HOUSTON (CW39) — Texas is a large state with a lot to do, whether it’s hiking in Big Bend, walking along the Riverwalk or taking a dip in Lake Travis.
But as a Texan, what are the must-see sites that every Texan should see?
Here’s a “bucket list” of places that every Texan should visit and do.
Walk/ride down the San Antonio Riverwalk
Riverwalk in San Antonio city downtown skyline cityscape of Texas USA at sunset
The famous RiverWalk that winds around downtown San Antonio is filled with a walkway full of trees, restaurants, shops, hotels and historic landmarks.
Strolling down the river is always a fun time, but you can also get some shopping or a bite to eat during your trip.
Taking a pic with Big Tex at the State Fair
FILE – Bluebonnets, the state flower of Texas, surround Big Tex as storm clouds move in above, Friday, Sept. 27, 2013, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)
Every October, we get to see “Big Tex,” the 55-foot-tall cowboy that greets everyone at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. He has gone through several changes since his debut in 1951, and especially since an electrical fire destroyed the first version of him back in 2012. But his big hat and boots came back in 2013 and remain a staple of the Texas State Fair.
Watch the Longhorns at the Fort Worth Stockyards
Sunny view of the cattle drive show at Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth really gets into the Wild West culture, and the Stockyards is the reason why with daily cattle drives and several rodeos. The city also has the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame to get into the cowboy spirit, and if you really want to kick up your boots, you can visit Billy Bob’s Texas, the biggest honky-tonk place in the world.
Have a glass of wine in the Texas Hill Country
William Chris Vineyards, a winery based in Hye, Texas, was ranked one of the best in the world. (Courtesy: William Chris Vineyards)
If wines are your thing, you have to make a stop in Fredericksburg to check out the different vineyards among the Texas countryside.
There are about 50 wineries in town, so you can pick and choose and taste all sorts of wines.
Take a dip in Lake Travis
Aerial view of bluffs at Lake Travis, Austin, Texas, USA. Trees and cliff rock wall coming out of water from above. Vast blue ocean crystal background, moderate waves looking straight down, green forest
The big lake near Austin is one of the most beautiful lakes in Texas, making it the perfect place to go boating, swimming, or just hang out lakeside.
The more adventurous types can go jet skiing or wakeboarding as well. But if you just want to watch the lake in climate-controlled comfort, The Oasis restaurant has a great view, especially at sundown.
Get art inspired at the Cadillac Ranch
Cadillac Ranch, an iconic stop on Route 66, is an art installation and a popular landmark. It was created in 1974. Ten Cadillacs are partially buried nose down in the ground. Visitors spray paint their random art and graffiti, resulting in a constantly evolving artistic expression
Amarillo, TX
05/09/2022
If you love art (or old cars), then taking a drive down I-40 near Amarillo to the Cadillac Ranch is a must-do. About 10 old Cadillacs are sitting face down in the West Texas ground, and you can spray paint them to give them your own look.
Blast off at Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston is not only a museum about America’s accomplishments in space exploration, but it also details what’s in store for future missions
The Johnson Space Center in Houston has a tourist area that looks through the history of NASA and shows how space travel has changed and continues to evolve. You can take a look at how Mission Control looked when man first walked on the moon or visit a replica of what it’s like on the International Space Station.
Trip out at Marfa’s amazing lights
Marfa, Texas eye sign at night
If star gazing is your thing, then heading to West Texas to the small town of Marfa will be an incredible and mysterious trip. A weird light show takes place at night that is either caused by the atmosphere, ghosts or UFOs.
Grab a scoop at the Blue Bell creamery
FILE – In this April 10, 2015, file photo, Blue Bell ice cream rests on a grocery store shelf in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner, File)
There’s nothing more Texan than Blue Bell ice cream, so going to Brenham to take a look at how delicious ice cream is made is something you have to do. Plus, there’s an ice cream parlor there to grab a scoop or two before you head back home.
Relax along the Padre Island National Seashore
Tide comes in at South Padre Island.(KVEO Photo)
Right off the Gulf Coast near Corpus Christi is a narrow island that has clean beaches and sparkling water. Padre Island is the world’s longest barrier island, and it is also home to some endangered sea turtles. There’s plenty of room to go camping, take a dip in the water or catch some fish.
Visit the State Capitol
View inside the Texas State Capitol on the first day of the 89th Legislative Session on Jan. 14, 2024. (KXAN Photo/Barrett Tryon)
Politics aside, going to the State Capitol in Austin is a trip through Texas history. Going inside the dome, you can see its pink granite walls. The free tour also allows you to look at some of the chambers and artwork that shows all kinds of Texas culture.
Climb Palo Duro Canyon
Palo Duro Canyon, Canyon, TX
It’s called the “Grand Canyon of Texas” for a reason. Near Amarillo, Palo Duro is the second-largest canyon in the U.S. and a great spot for rock climbing or horseback riding. It even has a natural amphitheater for some outdoor performances.
Remember the Alamo
SAN ANTONIO, TX – MAY 18: A general view of atmosphere as HISTORY celebrates the epic new miniseries “Texas Rising” with “Texas Honors” event at the Alamo on May 18, 2015 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for HISTORY)
Of course, we end the list with the most recognized and most famous place in Texas history. The landmark in downtown San Antonio has lots of historical items from the building’s history, and there are some reenactments of the famous 1836 battle. There are other events that the Alamo holds, so check in to see what they have in store.