Top Things to do in Texas
Top Hotels in Texas
- 1. Fairmont Austin
- 2. Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
- 3. The San Luis Resort, Spa and Conference Center
- 4. Blossom Hotel Houston
- 5. Hotel Contessa - Suites on the Riverwalk
- 6. Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center
- 7. Holiday Inn Resort Galveston-on the Beach, an IHG Hotel
- 8. Fairmont Dallas
- 9. Hilton Americas-Houston
- 10. The Beeman Hotel
Countries
What to do and see in Texas, United States: The Best State Parks
Texas has great beaches for bird watching, boating, and fishing. Plus golf courses, cowboy and high art culture, and a rich history. Bask on the beach and bird watch between golf games before, during, or after spring break in Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, Crystal Beach, or South Padre Island. Explore East Texas from Dallas to Tyler, Texarkana, Jefferson, and Nacogdoches. Enjoy golf and big city life in Dallas or Houston. Visit Galveston's coastal Strand. Tour West Texas and Hill Country from San Antonio, New Braunfels, Austin, and Fredericksburg to Amarillo and El Paso.
Restaurants in Texas
1. Dinosaur Valley State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 762 reviews
Search for dinosaur footprints at this state park located along the Paluxy River.
Reviewed By SunnyBlu - Houston, United States
Me and my two dogs started at what is called the Main track site. I carried my shih-tzu over the crossing rocks, but my terrier easily crossed. Very interesting. We then hiked down the river bed to the next track site and saw the tracks there in the water, and hiked around some. It was cold so we did not go in the water. I also drove down to the Blue Hole site (which is a swimming hole in warmer weather) and saw the sites there. Left the dogs in the car as the way down is going from rock to rock to rock and some climbing. My terrier could have done it with ease, but not my little senior shih-tzu. I found the tracks very interesting and the river is just gorgeous. If the weather was warm I could have waded across the river to see more tracks - but it was in the 40s! I had a little picnic lunch. Nice clean restrooms there.
2. Old Tunnel State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 422 reviews
Smallest state park in Texas. Park features an historical railroad tunnel that is home to approximately 2 to 3 million bats. Visitors can access the short nature trail each day from sunrise until 5 p.m. Entrance to the park is free. Bats roost in the tunnel from May through October. During these months, nightly viewing of the bat emergence is available from the upper viewing area for free. Lower viewing area is only open on Thursday through Sunday evenings for $5 per person fee regardless of age. Rules for Old Tunnel State Park: No pets, no smoking on trails or in viewing areas, no alcoholic beverages, no camping, no open fires. For more detailed information about visitation, please call the number listed or visit the Old Tunnel web page.
Reviewed By markcY6534QD - Fort Worth, United States
While in Fredericksburg, we decided to make a short drive to get a burger at Alamo Springs Cafe. Great burgers, cold beer, and live music in the evenings. A couple next to our table informed us of the bat viewing at dusk just a short walk from the restaurant. What a pleasant surprise! There were decks for viewing and information from a state park ranger about the 3 million bats that emerge at dusk. A must see and only a :20 minute beautiful drive from Fredericksburg.
3. Longhorn Cavern State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 688 reviews
Located less than 90 minutes from Austin, Texas, Longhorn Cavern State Park is a unique Hill Country destination full of natural beauty and Texas-sized tales. Developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the park’s star attraction is Longhorn Cavern, an underground wonder created by the dissolving and cutting action of an ancient river. Enjoy a guided cave tour, hike a Hill Country trail, and admire some of Texas' best examples of historic CCC architecture. It's all part of the story of Longhorn Cavern State Park.
Reviewed By rhia474 - Irving, United States
This was our second time at the cavern, but the first time with our daughter, visiting the first time before she was born. The drive is lovely on Rt 4 with lots of ups and downs and WHEEs and gorgeous scenery. The park building is a neo-historical cottage built when the cavern was opened in the 1930s. Tours leave every hour on the hour starting at 10 am, and last about 1.5 hours. Our guide was Anna, and she was funny and super informational at the same time. The cave is beautiful, at times you really work some muscles as you can't walk upright for a bit, but at no point it is hard or unsafe for anyone who is in a reasonable physical condition. We also counted about 17 tiny tricolored bats (they aren't really tricolored unless you see them under a microscope, they just look black). They roost alone, anre really small and utterly adorable. Photography is allowed, (bats no-flash only), but no food or drink except plain water. There is a small snack bar and a well-stocked gift shop inside the main building, and by a short walk there is an observation tower that provides a great view of the surrounding vista. Definitely recommending for anyone, except perhaps really small children as strollers and such are not allowed.
4. Colorado Bend State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
A hidden jewel of the Texas park system. Colorado Bend is situated in the Hill Country along the Colorado River and is home to Gorman Falls, a 65 foot waterfall paradise. Fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking and other great opportunities abound.
Reviewed By Inspire587709
Moderate trails lead to overlook of limestone cliffs and canyons, spring-fed creeks, and swimming holes. Colorado River is park boundary. Bring sturdy shoes with good soles and plenty of water during hikes, as trails can be quite rocky. We saw many armadillos.
5. Lost Maples State Natural Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 284 reviews
An excellent park to view fall foliage while walking the Maple and East Trails.
Reviewed By wanderingcajunlady - Texas, United States
We visited the second week of November to hike and view fall foliage. We were lucky to have reserved day passes on a beautiful day, in the peak of colors. We were glad to have made our reservations early and in advance, because the park will sell out of day passes weeks to months in advance in the fall. We choose afternoon entrance, and if you choose it, please make sure you have enough time to do whatever activitiess you choose, especially hikes. We hiked the Maple Trail, then proceeded on to the East Trail, then East-West trail for a round trip circle of 4 miles. The hike took us 3 hours with minimal stop times. The most beautiful part of the trail is the Maple Trail if you are wanting to see fall colors. The East Trail and East-West were mostly rocky, uphill, steep and strenuous. Be sure you allow enough time to make it out before dark. You do not want to be navigating these steep incline/decline trails in the dark. We started at 2:30 pm and barely made it out before dark around 5:30. Also, be aware there is no cell service in this area. It's very remote, and you will likely not have any service, so prepare in advance. We enjoyed this hike very much, and the park is stunning in the fall.
6. Goose Island State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 539 reviews
A recommended bird sanctuary in Texas.
Reviewed By LittlePaint - Urbandale, United States
This was my first experience parking my 25' Class C on a beach. It appeared that there are hard pads between the picnic table shelters that are now covered with sand, but I pulled up in front of our shelter parallel to the water where it was noisy hard packed. Two reasons... Best view of the bay from inside the camper, and my power cord wasn't long enough to reach the outlet in the shelter on the passenger side. Enjoyed walking the beach, the fishing pier, and the wooded campground. Don't miss the pelicans at the fish cleaning station... What a hoot! Great park. Very relaxing.
7. Pedernales Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 551 reviews
A 5,212-acre park that offers six miles of river frontage for camping, horseback riding, hiking, and off road bicycling.
Reviewed By jrryager - Austin, United States
Here's the quick-and-dirty: 1. The namesake geologic feature is impressive. I was taken aback when we reached it, surprised by its magnitude. Take time to explore what you can, depending on the water levels. 2. The river is everything a Central Texas waterway should be: Cool and relatively shallow, providing an excellent opportunity to laze the day away. Be prepared to hike to it, though -- even the designated swimming area has a long stairway and trail leading to it. 3. The campgrounds are some of the nicest at a Texas state park, thanks to a revamp a few years ago. The sites have sheltered picnic tables and fire rings (buy wood from the camp host). The sites are near each other, but most of them are at least somewhat wooded so you still get a sense of seclusion and privacy. The bathrooms are well-lit and kept clean. 4. The facilities crew does a really good job keeping up the maintenance. Nothing seemed dirty or broken. 5. The sky out there is DARK. You can see the Milky Way on a clear night. That's hard to find less than an hour from a large city. 6. One final note: I hope you can appreciate being serenaded by the smooth howl from a chorus of coyotes. Their brays echo through the canyons, providing an eerie ambience during the dead of night.
8. Hill Country State Natural Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
Undeveloped state park that offers 36 miles of trails for horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, and primitive camping.
Reviewed By Caek4
We enjoyed our horseback ride through the State Natural Area. It was once a ranch and now kept as a natural area for visitors. It has beautiful views with walking or biking trails.
9. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,239 reviews
A dramatic 60-mile long and 800-foot deep canyon noted for its excellent hiking, birding, fishing and mountain biking.
Reviewed By Safariholic - Horsham, United Kingdom
Plan ahead. Book ahead and overnight IN the Canyon, if you possibly can. For the 2nd time - I goofed and I'm still kicking myself, since it was fully Booked on this particular day, so we had to head for Amarillo - well down I.40 a bit, actually. Weather on (both) days was great - this year the best. I would only defer a visit, if threatened by a serious Storm (thunder / lightning AND heavy rain, due to the risk of a Flash Flood). Otherwise dress sensible and enjoy. It can get cool at night, even in high Summer. Water, Drinks, Hats, Shades, Binnos & Cameras commended. Shoes or Hiking footwear - not sandals or flipflops. I think I am right in saying - there are places to Camp (tent), TrailerTent, Caravan, RV Park, Condos/Appts, & Cabins. Where is it ? Texas. At the very end of Hwy 217 heading East, off Hwy 1541 Sth from Amarillo. and/or off I.27 (also Nth/Sth from Amarillo) - approx. 40 mins from Amarillo beltway, subject to traffic. Lot of work on Hwy 335 West side of Amarillo in March 2019 & its going to take a while. NB. 'State' not 'National' Park, so certain Passes do not qualify. Cannot recall the Fees, but do, that they were not excessive. Both the Visitor Centre (El Coronado Lodge - Maps, Guidance, Trails Info, Accommodation queries, fascinating History, Geology, Wildlife, Birdlife, Curios & clean Restrooms) and Palo Duro Canyon Observation Point are worth stopping at - great views too. Just round the back & to Sth side of Palo Duro Trading Post (popular b/fast, lunch stop it appears) is a Bird Watching Spot with water baths and (stocked) bird feeders etc and good signage to help with ID'ing. The road down into the Canyon, after the Observation Point is quite steep & narrow, and because of the Vista, prone to cars stopping to take the shot - chill for them and they will for you. It's not a race. Suitable for all ages, and In My Humble Opinion, for a wide variety of 'Mobility Issue' folks. Walks or Hikes - choice is yours - just ask. Pls stay on the Trails though. Straying causes considerable &, almost always, irreparable damage. My Photos to add are ALL over 10 mbs, so too large for TA - SORRY.
10. Inks Lake State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 368 reviews
A 1,200-acre state park known for the 803-acre Inks Lake used for fishing, scuba diving and other water sports.
Reviewed By Taytay1715 - Houston, United States
Visited while in Marble Falls on vacation. I recommend booking day passes ahead of time. We would of been turned away if we hadn't. We did not enjoy the water due to the toxic algae in the water. We were traveling with our dog and the algae levels were too high at this time. There were several people enjoying the water, kayaking, paddle boarding, and jumping from the rocks at devil's waterhole. We did hike to the overlook and really enjoyed our time in the park.
