In Texas, we’re simply spoiled by all the beautiful nature right outside our doors, plus the many wonderful cities and towns we get to explore. However, a lot of places in Texas simply get overlooked due to the sheer size of our state. The Big Bend, Palo Duro Canyon, and the rivers in the hill country often take the spotlight, but there are many other places that deserve just as much attention. Here are 11 underrated places in Texas that you really need to visit.

1) El Paso
Hadley Paul Garland/Flickr
This had to be number one on the list, because I have simply heard too many negative things about this city that don't paint a true picture of what it's really like. It's actually one of the safest large cities in the country, and with the breathtaking Franklin Mountains running right through the town, as well as plenty of other nature spots and botanical gardens, I say this city deserves much more recognition.
2) Galveston
Katie Haugland/Flickr
Many people claim that Galveston has become too touristy, but it still offers plenty of fun and relaxation. You can tour the Historic Strand, visit the Bishop's Palace or Moody Mansion, play a round of mini-golf at Magic Carpet Golf, and much more.
3) Fort Worth
CamellaTWU/Flickr
Fort Worth was actually ranked one of the most underrated cities in America, according to a reader poll. However, with the perfect combination of nature trails, nightlife, the awesome art and music scene, and the well-preserved cowboy culture, there's no reason not to visit!
4) Big Thicket National Preserve
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
The Big Thicket is known for its rich biological diversity, and nine different ecosystems exist here. With 40 miles of hiking trails winding throughout the preserve, there's plenty to see on a visit to this amazing yet underrated forest. This is one of the most peaceful hidden gems in Texas.

To learn more, visit their website here.
5) The Greenway Trails
Jimmie R/Yelp
Looking for a way to exercise and get into nature at the same time? Well, the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trail system in San Antonio might be just what you're looking for. There are currently 47 miles of trails open to the public that run through the city and near San Antonio's many creeks.

To learn more, visit their website here.

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6) Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
mlhradio/Flickr
Here, you'll get to see deserts, wetlands, and prairies all at the same park, and you can't miss the 2.2 mile Rimrock trail, which offers unparalleled 360 degree views of the hill country below.

To learn more, visit their website here.
7) Pedernales Falls State Park
jdeeringdavis/Flickr
This park doesn't get near enough credit for its overwhelming beauty and wonderful hiking trails. There are several to choose from, including the Wolf Mountain Trail which ascends 1,000 feet, or you can climb over the many limestone rocks at the bottom of the Pedernales River. The water level is usually very low, which makes climbing here easily accessible.

To learn more, visit their website here.
8) Seminole Canyon State Park
mlhradio/Flickr
Located in Comstock, this state park features some of the oldest Native American pictographs in North America, and is one of the oldest cave dwellings in the country. Be sure to take a tour of the Fate Bell Shelter where you will find many of these pictographs, and hike the trails for spectacular views of the Rio Grande River.

To learn more, visit their website here.
9) Balmorhea State Park
Angi English/Flickr
This oasis in the west Texas desert offers much-needed relief from the harsh climate here. Located in Toyahvale, this is the world's largest spring-fed swimming pool. You can swim and scuba dive here, and enjoy the company of fish and turtles as well.

To learn more, visit their website here.
10) National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
Jeff Stvan/Flickr
The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is one of the most unique places in Texas. This is the only museum in the world that showcases women of the American West who have displayed great courage and resilience in following their unique paths to success. People who live in Fort Worth know it well, but out-of-towners overlook this incredible museum often, unfortunately.

To learn more, visit their website here.
11) Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
Hea Mi O/Yelp
This preserve sits on 227 acres of wooded hills in Austin with 2.5 miles of hiking trails open to the public. The best time to go is after a heavy rain so you can enjoy the waterfall pictured above.

To learn more, visit their website here.

How many of these have you been to? What other underrated places in Texas would you add to the list?

If you’re looking for more exciting hidden gems, check out these 10 lesser-known attractions in Texas.

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More to Explore

underrated places in Texas

Elisa Regulski | November 02, 2019

What are some other hidden gems in Texas?

There are so many hidden gems in Texas. One of the most fascinating is the Waco Mammoth National Monument. These days, people take day trips to this city to explore Baylor and the Magnolia Silos. The Waco Mammoth site remains an underrated piece of history. Don’t pass this place by! Here, you can get an up-close view of 24 prehistoric fossils. Paleontologists discovered the remains of Columbian mammoths and other mammals here, but they’re still not sure how they came to be. There’s no doubt about it -- this place is wildly fascinating.

What is the most beautiful place in Texas?

Big Bend State Park is the most beautiful place in the state. This natural attraction sits in West Texas, and it’s full of astonishing sights. If you like to stargaze, pitch a tent and stare up at the glistening night sky. You’ve never seen the galaxy like this before. The surrounding city is quite dark, so you can really absorb the beauty of the cosmos. If you like to go on adventures, there’s plenty of opportunity to rev your adrenaline at Big Bend. From hiking to horseback riding, this area has it all. This place will make you fall in love with Texas all over again.

What are the best cities in Texas?

If you live in Texas, you can consider yourself lucky. There are no bad places to live in this great state, but people always gush about the hill country’s gorgeous scenery. From Wimberley to Marble Falls, this area sparkles with beautiful sights. It’s even more breathtaking during the spring. That’s when wildflowers blossom along the winding roadways. We have Lady Bird Johnson to thank for this. When she served as First Lady, she made it her mission to preserve Texas’s natural beauty. She planted seeds around Texas highways so that locals can enjoy them for generations to come.

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Featured Addresses
El Paso, TX, USA
Galveston, TX, USA
Fort Worth, TX, USA
Big Thicket National Preserve, FM 420, Kountze, TX 77625, USA
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, 24518 Ranch Rd 1431, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
Pedernales Falls State Park, 2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636, USA
Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site, US-90, Comstock, TX 78837, USA
Balmorhea State Park, 9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, TX 79786, USA
1720 Gendy St, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, 805 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746, USA
Howard W. Peak Greenway, San Antonio, TX, USA