What are the top 10 places to visit in Texas, according to a native?

Texas is the biggest continuous state in the United States, and it is home to a wide variety of landscapes, including sandy beaches, rolling plains, lush woods, expansive desert grasslands, and steep highlands. Due to the fact that the Lone Star State encompasses more than 268,000 square miles, there is a great deal of space to travel and a fantastic number of locations to investigate.

From the Panhandle Plains and Hill Country to the Gulf Coast and Piney Woods, Texas is a state that offers a wide variety of places to visit, whether you are looking for a busy metropolis or a calm location to explore an area. The following is a list of the top tourist destinations in Texas, as ranked by a native.

Fort Worth

Fort Worth is located around thirty minutes to the west of the bustling city of Dallas. It is a place where world-class art museums in addition to a fantastic food and drink scene come together. And despite the fact that Fort Worth is expanding and is now the 12th biggest city in the United States, it still has a laid-back and welcoming vibe. Maybe it’s the warm and welcoming Western hospitality, together with the diverse selection of food choices and activities, that makes it such a success.

Guests have the opportunity to explore five museums that are devoted to art, science, and the history of the neighborhood in the Cultural District. Not only is the Stockyards a Fort Worth tradition, but it is also the location of the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive and the only rodeo that takes place throughout the whole year. With block after block of restaurants, Broadway musicals at Bass Performance Hall, and nightlife in the form of pubs, bars, live music, comedy acts, and more, downtown Fort Worth is another jewel that can be found in the city. Even now, the Fort Worth Zoo is still considered to be among the greatest in the United States.

Austin

There are around one million people living in Austin, which is the eccentric capital of the state. Barton Springs Pool is a three-acre pool that is fed by springs and is used for swimming throughout the year. Locals enjoy taking advantage of the numerous parks and public spaces that the city has to offer, such as Zilker Metropolitan Park, which is a 351-acre oasis that offers breathtaking views of the skyline and a large number of four-legged friends roaming around. There are also a great number of hiking routes located all throughout the city, such as the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike track at Lady Bird Lake, which is a 10-mile track, the Barton Creek Greenbelt, and McKinney Falls State Park.

In addition, Austin is called the Live Music Capital of the World, and there are a great number of venues where one may attend a performance, one of which is the Austin City Limits festival, which takes place every year. In spite of this, one of the most advantageous aspects of the city is its proximity to Hill Country, which makes it simple to reach a variety of picturesque little villages, rivers for floating, and other attractions.

San Antonio

San Antonio, which is located less than two hours south of Austin, is yet another cultural gem that Texans like visiting and consider to be their home. Although it is most known for the Alamo, this city is also home to four other stunning missions, all of which are included in the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, which has been declared by UNESCO. Of course, there is also the lovely River Walk, which is packed with shops and restaurants, as well as Market Square, which is home to over one hundred vendors selling Mexican goods and food.

The Witte Museum, the McNay Art Museum, the Briscoe Western Art Museum, and the San Antonio Museum of Art are just few of the many remarkable museums that can be found in San Antonio.

San Antonio, which is situated on the southernmost tip of the Texas Hill Country, is a city that offers a wide variety of opportunities for outdoor activities. One of these opportunities is the Government Canyon State Natural Area, which encompasses a vast area of 12,000 acres and has more than 40 miles of trails. Fishing, swimming, and floating are all activities that may be done while having access to the river.

Terlingua

The city of Terlingua is an excellent place to set up tent if you are interested in seeing the enormous Big Bend region. This old mining town, which is situated between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, was one of the major producers of quicksilver in the United States during the early 20th century. However, once the mine went down, it was transformed into a ghost town.

The city of Terlingua is also the location of two well-known chili cook-offs, which attract thousands of people every autumn. Explore the state or national park on foot, or hire a canoe and paddle along the Rio Grande, which runs along the border between the United States and Mexico.

As the Starlight Theatre Restaurant and Saloon was formerly renowned as the theater in town for miners during its heyday, it is an absolute need to visit this establishment for supper and live music when you are back in town. The Terlingua Cemetery is one of the most photographed places in the state of Texas. It is home to a few tombs that also include peculiar decorations.

There is also a large deal of excellent artwork all across the city. In addition to visiting a local gallery to see mosaics, paintings, photographs, and other works of art, you should also make a stop at the Terlingua Trading Company to purchase souvenirs, artwork, and presents. Those who have a passion for food will like Taqueria El Milagro for its tacos and Tex-Mex plates. On the other hand, Long Draw Pizza offers delectable specialty pizzas such as the Terlingua Spur, which is comprised of fajita chicken, onions, jalapenos, cheddar, mozzarella, barbecue sauce, and marinara.

Mustang Island

Mustang Island, which is located just south of Port Aransas, is a barrier island that is great for individuals who are looking for a beach retreat that is distinct from the crowds that can be found along the Texas coast. The island was named after the wild horses who roamed the region for hundreds of years. Spend some time at Mustang Island State Park, which has more than five miles of shoreline and offers activities like as beachcombing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. There are over 400 different types of birds that have been documented on this island, and sea turtles may be seen breeding here. This makes the island an excellent location for anyone who are interested in nature. Those who are interested in extreme sports have the opportunity to go parasailing, surf, or go fishing offshore. They may even try their hand at fishing.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

The Guadalupe Mountains National Park is located in West Texas, close to the state boundary with New Mexico. This park is home to the four hills that are the highest in the state of Texas. More than 80 miles of hiking routes may be found inside the park, ranging from short strolls to lengthy excursions that need some preparation and organization. An 8.4-mile climb that offers views from the highest point in the state, which is located at an elevation of 8,751 feet, is known as the “Top of Texas” (also known as Guadalupe Peak). The mountains that surround this location, as well as the apparently endless stretch of desert, can be seen from this vantage point, which is surrounded by enormous territory. Activities like as birdwatching, horseback riding, hiking, and camping are some of the things that may be done in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The park is located on Capitan Reef, which is the largest extensive Permian fossil reef complex in the world.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

In the Panhandle region of Texas is where you’ll find Palo Duro Canyon State Park, which is home to the second biggest canyon in the United States. At this location, the canyon extends for around 120 miles, has a width of approximately 20 miles, and may reach depths of up to 800 feet in some areas. There are four geologic strata that make up the canyon, and they started to develop one million years ago. As you go down the canyon, you will discover these layers.

The park has 1,500 acres that are specifically designated for equestrian riding, in addition to thirty miles of pathways for hiking and bicycling. Learn about the challenges that early settlers in Texas faced and the victories that they achieved by attending the “Texas Outdoor Musical” production that is performed in the amphitheater throughout the summers. Campsites and cabins are available, but the park has recently introduced luxurious glamping sites. These sites have covered porches with swings, air conditioning, fire pits, bicycles, and rustic décor.

Marfa

This famous hamlet in Texas is a long way to get there, but the journey is well worth it. Marfa is a haven for artists, brimming with galleries, shops, museums, and individual works of art that stand on their own.There are guided tours available at the Chinati Foundation, which is a modern art museum that features works that are influenced by the scenery that is located in the surrounding area. Another modern art museum in the Big Bend region is called Ballroom Marfa, and its mission is to provide young musicians and artists with a stage on which to showcase their work.

At Marfa Spirit Co., where rum, sotol, vodka, and other spirits are combined together to create distinctive cocktails, you may raise a glass to a wonderful day and get a delicious burrito from Marfa Burrito afterwards. When it comes to where to stay, there are a lot of quirky-cool alternatives such as Chinati Hot Springs cottages, El Cosmico, Hotel Paisano, and Hotel Saint George. If you want to get a nice memento, you might swing by Marfa Book Co.

The Marfa Lights are a strange dancing light phenomena that takes place southeast of town. If you are in the area, you would not want to miss them. There are a few various hues that the lights appear in, and the reason for this is still being debated today.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg, which is situated in the Texas Hill Country, is a well-known destination for visitors from both inside the state and from other states who are searching for a place to get away. This little community, which is located in the midst of Texas wine country and is home to around 11,000 people, is home to more than fifty wineries, tasting facilities, and vineyards which are located inside the county.

In addition, there are several shuttle services available in Fredericksburg that transport tourists to vineyards located outside of the city limits, as well as breweries and distilleries dotting the surrounding region. It is also possible for those who are interested in nature to participate in a variety of activities, including as rock climbing and hiking at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, as well as cycling and horseback riding via parks and backroads across the city. There are over 150 shops, galleries, restaurants, and museums that can be found on Main Street, which is the place to go if you want to go shopping and eateries.

New Braunfels

Within the Hill Country, New Braunfels is a picturesque city that was established by German immigrants in the middle of the 19th century. It is located between Austin and San Antonio. One of the most popular ways to pass a long and hot day is by floating down the Guadalupe and Comal rivers, both of which are situated near New Braunfels. During the summer months, tourists come here to float down these rivers.

Upon returning to the town, you will discover that the downtown streets are lined with Texas-German architecture. This is where you will find geometry dash boutique shopping, a thriving bar and restaurant scene, museums, and art galleries. In addition, New Braunfels is the location of Gruene and Gruene Hall, which is the oldest dance hall in the state of Texas and is still a popular venue for live music performances today.