This little East Texas town is home to a mere 2,000 people, but their hearts are so big you'd think there were far more. Easy to reach by ferry from Port Aransas, this former ranch is now a prime beach destination. It's one of the most historic and talked about, Though not as small as it once was due to its current status as a college town, Nacogdoches still deserves a spot considering it's the. Texans know of Brenham as one of the best places to go in Texas for one very important reason: its where the original Blue Bell Creameries is locatedand yes, you can visit (and buy ice cream at the rate of $1 per giant scoop). In Glen Rose, Texas, take a walk back in time at Dinosaur Valley State Park. Gate hours are 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 7:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday. The fire pit is a nice touch on a warm evening, and the beach is a short car ride away, as are local restaurants and shops. 13 Best Places to Visit in Texas, According to a Local - Travel In Marfa, its almost like youre not sure if a tumbleweed or an Insta influencer will blow past next. This area also provided food and shelter to those meandering through the Chihuahuan Desert, and these people left pictographs and petroglyphs that can still be seen today. (Do we need to say it again? Best Places to Visit in Texas Dallas Big Bend National Park Fredericksburg, TX San Antonio Guadalupe Mountains National Park Port Aransas South Padre Island Mustang Island Boca Chica Houston. Within the urban sprawl, visitors can check out museums galore, from NASA's impressive Johnson Space Center to the quirky Art Car Museum. The Most Beautiful Towns in Texas - Culture Trip For those flying in, El Paso also makes an excellent jumping-off point for visiting Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park, as it offers the biggest airport located close to the parks (close is relative in West Texas, howeverits about a 5-hour drive from El Paso to Big Bend National Park, though less than 2 to Guadalupe Mountains NP). Guadalupe National Park. Bali Maybe the most well-known and the best relaxing destination in the world is Bali. But did you know Houston is also a culture hub? What are some of the best natural attractions in Texas? Once you finishtouring Blue Bell, though, theres still plenty more to explore in Brenham, including a walkable downtown center complete with lots of beautiful murals, a nearby lavender farm to visit, the gorgeous Giddings Stone Mansion that is worth a tour, and even an antique carousel for kids to ride! Some of the best things to do in the city include strolling down South Congress, Amarillo may not immediately come to mind as one of the best vacation spots in Texas, but not only is this small, out-of-the-way city in Texas full of quirky attractions, its also located right on, While driving Texas (admittedly short) portion of the Mother Road, be sure to stop in Amarillo to see the Route 66 Historic District, the famous, Plus, be sure to drive slightly outside of town to visit, While youre there, be sure to check out the Strand, to tour one of the citys historic Victorian homes, and to pay a visit to the Historic Pier (and hop on the Ferris Wheel for great views if youre so inclined)all of which, along with enjoying the beaches, rank among the, For the purposes of this guide to the best places to visit in Texas, were trying (emphasis on trying) to keep things at a reasonable length but I have a special love of small towns, so be sure to check out our complete guide to the, Corsicana, made notable for the Netflix show Cheer, is a cute and cozy small town that is rising in fame thanks to the film industry, its beauty, and how easy of a getaway it makes from Fort Worth or Dallas. 25 Best Weekend Getaways in Texas - Our Escape Clause Address: 1020 Raiford Road, Carrollton, TX 75007. Best 29 Places To Visit In Texas, USA - Updated 2023 | Trip101 Paul Jordan/Flickr. Pamper yourself with myriad high-end treatments like hydrotherapy, sauna, and traditional Asian and European bathing houses, in addition to a fitness center, swim-up bar, and more. 10 Secret Texas Getaways - Fort Worth Magazine Charming Round Top is synonymous in Texas with its annual antiques fair, but it is one of the most best places to visit in Texas year-round. How many of these peaceful places in Texas have you visited? Shannon247/Wikipedia. In the summertime, gather at the park's concession building for an evening of dancing around the jukebox a park tradition since the 1940s. ), If you had a blast ticking the Grand Canyon off your bucket list, it might be time to visit the second-largest canyon in the United States. Boca Chica Beach, Boca Chica Blvd, Brownsville, TX, USA 3. Few places truly have the power to transport onlookers. A park and pedestrian pathway that loops around the water, its the perfect place to go for a stroll and soak in the scenery or hit up one of the many restaurants for a meal with a mesmerizing view. The park even puts out an annual fall foliage report to help you plan the best time to visit. Away from the sand, visitors can explore the shop-, restaurant- and nightclub-filled Strand District, named a National Historic Landmark for its well-preserved Victorian architecture. Close your eyes and picture the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words small town. You probably saw a town square with lots of little shops like a general store, a soda fountain, and maybe an antique store. There are also several other interestinghikes at Enchanted Rockworth enjoying after your ascent. If youre looking for more variety, Addison, Texas has a little bit of everything. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. As Rosemary Kent once said, Most Americans can cover their home state in less than a week. Luxury meets sustainability at these unique ecolodges. Check out our guide to thebest things to do in Jefferson! Its also an epic spot to go hiking and biking or catch the sunset. By the time the year turned 1834, however, the Alamo was a functional fort. 30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Texas Written by Terry Allen Updated on May 20, 2023 Our travel recommendations are based on our personal experiences and research, written by locals and travel experts with deep familiarity with the destination. We hope you enjoy visiting these secret nature spots in Texas! Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. It has almost a haunting energy, with Spanish moss hanging from the trees as it sways back and forth like the leaves of a weeping willow. Comprised of several different sites, including Johnsons childhood home and one-room schoolhouse as well as the Texas White House he worked from as president and even a presidential jet nicknamed Air Force One and a Half, history buffs and lovers of Texas ranches alike will enjoy this park. While youre there, consider making the short drive to Enchanted Rock, tooafter all, youll no doubt want to stretch your legs after feasting on Texas wine and German food! The water temperature stays between 72 and 76 degrees year-round, creating a warm oasis. The capital of Texas, Austin is a bustling city known for its live music scene, its many beautiful lakes and parks, and its world-class museums. A visit here immediately drops you into a contemplative state and makes everything feel alright in the world. Located just outside of San Antonio, this Hill Country town has a population that hovers around 10,000, the perfect blend between big city and tiny town. Make sure to vote below to help determine next year's list. Salt Basin Dunes and the sprawling Chihuahuan Desert are reason enough to visit. Best Cities to Visit in Texas Austin The capital of Texas is known for its many festivals, beautiful setting in the Hill Country, self-proclaimed weirdness, and for being the Live Music Capital of the World-and without a doubt, it's one of the best cities in Texas to visit! Texas is filled to the brim with breathtaking countrysides, significant historical attractions, diverse museums, pristine city parks, suburban shopping meccas, mouthwatering barbecue and more. 1. Explore festivities ideal for maximizing the sweater weather season. Some Texas towns have earned a reputation for how friendly they are, like Boerne, Texas. The 10 Best Weekend Getaways In Texas To Visit Now - Southern Living learn more about the affiliate process here. You can also find new museums, restaurants, watering holes, and a renovated entertainment hub, Mule Alley, in the National Historic District. Some of the best natural attractions in Texas include: The Enchanted Rock of Fredericksburg is, in a word, enchanting and filled with hundreds of archaeological sites. While Texas may be classically characterized as a place of desert landscapes and cowboys, at Caddo Lake State Park, youll find a very different side of the Lone Star Stateone dotted with giant cypress trees that drip Spanish moss and leisurely canoe rides. The legendary Hamilton Pool in Dripping Springs is one of the most famous swimming spots in Texasand despite the fact that youll probably need to wait weeks for a reservation, its absolutely worth the effort it takes to get there. Undoubtedly one of the best-known small towns in Texas, popular Fredericksburg is known for two things: its German heritage and its many, many vineyards. 01 of 06 Wimberley Stephen Saks/Lonely Planet Images/Getty Images A visit to the quaint Texas Hill Country village of Wimberley provides a relaxing getaway any time of the year. Lance Stevens/500px/Getty Images. If you love festivals, time your visit to coincide with one of Port Aransas' events, which focus on everything from art to music to food. Lush meadows, miles of hiking and biking trails, and even direct access to, Terry Hershey Park, 15200 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079, USA, This started out as a dog park in Houston, but it has been expanded into a peaceful getaway for humans, too. Looks like heaven from our point of view! 40 Best Places to Visit in Texas Now - Enchanting Texas 15 Best Places to Visit in Texas | U.S. News Travel The Alamo Sean Pavone / Shutterstock The Alamo is one of America's most significant historical structures, and so it's one of the must-see Texas attractions to visit. There is a quaint winery, great lakes for kayaking or fishing, and mouthwatering restaurants to try from. At night, camp (or glamp) under the moonlight to see why Big Bend is one of the best dark sky parks in the country. This Texas Hill Country locale is known for its superb shops, rich German roots and tasty wines. Even if you arent a particularly skilled driver or putter, its worth booking a tee time at the Lanny Wadkins-designed Black Jacks Crossing Golf Course. 9 Caddo Lake. 15 Cool Cities Perfect for Weekend Getaways in the USA Austin Probably the best-known of all these weekend getaways in Texas on the overall domestic and international tourism scene, Austin is known for its live music, incredible festivals (most notably the famous SXSW), and excellent food. 24 Amazing Small towns in Texas You Just Have To Visit - Passport Symphony Its also home to a fascinating array of wildlife and world-class stargazing. Around 113 million years ago, dinosaurs roamed this area at the edge of an advancing and retreating sea. Plano Is One Of The Most Peaceful Cities In Texas - Only In Your State Some links in this post may be affiliate links. 19 Best Weekend Getaways from Dallas (Fun Road Trip Ideas!) And, until youve visited a pit barbecue joint, you simply cant consider a trip to Texas complete. If you feel like extending your trip, you can also easily hop north to reach Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico as part of your trip! Please see our, Dallas Date Ideas: 40 Romantic Things to Do in Dallas for Couples, 9 Otherworldly Things to Do in West Texas, 101 Fun Things to Do in Texas (Bucket List Ideas! Plus, its got the largest wilderness area in the state and tons of scenic hiking trails. Home to the Texas State Bison Herd, Caprock Canyons State Park is the perfect place to get back to nature. It's a hiker's dream, housing all four of Texas' highest peaks. Texas is home to the second-largest canyon in the country, and it's found in Palo Duro Canyon State Park in the Panhandle. South Padre offers 34 miles of relaxing beaches along the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. While the Caverns of Sonora have been touted as one of the most beautiful snow caves on the planet, its also not a place that many people outside of Texas know about. Not to be overlooked, the 1.5-mile hike to the cascade passes beautiful scenery. Learn more about this fun outdoor adventure on the, Riding River Ranch, 971 KENT Crk Rnch Rd, Leakey, TX 78873, USA, What could be more relaxing than a waterfall with a backdrop of mountains? The lake's natural beauty has made it popular among nature lovers who often come to take picturesque photographs of the lake and also engage in adventures such as - bloating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Many of the city's restaurants and shops are also covered in Instagram-worthy murals. That translates to endless opportunities for adventure, awesome camping and photogenic sights. And if you're visiting during football season, catch a Dallas Cowboys game to see state pride at its best. You'll still find remnants of a bygone era, like weekly rodeos, honky-tonks, and a working herd of hometown cattle. But visitors will find plenty to do on the beach. ct intro final View All Trips How to Visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris, TX (+ Photos & FAQ), 10 Great Texas Gulf Coast RV Parks (Beach Trip Ideas), 10+ Tips for Round Top, TX Shopping Trips (Antiques Fair Advice! The capital city's colorful character takes Texas to an entirely new level. Whether its The Salt Lick in Driftwood, one of the rightfully famous joints in Lockhart, Opies in Spicewood, Truth Barbecue in Brenham, the legendary Franklins in Austin, or one of the many, many other incredible pit barbecue joints in Texas, sidling up to the counter to order meat by the pound and sides by the pint is a must-have Texas travel experience!