Travelers could overflow a 10-gallon hat with all the awesome things that you can do in Texas. Yes, that’s a bit of Texas slang, but the sentiment remains true. Texas has so many awesome experiences for the entire family.

Guests can float through space and time at the Houston Natural Museum of Science or ride the blood-pumping roller coasters at the Pleasure Pier. The state parks of Texas are a nature lovers' paradise, while the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo invite everyone to rock out of their nicest pair of cowboy boots. When it comes to awesome things that need to be experienced, Texas has it covered.

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10 USS Lexington Museum

Located in Corpus Christi, the USS Lexington Museum offers an unparalleled look into the rich history of an aircraft carrier that served in World War II. Visitors are able to explore 22 galleries and exhibits or climb aboard the bridge complete with operational equipment before descending to view authentic Pacific Theatre artifacts.

Visitors can also take part in flight simulations and get hands-on with interactive activities, such as unique escape rooms, which add a bit of mystery and excitement to the museum. Additionally, learn about WWII crew member stories through smartphone tours triggered by QR codes located at every station. The USS Lexington Museum promises to give visitors a greater appreciation for naval history in an amazing environment.

9 Hill Country Swimming Holes

From stunning waterfalls to crystalline pools, the swimming holes of the Texas Hill Country provide a unique opportunity for travelers eager for oases of beauty and calm. Whether you’re looking for a spot to cool off on a hot summer day or something more adventurous, from tubing in crystal blue rivers or hiking through wildflower-covered fields, these spots are some of the best natural spots in Texas.

Swimming holes such as Jacob’s Well and the Blue Hole in Wimberley, or the “clothing optional” Hippie Hollow near Austin, provide travelers looking to beat the Texas heat with breathtaking scenery and a huge variety of nearby outdoor activities. Other popular swimming holes include Devil’s Waterhole near Burnet, Barton Springs, Hamilton Pool Preserve in Austin, and Schumacher Crossing in Hunt.

8 Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park near Amarillo is known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas.” It provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the beauty of nature and reconnect with the outdoors. Visitors can take advantage of a range of activities offered, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding through the canyon. With its red-rock formations, sweeping vistas, bluffs, and mesas, it’s easy to find artistic inspiration and a day filled with adventure.

Camping is available with sites close to the canyon rim or in more secluded locations near Palo Duro Creek. Off-road vehicle enthusiasts also have plenty of places for exploration, which is especially popular during spring months. Whatever you choose, visiting this stunning and diverse park will provide a unique experience that you won't forget in a hurry.

7 Gruene Historic District And Dance Hall

Located in New Braunfels, the Gruene Historic District and Dance Hall are a must for anyone looking for authentic Texas sights and sounds. Visitors can choose between shopping at quaint antique stores to find some vintage gems, strolling the tree-lined river banks of the nearby Guadalupe River, or relaxing and having a beer at one of Gruene's historic saloons.

No trip to the Gruene Historic District is complete without a visit to the town's crowning jewel: Gruene Hall. Established in 1878 and featuring up-and-coming country acts and established legends, this amazing dance hall has welcomed crowds of two-stepping revelers every night since its inception.

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6 Houston Museum Of Natural Science

A visit to the Houston Museum of Natural Science is an unforgettable experience. With multiple permanent exhibit halls packed wall-to-wall with interactive displays and exciting activities, there really is something for every traveler. It’s also home to one of the most popular attractions in the city: the Cockrell Butterfly Center and Brown Hall of Entomology, where visitors can explore the hundreds of species of butterflies from around the world by walking among them as they float around the center.

Among other amazing experiences, guests can explore the heavens thanks to the state-of-the-art planetarium or listen and watch daily presentations at Wortham Giant Screen Theater. There's so much to do at the Houston Museum of Natural Science - it makes for a fun and amazing day out that should definitely be taken advantage of when visiting the city.

5 Galveston Pleasure Pier

The Galveston Pleasure Pier is the perfect way to get your Texas vacation started. This pier offers impressive views of the Gulf of Mexico, fun-filled amusement park rides and activities, and so many restaurants and shops; the biggest problem will be deciding where to start. During the day, visitors can enjoy traditional carnival rides such as bumper cars, a tilt-a-whirl, the Texas Star Flyer, and the Iron Shark Roller Coaster. At night, take in scenic views of Galveston's beaches at the illuminated LED Galaxy Wheel.

Additionally, there are over 25 retail shops and seaside eateries to explore after the ride's end. These include everything from souvenir stores to ice cream shops to places serving up delicious local seafood dishes. No matter what time of year it is during your visit, the Galveston Pleasure Pier is an amazing way to spend time in Texas.

4 Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston is an educational center that highlights every era of the United States' space travel endeavors. It’s located in the Johnson Space Center and is an extraordinary place where visitors have the opportunity to explore the wonders of space exploration through exhibits, tours, and attractions.

Guests can take interactive tours, watch liftoffs on screen, and try out hands-on activities at the Astronaut Gallery and Rocket Park. There's also a foray of artifacts like moon rocks and capsules to immerse travelers into the experience. An amazing adventure awaits when families choose Space Center Houston. Ready to blast off?

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3 Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park in Texas is an outdoor paradise. Located on the Rio Grande River, which separates the United States from Mexico, this stunning adventure destination offers a chance to explore jaw-dropping canyons, riverside hikes, and panoramic mountain views. Big Bend also offers hiking across trails lined with cacti and wildflowers, exploring fossilized remnants from centuries ago, or a visit to the nearby ghost town of Terlingua.

For those who camp out under the stars, there are campgrounds of scenic spots along riverbanks and mountains. Travelers are invited to indulge curiosity with a day trip to visit historical sites like Castolon or explore rare birds in Chisos Basin Wildlife Habitat. When it's time to relax after a day full of exploration, settle back at one of Big Bend's hot springs or watch as millions of stars dance in the dark skies above.

2 San Antonio River Walk

At its heart, the San Antonio River Walk is an urban sanctuary that allows you a brief reprieve of the chaotic energy of the city and allows you to explore the peaceful beauty and serenity of its winding pathways of shops, restaurants, and bars. The River Walk is home to an incredibly diverse array of restaurants which gives visitors a one-of-a-kind look at the vast culinary scene that San Antonio has.

And after a delicious meal along the waterway, travelers will want to be sure to check out some of the cultural attractions such as art galleries, historical sites, and more that make up this amazing area. If a more relaxing approach is desired, visitors should reserve a spot on the boats that navigate the river to get a special look at what makes San Antonio one of the best cities in Texas.

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1 Houston Livestock And Rodeo

The world-famous Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo have been delighting visitors since 1932. At the livestock show, visitors marvel at the incredible wonders of nature, from award-winning breeds of cattle and a horse show, including an auction. According to its website, the rodeo includes “a 20-day tournament-style competition that crowns an event champion in bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, and women’s barrel racing and breakaway roping.” The rodeo doles out over $2 million dollars in prizes every year.

Legendary entertainers have graced the sacred grounds of the rodeo, from Gene Autry in 1942 and Elvis Presley in 1970 to today’s stars, such as Kelsea Ballerini in 2018 and George Strait in 2022. There's no shortage of entertainment and fun, which makes the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo an amazing experience travelers should witness firsthand at least once while visiting Texas.