With over 260,000 square miles and 35 cities, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Texas. Visitors could spend a month in the Lone Star State and still not experience everything. There are many great places to see in and around major cities like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin. With its beautiful desert and mountain scenery, historical sites, lakes, beaches, train rides, science museums, family fun parks, romantic castles, breweries, waterparks, mountains, amusement parks, caves, and botanical gardens, Texas offers something for everyone.
- Space Center Houston
Children and adults alike can take a trip through the world of space exploration at the Space Center Houston. This Smithsonian Affiliate is dedicated to the history of space exploration and to fostering a love of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in its visitors.
The museum features a large collection of moon rocks and other space artifacts, theater experiences, and fun shows and attractions. View a Saturn V rocket, explore the real NASA Mission Control, and learn what it is like to live in space. Ticket prices vary.
- The Alamo
In 1836, 200 men took a stand for Texas in a fierce battle at the Alamo, a mission that had been converted into a fort. Some of them were famous American frontiersmen such as Daniel Boone, Davie Crockett, and Jim Bowie. Though they ultimately lost the battle, Texas went on to win the war for independence from Mexico. Today, the Alamo draws more visitors than any other historic landmark in Texas.
Guests can tour the fort, church, long barrack, arcade, and the museum/gift shop. Tours are self-guided, but the audio accompaniment is available for an additional fee.
- Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Since 1984, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden have been dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and nature of Texas. The 66-acre property contains two historic houses and sixteen different gardens that feature a variety of colorful flowers, beautiful trees, shrubs, and ferns from around the world.
There is even a children’s garden with over 150 activities to engage and educate children about nature and plant life. The Arboretum and Botanical Garden is also available to rent for weddings, corporate retreats, and social events. The facility is open daily except on major holidays.
- The San Antonio Museum of Art
The San Antonio Museum of Art is one of the country’s premier art museums, originally opened to the public in 1981 within the city’s renovated historic Lone Star Brewery complex. The museum serves as the anchor today of the Museum Reach of the city’s River Walk and houses an impressive collection of more than 30,000 artworks and artifacts spanning from antiquity to the present day, including some of the nation’s most impressive collections of ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Asian art. Other substantial collections include Latin American and contemporary art collections, including one of the nation’s most impressive collections of Latin American folk art.
- Houston Museum of Natural Science
The natural world and all its wonders are on display at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The museum features 16 permanent exhibits that cover a wide range of topics. Guests can see real dinosaur skeletons, tour the Hall of Ancient Egypt, and view beautiful gemstones and jewels from around the world.
Other exhibits showcase Native American culture and history, North American wildlife, and the ecology and wildlife of Texas. The museum also contains an observatory, butterfly center, and large-screen theatre.
