8 Things to Try While on Vacation in Texas

“Everything is bigger in Texas.” Maybe not everything but there is some truth to the saying, particularly when it comes to fun.

Whether you’re heading to Texas for business or pleasure, there’s so much to do that you won’t be able to do it all in one trip.

Here are some activities that everyone can enjoy.

Tour the Johnson Space Center

The Johnson Space Center is a must-see if you’re a space lover. It’s home to the visitor center, where you can tour and see the Independence space shuttle. The space shuttle is a powerful symbol of our country’s achievements in space travel. It was retired in 2011 after 30 years of service. The museum and visitor center have informational displays and interactive activities. This is an excellent option for families who like learning about history while having fun. 

Enjoy Austin

Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, and it’s easy to see why. The city has plenty of venues to catch local bands. If you’re looking for a more traditional music experience, head to Sixth Street in Downtown Austin where there are dozens of bars with live music every night.

A travel tip for anyone visiting Austin, or anywhere with good bars, is to plan ahead. Take an Uber downtown, even if you aren’t planning on drinking much. It may cost more, but it will allow you to enjoy your time and not worry about getting back to the hotel. Plus, it will cost a lot less than hiring a DUI/DWI lawyer if you make a poor decision.

See Bats at Bracken Cave

If you’re looking for something more adventurous, consider Bracken Cave near San Antonio. This cave is home to the world’s largest bat colony, and millions of bats come out at night during summer months to feed on insects. They fly right over your head! 

If you’re lucky enough to visit when it’s warm out, go early in the evening when it gets dark, before the tourists arrive. You can take in nature and have some time to explore before people show up. 

Visit the San Jacinto Battleground

The San Jacinto Battleground is the site of the Battle of San Jacinto, where Texas won its independence from Mexico. It’s a historic park in La Porte, Texas, open year-round. You can learn more about what happened, view artifacts at their museum, or take a self-guided walking tour around the battlefields. 

Picnic areas are also available if you want to bring your food or relax after exploring all day. The one downside is that it’s out of the way, about an hour northeast of Houston. 

Go to the Alamo

The Alamo is one of the most famous sites in Texas. It’s also one of the most important historical landmarks in the United States, having played a pivotal role during the Texas Revolution.

The Alamo was originally a Spanish mission built by Franciscan priests around 1724. After Mexico won its independence from Spain, it became known as Mission San Antonio de Valero. The Alamo eventually ended up being a significant area of conflict and, to this day, is considered one of the most historically impactful monuments.

San Antonio, and the Alamo area, are also known for ghost tours. If this is your thing, you won’t have a problem finding an excursion. 

Explore South Padre Island

If you find yourself at the southern tip of Texas, take advantage of the opportunity to explore South Padre Island. Visiting the beach is just one of many things to do on the island. You can also eat seafood, ride horses, or go parasailing! 

Texas only has a few tourist beaches, so this should be at the top of your list. 

In fact, South Padre island is the closest thing to a tropical island that Texas offers. 

Take a Cruise Out of Galveston

Galveston is a convenient cruise port for anyone located in Texas or midwestern states. About 45 minutes south of downtown Houston, Galveston features cruise ships that sail to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, and Belize.

For a ticket (typically $70 to $120 per day), you get all-you-can-eat food, entertainment, lodging, transportation, and unique experiences. When you consider that many hotels cost the same for just accommodations, what you get for your money is unmatched.

Attend a Professional Sporting Event

Whenever someone watches ESPN, it doesn’t take long for a Texas team to be brought up. Whether it’s the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, or San Antonio Spurs, Texas takes their professional sports very seriously. 

In total, there are thirteen professional teams. Unlike other states like New York, where most of the teams are in one area, Texas teams can be found all around the state and have avid fans. 

Interestingly, only California has as many pro teams as the Lone Star State. 

Conclusion

Now that you know some of the fun things to do in Texas, it’s time to plan your trip. There are many ways to get around the state and see everything offered. But remember, Texas is huge, about 2.5 times bigger than the entire United Kingdom. Sure, you could try to fit everything into one trip, but taking two or even three visits can help ensure you get to experience what the state has to offer.