Town · Brewster County
Alpine
A college town in the Big Bend region with murals, shops, cafes and the Museum of the Big Bend.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Visitor information center at 106 N. 3rd St. Good gas and grocery stop before Big Bend.
Day Trippin' › Texas
Texas day trips
227 places worth the drive, from Big Bend and Palo Duro Canyon to the Hill Country, the Gulf Coast and the Piney Woods, region by region, plus places to eat, stay and catch a movie. Want to know what's within 2 hours of home?
Enter your ZIPBig Bend, El Paso and West Texas 37 spots
Lake · Val Verde County
Amistad National Recreation Area
A big blue reservoir on the Rio Grande near Del Rio for swimming, boating and fishing, with ancient rock art in boat-only caves.
- Half day · Easy
- Spring to fall for swimming; year-round for boating
- Free
- No entrance fee; motorboats need a lake use permit. Swim areas at Governors Landing and Diablo East have no lifeguards; wear a life jacket. Leashed pets OK (6 feet). Fishing needs a Texas license on the U.S. side.
Swimming · Reeves County
Balmorhea State Park
A giant spring-fed pool, up to 25 feet deep, with clear water that stays 72 to 76 degrees all year; you can swim, snorkel and even scuba dive.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round (best in summer)
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Day passes sell out; reserve ahead. Entry starts at 8 am or 3 pm depending on your pass, no early entry. No lifeguards; kids under 15 need an adult. No pets in the pool area.
Hot spring · Brewster County
Big Bend Hot Springs
A historic hot spring on the bank of the Rio Grande where 105 degree water bubbles up in a historic district of old buildings.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Fall to spring
- National park entrance fee (per vehicle) or America the Beautiful pass
- Half-mile round trip walk from the trailhead at the end of a rough 2-mile gravel road (no RVs). Soak only, no soap, no glass or alcohol; limit kids' time in the hot water. River floods can bury the spring. As of Nov 2026 Hot Springs Road is closed past the overflow lot; check alerts.
National park · Brewster County
Big Bend National Park
A huge Chihuahuan Desert park where the Chisos Mountains rise above the Rio Grande and its deep canyons. Desert, mountain and river hikes and scenic drives fill a long day.
- Full day · Easy to moderate
- Best fall to spring (busiest Nov-Apr); summers are hot
- National park entrance fee (per vehicle, good 7 days) or America the Beautiful pass
- No entry reservations needed; cards only for fees. Pets only where cars can go (roads, campgrounds), never on trails or by the river. Several roads are closed after weather damage, so check the park alerts page before you go.
State park · Presidio County
Big Bend Ranch State Park
A huge, rugged desert state park of canyons, mesas and backroads along the Rio Grande with 238 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and riding.
- Full day · Moderate
- Fall to spring; summer often over 100 degrees
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Day-pass reservations highly recommended. Visitor centers at Barton Warnock (east) and Fort Leaton (west), 8 to 4:30. Dogs only within a quarter mile of roads or campsites and on just two trails (Closed Canyon and Hoodoos). Avoid afternoon hikes in heat.
Trail · Brewster County
Boquillas Canyon Trail
A short hike over a rise and down to the sandy banks of the Rio Grande at the mouth of Boquillas Canyon, with fossils and old mortar holes along the bluff.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Fall to spring; mornings only in summer
- National park entrance fee (per vehicle) or America the Beautiful pass
- About 1.4 to 1.5 miles round trip. Summer days often top 110 degrees; carry 1 liter of water per person per hour. No pets on park trails.
Historic site · El Paso County
Chamizal National Memorial
A 55-acre park by the border that tells how the U.S. and Mexico peacefully settled a long land dispute, with walking trails and a cultural center.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- No entrance fee. Leashed dogs welcome on trails and grounds but not in the cultural center. Good picnic stop.
Wildlife refuge · Jeff Davis County
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center
A desert garden and trail system near Fort Davis with a cactus museum, a bird blind and canyon paths to a natural spring.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy to moderate
- Year-round
- Admission
- Open Mon-Sat 9 to 5, closed Sunday. Over 5 miles of hiking-only trails with loose rock; no bikes. Leashed dogs welcome free.
Museum · Presidio County
Chinati Foundation
A contemporary art museum on a former Army post, with large permanent works by Donald Judd and other artists set in the landscape.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Open Wed-Sun 9 to 5, last entry 4. Most of the collection is seen only on guided tours, which often sell out; buy tickets ahead. Part of the main campus is under restoration from October 2026.
Trail · Presidio County
Closed Canyon Trail
A walk into a narrow slot canyon that splits Colorado Mesa in two, with towering walls guiding you down toward the Rio Grande.
- 1-2 hrs · Moderate
- Fall to spring; avoid storms
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- About 1.4 miles round trip off FM 170, 22 miles west of Barton Warnock. No defined path. Self-pay station; reserve a day pass online or bring exact change. One of two dog-friendly trails in the park (leash 6 feet). Stay out during flash flood risk.
State park · Jeff Davis County
Davis Mountains State Park
A cool mountain park with the CCC-built Skyline Drive, ridge trails, a bird blind and the historic Indian Lodge.
- Half day · Easy to moderate
- Year-round; cooler than the desert
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Day-pass reservations strongly recommended. Mountain biking allowed on park trails. The CCC trail links to Fort Davis National Historic Site. Indian Lodge pool is for lodge guests only. Leash dogs (6 feet).
Historic site · El Paso County
El Paso Mission Trail
A nine-mile route on Socorro Road linking the Ysleta and Socorro missions and the San Elizario Presidio Chapel, historic churches founded in the 1600s and 1700s (check).
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free (check)
- All three are active Catholic parishes, so be respectful during services. Hours vary by church (check). Ysleta is the oldest continuously active parish in Texas.
Museum · El Paso County
El Paso Museum of Art
A downtown art museum with American, European and Southwest collections and changing shows.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Open Wed-Sat 10 to 6 and Sun 11 to 3. Free wheelchairs at the desk. Paid garages and meters nearby.
Zoo · El Paso County
El Paso Zoo
A city zoo with areas for Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Chihuahuan Desert.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round; mornings are cooler in summer
- Admission
- Open Wed-Sun 9 to 4, last entry 3. Lower prices for local residents. No pets (service animals only). Strollers and wheelchairs for rent at the gift shop. Playground and carousel were closed for repairs (check).
Town · Jeff Davis County
Fort Davis
A small mountain town near 5,000 feet, the highest town in Texas, with cool summers and easy access to the fort, the observatory and the state park.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round; cool summer escape
- Free
- Balmorhea is about 45 minutes away and Big Bend about 1.5 hours. Small town, so check opening days for shops and cafes.
Historic site · Jeff Davis County
Fort Davis National Historic Site
One of the best-kept frontier Army forts in the Southwest, with restored 1880s buildings, ruins and trails in a box canyon.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- National park entrance fee (per vehicle) or America the Beautiful pass
- Grounds open 8 to 5; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and MLK Day. Bugle calls play at 11, 2 and 4. Leashed pets OK outdoors, not in buildings. Hospital Canyon Trail is steep in parts.
Historic site · Presidio County
Fort Leaton State Historic Site
A thick-walled adobe trading post near Presidio where travelers once stocked up, with walls 18 to 22 feet tall; it doubles as the west visitor center for Big Bend Ranch.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round; busy Sep-Apr
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Open daily 8 to 4:30, closed Christmas. Reserve day passes online to guarantee entry. Follows the Big Bend Ranch dog policy; no dogs in buildings.
State park · El Paso County
Franklin Mountains State Park
A desert mountain range inside El Paso, almost 27,000 acres, with over 100 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.
- Half day · Moderate
- Fall to spring; early mornings in summer
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Day-pass reservations strongly recommended. Gate 8 to 5 (opens 6:30 am Fri-Sun from April to September). Tom Mays Unit has trails and picnic areas; no water at campsites, so bring plenty. Leash dogs (6 feet).
National park · Culberson County
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Home of Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, and the sheer cliffs of El Capitan rising above the desert.
- Full day · Moderate
- Year-round; fall colors in October to November
- National park entrance fee (per person 16 and older) or America the Beautiful pass
- Very few services; bring food and water. Pets are not allowed on trails. Strong winds are common on the high trails. The park runs on Mountain Time.
Trail · Culberson County
Guadalupe Peak Trail
The climb to the top of Texas at 8,751 feet, ending at a steel pyramid with huge views across the desert and El Capitan.
- Full day · Hard
- Year-round; avoid storms and very hot or icy days
- National park entrance fee (per person 16 and older) or America the Beautiful pass
- 8.4 miles round trip with about 3,000 feet of climb, 6 to 8 hours. Starts at Pine Springs Trailhead. Start early, carry lots of water, and turn back in high wind or lightning. No pets.
Historic site · Pecos County
Historic Fort Stockton
A frontier Army post with an original 1867 guardhouse, rebuilt barracks and a small museum in town.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Hours listed as Mon-Sat 9 to 5 (check). Pay at the visitor center in Barracks One. Snap a photo with Paisano Pete, the giant roadrunner in town.
State park · El Paso County
Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site
Rock hills east of El Paso that hold rainwater pools and thousands of years of painted rock art, plus world-class bouldering.
- Half day · Moderate
- Fall to spring
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Only 70 self-guided North Mountain permits a day; reserve up to 3 months ahead at (512) 389-8911. Everyone watches an orientation video first. Guided pictograph tours need booking a week ahead. Pets only on the Picnic Area Trail and parking areas.
Town · Presidio County
Marfa
A tiny high-desert town known for minimalist art, galleries and big skies, made famous by the artist Donald Judd.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Visitor center at 302 S. Highland Ave. Many shops and galleries keep short hours or close early in the week, so plan ahead.
Viewpoint · Presidio County
Marfa Lights Viewing Area
A roadside viewing platform where people gather after dark to watch for the mysterious Marfa Lights over the desert flats.
- 1 hr · Easy
- Year-round, at night
- Free
- About 9 miles east of Marfa on US 90 toward Alpine. The lights show up at random, if at all; bring a jacket and patience.
Observatory · Jeff Davis County
McDonald Observatory
A University of Texas research observatory atop the Davis Mountains, with daytime telescope tours, solar viewing and night star parties under some of the darkest skies in the country.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round; nights are cold, bring layers
- Admission
- Visitor center open Tue-Sat noon to 5. Star parties and tours sell out; buy tickets ahead. No pets in buildings or program areas (service animals only). Visitor center and an accessible telescope work for wheelchairs; the big domes do not.
Trail · Culberson County
McKittrick Canyon Trail
A desert canyon walk to the historic Pratt Cabin, one of the best fall color hikes in Texas.
- 2-4 hrs · Moderate
- Year-round; best in fall color season
- National park entrance fee (per person 16 and older) or America the Beautiful pass
- 4.8 miles round trip to Pratt Cabin. Day use only; the gate closes at 5 pm Mountain Time and you must be out by then. A short 0.9-mile nature trail suits small kids. No pets.
State park · Ward County
Monahans Sandhills State Park
Wind-shaped sand dunes you can roam freely, where kids slide down the slopes on rented sand discs.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Fall to spring; busy Sep-Mar
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Reserve day passes ahead. Sand discs rent at headquarters 8:30 to 4:30. No marked trails; keep track of your way back. Sand gets very hot in summer. Leash dogs (6 feet).
Museum · Brewster County
Museum of the Big Bend
A museum on the Sul Ross State University campus covering the natural history, people and cultures of the Big Bend.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Open Tue-Sat 10 to 4, closed major holidays. Kids 12 and under free. Wheelchair accessible.
Scenic drive · Presidio County
River Road (FM 170)
A winding highway between Lajitas and Presidio that hugs the Rio Grande through Big Bend Ranch State Park, with steep grades, river views and short trailheads.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round; best fall to spring
- Free (state park day pass needed to use trails and river sites)
- Start at Barton Warnock Visitor Center or Fort Leaton for maps and passes. Few services along the way, so fill up on gas and water. Dogs allowed on the Closed Canyon and Hoodoos trails only.
Scenic drive · Brewster County
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
A 30-mile park road from the Chisos foothills down to Castolon and Santa Elena Canyon, with overlooks, old ranches, Tuff Canyon and Mule Ears along the way.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round; best fall to spring
- National park entrance fee (per vehicle) or America the Beautiful pass
- Many short stops; pets only at roadside and in the car. Castolon has a visitor center. The far end near Santa Elena was closed by weather in Nov 2026; check alerts.
Trail · Brewster County
Santa Elena Canyon Trail
A short walk that crosses Terlingua Creek and climbs into Santa Elena Canyon, where 1,500-foot limestone walls rise on both sides of the Rio Grande.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy to moderate
- Fall to spring; mornings in summer
- National park entrance fee (per vehicle) or America the Beautiful pass
- About 1.6 miles round trip at the end of Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Terlingua Creek can be dry, deep mud or flowing; the trail is impassable when it floods. As of Nov 2026 NPS lists the paved road from Cottonwood Campground to Santa Elena as closed by weather; check alerts. No pets.
Scenic drive · El Paso County
Scenic Drive El Paso
A short, winding road on the south end of the Franklin Mountains with overlooks across El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, best at sunset or after dark.
- 1 hr · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- About 2 miles, reached from Rim Road off Mesa or Alabama streets. Stop at Murchison Park overlook. Parking is limited at busy times.
State park · Val Verde County
Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site
A desert canyon near the Rio Grande with ancient painted rock art, seen on guided hikes to the Fate Bell Shelter.
- Half day · Moderate
- Fall to spring
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Reserve day passes and the Fate Bell tour (Wed-Sun, extra fee). Tour is about 1.5 miles and fairly rugged. No pets on the canyon tour. Almost 10 miles of mountain bike trails along the rim.
Ghost town · Brewster County
Terlingua
An old mercury-mining settlement turned desert hangout near Big Bend, with mining-era ruins, local eateries and great evening skies.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Fall to spring
- Free
- Good base for Big Bend National Park and the River Road to Lajitas. Stay for sunset and dark skies. Ruins are fragile; look but don't climb.
Theme park · El Paso County
Wet 'N' Wild Waterworld
A water park just off I-10 in Anthony on the El Paso edge with slides, pools and splash areas.
- Full day · Easy
- Summer (check)
- Admission
- Season dates and hours not posted at time of check (check). Buying tickets online in advance is cheaper. Call (915) 886-2222.
Trail · Brewster County
Window Trail
A canyon walk down from the Chisos Basin to the Window, a narrow slickrock pour-off that frames the desert far below.
- 2-3 hrs · Moderate
- Year-round; start early in warm months
- National park entrance fee (per vehicle) or America the Beautiful pass
- 4.0 miles round trip from the Basin Campground trailhead or 5.5 miles from the Basin store. Easy going down, a 600 to 1,000 foot climb back. Last stretch is slick rock. Chisos Basin access status: confirm on park alerts (check). No pets.
Amarillo, Lubbock and the Panhandle Plains 31 spots
Town · Taylor County
Abilene
The Storybook Capital of America, where dozens of bronze characters from classic children's books fill downtown streets and gardens.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Pick up an Adventure Guide at Frontier Texas or the visitor center, or use the free Storybook Experience app.
State park · Taylor County
Abilene State Park
A shady creekside park built by the CCC, with a historic swimming pool in summer and a small no-wake lake for paddling.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round; pool in summer
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Reserve day passes ahead (busy March to November). Pool opens each summer; check dates. Kayak and canoe rentals by vending machine at Lake Abilene. No pets in the swim area.
Zoo · Taylor County
Abilene Zoo
A family zoo with giraffe feeding, a train and a carousel.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Open daily 9 to 5, last entry 4. Giraffe feeding, train and carousel run 10 to 2. No pets or emotional support animals.
National monument · Potter County
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
Ancient quarries where people dug colorful flint for tools for thousands of years, seen only on ranger-led hikes.
- 2-3 hrs · Moderate
- April to October (check)
- Free
- The quarries can only be seen on ranger-led tours by reservation (minimum six people). About 2 miles round trip and steep; tours cancel in bad weather. No pets.
Zoo · Potter County
Amarillo Zoo
A small city zoo in Thompson Park with animals from the plains and around the world.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (check)
- Listed as open daily 9:30 to 5 (check). Closes on most city holidays and in bad weather. Library card holders can borrow a free family pass from Amarillo Public Library.
Museum · Lubbock County
American Wind Power Center
The world's largest windmill museum, with historic windmills standing on 28 acres of park land in east Lubbock.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (check)
- Closed Mondays; other hours (check). Outdoor windmills can be seen from the road.
State park · Howard County
Big Spring State Park
A mesa-top park with a paved 3-mile loop road that climbs Scenic Mountain for wide views of Big Spring and the plains.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Open daily 8 am to sunset. Walkers, joggers and bikers share the loop road. A 5-mile hike and bike trail and a short nature trail start near the entrance.
Family fun · Potter County
Big Texan Steak Ranch
A Route 66 landmark steakhouse famous for its 72-ounce steak, free if you finish it and the sides in one hour.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (pay as you go)
- The challenge is done only on site in Amarillo; if you don't finish, you pay for the meal. Fun to watch even if you don't try it. Hours (check).
Museum · Lubbock County
Buddy Holly Center
A Lubbock museum about rock and roll pioneer Buddy Holly, his music and West Texas, plus a free art gallery.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Hours listed as Tue-Sat 10 to 5 and Sun 1 to 5 (check). Free on First Friday evenings.
Wildlife refuge · Randall County
Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge
A grassland refuge near Canyon with an auto tour road, a prairie dog town and canyon trails full of migrating birds.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round; spring and fall for birds
- Small entrance fee (per vehicle)
- Open daily 8 to 8 (Apr-Sep) or 8 to 6 (Oct-Mar). Prairie Dog Trail is a short, easy caliche path. Pets on leash. No horses.
Family fun · Potter County
Cadillac Ranch
A row of old Cadillacs planted nose-first in a field off I-40, created in 1974 by the art group Ant Farm, and, covered in layers of spray paint, where visitors are encouraged to add their own.
- 1 hr · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- On the south access road of I-40 just east of the Arnot Road exit; open around the clock. Bring your own spray paint. The field can be muddy after rain.
State park · Briscoe County
Caprock Canyons State Park
Red rock canyons on the edge of the Caprock where the Texas State Bison Herd roams free; swim or paddle at Lake Theo.
- Full day · Moderate
- Spring and fall; summer is hot
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Reserve day passes ahead. Keep a safe distance from bison; they are wild. Nearly 90 miles of trails. Lake Theo is no-wake with swimming. Leash dogs (6 feet).
Bike trail · Briscoe County
Caprock Canyons State Park Trailway
A 64-mile rail-trail on an old railroad bed for biking, hiking and riding, passing through the 742-foot Clarity Tunnel where bats roost.
- Half day · Moderate
- Spring and fall
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- No water along the Trailway; carry plenty. Clarity Tunnel is 4.5 miles west of Monk's Crossing (9 miles round trip). Up to 500,000 bats late April to mid October.
State park · Hardeman County
Copper Breaks State Park
A rugged Rolling Plains park with the State Longhorn Herd, lake swimming and some of the darkest night skies in Texas.
- Half day · Easy to moderate
- Spring and fall; star parties April to November
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Reserve day passes ahead. Open 7 am to 10 pm. Most trails are open to mountain bikes (Juniper Ridge is hike-only). No lifeguards at the swim area. International Dark Sky Park.
Historic site · Tom Green County
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark
A well-preserved frontier Army fort in downtown San Angelo with restored and reconstructed barracks and other buildings.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Self-guided tours Mon-Sat 9 to 4:30 and Sun 1 to 4:30. Kids 6 and under free. Closed on major holidays. Tours may be cancelled in bad weather.
Historic site · Shackelford County
Fort Griffin State Historic Site
Ruins of an 1867 frontier Army post near Albany, home to part of the Official State of Texas Longhorn Herd.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Open daily 8 to 4:30. Kids 5 and under free; family ticket available. Camping and dark-sky events on site.
Museum · Taylor County
Frontier Texas
A modern western heritage museum in downtown Abilene that uses modern technology to tell stories of Comanches, cowboys, buffalo hunters and forts.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Open Mon-Sat 9 to 6 and Sun 1 to 5; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. Also Abilene's official visitor center.
Family fun · Tom Green County
International Waterlily Collection
A free garden of pools in San Angelo's Civic League Park filled with hundreds of colorful water lilies.
- 1 hr · Easy
- April to October for blooms
- Free
- At 2 S. Park St. Best in the morning when many lilies open. LilyFest is held each year.
Lake · Mitchell County
Lake Colorado City State Park
A lake park west of Abilene for swimming, fishing and birding, with lakeside trails and a fishing pier.
- Half day · Easy
- Spring to fall (busy Easter to Labor Day)
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Reserve day passes ahead. No lifeguards. Algae blooms can close the lake at times; check alerts. Pets not allowed in the swim area.
Lake · Hutchinson County
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
A large lake north of Amarillo for boating, fishing, swimming and paddling.
- Half day · Easy
- Spring to fall
- Free
- No entrance or boating fees. Swim at Spring Canyon or the Stilling Basin below Sanford Dam; wear a life jacket. Pets not allowed on swim beaches, Spring Canyon, Fritch Fortress or the amphitheater.
Trail · Randall County
Lighthouse Trail
The signature hike of Palo Duro Canyon, crossing the canyon floor to the tall Lighthouse rock formation.
- 3-4 hrs · Moderate
- Spring and fall; avoid summer afternoons
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- About 5.5 to 6 miles round trip; last part to the rock is steep with loose footing. Most heat injuries in the park happen on this trail for people and pets, so start early and carry plenty of water. Shared with bikes.
Historic site · Lubbock County
Lubbock Lake Landmark
An archaeological preserve run by the Museum of Texas Tech with an interpretive center and 4.5 miles of nature and wildflower trails.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Open Tue-Sat 9 to 5 and Sun 1 to 5; closed Monday. Check in at the Nash Interpretive Center before hitting the trails.
Wildlife refuge · Bailey County
Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge
A quiet High Plains refuge where sandhill cranes roost on Paul's, White and Goose lakes in winter.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Winter for cranes; year-round
- Free
- Gate open 7:30 am to 7:30 pm year-round. 20 miles south of Muleshoe on Hwy 214. Best wildlife at dawn and dusk. Pets on leash. Primitive camping and restrooms.
Museum · Lubbock County
National Ranching Heritage Center
A Texas Tech museum and outdoor park of historic ranch houses, barns and windmills moved from across the plains.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Donations welcome. Hours listed as Mon-Sat 10 to 5 and Sun 1 to 5, but the outdoor park may close at 4 (check). Closed Texas Tech holidays.
State park · Randall County
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
The second-largest canyon in the country, with colorful cliffs and more than 30 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.
- Full day · Easy to moderate
- Year-round; spring and fall are best
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Day-pass reservations recommended; the park fills up. Gate 7:30 am to 10 pm. Trails can close for wet weather or extreme heat; check before you go. Leash dogs (6 feet).
Museum · Midland County
Permian Basin Petroleum Museum
A big Midland museum about the oil patch and 230 million years of history, with a gallery of Chaparral race cars.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Open Mon-Sat 10 to 5 and Sun 2 to 5. Free wheelchairs and strollers.
Historic site · Potter County
Route 66 Historic District
More than a mile of old Route 66 along 6th Avenue in Amarillo with antique shops, galleries, restaurants and bars.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Runs on 6th Avenue between Georgia and Western streets. Shop hours vary.
State park · Tom Green County
San Angelo State Park
A big park on O.C. Fisher Reservoir with 50 miles of multiuse trails for hiking and biking and pens of bison and longhorns.
- Half day · Easy to moderate
- Spring and fall
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Reserve day passes ahead. Check in at the South Shore gate (North Shore gate is locked). Lake levels vary; ask before bringing a boat. Swimming in the lake and river. Leash dogs (6 feet).
Museum · Lubbock County
Science Spectrum
A hands-on science museum in Lubbock with over 250 exhibits, the city's only public aquarium and a domed OMNI theater.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Open Mon-Fri 10 to 5, Sat 10 to 6, Sun 1 to 5. Combo tickets cover the museum and OMNI film. Great rainy or hot day pick.
Family fun · Randall County
TEXAS Outdoor Musical
A family-friendly summer show with singing, dancing and fireworks, staged against the canyon walls in Palo Duro.
- Half day · Easy
- Summer, Tue-Sun
- Admission
- Held at Pioneer Amphitheater in the state park; a park entry fee may also apply (check). Optional Western dinner before the show. 2026 dates not posted yet (check).
Theme park · Potter County
Wonderland Park
A family amusement park in Amarillo with roller coasters, water rides, kiddie rides and mini golf.
- Half day · Easy
- Late spring to summer (May-Sep)
- Admission
- Opening days follow a posted calendar each season (check). Season passes available.
Austin and the Hill Country 36 spots
Bike trail · Travis County
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
A 10-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, with a boardwalk section over the water.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Dogs must be leashed. E-bikes allowed under 10 mph, no scooters. Boardwalk is open 5 a.m. to midnight. Paid parking in some lots.
Zoo · Travis County
Austin Zoo
A rescue zoo in southwest Austin with a small train, a hoofstock feeding area and daily keeper chats.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Weekday hours are short and end mid-afternoon. You may bring a picnic. Check current hours, they change in summer.
Wildlife refuge · Burnet County
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
A refuge northwest of Austin, near Lake Travis, that protects nesting golden-cheeked warblers and black-capped vireos, with about 10 miles of foot trails and observation decks.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy to moderate
- Year-round; warblers in spring
- Free (check)
- Check the refuge Rules and Visit pages for hours and dog rules. Spring is best for birding.
Town · Bandera County
Bandera
A small Hill Country town that calls itself the Cowboy Capital of the World, with dude ranches, rodeos and horseback riding.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free to visit
- Visitor center on Highway 16 South. Hill Country State Natural Area is nearby for riding and hiking.
Swimming · Travis County
Barton Springs Pool
A three-acre spring-fed pool in Austin's Zilker Park that stays around 68-70 degrees all year. It is home to the endangered Barton Springs salamander.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (free until March 2027)
- Closed Thursdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for cleaning. No pets. Weekend parking fee March through Labor Day. Entry is cashless or at the Zilker Cafe kiosk during construction.
State park · Bastrop County
Bastrop State Park
A park in the Lost Pines forest with 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps cabins and buildings. You can see the forest regrowing after recent fires.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round; pool open seasonally
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Reservations highly recommended. The seasonal swimming pool needs a separate ticket. All-terrain wheelchair can be reserved by calling the park.
Swimming · Blanco County
Blanco State Park
A small park along a mile of the spring-fed Blanco River in the town of Blanco, with swimming, a shallow wading pool for kids and shore fishing.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round; swimming best in summer
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Entrance passes must be reserved ahead. Only canoes, kayaks and electric-motor boats. No license needed to fish from shore.
Swimming · Hays County
Blue Hole Regional Park
A cypress-lined swimming hole on Cypress Creek in Wimberley, with walking trails, a playscape and fields.
- Half day · Easy
- Swim season from May 1 (next season starts May 1 2027)
- Admission (swim reservation)
- Swim reservations required, usually a morning or afternoon slot. Swimming closes in low water or off-season. Check the city parks site for fees and pet rules.
Museum · Travis County
Bullock Texas State History Museum
Three floors of exhibits on Texas history near the State Capitol in Austin, with an IMAX theater.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (kids 5 and under free)
- Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free on the first Sunday of each month. IMAX costs extra.
Cave · Kendall County
Cave Without a Name
A cave about 11 miles northeast of Boerne with a 60-minute guided tour through six rooms of formations.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
- Admission
- Book online, tours are small. Arrive 15-20 minutes early. Cave is 66 degrees all year.
Swimming · Comal County
Comal River Tubing
A short, spring-fed river that runs about 2.5 miles through New Braunfels and stays around 70-72 degrees all year. Tube with an outfitter or use the city tube chute.
- Half day · Easy
- Best late spring to early fall
- Tube rental and parking fees
- Disposable containers, glass and foam are banned. Coolers must have a clasp and be 30 quarts or less, one per person. Parking fees May 1 to Labor Day. Life jackets are free with a deposit at the city tube chute.
State park · Llano County
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
A huge 425-foot pink granite dome north of Fredericksburg with about 22 miles of trails, rock climbing and dark night skies. The short, steep Summit Trail gives wide Hill Country views.
- Half day · Moderate
- Year-round; busy season Sept-May
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Reserve a day pass ahead to be sure of getting in. Dogs only in picnic areas, campgrounds and on the Loop Trail. No swimming and no bikes on trails. Little shade on the dome, so bring water.
Town · Gillespie County
Fredericksburg
A Hill Country town founded in 1846 by German settlers, known for German food, history museums, more than 150 shops and nearly 100 wineries nearby.
- Full day · Easy
- Year-round; peak in spring and fall
- Free to visit
- Hosts hundreds of festivals a year, so book rooms early. Pair with Enchanted Rock or Luckenbach.
Town · Comal County
Gruene Historic District
A 15-acre historic district on the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels, with old township buildings, local shops, food and free live music daily.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free to walk around
- Some shows are ticketed. Parking fills on weekends. Pair with tubing on the Guadalupe or Comal.
Swimming · Kendall County
Guadalupe River State Park
Four miles of Guadalupe River frontage north of San Antonio for swimming, tubing, fishing and canoeing. About 13 miles of hike and bike trails wind through the hills.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round; busy season March-Nov
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Reservations recommended. No glass or foam in the river area. All-terrain wheelchair available. Guided Honey Creek tours (no pets).
Swimming · Travis County
Hamilton Pool Preserve
A swimming hole under a roughly 50-foot waterfall in a box canyon west of Austin. A short, steep, rocky trail leads down to it.
- 2-3 hrs · Moderate
- Year-round; swimming only when water tests allow
- Reservation fee per vehicle plus cash entry fee per adult (kids 12 and under free)
- Reservations required every day (morning or afternoon slot). Swimming is often closed for bacteria or falling rock, so call the info line before you go. No pets at all, even in cars. No water or food for sale.
State park · Bandera County
Hill Country State Natural Area
Over 5,000 acres of canyons and creek bottoms near Bandera, on a former ranch, shared by hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.
- Half day · Moderate
- Year-round; cooler months best
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Reserve day passes. Pets on 6-foot leash, strictly enforced. No park store, bring all supplies. Trails close after weather, check status before going.
Lake · Burnet County
Inks Lake State Park
A clear blue lake among pink granite outcrops, with swimming, paddling and about 9 miles of trails. Devil's Waterhole is a favorite spot for a swim.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round; swimming best in summer
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Reservations recommended for day use. No lifeguards. Park store rents kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. An all-terrain wheelchair can be arranged with the park.
Cave · Williamson County
Inner Space Cavern
A cave found by highway workers in 1963 right beside I-35 in Georgetown, with guided tours that leave about every 20 minutes.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round (closed some holidays)
- Admission
- Cave stays about 72 degrees and doesn't flood. Same-day tickets sold at the cave. Gem panning and a zip ride too.
Swimming · Burnet County
Krause Springs
A private family-run property in Spicewood with spring-fed pools and a waterfall that is open to the public for swimming and camping.
- Half day · Easy
- Seasonal (check dates)
- Admission (check)
- Open daily 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pet ban, prices and payment type (check) on the site's pricing page. Bring water shoes.
Family fun · Travis County
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
284 acres of native Texas gardens and trails in south Austin, run by the University of Texas.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round; wildflowers best in spring
- Admission (higher Friday to Sunday)
- Only service dogs allowed. Card only. Summer hours start early and end at 3 p.m. Buy tickets ahead and carpool, parking is limited.
Cave · Burnet County
Longhorn Cavern State Park
A cave in Burnet County that the Civilian Conservation Corps cleared out in the 1930s, seen on guided tours. Above ground there are trails, picnic areas and a CCC exhibit.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy to moderate
- Year-round (closed Dec 25)
- Free park entry; cave tours cost extra
- Check tour times and buy tickets on the cavern's tour site. Day use only. Inks Lake State Park is nearby for camping.
Town · Gillespie County
Luckenbach
A tiny old general store, bar and dance hall near Fredericksburg, famous for live music since its early days.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free to visit; some shows ticketed (check)
- Open daily, later on Friday and Saturday. Check the venue policies page for dogs.
Historic site · Gillespie County
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
Two areas tell President Johnson's story: his boyhood home and the Johnson Settlement in Johnson City, and the LBJ Ranch near Stonewall, 14 miles west.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- No entrance fee. Get the free driving permit for the LBJ Ranch at the LBJ State Park visitor center on Highway 290. Ask about Texas White House tours (check).
Historic site · Gillespie County
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site
Across the river from the LBJ Ranch, this free park has the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, where rangers in period dress run a farm from about 1918. Bison and longhorns graze along the Pedernales.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round; pool in summer (check)
- Free
- Easy 1.2 miles of trails. Stop here for the free LBJ Ranch driving permit. Check whether the summer pool is open.
State park · Travis County
McKinney Falls State Park
Onion Creek pours over limestone ledges at the Upper and Lower Falls, just 13 miles from the State Capitol. There are nearly 9 miles of trails, including a paved hike and bike loop.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Reserve day passes, as it often fills. No food, coolers, glass, speakers or pets in the water at the falls. Creek floods after rain. All-terrain wheelchairs for the Onion Creek Trail.
Museum · Gillespie County
National Museum of the Pacific War
A large museum in Fredericksburg about the Pacific War of World War II, with galleries across a campus and a Pacific Combat Zone area.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round (closed Tuesdays)
- Admission
- Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Monday. Pacific Combat Zone closes at 3 p.m. Check the accessibility page.
Cave · Comal County
Natural Bridge Caverns
Big show cave near New Braunfels named for the natural limestone bridge at its entrance. Two guided cavern tours plus zip lines, a maze and gem mining above ground.
- Half day · Moderate
- Year-round
- Admission (per tour or activity)
- Book online early for discounts. Discovery Tour about 75 minutes, Hidden Wonders about 70 minutes. Check the hours page before you go.
Zoo · Comal County
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
A drive-through safari park where you drive your own car through 500 acres and feed animals from about 40 species. It sits next to Natural Bridge Caverns.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Check the ranch's pet policy and hours pages before going. Aviary add-on is for ages 3 and up.
Wildlife refuge · Kendall County
Old Tunnel State Park
An old railroad tunnel near Fredericksburg where up to 3 million Mexican free-tailed bats fly out at dusk from May to October.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Bats May 1-Oct 31; trail year-round
- Free park entry; bat viewing tickets required
- Buy bat viewing tickets ahead, none sold on site. Lower area is Thursday to Sunday, sells out about two weeks ahead, no kids under 4. No pets. No water in the park. Viewing areas are accessible.
Bike trail · Travis County
Onion Creek Hike and Bike Trail
A 2.8-mile hard-surfaced trail inside McKinney Falls State Park that suits road bikes, strollers and easy walks.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Part of McKinney Falls State Park, so reserve a day pass. All-terrain wheelchairs available on this trail. Hot in summer, go early.
Bike trail · Bastrop County
Park Road 1C (Bastrop to Buescher)
A hilly 12-mile park road through the Lost Pines between Bastrop and Buescher state parks, good for road biking or a slow drive.
- 1-2 hrs · Moderate
- Year-round; cooler months best for biking
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Speed limit is 30 mph and you share the road with cars. Hills are steep in places. Start at Bastrop State Park.
State park · Blanco County
Pedernales Falls State Park
The Pedernales River tumbles over wide limestone ledges near Johnson City. There are hiking, horse and mountain bike trails, plus a separate swimming and tubing area.
- Half day · Easy to moderate
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Often fills up, so reserve a day pass. No swimming or wading at the falls themselves. The river can flash flood in minutes, so leave if it rises or turns muddy. Juniper Ridge bike trail is for advanced riders.
Theme park · Comal County
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels
A big riverside waterpark in New Braunfels with about 45 rivers, rides and slides in four sections, each with a lazy river and kids' area.
- Full day · Easy
- Summer waterpark season (check the calendar)
- Admission
- Now run by Six Flags. Check the calendar and park rules for coolers and outside food. Go early on summer weekends.
Family fun · Hays County
Spring Lake Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
Glass-bottom boat tours on Spring Lake in San Marcos, a tradition since 1947, run by Texas State University's Meadows Center.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (kids 2 and under free)
- Tours run daily, first come first served, about 30 minutes. School groups fill boats March-July. Boats don't run in lightning or high wind.
Historic site · Travis County
Texas State Capitol
The grand state capitol in Austin, a National Historic Landmark, with free guided tours and grounds to explore.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Free guided tours leave from the South Foyer about every 15-30 minutes (check current times). Building open daily. Closed on some holidays.
San Antonio and South Texas 20 spots
Lake · McMullen County
Choke Canyon State Park
A reservoir park between San Antonio and Corpus Christi for bass and catfish fishing, boating and birding.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Two units: Calliham and the day-use South Shore. Alligators live here, keep pets away from the water. No license needed to fish from shore.
Swimming · Uvalde County
Garner State Park
A favorite summer park on the Frio River in Uvalde County, with 2.9 miles of river for swimming and tubing and 16 miles of trails.
- Full day · Easy to moderate
- Year-round; busiest in summer
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Reserve day passes, summer gates can close early. Jukebox dances on summer evenings. Tube and paddle boat rentals. Feral hogs raid unattended coolers.
State park · Bexar County
Government Canyon State Natural Area
More than 40 miles of trails on the northwest edge of San Antonio, including a hike to 104-million-year-old dinosaur tracks.
- Half day · Moderate
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Reserve day passes. Most trails are closed right now except the 1.25-mile Discovery Trail (check). No pets on the dinosaur track trail. All-terrain wheelchairs available.
Family fun · Bexar County
Japanese Tea Garden
A free city garden on North St. Mary's Street near the San Antonio Zoo, open every day of the year.
- 1 hr · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Open daily 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some paths have stairs. Pair with the zoo.
Cave · Kinney County
Kickapoo Cavern State Park
A remote park near Brackettville with cave tours, mountain bike trails and a big bat flight from Stuart Bat Cave in warm months.
- Half day · Moderate
- Bats mid-March to end of Oct
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Open only Friday to Monday. Cave tours Saturdays at 1 p.m., reserve ahead. Remote, so fill up on gas.
Lake · Webb County
Lake Casa Blanca International State Park
A 1,680-acre lake on the east side of Laredo with a swim area, boating, fishing and hike and mountain bike trails.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Gate open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Hot in summer, go early.
Historic site · Medina County
Landmark Inn State Historic Site
A historic inn on five shady acres by the Medina River in Castroville, the Little Alsace of Texas, with an exhibit hall and rooms for overnight stays.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (kids 5 and under free)
- Open daily 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk around old Castroville after.
Town · Webb County
Laredo
A border city on the Rio Grande with a historic downtown of Spanish colonial buildings, murals and San Agustin Plaza.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round; winter is mildest
- Free to visit
- Visitor center on Salinas Ave. Pair with Lake Casa Blanca. Big Washington's Birthday Celebration each year.
State park · Bandera County
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Maple-filled canyons along the Sabinal River and Can Creek put on a fall color show in good years. More than 10 miles of trails include a loop along a high cliff.
- Half day · Moderate
- Year-round; fall color Oct-Nov
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Reserve a pass ahead, it fills daily in fall. No cell service. Open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Bike trail · Bexar County
Mission Reach Hike and Bike Trail
A paved river trail that links the Alamo and all four missions along the San Antonio River, about 2.5 miles between each mission.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Out and back, so plan for the ride home. Can close for high water. Bring water and a helmet.
Theme park · Bexar County
Morgan's Wonderland
A nonprofit, ultra-accessible theme park in San Antonio built so guests of all abilities can play, with a splash park called Morgan's Inspiration Island.
- Half day · Easy
- Seasonal (closed for season in early Nov, check calendar)
- Admission
- Free parking, cashless. You may bring your own food and drinks. Best for ages 2-12.
Family fun · Bexar County
San Antonio Botanical Garden
39 acres of gardens including a Texas Native Trail, a family garden and the glass Lucile Halsell Conservatory.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (check)
- Hours change by season, call ahead. Holiday light show from late November.
Historic site · Bexar County
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Four Spanish colonial missions on the south side of San Antonio, Concepcion, San Jose, San Juan and Espada. The Espada Aqueduct and Rancho de las Cabras are part of the park too.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- No entrance fee. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitor center at Mission San Jose with ranger talks at 10 and 11 a.m. Churches may close for weddings and funerals.
Town · Bexar County
San Antonio River Walk
A walkway below street level along the San Antonio River, lined with restaurants, shops and hotels downtown. It runs about 15 miles in all.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free to walk; boat cruises cost extra
- Go Rio narrated cruises take about 35 minutes and don't run when flood gates are closed. Holiday River Parade in late November.
Zoo · Bexar County
San Antonio Zoo
A large zoo north of downtown San Antonio with a new gorilla habitat, giraffes, a train and a carousel.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Rides and giraffe feeding cost extra. Next to the Japanese Tea Garden.
Theme park · Bexar County
SeaWorld San Antonio
A marine theme park in west San Antonio with coasters, orca and beluga shows, dolphin encounters and a kids' area.
- Full day · Easy
- Most of the year (check calendar)
- Admission
- Kids 5 and under free with a Preschool Fun Card through 2026. Check the calendar, some days closed.
Theme park · Bexar County
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
A big theme park in San Antonio with roller coasters, family rides and shows.
- Full day · Easy
- Most of the year (check calendar)
- Admission
- Check the calendar for open days. Includes Hurricane Harbor waterpark in summer. Check park policies and accessibility pages.
Historic site · Bexar County
The Alamo
The famous mission and 1836 battle site (check) in downtown San Antonio. You can walk the grounds and visit Alamo Church.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round (closed Christmas Day)
- Free; paid guided tours
- Free church entry needs a timed reservation. Open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Check visiting tips for bags and pets.
Family fun · Bexar County
The DoSeum
San Antonio's hands-on children's museum, open since 1995 as the San Antonio Children's Museum.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Several discounts, one per visit. Check the hours page for closures.
Museum · Bexar County
Witte Museum
A San Antonio museum of Texas natural history and culture, with a dinosaur gallery and a gallery of more than 150 Texas animals.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Buy tickets online. Check hours, they vary by day.
Corpus Christi, South Padre and the Rio Grande Valley 26 spots
Wildlife refuge · Aransas County
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
A coastal refuge known as the winter home of endangered whooping cranes, with a 16-mile paved loop drive, an observation tower and alligators.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round; whooping cranes in winter (check)
- Entrance fee per vehicle (17 and under free)
- Pay and register daily on Recreation.gov. Gates lock 30 minutes after sunset. Pets on a short leash and out of the water because of alligators. Bikes only on the loop road.
Wildlife refuge · Hidalgo County
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
The World Birding Center headquarters near Mission, where about 360 bird species have been seen. No cars inside, so walk, bike or take the tram.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round; hawks in spring and fall
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Bike rentals at the park store. Hawk Observation Tower and the 1.8-mile Rio Grande Trail are wheelchair accessible.
Wildlife refuge · Hidalgo County
Estero Llano Grande State Park
A wetland park in Weslaco where about 340 bird species have been seen, with alligators in Alligator Lake.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round; best birds in winter
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- No cars inside the park. About 2 miles of wheelchair-accessible trail and all-terrain wheelchairs to borrow. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lake · Starr County
Falcon State Park
A park on the huge Falcon International Reservoir on the Rio Grande, known for bass and catfish fishing and South Texas birds.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- 2.8 miles of hiking trails. No license needed to fish from shore. Remote area, bring supplies.
Historic site · Aransas County
Fulton Mansion State Historic Site
An 1877 Victorian mansion in Fulton with a mansard roof and gas lights and flush toilets that were new for the time.
- 1 hr · Easy
- Year-round (closed Mondays)
- Admission (kids 5 and under free)
- Last ticket 3:15 p.m. Start at the education center behind the house.
Zoo · Cameron County
Gladys Porter Zoo
A 31-acre tropical zoo in Brownsville with about 1,600 animals from Africa, Asia, tropical America and Australia.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Zip line costs extra. Prices may have changed.
State park · Aransas County
Goose Island State Park
A bayside park near Rockport home to the Big Tree, one of the largest live oaks in the country, plus a 1,620-foot fishing pier.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round; whooping cranes nearby in winter
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Swimming not recommended, shoreline is bulkheads, oyster shell and mud. No license needed to fish from shore or pier.
Historic site · Kleberg County
King Ranch
A historic ranch at Kingsville that offers daily ranch tours, nature tours, a museum and a saddle shop.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (tours)
- Ranch tours booked online (check schedule). Private land, only with a tour.
Wildlife refuge · Cameron County
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
A big coastal refuge in Cameron County with a 14-mile wildlife drive that is great for biking and short paved trails.
- Half day · Easy to moderate
- Year-round; best wildlife early morning
- Entrance fee per vehicle
- Open sunrise to sunset. Visitor center Tuesday to Friday. The 0.9-mile visitor center trail is paved and ADA accessible. Wind makes biking hard, bring a spare tube.
Lake · San Patricio County
Lake Corpus Christi State Park
A brush-country lake near Mathis for swimming, boating, fishing and birding, with a 1930s CCC refectory.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- No lifeguards and no rentals, bring your own boat. Alligators live here. One 400-foot pier is wheelchair accessible. All-terrain wheelchair by email.
Wildlife refuge · Nueces County
Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
A free boardwalk over a freshwater marsh in Port Aransas with two shaded towers for watching birds and alligators.
- 1 hr · Easy
- Year-round; best for birds in winter and migration
- Free
- Open sunrise to sunset. One tower has a ramp. Free guided bird walk Wednesdays at 9 a.m.
Beach · Nueces County
Mustang Island State Park
More than five miles of Gulf beach between Corpus Christi and Port Aransas for swimming, surfing and fishing, plus a 20-mile bay paddling trail.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round; busiest spring and summer
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Reservations strongly recommended. Two free beach wheelchairs, ask staff. Restrooms and hot showers near the campground.
Wildlife refuge · Hidalgo County
National Butterfly Center
100 acres of gardens and native habitat in Mission where more than 240 butterfly species have been seen.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round; best in fall
- Admission (check)
- Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., may close some holidays, call ahead.
Beach · Kenedy County
Padre Island National Seashore
A 70-mile stretch of wild barrier island beach south of Corpus Christi, with more than 60 miles of beach open to leashed dogs, dunes and camping.
- Full day · Easy
- Year-round; turtle hatchling releases mid-June to Aug
- National park entrance fee (per vehicle)
- Leashed dogs allowed on the beaches, not in buildings. Free beach wheelchairs at the Malaquite Visitor Center. Hatchling releases are at 6:45 a.m. on Malaquite Beach, call the hotline first. No gas or food in the park.
Historic site · Cameron County
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
A US-Mexican War battlefield (check) outside Brownsville, with a visitor center and trails across the battlefield.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free (check)
- Park open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitor center Tuesday to Saturday. Directions can be tricky, use the park's directions page.
Town · Nueces County
Port Aransas
A laid-back beach town on Mustang Island with 18 miles of Gulf beaches, fishing and a passenger ferry to San Jose Island.
- Full day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free to visit; beach parking permit
- Buy a beach parking permit. You can drive on parts of the beach, all-wheel drive may help. Dogs must be leashed. San Jose Island has no facilities.
Historic site · Cameron County
Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site
An 1852 lighthouse in Port Isabel, 72 feet tall, that you can climb for views of the Laguna Madre and South Padre Island.
- 1 hr · Moderate
- Year-round
- Admission
- 75 winding stairs and three short ladders. Kids must be 5 or older to climb. Hours change with the season and weather.
Family fun · Hidalgo County
Quinta Mazatlan
A city nature center in McAllen with gardens, birding and nature programs.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round (closed Sunday and Monday)
- Admission (check)
- Open Tuesday to Saturday, until 7 p.m. on Thursday. A new urban ecology center was due to open fall 2026.
State park · Cameron County
Resaca de la Palma State Park
A World Birding Center park in Brownsville along an old river channel, with over eight miles of trails and four decks over the water.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round; best birds in winter
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- No private cars inside, walk, bike or take the tram. Bike rentals, return by 3 p.m. Reservations recommended.
Beach · Aransas County
Rockport Beach
A shallow, calm bay beach in Rockport, the first Blue Wave beach in Texas, with picnic sites, playgrounds and an 800-foot fishing pier.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Per-vehicle parking fee; free on foot or bike
- No dogs on the beach (bird sanctuary), only a small area outside the entrance. Handicap accessible. No overnight camping or fires.
Wildlife refuge · Hidalgo County
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
A Rio Grande refuge near Alamo with woodland trails, a canopy walk and a 40-foot tower, great for chachalacas, kiskadees and butterflies.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round; tram tours Nov-March
- Entrance fee per vehicle (first Sunday of each month free)
- No pets. Bikes on the 7-mile tour loop. Malachite Trail is paved and ADA compliant. Pintail Lakes Trail and loop entrance closed for work (check).
Family fun · Cameron County
Sea Turtle Inc.
A sea turtle hospital on South Padre Island where you can see turtles being rescued and cared for and learn about them.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round (closed Mondays)
- Admission
- Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Card only.
Town · Cameron County
South Padre Island
A beach town at the south tip of Texas with Gulf beaches, a sea turtle hospital, birding and summer fireworks.
- Full day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free to visit
- Dogs allowed on beaches if leashed and picked up after. Free Mobi-Chair beach wheelchairs through the fire department. Pair with Port Isabel Lighthouse.
Wildlife refuge · Cameron County
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
Boardwalks over the Laguna Madre wetlands on South Padre Island, with birds and an alligator sanctuary.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round; best in spring and fall migration
- Admission (check)
- Building and boardwalk open at 7 a.m. (check). Closed Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Guided bird tours cost extra.
Zoo · Nueces County
Texas State Aquarium
A big aquarium on North Beach in Corpus Christi, with dolphins, sharks and a sea turtle rescue center.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Cashless. Wildlife shows included. Sensory-inclusive certified. Pair with the USS Lexington next door.
Museum · Nueces County
USS Lexington Museum
A World War II aircraft carrier docked on Corpus Christi Bay, with planes on the flight deck, a flight simulator and a 3D theater.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission plus parking fee
- General admission sold only at the ship on the day you visit. Lots of steep ladders inside, call about access. Next door to the Texas State Aquarium.
Dallas-Fort Worth and North Texas 29 spots
Zoo · McLennan County
Cameron Park Zoo
Waco zoo with animal habitats set among native plants, waterfalls, lakes and ponds.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Open 9 to 5 through October (check winter hours). Group discount for 15 or more booked ahead. Penguin encounters and behind-the-scenes tours cost extra (check).
State park · Dallas County
Cedar Hill State Park
Big park on Joe Pool Lake with a gravel swimming beach, the DORBA mountain bike trail and the historic Penn Farm.
- Half day · Easy to moderate
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Dirt trails close for weather (all dirt trails were closed in early November 2026), so check trail status. Joe Pool Marina is permanently closed. Park often fills; reserve. Assistive chairs available. Pets on a 6-ft leash, not in buildings or swim areas.
State park · Johnson County
Cleburne State Park
Wooded park around spring-fed Cedar Lake with swimming, paddling and a technical 6-mile mountain bike loop among nearly 13 miles of trails.
- Half day · Easy to moderate
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- No-wake lake, no jet skis. Self-service kayak rentals at Cedar Lodge (card only). Busy in spring and summer, so reserve. ADA-accessible covered fishing pier. Pets on a 6-ft leash, not in swim areas.
Family fun · Dallas County
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Large botanical garden in East Dallas with seasonal festivals, concerts and holiday displays.
- 2-4 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (parking extra)
- Open daily 9 to 5. Buy parking online ahead; plates are read at entry. No pets, only service animals. Free wheelchairs at the ticket booth first come first served; scooters rent for a fee.
Zoo · Dallas County
Dallas Zoo
Big city zoo in Dallas with its own DART Red Line station across from the front gate.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (parking extra)
- Hours about 9 to 4 (check seasonal hours). Parking costs a fee per car, or ride DART to Dallas Zoo Station. No pets, only ADA service animals.
State park · Somervell County
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Walk in real dinosaur tracks in the Paluxy River bed near Glen Rose, with about 20 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking.
- Half day · Easy to moderate
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Tracks are not always visible and trails close when wet, so check the park's trails and tracks update first. The park often fills, so reserve a day pass. Swimming in the river, no lifeguards. Pets on a 6-ft leash, not in buildings or swim areas. Assistive chairs available.
Museum · McLennan County
Dr Pepper Museum
Downtown Waco museum about the history of Dr Pepper, with a free Dr Pepper included with paid admission.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (kids 4 and under free)
- Open daily 10 to 5:30; hours can change for events. Pay at the door, no online tickets. Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's Day. Has a soda fountain (check what it serves).
State park · Grayson County
Eisenhower State Park
Bluff-top park on Lake Texoma with a sandy swimming cove, two fishing piers, more than four miles of walking and biking trails and fossils from an ancient ocean.
- Half day · Easy to moderate
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Rods and tackle can be borrowed; no license needed from shore. Separate OHV trail needs an OHV permit. Reservations recommended. Pets on a 6-ft leash, not in buildings or swim areas.
Historic site · Jack County
Fort Richardson State Park
Original 1860s buildings of a big frontier Army post at Jacksboro, plus the 9-mile (one way) Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway for hiking, biking and riding and a sand beach on Lake Jacksboro.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Self-guided building tours Saturday and Sunday 10 to 4; guided tours Tuesday to Friday at 10 and 2, free with entry. Buildings are not climate controlled, so tour in the morning in summer. No lifeguards at the beach.
Family fun · Tarrant County
Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Large Fort Worth garden that includes a Japanese Garden.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Open daily 8 to 6, last entry 5 (check). Dogs only on select Dog Days weekends each month, leashed, fee per dog (check). Japanese Garden may have its own hours (check).
Wildlife refuge · Tarrant County
Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge
Large city nature refuge with hiking trails and a bison herd you can spot from a distance.
- 2-4 hrs · Easy to moderate
- Year-round
- Admission (per person; kids under 3 free)
- October to April 8 to 5; May to September 7 to 5; no entry after 4; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. No bikes, jogging or horses on trails. Dog rules unclear (check). Don't approach the bison. Some trails may be closed (check).
Historic site · Tarrant County
Fort Worth Stockyards
Fort Worth's Old West district, where the Fort Worth Herd runs the world's only daily cattle drive and rodeos fill the historic Cowtown Coliseum.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free (rodeo and events extra)
- Cattle drive at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily, weather permitting; best view in front of the Livestock Exchange Building on East Exchange Avenue. Rodeo on weekends (tickets). Arrive early for parking or plan to walk.
Zoo · Tarrant County
Fort Worth Zoo
Large, popular zoo in Fort Worth with half-price admission every Wednesday.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (parking extra)
- Open daily 10 to 4. Tickets were being sold in person only because of an online ticket problem (check). Parking fee per vehicle. No pets; service dogs barred from a few animal areas. Free wheelchairs (limited); strollers and scooters for rent.
Zoo · Somervell County
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Conservation center near Glen Rose where you drive a scenic route among roaming endangered and exotic animals and can feed them from your car.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (per person; kids 2 and under free)
- The drive takes about 2 hours; The Overlook halfway has restrooms. No pets at all, not even left in a car; service animals by advance contact. Buy tickets online (prices vary by date). Gate 8:30 to 3:30, last car out 5:30. One free feed cone per 5 people.
Town · Hood County
Granbury
Lake town with a historic square and Lake Granbury, voted USA Today's Best Historic Small Town several times, with festivals all year.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Visit Granbury office at 201 E. Pearl St. Easy to pair with Dinosaur Valley State Park and Fossil Rim.
Bike trail · Dallas County
Katy Trail
A 3.5-mile paved trail through Dallas with a soft-surface path alongside for walkers and runners.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Open 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.; lit before sunrise and after sunset. Bikes keep to 10 mph and call out when passing. Dogs on a short leash. No motor vehicles.
Museum · Tarrant County
Kimbell Art Museum
Fort Worth art museum whose permanent collection is free to see; special exhibitions are ticketed.
- 1-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free (special exhibitions extra) (check)
- Closed Mondays (check). Half-price exhibition tickets Tuesdays and Friday evenings (check). Free on-site parking (check).
State park · Parker County
Lake Mineral Wells State Park
Lake park with Penitentiary Hollow, one of the few natural rock-climbing spots in North Texas, plus lake swimming, fishing and 12.8 miles of trails.
- Half day · Easy to moderate
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Climbers and rappellers must check in at headquarters; no bouldering or free-climbing. No lifeguards. No fishing license needed from shore; lighted accessible fishing pier. Busy mid-March to mid-November, so reserve. Pets on a 6-ft leash, not in buildings or swim areas.
Bike trail · Parker County
Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway
A 20-mile rail-trail with flat grades and gentle curves running between two towns, shared by bikers, hikers and horseback riders.
- 2-4 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free) (check)
- Run by Lake Mineral Wells State Park; check the park's trail status line before riding because trails can close in wet weather. Bring water; there is little shade in summer (check).
Family fun · McLennan County
Magnolia Market at the Silos
Busy shopping and food complex in Waco with shops, places to eat and a big turf lawn.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Open Monday to Saturday 9 to 6, closed Sunday; hours shift for holidays and events. Leashed dogs welcome but must stay off the turf and out of ticketed events. Pair with other Waco stops.
Town · Palo Pinto County
Mineral Wells
Old mineral-water town with a historic downtown of shops, galleries and restaurants, the Famous Mineral Water Company and Clark Gardens.
- 2-4 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Visitors bureau at 107 N. Oak St. Check the Baker Hotel and Spa status before planning around it (check). Pair with Lake Mineral Wells State Park.
Museum · Dallas County
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Downtown Dallas science museum with 11 exhibit halls, including the Moody Family Children's Museum for young kids.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Open Monday to Saturday 10 to 5, Sunday 11 to 5. Timed tickets; most visits take 2-3 hours. Parking in Lot B under Woodall Rodgers Freeway costs a fee per vehicle. 3D film and traveling shows cost extra.
Bike trail · Denton County
Ray Roberts Greenbelt
A 20-mile trail corridor from Ray Roberts Dam to Lake Lewisville; 10 miles are for hiking and biking only and 12 miles are open to horses.
- 2-4 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Part of Ray Roberts Lake State Park. Check the park's trail update before going. Pets on a 6-ft leash.
State park · Denton County
Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Lake park with two units, Isle du Bois and Johnson Branch, offering swimming beaches, fishing, camping and paved and dirt multiuse trails.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- No lifeguards. All-terrain and beach wheelchairs available. DORBA and horse trails close after rain (Isle du Bois DORBA trails were closed in early November 2026), so check the trail update. Pets on a 6-ft leash.
Theme park · Tarrant County
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Arlington
Water park in Arlington with slides including a six-story plunge, lazy rivers and the Splash Island family play area with 17 slides and 100-plus water features.
- Full day · Easy
- Summer (mid-May to early September)
- Admission
- The 2026 season opened May 16; closing is early September (check). Check the calendar for weekend-only stretches. Cabanas can be reserved.
Theme park · Tarrant County
Six Flags Over Texas
Arlington theme park with more than 100 rides, shows and attractions, including 14 roller coasters.
- Full day · Easy
- Select days most of the year (check calendar)
- Admission
- Holiday in the Park on select days from late November through December 30, 2026 (check). Evening chaperone rule for young guests (check the age). Only service animals (check). Cashless park (check).
Museum · McLennan County
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
Waco museum on the history of the Texas Rangers law-enforcement agency.
- 2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (kids under 6 free)
- Open daily 9 to 5, last guest in at 4:30. Plan about 2 hours. Free parking. Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Museum · Dallas County
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
Downtown Dallas museum at Dealey Plaza about the life, assassination and legacy of President Kennedy.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (kids 5 and under free)
- Open Wednesday to Sunday 10 to 5, closed Monday and Tuesday; last entry 4:15. All tickets are timed and cheaper online. Only ADA service animals. Heavy subject for young kids.
National park · McLennan County
Waco Mammoth National Monument
See mammoth fossils left where they were found, on a guided tour of the dig shelter in Waco.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Tour fee (per person; national park passes not accepted)
- Open daily 9 to 5; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Tours run every 30 minutes, last 45-60 minutes, no reservation needed. A 300-yard paved path leads from the Welcome Center to the Dig Shelter. Fees go up January 1, 2027.
East Texas Piney Woods 19 spots
State park · Cass County
Atlanta State Park
Park on Wright Patman Lake with a designated swimming area, 4.8 miles of hiking trails and hilly park roads for biking.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- No lifeguard. All-terrain wheelchair if you contact the park ahead. Pets on a 6-ft leash, not in swim areas.
National park · Hardin County
Big Thicket National Preserve
Free national preserve near Kountze spanning nine ecosystems, from longleaf pine forest to cypress-lined bayous, with over 30 miles of trails and paddling routes.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Visitor center open 9 to 5 daily, closed Thanksgiving, December 25 and January 1. Pets welcome on all trails on a 6-ft leash, but not in the visitor center or at programs. Free ranger programs. Free permit for backcountry camping.
State park · Harrison County
Caddo Lake State Park
Paddle Big Cypress Bayou under bald cypress draped in Spanish moss at the edge of 26,810-acre Caddo Lake, with 2.5 miles of trails and historic CCC cabins.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Rent a canoe at the office; Hell's Half Acre paddling trail is for experienced paddlers. Alligators live here. No license to fish from shore. Busy March to November; reserve. Two historic cabins are ADA accessible. Buy firewood locally (ash borer quarantine).
Historic site · Cherokee County
Caddo Mounds State Historic Site
Three earthen mounds at Alto from a Caddo village and ceremonial center about 1,200 years old, with exhibits and a reconstructed grass house.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (kids 5 and under free)
- Open Tuesday to Sunday 8:30 to 4:30, closed Monday. Family ticket available. The mounds are still sacred to Caddo people, so treat them with respect. Sits on El Camino Real de los Tejas.
Zoo · Smith County
Caldwell Zoo
Family zoo in Tyler, open daily year-round.
- 2-4 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (kids 2 and under free)
- Open 9 to 5, last entry 4. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Pets likely not allowed, service animals check in at Visitor Services (check).
State park · Morris County
Daingerfield State Park
Pine and hardwood park around Little Pine Lake with swimming, paddling, the 2.4-mile Rustling Leaves Trail and fine fall color.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Paddleboats, boards, canoes and kayaks rent year-round; store open Thursday to Sunday. 5 mph lake. All-terrain wheelchair on request. Buy firewood locally.
State park · Walker County
Huntsville State Park
Pine forest park around 210-acre Lake Raven with a swim area, kayak rentals, 21 miles of hiking and biking trails and access to the Lone Star Hiking Trail.
- Half day · Easy to moderate
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Swim area 10 to 8, no lifeguards. Boats at idle speed only. The Lone Star Hiking Trail is hikers only. Often full, so reserve.
Town · Marion County
Jefferson
Pre-Civil War town with nearly 100 historic landmarks, historic hotels and B&Bs, walking tours and bayou fun near Caddo Lake.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Visitor center at 305 E. Austin St (about 10 to 4). Download the walking tour and riverfront history maps. Pair with Caddo Lake State Park.
State park · Polk County
Lake Livingston State Park
Park on Lake Livingston with lake swimming, hiking and mountain biking trails.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Some screened shelters are ADA accessible. Check the park's alerts before going. Pets on a 6-ft leash, not in swim areas.
Lake · Rusk County
Martin Creek Lake State Park
A power-plant-warmed lake with year-round fishing, island campsites and nearly four miles of hiking and biking trails.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Swimming allowed, no lifeguards. Lighted fishing pier and canoe rentals. Winter fishing tournaments can crowd the ramp. Office closed Christmas Day. Leashed pets welcome.
State park · Jasper County
Martin Dies Jr. State Park
Park on B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir with about 14 miles of paddling trails on the Neches and Angelina rivers and sloughs, plus trails for walking and biking.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Swimming and fishing in the reservoir. Night hikes and star parties. Busy September to Thanksgiving and March to July 4. Pets on a 6-ft leash.
Historic site · Houston County
Mission Tejas State Park
Pine forest park with a 1930s CCC-built replica of Mission Tejas, an 1800s pioneer log home and remnants of El Camino Real, plus 8.5 miles of trails.
- 2-4 hrs · Easy to moderate
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Dogwoods bloom around late March, with fall color later. Guided tours of the buildings and El Camino Real if booked ahead. Ranger programs most Saturdays. Pets on a 6-ft leash, not in buildings.
Town · Nacogdoches County
Nacogdoches
Calls itself the oldest town in Texas, with red brick downtown streets, the Sterne-Hoya House Museum and gardens that give it the name Garden Capital of Texas.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Free visitor guide online. Oak Grove Cemetery holds four signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Azalea gardens are best in spring (check).
State park · Van Zandt County
Purtis Creek State Park
Quiet park around a 355-acre lake with idle-only boating, kayak rentals, swimming and the 4.1-mile Wolfpen Hike and Bike Trail.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Only 50 motor boats at a time. Borrow rods and tackle; no license needed. Night fishing permit costs extra. All-terrain wheelchair on request.
Museum · Walker County
Sam Houston Memorial Museum
A 15-acre complex in Huntsville once owned by Sam Houston, with a museum, two homes where his family lived and the Republic of Texas Presidential Library.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (veterans and kids 5 and under free)
- Open Tuesday to Saturday 9 to 4:30, Sunday noon to 4:30, closed Monday. Picnic space on the grounds. Pair with Huntsville State Park.
Family fun · Cherokee County
Texas State Railroad
Vintage steam and diesel excursion trains through the Piney Woods between Palestine and Rusk.
- Half day · Easy
- Select dates (check calendar)
- Admission
- Round trips take about four hours. Trains run on scheduled dates only (lunch, dinner, holiday and Polar Express trains), so book ahead. Weather can cancel trains.
Family fun · Smith County
Tyler Municipal Rose Garden
Free 14-acre city rose garden in Tyler with more than 32,000 rose bushes of about 600 varieties.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round (best bloom May and October) (check)
- Free (museum extra)
- Garden open daily sunrise to sunset. The Rose Garden Center and museum keep shorter hours and may close some days in winter (check).
State park · Smith County
Tyler State Park
Pine-forest park with a 64-acre spring-fed lake for swimming and paddling and more than 13 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.
- Half day · Easy to moderate
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Park store rents canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, paddleboats and johnboats (store open Thursday to Monday). 5 mph lake. Often full, so reserve. Pets on a 6-ft leash, not in swim areas.
State park · Hardin County
Village Creek State Park
Forest park where you can paddle the Village Creek Paddling Trail or hike and bike eight miles of trails through sandy uplands and swamps.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals daily 8:30 to 2 depending on water levels. A motorized trackchair and all-terrain wheelchairs can be reserved. Busy February to September.
Houston, Galveston and the Upper Gulf Coast 29 spots
Wildlife refuge · Harris County
Armand Bayou Nature Center
Nonprofit preserve in Pasadena with 5 miles of walking trails, a boardwalk loop, a bison viewing platform and kayak and pontoon tours on the bayou.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (kids 3 and under free)
- Open Wednesday to Saturday 9 to 5, Sunday noon to 5, closed Monday and Tuesday; last entry 4. No pets, only ADA service animals; a dog park is nearby in Bay Area Park.
Historic site · Galveston County
Bishop's Palace
An 1892 mansion, also called Gresham House, in Galveston's East End Historic District, with daily self-guided tours.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (kids 5 and under free)
- Daily 10 to 5, last ticket 4. No ramp; not accessible for wheelchairs or walkers, so call ahead to arrange accommodations. Basement to Attic tours cost extra. Closed some dates including December 24-25.
Wildlife refuge · Brazoria County
Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge
Coastal prairie and marsh refuge with an auto tour at Big Slough for wintering waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round (best November to April)
- Free
- Gate opens at sunrise and locks at sunset. Discovery Center open Friday to Sunday November 1 to April 30. Pets on leash. The auto tour is a 7.5-mile gravel loop (check).
State park · Fort Bend County
Brazos Bend State Park
Lakes and moss-draped forest where alligators are common, with 37 miles of hiking and biking trails and the George Observatory.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Keep well back from alligators. Pets on a 6-ft leash and must not enter the lakes. The paved 0.5-mile Creekfield Lake Nature Trail is accessible; all-terrain chairs available. Observatory open Saturday nights; buy tickets online ahead. Reserve day passes.
Bike trail · Harris County
Buffalo Bayou Park
Houston bayou park with trails for walking and biking, the historic Cistern, kayak and bike rentals and the Johnny Steele Dog Park.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free (Cistern and rentals extra)
- Bikes under 10 mph with a helmet; some asphalt sections are walkers only. Part of the Kinder Trail is closed with a detour. Lit areas 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Cistern open Wednesday to Sunday 10 to 6. Parking at City Lot H on Memorial Dr.
Zoo · Harris County
Downtown Aquarium Houston
Downtown aquarium complex with more than 400 species, Stingray Reef, Sumatran tigers, a Shark Voyage train ride and an aquarium restaurant.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (restaurant and outdoor area free)
- Exhibit and rides need tickets. Reserve the restaurant online. Check holiday hours.
Beach · Galveston County
East Beach
Big Galveston beach park with a cantina and pavilion, rentals and food delivery, and one of the few island beaches where alcohol is allowed.
- Half day · Easy
- March to October (check)
- Parking fee (per vehicle)
- Covered by the beach parks seasonal pass. Beach wheelchairs available. Sandcastle Festival in September. Dogs on leash (check).
Theme park
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
Waterfront amusement pier in Galveston with rides, midway games, food and shops.
- 2-4 hrs · Easy
- Spring to fall plus select dates (check)
- Admission (ride pass)
- Buy tickets online to skip the line. Hours change by season, so check the calendar.
Beach · Galveston County
Galveston Island State Park
Gulf beach on one side and bay marsh on the other, with about four miles of trails, boardwalks over dunes and marsh, paddling trails and bird blinds.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Beach wheelchairs to borrow (not self-propelled). Busy March to October, especially weekends; reserve. Check alerts, especially in hurricane season. No license to fish from shore. Pets on a 6-ft leash, not in swim areas.
Museum · Galveston County
Galveston Railroad Museum
Walk through historic railcars and railroad exhibits, ride a caboose on the Harborside Express or take the holiday Polar Express ride.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Open daily 10 to 5 at 2602 Santa Fe Place. Book Polar Express early.
Beach · Galveston County
Galveston Seawall
Just over 10 miles of sidewalk along Seawall Boulevard with many beach access points, restrooms and showers, Fort Crockett Park and a 70-bench interpretive trail.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free (seawall parking paid)
- Restrooms and showers at 19th, 29th, 39th, 45th and 61st streets. Seawall parking needs a paid pass or fee. Dogs leashed and picked up after.
Scenic drive · Galveston County
Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry
Free state car ferry with an 18-minute crossing between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Runs 24 hours a day, weather permitting. Summer weekend and holiday waits can top two hours. Galveston terminal at 1000 Ferry Road.
Family fun · Harris County
Hermann Park
Houston's big central park with pedal boats on McGovern Lake, a park railroad, carousel, splash pads, the Japanese Garden and McGovern Centennial Gardens.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free (rides extra)
- Park open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; gardens 9 to 6. Dogs on leash except in McWilliams Dog Park. Ride hours change with weather and season. Next to the Houston Zoo.
Museum · Harris County
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Four floors of natural science exhibits in the Museum District, plus the Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium and a giant-screen theater.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (free Tuesdays 5 to 8)
- Open Monday to Thursday 9 to 5, Friday to Sunday 9 to 6. The gems and minerals hall and the entomology hall were closed in late 2026.
Zoo · Harris County
Houston Zoo
Big zoo in Houston's Hermann Park.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Timed tickets must be booked online; none sold on site. Open 9 to 5 (9 to 4 from November 11 to January 3). Zoo Lights on select nights. Strollers, wheelchairs, scooters and wagons for rent. Free parking is limited.
Trail · Harris County
Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center
Free county nature park in Humble along Spring Creek with swamps, forest and creek beaches, about 8 miles of accessible trails, a nature center, a pioneer homestead and an Akokisa village.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- Open daily 7 a.m. to dusk. Pets only on the Jones-Bender Trail, Judy Bell Trail and Spring Creek Greenway. Canoe access and free programs.
Wildlife refuge · Chambers County
Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge
Coastal marsh refuge in Chambers County, formerly Anahuac NWR, with the 2.64-mile paved Shoveler Pond loop and boardwalk for alligators, spoonbills and winter waterfowl.
- 2-4 hrs · Easy
- Year-round (best fall and winter)
- Free
- Open daily sunrise to sunset; visitor center weekends 9 to 4. Pets leashed. Bring bug spray and watch for snakes. Several accessible trails and decks. Best at early morning and sunset.
Family fun · Galveston County
Kemah Boardwalk
Waterfront boardwalk with rides like the Boardwalk Bullet coaster, a Ferris wheel and double-decker carousel, Stingray Reef and restaurants.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Free (rides and parking extra)
- No entrance fee; buy ride tickets or a day pass. Free fireworks and concerts on many nights. Only service animals. Paid parking, credit card only. Ride hours vary (check).
Bike trail · Montgomery County
Lake Houston Wilderness Park
Large wooded city park in New Caney with about 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, 13 miles of horse trails and camping.
- Half day · Easy to moderate
- Year-round
- Park entrance fee (per person, ages 13-64)
- Closed Tuesdays (check). Bring your own bike. Reservations through the City of Houston booking system for camping.
Family fun · Galveston County
Moody Gardens
Galveston attraction with Aquarium, Rainforest and Discovery pyramids, 3D theater, zip line and the new Galveston Children's Museum.
- Full day · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Open every day; hours are posted weekly. Free parking. Holiday in the Gardens light trail and ice rink from November 21, 2026 to January 2, 2027. Palm Beach is seasonal (check).
Museum · Harris County
Museum of Fine Arts Houston
Major art museum in Houston's Museum District.
- 2-4 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission
- Closed Monday and Tuesday; open late Thursday. Free general admission on Thursdays (check). Garage parking fee (check).
Historic site · Harris County
San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site
1,200-acre battleground in La Porte with the 567-foot San Jacinto Monument, a museum and a self-guided driving tour.
- 2-3 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free (monument admission extra)
- Grounds open daily 9 to 6; monument and museum Wednesday to Sunday 9 to 6. Battleship Texas is no longer here; it is under repair at a Galveston shipyard and aims to reopen in 2027. A big renovation with a new visitor center is planned (check for closures).
Theme park · Galveston County
Schlitterbahn Galveston
Galveston Island water park with slides, raft rides, water coasters, pools and kids' play areas, now run by Enchanted Parks.
- Full day · Easy
- Summer (2026 season opened May 2)
- Admission
- Check the park calendar for open days and hours. Season end date (check).
Beach · Jefferson County
Sea Rim State Park
Remote park with nearly 2 miles of Gulf beach, the Gambusia boardwalk through 4,000 acres of marsh and paddling trails from 1.8 to 9.6 miles.
- Half day · Easy
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Alligators live here and mosquitoes are a year-round nuisance, so bring repellent. Loaner wheelchairs. Busy April to July. Check alerts, especially after storms.
Museum · Harris County
Space Center Houston
Space museum and visitor center by NASA's Johnson Space Center with exhibits, The Moonwalkers show and NASA tram tours.
- Full day · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (parking extra)
- Hours vary by day (often 10 to 5). Parking costs a fee per vehicle, paid by phone or at Guest Services. Service dogs only, not on motion simulators. Wheelchair rental (check).
Museum · Jefferson County
Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum
Re-created oil boomtown on the Lamar University campus in Beaumont that tells the story of the Spindletop gusher.
- 1-2 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Admission (check)
- Open Tuesday to Saturday 10 to 5, Sunday 1 to 5, closed Monday and major holidays; last admission 4.
State park · Austin County
Stephen F. Austin State Park
Shady park on the Brazos River about 50 minutes west of Houston, with five miles of hiking and biking trails near historic San Felipe.
- 2-4 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Texas State Parks day-use fee (per person; kids 12 and under free)
- Trails close when muddy. San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site and its museum are a short drive away. Reserve on busy days.
Beach · Galveston County
Stewart Beach
Galveston's family beach park at Seawall Blvd and 6th St with lifeguards, restrooms, showers, chair and umbrella rentals, volleyball and food.
- Half day · Easy
- March to October (check)
- Parking fee (per vehicle)
- Pay by app or cash at the beach shop; unpaid visits get a bill in the mail. A seasonal pass covers Stewart Beach, East Beach and the West End pocket parks. Beach wheelchairs available. Dogs on leash.
Historic site · Galveston County
Strand Historic District
Galveston's Victorian-era downtown, once a Gulf Coast shipping and financial center, whose brick buildings survived the 1900 Storm and now hold restaurants, galleries, shops and museums.
- 2-4 hrs · Easy
- Year-round
- Free
- One-hour guided history walks leave from 2002 Strand St (fee). Galveston Railroad Museum is close by.
Where to eat 37 places
Steakhouse · Alpine
Reata Restaurant
Ranch-style dining in Alpine with steaks and Southwestern plates.
- Price: $$$
Steakhouse · Amarillo
The Big Texan Steak Ranch
Route 66 roadside steakhouse famous for its free 72-ounce steak challenge.
- 7701 I-40 E, Amarillo, TX 79118
- Price: $$
BBQ · Austin
Franklin Barbecue
Famous central Texas brisket joint where the line forms early and the meat sells out by mid-afternoon.
- 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
- Price: $$
Tex-Mex · Austin
Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop
East Austin family spot for breakfast tacos, migas and pan dulce from the bakery case.
- 2305 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702
- Price: $
Tex-Mex · Austin
Juan in a Million
East side breakfast favorite famous for its oversized Don Juan breakfast taco.
- 2300 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
- Price: $
Tex-Mex · Austin
Matt's El Rancho
Big, longtime South Lamar Tex-Mex dining room known for its Bob Armstrong queso dip.
- 2613 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
- Price: $$
Seafood · Corpus Christi
Snoopy's Pier
Waterside fried seafood shack on the Laguna Madre near Padre Island.
- Price: $
Seafood · Corpus Christi
Water Street Oyster Bar
Downtown Corpus Christi seafood house for Gulf oysters, fish and shrimp.
- 309 N Water St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
- Price: $$
Tex-Mex · Dallas
Mia's Tex-Mex
Family-run Dallas Tex-Mex spot best known for its brisket tacos.
- 4334 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75219
- Price: $$
BBQ · Dallas
Pecan Lodge
Deep Ellum barbecue hall famous for brisket, beef ribs and the loaded Hot Mess sweet potato.
- 2702 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226
- Price: $$
Tex-Mex · El Paso
L&J Cafe
El Paso institution next to Concordia Cemetery known for chile con queso and enchiladas.
- 3622 E Missouri Ave, El Paso, TX 79903
- Price: $
BBQ · Fort Worth
Goldee's Barbecue
Small south Fort Worth pit that has ranked at the top of Texas barbecue lists.
- Price: $$
BBQ · Fort Worth
Heim Barbecue
Fort Worth barbecue known for its bacon burnt ends.
- 5333 White Settlement Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76114
- Price: $$
Tex-Mex · Fort Worth
Joe T. Garcia's
Sprawling family restaurant near the Stockyards with a big garden patio and margaritas.
- Price: $$
German · Fredericksburg
Der Lindenbaum
Classic German restaurant for schnitzel, sausages and strudel in a historic building.
- 312 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Price: $$
Burgers · Fredericksburg
Hondo's on Main
Laid-back Main Street burger joint with a big patio and live music.
- 312 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Price: $$
German · Fredericksburg
Old German Bakery & Restaurant
Main Street bakery and cafe serving German breakfasts, strudel and pastries.
- 225 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Price: $
Seafood · Galveston
Gaido's
Seawall seafood landmark since 1911 serving Gulf shrimp, oysters and fish.
- Price: $$$
Seafood · Galveston
Shrimp 'N Stuff
Casual island seafood counter since 1976, known for shrimp po-boys and fried platters.
- 3901 Avenue O, Galveston, TX 77550
- Price: $
Tex-Mex · Houston
Original Ninfa's on Navigation
The East End restaurant credited with making beef fajitas famous in Houston.
- 2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003
- Price: $$
Bakery · La Grange
Weikel's Bakery
Busy La Grange stop on the Austin-Houston drive for fresh kolaches and klobasniky.
- 2247 W Hwy 71 Business, La Grange, TX 78945
- Price: $
BBQ · Llano
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
Llano pit where you pick your meat straight off the open cowboy-style grill.
- 604 W Young St, Llano, TX 78643
- Price: $$
BBQ · Lockhart
Black's Barbecue
Family-run Lockhart pit since 1932, known for giant beef ribs and homemade sausage.
- 215 N Main St, Lockhart, TX 78644
- Price: $$
BBQ · Lockhart
Kreuz Market
Huge Lockhart barbecue hall serving sausage and brisket on butcher paper, no forks or sauce needed.
- 619 N Colorado St, Lockhart, TX 78644
- Price: $$
BBQ · Lockhart
Smitty's Market
Historic meat market where you order straight from the fire-lit pit room before heading to the dining hall.
- Price: $$
BBQ · Luling
City Market
Old-school Luling market with a smoky back pit room and a famous peppery sausage.
- Price: $
American · Marfa
Cochineal
Dinner spot in Marfa with seasonal dishes and a garden patio.
- 107 W San Antonio St, Marfa, TX 79843
- Price: $$$
American · New Braunfels
Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar
Restaurant set in an old cotton gin above the Guadalupe River next to Gruene Hall.
- 1287 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
- Price: $$
Bakery · New Braunfels
Naegelin's Bakery
Downtown bakery dating to 1868, known for strudel, kolaches and cookies.
- 129 S Seguin Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
- Price: $
Seafood · Port Aransas
Virginia's on the Bay
Harbor-side Port Aransas seafood spot with a deck overlooking the boats.
- 815 Trout St, Port Aransas, TX 78373
- Price: $$
Tex-Mex · San Antonio
Rosario's Mexican Restaurant
Lively Southtown Mexican restaurant with a rooftop bar and classic enchilada plates.
- 722 S St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78205
- Price: $$
Deli · San Antonio
Schilo's Delicatessen
German-style downtown deli open since 1917, known for its house root beer and split pea soup.
- 424 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
- Price: $
BBQ · Taylor
Louie Mueller Barbecue
Smoke-blackened 1949 barbecue hall in Taylor, about 35 miles northeast of Austin, known for its beef rib.
- 206 W 2nd St, Taylor, TX 76574
- Price: $$
American · Terlingua
Starlight Theatre Restaurant & Saloon
Restaurant inside an old ghost town movie house near Big Bend with live music most nights.
- 631 Ivey Rd, Terlingua, TX 79852
- Price: $$
Bakery · West
Czech Stop
Round-the-clock I-35 stop in the Czech town of West for kolaches and pastries.
- 105 N College St, West, TX 76691
- Price: $
American · Wimberley
The Leaning Pear
Hill Country restaurant in Wimberley serving seasonal plates on a shaded patio.
- 111 River Rd #110, Wimberley, TX 78676
- Price: $$
BBQ · Wolfforth
Evie Mae's Pit Barbeque
Gluten-free barbecue pit just outside Lubbock with top-ranked brisket.
- 217 US-62, Wolfforth, TX 79382
- Price: $$
Things to do 13 places
Live music · Austin · 21+
Antone's Nightclub
Austin's home of the blues since 1975, now in downtown on Fifth Street.
- 305 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
- Price: $$
Dance hall · Austin
Broken Spoke
Classic Austin honky-tonk with two-step and swing lessons and live country bands.
- 3201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
- Price: $
Mini golf · Austin
Peter Pan Mini Golf
Retro mini golf course with giant fiberglass figures near Zilker.
- 1207 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
- Price: $
Live music · Austin
The Continental Club (Austin)
Legendary South Congress club for roots, rockabilly and blues bands.
- 1315 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
- Price: $
Live music · El Paso
Lowbrow Palace
Downtown El Paso music venue hosting touring bands, mostly all ages.
- 1006 Texas Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
- Price: $$
Dance hall · Fort Worth
Billy Bob's Texas
Giant Stockyards honky-tonk with concerts, a dance floor and live bull riding.
- 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, TX 76164
- Price: $$
Live music · Fort Worth · 21+
White Elephant Saloon
Historic Stockyards saloon with live country and honky-tonk music seven nights a week.
- Price: $
Live music · Fredericksburg
Luckenbach Texas
Tiny Hill Country town with a general store, bar, dance hall and picking circles under the oaks.
- 412 Luckenbach Town Loop, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Price: $
Dance hall · Helotes
John T. Floore's Country Store
Historic honky-tonk and outdoor stage in Helotes northwest of San Antonio.
- 14492 Old Bandera Rd, Helotes, TX 78023
- Price: $$
Live music · Houston
McGonigel's Mucky Duck
Intimate listening room and pub for singer-songwriters and folk acts.
- 2425 Norfolk St, Houston, TX 77098
- Price: $$
Live music · Houston
The Continental Club (Houston)
Midtown Houston live music bar for blues, soul and rock.
- 3700 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
- Price: $
Live music · Lubbock
Cactus Theater
Restored 1938 theater in the Depot District hosting concerts, tribute shows and classic films.
- 1812 Buddy Holly Ave, Lubbock, TX 79401
- Price: $$
Dance hall · New Braunfels
Gruene Hall
Texas' oldest continually running dance hall, with live country music and a wooden dance floor.
- 1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
- Price: $
Movie theaters 16 places
Movie theater · Abilene
The Paramount Theatre
Restored 1930 atmospheric movie palace in downtown Abilene with classic film nights.
- 352 Cypress St, Abilene, TX 79601
- Ticket prices on the theater's site (See showtimes)
Movie theater · Austin
AFS Cinema
Austin Film Society's nonprofit two-screen art house showing indie, foreign and classic films.
- 6406 N IH-35 Suite 3100, Austin, TX 78752
- Ticket prices on the theater's site (See showtimes)
Movie theater · Austin
Alamo Drafthouse Mueller
Dine-in movie theater in Austin's Mueller neighborhood.
- 1911 Aldrich St Suite 120, Austin, TX 78723
- Ticket prices on the theater's site (See showtimes)
Movie theater · Austin
Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar
Flagship Austin dine-in theater known for themed screenings.
- 1120 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
- Ticket prices on the theater's site (See showtimes)
Movie theater · Austin
Alamo Drafthouse Village
Neighborhood Alamo dine-in theater in north central Austin.
- 2700 W Anderson Ln Suite 701, Austin, TX 78757
- Ticket prices on the theater's site (See showtimes)
Movie theater · Corpus Christi
Alamo Drafthouse Corpus Christi
Dine-in movie theater on the south side of Corpus Christi.
- 7601 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78413
- Ticket prices on the theater's site (See showtimes)
Movie theater · Dallas
Alamo Drafthouse Cedars
Dine-in movie theater south of downtown Dallas.
- 1005 Botham Jean Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215
- Ticket prices on the theater's site (See showtimes)
Movie theater · Dallas
Alamo Drafthouse Lake Highlands
Dine-in movie theater in northeast Dallas.
- 6770 Abrams Rd, Dallas, TX 75231
- Ticket prices on the theater's site (See showtimes)
Movie theater · Dallas
Texas Theatre
Historic 1931 Oak Cliff movie palace showing new, classic and cult films.
- 231 W Jefferson Blvd, Dallas, TX 75208
- Ticket prices on the theater's site (See showtimes)
Movie theater · Denton
Alamo Drafthouse Denton
Dine-in movie theater in Denton north of Fort Worth.
- 3220 Town Center Trail, Denton, TX 76201
- Ticket prices on the theater's site (See showtimes)
Movie theater · Houston
Moonstruck Drive-In
Urban drive-in near East Downtown Houston with skyline views.
- 45 Delano St, Houston, TX 77003
- Ticket prices on the theater's site (See showtimes)
Movie theater · Houston
River Oaks Theatre
Restored 1939 art deco neighborhood cinema that reopened in 2024.
- 2009 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019
- Ticket prices on the theater's site (See showtimes)
Movie theater · Richardson
Alamo Drafthouse Richardson
Dine-in movie theater in Richardson north of Dallas.
- 100 S Central Expressway, Richardson, TX 75080
- Ticket prices on the theater's site (See showtimes)
Movie theater · San Antonio
Alamo Drafthouse Park North
Dine-in movie theater in north central San Antonio.
- 618 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78216
- Ticket prices on the theater's site (See showtimes)
Movie theater · San Antonio
Alamo Drafthouse Stone Oak
Dine-in movie theater in far north San Antonio.
- 22806 US Hwy 281 N, San Antonio, TX 78258
- Ticket prices on the theater's site (See showtimes)
Movie theater · Tyler
Liberty Hall
Restored 1930s downtown Tyler theater showing classic films plus concerts.
- 103 E Erwin St, Tyler, TX 75702
- Ticket prices on the theater's site (See showtimes)
Typical ticket prices from each theater's own site, with the date we checked; prices and showtimes change, so tap See showtimes for today's.
Places to stay 24 places
Hotel · Alpine
The Holland Hotel
Restored 1928 downtown Alpine hotel near the train depot.
- 209 W Holland Ave, Alpine, TX 79830
- Price: $$
Hotel · Austin
Hotel Saint Cecilia
Quiet boutique hotel in a Victorian house and garden bungalows off South Congress.
- 112 Academy Dr, Austin, TX 78704
- Price: $$$
Hotel · Austin
Hotel San José
Bungalow-style 1930s motor court turned boutique hotel on South Congress.
- 1316 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
- Price: $$$
Hotel · Austin
The Driskill
Grand 1886 downtown Austin hotel with a famous bar and historic suites.
- 604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701
- Price: $$$
Hotel · Dallas
The Adolphus
Ornate 1912 downtown Dallas landmark hotel with a rooftop pool.
- 1321 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75202
- Price: $$$
Hotel · Dallas
The Stoneleigh
Historic 1923 Uptown hotel with classic styling.
- 2927 Maple Ave, Dallas, TX 75201
- Price: $$$
Hotel · El Paso
Hotel Paso del Norte
1912 downtown El Paso landmark with a stained glass dome.
- Price: $$$
Hotel · Fort Davis
Hotel Limpia
1912 hotel on the Fort Davis square, a base for the McDonald Observatory and the Davis Mountains.
- 101 Memorial Square, Fort Davis, TX 79734
- Price: $$
Hotel · Fort Worth
Hotel Drover
Western-style hotel in Mule Alley at the Fort Worth Stockyards.
- 200 Mule Alley Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76164
- Price: $$$
Hotel · Fredericksburg
Hangar Hotel
1940s-style aviation-themed hotel at the Fredericksburg airport.
- 155 Airport Rd, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Price: $$
Inn · Fredericksburg
Hoffman Haus
Bed and breakfast inn with private guest houses a short walk from Main Street.
- 608 E Creek St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
- Price: $$
Hotel · Galveston
Harbor House Hotel & Marina
Harbor-front hotel at Pier 21 near the Strand.
- 28 Pier 21, Galveston, TX 77550
- Price: $$
Hotel · Galveston
The Tremont House
Historic Strand district hotel in an 1870s building with a rooftop bar.
- 2300 Ship Mechanic Row, Galveston, TX 77550
- Price: $$
Hotel · Houston
Hotel Saint Augustine
Small boutique hotel in Montrose near the Menil art campus.
- 4110 Loretto Dr, Houston, TX 77006
- Price: $$$
Hotel · Kerrville
Y.O. Ranch Hotel & Conference Center
Ranch-themed Hill Country hotel in Kerrville.
- 2033 Sidney Baker St, Kerrville, TX 78028
- Price: $$
Lodge · Lajitas
Lajitas Golf Resort
Resort on the Rio Grande near Big Bend Ranch State Park with golf and horseback riding.
- 21701 FM 170, Lajitas, TX 79852
- Price: $$$
Hotel · Lubbock
Cotton Court Hotel
Boutique motor-court style hotel in downtown Lubbock with a courtyard fire pit.
- 1610 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79401
- Price: $$
Hotel · Marathon
The Gage Hotel
Historic 1927 ranch-style hotel in Marathon on the way to Big Bend.
- 102 NW 1st St, Marathon, TX 79842
- Price: $$$
Hotel · Marfa
Hotel Saint George
Modern hotel in the heart of Marfa with a bookstore and restaurant.
- Price: $$$
Inn · New Braunfels
Gruene Mansion Inn
Inn on the bluff over the Guadalupe River next to historic Gruene.
- 1275 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
- Price: $$
Inn · Port Aransas
The Tarpon Inn
Historic 1886 island inn with a long porch and fishing heritage.
- 200 E Cotter Ave, Port Aransas, TX 78373
- Price: $$
Hotel · San Antonio
Hotel Emma
Luxury hotel inside a restored 1890s brewhouse at the Pearl.
- 136 E Grayson St, San Antonio, TX 78215
- Price: $$$
Hotel · San Antonio
The Menger Hotel
Historic 1859 hotel steps from the Alamo with a famous old bar.
- 204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
- Price: $$
Hotel · Waco
Hotel 1928
Restored 1928 downtown Waco building turned boutique hotel.
- 701 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
- Price: $$$
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Facts checked against official sites; each spot shows when. Passes and hours change, so check before you go.