If you’re looking for a diverse and exciting destination for your next vacation, you might want to consider Texas. The Lone Star State has something for everyone, from cosmopolitan cities to stunning natural scenery, from rich history and culture to delicious cuisine and entertainment. Here are some of the top tourist destinations of Texas that you won’t want to miss.
San Antonio’s River Walk
One of the most popular attractions in Texas is the River Walk in San Antonio. This is a pedestrian-only path that follows the San Antonio River for several miles, passing by historic landmarks, beautiful parks, and lively restaurants and bars. You can stroll along the river, enjoy a meal or a drink on a patio, or hop on a river boat cruise for a relaxing and scenic ride. The River Walk is also close to other attractions, such as the Alamo, the San Antonio Museum of Art, and the Tower of the Americas.
The Alamo
The Alamo is a must-see for anyone interested in Texas history. This is where a small group of Texan defenders, including Davy Crockett and James Bowie, fought bravely against a much larger Mexican army in 1836, during the Texas Revolution. Although they were ultimately defeated, their courage and sacrifice inspired others to continue the fight for independence. Today, you can visit the Alamo and see exhibits, artifacts, and memorials that tell the story of this historic battle.
Space Center Houston
If you’re fascinated by space exploration, you’ll love Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Here, you can learn about the history and future of space travel, see real spacecraft and rockets, touch a moon rock, watch live presentations and demonstrations, and even meet an astronaut. You can also take a tram tour to see behind-the-scenes areas of the Johnson Space Center, such as Mission Control and the Astronaut Training Facility.
Big Bend National Park
For some of the most spectacular scenery in Texas, head to Big Bend National Park in West Texas. This park covers more than 800,000 acres of diverse terrain, from desert and mountains to river and forest. You can hike, bike, camp, fish, raft, or horseback ride through this stunning landscape, and see wildlife such as bears, coyotes, deer, and birds. You can also enjoy some of the best stargazing in the country, as Big Bend is one of the darkest places in North America.
Padre Island National Seashore
If you’re looking for some sun and sand, Padre Island National Seashore is the place to go. This is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world, with more than 70 miles of pristine coastline. You can swim, surf, kayak, fish, or birdwatch on this beautiful beach, or explore the dunes and wetlands that are home to many plants and animals. You can also see endangered sea turtles nesting and hatching on the shore from April to August.
The Texas State Capitol in Austin
The Texas State Capitol in Austin is one of the most impressive buildings in the state. It was completed in 1888 and is made of pink granite. It stands 308 feet tall, making it taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. You can take a free guided tour of the capitol and see its elegant interior, which features paintings, statues, and historical artifacts. You can also walk around the grounds and see monuments dedicated to various events and people in Texas history.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is a museum that commemorates the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy,