Texas is a state known for its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and a food scene that’s as big as its spirit. Whether you’re a foodie, thrill-seeker, or adventure enthusiast, the best cities to visit in Texas offer something for everyone. From the lively streets of Austin to the historic charm of San Antonio, each city boasts unique attractions, mouthwatering dishes, and endless activities. Get ready to discover the perfect blend of food, fun, and adventure on your Texas getaway!
San Antonio
San Antonio is one of the best cities to visit in Texas, offering an exciting mix of food, fun, and adventure. From savoring mouthwatering Tex-Mex dishes along the River Walk to exploring the historic Alamo, San Antonio has something for everyone. Dive into thrilling activities like theme parks, scenic boat tours, or enjoy family-friendly events throughout the year.
For this reason, San Antonio shoots to the top of our list of the best places to experience in Texas. Time here should begin and end along the Riverwalk, which is teeming with world-class restaurants, a vibrant atmosphere plus great shops and central hotels. Before or after your delicious dinner, sign up for a nighttime river cruise.
Another famous attraction in San Antonio is the Alamo, of course, we wouldn’t forget. It will take just a moment to get between this iconic destination and the Riverwalk. The mission was built in 1744 and, almost three centuries later, remains at the forefront of US history.
Houston
Houston is undeniably one of the best cities to visit in Texas, offering a unique blend of food, fun, and adventure. The city is a food lover’s paradise, with diverse cuisines ranging from top-notch BBQ to international flavors. For those seeking fun, Houston offers attractions like the Space Center, the Museum District, and thrilling sports events. Adventure enthusiasts can explore outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and visiting nearby parks.
One that will be at the top of your list is the Space Center Houston. While kid-friendly, the whole traveling party will become enamored with the insightful, hands-on offerings. With a focus on science and technology, you can learn about the exploration of space, check out artifacts from the moon, spot the Saturn V rocket and put on an astronaut suit.
Many of the Houston’s biggest attractions are located in the Warehouse District of Downtown Houston, so head there to see the incredible Downtown Tunnel System, soak in the views from the 60th floor Chase Tower Observatory, explore the Downtown Aquarium and catch an outdoor performance at TUTS, or the Theater Under the Stars.
After spending enough time indoors, check out the city’s sprawling green spaces, including Memorial Park and Buffalo Bayou Park.
Austin
Austin, one of the best cities to visit in Texas, is renowned for its vibrant food scene, lively atmosphere, and endless adventure opportunities. Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin offers a variety of entertainment, from live performances to festivals. The food scene is equally exciting, with mouthwatering BBQ, food trucks, and farm-to-table dining.
Thanks to the guitars and drums that play into the early hours in the Dirty Six, South Congress and along Rainey Street, Austin has developed a reputation as a leader in live music. Add on some mouthwatering Tex-Mex cuisine and you can keep yourself happy all week long.
Thanks to its position along the Colorado River, Austin is packed with beautiful parks and on-water experiences. Can explore Lady Bird Lake, on foot or kayak, before walking across the memorable Congress Street Bridge. It’s here from mid-spring to early fall that the largest urban bat colony on earth makes the daily flight at sunset.
Padre Island National Seashore
Nowhere on earth could you find a longer, undeveloped seashore than right here on Padre Island. Spanning 70 miles, the Padre Island National Seashore is a birdwatchers dream and one of the world’s vital areas of conservation.
A brief drive from the southern city of Corpus Cristi, the national seashore boasts an impressive collection of untouched beaches that flow into rolling dunes and pristine grassland habitats. Among it all, you can discover an array of species, including Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, which can be found hatching during the summer months.
Enjoying the beach is a big part of the seashore experience. Kids will love building sandcastles and jumping in the Gulf of Mexico. But the shore’s trails will be calling your name. These will help you discover the more than 350 migratory birds that stop along the barrier island on their journey.
Other activities include kayaking the Laguna Madre, or off-road four-wheel driving along the beach.
Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country is one of the best tourist cities in Texas, offering a perfect blend of scenic beauty, outdoor adventures, and charming small towns. Known for its rolling hills, wineries, and crystal-clear rivers, this region is a haven for nature lovers. Hiking in the state parks, exploring historic towns like Fredericksburg, or enjoying local food and wine, the Texas Hill Country promises an unforgettable getaway filled with relaxation and adventure.
Head to Fredericksburg for a dose of German culture, since the area was settled by German settlers in the 19th century. In Fredericksburg, you might visit a winery for a tasting, enjoy bratwurst and sauerkraut at an authentic beer garden or shop for Bavarian souvenirs at an outdoor market.
But it’s not just culture here in Texas Hill Country, its nature is just as memorable. This includes the 140-foot-deep Jacobs Well that leads to a large submerged cave. Then there’s the Natural Bridge Caverns and, of course, Enchanted Rock, great for a picnic hike.
The best time to visit the region is in spring when the Hill Country is ablaze with wildflowers including the Texas State Flower; the Bluebonnet.
Galveston
Galveston is one of the best tourist cities in Texas, known for its beautiful beaches, historic charm, and lively atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the sandy shores, explore the Strand Historic District, or visit attractions like Moody Gardens and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. With its coastal beauty, fun activities, and rich history, Galveston offers a perfect getaway for relaxation and adventure.
With seemingly endless amounts of sun-soaked shorelines along the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston continues to captivate travelers. Days begin and end on the town’s golden sands. But in between you’ll be exploring historic streets that once featured the “Wall Street of the South”, state parks and heart-pumping theme parks.
Once an immigration port in line with Ellis Island, today visitors can make their choice between learning about the town’s incredible history or simply kicking back with a cocktail as the sun’s rays pour down. To do both at once, explore the Historic Pleasure Pier and let the kids’ experience the 16 fair rides, including a 200ft swing.
Dallas
Dallas is a top choice for Texas cities for family vacations, offering a variety of attractions that appeal to all ages. From the interactive Perot Museum of Nature and Science to the thrilling Dallas Zoo, there’s plenty of fun for kids. Families can explore the iconic Dealey Plaza, visit the Dallas Arboretum, or enjoy shopping and dining at the lively NorthPark Center. With a mix of educational, outdoor, and entertainment options, Dallas is a perfect destination for a memorable family getaway.
We’ve taken a look at Fort Worth, now let’s make our way 30 minutes east to Dallas. No Texas experience is truly complete until you’ve stepped foot in the Big D, a nickname that has been synonymous with Dallas since the 1930s. Here, you’ll find one of the top art districts in the United States, arboretums, and plenty of sport.
Covering an incredible 19 blocks, the Dallas Art District is the biggest in the country. Highlights include the beloved Dallas Art Museum, which will take multiple visits to complete. In addition, the city boasts Deep Ellum which is teeming with street art.
Other cities in Texas may be more renowned for their history, but there’s no denying Dallas’ place. It was here the JFK was assassinated, an event you can retrace at the Sixth Floor Museum.
Lastly, there are sports. Dallas is home to America’s Team, the Cowboys, along with the Mavericks of the NBA and the Rangers of the MLB.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is one of the best cities to visit in Texas, offering breathtaking landscapes and a unique experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Known for its stunning desert views, rugged mountains, and the Rio Grande river, it’s the perfect place for hiking, stargazing, and exploring the diverse wildlife. The Chisos Mountains or enjoying a scenic drive, Big Bend offers an unforgettable Texas adventure!
In the heart of the Chihuahan Desert is one of the most spectacular national parks, not just in Texas but in the United States. The name Big Bend National Park proves the colloquialism that, yes, everything is bigger in Texas.
Visitors can expect grandiose rock walls that soar up like towers of burnt orange. Crevasses lead to bouts of lush vegetation which stick out, not like a sore thumb, but rather as ornaments to the endless power of Mother Nature.
The rock walls and crevasses have been carved by the might Rio Grande River for untold centuries, acting like a fine brush upon the otherwise harsh landscape. You can appreciate this spellbinding beauty along one of Big Bend’s entrancing hiking trails, with a paddle along the thrilling river, or simply at camp around the fire as the stars sparkle above. Big Bend is an International Dark-Sky Park.
One trek that should be atop your itinerary is the 12.6-mile South Rime Trail that leads to unforgettable vistas.
El Paso
El Paso stands out as one of the best cities to visit in Texas for its rich culture, scenic beauty, and warm hospitality. Nestled along the Rio Grande and bordered by mountains, El Paso offers stunning desert landscapes, delicious Mexican cuisine, and vibrant local art. Explore Franklin Mountains State Park, visit the El Paso Museum of Art, or enjoy a sunset view from Scenic Drive. El Paso is a hidden gem full of adventure, flavor, and culture.
In the far western corner of Texas lies El Paso. It may not jump off the map as a must-see destination, yet to truly know Texas, one must spend time here. El Paso is the definition of a hidden gem, tucked away in some far-flung corner. Those that make the journey will uncover an inviting local culture and an intricate history tied to El Paso’s position as a border town.
Just steps away from Mexico, it’s no shock that El Paso has plenty of influence from the country to the south. Within the Downtown Historic District, you’ll discover Mexican markets and age-old architecture that harks back to El Paso’s beginnings as a trading post in the heart of the Wild West.
Modern architecture soon takes over, including the gorgeous El Camino Real Hotel, a national historic landmark that was once known as the spot to watch the Mexican revolution just a few miles away.
This destination is also known as Sun City, and it boasts incredible views as the sun sets nightly over the Franklin Mountains. There are many great attractions in El Paso, just some of which include the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, the Museum of Archeology at Wilderness Park and the Centennial Museum.
Palo Duro Canyon
Palo Duro Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” is one of the best cities to visit in Texas for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers. Located near Amarillo, this stunning natural wonder offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping with breathtaking views. Visitors can enjoy colorful rock formations, wildlife, and the famous TEXAS Outdoor Musical in the summer. For a mix of nature, fun, and scenic beauty, Palo Duro Canyon is a must-visit Texas destination.
Palo Duro Canyon in the Texas Panhandle. There may be more famous canyons in the United States, yet this one can claim to be the second biggest. Not far from the charming town of Amarillo, Palo Duro Canyon offers a range of activities, from leisurely strolls to heart-in-mouth experiences.
Through gorgeous landscapes on its way to epic views, the canyon’s 30 miles worth of hiking trails will have you wondering how such a green and barren landscape can co-exist. Yet that’s what you’ll find here, as towering monoliths of burnt rock rise to each side and vegetation battle for what little nutrients lay on the surface.
Beyond hiking, sign up for the zipline ride that takes you hundreds of feet above the ground from one side to the other. Afterwards, reward yourself at The Big Texas, the home of the 72 oz steak challenge!
Waco
Once upon a time, you may have only heard of Waco thanks to the Baylor Bears or the famous HGTV show Fixer Upper. There’s always more to the story. In central Texas, Waco is split by the rolling Brazos River and is known for its thriving arts scene, plenty of outdoor fun and being the home of Dr Pepper.
Historic neighborhoods abound in Waco and at the heart of this experience is the Magnolia Market. Featuring two ancient silos, you’ll find an endless array of decor from 19th and 20th century wall decorations to old-time kitchenware. Add on delectable food trucks and you have the perfect afternoon date.
The history-based fun continues at the Dr Pepper Museum and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame. The former celebrating the famous drink within the original bottling plant from the early 1900s. While the latter traces the story of the famous Texas Rangers through time.
Fort Worth
The second half of Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Fort Worth commands your attention. There are few things more Texan then cattle ranching, and Fort Worth has been a central figure in this trade for centuries.
If Dallas is about business and art, then Fort Worth is about cowboys and fun. To get to know the city, head along to the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, where locals continue to embrace the city’s famous heritage. Stick around for the memorable, daily cattle drive, catch a rodeo before learning some Texas Two Step at the largest honky tonk on earth, Billy Bob’s Texas.
Make your way out of the Stockyards, and you’ll discover a well-rounded Fort Worth. Be sure to add the Cultural District, the Kimbell Art Museum and Sundance Square to your itinerary.
Marfa
When it comes to the best cities to visit in Texas, Marfa definitely stands out. Tucked away in the high desert of West Texas, this small town has become a major hotspot for contemporary art lovers, creatives, and curious travelers. Known for its mysterious Marfa Lights, minimalist art installations, and quirky vibes, Marfa blends small-town charm with a surprisingly international art scene. Whether you’re stargazing, exploring the Chinati Foundation, or enjoying a peaceful desert sunset, Marfa offers an experience like no other.
Marfa: Art, Lights, and Stargazing
Once upon a time, Marfa was established as a water stop along a storied railroad. Today, its humble beginnings have taken a back step to the city’s incredible, illuminating and downright mysterious Marfa lights and head-scratching art.
You may have seen it, a picture of the Prada store in the middle of nowhere. Well, you can find it here in Marfa, a town known for its wide-open spaces and its fearlessness towards public art. Beyond the famed Prada exhibit, the Marfa Lights are a collection of glowing orbs that have caused equal parts confusion and wonder for decades.
Lights aren’t the only illumination that attract travelers to Marfa. Boasting one of the darkest skies in the country, thousands of stargazers come here to visit the Rebecca Gale Telescope Park and wonder at the beauty of the Milky Way.
From the vibrant streets of Austin to the rich culture of San Antonio, the charm of small-town Fredericksburg to the cosmopolitan buzz of Dallas and Houston—Texas offers a flavorful mix of food, fun, and adventure. Foodie seeking the best BBQ, a thrill-seeker chasing outdoor excitement, or a traveler craving local history and lively festivals, the Lone Star State has a city tailored just for you. So pack your bags and hit the road—because everything really is bigger (and better) in Texas!
FAQs
When is the best time to explore the best cities to visit in Texas?
The ideal time to explore the best cities to visit in Texas is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). The weather is pleasant, and many festivals and outdoor events take place during these seasons.
What’s the best city to visit in Texas for family vacations?
San Antonio is often considered one of the best cities to visit in Texas for families due to its kid-friendly attractions like the San Antonio Zoo, SeaWorld, and The DoSeum. Dallas and Houston also offer fantastic family-friendly destinations.
Are there any underrated cities in Texas worth visiting?
Fredericksburg, Marfa, and Waco are some of the best cities to visit in Texas that are lesser-known but full of charm. They offer unique attractions, local art, and small-town warmth that many travelers love.
Which cities in Texas offer both adventure and culture?
San Antonio and El Paso are two of the best cities to visit in Texas that blend outdoor adventure with deep-rooted culture. From river walks and missions to hiking and scenic views, these cities offer a well-rounded travel experience.
What is the most fun city in Texas to visit with friends?
When it comes to fun and vibrant nightlife, Austin is often considered one of the best cities to visit in Texas with friends. Its live music venues, outdoor adventures, and food scene make it a hotspot for group getaways.
Which Texas cities are best for food lovers?
The best cities to visit in Texas for food lovers are Austin for its food trucks and BBQ, Houston for international cuisine, and San Antonio for authentic Tex-Mex flavors. Each city offers a culinary journey that reflects the state’s rich diversity.
What are the best cities to visit in Texas for first-time travelers?
For first-time travelers, the best cities to visit in Texas include Austin for its live music scene, San Antonio for historical landmarks like The Alamo, and Dallas for upscale shopping and dining. These cities offer a perfect mix of culture, cuisine, and adventure, making them great starting points.
