Texas Attractions Guide

Big Bend

El Paso Museum Of Art - The El Paso Museum of Art collections include works that encompass richly diverse artistic periods, styles, and movements, including: American Painting and Sculpture, European Painting and Sculpture, Mexican Viceroyal Painting and 19th Century Mexican Folk Retablos, and many others.

The El Paso Zoo - The El Paso Zoo is an eighteen-acre home to more than 700 animals of 175 species in a variety of natural habitat exhibits including a Reptile House, American Biome, Americas Aviary, Paraje, Birds of Prey, Forest Atrium, Asian Grasslands, Asian Endangered Walk, and an Elephant Complex.

The Presidential Museum - Extraordinary collections and exceptional library and archival materials are being acquired to detail the private and public lives of our country's first families.

Western Playland - Western Playland Amuseument Park offers a variety of rides and attractions including kiddie rides, thrill rides, family rides, water rides, bumper cars, roller coasters, go carts and more.

The Globe Of The Great Southwest - Bringing a bit of British flair to the West Texas landscape is this replica of the original Globe Theatre, the home of William Shakespeare's acting company in England. The Globe hosts community theater performances, monthly country-western shows called The Brand New Opree, and other community activities.

Permian Basin Petroleum Museum - As a unique education facility, the museum serves to teach the cultural and technical stories of the oil and gas industry. Its interactive exhibits cover all aspects of the petroleum industry from the formation of oil, its exploration, geology, pipelining, marketing and refining to the economic and political impact of the industry.

American Airpower Heritage Museum - The Museum's exhibits present an imaginative environment that allows visitors to discover the World War II experience. The Confederate Air Force preserves in flying condition the world's largest collection of combat aircraft flown by the U.S. during World War II.  Fourteen to 20 airplanes are always on display and change quarterly, so there's always something different to see. 

Indian Cliffs Ranch At Cattleman's Steakhouse - This 26-year-old landmark east of El Paso offers great family fun. You can see Texas longhorns, buffalo, deer, Belgian team horses and may other animals. There's also an Indian maze, movie sets, the Fort Apache playground for kids and hayrides on Sunday afternoons, plus the admission is free for steakhouse guests! After the sights, stay for dinner at the world-famous Cattleman's Steakhouse.

Gulf Coast

Six Flags Astroworld - 32 thrilling rides - including 10 of the biggest and hottest coasters - and over 40 blockbuster family-oriented shows, concerts, street entertainers and special events.

Capt. Clark's Flagship - Cruise along the beautiful downtown bayfront, passing close to the USS Lexington, Texas State Aquarium, and the Columbus Fleet on our way into the Port of Corpus Christi.

The Children's Museum Of Houston - The Children's Museum of Houston is the highest-attended youth museum in the country for its size and is committed to the mission of learning by providing hands-on exhibitions in the areas of science and technology, history and culture, health and human development, and the arts.

Houston Theater District - The Theater District, a 17-block area in the heart of downtown Houston, is home to Houston's eight world-class performing arts organizations, the 130,000 square-foot Bayou Place entertainment complex, restaurants, movies, plazas and parks. The Theater District of Houston ranks second behind New York City for the number of theater seats in a concentrated downtown area.

The Reef - A 20-acre spring-fed lake and water-based family park offering facilities for scuba diving, swimming, fishing, kayaking/canoeing, and picnicking.

Texas State Aquarium - Experience undersea adventure upon entering through cascades of water above glass-enclosed tunnel. the aquarium features close-up views of the wonders of the Gulf of Mexico in a wide variety of marine habitats.

Houston Museum Of Natural Science - The Museum is a five part complex housing the Burke Baker Planetarium, Wortham IMAX Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center and three floors of natural science halls and exhibits. Over a dozen permanent exhibit areas cover subjects on astronomy, space science, Native Americans, paleontology, energy, chemistry, gems and minerals, seashells, and Texas wildlife.

Adventure Bay Waterpark - Acres of wet & wild water thrills for all ages.

Museum Of Printing History - The Museum of Printing History celebrates the history of the development of printing. Its collection contains examples of ancient writing, pre-Gutenberg hand written rare books and manuscripts, antique printing equipment and tools, historically significant printed material such as bible leafs, government documents, early newspapers and periodicals and antique fine art prints.

The Orange Show - The outdoor 3,000 square foot monument is maze like in design and includes an oasis, a wishing well, a pond, a stage, a museum, a gift shop, and several upper decks. It is constructed of concrete, brick, steel and found objects including gears, tiles, wagon wheels, mannequins, tractor seats and statuettes.

Houston Space Center - The Center provides an adventure into the past, present, and future of NASA's manned space flight program with interactive exhibits, IMAX films, and behind-the-scenes tram tours of JSC, home of America's astronauts. Original space hardware, such as a Mercury capsule, Gemini spacecraft, and Apollo 17 command module are displayed in simulated natural settings.

Hill Country

Austin Zoo - At Austin Zoo, both adults and kids can enjoy the Hill Country setting and experience a close-up visit with animals from around the world. Austin zoo serves as a sanctuary for animal residents and visitors alike; providing an atmosphere for fun, living and learning.

The Dixie Dude Ranch - Dixie Dude is a working stock ranch. Explore the ranch on hiking trails, hunt for fossils and arrowheads or check out their century-old barn and Range War Cemetery. You and your family can enjoy your choice of planned activities such as horseback riding, swimming, hayrides, campfire sing-alongs, dancing and lots of Western fun.

The Austin Nature And Science Center - A ""living museum,"" whose efforts are focused on the creative use of specifically planned interpretive exhibits, programs, collections, and trails.

The National Museum Of The Pacific War - The only institution in the continental United States dedicated exclusively to telling the story of the Pacific Theater battles of World War II. Located on a seven-acre site, the Center includes the George Bush Gallery, Admiral Nimitz Museum, Plaza of Presidents, Veterans' Walk of Honor, Japanese Garden of Peace, Pacific War Combat Zone, and the Center for Pacific War Studies.

Natural Bridge Caverns - Take a tour of the caverns, visit the Natural Bridge Caverns Mining Company and learn a lot about identifying gems and minerals while filling your pockets with treasure, or take the Adventure Tour through the South Cavern -- a physically demanding and thrilling excursion into one of the world?s premier caverns.

Friedrich Wilderness Park - Friedrich Wilderness Park is a nature preserve, with 5.5 miles of hiking trails wandering through beautiful Texas Hill Country.

The Exotic Resort Zoo - A resort designed for wild animals where people can enjoy their company. Daily guided Safari tours with over 500 animals including over 80 different species.

X Bar Ranch - Enjoy a variety of activities including observation of ranching activities, horseback riding, birding, bar-b-que dinner, and stock tank swimming.

Clearsprings Aviaries & Zoological Gardens - Clear Springs Aviaries and Zoological Gardens is a privately owned collection of rare and endangered exotic birds.

Caverns Of Sonora - The Caverns of Sonora is a natural cave that is one of the most active caves in the world, with more then 90% of the cave still forming. The cave is both a Natural/National Landmark. The Caverns has many activities to keep you busy such as: Sluicing for gems, exploring a nature trail, camping out, and guided tours.

Schlitterbahn - Schlitterbahn?s 65-acre waterpark and resort complex features more than 40 rides and family activities in six themed areas.

Diamond W Longhorn Ranch - Activities include Chuckwagon Display, Cowboy Memorabilia, Old General Store, Bull Head Roping, Boot Hill, Horseshoe Pitching, Shoot An Old West Six Shooter, Washer Toss, Make Your own Rope and Cow Chip Tossing.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Imagine a place where everything is in its place. A place where the gardens, trails, and architecture celebrate the natural and cultural heritage of the Texas Hill Country. A place where people reconnect with the land and learn to appreciate the natural beauty, economic value, and environmental necessity of native plants. This place is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Panhandle Plains

Wonderland Park - Texas' Greatest Amusement Park. In operation since 1951, Wonderland is one of the most progressive parks in the country. 

The Grace Museum - THE Grace Museum houses three museums in the historic Grace Hotel -- The Art Museum, The History Museum and The Children's Museum. The first floor of The Grace Museum includes an elegant, historic marble ballroom, a glass loggia, a large enclosed brick courtyard, restored lobby, and a beautiful gift shop. The rooftop has a large, open-air terrace.

Don Harrington Discovery Center - You get hands-on experience at the Don Harrington Discovery Center. Participate in static and visiting exhibits, planetarium shows, special events, educational/outreach programs, and children's science workshops.

Buddy Holly Center - The Center collects, preserves and interprets artifacts relevant to Lubbock's most famous native son, Buddy Holly, as well as to other performing artists and musicians of West Texas. Changing exhibitions in the visual arts provide an arena for celebrating creative talents of fine artists at work in a region distinguished by vast distances and a rich tradition of creative resources.

Panhandle Plains Historical Museum - The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum is the largest history museum in Texas.  Stories of courage, of hardship, of victory and defeat...stories of life are told through a variety of interpretive exhibits.

Carson County Square House Museum - The historic Square House is just one of 21 buildings, galleries, outdoor diorama, and large outdoor artifacts that make up the Square House Museum complex. Case exhibits and full-sized diorama tell the story of the Texas Panhandle and its people.

Mackenzie Park/joyland Amusement Park - Joyland features over 30 great rides and attractions ranging from water caster and roller coasters to junior rides and family classics, like the colorful carousel, food favorites, exciting fun games and group outing facilities. Mackenzie Park also boasts a golf course, disc golf, and Prairie Dog Town.

Amarillo Museum Of Art - Six galleries are programmed with 16 exhibitions per year focused on changing loan exhibitions and art from the Museum's permanent collections. Educational and children's programs available.

National Center For Children's Illustrated Literature - A gallery exhibition of the works of award-winning illustrators of children's literature.

The American Quarter Horse Association - The Heritage Center features many hands-on exhibits, fascinating artifacts, dramatic video presentations, horse demonstrations and breathtaking works of art. There is even a research library and archives for serious owners and enthusiasts.

Piney Woods

Stephen F. Austin Mast Arboretum - This on-campus garden spills over more that 19 acres and lies on a portion of the Lanana Creek Trail. Enjoy a wide diversity of plant life, along with a children's garden and an azalea garden.

Caldwell Zoo - This 50-acre zoo annually plays host to over 675,000 visitors, who are offered the unique experience of viewing animals form around the world in fascinating re-creations of their natural environments.

Gregg County Historical Museum - Displays centered on timber, farming, oil, railroads, schools, business, and commerce. Room scenes including the bank president's office, a dentist's office, an early 1900s parlor and bedroom, the interior of a log cabin and a general mercantile store.

Longview Museum Of Fine Arts - The museum houses a comprehensive collection of paintings, drawings, prints, photography and scuplture focusing on artists primarily in the Southwest.

Marshall Depot - The T&P Depot now combines historical preservation with modern functionality. The first floor serves as an Amtrak station, and the second floor houses the T&P Railroad Museum, including gift shop, which pays homage to the T&P's legacy in Marshall.

Prairies Lakes

National Scouting Museum - The National Scouting Museum is a tribute to the rich history of the Boy Scouts of America. The size of a football field, this massive state-of-the-art facility features a Norman Rockwell art gallery, virtual reality adventures, hands-on learning experiences, and a historical collection that traces the Scouting movement from its beginnings.

Dallas Zoo - The Dallas Zoo features many exotic and endangered species amidst tree-lined paths and beds of flowers. Exhibits include the Chimpanzee Forest and the Endangered Tiger Habitat.

Frontiers Of Flight Museum - At the Frontiers of Flight Museum you will see, hear, and touch some of the rare artifacts that have contributed to the exciting history of air travel. On display is a World War I Sopwith ""Pup"" biplane along with hundreds of models, uniforms, decorations, engines and propellers.

Six Flags Over Texas - Six Flags Over Texas, The Lone Star Legend. For generations, Six Flags Over Texas has defined Lone Star thrills. From Giant-sized coasters to family-friendly rides and shows, you will enjoy a larger than life entertainment experience that is distinctly and unforgettably Texas.

The Sixth Floor Museum At Dealey Plaza - Permanent, educational exhibition on the life, death and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Exhibits feature photographs, artifacts, 30-minute audio tour and six films. Located at the former Texas School Book Depository.

Old City Park - Nestled among 13 beautifully wooded acres, the village includes Victorian-era homes, a depot, hotel, section house, shotgun house, school, church, log cabin, tipi, general store, gift shop, print shop, bank, law office, doctor's office, dentist's office, bandstand, a farmhouse, restaurant, and outbuildings of various kinds.

Dallas World Aquarium & Zoological Garden - The Dallas World Aquarium & Zoological Garden features the worlds largest freshwater aquarium filled with giant catfish, and huge turtles. The aquarium portion features approximately 85,000 gallons of beautiful saltwater exhibits. Visitors can also enjoy a Rainforest exhibit.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center - Visit with hundreds of rare and endangered animals from around the world that roam free on 1,500 acres of unspoiled countryside.

Science Place - The Science Place is about helping kids of all ages understand why and how things work -- everything from the solar system to honey bees, from dinosaurs to sound waves. It is a place where kids can use their senses of touch, sight, hearing, smell, and imagination to understand the wonders of science and mathematics.

The Dallas Arboretum And Botanical Garden - The Arboretum features 66 superbly landscaped acres of towering trees, fragrant gardens, and lush lawns that beckon you out of the city's bustle into a serene and beautiful world.

The Dallas Museum Of Natural History - The Dallas Museum of Natural History is the only collections-based, research-driven public natural history museum in the region.

Southfork Ranch - Experience television history and Texas hospitality at Southfork, the world's most famous ranch! Internationally recognized as the filming location for the long-running ""Dallas"" series, Southfork operates today as both a tourist attraction and an event and conference center.

Fort Worth Zoo - Visit the Fort Worth Zoo and see more than 5000 exotic and native animals in beautifully landscaped natural habitats. The Fort Worth Zoo, established in 1909, is the oldest continuous zoo site in Texas and one of the top zoos in the nation.

The African American Museum - The only museum in the Southwestern United States devoted to the preservation and display of African American artistic, cultural and historical materials. It has one of the largest African American folk art collections in the United States.

Texas Ranger Hall Of Fame And Museum - Official state Hall of Fame, Museum and Repository for the Texas Rangers Law Enforcement Agency.

Dallas Farmers Market - Celebrate the season harvest of fresh farm produce and other scrumptious products available to shoppers. Sampling, educational classes and special activities for children are FREE.

South Texas

San Antonio Museum Of Art - Home to the region's finest display of Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities; Asian art; European and American paintings; decorative arts, and contemporary art. The museum has also become a center for the study and appreciation of Latin American art with The Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Latin American Art.

Natural Bridge Caverns - Take a tour of the caverns, visit the Natural Bridge Caverns Mining Company and learn a lot about identifying gems and minerals while filling your pockets with treasure, or take the Adventure Tour through the South Cavern -- a physically demanding and thrilling excursion into one of the world?s premier caverns.

Marion Koogler Mcnay Art Museum - This 24-room Mediterranean-style mansion is home to Texas' first museum of modern art.

Friedrich Wilderness Park - Friedrich Wilderness Park is a nature preserve, with 5.5 miles of hiking trails wandering through beautiful Texas Hill Country.

Diamond W Longhorn Ranch - Activities include Chuckwagon Display, Cowboy Memorabilia, Old General Store, Bull Head Roping, Boot Hill, Horseshoe Pitching, Shoot An Old West Six Shooter, Washer Toss, Make Your own Rope and Cow Chip Tossing.

San Antonio Botanical Gardens - 33 acres of formal gardens, pools, fountains, and natural ares. Also features several Texas houses and the Lucile Halsell Conservatory, a complex of below-ground greenhouses. Children's garden and Garden for the blind.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas - Voted America's top show park by Amusement Business magazine, Six Flags Fiesta Texas offers incredible rides, a water park, and shows like CIRCO MAGNIFICO, CARNIVAL INTERNATIONAL and TEATRO FIESTA will delight and entertain you with their dazzling, international flair.

The Alamo - This 4.2 acre complex is an old mission where a small band of Texans held out for thirteen days against the centralist army of General Antonio L?pez de Santa Anna.

Sunset Station - Sunset Station is the destination for world class entertainment, delicious food and unique shopping all set in the historic backdrop of a turn of the century train station.

San Antonio River Walk - This 11 kilometers route includes the Alamo, restaurant, shopping and entertainment areas along the river in downtown San Antonio. The route also goes through the Hemisfair site past museums and exhibits of Texas culture.

Seaworld Adventure Park - SeaWorld Adventure Park is the world's largest marine life adventure park with more than 25 major shows, rides, educational experiences and family attractions for all ages.

San Antonio Zoo - With over 3,500 animals representing 750 species, The San Antonio Zoo maintains one of the largest animal collections in the United States.

Witte Museum Of History And Science - The Witte features history and science exhibits, major national traveling exhibits, family events, live gallery theater, and overnight camp-ins for children. Highlights include Texas dinosaurs, an Egyptian exhibit and mummy and historic homes from San Antonio on the grounds.