do fishing, surfing, kayaking, etc. on your visit to Padre Island. The island is also known for its dynamic nightlife. You can relish many bars, restaurants, and live music venues.

Best places to visit in South Padre Island:

Gravity Park
Sea Turtle Inc.
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center

Best time to visit South Padre Island: You can relax on this island and enjoy warm weather in the months between September to February.

4. Houston

This is a city in Southeast Texas. Its world-class museums attract many people all over the map. Houston is a city with multiple cultures and a thriving arts scene. This city takes pleasure in being the best barbeque place in the state.

Best places to visit in Houston:

The Museum of Fine Arts
Waterwall
The Menil Collection

Best time to visit Houston: February to April and September to November are the finest months to visit this spectacular city.

3. Austin

This city is the capital of Texas. It is best known for its technology industry and serene natural surroundings. There are hundreds of music venues where artists perform different genres. Austin is a charismatic city that is famously called as "Live Music Capital of the World."

Best places to visit in Austin:

Texas Capitol
Lady Bird Lake
Zilker Metropolitan Park

Best time to visit Austin: To fall in love with this lively city, plan your trip in the months of September to November or March to May.

2. Big Bend National Park

Big Bend is a beautiful park famous for its rugged natural charm. It is in Texas on the US-Mexico border. There are towering mountains, deep canyons, and the winding Rio Grande River. This park houses numerous plants and animal species. You can see mountain lions, black bears, Mexican gray wolves, etc. You can also enjoy bird watching and stargazing on your visit to this Big Bend.

Best places to visit in Big Bend National Park:

Cattail Falls
Chisos Mountains
Sam Nail Ranch

Best time to visit Big Bend National Park: You must visit this park in the months between September and March.

1. San Antonio

This city is in south-central Texas. It is very famous for its distinct population, lively culture, and rich heritage. San Antonio Spanish Frontier missions from the 18th century. There are many museums, gardens to explore, and various festivals to attend in this city. San Antonio ranks as number 1 in the best places to visit in Texas.

Best places to visit in San Antonio: