Things to Do in Texas

Located in the Houston Museum District, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFAH) contains over 6,000 years of history within more than 63,000 works from six continents, making it one of the largest museums in the country. There are seven separate facilities to explore, which you can spend all day browsing. The institution has an impressive display of permanent collections sorted by geographical region, including Africa, Asia, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean, Europe, North America, and the South Pacific. Additionally, you can view myriad artistic styles through the works of master painters and photographers. For example, the Beck Collection showcases Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early Modernist works from artists like Edgar Degas, Vincent van Gogh and Henri Matisse, while the Manfred Heiting Collection encompasses 4,000 images taken since the invention of photography.

With so much to explore, it can be difficult to decide where to begin. One notable attraction is the Glassell Collection of African Gold, which houses the "largest, most comprehensive collection of African gold in an American museum." Another exhibit not to miss is the Bayou Bend Collection, showcasing American decorative arts pieces from 1620 through 1870, said to be one of the finest of its kind in the United States. Situated on 14 acres of organic gardens, Bayou Bend also provides the opportunity for a scenic stroll, as does the Cullen Sculpture Garden.

If you're looking to take in an affordable film, the Museum of Fine Arts is home to a big screen theater playing both classic and contemporary films. While the theater is small, the sound quality is superb and the big screen can easily be viewed from any seat in the house. They also sometimes have free showings, although tickets are generally $9.

The Alamo is one of the most famous sites in United States history, forever linked to the 13-day Battle of the Alamo in 1836, which ended with the deaths of defenders James Bowie, William Travis, and Davy Crockett. Today, the 18th-century Mission San Antonio de Valero complex, now known as the Alamo, welcomes more than 2.5 million visitors per year to its chapel, barracks, gardens, and small museum.

Located in the center of HemisFair Park, this 750-foot tall tower offers one of the best aerial views of San Antonio in the city as well as a variety of experiences. First there is the Flags Over Texas Observation Deck, which allows you a bird’s-eye view of iconic sites -- either through the telescope or by using photographs on the deck floor that show you where to find specific buildings and landmarks. Additionally, you can learn about over 300 years of Texas history through a mural exhibit on the walls. Included in your admission ticket is also a 4D Theater Ride, “Skies Over Texas.” The interactive ride takes you on a sensory journey through the state to watch NASA astronauts train at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, attend a local football game, view horses running in the wild and visit some of San Antonio’s most important attractions.

For an ambient dining experience, head to their 360-degree rotating restaurant, Chart House Restaurant. Featuring an expansive wine list and food menu, you can order dishes like “Macadamia Crusted Mahi,” “Prime Rib and Cold Water Lobster Tail” and “Shrimp and Crab Fondue,” all while enjoying panoramic views of Alamo City. We recommend visiting during their Monday through Friday happy hour from 4:30pm to 7pm, where you can take advantage of specials like $5 wine, $3 domestic drafts, $6 cocktails and bar bites ranging from $4 to $6.

The observation deck is open Sunday through Thursday, 10am to 10pm, and Friday through Saturday, 10am to 11pm. Tickets are $10.95 for adults, $9.95 for seniors and military, $8.95 for children 4 to 12 and free for children three and younger.