Texas Road Map 2020
If you’re planning a trip to Texas, you’re in for a treat. The Lone Star State offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences that cater to all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or outdoor adventures, Texas has something for everyone.
Top Attractions
If you’re visiting Texas for the first time, make sure to check out the top attractions. The Alamo in San Antonio is a must-see for history buffs. The Space Center Houston offers a fascinating look at NASA’s space program. The Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas is dedicated to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. And the Houston Museum of Natural Science is a great place to learn about dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, Texas has plenty of hidden gems to discover. The Marfa Lights in West Texas are a mysterious phenomenon that has baffled scientists for years. The Hamilton Pool Preserve near Austin is a natural swimming hole with a stunning waterfall. And the Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo is an art installation that consists of ten Cadillac cars buried nose-first in the ground.
Food Scene
Texas is famous for its barbecue, but there’s more to the food scene than just smoked meat. Austin is known for its food trucks, which offer a wide range of cuisines from around the world. Houston has a thriving Vietnamese community, which has led to some of the best pho and banh mi you’ll ever taste. And San Antonio is home to Tex-Mex cuisine, which is a fusion of Mexican and American flavors.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling in Texas doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of budget-friendly options for accommodations, food, and activities. Consider staying in a hostel or camping instead of a hotel. Look for happy hour specials at restaurants and bars. And take advantage of the many free attractions, such as the Texas State Capitol in Austin and the San Antonio River Walk.
Outdoor Adventures
Texas is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Big Bend National Park offers hiking, camping, and stargazing opportunities in a stunning desert landscape. The Guadalupe Mountains National Park has some of the best hiking trails in the state. And the Padre Island National Seashore is a great place to go fishing, birdwatching, or just relax on the beach.
Historical Landmarks
Texas has a rich history, and there are plenty of landmarks that showcase it. The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site is where Texas won its independence from Mexico in 1836. The USS Lexington in Corpus Christi is a retired aircraft carrier that served in World War II. And the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is a preserved cattle industry hub from the 1800s.
Family-Friendly Activities
If you’re traveling with kids, Texas has plenty of family-friendly activities. The Children’s Museum of Houston is a hands-on museum that offers interactive exhibits for kids of all ages. SeaWorld San Antonio is a great place to see marine animals up close. And the Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels is a fun way to cool off on a hot summer day.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something unique, Texas has plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to offer. The Prada Marfa art installation in West Texas is a fake luxury store in the middle of the desert. The Marburger Farm Antique Show in Round Top attracts antique enthusiasts from around the world. And the Bat Bridge in Austin is a great place to see thousands of bats fly out at sunset.
Natural Wonders
From canyons to caves, Texas has some incredible natural wonders to explore. The Palo Duro Canyon in the Texas Panhandle is the second-largest canyon in the United States. The Caverns of Sonora near San Angelo are a stunning underground cave system with crystal formations. And the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area near Fredericksburg is a massive pink granite dome that offers great hiking and rock climbing opportunities.
Vibrant Nightlife
If you’re looking for a good time after the sun goes down, Texas has a vibrant nightlife scene. Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, with hundreds of venues offering live music every night of the week. Houston has a great bar and club scene, with many places staying open until the early hours of the morning. And Dallas has a thriving arts district, with many galleries and theaters offering performances and events.
Local Markets
One of the best ways to experience the local culture is by visiting the markets. The Pearl Farmers Market in San Antonio offers fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts. The Dallas Farmers Market has been around since 1941 and offers a wide range of products from local farmers and artisans. And the Houston Heights Market is a great place to find vintage clothing, antiques, and handmade goods.
Beaches and Mountains
Despite its reputation as a flat state, Texas has both beaches and mountains to explore. South Padre Island is a popular beach destination, with miles of white sand and clear water. The Davis Mountains in West Texas offer hiking, camping, and stargazing opportunities in a stunning mountain landscape. And the Hill Country near Austin is a great place to go swimming, tubing, or kayaking in the many rivers and lakes.
Cultural Immersion
Texas is a melting pot of cultures, and there are many ways to immerse yourself in them. The Chinese New Year Festival in Houston is one of the largest celebrations of its kind outside of Asia. The Fiesta San Antonio is an annual event that celebrates the city’s diverse heritage with parades, food, and music. And the Texas Folklife Festival in San Antonio showcases the state’s many cultural traditions, from German polka to Mexican mariachi.
Art and Music Scene
Texas has a thriving art and music scene, with many talented artists and musicians calling it home. The Austin City Limits Music Festival is one of the largest music festivals in the country, with hundreds of performers across multiple stages. The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth has a world-renowned collection of art from around the world. And the Menil Collection in Houston offers a stunning collection of art from the ancient to the modern.
Walking Tours
One of the best ways to explore a new city is by taking a walking tour. The River Walk in San Antonio is a great place to start, with many guided tours that showcase the city’s history and culture. The Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas offers a guided tour of the site where President Kennedy was assassinated. And the Historic Downtown Walking Tour in McKinney is a great way to see the city’s many historic buildings and landmarks.
Architectural Marvels
Texas is home to many impressive architectural marvels, from historic buildings to modern skyscrapers. The Texas State Capitol in Austin is one of the largest state capitols in the country, with a stunning rotunda and dome. The Fort Worth Water Gardens is a modernist park that features a series of pools and waterfalls. And the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in Dallas is a stunning cable-stayed bridge that offers great views of the city.
Historical Sites
For history buffs, Texas has many historical sites that offer a glimpse into the past. The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is a collection of four Spanish colonial missions that date back to the 1700s. The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco showcases the history of the famous law enforcement agency. And the USS Texas in Houston is a battleship that served in both World War I and World War II.
Biking Routes
For cyclists, Texas has many great biking routes that offer scenic views and challenging terrain. The Katy Trail in Dallas is a 3.5-mile paved trail that runs through the city’s urban core. The Mission Trail in San Antonio is a 12-mile route that connects the city’s five missions. And the Davis Mountains Scenic Loop in West Texas is a 75-mile route that offers stunning mountain views and challenging climbs.
Wellness Retreats
If you’re looking to relax and rejuvenate, Texas has many wellness retreats that offer spa treatments, yoga classes, and healthy cuisine. The Lake Austin Spa Resort offers a wide range of spa services, as well as kayaking and hiking opportunities. The Miraval Austin Resort and Spa offers yoga, meditation, and wellness workshops in a stunning Hill Country setting. And the Deer Lake Lodge Resort and Health Spa offers a detox program, as well as massage and acupuncture services.
Adventure Sports
For adrenaline junkies, Texas has many adventure sports to offer. The Rio Grande in West Texas offers great rafting and kayaking opportunities. The Big Bend Ranch State Park has some of the best mountain biking trails in the state. And the Lake Travis Zipline Adventures in Austin offers a thrilling zip line experience over the lake.
With so much to see and do in Texas, you’ll never run out of options. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or outdoor adventures, the Lone