These Hidden Gems All Belong On Your Texas Bucket List

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:

1. Palo Duro Canyon - Canyon

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.

2. Trinity River Park - Dallas

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!

3. Bartlett

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."

4. Brenham

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.

5. Hamilton Pool - Dripping Springs

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.

6. T. C. Lindsey and Co. General Store - Waskom

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!

Address: 2293 FM 134, Waskom, TX, 75659

7. Nacogdoches

It's the oldest town in Texas - what more of a reason do you need?

8. Cattail Falls - Big Bend

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.

9. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch - San Antonio

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.

Address: 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, Garen Ridge, TX, 78266

10. Gorman Falls (Bend)

A scene from a Tarzan movie, or a breathtaking waterfall paradise in Texas? You decide. Either way, it's a must-go.

11. Guadalupe Peak Trail - Salt Flat

This hike might be strenuous, but it definitely pays off when you reach the 8,000 foot summit and feel on top of the world.

12. Battleship Texas State Historic Site - Houston Ship Channel

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

13. Enchanted Rock -Fredericksburg

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.

14. Cattleman's Steakhouse - Fabens

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

15. Barton Springs Pool -Austin

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!

16. Dinosaur World - Glen Rose

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.