These Hidden Gems All Belong On Your Texas Bucket List
By Katie Lawrence|Updated on February 22, 2021(Originally published February 16, 2021)
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Whether you live in Texas, or you’re just visiting, you might wonder what exactly there is to do here. Well, the answer to that is, simply put, a lot. We’ve put together a comprehensive bucket list, so to speak, of our picks for the very best of places you should go in Texas. Here are our picks for the 16 places you should go in Texas in 2021:
This canyon here in the Lone Star state is second in size only to the Grand Canyon itself, and its towering red rocks definitely don't appear to belong in a place like Texas. You can even stay in a cabin at its peak and enjoy a breathtaking, panoramic view of West Texas.
The park in Texas will be the largest urban nature park in the nation settled right in the heart of Dallas. It will include trails, playgrounds, and plots of sprawling green lawn, and will convert the area around it from a chronic floodplain to a flourishing utopia. There's been a lot of back-and-forth about the park in the last couple of years, but it's expected to finally break ground this year. Keep your eyes (and ears) out!
Bartlett is a "living ghost town" - that is, a town where a few families still reside, but it still has a near-abandoned downtown square. It's full of 19th and 20th-century architecture and was the filming location for several movies including "The Dalton Boys" and "The Stars Fell on Henrietta."
This hill country town has wide open pastures, vibrant bluebonnets, a lavender farm, wineries, and the famous Blue Bell Factory. Yes - THAT Blue Bell. Get some delicious ice cream and kill some time at this lovely little town.
No bucket list would be complete without Hamilton Pool! Easily the most beautiful place in Texas, this iconic swimming hole is a mystical, otherworldly experience that everyone deserves to have at least once. Or twice. Or a thousand times. No matter how many times you come back, it's absolutely beautiful every time.
In operation since 1847, T.C. Lindsey and Co. is the oldest general store in Texas. It represents everything our state is about and will leave you feeling nostalgic in the best way possible. We can't recommend this little spot enough!
This Texas hidden gem is one that can't be passed up. It's an 80-foot waterfall cascading down the mountainside into a crystal-clear pool beneath it. You'll have to remind yourself that you're in Texas and not a far-away tropical paradise. This is definitely one of our very favorite picks for places you should go in Texas.
Your African safari dreams can become a reality without having to travel the thousands of miles to a far-away continent. Beware, the animals WILL try to stick their heads in your car - or, okay, maybe that's awesome.
Battleship Texas is the only remaining ship that served in both World Wars. It's been converted into a museum memorializing its important contributions to our nation's triumphs and to the brave Navy Seals who fought and died for our freedom.
Address: 3523 Independence Parkway, La Porte, TX, 77571
Native Americans used to worship this strange-looking pink blob because they mistook the natural creaks and groans of the settling rock for evil, supernatural forces. Even though the folklore might not be true, it's still a beautiful place to visit and should be an addition to every Texan's bucket list.
Not only does Cattleman's have simply amazing steak, but it's also located on a vast, gorgeous ranch called Indian Cliffs that looks like the set of an old Western movie. Some people have gone as far as deeming it the best steakhouse in Texas!
Address:
3450 South Fabens Carlsbad Road, Fabens, TX, 79838
Barton Springs Pool is spring-fed with absolutely no chlorine added, and it still manages to be almost crystal-clear. That just goes to show how pure the water in the Texas Hill Country is!
Transport yourself back to prehistoric times at this unique park by admiring real fossils, a 27-foot long dinosaur skeleton, and life-sized animatronic replicas. You'll learn so much about these ancient, magnificent creatures and you'll probably come back again and again.
Address: 1058 Park Road 59, Glen Rose, TX, 76043
What a list! Where we live is truly a great place with so much to see – there seems to be endless places you should go in Texas at least once! Did you visit any of these places last year? If not, which ones are on your Texas bucket list for this year? For more awesome attractions in Texas, check out these 12 Amazing Hidden Gems In Texas That Most People Don’t Know About.
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Texas Bucket List
Tori Jane|February 21, 2021
What are some fun things to do in Texas?
Texas is a humongous state with tons of ways to occupy your time! There are hundreds - if not thousands - of different things you can do, including (but not limited to) hiking, hunting, fishing, camping, and rock climbing (if you're the outdoorsy type). If you're more of an indoors kind of person, no worries - pay a visit to any one of the museums in the Lone Star state, including The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, The Alamo in San Antonio, and so many more. No matter what it is that you like to do, we're certain you'll find something in Texas to fall in love with.
Where are some hidden gems in Texas?
There are a bunch of underrated hidden gems in the Lone Star state! Check out the San Felipe Springs near Del Rio, or kill some time at Copper Breaks State Park near Quanah. For a more exhaustive list of our favorite picks for best hidden gems in Texas, check this article out. We're certain you'll find something to do that's a bit off the beaten path.
What are some must-visit places in Texas?
Where to begin? You can walk the San Antonio River Walk, pay a visit to the famous Cadillac Ranch, or try to eat a 72 ounce (four and a half POUNDS) steak at Amarillo's legendary Big Texas steakhouse. Deep Ellum in Dallas is a fabulous arts and entertainment district. We supposed "must visit" is definitely subjective, but we're sure you'll create memories in Texas that you'll never forget no matter what you choose to do.
