Like a city set on a hill, so does the Lone Star State shine amid popular tourist destinations such as France, Italy, and Spain. You should add Texas to your bucket list as I show you the best places to visit in this beautiful U.S. state.
Texas boasts vibrant landscapes including canyons, rivers, and lakes. The cowboy culture and southern hospitality make it one of the best destinations to visit in the United States and the world. Let me also add that Texas is the world’s live music capital.
So, from bustling cities to natural wonders and serene historic towns, Texas is a must-visit destination if you’re planning a vacation in 2025.
Best Places to Visit in Texas
In this Texas travel guide, I will not only cover popular destinations to visit in Texas but also the hidden gems of the Lone Star State. Here they are:
1. San Antonio – Family-Friendly Destination in Texas
The Alamo, San Antonio Texas
They say everything is bigger in Texas – that’s true for this small town with big-city vibes. San Antonio is one of the best places to visit in Texas for its homeliness, historic sites, and delicious Texas food.
It is a great vacation spot for family, history lovers, and those seeking a relaxing experience. Young adults may not find Texas interesting as that age group is limited in the area, making it difficult for them to make friends.
Although a small town, Texas has a lot to offer visitors. Visit The Alamo, a famous tourist attraction in San Antonio. Take a walk downtown to the RiverWalk where you can also take a boat ride and enjoy the scenery.
Head to Hemisfair Park to see the historic Tower of Americas and have fun in Brackenridge Park. If you like shopping, visit The Pearl where you can shop in the Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings.
The Pearl, San Antonio
Don’t leave until you have tasted the popular San Antonio cuisine, Tex-Mex, a combination of Mexican and Texan ingredients including beef, cheese, beans, chilies, and spices. You can also enjoy the nightlife at various music venues scattered around the town.
While San Antonio is a fun place to visit in Texas, there’s the issue of public transportation and traffic due to frequent construction activities. But, that doesn’t stop the beautiful experience you’d have here.
2. Fort Worth
Fort Worth Stock Yards
Sometimes overshadowed by its popular counterpart, Dallas, Fort Worth is well worth a visit. No other place in Texas exudes the cowboy culture, along with world-class museums and excellent barbecues like Fort Worth.
Fort Worth offers adventure lovers, art enthusiasts, history buffs, foodies, and families a memorable experience even with its laid-back atmosphere.
For a more enriching experience, I recommend the Historical Bus Tour of Downtown+Stockyards. Your tour will begin from downtown Fort Worth and as you pass by you will take in Butch Cassidy, Sundance Kids, and the Water Gardens. Then, a quick stop at La Creamian to taste ice cream whose maker is an ice cream school graduate.
From here, your road trip would take you to the historic Stockyards where you can see the longhorn cattle drive, shootout, and other places of interest.
Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth
If you have more time after your tour, visit the renowned Kimbell Art Museum and Amon Carter Museum to see the beautiful works of art. Take your kids to the Fort Worth museum to see large animals. You can finish off with some Texas barbecue which is a must-try.
3. Dallas – Best Places to Visit in Texas
The Reunion Tower, Dallas
Dallas is known for its dynamic mix of southern culture, lively music and entertainment, delicious foods, and the beautiful outdoors. This big city is a top destination in Texas for every traveler.
While in Dallas, visit some of the top attractions such as The Reunion Tower and the Dealey Plaza area where John Kennedy was shot. I recommend a Dallas tour of the Reunion Tower and Dealey Plaza to learn more about the history of the city. Enjoy live music at Deep Ellum and the southern barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine.
As you walk downtown, you will see The Dallas Aquarium. You would need about $20 to get in but you can pass that up if you’re on a budget and just walk around the entryway to take in the sights.
Dallas Iconic Trails – Katy Trails
Enjoy the natural beauty by walking or biking the Katy Trail and nearby neighborhoods like Oak Cliff with its tree-lined streets and Lakewood with its lakeside trails.
Dallas has robust enthusiasm for sports, hence they have teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks. Sports fans can catch a game and experience the local interest.
However, the city is so large that you would require a car to go from one end to another. Also, the summer weather can be very uncomfortable in Dallas. So, the best time to visit Dallas is in the spring and fall seasons. Winter is also great if you love the cold.
Read also: Best Places to Visit in the USA with Family.
4. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas
Located 14 miles from the Mainstreet town of Canyon in the Texas Panhandle is Palo Duro Canyon. It is the second largest canyon in the United States formed by millions of years of water erosion by Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River and the West Texas wind. The Canyon offers spectacular views, historical sites, and plenty of hiking and biking trails, plus horseback riding.
Everything you need is provided in the Canyon, from tents and restrooms to campsites and food cafes.
The Canyon is a perfect destination for adventure seekers and families. Join other hikers and bikers on the numerous walking trails or you can come with your horse and ride through the 1500 acres of trails only for horse riding.
Enjoy luxury camping called glamping at the Canyon. Each glamping site is fully furnished with air-conditioning, refrigerators, microwaves, gas fire pits, and more.
During summer, Palo Duro Canyon holds a live music concert called TEXAS Outdoor Musical which runs Tuesdays through Sundays at the park for visitors.
I do not recommend visiting during late spring or summer because of rattlesnakes and the heat.
Hidden Gems of Texas
5. Caddo Lake State Park
Paddling in Caddo Lake State Park
Unlike Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Caddo Lake State Park is a lesser-known park in Texas. But, I highly recommend it as it has the largest natural lake in Northeast Texas and beautiful swampland.
In Caddo Lake, you can go boat riding and fishing in the vast lake. Paddle in the Saw Mill Pond and the Big Cypress Bayou. Here, you can rent a canoe or bring one along.
Explore the Caddo Forest Trail on foot to visit the historic CCC pavilion. For your stay, you can choose from the 46 campsites or rent one of the historic cabins. You can also shop for gift items and souvenirs at the park store.
Note that there are alligators around the park, so follow the alligators safety tips by the park. Due to the spread of emerald ash borer, the State has given strict rules against moving firewood from one place to another.
6. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
This is another hidden gem in Texas worth visiting. Located east of El Paso, Texas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park with beautiful desert scenery and hiking trails. It is also known to have the world’s most extensive Permian fossil reef.
If you love hiking, this place is perfect for you. Have fun hiking both short trails like the Pinery Trail and long trails such as Frijoles, Smith Springs, and Foothills Trails.
You can also relax around the park and have a picnic.
The downside of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park is that it gets very busy in the fall and spring. So, plan ahead of your visit. Also, there is a temporary ban on dogs in the park.
7. Gruene Historic District
Hidden Gems of Texas – Gruene Historic District
With 15 walkable acres designated to Gruene Historic District, it is a must-visit gem in Texas. Here, visitors can shop, dance, and dine.
The funky historic dance hall offers a fun selection of danceable country music. The Gruene Mansion Inn is also a great experience with beautiful rooms facing the scenic river.
Gruene Mansion Inn Room
Immerse in the real Texan spirit by dining in Grist Mill Restaurant and enjoy traditional Texas food with both new and fresh menu selections. You can shop for gift items and souvenirs like cowboy hats in the stores.
Step out at night to experience the vibrant nightlife in Gruene with country music playing in the air and fireflies having fun along the river.
Best Places to Visit in Texas – Final Thoughts
With the dynamic mix of southern hospitality, foods, cowboy culture, and entertainment, you’d agree with me that Texas is a must-visit destination in the United States.
For family-friendly destinations in Texas, I recommend San Antonio Fort Worth, and Dallas. But, for adventure travel in Texas, you should consider Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Caddo Lake State Park, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
The best time to visit Texas depends on your interests. However, if you don’t like hot temperatures, don’t visit in summer. For busy places like Dallas and Guadalupe Mountains National Park, you should book ahead of your visit.
Which Texas destination are you excited to visit? Let me know in the comments or share this guide with fellow travelers.
For more places to visit in the United States, check Tour Vertex.
