The top 8 destinations to explore in Texas

Ready to discover the best spots in Texas? Prepare for an adventure on the open road, as the Lone Star State is anything but small!

While you can hit several major attractions in Texas in one go, visiting multiple popular spots will likely necessitate renting a car and embarking on a long drive—or two. For instance, if you plan to visit both Austin and Big Bend National Park, brace yourself for an eight-hour road trip (one way).

If you aim to explore both San Antonio and Dallas, get ready for a five-hour journey on Interstate Highway 35. Even though you could listen to enough Willie Nelson albums to fill over 70 hours of driving, we’ve organized some of the state’s top destinations by region to help you navigate more efficiently and maximize your time in the Lone Star State.

1. Austin

Top city for live music

Austin became Texas's capital in 1846, with the University of Texas opening its doors in 1883. For nearly a century, it remained a quiet college town and political center until the tech boom of the 1980s attracted a wave of businesses and residents. Renowned for its vibrant live music scene, largely due to televised performances from Austin City Limits studios, the city remains the premier destination in Texas to enjoy live music on every corner.

Don't miss exploring the local shops along South Congress Avenue, like Allens Boots. Established in 1977, its iconic red boot sign and vast selection of Western apparel have made it a cherished shopping stop for years. Afterward, hop across the street to the South Congress Hotel for a drink at the lobby bar before heading to the legendary Continental Club for live music just down the road.

Tip for visitors: If you're in town during the summer, follow the locals' lead and cool off with a kayaking adventure on one of Austin's many beautiful waterways.

2. Texas Hill Country

Top destination for breweries and vineyards

A visit to Austin or San Antonio is perfectly complemented by a short trip to Texas Hill Country, where both wine enthusiasts and beer aficionados can thrive. Stop by Altstadt Brewery for a tour and a taste of their German-style brews, or enjoy an afternoon at William Chris Vineyard in Hye, surrounded by grapevines.

Another great vineyard in the area is Southold Farm and Cellar. However, if you prefer non-alcoholic options, don’t miss the chance to sample fresh peaches at the local stands along Highway 290 for a taste of summer. For outdoor fun, take in the stunning views from Enchanted Rock or watch the bats take flight from the old railroad tunnel at Old Tunnel State Park.

3. San Antonio

Top destination for iconic Texas attractions

San Antonio boasts some of Texas' most exciting activities. No visit is complete without stopping by The Alamo, but there are plenty of other fascinating museums and sights to explore. Don't miss the Pearl Brewery Complex, where the elegant Hotel Emma reigns supreme. Enjoy a cocktail at the hotel’s Sternewirth bar, where you can sip your drink inside one of the refurbished silos from the former brewery.

Take a short drive to the Witte Museum for an engaging dive into Texas history, and spend an afternoon at the McNay Art Museum, perfect for a picnic on the lawn after exploring the galleries.

Tip for your visit: Make the most of your budget by visiting the Witte Museum on a Tuesday – entrance is free from 3pm to 6pm.

4. Houston

Top destination for space enthusiasts

Houston is home to a variety of galleries, notably the Menil Collection, which showcases a wide array of exhibits covering human history from the Paleolithic era to modern art. However, the main attraction is NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the hub of Mission Control that managed the Gemini and Apollo missions, including the first moon landing.

Experience an insider's view of the past and future of space exploration, along with unique artifacts such as spacecraft and the largest public display of moon rocks.

Tip for families: Bringing kids to Houston? Check the Space Center’s calendar and enroll them in a full-day Explorer Camp where they can reach for the stars.

5. Galveston

Top spot for a beach celebration

Located close to Houston, the port city of Galveston was once one of North America’s busiest ports before a catastrophic hurricane struck in 1900. Today, this island city is a popular Gulf Coast getaway and ranks among the state’s finest beach towns.

Embark on a ghost tour at the historic Grand Galvez or visit the Bryan Museum for a timeline of Texas history and a remarkable array of local art. Animal enthusiasts will love the aquarium and rainforest displays at Moody Gardens, while those fond of architecture can enjoy a walking tour of historic churches and landmarks like Bishop’s Palace.

6. Shiner

Top destination for aspiring brewmasters

Nestled between San Antonio and Houston, Shiner is the proud home of one of Texas’ oldest and most renowned breweries, the Spoetzl Brewery. Take a tour of this brewery, which began as a tin house in 1909, to discover how Kosmos Spoetzl first crafted Bavarian beer. Then, savor various Shiner brews from the current brewmaster, the sixth to lead the company.

Enhance your visit by driving through Gonzalez, the site where the first shots of the Texas Revolution rang out in October 1835. Alternatively, venture a bit further to explore the lush trails of Palmetto State Park.

7. Dallas

Top destination for sports enthusiasts

One of the main attractions of Dallas is its abundance of professional sports teams. Whether your passion lies in football, baseball, basketball, or hockey, Dallas boasts several cutting-edge arenas and stadiums, including the American Airlines Center, home to the NHL's Dallas Stars and the NBA's Dallas Mavericks.

Just a short drive away in Arlington, you can catch games from the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and the MLB’s Texas Rangers. Downtown Dallas is also an excellent choice for art aficionados, with quieter attractions like the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Crow Museum of Asian Art perfect for a rainy afternoon.

Planning tip: If you're an adventure seeker, you're in luck! The very first Six Flags theme park was founded in Dallas and continues to delight visitors today. Bring the entire family—there's no shortage of thrilling roller coasters for everyone to enjoy.

8. Big Bend National Park

Top destination for hiking enthusiasts in the great outdoors

Texas’ only national park is among the largest in the nation and also the least frequented due to its secluded location. Divided from Mexico by the Rio Grande, Big Bend National Park is renowned for its breathtaking views and extensive hiking trails. The park is home to over 1,200 plant species and more than 450 bird species. The South Rim Trail is considered one of the finest hikes in all of Texas.

Celestial wonders are among the park's major attractions – recognized as an International Dark Sky site, it offers some of the finest stargazing in the continental United States. The Santa Elena Canyon is a highlight, with summer temperatures sometimes exceeding 110°F (43°C). For cooler conditions, head to the Chisos Mountains, which provide accommodations and breathtaking views of the entire park.