Everything’s Bigger in Texas: 28 Landmarks You Need to Visit!

Texas is the USA’s second-largest state, with an area of 268,820 square miles (696,240 kilometres squared), making it larger than any European country. Known as the Lone Star State, Texas’ lone star flag replicates the red, white and blue shades used in the American Flag. The colours of the state flag represent bravery, purity and loyalty. Texas is famous for cowboys, rodeos and, of course, big barbecues. Food in Texas takes inspiration from its Mexican history, as well as Native American and American cuisine. Aside from tasty dishes, Texas is also famous for its role in the Apollo 13 mission where the world-renowned line “Houston, we’ve had a problem here” was received. Texas is fast becoming a cultural destination not to be missed with a wide variety of museums, theatrical performances and live music available.

Texas’ natural landscape is highly varied due to its vast size. Texas has 367 miles (591 kilometres) of coastline, giving it many spectacular beaches, often unknown by visitors. Its coastal regions create lush green plains, marshlands and estuaries. The central plains feature prairies, hilly pine forests and beautiful hiking trails. Hot, dry deserts see little rainfall but are populated with diverse species of flora and fauna. Throw in a some of the most important national historic landmarks like The Alamo, San Jacinto Battlefield and Dealey Plaza, for variety to put Texas at the top of anyone’s USA itinerary. Here are 20 incredible landmarks in Texas not to be missed in this southern state.

Landmarks in Texas

Natural Landmarks in Texas

1- Caddo Lake

Caddo Lake is a maze of bayous and ponds on the Texas Louisiana border.

The area is covered in cypress trees overgrown with Spanish moss.

The lake was created by a logjam and is between 8 and 10 feet (2.44m and 3.05m) deep, depending on rainfall.

The bayous lead away from the lake and are around 20 feet (6.1m) deep.

Within the lake are more than 70 species of fish, making its waters popular with fishermen.

Caddo’s 50 miles (80 kilometres) of waterways also makes it a must-visit landmark for canoeing or kayaking in an area of staggering natural beauty.

Caddo Lake is at 245 Park Road 2, Karnack, TX 75661.

2- Caverns of Sonora

The Caverns of Sonora are some of the most beautiful show caves on earth.

The caverns have been open for the public to explore since the 1960s.

Discovered in the 20th century when a dog belonging to the Mayfield family chased a raccoon into a hole, the Caverns of Sonora were first explored in the 1920s.

Jack Burch, an Oklahoma caver, noticed in 1956 that the cave was damaged by human interference and had the vision to protect and preserve this beautiful natural landmark for future generations.

The caves are accessible through guided tours, where knowledgeable guides walk you through the caves explaining the history and work Burch carried out to preserve them.

Caverns of Sonora is at 1711 Pvt Rd 4468, Sonora, TX 76950.

3- Gorman Falls

Gorman Falls is in the Colorado Bend State Park and accessible by hiking over rocky paths for three miles (five kilometres).

Gorman Falls is a 70ft (21.34m) high waterfall and is fed from a spring.

Unlike many waterfalls, Gorman Falls is wide but is broken up by trees and rocks, creating the impression that multiple falls are streaming over the rock face.

There are several viewing decks at different heights to allow visitors the best possible view over this incredible natural landmark.

Gorman Falls is at Bend, TX 76824.

4- Palo Duro Canyon

Palo Duro Canyon is the United States’ second largest canyon and a must-visit landmark in Texas.

The 800ft (243m) deep canyon was formed over millions of years through water erosion and covers a large area of over 30,000 acres.

Within the canyon are viewing platforms offering the most spectacular vistas across the gorge and surrounding state park.

To encourage visitors to stay longer and make the most of this beautiful region, Palo Duro has a range of camping, glamming and cabin retreats available.

When visiting, look out for mule deer, horned lizards and bobcats who frequent the canyons dry and rocky landscape.

Palo Duro Canyon is at 11450 State Highway Park Road 5, Canyon, TX 79015.

5- Medina River

The Medina River is in the Medina Valley in South Central Texas.

Sourced from the Edwards Plateau, the river flows over 120 miles (193 km).

The river was named after Spanish cartographer Pedro de Medina in 1689 and is lined with cedar trees, oak trees and limestone cliffs.

The river is highly popular with kayakers and tubers who want to explore its lazy currents and rushing rapids.

Along the river are two small waterfalls; Chamblee Falls, a 10ft (3m) fall and a baby waterfall of 4ft (1.22m) which add to the scenery.

There are many companies in the areas surrounding the river that offer rentals of both kayaks and tubes.

Medina River is at TX 78055.

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6- Devils Waterhole

Devils Waterhole is nestled inside Inks Lake State Park and is an extension of the lake itself.

There are many conflicting tales surrounding how Devils waterhole got its name.

Some believe it came from a local landowner who would loudly curse when his wagon got stuck along the trail.

Others prefer the Native American story that the waterhole’s warm waters were heated from the underworld.

This natural swimming area is accessible only after hiking along a 1/4 mile (0.4km) trail.

The waterhole is also popular for diving and canoeing.

Devils Waterhole is at Inks Lake State Park, 3630 Park Road 4 West, Burnet.

7- Jacobs Well

Jacobs Well is known as one of the most dangerous diving spots in the world.

The waters surrounding the well are warm year-round at 20 degrees Celsius, which attracts many to its shores.

The well itself is a spring that stretches for more than a mile underground, eventually opening out into an intricate cave system.

The spring is millions of years old and for centuries was revered by native Americans.

The spring water is crystal clear, which is a large part of its allure to divers who are willing to brave a dangerous dive that has claimed many skilled divers’ lives.

Jacobs Well is at Texas 78676.

8- Enchanted Rock

Enchanted Rock is one of the largest rock formations in the United States, the domed shale rock reaches 425ft (129m) high and has stunning sunset views from over Hill County.

Many legends are associated with the Rock and linked to the mysterious sounds the Rock makes as the temperatures on its surface drop from scorching hot to icy cold as the sunsets.

There are also tales of ghost fires burning on the Rock during the night.

Enchanted Rock is at 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624.

9- Natural Bridge Caverns

Four college students, in the 1960s, discovered Natural Bridge Caverns, which is a must-visit natural landmark in Texas.

The caverns are formed from limestone and include a spectacular 60ft (18.29m) natural limestone bridge.

An underground river created the caverns as the water pushed through and widened tiny cracks in the limestone, gradually leading to the creation of large passageways and caverns.

The caverns consist of several underground passages, with the potential of more currently hidden beneath areas of heavy rubble.

Natural Bridge Caverns is at 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, San Antonio, TX 78266.

10- Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon is loved by scuba divers from all over the United States.

The waters of Blue Lagoon get their hue from the spring that feeds it.

The lagoon is hidden behind a 30ft (9m) high limestone wall and thick forest, making it a tranquil and secret swimming location.

If scuba diving isn’t for you, the lagoon is also open to swimmers, hikers through its forests, and those simply seeking a relaxing location away from the hustle and bustle.

The lagoon is privately owned, and divers must pre-book scuba diving slots.

Blue Lagoon is at 649 Pinedale Rd, Huntsville, TX 77320.

11- Santa Elena Canyon

Santa Elena Canyon in Big Bend National Park in Texas, is a breathtaking natural wonder carved by the Rio Grande River.

Towering limestone walls rise over 1,500 feet, creating a dramatic contrast with the winding river below.

Visitors can hike the Santa Elena Canyon Trail, kayak through the serene waters, or simply enjoy the stunning views.

The canyon is a prime example of the park’s rugged beauty and offers a tranquil escape into one of Texas’s most iconic landscapes.

12- Guadalupe Peak

Guadalupe Peak in Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the highest point in the state, standing at 8,751 feet.

The “Top of Texas” offers stunning panoramic views of the Chihuahuan Desert and surrounding landscapes.

The challenging Guadalupe Peak Trail takes hikers through diverse ecosystems, from desert scrub to forested areas.

At the summit, a stainless steel monument honors the Butterfield Overland Mail Route. It’s a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers.

Historical Landmarks in Texas

13- The Alamo (Mission San Antonio de Valero)

The Alamo has more than 300 years of history tied to it and is the most famous mission, known for its pivotal role in Texas history during the Texas Revolution.

Spanish missionaries founded The Alamo, then known as Mission San Antonio de Valero, in 1718.

The Alamo is famous for the eponymous 1836 battle that was part of the Texas revolution when the Mexican state of Tejas became independent from Mexico.

The Texas Declaration of Independence was signed on March 2, 1836, at Washington-on-the-Brazos, marking Texas’s formal declaration of independence from Mexico.

Drafted by George C. Childress and modelled after the U.S. Declaration of Independence, the document cited grievances against the Mexican government, including the denial of rights under the Mexican Constitution of 1824, lack of representation and oppressive governance by Santa Anna.

This declaration led to the formation of the Republic of Texas, which existed until its annexation by the United States in 1845.

After the battle, the Alamo remained a military stronghold and was home to the US Army. During the American Civil War, control of the Alamo switched between the US army and the Confederates.

14- San Jacinto Battlefield

The battlefield is a national historic landmark in Texas that marks the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836.

That short 18-minute battle won Texas independence from Mexico.

The state bought the historic site in 1890 and transformed the once bloodied fields into a monument to the victory and a museum commemorating its history.

The San Jacinto museum includes manuscripts from early Texas and Mexico.

San Jacinto monument is at 3523 Independence Parkway South, La Porte, near Texas’ Gulf coast.

15- Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge

The 288m (945ft) Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge crosses Lady Bird Lake in Austin.

The bridge is named after Ann W. Richards, the 45th Governor of Texas and a life long resident of the city.

Following extensive renovations in the 1980s, migrating Mexican free-tailed bats made the bridge their home.

The bridge bats are part of the largest urban bat colony in North America, with between 750,000 and 1.5 million bats living there.

Each night the bats fly across Austin, with hundreds of locals turning out to see them.

Congress Avenue Bridge is at 100 S. Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704.

16- Texas State Capitol Building

The Texas Capitol building is the largest state capitol in the United States.

The historic site was completed in 1888 and features design inspiration from Renaissance Revival and Victorian interior design.

Many of the Capitol’s decorative items date back to the 1930s, including a curved sofa, grand chandeliers and marble tables making it one of the state’s most stunning Texas historical buildings.

The Rotunda is worthy of landmark status in itself as its floor features the Great Seal of the state of Texas, surrounded by six seals, each representing one of the countries whose flags have flown over Texas.

Texas Capitol Building is a historic site at 1400 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78711.

17- The San Antonio Missions

There are five San Antonio Missions that are part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. These missions were established by Spanish Catholic religious orders in the 18th century to spread Christianity among native Americans.

Besides The Alamo, the other missions are:

• Mission San José (Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo) – Known as the “Queen of the Missions,” it is the largest and most well-preserved.

• Mission Concepción (Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Acuña) – The best-preserved mission church in the U.S. with original frescoes still visible. This was the location of a skirmish in 1835 of the Texas war of independence.

• Mission Espada (Mission San Francisco de la Espada) – The oldest of the five missions, with a unique door and aqueduct system.

• Mission San Juan Capistrano (Mission San Juan de Capistrano) – Known for its farming and irrigation systems. Mission San Juan Capistrano dates back to 1716, before being moved to a new location in 1731, where the mission stands today. In 1756 the church was completed, and an autonomous community blossomed around it. Within the gardens, melons, peppers and grapes were grown. The farm has continued today and now has partnerships with local food banks, which offers a lifeline to the local communities. The mission and its farmlands are a historic site that is open to the public. Leisurely hiking trails also surround the mission.

18- Johnson Space Center

The NASA Johnson Space Center Houston is an important landmark for science and space exploration.

It opened to the public in 1992 after being used as NASA’s mission control and continues to be the location of the space program to train astronauts.

The Mission Control Center (MCC) is the nerve center for NASA’s human spaceflight missions, famously known as “Houston” from the Apollo 11 moon landing.

The MCC has overseen historic missions, including the first moon landing and space shuttle flights. Today, it monitors operations on the International Space Station (ISS) and other space initiatives.

Within the centre is the the historic Apollo-era control room, more than 400 space-themed artefacts, interactive exhibits and the centre often welcomes travelling displays and experiences.

The centre’s key focus is on America’s space history, with an emphasis on human space-flight.

Space Centre is at 1601 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058.

19- Fort Worth Stockyards

Fort Worth Stockyards is an incredible historical landmark in Texas.

Fort Worth is where the West begins, and its stockyards tell the story of Texas’s livestock history as this was an important rest stop for cattle drovers during the mid to late 1800s.

During its heyday, more than 4 million cows moving through the city and today, twice daily cattle drives are held to give visitors an insight into what life was like for the drovers.

The stockyards also has traditional Texas BBQ restaurants which serve up authentic Texan fare and exhibition halls that share artefacts from Fort Worth’s history.

Fort Worth Stockyards is at 2501 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, TX 76164.

20- Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

An important historic site for both Texan and American history is the Lyndon B. Johnson park, which tells the story of America’s 36th president, who was born within its boundaries and was laid to rest at his LBJ ranch.

The LBJ Ranch was opened to the public following the death of Johnson’s wife in 2007.

Visitors can tour the home independently or with an organised group to take in the former Presidents home’s sights, with original furniture and objects from his life displayed.

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is at 1048 Park Road, Stonewall, TX 78671.

21- Dealey Plaza Historic District

Dealey Plaza Historic District is a National Historic Landmark known for its significant role in American history as the site of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination on November 22, 1963.

The district includes the infamous Texas School Book Depository, now home to the Sixth Floor Museum, an important landmark which chronicles the events of that day and Kennedy’s legacy.

You can also see the Grassy Knoll and Pioneer Plaza, reflecting the area’s broader historical significance. It remains a solemn and reflective destination.

The museum showcases the assassination and legacy that followed the JFK shooting and other significant events in the plaza.

22- Deep Ellum Historic District

Deep Ellum is a must-visit location in Dallas.

The district began as a commercial area for African-American and European immigrants.

The area was established in 1873 and today has more than 20 historically recognised buildings, such as the Continental Gin Company.

Robert S. Munger built the factory in 1888, and during its operational history, it became one of the largest manufacturers in the USA.

Deep Ellum has always been an open neighbourhood, mainly when much of the south was segregated.

Deep Ellum was regarded as the first intentional desegregated area in the city, making all welcome.

Head into Deep Ellum today for incredible music venues, vibrant arts scene and community-driven vibe.

23- Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site

The Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site in Bonham is a museum that offers a glimpse into the life of Sam Rayburn, the longest-serving Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The beautifully preserved 1916 home showcases original furnishings, personal artifacts, and exhibits highlighting Rayburn’s remarkable political career and dedication to public service.

The home, barn, and gardens, learning about his humble roots and profound impact on American history. It’s a fascinating destination for history and politics enthusiasts alike.

24- Bishop’s Palace

Bishop’s Palace, also known as the Gresham House, is a stunning historic mansion located in Galveston.

Built in 1892 for Colonel Walter Gresham and his family, this ornate Victorian-style home is recognized as one of the finest examples of 19th-century architecture in the United States.

Designed by Nicholas J. Clayton, the house features intricately carved woodwork, stained glass windows, and unique furnishings.

Now open for tours, Bishop’s Palace offers visitors a glimpse into Galveston’s rich history and architectural grandeur.

25- Fort Davis National Historic Site

Fort Davis National Historic Site, located in West Texas, is one of the best-preserved frontier military posts in the United States.

Active from 1854 to 1891, the fort protected settlers, travelers, and mail routes along the San Antonio-El Paso Road.

Visitors can explore restored buildings, including barracks, a hospital, and officer quarters, while learning about the soldiers, including African American Buffalo Soldiers, who served there.

Surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes, the site offers a captivating glimpse into 19th-century military and frontier life.

26- McDonald Observatory

The McDonald Observatory, located in West Texas’s Davis Mountains, is a world-renowned astronomical research facility operated by the University of Texas.

It houses some of the most powerful telescopes, including the Hobby-Eberly Telescope, one of the largest in the world.

Visitors can enjoy guided tours, star parties, and solar viewings, offering unparalleled stargazing opportunities in one of the darkest night skies in North America.

27- Southfork Ranch

Southfork Ranch gained fame as the iconic setting for the hit TV series Dallas.

This sprawling estate offers tours of the mansion and grounds, showcasing memorabilia from the show and its role in television history.

Visitors can explore the Ewing family’s legendary home, attend events, or simply enjoy the picturesque landscape.

With its blend of pop culture and Texas charm, Southfork Ranch remains a beloved destination for fans and travelers.

28- Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum

The Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum in Cleburne, Texas, celebrates the famous cattle-driving trail that shaped the Old West.

Visitors can explore life-size exhibits, including a blacksmith shop, stagecoach station and tepees, alongside historical markers.

The museum also hosts reenactments, educational programs, and events that bring the trail’s history to life. Nestled along the Nolan River, this site offers an immersive journey into Texas’s cowboy and cattle-driving heritage.