Exploring the major cities of Texas—Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin—offers a diverse range of experiences, from historic landmarks and world-class museums to vibrant cultural events and tours.
Dallas
Museums:
- The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza: Located in the former Texas School Book Depository, this museum chronicles the life, death, and legacy of President John F. Kennedy.
- Dallas Museum of Art: With a collection spanning 5,000 years of history and over 22,000 works of art, the museum is a centerpiece of the Dallas Arts District.
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science: This family-friendly museum features hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that explore the natural world and scientific discovery.
- Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum: This museum is dedicated to teaching the history of the Holocaust and advancing human rights.
Tours & Attractions:
- Reunion Tower Geo-Deck: Offers 360-degree panoramic views of the city from 470 feet high.
- AT&T Stadium Tour: Take a behind-the-scenes look at the home of the Dallas Cowboys, including the field, locker rooms, and private suites.
San Antonio
See San Antonio events here
Museums:
- The Alamo: A historic mission and fortress, the Alamo is a must-visit. The site includes the church, the Long Barracks Museum, and new exhibits detailing the famous 1836 battle.
- San Antonio Museum of Art: Housed in a historic brewery building, the museum features a global collection spanning 5,000 years.
- Witte Museum: Focuses on Texas history, from prehistoric fossils to contemporary art.
- Briscoe Western Art Museum: Showcases art and artifacts that depict the history and culture of the American West.
Tours & Events:
- Go Rio San Antonio River Cruise: A narrated tour along the famous River Walk is a perfect way to experience the city’s heart.
- San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it includes four Spanish colonial missions in addition to the Alamo.
Austin
Museums:
- Bullock Texas State History Museum: This is the state’s official history museum, with three floors of exhibitions on Texas’s rich past.
- Blanton Museum of Art: Located on the University of Texas campus, it holds the largest public art collection in Central Texas.
- Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) Presidential Library: Houses extensive historical exhibits on the life and career of the 36th U.S. President.
Tours & Events:
- Texas State Capitol: Visitors can take free tours of the historic state capitol building.
- Congress Avenue Bridge Bats: From March to October, millions of bats emerge from under the bridge at dusk, a famous natural spectacle.
- Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater: Catch a live music performance at the venue that hosts the long-running television series.
Houston
Museums:
- Houston Museum of Natural Science: Located in the Houston Museum District, it features a planetarium, a giant screen theater, and a butterfly center.
- Space Center Houston: The official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, offering immersive experiences and a look into America’s space exploration program.
- The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: One of the largest art museums in the United States, with a collection of nearly 70,000 works.
- Holocaust Museum Houston: The fourth-largest Holocaust museum in the U.S., dedicated to remembering the Holocaust and promoting human rights.
Tours & Attractions:
- Houston Museum District: A concentrated cultural area with 19 museums, many of which offer free admission on certain days or times.
- Houston Zoo: Located in Hermann Park, the zoo is home to more than 6,000 animals.
- Day trip to Galveston: A short drive from Houston, this coastal city offers beaches and historic Victorian architecture.
