The Definitive Guide To Uncovering Texas’ Best Attractions — Small Towns, Gorgeous Parks, Museums, And More!
Here in Texas, you don’t have to look near and far in search of fun attractions. From charming small towns to award-winning wineries to scenic train rides, there’s no shortage of activities for all ages and every member of the family to enjoy. All four corners of the Lone Star State (and everywhere in between) are packed with adventures just waiting to be discovered, whether you prefer browsing through flea markets, visiting unique parks, or experiencing the most epic glass-bottomed boat tour of your life. No matter how you like to get out and explore, this is your definitive guide to the best attractions in Texas.
The Best Small Towns In Texas
If you want to know what Texas is really about, don't visit the big cities. The true essence of Texas lies in our tiniest towns, which you'll find scattered all across the state. One of the most popular small towns in Texas is Fredericksburg, an old German settlement with a population of just under 11,000. This charming Hill Country destination features everything from the largest wildflower farm in the nation to more than 50 award-winning wineries, making it an ideal trip no matter the season. Other noteworthy small towns in Texas include Marfa, home of an infamous ghost light phenomenon, Luckenbach, the smallest town in the state, and Jefferson, with over 70 historic landmarks and a reputation for being haunted.
The Must Visit Antique Store In Texas
Austin is no stranger to the weird and wacky, but one antique store in particular takes it to a whole new level. Uncommon Objects, located on the iconic Congress Avenue, is a hodgepodge of oddities strewn about without rhyme or reason. From taxidermy to vintage typewriters and everything in between, this strange store is a must-visit for antique lovers.
The Unique Park In Texas
Next time you're in the mood for an offbeat adventure, look no further than The Orange Show in Houston. This unique park was built over half a century ago by mail carrier Jeff McKissack in honor of his favorite fruit. Spanning 3,000 square feet, the handmade structure features a variety of objects intentionally placed to illustrate different scenes. The Orange Show is now
Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving visionary art.
The One Of A Kind Boat Ride In Texas
If you live in Texas, chances are you've done your fair share of boating - but no matter how many times you've set sail, we can almost guarantee you've never experienced in quite like this. At The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment in San Marcos, you can embark on a glass-bottomed boat tour of Spring Lake and marvel at all the sea life dancing beneath the surface. You'll feel as if you've been transported to an exotic island oasis on this unforgettable excursion.
The Most Charming Flea Markets In Texas
Texas is a bargain hunter's dream, with flea markets in every corner of the state offering all sorts of treasures. Easily the most popular of them all is First Monday Trade Days in Canton, which attracts more than 400,000 visitors some months - it's the biggest flea market in America, after all. You could easily spend hours browsing through all there is to see, and it's impossible to leave empty handed. Other charming flea markets in Texas include Bussey's in Schertz, Traders Village in Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas/Fort Worth, and Larry's Old Time Trade Days in Winnie.
The Magical Train Ride In Texas
Trains are so wonderfully nostalgic, possessing the unique ability to captivate passengers of all ages. On the Texas State Railroad, you'll set off on a 50-mile journey through the Piney Woods of East Texas, admiring the beautiful scenery with informative narration from the conductor. Several classes of train cars are available, all with historic furnishings that take you back to a bygone era. There are even themed train rides held throughout the year, including a trip to a pumpkin patch in the fall and the famous Polar Express at Christmastime.
The Tallest Bridge In Texas
We hope you're ready for a hair-raising ride, because that's exactly what the Rainbow Bridge offers. Connecting the Southeast Texas towns of Bridge City and Port Arthur, this historic truss bridge stands at a whopping 230 feet tall - that makes it the tallest bridge in Texas! Even more impressive, the Rainbow Bridge was once the second-highest bridge in all of America.
One Of The Most Unique Museums In Texas
As if death wasn't macabre enough already, Texas had to create an entire museum dedicated to it - pretty cool, don't you think? Located in Houston, the National Museum of Funeral History
explores the evolution of funeral proceedings not just here in America, but all across the globe. This is one place you'll be dying to revisit whether it's Halloween or not.
