The 27 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Texas
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You know what they say: everything is bigger in Texas. You’ve heard it countless times, but that’s because it’s true! The largest state in the contiguous United States serves up a veritable tableau of mountains, deserts, rivers, meadows and sand dunes worthy of any Impressionist painter’s study, not to mention incredible state parks and two national parks. That translates to endless opportunities for adventure, awesome camping, relaxing resorts and photogenic sights. From the Chisos mountain range to the whimsical waters of the Rio Grande and charming landscapes of Hill Country, here are 27 beautiful places in Texas to visit on your upcoming trips to the Lone Star State.
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1. Big Bend National Park
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Things to Do: take a scenic drive; go stargazing; hike along the Rio Grande
Where to Stay: Riata Inn (from $149/night); Hotel Saint George (from $245/night); The Perch (from $479/night, sleeps 8)
Big Bend National Park is jam-packed with natural beauty that truly looks untouched by the outside world. This Texas-size expanse in Brewster County covers the entire Chisos mountain range, a huge portion of the Chihuahuan Desert, Santa Elena Canyon and natural hot springs. It’s also home to a fascinating array of wildlife and world-class stargazing.
2. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
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Things to Do: stop off at a scenic viewpoint; explore the salt basin dunes; bird watching
Where to Stay: Hotel Paso Del Norte (from $179/night); The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park (from $189/night); Salt Flat Yurt (from $74/night, sleeps 2)
We really don’t need to sell you on Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Salt Basin Dunes and the sprawling Chihuahuan Desert are reason enough to visit. Plus, it’s got the largest wilderness area in the state and tons of scenic hiking trails.
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3. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
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Things to Do: try climbing or bouldering; go stargazing; hike one of the many short trails
Where to Stay: Peach Tree Inn & Suites (from $121/night); Frederick Motel (from $115/night); Hill Country Home (from $135/night, sleeps 8)
There are many enchanting rocks in Texas, however, the towering 425-foot pink granite dome that’s the crown jewel of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area really takes the cake. Sure, seeing (and, of course, snapping pics of) the famously beautiful batholith is the main attraction, but it’s also deeply fascinating to learn about the mystical legends that swirl around the site (at least, we think so).
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4. Monahans Sandhills State Park
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Things to Do: sand surfing; horseback riding (bring your own horse); picnic
Where to Stay: Days Inn & Suites (from $86/night); Cotton Court Hotel (from $180/night); Secluded Odessa Ranch (from $357/night, sleeps 16)
It seems almost like torture for beach lovers living in the Lone Star State to look at Monahans Sandhills State Park only to realize the ocean is nowhere in sight. A lack of waves certainly shouldn’t turn you off from this stunning act of nature. While many travel here to take in the beauty of the scene as a whole, those brave enough to surf the dunes will surely leave with the best stories (and videos).
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5. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
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Things to Do: attend a Thursday night concert; take a cooking class; catch one of the many events (picnics, tours, exhibits)
Where to Stay: Omni Dallas Hotel (from $243/night); Renaissance Dallas North Hotel (from $108/night); Historic Butler Brothers Apartment (from $102/night, sleeps 4)
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is acclaimed for its floral displays, sculptures, seasonal events and education programs. The 66-acre horticulture haven hugs the shores of White Rock Lake for blooms with a beautiful waterfront view. While walking around, it’s easy to forget you’re in a major city.
6. Franklin Mountains State Park
Travel Texas
Things to Do: go camping, mountain biking and rock climbing
Where to Stay: Stanton House (from $199/night); Marriott El Paso (from $129/night); Miami-Style Pool House (from $370/night, sleeps 10)
Franklin Mountains State Park sits there in a sneakily unassuming way, waiting to entice visitors with its 100 miles of mixed-use trails, scenic picnic spots overlooking dreamy desert terrain and the heart-racing thrill of scaling McKelligon Canyon. (The last is for experienced rock climbers only. The rest of us should probably just watch in amazement from a safe distance.)
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7. Palo Duro Canyon
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Things to Do: go zip lining; visit the Pandhandle Plains Historical Museum; shop the Palo Duro Trading Post
Where to Stay: The Barfield (from $368/night); Farfield by Marriott Inn & Suites (from $189/night); Palo Duro Canyon Cabin (from $165/night, sleeps 6)
If you had a blast ticking the Grand Canyon off your bucket list, it might be time to visit the second-largest canyon in the United States. Palo Duro Canyon in the Texas Panhandle is absolutely massive—120 miles long and with a width of 20 miles in some places. (Do we need to say it again? Everything is bigger in Texas.)
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8. Longhorn Cavern State Park
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Things to Do: take a wild cave tour; do a cavern walking tour; take the kids gemstone mining
Where to Stay: Fairmont Austin (from $218/night); The Loren at Lady Bird Lake (from $255/night); Marble Falls Ranch (from $155/night, sleeps 2)
An ancient cavern that dates back to prehistoric times, Longhorn Cavern is rife with carvings and sinkholes, plus the stealthy history of a gunpowder manufacturing facility during the Civil War. While it sounds like the setting for an Indiana Jones flick, that’s just a few of the subterranean thrills waiting to be discovered at Longhorn Cavern State Park.
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9. Lake Austin
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Things to Do: relax at Lake Austin Spa Resort; go fishing; hang out at Emma Long Metropolitan Park
Where to Stay: Omni Austin Hotel (from $207/night); Aiden by Best Western (from $134/night); Merlin’s Cabin (from $83/night, sleeps 2)
Austin gets more than 300 days of sunshine each year. That translates to pretty good odds of picture-perfect weather for a day of outdoor recreation—boating, fishing, swimming and water skiing—on beautiful Lake Austin. We should mention that it’s also a particularly great place to cool down when the thermometer reaches 100 degrees, as it’s known to do in the summertime.
10. Gorman Falls
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Things to Do: go hiking; tour a wild cave; go camping
Where to Stay: Arrive East Austin (from $170/night); The Driskill (from $212/night); Hill Country Retreat & Horse Farm (from $175/night, sleeps 5)
A major highlight of Colorado Bend State Park (though truly the entire park deserves to be explored), Gorman Falls is an enchanting 70-foot waterfall. Not to be overlooked, the 1.5-mile hike to the cascade passes beautiful scenery. (Pro tip: it gets pretty steep towards the end, so many trekkers recommend bringing hiking poles.)
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11. Lost Maples State Park
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Things to Do: go leaf peeping; geocache hunting; attend a stargazing party
Where to Stay: Omni La Mansion del Rio (from $198/night); DoubleTree San Antonio (from $133/night); Orchard Inn (from $130/night, sleeps 4)
Most people associate striking fall foliage with places like Vermont and Connecticut (OK, basically all of New England) and New York, but locals and in-the-know travelers know Lost Maples State Park, located two hours northwest of San Antonio, is the best spot in the Lone Star State to peep fiery leaves.
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12. Caddo Lake
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Things to Do: play a round of golf; guided bass fishing; go on a swamp tour
Where to Stay: DoubleTree Shreveport (from $112/night); Bally’s Shreveport Casino & Hotel (from $68/night); Certain Grace Lakehouse (from $332/night, sleeps 8)
Yes, we’ve mentioned that everything is bigger in Texas about a billion times. Want yet another prime example of that fact? Feast your eyes upon 25,400-acre Caddo Lake, an East Texas treasure distinguished by its labyrinth of bayous and Spanish moss-draped Cyprus trees. It’s the perfect spot to go boating, fishing, paddling or post up in a tent on the shorefront.
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13. Caverns of Sonora
Gary Berdeaux
Things to Do: visit the Fort McKavett Historical Site; tour the Old Ice House Ranch; wander the caverns
Where to Stay: Quality Inn (from $90/night); Super 8 by Wyndham Sonora (from $77/night); Hilltop Hideaway (from $150/night, sleeps 6)
While the Caverns of Sonora have been touted as one of the most beautiful snow caves on the planet, it’s also not a place that many people outside of Texas know about. That means lots of folks are missing out on the chance to navigate to subterranean limestone lairs, peep calcite crystal formations and even pan for gemstones.
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14. Fort Worth Botanic Garden
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Things to Do: tropical conservatory; Japanese gardens, forest boardwalk
Where to Stay: The Worthington Renaissance Hotel (from $189/night); Omni Fort Worth (from $247/night); Modern Condo (from $95/night, sleeps 4)
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden spans a whopping 109 acres and includes the famous rose gardens, rainforest conservancy Japanese garden, an orchard collection and the Native Texas Boardwalk, which is basically a living outdoor classroom with plants and educational stations.
15. Rockport Beach
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Things to Do: take an airplane ride over Rockport; dolphin watch and sunset cruise; beach yoga
Where to Stay: Hampton Inn & Suites (from $129/night); Hyatt Place Corpus Christi (from $137/night); Key Allegro Waterfront Condo (from $255/night, sleeps 4)
Remember when we lamented for beach-loving residents of the Lone Star State? Don’t feel too sorry for folks on the coast because they do have access to beautiful Rockport Beach. The first Blue Wave Certified beach, it’s a mile-long playground of sand, sunshine and turquoise tides.
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16. South Llano River State Park
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Things to Do: go tubing down the river; fishing; hiking
Where to Stay: Thompson San Antonio Riverwalk (from $265/night); The Westin (from $149/night); Cozy on the River Cabin (from $142/night, sleeps 6)
South Llano River State Park is a little-known gem in Texas Hill Country. Most people who visit (which honestly isn’t that many) go to swim or float on the spring-fed river. Wander around for a while, you’ll surely stumble on wildlife and babbling brooks, too. It’s also an epic spot to go hiking and biking or catch the sunset.
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17. Mount Bonnell
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Things to Do: hike to the top; city tour with stops at Mount Bonnell & state capitol
Where to Stay: The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel (from $166/night); The Driskill (from $229/night); The Bloomhouse (from $477/night, sleeps 4)
Towering 781 feet above Austin, Mount Bonnel, also known as Covert Park, is one of the highest points in the area. Climbing to the summit will test your endurance, but the pay of commanding views of the city and Lake Austin feels like a proportionate award for all that effort.
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18. Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir of Houston
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Things to Do: take a guided tour; Houston Museum of Natural Science; city mural tour
Where to Stay: Club Quarters Hotel (from $83/night); The Chifley Houston (from $144/night); Houston Pool Paradise (from $246/night, sleeps 10)
Few places truly have the power to transport onlookers. The glimmering BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir of Houston, a traditional Hindu temple in Fort Bend County, causes many visitors to do a double take. Besides beautiful architecture, there are unique cultural exhibitions showcasing paintings, tableaux and traditional crafts.
19. San Antonio River Walk
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Things to Do: hop-on-hop-off river cruise; historic downtown food & culture tour; UNESCO missions tour
Where to Stay: Drury Plaza Hotel (from $153/night); Grand Hyatt River Walk (from $283/night); The Wildflower (from $45/night, sleeps 3)
San Antonio has a little, er-—a lot—of everything. If you ask us, the city’s best (and most beautiful) asset is the San Antonio River Walk. A park and pedestrian pathway that loops around the water, it’s the perfect place to go for a stroll and soak in the scenery or hit up one of the many restaurants for a meal with a mesmerizing view.
20. Medina River
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Things to Do: go camping; birding; fishing
Where to Stay: Element San Antonio (from $149/night); Mokara Hotel & Spa (from $274/night); Heavenly Hideaway (from $210/night, sleeps 6)
The Medina River ranks among the most peaceful places to put your kayak in the water and float through Texas. It's also close to a couple of sizable cities to stay at a swanky hotel, play and eat chef-crafted meals if you so choose. Though, we'd recommend an overnight stay to really immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. (Franks and beans can be gourmet, right?)
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21. The Alamo
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Things to Do: take a guided tour; explore San Antonio’s natural bridge caverns; historic city tour
Where to Stay: Menger Hotel (from $141/night); The Gunter Hotel (from $96/night); River Walk Downtown Apartment (from $110/night, sleeps 4)
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about what actually happened at the Alamo. But what’s not up for debate is that the 18th-century Spanish mission and fortress lives up to the hype as both a photogenic and historic landmark. Once you’ve visited the Alamo, it’s a pretty hard place to forget.
22. Marfa
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Things to Do: Marfa & Presidio County Museum; Marfa Lights Festival; visit the Presidio County Courthouse
Where to Stay: Hotel Saint George (from $294/night); Riata Inn (from $139/night); Casa 415 (from $198/night, sleeps 6)
An artsy and photogenic little dot on the map in west Texas, Marfa draws creative types (and, yes, many social media content creators) with its giant indoor and outdoor art installations, exhibitions at Ballroom Marfa, breathtaking arid scenery and, of course, the phenomenon known as the Marfa Lights. In Marfa, it’s almost like you’re not sure if a tumbleweed or an Insta influencer will blow past next.
23. Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Houston First Corporation
Things to Do: tour the Museum of Fine Arts; catch an international flick; visit the Houston Space Center;
Where to Stay: Blossom Hotel (from $154/night); The Whitehall (from $168/night); Historic Montrose Home (from $169/night, sleeps 3)
Touring the gorgeously groomed historic gardens of Bayou Bend, the former home of Houston philanthropist Ima Hogg, feels like stepping back in time to a regal and refined era. It’s not just the impeccably manicured hedges, flower beds and fountains that are impressive. Inside, you’ll find an incredible collection of decorative art, paintings and furniture.
24. South Padre Island
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Things to Do: South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center; see the largest outdoor sandcastle; dolphin watch tour
Where to Stay: Ramada by Wyndham & Suites (from $85/night); La Copa Inn (from $187/night); Modern Beach Complex (from $277/night, sleeps 4)
Remember when we said Texas was big? Well, it’s so huge that the drive from Dallas to South Padre Island takes over eight hours (FYI you can also fly). Don’t let the distance deter you. Not when some of the best white sand beaches in the state, dolphin watching and the Gulf of Mexico await.
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25. Black Jack’s Crossing Golf Course
Lajitas Golf Resort
Things to Do: tour Ghost Town Texas; Starlight Theatre Restaurant & Saloon; Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center
Where to Stay: The Chisos Suite (from $250/night); Secluded Terlingua Ghost Town Cabin (from $225/night, sleeps 2); The Perch (from $479/night, sleeps 8)
Even if you aren’t a particularly skilled driver or putter, it’s worth booking a tee time at the Lanny Wadkins-designed Black Jack’s Crossing Golf Course. Bordering Big Bend National Park and situated along the Rio Grande, it offers spellbinding west Texas scenery. With views so good, you won’t even care if you go a few strokes above par.
26. Fredericksburg
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Things to Do: National Museum of the Pacific War; wine tasting at Grape Creek Vineyards; shop on Main Street
Where to Stay: La Quinta Inn & Suites (from $137/night); Inn on Barons Creek (from $142/night); The Live Oak Treehouse (from $283/night, sleeps 2)
Welcome to the mythical, legendary Texas Hill Country. Fredericksburg is one of a slew of charming towns in the region with rich German heritage—not to mention a wine country. Spend a morning strolling down the charming Main Street, filled with shops and restaurants, and then the afternoon at a wine tasting whiling away the afternoon sipping a crisp white among the vines, and then drive over to the towns of Gruene or Luckenbach for great live music in historic dance halls. And before you leave, you’ll want to pit stop in Lockhart for what is said to be some of the best barbecue in the state.
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27. Brenham
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Things to Do: visit the Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory; Antique Rose Emporium; Home Sweet Farm Biergarten
Where to Stay: Comfort Suites (from $92/night); Best Western Inn (from $71/night); The Secret Garden (from $134/night, sleeps 2)
Nestled between Houston and Austin on Highway 290, Brenham is a town where bluebonnets abound in the spring. That’s why it’s a top destination for spotting the cheerful blue bloom—just drive around, and you can’t miss them. Of course, there’s also plenty to see and do year-round, from the Blue Bell Ice Cream factory to the quaint downtown area. Lovers of vintage wares will appreciate the antique shops, and flower connoisseurs will want to stop in at the Antique Rose Emporium, whose beautiful, landscaped gardens are filled with dazzling varieties.
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