1. Conquer the19 best burgers in Texas
If there were a class shout Spending Your Short Time On This Earth sagely 101 , the final would most sure involve eat your way through Texas . Start by Warren E. Burger route - travel to taste monster like the Bowling Alley Burger atSwift ’s Atticin Austin , Seabrook ’s famous Bean Burger fromTookie ’s , the Burger fromHell ” at Amarillo institutionCoyote Bluff Cafe , and the Blue Ribbon Burger at San Antonio’sCured .
2. Float a river
drunkenness while tubing down a river –any river– is a Texas rite of passageway . Hit the Guadalupe for a killer political party vista , the Comal for a agile float with an urban feel , the Brazos for the scenery and the Possum Kingdom dike , and the bound - fed San Marcos and Frio to beat the heat . Whatever agency you go , remember that bringing glass is for jerks .
3. Pull off aSchlitterbahnfour-bagger
Texas ’ darling waterpark has four locations : Corpus Christi , Galveston , New Braunfels , and South Padre . Hit all of them and be forever named the “ Sultan of Schlitterbahn . ”
4. Camp out atEnchanted Rock
The land ’s second - large granite dome is one of the select spots to catch those radical - sexy , big and bright Texas stars . But that ’s not even the coolest part about the monolithic pink batholite . aboriginal tribes once believed the rock to be haunted , giving it magical powers , and fable has it anyone who stays overnight becomes invisible . If you were look to be a part of the next Marvel franchise , this is pretty much your only opportunity .
5. Slurp wood-grilled oysters atGilhooley’s
Instinct may tell you not to trust oysters from what depend like a dive saloon in the eye of Nowheresville . In this casing , your instinct would be right smart unseasonable . These wood - fire roast oysters , which get a healthy splatter of Parmesan - garlic butter that crisp and bubble in all the correct places , are a legit Gulf Coast staple fiber .
6. Roam the iconicFort Worth Stockyards
… with an unfastened container , because you may . Also , do " The Wobble " at the ego - proclaim " World ’s Largest Honky Tonk , " and catch out for the sawbuck quarter on the street .
7. Visit a grotto way sweeter than the Playboy Mansion’s
That would beHamilton Pool Preservein Dripping Springs . Unlike Hefner ’s faux - dummy - infest grotto , this erectile limestone swimming kettle of fish – complete with a trickling 50 ft waterfall – isau naturel . The mammoth natural kitty was created when the dome over an underground river caved in .
8. Fake a spring break atSouth Padre Island
And where exactly do you fake this spring happy chance , you ask ? That ’s easy . At one thebest beach parallel bars in the damn world .
9. Make a pit stop atBuc-ee’s
tug anywhere along the primal and Eastern regions of the Lone Star State and you ’ll see a giant smiling opera hat beckon you in like a siren call . Listen to that call and enrol a rest stop of Disneyland proportions , with stinger - to - order beef jerky , smart sandwiches , and homemade fudge bars , beaver paraphernalia , kickshaw like Beaver Nuggets and cheesy Beaver Nuggets , and closely every form of confect conceivable to get you through the residuum of your road trip .
10. Get lost in Big Bend
With over 800,000 landed estate , Big Bend National Parkis one of the large internal park in the US . It ’s also one of the most desolate , but that just makes it all the more beautiful … oh , and more super - easy to get lose in . Hike the well - knownChimneysandMarufo VegaTrails . Make your means over to theSanta Elena Canyon , the winding valley that separates the US and Mexico . Or essay findingCattail Falls , obscure off the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive at the base of the Chisos Mountains . The exuberant desert haven comes complete with an Instagram - baiting waterfall that can reach up to 80 ft . If you really do get lost , at least the car park has the darkest sky in the commonwealth , cause it idealistic for take in the hotshot .
11. Cliff-jump into Jacob’s Well
Ever seek the thrill of diving headfirst into a natural artesian spring with an super serious limestone cave below it ? Well , you ’re in fate , becauseJacob ’s Wellis just that . Thanks to a charted cave system near 140 foot deep and almost a mile long ( it ’s trust to be the longest submersed cave in Texas ) , only experienced cave frogman are permitted to go down , because as we stated , this guy ’s pretty hazardous . But no worries – even folk can still cliff - parachuting into a 12 ft swimming hole and pay heed by the water .
12. Embrace Texas’ Czech roots
Eat ALL the kolaches . Czech immigrant began arriving in Texas through the embrasure of Galveston during the mid- to late nineteenth one C , and they brought their sweetened dough , fruit , cheese , poppyseed , and sausage - replete pastries with them . Now you’re able to find them all over Central Texas , from Houston to Rowena , but we suggest starting withWeikel’sin La Grange , Hruska’sin Ellinger , andCzech Stopin West .
13. Taste the gold standard of Texas barbecue
Six Texan spots made our list of thebest BBQ joints in America . Get Flintstone - sized bitch ribs and helping hand - stuff jalapeño cheddar sausages at Lockhart ’s legendaryBlack ’s Barbecue . point to Austin’sLa Barbecuefor incredible brisket with a side of live music and Austin soul . About 40 arcminute out in Taylor , cult favoriteLouie Mueller Barbecuedraws crowds with the holy leash of ribs , brisket , and dashing sausage stuffed on - site . Over in Dallas , Lockhart Smokehouseserves up red-hot cut of meat the old - shoal way , with brisket blow an especially peppery , spicy barque ( demand for the burnt end on Thursdays ) ; and the untried gunPecan Lodgebrings new feel with mesquite rubs , fat - rendered pulled porc with sweet vinegar sauce , and showstopping extra like edible bean , mac & cheese , and granny - style banana tree pudding . In Houston ’s suburban area of Pearland , Killen ’s Barbecueprovides one of the best squawk rib in the country ( and the fry chicken , oh , the deep-fried poulet ) . It would n’t be a barbecue spell without a pit block atSnow ’s BBQin Lexington ; live folk legend Tootsie Tomanetz ’s mouthwateringly soft brisket is undeniably one of the in effect renditions in land .
14. Now compare them to the most underrated BBQ joints
Think any of the above are overrated ? We ’ve have a dozenunder - the - radar spotsvying to gain their lieu at the field day table .
15. Get serenity now at theRothko Chapel
deliberate one of the most holy spot on the major planet , the totally zen chapel earned a spot onNational Geographic ’s “ Sacred Places of a Lifetime : 500 of the World ’s Most passive and Powerful Destinations . ” The stark , reflective space further people of all religion to get their speculation on , with around 80,000 the great unwashed per year coming from all over the world to take in its majesty .
16. Remember The Alamo
Visit the abiding symbolic representation of the Texans ’ epic electrical resistance to subjugation in their struggle for independency , The Alamo . Was that not obvious ?
17. Visit the world’s tallest monument column
TheSan Jacinto Monument , a 567.31 ft soaring National Historic Landmark , commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto . If that means nothing to you , here ’s a little history : that battle is wide known as the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution . Since we realize that may also think nothing to you , here ’s some more : Texas was once a Mexican responsibility , and in 1835 , American colonist in that state – known as Texans – rebelled against the more and more centralist Mexican government in a year - long rotation that ended with the Republic of Texas being an sovereign body politic and eventually becoming a part of the US . We may have skipped a few things here and there , but you get the level . This monument is coolheaded .
18. Play in the bluebonnets
Hopefully you ’ve encountered the beauty of Texas bluebonnets , but you have n’t really done them right until you ’ve taken a ride on the Willow City Loop , a concealed scenic loop outdoors of Fredericksburg . Take the girl or young man and bring some Hill Country wine-colored and cheeseflower for ternary bonus point .
19. Celebrate the Day of the Dead in San Antonio
Fact : there ’s no good place in Texas to immortalise loved single who have died than at the two - dayDía de los Muertosfestival held in San Antonio .
20. VisitBlue Bell
Though the state ’s beloved chalk creamery may have had a jolting go of things recently , it remains a shining star in most Texans ’ ( listeria - free ) center . Production tours are presently down , but there ’s still a res publica store , ice cream living-room , and visitors center to check out in Brenham .
21. Be a real-life Batman
Austin’sCongress Avenue Bridgehouses the world ’s largest urban squash racquet colony , with over 1.5 million Mexican free - tailed bats spiraling out from the bridge ’s crevices near gloaming . For the skilful viewing , visit April through October .
22. KayakCaddo Lake
make by the gigantic logjam dub the “ Great Raft ” – which began backlogging the Red and Atchafalaya Rivers as far back as 1100 - 1200 AD , this East Texas lake is the only natural ( read : not military man - made ) lake in Texas . Kayak through the sprawling internal ear of lush bayous and wetland , using the fatheaded cypress trees encase in Spanish moss as a sort of lakeside slalom .
23. Mountain-bike throughPalo Duro Canyon
Dubbed “ The Grand Canyon of Texas , ” this direction - underrated sunken valley shows off a seemingly endless array of green- and sundown - colored terra - cotta . At 120 Swedish mile farseeing , 20 miles wide , and 800 ft rich , it ’s the second - largest canyon in the United States – but it ’s only natter by around 300,000 hoi polloi per class ( by comparison , the Grand Canyon stimulate over 5 million ) . At least that means it ’s wide - open for biking and stargazing .
24. Get real-deal Tex-Mex
… by visiting any of thesebest Tex - Mex eating place in Texas .
25. Eat deep-fried everything at theState Fair of Texas
We ’re mouth thing likeAmerica ’s original Corny Dog , Gallus gallus - fried lobster with Champagne godsend , funnel cake , and bacon cinnamon rolls , and deep - fry BEER .
26. Two-step at a dance hall
Over in New Braunfels you ’ll find the oldest continually bunk dancing hall in the state . Built in 1878 , Gruene Hall has played home to country music great like Willie Nelson , George Strait , and Lyle Lovett . Not one to be outdo , the metropolis ofLuckenbachis know for its honky tonk and springy country medicine scenery , even being immortalized in aWaylon Jennings and Willie Nelson song .
27. Get your rodeo on
You should have no problem rule a rodeo in Texas , but in case you do , here ’s a start . There ’s theFort Worth Stock Show & Rodeofrom mid - January to early February , theSan Antonio Stock Show & Rodeoin February , theHouston Livestock Show & Rodeoin March , and theStockyards Championship Rodeoevery unmarried Friday and Saturday night .
28. Channel Indiana Jones
Texas has mess of amazing caves , some of which lie just west of the small city of Sonora ( which , FYI , is about halfway between San Antonio and Big Bend ) . Appropriately name theCaverns of Sonora , the massive cave was carved into Cretaceous - menstruum limestone about 1 - 1.5 million year ago . Today it boasts one of the heaviest collections of calcite crystal formations , most especially helictites , in the world . ensure to break out the “ butterfly stroke , ” where two fishtail helictites share the same attachment item , and the " Hydra pit , " where the formations are so densely packed , you ’ll shortly be Indiana Jonesing to get out .
29. See the best star show in the state
TheMcDonald Observatoryin Davis Mountains State Park legit hosts “ Star Parties , ” where you’re able to look through a cluster of badass telescopes ( including the with child in Texas ) to see dark sky configuration tours and thought of celestial objects . As with any honorable party , you need to RSVP to wait on , but if you find oneself yourself without reservations , the common ’s grim , open skies are enough good for capture views .
30. Hike your way to Gorman Falls
We do n’t even know why you ’d visitColorado Bend State Parkwithout hike up the 1.5 - mile trail to this hidden treasure . Afterward , you ’ll be treated to a misty pall and a breathless 60 foot waterfall cascade down into a fern - cake grotto .
31. Trip out in Marfa
have hyper - reality in this offbeat West Texas town , where you ’ll find aminimalistic Prada prowess installationin the midriff of the desert , andmystery lightsthat have go unexplained for over half a 100 . There ’s also a crowd of hipster galleries , dress shop shops , and a general dining scene that rivals those not in the middle of nowhere .
32. Pour one out for the Dublin Dr Pepper
For 121 old age , Dublin Bottling Worksin Dublin , TX made Dr Pepper the way it should be made – using cane bread as opposed to that high - fructose corn sirup crap . Sadly , due to disputes with Plano - based Dr Pepper Snapple Group , the factory ceased production of the cane sugar - fueled drinkable in 2012 . Rumor has it you may still get the original formula feeding bottle ( albeit without the Dublin recording label ) throughout surface area admit Dallas / Fort Worth , Houston , and Waco , so plunk one up and rain buckets one out for this late Texas icon .
33. Live that astronaut life
TheLyndon B. Johnson Space Centeris home to a bunch of great experiences , from International Space Station mission operations to astronaut trash cream . If you take the three - hour tram tour ( YOLO ! ) , you’re able to even get a peek at the historic mission mastery way .
34. Pretend you’re onFriday Night Lights
That TV show your ex - girl used to “ make you ” determine but you secretly roll in the hay was inspired by a moving picture that was breathe in by a Holy Scripture that was inspired by the Permian Panthers high school football game team from unspoiled ol’ Odessa , Texas . That ’s a whole lot of stirring , so the least you’re able to do is relive your glory days and go see them play .
35. Drink your way through thebest craft breweries in Texas
We involve Texas beer connoisseur to weigh in on the best cunning brewery the Lone Star State has to declare oneself . Sip fine craft soapsuds at all 10 , then eat up with a stay atSpoetzl Brewery . The magical terra firma that pump out each and every can and bottle of Shiner also happens to be the oldest brewery in the state .
36. Salute the Texas State Capitol
Take aguided tourof the 19th - century construction … or just take a selfie in front of it , we wo n’t care , and neither will your mom .
37. Spend some time in themost underrated place in Texas
That would be the lilliputian former mercury mining townspeople of Terlingua . Maybe you ’ve never of it , but we bet you ’ve heard of Chili ’s , the Southwestern chain your grandma get you gift certificates to every birthday . deform out the range of mountains was deport out of the Chili Appreciation Society International ’s annual chilli cook - off , which is adjudge in Terlingua each November ( which seems like as fine a time as any to confab ) .
38. Survive at least one music festival
You have rich opportunity to sway your okay jorts and fringe vest at heavy - hitters likeSXSW , ACL , FPSF , andFun Fun Fun Fest . But if those seem too daunting , the music and dancing atWurstfest , the 10 - day salute to weenies , will do .
39. Do the River Walk
It ’s kinda like doing the dinosaur , except instead of looking like an half-wit and dancing , you ’re in reality strolling along the river , or touring on a gravy boat , and feeding / drinking your way through San Antonio . For safe solution , do it once in the spring and once around the holidays , when it ’s more well-lighted than your uncle at Christmas dinner .
40. Get to know the Third Coast
It may not have a verse as practiced as “ West Coast is the good seashore , ” but it does have theseexcellent ways to spend your time .
41. Buy some damn boots
land youngster or not , you ’ll need to sway some cowboy boots at least once during your Texan lifetime . Get furrowed leather customs beauts from top - notch bootmakers at Texas Traditions ( Austin ) , James Leddy Boots ( Abilene ) , Western Leather Craft Boot ( Amarillo ) , or Little ’s Boots ( San Antonio ) .
42. Conquer “The Texan King”
The iconicBig Texan Steak Ranchharbors the chance of a lifetime , and that is the hazard to take on and defeat a colossal,72 oz hunk of Texas squawk . If you may get the 4.5lbs of steak down , along with a baked tater , shrimp cocktail , salad , and kale bankroll accessory , in under one 60 minutes , your repast will be FREE . Your ambulance ride , on the other hand … well , that depends on how good your insurance is .
43. Smash a CFS
plausibly any roadside diner will do ( the shadier - looking the better ) , but you may lead toBandera , the “ Cowboy Capital of the World , ” where you ’ll see chicken - fry all - starOld Spanish Trail ; or Tomball , which houses the “ Home of the Best Chicken Fried Steak in Texas,”Goodson ’s Cafe .
44. Try to hide your wine mouth in Fredericksburg
Who says California should have the monopoly on pound a bunch of vino in the nifty open ( you know , so it ’s classy ) ? Texans can deal that all mean solar day ! Pro tip : Holy Scripture a limo term of enlistment so that you could savor yourself more thoroughly .
45. Make a dent inAustin,Dallas,Houston, andSan Antonio’s respective to-do lists
It ’s like a bucket listInception .
46. Spend some time on a lake
Lake Travis . ink Lake . Lake Conroe . Lake Livingston . Possum Kingdom Lake . Does n’t weigh . Just plank yourself on some sort of floatation machine ( tube , Jet Ski , 20 - person pedal party boat ) , pop on some sunscreen and shades , and savor a day out in the Texas sunshine .
47. … and in a natural-fed spring
adjudicate the Spicewood watering holeKrause Springs , a 115 - acre phratry - have property that shows off with 32 on - internet site springs , plus a falls , grot , valet de chambre - made spring - feed pool , and au naturel pool , which flows into Lake Travis .
48. Compete in a chili cook-off
We ’ll give you a straits start : make it hot , and do n’t use beans .
49. Cruise along Route 66
The Texas slice of the legendary Route 66 is 178 mile of ramshackle ghost township and mighty fine roadside magnet , including Amarillo ’s offbeat but totally rad Cadillac Ranch and McLean ’s testimonial to burred wire , theDevil ’s Rope Museum .
50. Decide your Whataburger stance, one and for all
In cowboy country , it ’s only sightly we end our leaning the same way of life we started it : with BEEF . It ’s also only bonnie that you use up the Corpus Christi - born Texas staple that is Whataburger until you view as it either the king of all fast - solid food burgers , or ehhh , just OK . Either way , never let in that you ’re not a devotee of the honey butter chicken biscuit . Texans are moderately serious about those .
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Congress Ave Bridge bats in Austin|Kushal Bose/Shutterstock
Flickr/Brian Russell
Flickr/lee leblanc
Jacob’s Well|Flickr/Patrick Lewis
Kimberly Park/Killen’s Barbecue
Andre m/Wikimedia
Flickr/Tom Hilton
Flickr/Thomas & Dianne Jones
Dan Gentile/Thrillist
Flickr/Amy Claxton
Stanley Ford/Shutterstock
Flickr/DonkeyHotey
Flickr/Nicolas Henderson
Flickr/dcwriterdawn
Flickr/Jinx!
Flickr/Nan Palmero
Krause Springs
Flickr/Chuck Coker
