What to Do in Texas: Must-Visit Places and Landmarks
Everything’s bigger in Texas — and that includes its list of iconic attractions, natural wonders, and cultural landmarks. Whether you’re planning a road trip, a weekend getaway, or a full-blown Texas vacation, the Lone Star State offers countless things to see and experience. If you’re wondering what to do in Texas, this guide brings together some of the state’s most memorable destinations — from towering views in the heart of Dallas to hidden gems in the desert.
Let’s explore the best things to do in Texas, starting from above the skyline.
DISCOVER THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN TEXAS
Texas is home to a diverse range of attractions — vibrant cityscapes, wide-open wilderness, historic landmarks, and unexpected roadside art. From West Texas to the Gulf Coast, every region has something worth seeing.
You could stargaze in one of the darkest night skies in the U.S., walk through 19th-century battlegrounds, or ride a glass elevator to panoramic views of downtown Dallas. Texas isn’t just big — it’s bold, colorful, and full of surprises.
TOP THINGS TO SEE IN TEXAS: REUNION TOWER AND MORE
Dallas is a dynamic city with something for every kind of traveler — museums, shopping, dining, and skyline views that stretch for miles. When considering the top things to see in Dallas, one experience quite literally rises above the rest.
Reunion Tower – Where Your View of Texas Begins
Few landmarks in Texas offer the kind of perspective — both literal and figurative — that Reunion Tower does. Located in downtown Dallas, this 470-foot-tall observation tower gives visitors a full 360-degree panoramic view of the city from its iconic GeO-Deck.
But Reunion Tower isn’t just about the view — it’s an experience. Interactive touch screens let you explore landmarks in the distance, telescopes bring details to life, and the tower often hosts seasonal events and activities that make each visit unique.
Whether you’re seeing Dallas for the first time or revisiting with family, Reunion Tower offers a chance to view the city (and beyond) in a whole new light. It’s an ideal stop during the day — or better yet, at sunset when the skyline glows gold and purple.
Pro Tip: The tower is a short walk from other attractions like the Sixth Floor
Museum at Dealey Plaza,the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and Klyde
Warren Park, making it a perfect launch pointfor a full day in downtown Dallas.
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden
A scenic retreat on the shores of White Rock Lake, the Arboretum offers seasonal festivals, vibrant gardens, and tranquil walkways. A great contrast to the city’s bustling core.
Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
This museum, located in the former Texas School Book Depository, explores the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy and provides one of the most reflective historical experiences in Texas.
ICONIC SIGHTS TO SEE IN TEXAS
If you’re looking for the most incredible sights to see in Texas that define the state, these iconic landmarks are perfect places to start.
The Alamo – San Antonio
As one of the most recognized historical sites in the country, the Alamo tells the story of bravery and sacrifice that helped shape Texas’s identity. Visit the preserved 18th-century mission, explore the museum, and stroll the River Walk just steps away.
Big Bend National Park – West Texas
Nestled along the Rio Grande, Big Bend offers vast canyons, rugged trails, and unforgettable desert sunsets. It’s one of the most remote national parks in the U.S., making it an ideal destination for those craving solitude and stunning scenery.
Texas State Capitol – Austin
A perfect mix of architecture, politics, and history, the Texas State Capitol in Austin is taller than the U.S. Capitol and open for free tours. The grounds also offer a great place for a midday picnic under massive oak trees.
HIDDEN GEMS AND UNIQUE THINGS TO SEE IN TEXAS
Beyond the bucket-list stops, Texas offers plenty of off-the-beaten-path attractions worth the detour.
Marfa – West Texas
A mysterious mix of desert minimalism and avant-garde art, Marfa is home to the iconic Prada Marfa installation and a thriving artist community. Stay overnight and you might even catch the famous “Marfa Lights” — unexplained glowing orbs on the horizon.
Enchanted Rock – Fredericksburg
Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo
This surreal roadside attraction features a row of graffiti-covered Cadillacs half-buried nose-first in the desert. Visitors are encouraged to bring spray paint and leave their mark.
If you’re seeking things to see in Texas that blend quirk and culture, these stops are can’t-miss additions to your itinerary.
NATURAL WONDERS OF THE LONE STAR STATE
Texas’s outdoor offerings rival its urban appeal, with dramatic landscapes and peaceful geaways throughout the state.
Palo Duro Canyon
Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro’s colorful cliffs and miles of hiking and biking trails make it an essential stop for nature lovers.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Just outside Austin, this natural swimming hole features a 50-foot waterfall spilling into a limestone grotto. Reservations are required, but the experience is unforgettable.
Padre Island National Seashore
Home to the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world, Padre Island offers sandy beaches, sea turtle nesting grounds, and incredible bird watching.
PLAN YOUR TEXAS ADVENTURE WITH A NEW VIEWPOINT
If you’ve been wondering what to do in Texas, you now have a starting point filled with variety — from the echoing halls of the Alamo to the sweeping desert sky of Big Bend. And while each destination offers something special, there’s a certain kind of magic in seeing it all from above.
Reunion Tower, with its modern experience and timeless view, offers a lens through which to appreciate Dallas — and maybe even all of Texas. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering a familiar skyline, start your adventure where the horizon is limitless.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT TO DO IN TEXAS
What are the best things to do in Texas for first-time visitors?
For first-timers, the best things to do in Texas include a blend of historical and modern attractions. Visit the Alamo in San Antonio, enjoy live music and food trucks in Austin, hike through Big Bend National Park, and take in panoramic views from Reunion Tower in Dallas. These experiences give you a real taste of Texas culture, history, and scenery.
How do I decide what to do in Texas on a road trip?
Planning what to do in Texas on a road trip depends on your interests and route. If you’re traveling east to west, consider stopping at Houston’s Space Center, Austin’s Barton Springs, San Antonio’s River Walk, and Lubbock’s Buddy Holly Center. Along the way, don’t miss small-town gems and natural parks — there’s no shortage of things to see in Texas by car.
Are there any unique or offbeat places on the list of best things to do in Texas?
Yes! While cities like Dallas and Austin have top-rated attractions, some of the best things to do in Texas are hidden in the details — like stargazing in Marfa, visiting Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, or exploring underground caverns near San Antonio. These lesser-known stops add a quirky charm to your travel experience.
What are the best things to do in Texas with kids or family?
If you’re traveling with kids, top picks for what to do in Texas include the Houston Zoo, Waco’s Magnolia Market, Natural Bridge Caverns, and the Perot Museum in Dallas. Reunion Tower is also family-friendly, with interactive features that make learning about the Dallas skyline fun for all ages.
When is the best time to explore the best things to do in Texas?
Spring and fall are generally the best seasons to enjoy outdoor activities and major events. You’ll find that many of the best things to do in Texas — like hiking at Enchanted Rock or exploring Dallas’s outdoor attractions — are most comfortable during these milder months. However, many indoor destinations, like museums and Reunion Tower, are perfect year-round if you’re looking for what to do in Texas in the summer or winter.