1. For Science Lovers and Families: Space Center Houston
Children and adults alike can take a trip through the world of space exploration at the Space Center Houston. This Smithsonian Affiliate is dedicated to the history of space exploration and to foster a love of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in its visitors. The museum features a large collection of moon rocks and other space artifacts, theater experiences, and fun shows and attractions. View a Saturn V rocket, explore the real NASA Mission Control, and learn what it is like to live in space. Ticket prices vary.
Address: Space Center Houston, 1601 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058, Phone: 281-244-2100
2. For History Buffs: The Alamo
In 1836, 200 men took a stand for Texas in a fierce battle at the Alamo, a mission that had been converted into a fort in San Antonio. Some of them were famous American frontiersmen such as Daniel Boone, Davie Crockett, and Jim Bowie. Though they ultimately lost the battle, Texas went on to win the war for independence from Mexico. Today, the Alamo draws more visitors than any other historic landmark in Texas.
Guests can tour the fort, church, long barrack, arcade, and the museum/gift shop. Tours are self-guided, but audio accompaniment is available for an additional fee.
Address: The Alamo, 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205, Phone: 210-225-1391
3. For Culture Seekers: The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park
The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park maintains the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Museum Gallery and presents a large selection of tours and lectures about the fascinating history and culture of Houston. The museum showcases rotating exhibits related to all aspects of Houston’s history.
The tours on offer are many and varied. Yyou can book a Women’s History Tour, a Black History Tour or a tour of one of the many historic buildings which have been Houston landmarks for decades. In addition to managing the museum and the tours the Heritage Society also hosts various educational programs for all ages.
Address: 1100 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002, Phone: (713) 655-1912
4. For Art Lovers: The San Antonio Museum of Art
The San Antonio Museum of Art is one of the country's premiere art museums, originally opened to the public in 1981 within the city's renovated historic Lone Star Brewery complex. The museum serves as the anchor today of the Museum Reach of the city's River Walk and houses an impressive collection of more than 30,000 artworks and artifacts spanning from antiquity to the present day, including some of the nation's most impressive collections of ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Asian art. Other substantial collections include Latin American and contemporary art collections, including one of the nation's most impressive collections of Latin American folk art.
Address: The San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W Jones Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215, Phone: 210-978-8100
5. For Curious Kids: Houston Museum of Natural Science
The natural world and all its wonders are on display at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The museum features 16 permanent exhibits that cover a wide range of topics. Guests can see real dinosaur skeletons, tour the Hall of Ancient Egypt, and view beautiful gemstones and jewels from around the world.
Other exhibits showcase Native American culture and history, North American wildlife, and the ecology and wildlife of Texas. The museum also contains an observatory, butterfly center, and large-screen theatre.
Address: Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, Phone: 713-639-4629
Attractions for Couples
6. For Foodies: San Antonio Riverwalk
The San Antonio Riverwalk is the most visited tourist attraction in all of Texas. The river channel was originally developed as a means of flood control to protect the city. Today, guests can sample the best of food, shopping, art, museums, and lodging at the dozens of businesses that line the 2.5-mile walkway along the San Antonio River.
San Antonio Riverwalk also hosts special events such as parades, artisan shows, food and drink festivals, and the beautiful Ford Fiesta de las Luminaries, held each December. The Riverwalk is open 365 days a year. Individual business hours vary.
7. For Architecture Fans: Texas State Capitol
The Texas State Capitol is more than just the legislative center of the state. This massive complex sits on approximately 22 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and contains the Capitol Building, the Visitor's Center, and the Governor's Mansion.
Visitors to Austin can learn about the legislative process by taking a guided tour of the capitol or view the graves of Texas heroes in the nearby Texas State Cemetery. Three blocks away, the Bullock Museum showcases the history and culture of Texas. The museum contains three floors of exhibits, an IMAX theater, and a cafe and gift shop. All of the sites are open daily except on major holidays.
Address: Texas State Capitol, 1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, Phone: 512-463-4630
8. For Spiritual Seekers: Mission San Jose
Mission San Jose is both a state and national historic park. The mission was built in 1720 and became known as the "Queen of Missions" for its beautiful carvings, stone walls, and church. Mission San Jose acted as an important social and cultural center, and it is still an active mission today.
Visitors can tour the mission, church, convent, granary, and the original stone walls that protected the property. A visitor center sits adjacent to the mission as well.
Address: Mission San Jose, 6701 San Jose Dr, San Antonio, TX 78214, Phone: 210-932-1001
Recommended Activities for Families
9. For Animal Lovers: Fort Worth Zoo
The Fort Worth Zoo, founded in 1909, is the oldest continuously operating zoo in Texas, and USA Travel Guide ranks it as the 5th best zoo in the United States. The zoo features 542 species of animals, birds, and reptiles, as well as exciting attractions such as a splash park, petting zoo, carousel, theater, and zoo train.
They are dedicated to animal education and wildlife conservation and host many summer camps, field trips, educational classes, and seminars for children and adults. The Fort Worth Zoo is open 365 days a year and features half-price admission on Wednesdays.
Address: Fort Worth Zoo, 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76110, Phone: 817-759-7555
10. For True Crime Enthusiasts: The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
On November 22, 1963, Lee Harvey Oswald fired three shots from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository, assassinating President John F. Kennedy and changing the course of American history forever. Today, the sixth and seventh floors of the former depository have been converted into a museum.
The sixth floor chronicles the life and death of the 35th president within the context of American culture in the 1960's. The seventh floor hosts special exhibits and programs. A gift shop, bookstore, and café are also located on the premises.
Address: The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, 411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202, Phone: 214-747-6660
Plan Your Trip