5 Texas Tourist Spots I Tried to Hate (But Ended Up Loving)

Must-see attractions in Texas or tourist traps? This is the question I always ask myself before visiting a new place, especially if it's extremely popular. That being said, hype is sometimes just that, but occasionally, it's for a good reason. I visited these five buzzy destinations with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised by all of them. From the most iconic barbecue joint in the state to the HGTV-famous Magnolia Silos, I'm here to prove that just because a place is labeled as a "tourist spot" doesn't mean you should write it off automatically.

1. The Magnolia Silos (Waco)

I may lose some points for this, but I've never really been an HGTV girl. So when the Magnolia Silos opened in Waco, I can't say I was excited. After all, how much fun could it be to traipse around and look at housewares all day long? I finally relented when a close friend, who is obsessed with "Fixer Upper," asked me to go with her. And I almost hate to say this, but I ended up having a great time. Instead of a pretentious utopia filled with overpriced home decor, I found warmth, hospitality, and a community centered around what really matters: human connection and the home, where family and friends gather to make lasting memories. Magnolia isn't just a glorified shopping center. It also has a restaurant, a bakery, beautiful gardens and lawn space, seasonal events, and even vacation rentals designed by Chip and Jo themselves.

2. Franklin Barbecue (Austin)

I have a bad habit of automatically writing off restaurants with cult followings. In my experience, hole-in-the-walls reign supreme nine times out of ten, but there are exceptions... and Franklin Barbecue is undoubtedly one of them. What started as a small food truck in 2009 has grown into one of the most iconic and celebrated barbecue joints in the nation, receiving countless accolades from esteemed sources, including the late and beloved Anthony Bourdain. The menu is simple — a hallmark of good restaurants, in my opinion. Meats are sold by the pound, and include brisket, beef and pork ribs, sausage, pulled pork, and turkey. Sandwiches, classic sides like potato salad, coleslaw, and pinto beans, and fresh-baked pies are also available. I'm not kidding when I say one bite is all it took to erode my skepticism. After waiting in line for several hours, I managed to snag some brisket (the most famous menu item), and it was smoked to perfection and fall-off-the-bone tender. I've been back several times since and have never had a bad meal.

3. Marfa

Marfa has developed a bad rap in recent years due to tourism and urbanization. However, I still wanted to check it out — mainly for the infamous Marfa Lights, since I love spooky things — and I was also interested in the local art scene and the overall quirky, eccentric vibe. And folks, it didn’t disappoint. Sure, it’s a bit more developed than the dusty little desert town it once was, but I still felt like I was in the middle of nowhere. Plus, where else can you find fine dining restaurants, world-class art installations, and glamping retreats in a town of less than 2,000 people? 

4. The San Antonio River Walk

Despite consistently ranking among Texas's top tourist destinations, the San Antonio River Walk is sometimes said to be overrated. I tempered my expectations for my first trip there, but even if I hadn’t, I would’ve been pleasantly surprised. Between the lively atmosphere, the rich culture, all the shops and restaurants, and the scenic boat tours, I instantly understood why so many people love this iconic attraction. I’ve never been to Venice, but I think this is the next-best thing.

5. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park might be home to the second-largest canyon in America, but all I could ever focus on was the fact that it isn’t the largest. After visiting the Grand Canyon when I was younger, I was convinced that nothing could ever match its splendor. Boy, was I wrong. Of course, Palo Duro is smaller than the Grand Canyon, but it has several unique attributes that make it equally worth visiting. The Lighthouse Trail is wildly popular for a reason; even the rock formations I saw in the Grand Canyon pale in comparison to it. 

Have you visited any of these must-see attractions in Texas? What other popular tourist destinations in the Lone Star State are worth the hype?

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.