One of the best things to do in Texas is to admire wild dolphins along the Gulf Coast. Check Out El Paso Museum of Art. With plenty of trails and green space available, the dominating feature of Buffalo Bayou Park is the amazing views of the Houston skyline that surround it! Thanks, Jessica! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Imagine packing up your snorkeling gear for a This intricate Hindu temple is one of the most magnificent pieces of architecture in Texas. A local favorite, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is home to 66 stunning acres of gardens, all of which are worth exploring. Cost: A full collection Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. One small example: when the Texas House of Representatives in session, a battle flag dating to the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836 hangs in the room. This mysterious phenomenon has been puzzling locals and travelers for almost 150 years. The drillers, in this case, were looking for water. Located in west Texas, the McDonald Observatory allows visitors to access one of the most impressive views of the night sky imaginable, and a visit here is a special addition to any Texas bucket list! Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Fort Davis is one of the best preserved frontier military posts in the United States, and is a landmark piece of history you should not miss when in West Texas. 14 Comments West Texas is perhaps one of the most desolate places in the United States. ), Texas Food Guide: 25+ Tasty Things to Eat in Texas, The Kolaches of West, Texas (Bakeries + Beyond), What to Buy in Texas: 25 Fun Texas Souvenirs, 35+ Best Places to Visit in Texas (Cool Vacation Spots! All the Best Things to Do in West Texas Road Trip Guide As San Antonios first neighborhood, La Villita has gone through plenty of changes since then, and today is a beautiful and photogenic art community, packed with galleries and excellent shopping. Not a big fan of kayaking? From stargazing, horseback riding, sand sledding and sleeping in a luxury dome bubble tent, here are some of the most fun, unique and interesting activities for your trip to this charming corner of the Lone Star state. But Spindletop, as the event came to be known, turned attentions to oil, and quickly brought wealth and fortune-seekers to Beaumont and beyond. This looming rock of pink granite in the Texas Hill Country has fascinated people for more than 10,000 yearsand climbing it is one of the most fun things to do in Texas. For the full experience, pick a popular spot thats only open at limited times during the week and stand in line with the rest of the hungry visitorsit adds to the experience (and somehow makes the food taste better, too). Fort Davis is one of the best preserved I did not know Wimberley did boots. Iconic options include Gruene Hall and Luckenbach Dance Hall, but there are historic and not-so-historic places to dance all over the state. Grabbing a tube, a cooler, and a whole lot of sunblock to hit the river on a hot summers day is a Texas tradition, and indisputably one of the best things to do in Texas! Things to do in West Texas: A West Texas Road Trip - Sol Salute On January 10, 1901, the Lucas Gusher erupted into the air, spewing oil for nine straight daysand so began the Texas oil boom. Now lets take you through our list of the top five things to do in western Texas: 1. Be sure to shop in the gorgeous Jefferson General Store while youre in town! From beautiful cities to adorable small towns, and from crystal-clear waterfalls to dramatic caves, there is absolutely no shortage of fun things to do in Texas. 27+ Memorable Things to Do in West Texas (must-sees! A few hours in the car often gets you pretty much nowhere, a From dawn to dusk, Thursday-Sunday before the first Monday of each and every month, the self-proclaimed largest flea market in the world is open in Canton, Texas! Balmorhea State Park is home to the worlds largest natural spring-fed pool where visitors can swim and scuba dive amongst the 25 feet deep crystal clear water. Lined with bald cypress trees and populated by alligators, Caddo Lake definitely isnt a standard Texas lakebut it is one of the most unique features of the state, and visiting it absolutely belongs on any list of what to do in Texas. Christmas in San Antonio: 11 Fun Things to Do! Visit Fort Davis National Historic Site. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Prices range from similar to a standard pair of shoes that you buy off the shelf all the way up to thousands of dollars for a custom-made pair (that could take months or years to arrive), depending on how dedicated you are to acquiring the perfect pair. Enjoy 2 playgrounds, a splash pad in the summertime, a baseball field and biking or walking around the lake. Every visitor tends to walk away with a favoriteMission San Jos is mine. Texas is big enough that it doesnt just have one NBA, NFL, or MLB teamit has at least two of each! Hike the Tallest Peak in Texas. Visitors can take a free tour during feeding time every Wednesday and Saturday morning, where they join a park ranger to learn more about the native Texan wildlife that calls this state park home. Dont forget to ask for spicy ketchup! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Meander through the streets of downtown and discover many of the best Abilene attractions, like the historic Paramount Theater and the enchanting Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden, home to Abilenes famous literary character sculptures! Whilst youre there, keep an eye out for the costumed interpreters who are on hand to provide an authentic historical flair to your visit. We also have a full guide to Buc-ees snacks to peruse before you goand yes, there really are an overwhelming number of them to choose from! Its impossible to be bored with all this outdoor fun! Chip and Joanna Gaines, of HGTV fame, have put Waco even more firmly onto the Texas road trip map with their repurposed silos featuring a boutique and bakery. Things to Do in West Texas: Explore More Parks. During our visit, we started A highlight of visiting the town is touring the Chinati Foundation, a contemporary art museum built upon the works of artist Donald Judd. Members of the official Texas longhorn herd live in four state parks: Palo Duro Canyon, Lyndon B. Johnson State Historic Site, San Angelo, and Copper Breaks. Whether youre a big fan of Kane Brown or JoJo Siwa, chances as theyve come through the United Supermarkets Arena on the campus of Texas Tech for an evening concert. Located on Lake Travis, The Oasis is a Texas institution and one of the most popular sunset spots in the Lone Star State. One of the most fun things to do in West Texas is to drive the El Camino del Rio, also known as the River Road. From roughly March to October each year, 1.5 million Mexican Free-Tailed Bats call the South Congress Bridge homeand with good timing and a bit of luck, you can watch the natural show of a lifetime when they fly out from the bridge at sunset in search of food. ), 21 Incredible Things to Do in North Texas. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Opened to the public in 1986, the Chinati Foundation is an expansive space dedicated to showcasing the remarkable talent of artists Donald Judd, Dan Flavin and John Chamberlain amongst others. Top Things to Do in West Texas - TripSavvy Often overlooked, the small frontier town of Alpine is much loved by locals for its low-key vibe that celebrates the authentic spirit of West Texas. Lined with boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and plenty of street art, this is one of the best stops on Texas section of Route 66! If theres an animal lover in your crew, head on over to the Abilene Zoo! You can find gorgeous town squares in towns and cities across Texas, but according to many, Georgetowns is the loveliest of them all! A small but impressive museum, the El Paso Museum of Art makes for one of the most interesting places to see and visit in West Texas. The charming Port Isabel Lighthouse dates to 1852, and a mere 75 steps will deliver you to the top, where you can admire beautiful views of the coast and the Queen Isabella Causeway, as well as South Padre Island in the distance! 1 Arts Festival Plaza, 1 Arts Festival Plaza, El Paso, Aside from the luxury designer store, other notable attractions include Building 98 and the outdoor installations displayed by the Chinati Foundation on an old army base. Showcasing 34 historic aircraft, including fighter and cargo planes, this air park is the largest of its kind in the United States Air Force. Arguably the best place to be amazed by Texas has plenty of stunning lakes to choose from, but the turquoise waters of Canyon Lake are definitely a local favorite. Invented in Texas in the early 20th century, chile con queso is an essential part of any Texans diet (and yes, one that has exactly zero nutritional value). Taking a road trip through West Texas is an adventure for anyone seeking some outdoor fun. Stroll up to 70-foot Gorman Falls located deep in the Hill Country, and you just might swear youve been transported to Hawaii rather than Texas. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Three times a year, the Round Top Antiques Fair descends on Round Top, Texas, and it is the perfect destination for those in pursuit of the weird, wacky, and wonderful. It went bust when the demand for mercury did and then promptly turned into a ghost town. Amongst one of the most scenic drives in the state, the River Road is primarily located within the Big Bend Ranch State Park, spanning from the towns of Lajitas to Presidio. One of the best kept secrets in West Texas is the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens. Many of the items included on this giant Texas bucket list are best seen via a road tripthe Lone Star State was made for road tripping, so jump in the car and set off on a Texas-style adventure (after filling up at Buc-ees, of course). WebMaybe youll get lucky and see the renowned Marfa lights, which remain unexplained. Whataburger is a Texas institution, and a must-try when visiting the Lone Star State. Housed in what used to be the Lubbock airport, this museum has models of the gliders and life-size military history replicas which will leave any child in awe. At the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth, you can witness actual US currency being printed. The Guadalupe River, Comal River, and Frio River are some of the most popular rivers to float, but there are opportunities all across the state to enjoy excellent tubing in Texas. The home to Shiner Beer is open to visitors! READ NEXT. Hugging the Rio Grande, this is a stunning 50-mile scenic drive with seemingly endless twists and turns, traversing mountains and riverside vistas. Best Things to Do in West Texas: Parks to Visit, Landmarks to See You can find boats ready to take you out in, Food Network-featured and open in downtown, The birthplace of Blue Bell Ice Cream is open to visitors on weekdaysand of course, any, Perhaps second only to barbecue as an iconic Texas mealthough it is a. close raceTexMex is characterized by hearty, cheesy dishes, and is a beloved centerpiece of Texas cuisine! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I agree to receive email updates and promotions. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. While youre exploring Palo Duro Canyon, you cant miss hiking to the Lighthouse, the most famous formation in the park. Some of the most popular hikes are located in Big Bend National Park, including the popular Lost Mine Trail in the heart of the Chisos Mountains. Fans of Baroque and Renaissance art will be delighted at the works from Van Dyck, Botticelli and Canaletto on display. A visit here is absolutely one of the best things to do in Texas! While there is a near-limitless choice depending on the time of year, music preference, and even how many crowds you want to tolerate, theres no doubt that Austins SXSW is the most iconic music festival in the state. Technically, its not a store at all, but an art installationthat doesnt take away from how much fun it is to see the Prada logo pop up in the middle of the desert, though! Located in Lubbock, this is one of the best things to do in West Texas for music lovers. Texas being the largest state in the lower 48 is just an abstract fun fact until you actually drive across it. With an expansive landscape of jagged mountains, rugged hiking trails, tranquil birdwatching and ample photography opportunities, theres plenty to keep you occupied. and eat oodles of fried food while youre there. Youll also find the Texas Musician Hall of fame and the Lubbock Fine Arts Gallery here, with more exhibits on the arts and music in Lubbock. Lubbock, in general, has played an important part in the history of music and they celebrate that here with exhibits featuring Hollys belongings from his childhood and profesional career, as well as the Buddy Holly sculpture outside and the photo op with a giant pair of his glasses. Did you know you can go scuba diving in West Texas? Home to endless peaks and valleys of golden sand dunes, there are activities for all ages and interests. Other fantastic places to celebrate Christmas in Texas include San Antonio, Grapevine, Jefferson, and New Braunfels! All I can say, is.GOD, has truly Blessed Texas! No matter what part of the state you head to, youre bound to run into some of the best things to do in Texas. Guided tours begin at $20 for adults. Bluebonnets bloom from around mid-March to mid-April each year, give or take, and are one of the prettiest sights in Texas. Be sure to track down at least a few of Wimberleys adorable (or as they would say, bootiful) painted boot statues while youre there! Six Flags may be a national theme park brand now, but it all started in Arlington, Texas, with Six Flags Over Texas. Thats a fun idea, Ill add it to our list of posts we hope to publish one day! The birthplace of Blue Bell Ice Cream is open to visitors on weekdaysand of course, any Blue Bell Creameries visit should be followed up with a visit to the on-site Ice Cream Parlor, where you can enjoy gigantic scoops of Blue Bell for $1 each! Home to some of the best fall foliage in Texas, Texas has plenty of stunning lakes to choose from, but the turquoise waters of, One of the best things to do in Texas is to admire wild dolphins along the Gulf Coast. The Caverns of Sonora are often considered the most beautiful but are located quite out of the way. What better way to start your exploration of this thriving city than downtown Abilene! Ultimate West Texas Road Trip Itinerary - Enchanting Texas This collection of Buddy Holly artifacts celebrates this important man who paved the way for Rock nRoll. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. In Dinosaur Valley State Park, you can follow in the literal footsteps of dinosaurs. The water temperature stays cool all year round, at a refreshing 72 to 76 degrees, providing pleasant surroundings to take a dip and get a respite from the sweltering desert heat. Visit the Big The Davis Mountain State Park is one of the most scenic and popular attractions of West Texas. Helpful Tips for a West Texas Road Trip; The Best Things To Do In West Texas. Today, visitors can learn about this integral history to the state of Texas at the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, a recreated early-20th century town. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Boasting a variety of restaurants, from authentic BBQ, mouthwatering steakhouses, and Mexican and Asian cuisine, theres something to tempt anyones taste buds in downtown Abilene! LBJs library is located in Austin at UT, George W. Bushs is located at SMU in Dallas, and H.W.s at A&M in College Station. 9 Otherworldly Things to Do in West Texas - Lone Star A lesser known state park but one of the most interesting places to see in West Texas is the Guadalupe Mountains State Park. Austins most beloved swimming pool is filled with natural spring water and is an absolute delight on a hot summer (or spring or fallthis is Austin, after all) day. As a full service restaurant, you can spend a whole evening there, although the real highlight are the award-winning margaritas that keeps both locals and visitors flocking to this traditional-style Texas hangout. San Antonios four other Spanish missions (Mission Concepcin, Mission San Jos, Mission Espada, and Mission San Juan Capistrano), along with the Alamo, make up the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. Palm trees, sand dunes, seagulls, and a cool ocean breeze are waiting for you on South Padre Island! Up north, they may pick apples in the fall, but in Texas, its all about picking peaches in the summerhead out to one of Texas pick-your-own orchards to pick some of the most delicious peaches on the planet right off the tree yourself. Tour Palo Duro Canyon A Palo Duro Canyon tour should be on your list of experiences in Texas. Dedicated to keeping the legacy of Buddy Holly alive, as well as general music from west Texas, the Buddy Holly Center is a must-see for music fans visiting Lubbock! This iconic and permanent sculptural art installation is just one of the many artworks that you can marvel at during your stop in Marfa. The second-largest canyon in the USA is located in the Texas panhandle, and definitely deserves a visit! Driving from Austin to San Antonio: Where to Stop + Tips! Self-described as Dallas most independent neighborhood, the Bishop Arts District is home to 60+ independent boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and more, all knitted together with a cozy, walkable vibe that makes it one of the most sought-after corners of Dallas. 25 Best Things to Do in West Texas - Our Sweet Adventures Hit the Imagination Station at MARFA STUDIO OF ARTS, where kids create arts You can hike In a tribute to their homeland, the new residents of Texas erected a beautiful replica of a Dutch windmill, and you can visit it today when exploring the best things to do in Texas. Its not a boring museum with a bunch of long plaques to read with glass cases, but a truly immersive experience that allows you to see the gliders hung from the ceilings towering above you as well as get up close and personal to other World War II artifacts on display. You can choose from a retro trailer, a luxury tipi tent, a spacious lotus or the highly sought after bubble dome. No matter what part of the state you head to, youre bound to run into some of the best things to do in Texas. or just eat the results. Schlitterbahn may be a chain of water parks now, but the original location in New Braunfels has been open since 1979, and visiting is a Texas childhood right of passage! There are also equestrian campsites so bring your own horse to take a ride through one of the many riding trails in the park. Dr. Pepper is a beloved Texas invention, and there are actually two places you can visit to learn about its history in the state: the Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco and the Dr. Pepper Bottling Works & Museum in Dublin, where the drink used to be bottled! Be prepared, though: with little-to-no shade, There are dozens of places to check out amazing. An opulently decorated rail car on a steam train and gorgeous Piney Woods scenery out the windowwhat could make for a more memorable Texas experience? This would be best for elementary aged and teenaged children in Lubbock. For hiking fans, there are plenty of trails to explore, catering to all levels from beginners to the advanced. Santa Elena Canyon, the Lost Mine Trail, the Window View Trail are among the most popular spots, but there are plenty of stunning hiking trails to choose from in Big Bend National Park! The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". La Villitas history dates back to the beginning of San Antonio when the area was a collection of small buildings meant for housing the Spanish soldiers who staffed the Alamo during its time as a mission. This mountainous landscape is not for the faint-hearted hikers, but for those who love a challenge of rigorous mountain climbing, rugged desert terrain and pure solitude, theres spectacular scenery to reward you after a thrilling climb. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. When visiting Terlingua in West Texas, you have several unique accommodation options to choose from. You can choose from a picnic in the desert, horse riding through the sandy trails, camping at one of the pre-booked campsites which offer water and electricity or an adrenaline-pumping afternoon of sledding down the sand dunes in your personal sled. This iconic view of Dallas skyline is not to be missed! 329 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Texas - Atlas Obscura Enhance your experience with a knowledgeable tour guide who can fill you in on the history of the aircraft and bring their stories as well as interesting facts about Texas to life! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Ditch The Snow For The Desert: 10 Things To Do In West Texas Natural Bridge Caverns, Cave Without a Name, and Inner Space Cavern. Dedicated to telling the story of the assassination of President Kennedy, the Sixth Floor Museum is one of the darker items included on this list of what to do in Texas, but there is no doubt that that tragic day in 1963 is a deep part of US history. The Monahans Sandhills State Park provides an afternoon of unrivaled fun in West Texas. During the day, you have acres of national parks, hiking trails and ghost towns to explore. Another popular and rewarding trail is the Hot Springs Historic Trail, which rewards hikers with soothing hot springs to cool off in before making their way back to the trailhead. For a real challenge, hike the 8.4-mile Guadalupe Peak trail, which will deliver you to the highest point in Texas! One of the most sought after accommodation providers are Basecamp Terlingua which have created a number of quirky and luxury camping options for visitors to get a unique overnight experience. Enjoy 1.3 acres of green space and check out the 15 murals scattered throughout downtown as you get a feel for this vibrant community! The spring and fall shows are the largest, but they do have a smaller winter show as well. Part of the U.S. National Park Services, the site includes numerous restored buildings, parade grounds and an informative museum to help you learn more about the history and significance of the American Indian Wars, and the role that Fort Davis played during the time. You can find boats ready to take you out in Port Aransas, Rockport, South Padre, and more. This botanical oasis is located in the foothills of the Davis Mountains and provides a leafy respite from the surrounding desert landscape. Famed for its spectacular scenery, renowned art culture and access to a charming Mexican village across the river, theres an abundance of things to do in West Texas. It also happens to be right next door to Pedernales Falls State Park, which makes an excellent next stop when checking things off of your Texas bucket list! Check these out! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Tours are free, and a great way to peek into the history of Texas. West Texas Vacation | Top Places to Visit in West Texas In the late 19th century, Nederland, Texas was settled by people from Holland (in other words, the inspiration behind the name Nederland is quite obvious!). Check out these 11 quirky When visiting Marfa, keep an eye out for the Marfa Lights. Standing tall over the site of the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, the San Jacinto Monument is a symbol of Texas pride and independence. ), 21 Best Things to Do on South Padre Island, 13 Stunning Waterfalls in Texas (+ Map to Find Them! Dolphins in Texas? Spain, France, Mexico, the USA, the Confederacy, and Texas itself as an independent nation). Chances are youve seen a photo of the Prada Marfa store at the edge of a deserted highway. Most prominently found in Fayette County, these antique churches may look unassuming from the outside, but are stunningly beautiful, with intricately painted facades, on the inside. Ive lived in Texas (Houston area) most of my life and have never even heard of a lot of these. Theres plenty to see and do in Big Bend Ranch, including horse riding, hiking and four-wheel driving trails. To help you make the most of your visit, the Observatory offers an Evening Sky Viewing program from its cavernous amphitheater, along with workshops and special viewing sessions. Like most of Texas, the best way to get around West Texas is to explore on your own by car! Of course, there are far more longhorns hanging out around Texas than thathead out to the countryside on a road trip and you just might spot some. With 71 pages of helpful travel tips and the best of Texas lists, this is your ad-free key to your Texas trip. Both tours are free for age 17 and under. Spend a few hours visiting the local village, tasting authentic Mexican cuisine at the various eateries and admiring the handmade souvenirs and textiles available for purchase. Known for its music venues, bars, restaurants, and street art, Deep Ellum is a must-see neighborhood in Dallas. It takes roughly two hours. Located just steps from the famous Riverwalk, San Antonios four other Spanish missions (. Some of the most famous include Hamilton Pool in Dripping Springs, Jacobs Well in Wimberley, and Krause Springs in Spicewood, but there are plenty more around! Before Texas was a US state, and after it was part of Mexico, it was its own independent nationand that all started at Washington-on-the-Brazos, where 59 delegates met in March 1836 to declare independence from Mexico. Yee Hah, there is endless FUN to be had in Texas, and we didnt even include Dime Box, Muleshoe or Bear Creek. Quirky Texas Destinations for Curious Travelers - Culture Trip You can drive for hours and still not reach any sizable city. Kayak, canoe, or tour boatits your choice, but whatever method you choose, be sure to enjoy the views from Lady Bird Lake when visiting Austin. Two-stepping the night away is a classic Texas pastime! ), 7+ Great Girls Trips in Texas (Weekend Getaway Ideas! Despite being a small town in West Texas, Marfa has a world-renowned art scene and a reputation as the home of many memorable examples of minimalist art. Food Network-featured and open in downtown Round Rock since 1926, Round Rock Donuts areif its possibleeven tastier than their reputation suggests.
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