What’s not to love about Texas: Top 5 things to see and do

Texas, the Lone Star State and birthplace of a southern drawl that just makes you feel welcome. Bless your heart. If you’ve already been, count yourself lucky, and, if you were hoping to travel there soon, then keep reading because we’re going to share with you the five best places you should visit on your trip there and why. Let’s get to it!

For the history buffs – San Antonio Missions National Park

The first stop on our list is the San Antonio Missions National Park and is ideal for the history buffs who want to experience something a little different on their trip through America’s second-largest state. This place offers guided tours from Park rangers as they talk you through the history of the different missions, the heritage of the indigenous people, and are also free of charge.

After all, you’re in God-fearing territory now, so embrace it and learn a little history at the same time. You can also choose to walk or cycle the different trails, which means you get to bask in the sunshine and go at your own pace. The park features five different missions along with various sites in between and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, so be sure to check it out.

For the adventurers – Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Second on our list is the Guadalupe National Park. Here, if you can survive the heat, that is, you can take in the spectacular natural beauty or choose from one of the many trails. Choose from a range of activities, such as hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, bird watching, and stargazing. There are even campgrounds located at the canyons and ranches so you can make an entire weekend of it. Just watch out for those rattlesnakes in the warmer months and remember to wear appropriate hiking gear.

This incredible park is also home to an authentic slice of American history and was the final stronghold of the Native American Mescalero Apaches during their battle with the Comanche. Today, the mountain range represents an important spiritual and cultural sanctuary, and is still visited by remaining tribespeople for ceremonial purposes.

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For the dawdlers – San Antonio Riverwalk

No trip to Texas would be complete without doing the San Antonio Riverwalk. As the most popular tourist attraction in Texas, this fabulous walk takes you past some of the best restaurants, shops, and events that Texas has to offer. Depending on the time of the year that you visit, you can attend various events, such as the Parade of Lanterns, the Fall Artisan show, and the Ford Holiday River Parade. It is also conveniently located near the infamous Alamo, where you can learn all about the origins of that defiant Texan spirit.

Not to mention that, as it is a tourist hotspot, you can expect to pick up some souvenirs to remind you of your time there, with shops offering everything from “Don’t mess with Texas” t-shirts to cowboy boot pencil holders. Also, for those that are looking for somewhere to go on a romantic excursion, you can avail of a river tour or visit the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, the choice is yours.

For the ravers – Billy Bob’s Texas

They say everything is bigger in Texas and, if you’re lucky enough to visit Billy Bob’s bar in Fort Worth, you’ll know the rumours were true. This impressive venue just happens to be the world’s largest honky-tonk and is capable of holding 6000 people at any one time, so your chances of getting to meet some locals are pretty high. It boasts a restaurant, gift shop, and even an information centre in case you get lost, it’s that big!

For those tourists eager to listen to authentic country music as they enjoy a few drinks with friends, Billy Bobs is perfect. With a dance floor almost as big as the state, and a wall of fame featuring handprints from Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash to Luke Combs and Garth Brooks, there is no better place to listen to live music.

An added bonus is that, if you choose to pay this place a visit, you can also witness the incredible sport of bull riding at its in-house arena. That’s right, you heard me, bull riding, and not the mechanical kind either! For the price of admission, you can watch professional bull riders try their luck at reaching the perfect score of 100 points, which has only ever been reached once in the history of professional rodeo. One thing’s for sure, you’ll remember a night out at Billy Bobs.

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For the hungry – The Salt Lick BBQ

Saving the best for last on our list, we have to talk about the food. After all, Texas just wouldn’t be Texas without its famous barbeque food. So, for those that want to sample some mouthwatering ribs slathered in a generous coating of sauce or a pulled pork sandwich, then be sure to head to the Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood Texas.

This establishment nabbed the number one place for Texas BBQ joint back in March 2020 and is famous for its finishing pit. So, fix yourself a plate and don’t pass up the chance to taste their amazing selection of sausages, chicken, pulled pork, beef, and brisket before finishing off your meal with a slice of cobbler or chocolate pecan pie. Delicious! An added bonus about this place is that it has its own shop which sells t-shirts, caps, homemade sauces and rubs, and even a cookbook so that you can take the taste of Texas home with you. Perfect for those tourists who like to experience new places through their taste buds.

(Warning! Leave all restrictive diet plans behind when passing through the airport, you will not be able to resist the food on offer, so why bother even trying!)

So, there you have it. That wraps up our list of some of the best places you should visit whilst on your travels through this unique state. So, y’all head on down there and see it for yourself, and, in true Texan style, God bless.

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