Things to Do in Texas

Choose from 78 Fun Things to Do in Texas

Austin Convention Center

Stretching more than six city blocks and housing almost 250,000 square feet of exhibit space, the sprawling Austin Convention Center hosts a variety of events and conferences. It’s an ideal location for meetings and conventions, with more than 54 meeting rooms and seven ballrooms, and it’s within close proximity to the hotels, restaurants, and bars of downtown Austin.

The Basics

Those planning or attending a trade show, convention, industry meeting, or event at the Austin Convention Center find its downtown Austin location convenient for exploring the rest of the city. Experience downtown Austin on any number of guided tours, including a Segway, bus, walking, or food tour. Some experiences focus on specific Austin highlights such as music, barbecue, or beer, while others focus on outdoor experiences such as kayaking or biking.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Austin Convention Center has an on-site business center for scanning, copying, printing, and other business needs. Postal services are also available.
Look for the digital flight departure and arrival board with real-time flight information from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
A limited number of motorized scooters are available for rent.
The Austin Convention Center has an on-site gift shop with lots of Austin- and Texas-focused merchandise.

How to Get There

The Austin Convention Center is bordered by Cesar Chavez and 4th Street, and Trinity and Red River streets in downtown Austin, Texas. It’s 8 miles northwest of the airport. There are two paid parking garages nearby, one on 2nd Street and the other on 5th Street. The Capital Metro light rail stops in front of the convention center on 4th Street.

When to Get There

Some of the biggest events at the Austin Convention Center are South by Southwest in March, DreamHack in April, and Wizard World Austin Comic Con in fall. If you can, tack a few extra days onto your visit for more time to explore downtown Austin and the surrounding areas.

SXSW

South by Southwest is one of Austin Convention Center’s largest events, bringing 150,000 people to downtown Austin. SXSW (or “South By”) started in 1987 as a music festival. Over the years, the conference/festival expanded its reach into multimedia, film, education, and interactive sessions. Twitter was introduced at SXSW in 2007.

500 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78701, USA

From $ 75

Children's Museum of Houston

Located in the Houston Museum District, the Children’s Museum of Houston makes learning fun for children and families. Founded in 1980 by a group of parents who hoped to make early childhood development a priority in the community, the museum features 14 interactive exhibits that allows for myriad fun experiences. At Invention Convention kids can build robots, cars and rockets using LEGOs, magnets, batteries, switches and more, while Think Tank allows them to enhance their problem solving skills with brain teases, puzzles and optical illusions. Kidtropolis is another favorite station, as children can act like adults by governing life-sized city. Taking on the roles of city leaders, business owners and community members, children are given an ATM card with 40 Kidtropolis dollars to budget with, needing to get a job, purchase groceries and deposit wisely.

A few of the other many exhibits include How Does It Work?, where kids will learn the answers to challenging questions through investigation, Inventors’ Workshop, where kids are given a creative activity to complete relating to art, technology and/or science, and EcoStation, an outdoor/indoor exhibit showcasing hands-on environmental activities like bug collecting and identifying animal tracks. Exploring three-story mazes, viewing a live chicken hatching, learning about Gullah culture, fighting crime, climbing boulders and navigating a boat upstream in an outdoor water park area are just a few more of the many other experiences that can be had at the Children’s Museum of Houston.

The Children’s Museum of Houston is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm Thursday 10am to 8pm, and Sunday 12pm to 6pm. Admission is $9 for adults and children over one, $8 for seniors over 65 and military and free for children under one years of age. Additionally, it is free for all to enter on Thursdays from 5pm to 8pm.

1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004, USA

Tue-Sat 10:00am - 6:00pm, Thu 10:00am - 8:00pm. Sun 12:00pm - 6:00pm. Closed Mondays, except Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Adults/Children $9, Seniors $8

From $ 12

French Legation

The Republic of Texas, as it was known from 1836 to 1845, was host to a diplomatic outpost representing the government of France. The French Legation was built in 1841 for Alphonse Dubois de Saligny, who was sent to the Republic of Texas by King Louis Philippe. Today it’s the oldest structure in Austin and an interesting museum.

The Basics

To fully appreciate this unique footnote in Texas history, take one of the regularly scheduled guided tours of the French Legation Museum, which gives you access to the inside of the house as well as the surrounding grounds. Include a stop at the French Legation with your guided tour of important sights in Austin and the Hill Country, while you relax and take in the area’s history and natural beauty.

Things to Know Before You Go

The French Legation is a must for history buffs.
Docent-guided tours last approximately 40 minutes.
There is an on-site gift shop.
The house is accessible to wheelchairs though portions of the grounds are not wholly ADA-complaint.

How to Get There

The French Legation is located 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) east of the Texas Capitol in downtown Austin. Several Capital Metro buses stop nearby; the closest stop is at 7th Street and San Marcos.

When to Get There

The French Legation is open from 1pm to 5pm Tuesday through Sunday. If you’d like to expand on your visit, come on a second or fourth Sunday of the month, when you can partake in the French leisure sport of pétanque; equipment is provided and it’s free to play. Games are held at the Mueller Hangar, about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) north of the French Legation.

Pig War

French chargé d’affaires Alphonse Dubois de Saligny is notorious for his Pig War in downtown Austin. During his brief tenure at the French Legation, he complained about troublesome pigs belonging to a neighboring hotel keeper. He and the hotelier quarreled mightily over the pigs until de Saligny, unsatisfied not to receive backing from the Texas government, took off for Louisiana, never to set foot in Texas again.

802 San Marcos, Austin 78702, USA

Varies

From $ 25

Brackenridge Park

Brackenridge Park is a park and recreation area located near the San Antonio River in San Antonio, TX. There are many activities visitors can enjoy, such as fishing, boating, hiking, running, bird watching, golf on the oldest municipal golf course in Texas, and other sports. Some people come for picnics in the park or gatherings with friends and family. You can also take a train ride on a 3.5-mile miniature railway. Adjacent to the park, you'll find the San Antonio Zoo which has the third largest collection of animals in North America. Another popular attraction is the Japanese Tea Garden, a garden with flowers on display all year round, stone bridges, shaded walkways, a 60-foot waterfall, and a few ponds.

The Brackenridge Park Conservancy was created to preserve the park's natural, historic, educational and recreational resources. The Mabel Jingu Enkoji Fund supports the Japanese Tea Garden and provides cultural programming. Both are partnered with the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department in their efforts to conserve and improve the park.

Practical Info

Brackenridge Park is located two miles from downtown San Antonio at 3700 North St. Mary's Street. It is open daily from 5am to 11pm. The Japanese Tea Garden is open daily from 8am to dusk. The zoo is open daily from 9am to 5pm, and tickets are $12 for adults and $9.50 for children 3-11 years old.

3700 North St. Mary's Street, San Antonio, Texas, USA

Daily 5am to 11pm

From $ 55

Downtown Aquarium

Houston’s Downtown Aquarium is a fun and educational attraction, especially for families. Children can get up close and personal with more than 200 types of underwater creatures, including myriad fish, eels, rays in a touch tank, sharks, and white tigers. Kids also love the amusement rides and dining in the underwater aquarium restaurant.

The Basics

This 500,000-gallon (1.89-million-liter) complex takes you through a network of tanks all organized with a different theme. You might enjoy seeing a replica of a 17th-century shipwreck reef teeming with fish or riding through the Shark Voyage tunnel. Another add-on ticket option includes petting stingrays in the aquarium’s touch tanks. End your visit with a peek at the two resident white tigers housed in a replica Maharaja’s temple and a spin on some of the amusement rides. If you’ve worked up an appetite, consider a meal in the aquarium restaurant—and dine next to colorful fish swimming in floor-to-ceiling tanks.

You can get single tickets for individual attractions in the complex, or make a day of it with an All-Day Adventure Pass, which includes admission to the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit and Stingray Reef plus unlimited amusement rides. Combination tickets are available that provide entry to the Downtown Aquarium along with other Houston area attractions.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Houston aquarium is a great activity for families with young kids.
If you plan to enjoy the outdoor attractions, remember to bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
Skip the line with a Houston CityPASS—cardholders enter through a dedicated line.
The Downtown Aquarium is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

The Downtown Aquarium is located on Bagby Street between Preston Street and Memorial Drive, just east of US 45 (Gulf Freeway) in downtown Houston. The city’s bus service stops at Preston and Bagby. If driving, paid parking is available in the downtown lot next to the aquarium complex.

When to Get There

Houston’s aquarium is open every day of the year from 10am; it closes at 8:30pm Sunday through Thursday and 10pm on Friday and Saturday. To beat the crowds, visit early or late in the day, even an hour or two before closing—you can get through the main aquarium fairly quickly. Expect throngs on weekends, holidays, and school breaks.

Ride the Train Under the Sharks

For added fun, spring for a train ticket that takes you through the Downtown Aquarium’s Shark Voyage, a tunnel through a 200,000-gallon (757,000-liter) tank filled with sharks swimming overhead. There are several outdoor attractions worth exploring, too, plus amusement rides including a 100-foot (30.5-meter) Ferris wheel and an aquatic carousel.

410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

Varies

From $ 35

6th Street

Austin’s 6th Street, sometimes known colloquially as Dirty Sixth, is the epicenter for late nights, free-flowing drinks, and all-around good times in the Live Music Capital of the World. This historical neighborhood is lined with bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops, and car traffic is blocked on weekends so pedestrians can take their party into the street.

The Basics

Tame by day and a bit raucous by night (especially on weekends), 6th Street should go on all party-goers’ lists of authentically Austin must-have experiences, especially if you’re visiting for the first time. Go during the day as part of a guided city tour and learn more about the area’s history. Then return at night to swig a Lone Star beer, listen to live music on any given night, and enjoy the laid-back vibe of this cool Texas town.

Things to Know Before You Go

While 6th Street is sleepy during the day, it’s not appropriate for young kids in the evening, when the bar crowds fill the streets.
The scene skews heavily toward college students and 20-somethings, with shot bars and honky-tonks that cater to that demographic.
A portion of 6th Street is closed to traffic on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, so parking can be difficult to find.

How to Get There

“Dirty Sixth” refers to about a 7-block stretch of 6th Street between I-35 and Congress Avenue in downtown Austin. You can get there by taking either of the main freeways, I-35 or TX-1 (Mopac), into downtown. Austin also has a small train line and a bus service operated by Capital Metro, and in the evenings you can usually find a pedicab to hire for a night of revelry so you don’t have to drive.

When to Get There

Thursday through Saturday nights, 6th Street is reliably jumping from about 10pm into the wee hours. If you don’t like huge crowds, you’d be wise to avoid visiting during festival weekends, such as South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival.

Have a Laugh

If you are looking for entertainment beyond the bars on 6th Street, buy tickets for a show at Esther’s Follies. This variety show will have you doubled over with laughter as it pokes fun at life in Austin and Texas in general, with a frequently updated take on current events, plus feats of magic. The theater fronts 6th Street and often uses passersby as unknowing participants in the show.

6th Street, Austin, Texas, USA

From $ 25

Buckhorn Saloon & Museum

Stuffed critters, a shooting gallery and museums of Americana and the Texas Rangers make having a drink at the Buckhorn Saloon a memorable experience.

From cattle to fish, birds and game, the Buckhorn Museum is a taxidermist’s dream, stuffed with more than 520 species from around the globe. Look out for the huge black marlin, ’78 Point Buck’ and prehistoric Irish elk complete with antlers.

The collection housed in the adjoining Ranger Museum includes weapons, badges, photos, a Bonnie & Clyde exhibit and ‘Ranger Town’, re-creating early-20th-century San Antonio.

Drop in for lunch at the cafe, or choose a locally brewed ale at 130-year-old saloon bar.

Practical Info

The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum is in downtown San Antonio, just a couple of blocks from the Alamo and a block from the River Walk.

318 East Houston Street, San Antonio TX 78205, USA

Spring Break/Memorial Day - Labor Day: 10am - 8pm. Labor Day - Memorial Day: 10am until 5pm

Adults: US$17.99

From $ 22

Dallas Arts District

The Dallas Arts District is a hub for performing arts, museums, and architecture, and at 69 acres and 19 blocks in size, it is one of the largest urban arts districts in the United States. Visitors interested in the arts will want to check out the Winspear Opera House, Meyerson Symphony Center, and the Wyly Theatre, among others.

The Basics

The Dallas Arts District has three museums—the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Crow Collection of Asian Art—as well as several venues aimed at showcasing music and live performance, plus public art, festivals, lectures, classes, parks, and gardens. The neighborhood has a variety of cozy cafés for savoring your immersive artistic day. Round out your itinerary with a tour that includes the Arts District in addition to other Dallas hot spots.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Dallas Arts District is a must-stop for art and music fans.
Most of the art venues have gift shops—consider taking home a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Turn your day at the Arts District into an interactive adventure by booking a Scavenger Hunt or Outdoor Trivia Race.

How to Get There

The Dallas Arts District is bordered by US 75 to the east and St. Paul to the west, Woodall Rodgers Access Road to the north and Ross to the south. The closest DART is Pearl/Arts District. The free McKinney Avenue Trolley (also known as the M-Line) stops at the district.

When to Get There

There are no set hours for the Dallas Arts District. Check each venue for hours and days of operation, as well as upcoming special events or closures. Generally, museums will be busier on weekends and school breaks. The Dallas Arts District Block Party is a signature event series that runs at various times throughout the year and is worth checking out.

America’s Finest Opera House

The Winspear Opera House has been called “America’s finest opera house” by Opera magazine, in part because of its unique 21st-century design, which is a takeoff on the traditional opera house “horseshoe” shape. The building’s facade is 60 feet (18 meters) of glass revealing a vibrant red interior. The venue hosts opera, musical theater, ballet, and other performances.

Flora Street, Dallas, Texas, USA

From $ 15

Barton Springs

A visit to Barton Springs Pool in Austin’s sprawling Zilker Park is a treasured experience for both Austin locals and visitors. The pool, which is more than 3 acres (1.2 hectares) in size is the result of a naturally occurring underground-fed spring. Generations have enjoyed the fresh, cool water, which stays a constant temperature of about 68°F (20°C).

The Basics

Located in Zilker Metropolitan Park near downtown Austin, the natural limestone pool ranges from dip-your-toes-in to more than 18 feet (5.5 meters) deep. You might encounter fish and turtles, and it’s home to the endangered Barton Springs salamander. There’s a diving board, and a grassy area for sunbathing, and lifeguards on duty. Combine your trip to Barton Springs with an Austin bike tour that ends with a dip in the pool.

Things to Know Before You Go

During most guarded swim times, there are is a fee with discounts for seniors, youth, residents, and veterans.
Food, smoking, and alcohol are prohibited.
Lifeguards are on duty for much of the day.

How to Get There

Barton Springs is within Zilker Park, which you can access from Barton Springs Road. It’s immediately southwest of downtown Austin across the Colorado River. From downtown, take Congress Avenue south across the Congress Avenue Bridge, which turns into 1st Street. Turn right on Barton Springs Road, and look for Zilker Park signs and the pool. Parking is available near the pool (there’s a parking fee on weekends).

When to Get There

From March through September, the pool is open 5am to 10pm daily, with a lifeguard on duty during posted hours each day (you can swim for free at your own risk outside of these hours). The pool is closed Thursday from 9am to 7pm for cleaning and habitat maintenance. Given the cool temperature of the water, summer is the best time for a dip.

Did You Know?

Barton Springs has a fascinating history. Robert Redford is said to have learned to swim at the pool at age 5. Topless sunbathers were common in the 1970s. Barton Springs is home to the Barton Springs salamander, an endangered, federally protected species. And it’s never been more popular: a record-setting 800,000 visitors have enjoyed Barton Springs Pool in recent years.

2201 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78746, USA

Varies

From $ 39

Billy Bob's Texas Honky Tonk

The famous roadhouse-style barbecue steak, brisket, and ribs are only part of the story at Billy Bob’s, dubbed the world’s largest honky tonk. More than 6,000 people can squeeze into the Fort Worth venue to watch country music concerts, hit the dance floor, dine at the restaurant, play arcade games, or watch a bull riding contest.

The Basics

Billy Bob’s Texas Honky Tonk offers several experiences and ticket options. General admission to the dance club also includes standing room in the showroom during concerts. Reserved seating during concerts includes club entrance. A bull riding show may be included with your advanced ticket, or you may purchase it separately. Book your entrance ahead of time to avoid the hassle of waiting in line at the ticket office.

Things to Know Before You Go

Billy Bob’s Texas Honky Tonk is a must-visit for families and first-time Texas visitors.
Guests over 18 might be asked to present a valid government issued ID to enter.
Billy Bob’s is wheelchair accessible, and handicapped parking is available.

How to Get There

Billy Bob’s Texas Honky Tonk sits in the northwest corner of the Fort Worth Stockyards Historic District, just north of downtown Fort Worth. The easiest way to get there is to drive; there’s plenty of on-site parking.

When to Get There

Billy Bob’s is open daily throughout the year. The best time to visit depends largely on what experience you want to have and what the performance calendar looks like. It’s a good idea to check the calendar in advance of your trip. Bull riding performances take place on Friday and Saturday nights.

Dance Lessons at Billy Bob’s

Texas two-stepping and line dancing are a big part of the experience at Billy Bob’s. Luckily, you don’t have to be a pro to put on those dancing shoes and get in on the fun. Couples can show up on Sunday and Monday nights for couples dance lessons, while line dancing lessons take place each Thursday night.

2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth TX 76164, USA

Varies

From $ 120

Fort Worth

Known as the home of “Cowboys and Culture,” Fort Worth is the smaller—but no less robust— neighbor in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Its roots as a cowtown can still be seen in such museums as the Stockyards Museum and family-friendly activities including twice-daily Texas longhorn cattle runs.

The Basics

Fort Worth has three key districts for visitors: Sundance Square, the Cultural District, and the Stockyards. Trendy Sundance Square spans 35 blocks downtown and has restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. The Cultural District has five acclaimed museums, including the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. The Stockyards offers up a slice of old-school western life, with cattle drives and homey cafes and shops.

Things to Know Before You Go
Fort Worth is a friendly, laid-back destination that is ideal for families.
A free visitor trolley, Molly the Trolley, takes visitors around to the three main downtown districts.
Traffic can be busy throughout the DFW area, particularly during rush hour.

How to Get There

Fort Worth is 35 miles (56 kilometers) west of Dallas. From Dallas, follow I-30 West and take the Lancaster Avenue exit for downtown. Trinity Railway Express train service runs between the two cities, and the city bus service is called “the T.” Visitors can also take the free Molly the Trolley throughout downtown.

When to Get There

For the best climate during your stay, try to time your visit for the fall, September through November. Major events that take place throughout the year include the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo in January and the National Day of the American Cowboy in July.

Have You “Herd”?

Fort Worth’s Stockyards is the only place in the world where you can see a herd of Texas longhorn cattle roaming the streets. One of the Stockyards’ six staff drovers drive the cattle twice a day, at 11:30am and 4pm.

Main Street, Fort Worth TX 76101, USA

Free

From $ 15

Chase Tower

If "everything is bigger in Texas," JPMorganChase Tower in central Houston is no exception. This skyscraper stands 75 stories tall and tops out at just over 1,000 feet (305 meters), making it the tallest building in Texas. It boasts a unique five-sided design, built with expansive 85-foot-wide (26-meter) glass, and serves as a Houston icon.

The Basics

Although the tower's 60th-floor Sky Lobby observation deck is closed to the public, visitors to the tower can enjoy the natural light and design of the lobby, which opens out onto the plaza outside; get a sense of the scale of the state's tallest structure from its base on a Houston city tour that covers all the essential landmarks; or view the tower as you emerge from one of the city's pedestrian tunnels on an underground tour led by an expert guide.

Things to Know Before You Go

Chase Tower is considered to be one of the best free things to see in Houston's city center.
Much of the building is office space and unavailable to the public, so it is best admired from the lobby, the street, or afar.
Don't miss the 55-foot (16.7-meter) steel and cast sculpture by Spanish artist Joan Miró at the plaza outside the building, his largest freestanding work of art in America.

How to Get There

The JP Morgan Chase Tower is located at 600 Travis St. in downtown Houston. It is not currently connected to the Houston tunnel system, but it is set near a tunnel entrance.

When to Get There

You can view the tower exterior at any time of day. Note that regular building business hours are Monday to Friday from 6am to 6pm. The ground floor is a working bank, while most other tenants are offices.

Things to Do Near Chase Tower

The downtown Houston tunnel system makes for a unique experience that can be accessed near the tower. The Houston Symphony Orchestra is just one block to the west of the tower, while other nearby sights include Hermann Park, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Houston Zoo, and the Downtown Aquarium. Most attractions can be seen on a city sightseeing tour, either by double-decker bus or on foot.

600 Travis St, Houston, Texas 77002, USA

From $ 35

Bexar County Courthouse

J. Riely Gordon designed this iconic historical sandstone courthouse that’s stood in downtown San Antonio since 1896. The Romanesque Revival-style building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977.

Despite numerous renovations and reconstructions, travelers say the Bexar County Courthouse has managed to maintain its original charm. The courthouse remains a fully functional operation, with a network of tunnels connecting offices below the surface. But visitors say its external beauty is worthy of photographing—especially during the evening, when nearby streetlights cast a holy glow. Visitors may also enjoy photographing the courthouse during winter months when holiday displays offer a festive touch.

Practical Info

Bexar Country Courthouse is located at 100 Dolorosa, #302 in San Antonio. It is within walking distance of the River Walk and near the Main Plaza and Cathedral of San Fernando.

100 Dolorosa #302, San Antonio, USA

From $ 53

Driskill Hotel

The oldest operating hotel in Austin, the Driskill has been legendary in Texas since it was built in 1886. Celebrities have visited the historic landmark over the years, including former president Lyndon B. Johnson, who took Lady Bird there on their first date. Today the Driskill Grill and 1886 Cafe & Bakery restaurants are here as well.

The Basics

The Driskill Hotel is a lovely Romanesque-style building in the heart of downtown Austin. Guided group tours of the area include a stop here, along with entertaining and insightful information about the history of this grand hotel, built by cattle baron Jesse Driskill. Over the years many ghost stories have arisen, leading locals to believe that the hotel is haunted. After your city tour, return to the Driskill for a drink or bite to eat and see if you agree.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Driskill Hotel is worth a peek from every first-time visitor to Austin.
On-site dining options include the Driskill Grill for upscale dinners and the 1886 Cafe & Bakery, which serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The Driskill Bar serves drinks with live music every day.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
The Driskill is pet-friendly.
Monthly local craft beer dinners and Victorian afternoon teas are popular, so book in advance.
The hotel is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The Driskill is located in downtown Austin—the only hotel on famed 6th Street—just off of I-35. It’s a short walk from the MetroRail’s Downtown station and other area points of interest, such as the Texas Capitol and Lady Bird Lake.

When to Get There

A visit to the Driskill Hotel is ideal any time of year, but you might want to avoid the massive crowds associated with the city’s most popular festivals, Austin City Limits (ACL) in the fall and South by Southwest (SXSW) in the spring.

Cattle Baron’s Suite

The suites at the Driskill are some of the most opulent and unique accommodations in the area, fulfilling Jesse Driskill’s dream that the hotel would be the finest of its kind south of St. Louis. The 1,200-square-foot (111.5-square-meter) Cattle Baron’s Suite features two bedrooms, an 8-seat dining room, and living room in a building that is alleged to be among the most haunted hotels in the US.

604 Brazos Street, Austin, Texas 78701, USA

From $ 25

Bullock Texas State History Museum

Greeting visitors with a 34-foot (10-meter) bronze star, the Bullock Texas State History Museum invites you to learn about the story of Texas. Its three floors of historical exhibits are as entertaining and engaging as they are informative. Also here are Austin’s only IMAX theater and a separate 4-D theater.

The Basics

Located right in downtown Austin, the Bullock Museum offers you a greater understanding of Texas history. Your tour begins with the museum’s earliest indigenous artifacts, starting Texas’ historical journey over 14,000 years ago. As you climb each floor, you learn about the state’s journey to independence, the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, NASA Mission Control, and more.

You can purchase tickets to see one of the historical films in the Texas Spirit Theater, which engages your senses with seat vibrations, wind, and other 4-D features. Various documentaries and first-run films are also screened daily at the IMAX theater. And you don’t have to visit the museum in order to see a show.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Bullock Museum is a very family-friendly venue and great for anyone interested in learning more about Texas history.
Admission discounts are available for military members, senior citizens, students, and children.
Museum admission does not include movie tickets or special exhibitions.
The first floor features a gift shop, with unique Texas gifts, and there’s a café on the museum’s second floor.
The museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Wheelchairs are available for no fee.

How to Get There

The Bullock Texas State History Museum is located on Congress Avenue at 18th Street in downtown Austin, about a 10-minute walk from the Texas State Capitol. The museum has a paid parking garage, and there is also paid parking in nearby lots and on the street. Several CapMetro buses stop within two blocks of the Bullock; city bike rental is another option.

When to Get There

The Bullock Museum is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 12pm to 5pm Sunday, except for major holidays. The first Sunday of every month, admission is free—which means the museum may be more crowded than usual. Weekdays are much quieter and offer a more relaxed way to explore the museum. Note that on home-game days for the University of Texas at Austin, parking is more expensive and harder to find.

Who Was Bob Bullock?

The Bullock Museum is named in honor of Texas’s 38th lieutenant governor, Bob Bullock, who made it his cause to preserve and honor Texas history. As part of this effort, he helped establish the museum in 2001. Bullock served two terms as lieutenant governor and is remembered for his bipartisanship and the way he insisted on a government that worked best for Texas.

1800 N. Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701, USA

Varies

From $ 35

Congress Avenue Bridge Bats

Austin’s Congress Avenue Bridge is home to roughly 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats—the world’s largest urban bat colony. Spectators gather here on summer nights, cameras in hand, to watch these flying mammals emerge from beneath the bridge to hunt in the sky above Lady Bird Lake.

The Basics

You can witness Austin’s beloved flying residents from various locations, including the eastern walkway of Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, the grassy hillside at the base of the bridge, or from Lady Bird Lake in a rented kayak, canoe, or paddle board. Bat-watching tours take various forms—enjoy a guided cycling tour around the lake before arriving at the bridge in time for bat viewing, paddle to the bridge on a kayak tour, or see the bats as part of a GPS-led scavenger hunt through the Texas capital.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Congress Bridge bats are a must-see for animal lovers and first-time visitors to Austin.
The bats’ dramatic appearance usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes.
A typical bat tour lasts two to three hours, depending on the option chosen.
The public walkway along Congress Avenue Bridge is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Congress Avenue Bridge is located roughly one mile (1.6 kilometers) from downtown Austin. The easiest way to get there is on foot or by road. Parking is available near the Austin American-Statesman office, Auditorium Shores, and along East Riverside Drive.

When to Get There

The Austin bats can be seen between March and November, with their numbers peaking in summer. The mammals begin to emerge about 20 minutes before sundown; due to the spectacle’s popularity, it’s a good idea to show up an hour or so before sunset to stake out a spot on the bridge.

Austin Bat Trivia

The free-tailed bat colony that lives beneath South Congress Bridge was once feared, but today the bats are appreciated for keeping the city’s bug population under control. Each night, the colony consumes 20,000 to 30,000 pounds (9,072 to 13,608 kilograms) of insects. This particular species gets its name from its long tail, which measures about a third of the length of its body. The bats often fly up to two miles (3.2 kilometers) high and are among the fastest mammals in the world.

Austin, Texas, USA

From $ 25

Alamodome

Since 1993 the Alamodome in downtown San Antonio has been hosting sporting events like football and baseball games, conventions and concerts for crowds from around Texas and across the globe. With more than 65,000 seats the super-sized stadium has been home to the famed Alamo Bowl, Corps Classic and the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. It is the top destination for sports in San Antonio and is the perfect place to check out a soccer game or indoor football match.

Travelers can tailgate in the vast parking lot outside the Alamodome and tuck into classic Texas fare once inside.

Visitors who want to make the most of their trip to the Alamodome can check out the Institute of Texan Cultures, the HemisFair Urban Park or the popular River Walk, which are all nearby the center.

Practical Info

The Alamodome is located at 100 Montana Street in San Antonio. It is accessible via the One Hundred Primo, which has replaced the Downtown trolley yellow route. Paid parking is also available for visitors who choose to drive for events.

100 Montana Street, San Antonio, USA

From $ 53

Admiral Nimitz State Historic Site

Midway Island is over 4,600 miles from the hills of Fredericksburg, Texas, but you’d never know it from visiting the Admiral Nimitz State Historic Site. This is the town where Chester Nimitiz was born in 1885—a man who go on to lead the Pacific Fleet and accept the symbol of Japanese surrender at the end of World War II. Though the Texas Hill country looks nothing like the blood-stained atolls and islands of the Pacific, the museum that bears the Admiral’s name is the closest thing civilians get to feeling like they’ve actually been there. Set inside the refurbished walls of the historic Nimitz Hotel, the Admiral Nimitz State Historic Site is part of the National Museum of the Pacific War that spans seven of Fredericksburg’s acres.

The Conning Tower of the USS Pintado sits right outside the building, and a Japanese tank and miniature submarine accompany a collection of over 5,000 items that were used in the War of the Pacific. In 1976, in a symbol of friendship between the two nations, the Japanese government gifted the museum with the Japanese Garden of Peace—and it provides a calming sanctuary from the intense wartime exhibits. The museum is the nation’s only spot dedicated exclusively to the War in the Pacific, and as it continues to grow each year with exhibits, documents, and donations, has gradually become one of America’s best and most comprehensive military museums.

Practical Info

The Admiral Nimitz State Historic Site is open from 9am-5pm daily, with the exceptions of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Christmas Eve. Admission is $14 for adults, $7 for children, and children 5 and under are free. WWII veterans may also visit for free, and tickets are good for 48 hours.

340 E Main St, Fredericksburg, Texas, USA 78624, USA

Daily 9am-5pm

Adults: $14; Children: $7

From $ 109

Christian Arts Museum of Fort Worth

Home to some of the world's most unique modern art depicting Christianity, the Christian Arts Museum of Forth Worth has both excellent permanent and visiting collections. The pillar of its permanent collection is a life-size depiction of Da Vinci's famous painting The Last Supper, created in wax by sculptor Katherine Stubergh. The wax display has been in Fort Worth since the 1960s, though it was restored before being placed in the museum. Similarly to those in wax museums around the world, the figures are noted for their lifelike appearance. There is also a superb collection of paintings and handmade bronze crosses.

The exterior of the museum is grounded by two columns and an arched entryway that leads to its foyer and galleries. During the holiday season, the museum features rotating exhibits such as the Ark of the Covenant and nativity scenes from around the world.

Practical Info

The Christian Arts Museum can be found at the corner of Hamilton and Bailey avenues, on the north edge of San Antonio. It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 3pm. Admission is free.

3221 Hamilton Ave, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, USA

Tuesday–Saturday 10am–3pm

From $ 8

2nd Street District

The 2nd Street District is a new area of Austin that includes a range of trendy retail stores, cool coffee shops, restaurants, wine bars, and urban living spaces. The motto for the area is “Where Texas Warmth Meets Austin Cool.”

There are approximately 50 specialty shops, services, and dining establishments within the district, which is spread out over about six city blocks. Most shops are locally owned and operated, so it's best to walk the area and look at all the unique offerings available, which helps support the local Austin economy. The 2nd Street District also has a few recognizable brands like Swatch and Ann Taylor.

If you’re visiting Austin in August, consider checking out the now annual White Linen Night, which features a separate-admission block party with fare from local restaurants and wineries, as well as an after-party.

Practical Info

2nd Street District is bordered by 3rd Street to the north, Colorado to the east, Cesar Chavez to the south, and San Antonio to the west. 2nd Street District is open daily, with stores setting their own opening hours.

2nd Street District, Austin 78701, USA

From $ 75