They say everything is bigger in Texas. And when you consider what the state has to offer, it's easy to see why the Lone Star State draws so many travelers. Texas is filled with breathtaking landscapes, major historical landmarks, diverse museums, pristine city parks, suburban shopping meccas, delicious barbecues and much more. The news took into account traveler sentiment and expert analysis to find the best places to visit in Texas.
to share your opinion? Be sure to vote below to determine next year's list. (Note: Some of the destinations below may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Check with the CDC and the US Department of State before traveling.
1. Houston
.jpg "best places to visit in texas")
Known as one of America's top BBQ destinations, Houston offers travelers a delicious, good time. But did you know that Houston is also a cultural center? In the downtown area, visitors can visit a variety of museums, including NASA's impressive Johnson Space Museum. From downtown to quirky art Automobile Museum. The city's many restaurants and shops also feature Instagram-worthy murals. Houston is also an ideal (and affordable) family vacation destination, with the world-class Houston Zoo, the lush Buffalo Bayou Park, and the Children's Museum.
2. San antonio
Historical relics like the Alamo are undoubtedly San Antonio's greatest draw. However, you don't have to be a history buff to enjoy everything the city has to offer. The River Walk is a relaxing stroll along the San Antonio River. , while sprawling Brackenridge Park offers a variety of attractions and amenities. Active travelers can practice their swings at the park's golf course and baseball fields, nature lovers can spend time in the stunning gardens, and families can get an up-close look at the animals at the San Antonio Zoo.
3. Big Bend National Park
Each year, approximately 450,000 people visit this national park on the US-Mexico border to spend time outdoors. Big Bend National Park offers hundreds of kilometers of paved and dirt roads for scenic drives and more than 150 kilometers of hiking trails. Keep an eye out for birds as you explore parts of the park's Chihuahuan Desert, Chisos Mountains, and Rio Grande. Big Bend is home to over 450 species of birds, including various species of woodpeckers and hummingbirds.
4. Austin
The colorful character of the capital takes Texas to a whole new level. Austin offers a lot of culture, cuisine and natural landscapes. During your stay, expect unique outdoor spaces like Zilker Metropolitan Park (where you'll find the Barton Springs Swimming Pool), several museums, and plenty of delicious barbecues. The best way to soak up Austin's infectious energy is to visit Sixth Street. This music hub is packed with bars, restaurants and live music venues that helped. Austin earns its nickname "The Live Music Capital of the World".
5. South Padre Island
Believe it or not, Texas has some major coastlines, and South Padre Island is considered one of the best. South Padre offers 34 miles of relaxing beaches along the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. While the island is known for being the main meeting place for spring breakers, other areas It is a favorite with families during the year due to its affordability and numerous kid-friendly attractions. Visit Sea Turtle Inc. to learn about local sea turtle rehabilitation efforts, or head to the beach park on Isla Blanca to cool off on a hot day.
6. Galveston
Located about 50 miles southeast of Galveston in Houston, it attracts Texans looking for a convenient place to spend some time on the beach. The island has family-friendly attractions such as Stewart Beach (with amenities such as a lifeguard volleyball court and playground) and the Pleasure Pier (with a range of games and rides). Visitors away from the sand can explore the shops, restaurants and nightclubs of the National Historic Landmark. Travelers also want to visit other historic sights such as Bishop's Palace and Moody's Mansion.
7. Mustang Island
Formerly known as Mustang Island, Mustang Island is now known for its miles of beaches and outdoor activities. On this 18-mile-long barrier island, 28 miles southeast of Corpus Christi, visitors will find Mustang Island State Park a popular spot for mountain biking Kayaking and swimming. Also home to endangered sea turtles and more than 400 species of birds, the park is a great destination for wildlife viewing. For more outdoor recreation outside the park, visitors can head to North Parkree Beach for water sports such as kitesurfing Surfing and snorkeling.
8. Port Aransas
This small town on Mustang Island offers plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun. When you're not sunbathing or paragliding on the beach, test your fishing skills in the fishing capital of Texas, or sign up for a dolphin-watching cruise. You also need to keep a Keep an eye out for endangered whooping cranes and other birds in this birding paradise. If festivals are your thing, your visit coincides with an event in Port Aransas that focuses on everything from art to music to food.
9. The Woodland
If you want easy access to urban amenities and outdoor activities, spend your next vacation in the Woodlands. In this upscale destination 30 miles north of Houston, you'll find high-end shopping centers, outdoor concert venues and kid-friendly attractions like The Woodlands Children's Museum. In addition, the city has 220 miles of hiking and biking trails in 147 parks. On a hot day, head to Riva Row Boat House to rent a kayak or paddleboard so you can explore Woodlands Waterway and Lake Woodlands in comfort.
10. Boca Chica
Boca Chica may not be as famous as other Texas beach towns, but it's a great option for a low-key getaway. Dedicate most of your stay to enjoying Boca Chica's 8-mile sandy beach, but remember to bring your own equipment, as water sports rentals such as surfboards and snorkeling gear are available Kitesurfboards are not provided on site. Also save time watching wildlife, as the area is a haven for a variety of bird and turtle species. Arrive in spring or summer for a chance to see the critically endangered Camp Ridley turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.
11. San José Island
12. Fredericksburg, TX
For a different Texas vacation, avoid the state's big cities and coastal towns and visit Fredericksburg. This Texas Hill Country town is known for its great shopping, rich German roots and tasty wines. If you don't fancy shopping therapy on Main Street, learn about the city's connection to Germany at the Pioneer Museum. Don't forget to sample some of Fredericksburg's delicious wines before you go. You can choose from more than 50 wineries and tasting rooms In and around Fredericksburg.
13. Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi offers several scenic coastlines and must-see attractions to keep you entertained for days. Popular sandy beaches in this Gulf Coast city include McGee Beach, with calm water suitable for swimming, and North Beach, for family. - Friendly facilities such as playground and Ferris wheel wheel. The latter is also home to two of Corpus Christi's most popular attractions - the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington. For more museums and entertainment, visit the SEA Sports City Entertainment and Arts District.
14. Waco
Located roughly halfway between Austin and Dallas Waco, it attracts all kinds of travelers. Nature lovers can explore Cameron Park, the 416-acre green space with trails for mountain biking and horseback riding, as well as the Cameron Park Zoo. Meanwhile, shopaholics and fans of the HGTV show Fixer Upper Would love to visit the Magnolia Market, owned by Silos a Chip and Joanna Gaines, which has retail stores, garden food trucks and a bakery. No visit to Waco would be complete without a visit to other top attractions in Waco, such as Waco Mammoth National Monument and Dr. Pepper Museum and Free Museum Enterprise Institute.
15. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
If hiking is one of your favorite pastimes, you'll want to venture out to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. This national park on the southern Texas-New Mexico border has four of the state's highest peaks and more than 80 miles of hiking trails, including traveler-approved routes such as Devil's Hall Trail and Guadalupe Peak Trail. While the scenery is stunning year-round, fall is unforgettable when the park's foliage turns bright reddish-orange and yellow.