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77 Unique & Cool Places to Visit in Texas

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Most people know about the top places to visit in Texas. But it's the small local spots and crazy spots in nature that truly make this part of the US special. This state has so much more to offer than just wild weekend getaways. There are a ton of cool places in Texas to visit, and we're here to share them with you!


From quirky accommodations to the most unique eateries, there is something for everyone in Texas. Expect turquoise swimming holes, colorful murals, wild desert landscapes, and so much more.


So without further ado, here are 77 different unique and cool places in Texas to add to your bucket list!


Table of Contents


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How to Get Around Texas

rHands down the best way to move around Texas is to drive! (This goes for pretty much anywhere in the US). We decided in order to see all of these cool places in Texas to visit, a road trip was the way to go, and rented a car from the Houston Airport.


Renting a Car in Texas

You can easily rent a car from pretty much any major city in Texas. We suggest renting your car online and well in advance for the best availability and prices. We also suggest renting from a well-known company, as we had issues with our first rental company.


If you'd like to know more about driving in Texas, you can read all about it on our guide "Taste of Texas: Road Tripping the Biggest State in the Continental USA".


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Unique & Cool Places in Texas to Visit

There are so many unique and cool places in Texas to visit! From cute towns to quirky Glamping spots, and drool-worthy restaurants, here are 77 fun places in Texas to visit.


Unique & Cool Places in Texas to Visit: Cute Towns

While the main cities of Texas are without-a-doubt worth a visit, we're here to share some adorable towns you may have not had on your radar.


#1: Fredericksburg

This charming town has a mix of old western and German vibes. We originally went to Fredericksburg for their annual balloon festival, but then fell in love with the atmosphere of the town itself.


Fredericksburg is the perfect place to spend a night, or a fun weekend getaway. Spend the afternoon blowing the shops, and spend the night enjoying the vibrant live music in the local bars. There are a ton of fun activities in Fredericksburg to enjoy.


Fredericksburg, cool places n Texas to visit
Fredericksburg, cool places n Texas to visit
Fredericksburg, cool places n Texas to visit

Fredericksburg is an old German-inspired town.


#2: Wimberley

Wimberley is a cute town that lies on the river, and has some of the bluest waters in Texas. This is the perfect place to spend the day in between visiting the more popular cities of San Antonio and Austin, as it is situated perfectly in the middle.


Some of the highlights of Wimberely include The Blue Hole, Jacob's Well, and zip lining. Also, make sure to stop by Kelly's Hill Country BBQ. They have incredible boudin and tacos! 


Wimberley, cool places in Texas to visit
Wimberley, cool places in Texas to visit
food in Texas


#3: Cleburne

Known as the "stone wall of the west" this town was once a large transportation hub. Now Cleburne is a great place to visit and explore its history, and is also known for its various mountain biking trails. The city is just under an hour south west of Dallas, and a little over a half hour south of Ft Worth.


#4: Seguin

Seguin is a town that is home to the world's largest pecan, as well as a nutcracker museum, making it a great place to check out during the holiday season.


#5: Gruene

Gruene is one of the cutest places to visit in Texas for a day trip. It's located right on a beautiful river where you can go tubing, and also has an old fashioned looking center to roam around.


gruene, cool places in Texas to visit
gruene, cool places in Texas to visit
Gruene, cool places in Texas to visit


#6: Castroville

Castroville is a small town that is known for its artichoke crop, and it has an annual artichoke festival.


#7: Marfa

While most of the top places in Texas to visit are located in the east or Central Texas, there is one town you absolutely must see if you head to the west of the state. Marfa is a tiny desert city that is known for its art, as well as its army base.


If you are heading to Big Bend, then make sure to stop here and check out the cute pink firehouse as well!


#8: Adriatica Village

Looking to find a slice of Croatia in Texas? Under an hour north of Dallas is a residential village called Adriatica, which resembles the cities of Split. It has orange roofs, stone buildings, and the cutest chapel right on the water, which is one of the most beautiful places to get married in Texas.

Adriatica Village, cool places in Texas to visit

Adriatica Village was created to look like Croatia.

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Unique & Cool Places in Texas to Visit: History & Culture

Now that you know some of the best small towns in Texas to visit, let's dive into the cultural and historical spots worth checking out.


#9: The Alamo

The Alamo is one of the most famous historical spots in Texas, and San Antonio's claim to fame. It's definitely one of the reasons that San Antonio, Texas is worth visiting! The historic Spanish mission and fortress was founded by Roman Catholic missionaries in the 18th century, and was home to a major battle in 1836. 


The Alamo is open daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm. It is completely free of charge to enter, however you must reserve a spot online in advance.

The Alamo, cool places to visit in Texas
The Alamo, cool places to visit in Texas

The Alamo is one of the top historical places to visit in Texas.

#10: The Texas Capitol

As far as sightseeing in Texas goes, you can't miss out on visiting the Texas Capitol. It's located in Austin, and is free of charge to visit. Not only that, but they also offer free guided tours as well.


From Monday to Friday the tours start at 9:30 am, with the last one at 12:30 pm. Saturdays and Sundays the first tour starts at 12:30 pm, and the last tour at 3:30 pm. Tours go every 30-45 minutes, and last about 30 minutes.

texas capitol, cool places in Texas to visit

#11: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Located on the outskirts of Houston, this stunning temple is truly one of the most unique places in Texas to visit when it comes to architecture. The Hindu temple is a place of worship, but can also be visited by tourists to admire its beauty. We didn't get a chance to go, but did go to the one in Chicago which is quite similar.


#12: 1940 Air Terminal Museum

Another cool spot in Texas to check out is the 1920 Air Terminal Museum, where you can get up close to planes, and learn the history of aviation in Houston. 

 

#13: Frontiers of Flight Museum

Located in Dallas (at the airport), this is another great aviation museum to check out. The Frontiers of Flight Museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday, and from 1 pm to 5 pm on Saturdays.


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cool places in Texas to visit pin
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Unique & Cool Places in Texas to Visit: Places to Swim

Talking about cool places in Texas to visit, there are so many great spots to cool off from the Texan heat. Here are our favorite swimming spots throughout the state.


#14: The Texas Pool

This may just be one of the most interesting pools we have ever been to! The Texas Pool is a massive Texas-shaped pool, which is such a great representation of the state itself.


Located just an hour north of Dallas, the community pool is a non-profit organization, which brings locals together to celebrate the pride of the state. The people that run the pool are the sweetest, and we had such a fun time checking out this unique spot!

The Texas Pool, cool places in Texas to visit

#15: Lagoonfest

Another one of the coolest places in Texas to visit for a swim is Lagoonfest, located just south of Houston. It's actually a massive complex full of pools, cabanas, and water activities. Climb the inflatable obstacle course, rent a paddle board, or sail through the pools on a boat tour.


You could easily spend a full day enjoying this Caribbean-looking slice of paradise, and it's the perfect place for a long layover in Houston.


Lagoonfest, cool places in Texas to visit
Lagoonfest, cool places in Texas to visit
Lagoonfest, cool places in Texas to visit

Lagoonfest is the perfect place for relaxation and fun for the day.


#16: Barton Springs

When you arrive at Barton Springs, you seriously can't believe it's in the middle of Texas' capital. This is a tiny slice of paradise, and has two options of totally different experiences.


On one side of the springs you have the municipal pool, which is the private area of the springs. It's $10 to enter, and there are bathrooms with showers, a diving board, and plenty of green areas to relax on.

barton springs, cool places in texas to visit

On the other side of Barton Springs is the public area. Here is where you'll find people with their pets, own drinks, picnics, and a variety of floating devices. This is the free area, which has a bit more of a wild and fun crowd.


There are rope swings, music playing, and overall a super fun and chill vibe. If you want the bluest waters, and a bit more a relaxed vibe, simply walk further down, and you'll find less crowds, as well as kayaks for rent.


Barton Springs, cool places in Texas to visit
Barton Springs, cool places in Texas to visit
Barton Springs, cool places in Texas to visit

The public side of Barton Springs offers kayak rentals.


#17: The Blue Hole

The Blue Hole is another great place to swim just outside of Austin, which features beautiful turquoise waters, rope swings, and trails, as well as a basketball court. Swimming is available daily from May 1st to September 4th, and also on the weekends in September, from 9 am to 6 pm.


There are two time slots to choose from at the Blue Hole to choose, which are from 9 am to 1 pm, or from 2 pm to 6 pm. This is because from 1-2 pm it is closed for private sessions. Tickets cost $12 for ages 13-59, and are half-priced for children 12 and under, seniors 60 +, and for Wimberley residents. Children 3 and under are free of charge to enter.


#18: Krause Springs

There are a ton of great springs inside and outside of Austin, and Krause Springs is another one that we really enjoyed. It is such a great place for anyone to visit, as it has a couple of different areas to enjoy. There is a natural pool down the stairs which has a waterfall, rope swing, and plenty of area to float around and swim.


Upstairs is a where the manmade pool is, which is ideal for families with small children. There are also other areas around Krause Springs for picnics and barbecues, and you can find a lot of groups that bring their own food and drinks. The complex is huge, and includes bathrooms and showers onsite. The ticket to enter is $10/person, and it is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm.


Something important to keep in mind is that the swimming hole is completely natural, so in the off-season the waters are very clear, but when there are a lot of people in the summertime, the sediment lifts and the water isn't quite as pristine. Regardless, we highly recommend a visit anytime as it's super fun!


Krause Springs, cool places in Texas to visit
Krause Springs, cool places in Texas to visit
Krause Springs, cool places in Texas to visit

Krause Springs is a great place to spend the entire day with family or friends.


Unique & Cool Places in Texas to Visit: Nature & Parks

Looking for some other great spots in Nature? Texas isn't just home to some great swimming spots, but there are also some other really cool places in Texas to visit out in nature.


#19: Japanese Tea Gardens

Ready to feel as if you've flown over the Asia? Well, the Japanese Tea Gardens re a true hidden gem in Texas, and can be found right outside the center of San Antonio.


We saw online that they closed at 5 pm, so we were about to skip it on our visit, but we figured- we would swing by just in case. Good thing we did, because the gardens were completely open, free of charge, and had just a few people walking around.


If you're a photographer like us, we would suggest getting there early in the morning, or after 5 pm like we did.


Japanese Tea Gardens, cool places in Texas to visit
Japanese Tea Gardens, cool places in Texas to visit
Japanese Tea Gardens, cool places in Texas to visit
Japanese Tea Gardens, cool places in Texas to visit

The Japanese Tea Gardens are one of the best free attractions.


#20: Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

Another beautiful set of botanical gardens worth checking out are the Shangri La Botanical Gardens. They are located an hour and a half east of Houston, making them a great day trip from the busy city. They are open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, and are free of charge to visit.


#21: Jacob's Well

Jacob's Well is a perennial karstic spring that is located just northwest of the town of Wimberley. It's actually the second biggest fully-submerged cave in the state, and goes down to 140 feet deep.


When we went to Jacob's Well it was closed for swimming, but there are times in which you can actually swim or even dive inside of it. You can reach it in a short 10-15 minute walk from the parking lot, and in addition to the spring, they have a butterfly farm.


Jacob's Well, cool places in Texas to visit
Jacob's Well, cool places in Texas to visit


#22: Hamilton Pool

Hamilton pool is one of the most cool places in Texas to visit. The massive natural pool is surrounded by a canyon and also has a grotto with a waterfall, making you feel as if you've just traveled somewhere far and exotic. In addition, there are different trails to enjoy the surrounding nature.


Unfortunately when we were visiting from Austin, Hamilton Pool was closed. However, it is definitely on the bucket list for next time! Make sure you reserve far in advance for this one, as it tends to be booked out weeks ahead.


#23: Westcave Outdoor Center

Right down the road from Hamilton Pool is another really cool spot that even our local friends didn't know about!


Westcave is a beautiful cave with waterfalls which you can see on a guided tour. While you can't swim there, it is a really nice place to see. It's open from 9 am to 4 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and from 9 am to 5 pm the rest of the days of the week. Tours go for an hour and a half, and are $20/person. Reservations must be made in advance, as it's hard to get an opening the day of.


west cave outdoor center. cool places in Texas to visit
west cave outdoor center. cool places in Texas to visit
west cave outdoor center. cool places in Texas to visit
west cave outdoor center. cool places in Texas to visit


#24: Palmetto State Park

Palmetto State Park is the perfect camping getaway from the city of Austin. It offers hiking and biking trails, and a river where you can swim, tube, fish, and canoe. There's also a big swamp area which gives the area an eerie but magical feel to it.


The entrance to the park is only $3/person, and it's free for kids 12 and under. You can either park your RV, camp there, or you can rent a fully-equipped cabin for $65 a night.


#25: Caddo Lake

Straddling the state border of Louisiana, Caddo Lake is a true gem worth making the trip for. It's known for its eerie Cyprus trees, and is a super cool spot to rent a kayak.


#26: Stoke's Park & the San Marcos River

San Marcos is home to a stunning river, and some of the bluest waters in Texas! It is an excellent place to hike and swim, and is free of charge to visit.


#27: Pedernales State Park

Pedernales State Park is the perfect place to spend a half day, or even a full day if you're looking to relax. We went to Pedernales to see the unique pools which are formed into the stones, and although many of them were dried up, it really was a unique place.


The park is massive, so we just went to two of the top spots. One of them is an area at the top of the park, where you can walk around the rocks and pools. The other is a bathing area, with shallows waters to chill in. Around the park there are also a few different trails, as well as plenty of areas where we saw people picnicking and barbecuing.


pedernales park, cool places in Texas to visit
pedernales park, cool places in Texas to visit
pedernales park, cool places in Texas to visit
pedernales park, cool places in Texas to visit

Pedernales state park has trails and swimming areas.


#28: Enchanted Rock

Enchanted Rock is one of the most iconic hikes in Texas, and is known for its giant 425-foot pink granite monolith. The park open at 6:30 am daily, and closes at 8 pm, with an entrance fee of $8.


#29: Palo Duro Canyon State Park

If you're looking for otherworldly desert landscapes like Utah, then Palo Duron Canyon State Park is definitely one to add to the bucket list! At about 120 miles long, this is the second biggest canyon in the US!


Want to see the highlights without exploring on your own? Here's a tour you can do:

#30: Inner Space Cavern 

Did you know that there is an extensive cave system in Texas? Just 40 minutes outside of Austin you can find a really cool cavern called Inner Space Cavern. This well-preserved cave was found in 1966. but was hidden for an astonishing 14,000 years before that!


#30: Longhorn Cavern

Now it's time for the biggest cavern in Texas, Longhorn Cavern. We definitely think this is at the top of our list for cool places in Texas to visit, as it's one of the most impressive in the US.


This was also one of the coolest cave tours we have ever taken, just due to the history behind it. Longhorn Cavern was used in the past as various venue such as a nightclub, restaurant, and even a concert hall, and now has guided tours to learn all about it.


Longhorn cavern, cool places in Texas to visit
Longhorn cavern, cool places in Texas to visit
Longhorn cavern, cool places in Texas to visit

Longhorn cavern is the biggest cave system in Texas.


#32: Frio Cave (bats)

Another super cool cave is Frio Cave, but not because of the cave itself, but because of a truly unique experience that occurs. Each night around 10 million Mexican tailed bats fly out of the cave at once on the hunt for food. Want to experience it? We definitely suggest doing a tour for this one.


#33: Big Bend National Park

While most of the cool places in Texas to visitor in the central or eastern part of the state, the west also has something very special to offer- which is Big Bend National Park.


Bordering Mexico, Big Bend is home to some unbelievable rock formations, great hiking trails, and some of the most epic glamping experiences in Texas.


Unfortunately we didn't have time to visit this area of the state, as it is pretty far from the rest of the top places to visit in Texas. However, if you have time, we would highly suggest adding Big Bend to your bucket list.


#34: Guadelupe Mountains National Park

This is another great national park to check out in Texas, and is located in the north west of the state, near the border of New Mexico. With incredible rock formations and stunning hiking trails, this is definitely a great getaway for the adventurer in you.

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Unique & Cool Places in Texas to Visit: Fun Restaurants

Now that you seen a ton of cool places in Texas to visit for nature, history, and culture, let's dive into the food scene! Texas is known for its insanely tasty barbecue, Tex-Mex, and their insane portions. We've picked out some of the most unique restaurants in Texas for you to try, so make sure to bring your appetite.


#35: Truck Yard

If you're planning on visiting Dallas, then you have to check out this adorable Texan-style bar. It has a large outdoor seating area, food trucks, and a stage for live performances. Truck Yard isn't just a meal out, but a full Texas vibe.


#36: Oasis on Lake Travis

Located right outside Austin is one of the best restaurants to watch the sunset. Oasis is perched above the turquoise waters of Lake Travis, and is a multi-level restaurant with bars, balconies, and a giant glass platform to take that perfect Instagram picture. We even saw a bachata class happening at Oasis, and definitely think that this place is worth spending a couple of hours.


oasis restaurant, cool places in Texas to visit
oasis restaurant, cool places in Texas to visit
oasis restaurant, cool places in Texas to visit
oasis restaurant, cool places in Texas to visit

Oasis is a massive restaurant with bars overlooking Lake Travis.


#37: Tower of the America's

Another one of the most unique restaurants in Texas is located at the top of the Tower of the Americas in San Antonio. At 750 feet high, it is not only an observation tower, but the restaurant at the top actually rotates, allowing you to get 360-degree views of the city while having your meal!


Note: We've heard the food isn't really that fantastic, but it truly is a unique experience. So we suggest getting something light to eat and some drinks. This way, you can enjoy the experience without having to splurge on mediocre food.

Tower of the Americas, is San Antonio Texas worth visiting

The Tower of the Americas has a revolving restaurant at the top.

#38: La Laguna Mariscos & Sushi

Texas is known for two things when it comes to food- their amazing Mexican fusion (Tex-Mex), and their portions. 


Well, La Laguna Mariscos & Sushi is located right by the border of Mexico, and serves the worlds biggest Michelada!


#39: Dragon Bowl C Noodle Bar

Located between Houston and Dallas, this restaurant was our favorite way to break up our road trip. Dragon Bowl C is a Dragon Ball Z themed restaurant with an Asian-Texas fusion.


Everything we tried was absolutely incredible, and the owners are the sweetest people you'll ever meet. Whether you're a Dragon Ball Z fan or not, this is definitely a place that won't disappoint.


#40: Surreal Creamery

We love a good ice cream spot, and this place serves their concoctions in big mason jars. Not only that, but they have a great selection of bubble teas.


#41: Black Tap Dallas

Black Tap Dallas serves extravagant Texas-sized milkshakes. But these aren't just any milkshakes- they even feature massive slices of cake on top!


#42: Pupuseria Mix

As you can tell, we're a big fan of the "Texas-sized" dishes offered in these unique restaurants. Well, if you've ever been to El Salvador, then you'll know that the most beloved food there is the pupusa. While they are traditionally smaller tortillas grilled with various ingredients, Pupuseria Mix takes it to the max with their massive pupusas to share.


#43: Dairy Mart

being located in the US, it's no surprise that Texas would be home to the biggest burgers in the country. Dairy Mart has a massive burger with 4 patties, bacon, chicken, and cheese. If you can finish it in 20 minutes, it's free!


#44: Round Rock Donuts

Another American favorite, the donut. Well, Roudn Rock Donuts serve some incredibly tasty donuts, and one of the options is for a "Texas-sized" one.


#45: The Box Bakery

Texas does the best breakfast burritos out there, and what better way to experience their breakfast burritos than getting a Texas-sized one?! 


#46: Panfila

Now that you know some of the best Texas-sized foods, let's not forget about the drinks! Panfila is an authentic Mexican restaurant located in San Antonio. They serve massive drinks that are for parties of up to 6 to share, and you can also get the half option.


#47: Laneta

We wanted to go to this restaurant so badly, but it was closed the day we were in town! Located in Dallas, Laneta offers a massive taco served over a full lobster!


#48: Casa Maria

If you're a taco-lover and are with a group, then Casa Maria has you covered. They are known for their incredibly massive heart shaped tray, that is full of tacos. Taco-bout amazing!


#49: Dirty Laundry

Now that we're done with the Texas-sized food, let's show you one of the most unique bars in Texas. Located in Ft Worth, Dirty Laundry is a bar that was created inside of an old laundromat.


#50: Gristmill River Restaurant

Located right over the river in Gruene, Gristmill River Restaurant was one of our favorite dining experiences while we were in Texas. While it doesn't have any crazy dishes, the food and drinks are incredible, as well as the service and the atmosphere.


Gristmill


#51: Castle Winery

This was a hidden gem we stumbled across during our dive from Fredricksburg to Austin. Just off the side of the highway, 290 Wine Castle is exactly what it sounds like- a winery located inside of a castle! It's open from 12 pm to 5 pm Monday-Thursday, 11:30 am-6 pm on Fridays and Sundays, and from 11 am to 7 pm on Saturdays.


wine castle, cool places in Texas to visit
wine castle, cool places in Texas to visit
wine castle, cool places in Texas to visit


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Unique & Cool Places in Texas to Visit: Experiences

Now that you're probably drooling from all of the cool places in Texas to visit and chow down, let's talk about some unique experiences to add to your bucket list!


#52: Beer Spa

Located just between Austin and Dallas is the small Texan town of Waco. The best part about visiting here was that we went to Texas' only beer spa! It's located in the Pivovar Hotel, and you can drink beer here while bathing in it! The beer is from the brewery itself, that is also a part of the hotel.


beer spa in Waco, cool places in Texas to visit
beer spa in Waco, cool places in Texas to visit


#53: Sweet Tooth Hotel

If you're into art or photography, then you truly can't miss out on the Sweet Tooth Hotel in Dallas. It isn't actually a hotel, but it's a quirky museum and bar located in the heart of the city.


Each room is more awesome than the next, and not only are they super Instagrammable, but they each have a deep message behind them, and are all designed by local artists. Sweet Tooth Hotel celebrates the creatives of Dallas, and contributes to encouraging artists in the area.


Not only is the experience super fun, but there is a bar at the end as well! They have super fun cocktails, serve cotton candy, and also have talented local musicians playing live. This is definitely one of our favorite things to do in Dallas, and one of the most instagrammable spots in the state.


Sweet Tooth Hotel, cool things in Texas to visit
Sweet Tooth Hotel, cool things in Texas to visit
Sweet Tooth Hotel, cool things in Texas to visit
Sweet Tooth Hotel, cool things in Texas to visit

The Sweet Tooth Hotel has fun and colorful exhibitions.


#54: San Fernando Cathedral Light Show

This is another wonderful part of history worth visiting in San Antonio, but not solely for the building itself.


Light show in San Antonio, cool places in Texas to visit
Light show in San Antonio, cool places in Texas to visit


The San Antonio Cathedral actually has a beautiful light show that is projected right onto its facade. The 24-minute show is a representation of the history of San Antonio, and is truly incredible.


We heard that it is only from Thursday to Sunday, but we visited on a Wednesday and all of the sudden the show started right as we visited around 9 pm!


#55: Tubing

One of the things we loved most about visiting Texas was all of the great places to go tubing! As there are a lot of rivers, it is quite popular. Our personal favorite is the Comal River, which is next to Gruene (outside Austin), where you can rent tubes that go all the way down the river like a giant natural lazy river. 


A lot of people grab drinks beforehand, and float down with drinks. It usually takes around 4 hours, making it the perfect half day activity to add to your list of cool places in Texas to visit.


river for tubing, fun things to do in Austin, Texas
river for tubing, fun things to do in Austin, Texas
river for tubing, fun things to do in Austin, Texas

Going tubing is one of the most fun activities in Texas.


Here are two different tours you can sign up for in advance:


#56: Chartering a Boat on Lake Austin

One of the most fun things did in Texas was renting a boat with our friends, and this is how we spent our Fourth of July.


renting a boat in Austin, cool spots in Texas to visit
renting a boat in Austin, cool spots in Texas to visit
renting a boat in Austin, cool spots in Texas to visit


While you can do this in various areas, we particularly recommend going to Lake Austin, which is about 45 minutes outside of the city of Austin. It is full of people renting boats, doing water sports, and swimming. We chartered a boat with a slide for the entire afternoon and brought our own drinks and snacks for a pretty amazing day.


Other than renting a boat, Lake Austin is also a great place for any kind of water activities, swimming, or to simply dining on the water.


Here are a few boat charters on Lake Austin you can look into:

#57: TX-Ture Farm

If you're looking for unique experiences in Texas, then you'll love TX-Ture Farm, which is an hour north of Dallas. The farm has lavender fields, soap making workshops, alpaca yoga, alpaca scarf making classes, and more!


#58: The Texas State Fair

If you're a foodie, then the Texas State Fair absolutely has to be on your bucket list! One of the specialties is that they deep fry everything from Oreos and ice cream to butter and even beer. You can pretty much find everything at the state fair, and it's really a unique experience to add to your bucket list.


#59: Balloon Festivals

Hot air balloon festivals are a truly special experience. You can find a few of them throughout the US, but there are actually quite a few just in Texas! A lot of them include farm-to-table experiences, winery tours, and a ton of other fun activities. Here is a list of the balloon festivals for the rest of 2023.

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Unique & Cool Places in Texas to Visit: Instagrammable Spots

There are so many cool places in Texas to visit and photograph. We had so much fun filling our Instagram with bright and colorful photos from our trip to Texas, and have a few special ones we'd particularly like to share with you.


#60: Newman's Castle

Did you know that there is a castle in Texas?! Other than the winery that we listed, there is actually a massive castle with a pond and drawbridge located about an hour outside of Houston.


Newman's Castle is a true hidden gem, and definitely was a fun find for us. We went at sunrise, and no one was around. However, there was a dog there so we do have a feeling that someone lives on or next to the property.


Castle in Texas, cool spots in Texas to visit
Castle in Texas, cool spots in Texas to visit
Castle in Texas, cool spots in Texas to visit

Newman's Castle is a true hidden gem in Texas.


#61: Bridgeland Treehouse Park

When we first saw pictures of this place, we assumed that this adorable treehouse was a luxury Glamping cabin in the woods. It's actually a public tree house that is part of a residential community in the outskirts of Houston though!


It's really only supposed to be for the people that live there, but as long as you are not spending a long time or wreaking any havoc, you shouldn't have any problem visiting.


tree house in Texas, cool spots in Texas to visit
tree house in Texas, cool spots in Texas to visit


#62: Fort Worth Water Gardens

This cool water display is 38 ft of water that cascades down into a series of steps in a large garden oasis. Known for its unique engineering and architecture, This spot is situated in the heart of Ft Worth, and definitely worth a visit while visiting the Ft Worth/Dallas area.


#63: SkyWalk Bridge

This is another great spot located just outside the center of San Antonio that we really liked. The Skywalk Bridge is located in the center of Phil Hardberger Park. From the parking lot you can walk just 10-15 minutes and will find a 6-foot wide bridge that curves under a canopy of trees for 1,000 feet!


Even though it is 18 feet off the ground, it is 100% ADA accessible, and has plenty of both shade and sunny areas to enjoy. It's free of charge, and can be accessed 24/7.


skywalk, cool spots in Texas to visit
sky walk, cool spots in Texas to visit


#64: I Love You Mural

We'll be honest, this one doesn't drive us crazy that much., but it's one of the most popular spots in Austin, and definitely one that we have to mention.


There is a mural in the center of the city that says "I love you", and for whatever reason became super iconic. While we certainly don't think it's so cool to add to the list, we also understand that some people may like it more than others.

I love you mural, cool spots in Texas to visit

This mural is one of the most famous in Austin.

#65: Beer Can House

Now this is a spot that we definitely deserves to be on the list of cool places in Texas to visit. Right in the center of Houston, there is a full house made out of beer cans, bottles, and beer memorabilia. It is just $5 to enter, and can only be accessed on Saturday or Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm.


#66: The Orange Show

The Orange Show is another quirky spot in Houston, and actually has the same owner as the Beer Can House.


It started as a parking lot, and has been transformed as an orange visionary art display in honor of the founder's favorite fruit. Just like the Beer Can House, it is only able to be visited on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 am to 2 pm.


#67: Cadillac Ranch

Out in the desert of Amarillo, is one of the most fun art displays in the country. Cadillac Ranch has 10 Cadillacs buried nose first into the ground, and has now been covered in colorful graffiti.


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Unique & Cool Places in Texas to Visit: to Stay

When we travel, we are always looking for cool and unique places to stay. Here are some of the best ones that we found around the state of Texas.


#68: The Joule, Dallas

We typically aren't impressed with big, fancy hotels. However, we do have to say that the Joule in Dallas is pretty cool! It has a massive rooftop pool that juts out from the building, making it a really unique amenity to check out during your stay.


#69: Marriott Marquis Houston

Speaking of cool pools- here's another for you! Normally, we honestly are not fans of Marriott (or any big chains). But we do have to say that the Marriott Marquis in Houston has a pretty unique reason for visiting.


Just like the Texas Pool, they have a Texas-shaped pool, and a lazy river going around it! I Don't know about you, but this actually may make us visiting here in the future.

Marriott Marquis, Texas

#70: Wander Inn

Located right between Austin and Houston, Wander Inn is a unique place to stay to break up your trip between the two big cities. This farmhouse has a super Texan vibe, with 6 different themed cabins, and even has "cowgirl tubs".


#71: Dome Land

Calling all Star Wars fans! Dome Land is seriously one of the most unique places you can stay, and if you like Star Wars, you'll absolutely love this Glamping spot.


Located out west in the desert, Dome Land is an adobe dome that is solar powered, and is the perfect place to stay if you plan on exploring Big Bend National Park.

Dome Land, unique places to stay in Texas

#72: Starstruck Glamping

This luxury Glamping site is perfect for those that want a special stay when visiting Big Bend, as they offer massive domes in the middle of the desert.


#73: Eve's Garden B &B

Welcome to another great desert stay. Eve's Garden B & B is a sustainable and colorful bed and breakfast, and is an ecology resource center. Located in Marathon, this place is perfect for those that like something a little quirky.


#74: The Retreat on the Hill

Want to escape the busyness of the big cities of Texas? Well, there is a pretty amazing Glamping experience just an hour outside of Austin to experience for a little getaway. The Retreat on the Hill sits on the tallest hill of the area and offers domes, A-frames, and other unique Glamping options to choose from.


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Unique & Cool Places in Texas to Visit: Other

Alright so now you are familiar with a ton of cool places in Texas to visit! But there were a few more interesting spots that didn't quite fit into our other categories. So here are some other cool places in Texas to visit for your bucket list.


#75: Buccees

You'd never think a gas station would be one of the cool places in Texas to visit, but Buccees is so much more than a gas station! This chain is a Texas staple, and one that is a typical stop on road trips.


Buccees has a massive indoor area that has merchandise, food, and local products. You can literally spend an hour walking around, and will notice that there are a ton of different fun things to buy with pecans, and an entire array of flavors of beef jerky.


Buccees can be found along many major highways, and is open 24/7.


#76: The River Walk

The Riverwalk is one of the top places to visit in San Antonio, and is definitely one of the most areas for going out in Texas. Located along the waterfront, the Riverfront is where you can find a some of the best bars, restaurants, shops, and hotels in San Antonio, and it's also famous for its boat trips.


#77: Gerald D. Hines Waterfall Park

When we first saw a video of this on Instagram, we couldn't believe it was inside a city! Located right in Houston, the Gerald D. Hines Waterfall park is a massive curved wall with water falling along it, almost like a giant fountain. It is free of charge to visit, and definitely one of the most unique things you can find in Texas' cities.


waterfall park, places in Texas to visit
waterfall park, places in Texas to visit
waterfall park, places in Texas to visit

Things to Bring on a Trip to Texas

We felt so lost when we were trying to pack for our trip to Texas! We were visiting a ton of different places, and were only bringing our travel pillow cases and a backpack, so we had to limit what we were bringing. 


Generally speaking, Texas is a much hotter state than most, and unless you're visiting int eh winter or to the desert, you won't need to layer up too much. Each city has a different "dress code" for going out, but when in doubt you can wear a dress and cowboy boots!


Here is our packing list for visiting Texas:

  • Travel toiletries (our favorites are from Sheer Alternatives because they're all natural and 100ml)

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There are so many cool places in Texas to visit, and it is definitely a state worth adding to your bucket list! Whether you are into partying, history, or adventure, there really is something for everyone in this massive state.


Plan on visiting other parts of the US? We have quite a few travel guides around the US, as well as several others coming up! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the know, as well as to receive exclusive content and discounts for our different products and services.


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