Its not a boring museum with a bunch of long plaques to read with glass cases, but a truly immersive experience that allows you to see the gliders hung from the ceilings towering above you as well as get up close and personal to other World War II artifacts on display. Christmas in San Antonio: 11 Fun Things to Do! Six Flags may be a national theme park brand now, but it all started in Arlington, Texas, with Six Flags Over Texas. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Some of the most popular hikes are located in Big Bend National Park, including the popular Lost Mine Trail in the heart of the Chisos Mountains. A lesser known state park but one of the most interesting places to see in West Texas is the Guadalupe Mountains State Park. Please see our, The Ultimate Weekend in San Antonio Itinerary, 17 Fun Weekend Getaways from Austin (Road Trip Ideas! It does not store any personal data. Some of the towns arent all that interesting beyond the name, but others have great roadside Texas attractions (like Paris Eiffel Tower) and still others are fabulous places to visit in their own right (like the charming town of Dublin). It also happens to be right next door to Pedernales Falls State Park, which makes an excellent next stop when checking things off of your Texas bucket list! One of the most sought after accommodation providers are Basecamp Terlingua which have created a number of quirky and luxury camping options for visitors to get a unique overnight experience. I did not know Wimberley did boots. Invented in Dallas in 1971 by Mariano Martinez, frozen margaritas are a staple at Texas happy hours, tailgates, and more. No trip to Houston is complete without a visit to Space Center Houston, which is connected to NASAs Johnson Space Center. The charming Port Isabel Lighthouse dates to 1852, and a mere 75 steps will deliver you to the top, where you can admire beautiful views of the coast and the Queen Isabella Causeway, as well as South Padre Island in the distance! Located inside Nelson Park, the fun continues even after leaving the zoo and helps to make this a great Texas day trip. Located in west Texas, the McDonald Observatory allows visitors to access one of the most impressive views of the night sky imaginable, and a visit here is a special addition to any Texas bucket list! A local favorite, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is home to 66 stunning acres of gardens, all of which are worth exploring. You can choose from a picnic in the desert, horse riding through the sandy trails, camping at one of the pre-booked campsites which offer water and electricity or an adrenaline-pumping afternoon of sledding down the sand dunes in your personal sled. In a tribute to their homeland, the new residents of Texas erected a beautiful replica of a Dutch windmill, and you can visit it today when exploring the best things to do in Texas. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Located just steps from the famous Riverwalk, San Antonios four other Spanish missions (. Once youve crossed over to the Mexican side of the river, you can continue your journey on foot, in a car or on horseback. Texas has plenty of stunning lakes to choose from, but the turquoise waters of Canyon Lake are definitely a local favorite. It went bust when the demand for mercury did and then promptly turned into a ghost town. 27+ Memorable Things to Do in West Texas (must-sees! One of the most fun things to do in West Texas is attend the Terlingua International Chili Competition. A small but impressive museum, the El Paso Museum of Art makes for one of the most interesting places to see and visit in West Texas. Many of the items included on this giant Texas bucket list are best seen via a road tripthe Lone Star State was made for road tripping, so jump in the car and set off on a Texas-style adventure (after filling up at Buc-ees, of course). Things to Do in West Texas: Explore More Parks. Both tours are free for age 17 and under. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Named one of the Best Hotel Bars by Texas Monthly Magazine, the White Buffalo Bar is a much loved local tequila bar, adjoining the stylish Gage hotel. Whether youre a big fan of Kane Brown or JoJo Siwa, chances as theyve come through the United Supermarkets Arena on the campus of Texas Tech for an evening concert. Members of the official Texas longhorn herd live in four state parks: Palo Duro Canyon, Lyndon B. Johnson State Historic Site, San Angelo, and Copper Breaks. and sing along to Deep in the Heart of Texas and God Blessed Texas at least a few times each during it. But Spindletop, as the event came to be known, turned attentions to oil, and quickly brought wealth and fortune-seekers to Beaumont and beyond. Clean restrooms, kolaches, eclectic souvenirs, breakfast tacos, a beaver statue out front, and more: there is no more welcome sight to a road-weary Texas road tripper in search of gas than a Buc-ees! Technically, its not a store at all, but an art installationthat doesnt take away from how much fun it is to see the Prada logo pop up in the middle of the desert, though! San Antonios four other Spanish missions (Mission Concepcin, Mission San Jos, Mission Espada, and Mission San Juan Capistrano), along with the Alamo, make up the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. Hey! Be prepared, though: with little-to-no shade, Enchanted Rock can be a dangerous scorcher on hot summer days. Many of the items included on this giant Texas bucket list are best seen via a road tripthe Lone Star State was made for road tripping, so jump in the car and set off on a Texas-style adventure (after filling up at Buc-ees, of course). Either way, be sure to enjoy a few bowls of classic Texas chili. Today, visitors can learn about this integral history to the state of Texas at the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, a recreated early-20th century town. It is one of only two locations in the US where you can do so, making this one of the most unique things to do in Texas! The home to Shiner Beer is open to visitors! Sam Houston National Forest and Davy Crockett National Forest are both great places to hike, though there are plenty of hiking spots in the Pineywoods to choose from. Mission Concepcin, Mission San Jos, Mission Espada, and Mission San Juan Capistrano), along with the Alamo, make up the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Whilst youre there, keep an eye out for the costumed interpreters who are on hand to provide an authentic historical flair to your visit. Youll also find the Texas Musician Hall of fame and the Lubbock Fine Arts Gallery here, with more exhibits on the arts and music in Lubbock. You can drive for hours and still not reach any sizable city. Hike the Tallest Peak in Texas. If you love to hike, this definitely needs to go on your Texas bucket list. In the nighttime, retreat to your own sunken fire pit seating area for a starlit experience like no other. ), 21 Best Things to Do on South Padre Island, 13 Stunning Waterfalls in Texas (+ Map to Find Them! 14 Comments West Texas is perhaps one of the most desolate places in the United States. A blend of modern, minimalist art and the stark open landscapes that West Texas is known for, the Chinati Foundation draws visitors from all over the world. The adorable small town of Jefferson, Texas, is known for its incredible collection of bed and breakfastsits a perfect romantic getaway for couples looking for a quiet weekend, and staying in a bed and breakfast here definitely belongs on any list of what to do in Texas. No Texas bucket list would be complete without attending a show in the Live Music Capital of the World! Lining the San Antonio River, the beautiful Riverwalk is one of the most popular Texas attractions, and is a must-see when visiting San Antonio. ), Texas Food Guide: 25+ Tasty Things to Eat in Texas, The Kolaches of West, Texas (Bakeries + Beyond), What to Buy in Texas: 25 Fun Texas Souvenirs, 35+ Best Places to Visit in Texas (Cool Vacation Spots! ), Texas Trade Days: 12 Coolest Flea Markets in Texas (+ Tips!). In Dinosaur Valley State Park, you can follow in the literal footsteps of dinosaurs. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Chip and Joanna Gaines, of HGTV fame, have put Waco even more firmly onto the Texas road trip map with their repurposed silos featuring a boutique and bakery. All the Best Things to Do in West Texas Road Trip Guide As the home of two of the Hill Countrys most beloved swimming holes (the Blue Hole and Jacobs Well), Wimberley is bound to be a delightadd it a charming downtown that is practically exploding with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, and you have a near-perfect Hill Country town to explore. Is there a list (or can you put it together) of towns that do these kinds of statues all over the place? Another popular and rewarding trail is the Hot Springs Historic Trail, which rewards hikers with soothing hot springs to cool off in before making their way back to the trailhead. ), 7+ Great Girls Trips in Texas (Weekend Getaway Ideas! If you click through a link on Lone Star Travel Guide, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This mountainous landscape is not for the faint-hearted hikers, but for those who love a challenge of rigorous mountain climbing, rugged desert terrain and pure solitude, theres spectacular scenery to reward you after a thrilling climb. Texas being the largest state in the lower 48 is just an abstract fun fact until you actually drive across it. Thanks, Jessica! Go for a swim in a natural spring. Dedicated to keeping the legacy of Buddy Holly alive, as well as general music from west Texas, the Buddy Holly Center is a must-see for music fans visiting Lubbock! Visible from the U.S. Route 67 on Mitchell Flat, just east of Marfa, visitors travel to see the beams of dancing lights, whose source is yet to be determined. Two-stepping the night away is a classic Texas pastime! Visitors should stop by the Powell Visitor Center before embarking on a self-guided tour of the gardens. The second-largest canyon in the USA is located in the Texas panhandle, and definitely deserves a visit! From stargazing, horseback riding, sand sledding and sleeping in a luxury dome bubble tent, here are some of the most fun, unique and interesting activities for your trip to this charming corner of the Lone Star state. Want more awesome Texas guides? One of the best things to do in Texas is to admire wild dolphins along the Gulf Coast. Showcasing 34 historic aircraft, including fighter and cargo planes, this air park is the largest of its kind in the United States Air Force. Part of the U.S. National Park Services, the site includes numerous restored buildings, parade grounds and an informative museum to help you learn more about the history and significance of the American Indian Wars, and the role that Fort Davis played during the time. Believed by some to be the work of extraterrestrial beings, and others to be reflections of headlights and campfires, the lights are a fascinating and atmospheric show, and one of the most unique things to see in West Texas. One small example: when the Texas House of Representatives in session, a battle flag dating to the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836 hangs in the room. Visit the Big The spring and fall shows are the largest, but they do have a smaller winter show as well. Visit the Dr. Pepper Museum. Youll want to keep your camera ready here. Check out these 11 quirky From roughly March to October each year, 1.5 million Mexican Free-Tailed Bats call the South Congress Bridge homeand with good timing and a bit of luck, you can watch the natural show of a lifetime when they fly out from the bridge at sunset in search of food. ), 17 Epic East Texas Towns + Cities to Visit. Invented in Texas in the early 20th century, chile con queso is an essential part of any Texans diet (and yes, one that has exactly zero nutritional value). Lockhart is the self-declared barbecue capital of Texas, but Taylor and Luling may want to contest that. Thats a fun idea, Ill add it to our list of posts we hope to publish one day! When visiting Terlingua in West Texas, you have several unique accommodation options to choose from. As an Amazon Associate, Lone Star Travel Guide earns from qualifying purchases. READ NEXT. Lined with bald cypress trees and populated by alligators, Caddo Lake definitely isnt a standard Texas lakebut it is one of the most unique features of the state, and visiting it absolutely belongs on any list of what to do in Texas. You can hike Texas is big enough that it doesnt just have one NBA, NFL, or MLB teamit has at least two of each! Dont forget to ask for spicy ketchup! Discover 329 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Texas from Hamilton Pool to Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 9 Otherworldly Things to Do in West Texas - Lone Star Enhance your experience with a knowledgeable tour guide who can fill you in on the history of the aircraft and bring their stories as well as interesting facts about Texas to life! Spain, France, Mexico, the USA, the Confederacy, and Texas itself as an independent nation). I know San Angelo does sheep and another town does horse but I dont remember which. Fort Davis is one of the best preserved frontier military posts in the United States, and is a landmark piece of history you should not miss when in West Texas. This looming rock of pink granite in the Texas Hill Country has fascinated people for more than 10,000 yearsand climbing it is one of the most fun things to do in Texas. Its truly incredible how much there is to do in Texas. Address. One of the most unique things to do in West Texas is to actually hop across the U.S. border and visit Mexico. Like most of Texas, the best way to get around West Texas is to explore on your own by car! Palo Duro Texas State Park is the nations second-largest canyon, Fun Things to Do in Texas (Bucket List Some links in this post may be affiliate links. I agree to receive email updates and promotions. Stroll up to 70-foot Gorman Falls located deep in the Hill Country, and you just might swear youve been transported to Hawaii rather than Texas. At the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth, you can witness actual US currency being printed. Quirky Texas Destinations for Curious Travelers - Culture Trip The Six Flags brand is named for Texas history, as it represents the six different flags that have ruled over Texas since European settlers arrived in North America (Spain, France, Mexico, the USA, the Confederacy, and Texas itself as an independent nation). Opened to the public in 1986, the Chinati Foundation is an expansive space dedicated to showcasing the remarkable talent of artists Donald Judd, Dan Flavin and John Chamberlain amongst others. For hiking fans, there are plenty of trails to explore, catering to all levels from beginners to the advanced. Home to some of the best fall foliage in Texas, Lost Maples is at its best from roughly late October through mid-November each yearbut its a fantastic Texas hiking destination year-round. Fort Davis Drug Store & Hotel Lined with boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and plenty of street art, this is one of the best stops on Texas section of Route 66! Arguably the best place to be amazed by Serious bucket list goals! In the late 19th century, Nederland, Texas was settled by people from Holland (in other words, the inspiration behind the name Nederland is quite obvious!). If you grew up watching the movie Top Gun, a visit to the Dyess Linear Air Park will reignite your love of air and speed and just might have you feeling like a maverick! Bustling with delicious things to eat and beautiful things to buy, Historic Market Square is the largest Mexican market in the USA! The Blue Bonnet Cafe has been serving up delicious pie and homestyle American food since 1929, and their pies stand the test of time! Did you know you can go scuba diving in West Texas? What better way to start your exploration of this thriving city than downtown Abilene! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The city has installed a viewing platform for visitors to comfortably watch the Marfa Lights at dusk. The birthplace of Blue Bell Ice Cream is open to visitors on weekdaysand of course, any Blue Bell Creameries visit should be followed up with a visit to the on-site Ice Cream Parlor, where you can enjoy gigantic scoops of Blue Bell for $1 each! The drillers, in this case, were looking for water. Here they can pick up a detailed map, providing some interesting and notable history about the development of the Botanical Gardens and the hundreds of plants that can be found within it. Generally held on the first weekend of November, the weekend offers various family friendly activities to get involved in. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. When visiting Marfa, keep an eye out for the Marfa Lights. Aside from the luxury designer store, other notable attractions include Building 98 and the outdoor installations displayed by the Chinati Foundation on an old army base. Whilst theres no official consensus on what constitutes West Texas, this expansive area of the state offers plenty to see and do, all with its unique local flair. Despite being a small town in West Texas, Marfa has a world-renowned art scene and a reputation as the home of many memorable examples of minimalist art. Serving as a shopping, dining and cultural hub in West Texas, downtown Abilene has recently undergone an exciting revitalization, preserving its history and heritage in museums and cultural centers, and drawing in people of all ages with its annual festivals. If youve ever wanted to own a pair of cowboy boots, theres nowhere better to buy them than during a memorable Texas vacation. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Things to do in West Texas: A West Texas Road Trip - Sol Salute These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Stunning options for Texas caves closer to cities include (but certainly are not limited to!) But the viewing area does get crowded, so be sure to nab a spot early and settle in for a spectacular light show. If theres an animal lover in your crew, head on over to the Abilene Zoo! 329 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Texas - Atlas Obscura There are also equestrian campsites so bring your own horse to take a ride through one of the many riding trails in the park. Dolphins in Texas? The Monahans Sandhills State Park provides an afternoon of unrivaled fun in West Texas. Drive through enough of Texas small towns, and youll start to notice something interesting about them: so many seem to boast an intricate, beautiful courthouse in the center of town (unsurprisingly, theyre often made of limestone).

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