By leah jones
A state as large and historic as Texas has many things to do, from the huge State Fair in Dallas to quirky Cadillac Ranch. Here are some ideas for your local travel bucket list.
Big Bend on the border of Texas and Mexico is one of the largest national parks in the US. It features stunning desert landscapes, hiking trails and the Rio Grande. It is also a dark sky park.
Texas’ second national park, Guadalupe Mountains Park is home to the state’s highest peak and beautiful hiking trails. Here you can also go camping, wildlife viewing, backpacking and more.
Palo Duro Canyon is considered the "Grand Canyon of Texas" and is the second largest canyon in the US. You can behold the beautiful colors of its geological layers and participate in outdoor activities.
This natural grotto features a beautiful 50-foot waterfall and a pool with a nearly 30-foot deep end to create a swimming experience like no other. It's only a short hike from the entrance.
Caddo Lake is a mystical body of water with cypress trees draped in Spanish moss; it's also home to alligators. There’s no other lake like it in Texas, so visit for fishing, boat rides, cabin stays and more.
Enchanted Rock is a massive pink granite dome and batholith that is perfect for hiking and camping with a beautiful peak. It is also great for stargazing as it’s a dark sky park.
The Alamo is a famous historic site and symbol of Texas independence. As a part of the five Spanish Missions, The Alamo makes up the only UNESCO World Heritage sites in Texas.
Take a stroll near scenic canals or a dinner cruise along the San Antonio river at this river walk that's lined with shops, restaurants, cultural sites and plenty of other things to do and see.
Experience cowboy culture with cattle drives, rodeos, museums, honky-tonks and other western-themed entertainment here. You can also try delicious food and visit local shops.
Learn about NASA’s space exploration programs and witness real artifacts from space at the Space Center Houston. It's the official visiting center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center for human spaceflight.
South Padre Island is a town on a barrier island that features pristine beaches and activities like dolphin watching, bird watching, boat tours, visiting nature centers and water sports.
Waco's Magnolia Market at the Silos, created by Chip and Joanna Gaines, is a must-visit for fans of HGTV’s Fixer Upper. Shop for home décor and eat at Magnolia’s restaurant and bakery.