When I first planned my trip to Texas, I knew it was a big state—but I didn’t realize just how much there is to see and do. From lively cities full of music and food to quiet natural parks and sunny beaches, Texas has a little bit of everything. Every part of the state feels different, and that made exploring it even more exciting.
I spent time in places like Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas, and each one had its own style and charm. I also loved visiting small towns, going on nature hikes, and soaking up the warm southern hospitality everywhere I went. Whether you’re into music, history, food, or the outdoors, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Texas.
In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite places and experiences from my Texas trip. If you’re planning to visit the Lone Star State, these ideas might help you make the most of your adventure!
Visit Austin – Live Music and a Fun Vibe
Austin was one of the first places I explored in Texas, and it quickly became one of my favorites. The city has a fun, creative energy that you can feel everywhere. I walked down South Congress Avenue and saw street musicians, local art, and cool little shops.
It felt like music was playing around every corner. At night, I visited a few live music venues, and the talent was amazing—rock, blues, country, and everything in between. No wonder they call it the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
The food in Austin was just as exciting. I tried tacos from food trucks, had barbecue that fell right off the bone, and sipped iced coffee at cozy cafés. One morning, I stopped by a farmers market and got homemade pastries and local honey. Everywhere I went, the food was fresh, flavorful, and full of personality—just like the city itself.
Austin also has some great outdoor spots. I walked along Lady Bird Lake, rented a kayak, and even watched people paddleboard with their dogs. If you want a mix of music, food, and outdoor fun, Austin should definitely be on your list of things to do in Texas.
Explore San Antonio’s River Walk and the Alamo
San Antonio was one of the most charming cities I visited in Texas. The River Walk is the heart of it all, and walking along the water was such a peaceful and fun experience. There are colorful boats gliding by, and the pathways are lined with restaurants, shops, and shady trees. I stopped for lunch at a riverside café and just enjoyed watching the world go by. At night, the lights reflecting on the water made everything feel magical.
Of course, I had to visit the Alamo. I’d heard about it in school, but seeing it in person was something special. The old stone walls, the quiet courtyard, and the stories of bravery made me feel connected to Texas history.
It’s right in the middle of the city, so it’s easy to visit and doesn’t take long, but it leaves a lasting impression. Learning about what happened there helped me understand why the Alamo is so important to Texans.
San Antonio is a great mix of history, beauty, and fun. Between the River Walk, the Alamo, and the friendly atmosphere, it was one of the most relaxing and memorable parts of my trip. If you’re looking for things to do in Texas, this city definitely belongs on your list.
Relax on the Texas Gulf Coast
After a few busy days in the cities, I was ready to slow down—and the Texas Gulf Coast was the perfect place to do it. I visited Galveston first, and I loved the mix of history and beach life.
The seawall was great for a long walk with ocean views, and the soft sandy beaches were perfect for just laying back and relaxing. I even found a little ice cream shop right by the water. It was simple, quiet, and exactly what I needed.
Then I headed down to South Padre Island, which felt like a little slice of paradise. The beaches were wide and beautiful, and the water was warm and calm.
I went for a swim, collected seashells, and even watched dolphins jumping in the distance during a boat tour. There were also beachside restaurants where I enjoyed fresh seafood with my feet in the sand. It was peaceful, and the sunsets were absolutely stunning.
Spending time by the coast showed me a different side of Texas. It’s not just cowboys and cities—there’s also sun, surf, and sea. If you’re looking for things to do in Texas that help you relax and recharge, I definitely recommend the Gulf Coast.
Discover Nature in Big Bend National Park
One of the most unforgettable parts of my Texas trip was visiting Big Bend National Park. It’s in a remote part of West Texas, but the drive out there was totally worth it.
The wide-open desert views, the rugged mountains, and the Rio Grande River all come together to create some of the most stunning scenery I’ve ever seen. I felt like I had stepped into a different world—quiet, wild, and full of natural beauty.
I spent my days hiking different trails, from easy walks to more challenging climbs. One of my favorite hikes was to the Santa Elena Canyon. The tall canyon walls and the river flowing through it were simply breathtaking.
I also spotted roadrunners, jackrabbits, and even a javelina (don’t worry—it just walked by and kept going). At night, the sky lit up with stars. I’ve never seen so many in my life. Big Bend is actually one of the best places in the U.S. for stargazing, and it truly felt magical.
If you love nature, peace, and adventure, Big Bend is one of the best things to do in Texas. It may take some time to get there, but once you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by views and experiences you’ll never forget.
Have Fun in Houston – Museums and Space Center
Houston was a big and exciting part of my Texas trip. The city is full of amazing museums, and I spent hours exploring places like the Museum of Natural Science and the Houston Museum of Fine Arts.
Each museum had something different to offer—dinosaur bones, beautiful paintings, and interactive exhibits that made learning fun. It was a great way to spend a day indoors, especially if the Texas heat gets too strong.
One of the highlights for me was visiting the Space Center Houston. As someone who loves space and science, this was a dream come true.
I got to see real spacecraft, learn about NASA missions, and even touch a moon rock! Walking through the exhibits made me feel like I was part of the incredible story of space exploration. The Space Center also has cool simulators and shows that are fun for all ages.
Houston’s food scene is just as exciting as its museums. I enjoyed everything from classic Tex-Mex to world-class barbecue. The city’s diversity means you can find flavors from all over the world.
If you’re planning what to do in Texas, Houston offers a mix of culture, education, and great food that makes it worth a visit.
Experience Cowboy Culture in Fort Worth
Visiting Fort Worth was like stepping into the Old West, and I loved every minute of it. The city has a strong cowboy spirit that you can feel everywhere, especially in the historic Stockyards district.
I watched a real cattle drive, where cowboys guided longhorn cattle down the street just like they did over 100 years ago. It was such a unique and fun experience—definitely different from anything I’d seen before.
The rodeo shows were another highlight. I got to see bull riding, roping, and barrel racing up close, and the energy from the crowd made it even more exciting. Fort Worth also has great Western-style shops where I found cowboy hats, boots, and souvenirs that reminded me of Texas’ rich ranching history.
Beyond the cowboy culture, Fort Worth has some nice museums and good food, but for me, it was the chance to see and feel the Texas cowboy lifestyle that made this city special. If you want to experience a true taste of Texas history and fun, Fort Worth is a must-visit.
Enjoy Dallas – Big City Fun and History
Dallas was a vibrant city that surprised me with its mix of modern attractions and deep history. I loved exploring the downtown area, where tall skyscrapers meet trendy restaurants and cool shopping spots. The city feels alive, especially at night, with plenty of places to enjoy live music and great food.
One of the most memorable parts of my visit was learning about the history of Dallas, especially at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. It’s where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, and the museum did a great job telling the story with videos, photos, and exhibits. It was both moving and eye-opening—a powerful reminder of an important moment in American history.
Besides the history and city life, Dallas has lots of parks and green spaces where I could relax after a busy day. The city’s food scene also impressed me, from Tex-Mex to high-end dining. Dallas offers a little bit of everything, making it a great stop for anyone wondering what to do in Texas.
Explore Small Towns and Texas Hill Country
After spending time in the big cities, I wanted to see the quieter, charming side of Texas. That’s when I headed to the Texas Hill Country, a beautiful area full of rolling hills, wildflowers, and peaceful small towns.
Driving through this region was one of my favorite parts of the trip because the scenery was so relaxing and different from the city buzz.
I stopped in towns like Fredericksburg, which felt like a little European village with its unique shops, cozy cafés, and friendly people.
The local wineries were a treat—I got to taste some great Texas wines while enjoying stunning views of the countryside. It was a perfect mix of nature, culture, and calm.
Besides Fredericksburg, there are many other small towns with festivals, farmers markets, and local art scenes that make the Hill Country feel alive and welcoming. If you’re looking for a slower pace and beautiful landscapes, exploring Texas Hill Country and its small towns is one of the best things to do in Texas.
Conclusion
Texas is a huge state full of surprises, and my trip there showed me just how much it has to offer. Whether you’re into music and city life in Austin and Dallas, history and culture in San Antonio, or nature and adventure in Big Bend and the Gulf Coast, Texas has something for everyone. I loved discovering the cowboy spirit in Fort Worth and relaxing in the peaceful small towns of the Hill Country.
No matter what kind of traveler you are, Texas welcomes you with open arms and plenty of exciting things to see and do. If you’re planning a visit, I hope my experiences inspire you to explore this amazing state and create your own unforgettable memories.
