Texas is as varied as it is huge. From historic sites commemorating events which changed the course of American history, to natural wonders, esteemed museums and family-friendly theme parks, the Lone Star State has no shortage of things to do.
It can be a lot to take in, so here’s a quick and definitive guide to the top 20 tourist attractions in Texas, for those who dare to make the 16-hour drive (12 if you drive like a Texan) across the state in search of them.
An oasis in the middle of Central Texas, SeaWorld San Antonio is one of the world’s largest marine-life theme parks. It covers 416 acres (168 hectares) and features nautical rollercoasters, a water park and a vast menagerie of sea creatures, including five of the last generation of performing killer whales; the park is moving towards a plan to replace the show with more naturalistic orca encounters in the coming years.
Visitors might be surprised to find that Texas boasts excellent beaches and bays, but for those wanting the real “boardwalk experience” (or nostalgic former East Coasters yearning for Coney Island), the Kemah Boardwalk is the only place to be. Only 20 minutes south of downtown Houston, the 65ft Ferris wheel and 35 acres of midway games, rides and food overlooking Galveston Bay make this a perfect excursion for families and fun-loving adults who’ve conquered the best the city has to offer and are ready for something a little different.
With the highest posted speed limit in the country, Texas is a perfect place for a raceway, and Austin is an ideal spot to host the first track in the United States specifically built for Formula One. Since opening in 2012, Circuit of the Americas (COTA) has quickly become one of the city’s top attractions, expanding beyond its initial mission as a destination for world championship racing into a full-on entertainment center hosting other events such ESPN’s X Games. Its amphitheater is the largest in Central Texas, and its stage has seen some of the biggest concerts in the Live Music Capital of the World. With a soccer stadium currently being built on its grounds for Austin’s professional soccer team, Austin Bold FC, COTA’s drawing power is sure to increase in the coming years.
Most folks have never heard of Operation Texas, in which Lyndon B Johnson allegedly masterminded an undercover operation to spirit Jews away from Nazi persecution and relocate them to the Lone Star State. Fortunately, Holocaust Museum Houston keeps this and other stories of the Holocaust alive and accessible to a new generation.
Padre Island National Seashore on North Padre Island is the longest underdeveloped barrier island in the world, protecting 70mi (112km) of shoreline. Instead of oiled-up coeds, overpacked hotels and beer bongs, visitors will find calm campsites, pristine beaches (beach camping is allowed) and dunes. Sea turtles and other wildlife make their presence known, including over 380 species of birds. Activity-wise, canoeing and kayaking make for excellent adventures. There are also opportunities to attend a Junior Ranger Program, learn about the island’s unique history or watch the release of sea turtle hatchlings.
Splashtown is a perfect destination for those looking to escape the intense San Antonio summer heat. Featuring a half-million-gallon wave pool, a lazy river, 40 water slides and tube rides, an activity pool with lily pads, and balance logs for the kids, Splashtown will keep everyone cool.
This article is an updated version of a story created by Bryony Hatherley.