We’re ready to hit the highways this summer and won’t come back until we’ve roadtripped like a real Texan. Check out these 21 quintessentially Texan experiences we’ve mapped out to the far reaches of the state: From discovering historical sites and savoring the state’s best eats to trekking through natural wonders and more experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the lower 48. After all, the kids are never too young to start crossing off that bucket list.
Pose next to the 77-foot-tall Sam Houston statue
Huntsville, 936/291-9726
huntsvilletexas.com
Relive the 1800s at The Alamo’s First Saturday demonstrations
San Antonio, 210/225-1391
thealamo.org
Stand in awe of Johnson Space Center’s Saturn V Rocket
Houston, 281/244-2100
spacecenter.org
Board the 1877 ship Elissa
Galveston, 409/763-1877
galveston.com
Dance in a pow-wow at Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas
Livingston, 936/563-1221
alabama-coushatta.com
Scale to the top of Enchanted Rock
Fredericksburg, 512/389-8900
tpwd.state.tx.us
Chow down in the BBQ Capital of Texas
Kreuz Market, Smitty’s Market and Black’s Barbecue
Lockhart, 512/398-2818
lockhartchamber.com
Tour the Blue Bell Creamery
[Editor's note: As of April 2015, the Blue Bell Creamery is temporarily haulting all ice cream production and tours. For an estimated timeline of when they will be producing and giving tours again, see their website.]
Brenham, 979/836-7977
bluebell.com
Stop for kolaches at the Little Czech Bakery
West, 254/826-5316
czechstop.net
Wait for the bats at Congress Avenue Bridge
Austin, 512/327-9721
batcon.org
Sluice for gemstones at Natural Bridge Caverns
San Antonio, 210/651-6101
naturalbridgecaverns.com
Sleep in a teepee at El Cosmico
Marfa, 432/729-1950
elcosmico.com
Raft through Big Bend National Park
Terlingua, 432/371-3033
bigbendrivertours.com
Bottle your own Crazy Water
Minerals Wells, 940/325-8870
drinkcrazywater.com
Overlook South Padre Island from the Port Isabel Lighthouse
Port Isabel, 956/943-2262
tpwd.state.tx.us
Watch the nightly light show at Texas’ Eiffel Tower
Paris, 903/784-2501
paristexas.com
Tube down the Comal River
New Braunfels
tubeinnewbraunfels.com
Stomp your feet to the Texas musical at Pioneer Amphitheatre
Palo Duro Canyon, 806/655-2181
texas-show.com
Stargaze from McDonald Observatory
Fort Davis, 877/984-7827
mcdonaldobservatory.org
Fish under moss-covered trees at Caddo Lake
Karnack, 903/679-3351
tpwd.state.tx.us
Spray-paint the buried cars at Cadillac Ranch
Amarillo, 800/692-1338
roadsideamerica.com
Published May 2015
