Texas, the Lone Star State, is a vast and diverse land full of exciting places to visit. If you’re eager to explore some amazing places, In this guide, we’re unveiling the 20 Best Tourist Places To Visit In Texas, showcasing a mix of exciting cities, historical sites, and stunning natural wonders.
Explore the vibrant energy of Houston, the allure of Austin, and the breathtaking landscapes of Big Bend National Park. Take a virtual tour with us to uncover the quintessential destinations that embody the spirit of Texas.
Whether you’re into history, nature, or just good old Texan fun, we’ve got the ultimate list to make your visit memorable.
Get ready to discover the diverse and enchanting wonders that make Texas a top destination for tourists from around the globe!
1. San Antonio River Walk
San Antonio River Walk is a beautiful and popular destination in Texas, USA. This scenic waterway winds its way through the heart of downtown San Antonio, offering a delightful stroll along its cobblestone paths.
Lined with charming shops, restaurants, and picturesque landscapes, the River Walk provides a unique and vibrant experience for locals and visitors alike.
Whether you’re interested in shopping, dining, or simply enjoying the peaceful ambiance, the San Antonio River Walk has something for everyone.
Join us on a journey to explore the cultural richness and natural beauty that make this riverside attraction a must-visit destination.
Key Point
Best Things to do
- Stroll along the River Walk: Take a leisurely walk along the scenic San Antonio River Walk, enjoying the beautiful surroundings and vibrant atmosphere.
- Riverboat Tour: Explore the waterways with a riverboat tour, learning about the history and architecture of the area from knowledgeable guides.
- Dine at Riverfront Restaurants: Indulge in delicious meals at the numerous riverfront restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, from Tex-Mex to fine dining.
- Visit The Alamo: Take a short walk to The Alamo, a historic site and symbol of Texas independence. Learn about the state’s rich history and explore the beautiful grounds.
- Shop at River Walk Shops: Browse through unique shops and boutiques along the River Walk, where you can find souvenirs, clothing, and local artisan goods.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live music and performances at the various venues along the River Walk, adding a touch of entertainment to your visit.
- Nightlife on the River Walk: Experience the vibrant nightlife by visiting bars and clubs along the River Walk, offering a lively atmosphere after sunset.
- Bike or Segway Tours: Explore the area on two wheels with bike or Segway tours, providing a fun and informative way to cover more ground.
- Rivercenter Mall: Shop for popular brands and enjoy entertainment options at the Rivercenter Mall, conveniently located on the River Walk.
Tourist Attractions:
- The Alamo
- La Villita Historic Arts Village
- Museum Reach
- Arneson River Theatre
- Casa Rio
- San Fernando Cathedral
- Pearl District
- Market Square
- Rivercenter Mall
- Rio San Antonio Cruises
- Tower of the Americas
- Briscoe Western Art Museum
- The Shops at Rivercenter
- Aztec Theatre
- The San Antonio Buckhorn Saloon and Museum
- The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
- Culinary Institute of America at Pearl
- Mad Dogs British Pub
- Haunted Mayan
- King William Historic District
Where to stay?
- The Westin Riverwalk
- Hotel Valencia Riverwalk
- Mokara Hotel & Spa
- Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk
- Grand Hyatt San Antonio
- Hotel Contessa
- Omni La Mansion del Rio
- Drury Plaza Hotel Riverwalk
- Wyndham San Antonio River Walk
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk
Best Time to Visit
- Late winter to spring for pleasant weather
2. The Alamo
The Alamo is a famous historical site located in San Antonio, Texas. It’s a former mission and fortress that played a significant role in the Texas Revolution.
The battle of the Alamo, which took place in 1836, is considered one of the most important events in Texas history.
The Alamo is a symbol of courage and sacrifice, and its story has been told and retold for generations.
Visiting the Alamo today, you can see the remains of the old mission and fortress, as well as learn about the events that took place there.
Key Point
Best Things to do
- Explore the Alamo Mission: Take a self-guided tour to learn about the history of the Alamo Mission, its significance in Texas history, and the famous battle that took place in 1836.
- Visit the Alamo Shrine: Pay your respects at the Alamo Shrine, the central building where the most critical moments of the Battle of the Alamo occurred.
- Attend Educational Programs: Check for any educational programs or guided tours that provide in-depth insights into the historical context and events surrounding The Alamo.
- Watch the IMAX Film: The Alamo offers an IMAX film that provides a cinematic experience, recounting the story of the famous battle and the events leading up to it.
- Explore the Gardens: Wander through the beautiful Alamo Gardens, which feature a variety of native plants and serve as a peaceful contrast to the historical intensity of the site.
- Participate in Special Events: Keep an eye on the schedule for special events, reenactments, or commemorations that may enhance your visit with a unique experience.
- Visit the Long Barrack Museum: Explore the Long Barrack, which houses a museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits related to the history of The Alamo.
Tourist Attractions:
- The Alamo Mission
- The Alamo Gardens
- Long Barrack Museum
- Alamo Plaza
- The Gift Museum
- The Wall of History
- The Alamo Cenotaph
Where to stay?
- The Menger Hotel
- Hotel Gibbs Downtown Riverwalk
- The Crockett Hotel
- Hyatt Regency San Antonio
- Hotel Valencia Riverwalk
Best Time to Visit
- November to April, when the weather is mild
3. Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston, just 30 minutes from downtown Houston, is a cool place to check out. It’s like a big space museum where you can learn about space stuff, upcoming space trips, and what NASA is up to. You might even get to meet an astronaut!
The place is pretty massive, and there’s a lot to see. You can go on a tour to visit Johnson Space Center and Mission Control. Plan to spend at least half a day there because there are so many interesting exhibits about space travel.
They’ve got a pretend space shuttle on top of a carrier, and you can walk through a copy of America’s first space station, Skylab. The museum also has rockets, moon rocks, and rocks from Mars.
If you’re in downtown Houston, it’s only a 30-minute drive. If you’re coming from Galveston, it’s about 40 minutes. So, whether you’re in Houston or Galveston, it’s not too far to go and explore the wonders of space!
Key Point
Best Things to do
- Take the Tram Tour: Explore NASA’s Johnson Space Center on a tram tour that provides an overview of the facility, including historic Mission Control and astronaut training facilities.
- Visit Independence Plaza: Get up close to the historic shuttle carrier aircraft, NASA 905, and the shuttle replica Independence. Tour the replica shuttle’s flight deck and payload bay.
- Explore Mission Mars: Experience the interactive Mission Mars exhibit, which showcases the past, present, and future of Mars exploration, including a replica of the Mars Rover.
- Check out Starship Gallery: Marvel at the vast collection of space artifacts, including moon rocks, space suits, and spacecraft, in the Starship Gallery.
- Participate in the Astronaut Experiences: Engage in astronaut meet-and-greets, hear firsthand experiences from astronauts, and even try the astronaut training simulators.
- Witness the Space Center Theater Shows: Catch one of the engaging space-themed films or presentations at the Space Center Theater for an immersive experience.
- Children’s Play Area: If you’re visiting with kids, don’t miss the interactive children’s play area, where young explorers can engage in educational and entertaining activities.
- Lunar Lab: Experience the Lunar Lab, an interactive exhibit that allows visitors to touch actual moon rocks and learn about lunar exploration.
Tourist Attractions:
- Space Center Houston
- NASA’s Johnson Space Center
- Astronaut Gallery
- Mission Control
- Space Shuttle Independence
- Saturn V Rocket
- Lunar Module
- Starship Gallery
- Astronaut Training Experience
- Zero-G Diner
Where to stay?
- Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake
- Courtyard by Marriott Houston NASA/Clear Lake
- Holiday Inn Houston Webster
- Extended Stay America – Houston – NASA – Bay Area Blvd.
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Houston NASA/Webster
Best Time to Visit
- Weekdays or early mornings on weekends to avoid crowds
