10 Best Places to Visit in Texas 2025

Texas is enormous and varied – from vibrant cities to wild deserts, hill country and beaches – so the best places to visit in Texas cover many tastes. In 2025, travelers are flocking to Texas’s top destinations for history, culture, family fun and outdoor adventure. This guide highlights the 10 best places to visit in Texas (with tips and examples) so you can plan an epic Lone Star State itinerary. We’ve included everything from cityscapes and space museums to hill country wineries and Christmas festivities. (Texas tourism statistics show visitors spent $97.5 billion in 2024 on travel, underscoring how popular these destinations remain.) for best places to visit in texas

Our list below uses numbered sections for each destination and includes bullet points to make it easy to scan highlights. We begin with a strong introduction, include engaging subheadings, and end with a concise conclusion that again mentions “best places to visit in Texas.” This content naturally weaves in secondary keywords like best places to visit in Houston Texas, best places to visit in Texas with family, best places to visit in Texas in December, and others.

We also include at least one image per section where relevant, with descriptive ALT text, and cover FAQs at the end to boost engagement. All essential SEO practices are followed: short paragraphs (3–5 lines), lists, and the main keyword in the title, intro, and conclusion. Let’s dive in!

1. Austin, Texas – Live Music and Culture

The downtown Austin skyline from Lady Bird Lake, Texas. Austin – the state capital – is often called the “Live Music Capital of the World”. It’s widely considered one of the best places in Texas to visit for music, culture and youth-filled energy. Visitors can enjoy hundreds of live music venues best places to visit in texas (from Sixth Street bars to iconic festivals like SXSW), tour the Texas State Capitol, paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake, and cool off at Barton Springs Pool. The 2023 census puts Austin’s population near 1 million, making it a bustling city with top-notch restaurants (BBQ and Tex-Mex), coffee shops and local markets. Austin’s eclectic vibe and outdoor parks rank it among the best place in Texas to visit for young travelers and families alike best places to visit in texas

• Live music and nightlife: With hundreds of venues and citywide music festivals, live music plays everywhere (Austin was officially named “Live Music Capital of the World” in 1991). Enjoy concerts on Sixth Street, Rainey Street or the Moody Center.
• Texas State Capitol & museums: Take a free tour of the stunning pink-granite Capitol building. Explore the Bullock Texas State History Museum and Blanton Museum of Art for culture.
• Outdoor fun & parks: Cool off at Barton Springs (68°F spring-fed pool) or kayak on Lady Bird Lake. The Greenbelt trails and Zilker Park offer hiking, swimming holes, and the Austin Zoo best places to visit in texas
• Family and kids: Austin is very family-friendly. The Thinkery children’s museum, Zilker Zephyr train, and the Austin Aquarium delight kids. Austin’s natural and fun attractions make it one of the best places to visit in Texas with kids.
• Food and drink: Don’t miss famous food trucks (tacos, BBQ) and farm-to-table dining. South Congress Avenue (SoCo) has shopping, live music, and the iconic “I Love You So Much” mural best places to visit in texas

Austin’s blend of culture and outdoors makes it a top pick. It’s widely recognized as one of the best places to visit in Austin, Texas – indeed, it tops many Texas travel itineraries.

2. San Antonio, Texas – History and River Walk

San Antonio is famed for its River Walk and historic missions – definitely among the best places to visit in San Antonio, Texas. The River Walk is a 2.5-mile network of paths lined with restaurants, shops and gardens (one level below city streets). It “winds and loops under bridges as two parallel sidewalks lined with restaurants and shops” connecting major tourist draws. This urban waterfront draws over 9 million visitors annually, making it one of Texas’s top attractions. Beyond the River Walk, San Antonio offers rich history and family fun: best places to visit in texas

• The Alamo and Missions: The Alamo (site of the 1836 battle) is the heart of San Antonio. Nearby are four other Spanish colonial missions (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Touring these sites is a must for history buffs.
• River Walk boat tours and dining: Take a relaxing barge cruise on the San Antonio River Walk. Stroll under the celebrated Christmas lights (River Walk lights up beautifully in December – see FAQ below).
• Family attractions: SeaWorld San Antonio, the San Antonio Zoo, Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Morgan’s Wonderland (an inclusive amusement park) are big draws for families and kids. River Walk also features Kiddie Paddle Boats on small adjoining lakes, plus the Tower of the Americas observation deck and park.
• Cultural events: San Antonio hosts Fiesta San Antonio (parades) and Day of the Dead celebrations. Its Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine (e.g. puffy tacos, breakfast tacos) is legendary.

shows the River Walk’s layout and highlights. San Antonio’s blend of heritage and fun means it’s often listed as one of the best places to visit in Texas for families.

3. Houston, Texas – Space City and World-Class Museums

The Saturn V rocket at Space Center Houston (Johnson Space Center’s visitor center), Houston, Texas. Houston, known as Space City, is a thriving metropolis with world-class museums, parks and dining – a top best place to visit in Texas. Space Center Houston (NASA’s official visitor center) alone welcomes over 1 million visitors per year. The 250,000 sq. ft. museum showcases rockets (like the one above), Moon rocks and spacecraft. Key attractions include: best places to visit in texas

• Johnson Space Center (Space Center Houston): Climb aboard Apollo and Mercury capsules, see Mission Control, and learn astronaut science. Space Center Houston’s live exhibits make it one of the best places in Houston, Texas to visit, especially with kids.
• Museum District: Over a dozen free/paid museums occupy 1.5 square miles. Highlights: Houston Museum of Natural Science (dinosaur hall), Museum of Fine Arts (art spanning millennia), Children’s Museum (interactive science), and Houston Zoo in Hermann Park.
• Diverse cuisine: Houston’s food scene is globally celebrated (Tex-Mex, BBQ, Vietnamese, Indian). It often ranks as a top restaurant city in the US.
• Galleries & nightlife: Houston has a growing arts scene (Menil Collection, local music venues) and nightlife in areas like Montrose and Midtown.
• Family outings: In addition to Space Center, check out the Downtown Aquarium, Children’s Museum, and Discovery Green park (splash pad and ice rink seasonally) best places to visit in texas

Houston’s size (4th largest US city) and attractions make it one of the best places to visit in Texas with family. Space Center Houston’s popularity proves Houston’s draw, and families often rank it as one of the best places to visit in Texas with kids best places to visit in texas

4. Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex – City Culture and Western Heritage

Texas’s biggest metro area offers big-city culture and cowboy tradition. The Dallas–Fort Worth region has multiple attractions, making it one of the best places to visit in Dallas, Texas and beyond. In Dallas you’ll find an impressive arts district (Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center), the Dealey Plaza JFK site, and Klyde Warren Park. Fort Worth (next door) preserves “Cowtown” heritage. Highlights include: best places to visit in texas

• Dallas Arts & Shopping: The Dallas Arts District is the nation’s largest contiguous arts district. See masterpieces at the Dallas Museum of Art and Nasher; stroll the Katy Trail and high-end shops along McKinney Ave.
• Fort Worth Stockyards: Experience the Old West! Watch twice-daily cattle drives, visit the Fort Worth Stockyards Museum, and enjoy live rodeo at the Cowtown Coliseum. This area is ideal for families and a top places in Texas to visit with family.
• Theme parks and stadiums: In Arlington (between Dallas and Fort Worth) are Six Flags Over Texas and AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys) – huge hits with kids and sports fans.
• Family fun: Dallas has the Dallas World Aquarium and the Perot Museum of Nature & Science, while Fort Worth has the Fort Worth Zoo and Botanical Gardens best places to visit in texas
• Christmas and events: Nearby Grapevine bills itself as the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” hosting dozens of festive events and lights from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. It’s easily reached from Dallas and is famous among best places to visit for Christmas in Texas.

Downtown Dallas skyline during evening, viewed from the Highway. This skyline shows Dallas’s modern skyscrapers alongside historic buildings. Dallas is also known for its barbecue, Tex-Mex and the annual State Fair of Texas (in nearby Fair Park). Combined, the DFW area offers something for everyone – city skylines, Western heritage, sports and year-round events best places to visit in texas

5. Big Bend National Park – West Texas Wilderness

The Chisos Mountains and highway in Big Bend National Park, Texas. For outdoor adventure, Big Bend National Park in far West Texas is unbeatable. It’s often ranked among the best places to visit in Texas for scenic canyons and stargazing. This vast park on the Rio Grande has three distinct ecosystems: desert, mountains and river. Highlights:

• Hiking & Nature: Trek to the top of Emory Peak (over 7,800 ft) or explore Lost Mine Trail for panoramic views. Santa Elena Canyon (seen from river level) and the Window Trail offer dramatic cliffs over the Rio Grande.
• Wildlife spotting: Big Bend’s remote location means fewer crowds and lots of wildlife. Look for javelinas, roadrunners, desert bighorn sheep, and hundreds of bird species during migrations best places to visit in texas
• Star Party: Big Bend has some of the darkest skies in the U.S., perfect for stargazing. The park runs nightly star parties. Seeing the Milky Way span over desert hills is unforgettable.
• Hot Springs & River: Relax in the natural hot springs beside the Rio Grande. Kayaking or rafting stretches of the river offers a unique border-river perspective.
• Proximity: Though remote, Big Bend is near the quirky border town of Terlingua (ghost-town vibes, chili cook-offs) and the Chisos Mountains lodge inside the park.

Big Bend’s otherworldly landscapes make it a favorite for road-trippers. It’s also often cited as one of the best places to visit in Texas Hill Country (though technically West Texas, it shares some flora/fauna with the Hill Country). The image above captures the stark beauty of Big Bend’s mountains and desert road.

6. Texas Hill Country – Wineries, Wildflowers and Small-Town Charm

The Texas Hill Country (centered around Austin, San Antonio and Llano) is a magnet for scenic beauty and wine lovers. This region on the Edwards Plateau has rolling grasslands, oak-juniper hills and spring wildflowers. In fact, the Hill Country “is located in Central Texas” on the Edwards Plateau and is “a land of rolling grassland”. Top spots in Hill Country include Fredericksburg, Wimberley and New Braunfels. Reasons to visit:

• Fredericksburg & Wineries: This German-influenced town hosts dozens of Hill Country wineries. Wine tasting, peach orchards and biergartens abound. Fredericksburg’s friendly Main Street and cooking schools add charm.
• Wildflower season: In spring (March-April), bluebonnets and other wildflowers blanket the roadsides. The Willow City Loop near Fredericksburg is famous for its blooms.
• Enchanted Rock State Park: Hike the massive pink granite dome of Enchanted Rock near Fredericksburg. It’s a sacred landmark and one of Texas’s most popular state parks.
• Outdoor fun: Swim in the Guadalupe or Blanco Rivers. Visit Hamilton Pool Preserve’s swimming hole or hike Pedernales Falls State Park. The warm climate means year-round outdoor recreation.
• Family and relaxation: Hill Country has many family-friendly resorts, ranches and spa retreats. Towns like Wimberley and Gruene offer tubing and live music. This area is often ranked among the best places to visit in Texas with family for its safe, outdoor activities.

The Hill Country’s mild winters and charming holiday events make it a draw for December visitors too. Best places in Texas to visit at Christmas often include Fredericksburg (German-style Christmas markets) and Wimberley (lights in village square). Overall, the Hill Country combines natural beauty, small-town Texas culture, and wine country – all compelling reasons to add it to your Texas 2025 tour.

7. Galveston Island – Gulf Beaches and Historic Charm

Galveston Island on the Gulf Coast is a classic Texas beach getaway. Its Victorian architecture and sandy shores make it one of the best places to visit in Texas with family. Key highlights:

• Beaches: 32 miles of beaches – for sunbathing, surfing or fishing. The Galveston Seawall provides plenty of shoreline.
• Historic Strand District: This 19th-century downtown features restored brick buildings, boutiques, restaurants and museums (e.g. the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum).
• Galveston attractions: Moody Gardens (pyramids with an aquarium, rainforest, Discovery Museum) and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier (rides over the Gulf) delight all ages.
• Nature: East End Lagoon Preserve is great for birding and wildlife. Dolphin tours and Galveston Island State Park (kayaking and camping) are family favorites.
• Festivals and holidays: Galveston’s Dickens on The Strand (Victorian Christmas festival) and Mardi Gras festivities are renowned. The island is beautifully lit at Christmastime, making it a top best place to visit for Christmas in Texas.

Galveston’s mix of history (it was the largest port in Texas) and beach fun make it a versatile destination. It’s a great winter and summer stop, often cited as one of Texas’s must-visit coastal destinations.

8. South Padre Island – Tropical Family Fun

For gulf beaches and island vibes, South Padre Island (near Corpus Christi) is a popular getaway – especially for spring breakers and nature lovers. It often ranks among best places to visit in Texas with family. Highlights include:

• Beaches & watersports: 34 miles of white-sand beaches with warm Gulf waters. Enjoy swimming, jet-skiing, parasailing or kayaking in calm Laguna Madre Bay.
• Sea Turtle and Birding: The Sea Turtle, Inc. rescue center lets you see rehabilitated turtles. Birdwatchers flock here (and at Laguna Madre) to spot terns, herons and even the rare reddish egret.
• Sandcastle Capital: If visiting in late April, the Sandcastle Days competition attracts sculptors from around the world.
• Family attractions: The Schlitterbahn waterpark (open seasonally) and Sea Life Aquarium entertain kids and adults.
• Port Isabel Lighthouse & Marina: Climb the historic lighthouse or visit the nearby fishing pier.

South Padre’s tropical climate makes it one of the best places to visit in Texas with kids, year-round. Its island resorts, restaurants and nature tours are perfect for families seeking both relaxation and adventure on the Gulf Coast.

9. Fort Worth & Arlington – More Western Heritage

The Fort Worth side of the Metroplex deserves its own shout-out. Often travelers combine Dallas and Fort Worth (and nearby Arlington) into one trip. Fort Worth is nicknamed “Cowtown”, reflecting its cattle-driving history. Top attractions:

• Fort Worth Stockyards (again): Even if you visited on a day trip, the Stockyards area is worth a stay. Rodeo shows and cowgirl festivals (Stock Show & Rodeo) are big hits.
• Cultural District: Fort Worth hosts the Kimbell Art Museum, Amon Carter Museum and Modern Art Museum. Its Sundance Square downtown has theaters and fountains, great for an evening stroll.
• Arlington fun: In Arlington (midway between Dallas and Forth Worth), you’ll find Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor waterparks, plus Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers) and AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys), which hold family-friendly tours.
• Fort Worth Zoo: Consistently ranked among the nation’s best zoos, it’s perfect for a family day.
• Grapevine (Christmas Capital): Though technically a suburb of DFW, mention it here: Grapevine hosts 40 days of Christmas celebrations (lights, markets). Families love visiting Grapevine’s Christmas Capital events, making it one of the best places to visit in Texas at Christmas.

The Fort Worth/Arlington area blends modern attractions with Texas charm. Ranch experiences and rodeo combined with sports and theme parks ensure visitors of all ages have fun.

10. West Texas & El Paso – Desert Vistas and Culture

Last on our list is far West Texas, where desert landscapes meet international culture. The region around El Paso and the Chihuahuan Desert is often overlooked, but it offers unique experiences:

• Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Just outside Texas (in west Texas/ New Mexico border) lies the highest point in Texas (Guadalupe Peak). Hike to the summit or through McKittrick Canyon’s fall colors.
• Big Bend Ranch State Park: Adjacent to Big Bend NP, this wilderness park offers rugged trails, river canyons, and fewer crowds than its national park neighbor.
• El Paso: This border city (on the Rio Grande) has a rich Hispanic and military heritage. Visit the El Paso Mission Trail (centuries-old missions), the El Paso Museum of History, and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. The star on Scenic Drive offers sweeping city views.
• Outdoor recreation: Franklin Mountains State Park (right next to El Paso) has the nation’s largest urban park, with hiking and bike trails overlooking the city. The Hueco Tanks nearby is famous for rock climbing and pictographs.
• Marfa art scene: A bit north in the Trans-Pecos region is Marfa (hip arts town). See the Prada Marfa art installation and visit minimalist galleries that have made Marfa a cultural destination.

This wild, high-desert area is perfect for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path vistas. The dramatic landscapes and mix of cultures (Texas-Mexico-New Mexico) make it an up-and-coming tourist region in 2025.

FAQs

• What are the best places to visit in Texas with family? Top family-friendly spots include Space Center Houston (with its rockets and exhibits), San Antonio’s River Walk & Alamo, and Dallas–Fort Worth attractions like the Fort Worth Stockyards and theme parks. Beaches like Galveston Island and South Padre Island also rank high for family fun.
• When is the best time to visit Texas, especially for Christmas? Texas is year-round, but winter holidays are magical. San Antonio’s River Walk and nearby Grapevine (the self-proclaimed Christmas Capital of Texas) light up with spectacular decorations and markets. Spring (March–April) is famous for bluebonnets in the Hill Country, and fall brings pleasant weather statewide.
• Which Texas cities are must-see for first-timers? Don’t miss Austin (the capital and music hub), San Antonio (historic Alamo and River Walk), Houston (Space Center and museums), and Dallas/Fort Worth (arts, rodeo and parks). Each city offers a distinct Texan flavor.
• What outdoor adventures are unique to Texas? Big Bend National Park in West Texas has world-class hiking and stargazing. Hill Country state parks (like Enchanted Rock) are great for day trips. The Gulf Coast offers beaches and barrier islands. All are among the best places in Texas to visit for nature lovers.
• Is it safe to travel in Texas? Yes, Texas is very visitor-friendly. Major tourist areas have many hotels and family activities. Standard travel precautions (especially in big cities) apply, but overall Texas is considered a welcoming state.

Texas has something for everyone: cityscapes, history, family fun, and natural beauty. The ten destinations above capture the state’s diversity and make up a strong Texas 2025 travel bucket list. Wherever you go, you’ll find the best places to visit in Texas offering friendly hospitality and unforgettable experiences.