When you consider a visit to the Lone Star State, you likely look forward to the football and barbecue that set this locale apart from their neighbors (and if nobody offers you pecan pie, you’re probably still in Oklahoma). But figuring out where to go and what to do in Texas can be problematic simply because the state is so big. So here are just a few of the top places you’ll definitely want to visit when you opt to mess with Texas.
- San Antonio. This little town has a lot to offer fans of history and anyone looking for some fun diversions. It’s a tossup whether the status of top attraction goes to the infamous Alamo (where folk heroes Jim Bowie and Davy Crocket made their last stand against Santa Anna) or Six Flags Fiesta Texas. But no matter what you spend your day doing, have dinner at Smokin Joes BBQ downtown and then take a boat tour of the Riverwalk to see some of the cities coolest buildings and hear about the storied history of this beloved Texas town.
- Big Bend National Park. If getting back to nature is your thing, then you’ll find an abundant supply at this often overlooked National Park. With a variety of canyons, springs, and scenic vistas, this park seems tailor-made for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and return to an unspoiled landscape. And thanks to hiking trails galore and a plethora of bird species (amongst other wildlife) you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time when you vacation here.
- Dallas. There’s no shortage of entertainment in this quintessential Texas city, which is home to the Cowboys stadium, South Fork Ranch (where the TV show Dallas was filmed), Dealy Plaza (where John F. Kennedy was assassinated), and Reunion Tower (like Seattle’s Space Needle, this famous landmark has a restaurant at the top). Of course, those are just some of the sights you might want to see. Like any major city, there are also plenty of museums, concert venues, restaurants, and nightclubs to keep you entertained on your trip.
- South Padre Island. Most people don’t automatically think of beaches when they plan a trip to Texas, but with miles of shoreline skirting the Gulf of Mexico, this region plays home to plenty of beautiful beaches complete with warm water and gentle waves. And if you’re looking to have a close encounter with a bottlenose dolphin or ancients sea turtle, this is the place to be. With warm Gulf waters, a pristine shoreline, and all kinds of clubs that offer music and dancing at night, this is definitely one of the best vacation destinations in the state.
- Flying L Guest Ranch. Forget about a resort or time share when you come to Texas – they’re not exactly known as the profitable home of the Ritz Carlton Club anyway. When you visit this state with its storied history of lone rangers, there’s really no better place to stay than at a dude ranch. And while you can certainly find working stock ranches that are the real deal (like the Dixie Dude Ranch), most travelers need at least a few hotel-like amenities. So think about stopping in a the Flying L, where you’ll enjoy horseback rides on the 500+ acres set in gorgeous Hill Country, as well as some fun side activities thanks to a nearby waterpark and golf course.