The top 10 places to visit in Texas…that’s hard. We obviously live in a very large state, with some amazing cities and tiny towns. It was extremely hard choosing my top ten. Don’t be mad if I left out your favorite destination! These are in alphabetical order.

Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Texas

1. Abilene – This quaint bible belt town, which was once an oil mecca, is a great place visit. I attended college here for 6 years (that included my master’s people ; ) ), and I loved it.

• The BEST thrifting/antiquing
• Frontier Texas – Super fun history museum
• The NCCIL – National Center for Children’s Literature

2. Austin – Do I really need to explain this one.

• Live Music Capital of the World
• Innovative restaurants and ambitious chefs
• World renown nightlife
• Children’s Museum – The Thinkery
• Austin Zoo
• Great parks and outdoor activities (Zilker Park, Lady Bird Lake, Barton Springs, McKinney Falls)

3. Big Bend – Amazing nature and hiking

• If you want to experience luxury, stay the night at the Gage hotel.
• Historic cowboy towns nearby
• Enjoy the peace and quiet
• Big Bend State Park

4. Dallas/Fort Worth – Two large cities right next each other, that offer tons of family activities! Get a true Texas experience and stop by the Fort Worth Stock yards. Some other great spots include the;

• Fort Worth Zoo
• Dallas Aquarium
• See tons of sports (Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Dallas Stars, Dallas Mavs)
• Six Flags over Texas
• Billy Bob’s Dance Hall

5. Fredericksburg – One of my absolute favorite towns in Texas.

• Great shopping along the main street perfect for strolling with the family
• Local wineries
• German restaurants that are extremely delicious
• Fun nightlife with the locals *One of the few Texas towns where you can drink a beer while walking on the sidewalk*

6. Galveston – Quaint downtown, and a fun beach experience for the whole family.

• Rain Forest Cafe
• Galveston Railroad Museum
• Enjoy the beach with family

7.  Gruene – A small town nestled beside the Guadalupe river and beautiful trees.

• Dine at one of Texas’ largest restaurants – The Gristmill
• Two Step at the historic Gruene Hall
• Float the Guadalupe river
• Antique shop the historic downtown square

8. McKinney – one of my favorite downtown squares in all of texas.

• Delicious restaurants and cafes
• Lots of wonderful antique and clothing shops on the square
• Family friendly activities

9. Port Aransas – Grab your bathing suit and fishing pole, and head to south Texas for fun beach trip with the family.

• Rent a golf cart and ride around town and down the beach (everyone does)
• Dine at local seafood restaurants with super fresh fish, shrimp and lobster
• Tons of surf and souvenir shops
• Awesome Nightlife

10. San Antonio – Another very large city in Texas that has a ton of family activities to offer.

• Sea World
• Fiesta Texas
• The Riverwalk
• San Antonio Spurs
• Dine at Mi Tierra for some of the best Tex-Mex you will ever eat
• Shop at EL MERCADO for the perfect souvenir

I’m proud to have so many options of vacations in Texas!

Where is your favorite place to visit in Texas?