50 Fun Activities to Do in Texas

Texas is a big state with a large variety of attractions. If you're visiting the Lone Star State, here are some must-do activities that are sure to make your trip memorable.

1. Cruise Route 66

One of America's most iconic road trips is driving along Route 66. This summer, take a cruise down this historic highway in Texas. Start in Amarillo and make your way to Austin. You'll see some fantastic sights along the way, including the Cadillac Ranch and Big Bend National Park. You can even stop in Marfa to see the famous Prada Marfa store.

Route 66 is a great way to see Texas and experience a piece of American history. So gas up your car and hit the road.

2. Swim in a Lake

Texas is home to some of the best lakes in the country. So this summer, take a dip in one of these beautiful bodies of water. Lake Buchanan is an excellent choice for swimming, boating, and fishing. Or head to Inks Lake for a day of swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

3. Go Wine Tasting in Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is a beautiful town in the Texas Hill Country. And it's home to some of the best wineries in the state. So this summer, take a day trip to Fredericksburg and go wine tasting. You can visit several different wineries, including Becker Vineyards and Pedernales Cellars. And be sure to stop by Fredericksburg Brewing Company to taste local beer.

After a day of wine tasting, you can explore the town's German heritage. Be sure to visit Marktplatz, an open-air market with shops and restaurants. Or tour the National Museum of the Pacific War.

4. Try Out Some Country Fried Steak

Texas is known for its delicious food. And one of the state's most iconic dishes is country-fried steak. This summer, try out this dish at one of the best restaurants in Texas. The Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood is a great choice. Or head to Pecan Lodge in Dallas for some award-winning barbecue.

5. Acquire Some Cowboy Boots

No trip to Texas is complete without a pair of cowboy boots. So this summer, buy a pair of these iconic shoes. You can find cowboy boots at any western wear store. Or you can order them online from retailers like Sheplers and Boot Barn.

Once you have your cowboy boots, you'll be ready for anything.

6. Eat and Drink Your Way Through San Antonio

San Antonio is a foodie's paradise. There are so many great restaurants and bars to choose from. This summer, make your way to San Antonio and eat and drink your way through the city. Take a riverboat and cruise the canals, where you'll find fine dining up and down the channel.

7. Attend a Music Festival

Texas is home to some of the best music festivals in the country. So this summer, attend one of these great events. The Austin City Limits Music Festival is a great choice. Or head to Houston for the Free Press Summer Fest.

No matter what kind of music you like, you'll find a festival that's perfect for you. So get your tickets and get ready to rock out this summer!

8. Visit the Dutch Windmill Museum

The Dutch Windmill Museum is a unique attraction in the small town of Nederland. This summer, take a day trip to visit this museum. You'll learn about the history of windmills and see some beautiful Dutch architecture.

9. Visit Texas' Historic Courthouses

Texas is home to some of the most beautiful courthouses in the country. This summer, take a trip to see these historic buildings. Start in Austin, where you can tour the State Capitol and the old Travis County Courthouse. Then head to Waco to see the McLennan County Courthouse. And don't forget to stop in Galveston to see the Galveston County Courthouse.

10. Climb the Port Isabel Lighthouse

For a bird's eye view of the Gulf of Mexico, climb the Port Isabel Lighthouse. This historic lighthouse is open to the public and offers stunning views of the coast. So this summer, take a trip to Port Isabel and climb to the top of this beautiful structure.

11. Visit the Original Six Flags Theme Park

Six Flags Over Texas is the original Six Flags theme park. So this summer, take a trip to Arlington and visit this historic amusement park. You'll find rides for all ages, from thrill rides to family-friendly attractions. And don't forget to cool off in the park's waterpark in Hurricane Harbor.

12. Visit the McDonald Observatory

The McDonald Observatory is one of the best places in the world to stargaze. So this summer, take a trip to west Texas and visit this astronomical facility. You can tour the observatory, attend a star party, or just gaze at the stars from the Visitors Center.

13. Explore Wimberley

Wimberley is a small town in the Texas Hill Country. This summer, take a day trip to explore this charming town. Start at Wimberley Square, where you'll find shops and restaurants. Then head to Blue Hole Regional Park, where you can swim in the refreshing waters of Blue Hole. And don't forget to visit Jacob's Well, a natural spring perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day.

14. Visit the Magnolia Silos

The Magnolia Silos are a must-see for any fan of Fixer Upper. This summer, take a trip to Waco and visit this popular attraction. You can tour the silos, shop at the Magnolia Market, and eat at one of the food trucks.

15. Take a Hike in Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is one of the most scenic places in Texas. So this summer, take a hike through this beautiful park. You'll find hiking trails of all difficulty levels so that you can find one perfect for you. And don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning views.

16. Snap Some Photos at Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch is a must-see for any fan of art or history. This summer, take a trip to Amarillo and snap some photos at this famous attraction. Cadillac Ranch is a public art installation that features ten Cadillacs buried nose-down in the ground. So bring your camera and get ready to capture some unique shots.

17. Visit the Alamo

The Alamo is one of Texas' most popular tourist destinations. So this summer, take a trip to San Antonio and visit this historic site. You can tour the Alamo, learn about its history, and see the spot where Davy Crockett died.

18. Spend the Weekend at a Dude Ranch

Texas is home to many dude ranches. So this summer, spend a weekend at one of these working ranches. You'll experience the cowboy lifestyle, ride horses, and eat delicious Texas BBQ.

19. Visit the San Jacinto Monument

The San Jacinto Monument is a must-see for any fan of Texas history. This summer, take a trip to Houston and visit this towering structure. The monument commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto, where Texas won its independence from Mexico. So make sure to add this attraction to your summer bucket list.

20. See a Show at the Moody Theater

The Moody Theater is one of Austin's most popular music venues. So this summer, take a trip to see a show at this historic theater. You'll find a variety of acts performing, from country music to rock and roll. And don't forget to grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the area.

21. Visit the Fort Worth Stockyards

The Fort Worth Stockyards is a must-see for any fan of Texas history. This summer, take a trip to see this historic attraction. You can tour the stockyards, see a cattle drive, and learn about the history of this vital part of Texas culture.

22. Take a Dip in Hamilton Pool

Hamilton Pool is a natural swimming hole perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. So this summer, take a trip to Austin and take a dip in this refreshing pool. You can also hike to the nearby waterfall, an excellent spot for taking photos.

23. Visit the State Capitol

The State Capitol is one of Austin's most popular tourist attractions. So this summer, take a trip to see this historic building. You can tour the capital, learn about its history, and see the governor's office.

24. Visit the Sixth Floor Museum

The Sixth Floor Museum is a must-see for any fan of American history. This summer, take a trip to Dallas and visit this popular attraction. The museum is located in the former Texas School Book Depository, where Lee Harvey Oswald shot John F Kennedy. So make sure to add this attraction to your summer bucket list.

25. See a Show at the Bass Performance Hall

The Bass Performance Hall is one of Fort Worth's most popular music venues. So this summer, take a trip to see a show at this historic theater. You'll find a variety of acts performing, from country music to rock and roll. And don't forget to grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the area.

26. Visit the Dallas World Aquarium

The Dallas World Aquarium is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. So this summer, take a trip to see this fantastic aquarium. You can tour the facility, see various marine life, and learn about conservation efforts.

27. Spend the Day at Schlitterbahn

Schlitterbahn is a water park in New Braunfels, perfect for a hot summer day. So this summer, take a trip to see this popular attraction. You can cool off in the water, ride the slides, and blast with your friends and family.

28. Visit the San Antonio Zoo

The San Antonio Zoo is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. So this summer, take a trip to see this amazing zoo. You can tour the facility, see various animals, and learn about conservation efforts.

29. Take a Riverboat Cruise on Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake is a man-made lake in Austin that's perfect for a leisurely cruise. So this summer, take a trip to see this popular attraction. You can ride the riverboat, take in the scenery, and learn about the history of Austin.

30. Visit the LBJ Presidential Library

The LBJ Presidential Library is a must-see for any fan of American history. This summer, take a trip to Austin and visit this popular attraction. The library is dedicated to Lyndon B Johnson, the 36th president of the United States. So make sure to add this attraction to your summer bucket list.

31. See a Show at ACL Live

Austin City Limits is one of Austin's most popular music venues. So this summer, take a trip to see a show at this historic theater. You'll find a variety of acts performing, from country music to rock and roll. And don't forget to grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the area.

32. Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a must-see for any fan of nature. This summer, take a trip to see this amazing park. You can hike to the summit of Guadalupe Peak, see the beautiful scenery, and learn about the area's history.

33. Take a Tour of the San Antonio River Walk

The San Antonio River Walk is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. So this summer, take a trip to see this amazing river walk. You can tour the facility, see various animals, and learn about conservation efforts.

34. Visit Seaworld San Antonio

SeaWorld San Antonio is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. So this summer, take a trip to see this amazing aquarium. You can tour the facility, see various marine life, and learn about conservation efforts.

35. Explore the Ghost Town Terlingua

Terlingua is a ghost town that's perfect for a day of exploring. So this summer, take a trip to see this popular attraction. You can tour the town, visit the historic buildings, and learn about its history.

36. Visit the Rose Garden in Tyler

The Rose Garden in Tyler is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. So this summer, take a trip to see this beautiful garden. You can tour the facility, see a variety of flowers, and learn about the history of Tyler.

37. Take a Bike Ride Through Palo Duro Canyon

Palo Duro Canyon is a great place to go for a day of hiking or biking. So this summer, take a trip to see this popular attraction. You can ride your bike through the canyon, take the scenery, and learn about its history.

38. Visit the Texas State Fair

The Texas State Fair is one of the state's most popular tourist attractions. So this summer, take a trip to see this amazing fair. You can tour the facility, see a variety of exhibits, and learn about the history of the state fair.

39. Catch a College Football Game

College football is a big deal in Texas. So this summer, take a trip to see a game. You can catch a game at one of the many colleges in the state, or you can see a professional game. Either way, you're sure to have a great time.

40. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston

The Museum of Fine Arts Houston is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. So this summer, take a trip to see this amazing museum. You can tour the facility, see a variety of exhibits, and learn about art history.

41. See a Show at the Woodlands Pavilion

The Woodlands Pavilion is one of Houston's most popular music venues. So this summer, take a trip to see a show at this historic theater. You'll find a variety of acts performing, from country music to rock and roll. And don't forget to grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the area.

42. Take a Tour of Minute Maid Park

Minute Maid Park is one of Houston's most popular tourist attractions. So this summer, take a trip to see this amazing ballpark. You can tour the facility, see a variety of exhibits, and learn about the history of baseball.

43. Visit the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham

The Blue Bell Creamery is one of Texas's most popular tourist attractions. So this summer, take a trip to see this amazing creamery. You can tour the facility, see a variety of ice cream flavors, and learn about the history of ice cream.

44. Pick Your Own Peaches in Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is a great place to go for a day of peach picking. So this summer, take a trip to see this popular attraction. You can pick your own peaches, tour the farm, and learn about the history of peach farming.

45. Visit the Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco

The Dr. Pepper Museum is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. So this summer, take a trip to see this amazing museum. You can tour the facility, see a variety of exhibits, and learn about the history of Dr. Pepper.

46. Try Out Round Rock Donuts

Round Rock Donuts is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. So this summer, take a trip to see this amazing bakery.

47. Eat One (Or Several) Bowls of Queso

Queso is a big deal in Texas. So this summer, take a trip to your favorite restaurant and order a bowl (or several). You'll find a variety of queso flavors to choose from, so you're sure to find one that you love.

48. Join Team Whataburger

Whataburger is one of the state's most popular tourist attractions. So this summer, take a trip to see this incredible burger joint.

49. Admire Some Texas Longhorns

The Texas Longhorn is the state's official animal. So this summer, take a trip to see these amazing creatures. You can find them at various locations, including zoos and ranches. And don't forget to take a picture!

50. Explore South Padre Island

South Padre Island is a great place to spend a summer day. It's the one and only tropical island in Texas. You can sunbathe on the beach, go for a swim in the Gulf of Mexico, or build sandcastles with your kids. And don't forget to enjoy the beautiful sunset.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – 50 things to do in Texas this summer. No matter your interests, you're sure to find something on this list that you'll enjoy. So get out there and explore all the Lone Star State offers!