Texas is a gold mine of dashing downtowns filled with world-renowned museums, restaurants, and epic adventures. With spectacular metropolitan skylines, natural outdoor splendor, and acclaimed in-town attractions, these Texas cities showcase the diverse culture and welcoming communities of the Lone Star State. 

Destination Dallas 

Located in North Texas, the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metro region is a booming city with a thriving cultural arts scene, notable museums, and awe-inspiring views.  

Explore the wonders of the universe and the epic history of the world at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Featuring 11 permanent halls and innumerable exhibits, the museum encourages visitors to exercise their brains in this extraordinary space. In the T. Boone Pickens Life Now and Then Hall, look up at rare fossils of towering prehistoric beasts, like the Alamosaurus, T. Rex, and Perot dinosaur. Beyond stargazing, the Expanding Universe Hall is filled with interactive adventures focusing on our solar system, the beauty of the planet, stars, and distant galaxies. Sparkling with natural beauty, the Lyda Hill Gems and Mineral Hall amazes visitors with Earth's original, complex, glimmering, and glowing rock stars. In the Rose Hall of Birds, discover the beauty and science of flight and the connection of our modern-day feathered friends and prehistoric dinosaurs. 
perotmuseum.org 

 

At the AT&T Discovery District, enjoy eye-catching art, illuminated wonders, refreshing repasts, and grand greenspace. Get a sweat going at Cowboy Fit, an urban gym combining the Dallas Cowboys legacy with advanced fitness technology. Enjoy the latest movies from WarnerMedia at the private screening room of the AT&T Theater. A modern Texas kitchen and beer garden, Jaxon serves up fall-off-the-bone smoked BBQ and elevated classic Southern fare. As downtown Dallas’ new tech, culture, entertainment, and culinary destination, the AT&T Discovery District creates a unique experience. 
discoverydistrict.att.com 

 

See the city from a whole new angle at Reunion Tower in the heart of Downtown Dallas. Experience the 360-degree panoramic view 470 feet in the air from the Tower’s Observation Deck. Affectionately known as “The Ball” by locals, Reunion Tower has been wowing visitors and residents since 1978. Discover hidden gems and historic landmarks while taking in the sparkling city skyline at the only indoor/outdoor observation deck in the city.  
reuniontower.com 

 

Savor San Antonio 

In South Central Texas lies the mission city of San Antonio. Well known for the Alamo and the Riverwalk, the area’s history, culture, and cuisine can be explored, discovered, and tasted throughout the city.   

Uncover the unique and captivating history of Texas at the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Protecting and restoring four Spanish Colonial missions — Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan Capistrano, and Mission Espada. Located along the San Antonio River, the Park (along with the Alamo, which was also a mission) is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing in visitors from around the world. Formed as part of Spain’s colonization plans for the New World, the missions were originally established by Catholic religious orders to spread Christianity among the local natives. All four still offer regular church services.  
nps.gov/saan 

 

Originally founded as the San Antonio Children’s Museum, the DoSeum is 68,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits and interactive exploration. More than just a children’s museum, the DoSeum was designed to encourage visitors of all ages to experience the joy of learning through STEM, the arts, and literacy. Discover the fun of building at the Innovation Station, and be astounded by the principles of physics at the Force Course. Cultivating curious minds for over 25 years, the DoSeum is a family-friendly San Antonio attraction not to be missed.  
thedoseum.org 

 

Known as the new Culinary Capital of Texas, San Antonio is officially one of only two US cities designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Home to the third campus of the Culinary Institute of America, Pearl is an expansive mixed-use space offering delectable dining, luxurious hotels, and world-class retail on the northern end of Downtown San Antonio. An operational brewery from 1883 to 2011, Pearl embraces local history while reveling in modern and high-end amenities. Traditional tailoring with modern style, Dos Carolinas presents hand-crafted bespoke Guayaberas. Founded in 1987, Dos Carolinas' custom shirts are the sharpest in Texas, made from carefully selected fabrics from across the globe. Discover hand-crafted gifts for home and life at the ethically sourced, global maker-to-market, Ten Thousand Villages. Housed in the historic 1904 Pearl Administration Building, Cured showcases house-made charcuterie with distinctly bold Texas flavors. A night spent at the 146-room Hotel Emma showcases South Texas hospitality and exceptional style. Stay at one of the seven penthouses with balconies overlooking the river for a truly unforgettable experience. Well-appointed rooms, a rooftop pool, and a complimentary welcome La Babia margarita await you at the Hotel Emma.  
atpearl.com 

 

Happily-Ever Houston 

Experience all things beautiful in the Bayou City. From fine events to sensational arts, Houston is a haven in Southeast Texas for refined and remarkable culture, impeccable social soirees, and over-the-top excursions.  

Celebrate the night of your life at the Bell Tower at 34th  in the heart of metro Houston. An incredibly stunning venue combined with highly skilled staff and delicious cuisine creates an unforgettable evening. The award-winning service leaves you carefree and able to spend every minute mingling with your guests. The dramatic architecture and inspired furnishings are the perfect backgrounds for stylish and elegant photography, perfect for showcasing your memorable event. A delightful, ultra-luxe venue well-versed in creating unique and spectacular celebrations, the Bell Tower at 34th is utterly magical.
thebelltoweron34th.com 

 

Bring your phone fully charged and be prepared to spend up to two hours exploring the visual kaleidoscope of the Color Factory Houston. Travel through 14 rooms and 16 interactive exhibits at this delightfully colorful wonderland. Let out your inner child as you discover the blazing beauty of this polychromatic artistic dreamland. If bright bold colors or eye-catching glitter hold a special place in your heart — or if you obsessively wait for the Pantone Color of the Year announcement — head over to Color Factory Houston and get your color fix. You will not be disappointed. 
colorfactory.co/Houston 

 

Soar through the wild blue yonder at the Lone Star Flight Museum. At the Aviation Learning Center, take to the skies — virtually —  with a pass to the Redbird Flight Simulator, guests can experience the air in a whole new way.  Fly back in time at the museum’s permanent collection which includes such classics as a North American T-6 Texan, a Lockheed T-33A Shooting Star, and a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. And for those hankering for some airtime, enjoy an approximately hour-long Warbird ride experience. At the Lonestar Flight Museum, you are always cleared for take-off. 
lonestarflight.org 

 

Eccentric El Paso 

Home to mountains and caves, a desert and the Rio Grande, a rich history, and a bustling downtown,  El Paso is no western ghost town.  

 

30 miles east of the Sun City, the Hueco Tanks are a truly West Texas natural treasure. With guided and self-led tours (all made by appointment in advance) a day at Hueco Tanks is a day spent hiking, rock climbing, bird watching, or discovering the captivating rock imagery drawn by ancient peoples. Enjoy a night gazing up at the stars while camping at one of Hueco Tanks’ 20 campsites. Discover the area’s unique heritage at the interpretive center and the historic ranch house. 
tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/hueco-tanks 

 

Explore the Magoffin Home State Historic Site, a striking adobe structure in Central El Paso just minutes away from the Rio Grande. A prime example of territorial architecture, the Magoffin Home is 145 years old and pristinely maintained. Built by Mexican-born, Kentucky and Missouri-educated Joseph Magoffin upon his return to El Paso after the Civil War, the Magoffin was influential in the development of the city, bringing railroads and utilities to El Paso. Mr. Magoffin served as mayor, county judge, and president of the State National Bank for 40 years. The home's incredible features involve more than its celebrated residents.  For instance, the adobe walls range from two to three feet in thickness and are slightly wider at the bottom, creating a pyramidal shape for stability.  
thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/magoffin-home-state-historic-site 

 

Beauty and wonder await all at the Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Approximately 140 miles northeast of El Paso, explore ancient sea ledges, be captivated by the desert blooming flowers, and uncover the mysteries hidden below the Earth’s surface at Carlsbad Caverns. The Caverns feature Lechuguilla Cave, the country’s deepest and fourth-longest limestone cave. From late May through October, watch as a nursing colony of migratory free-tailed bats depart into the evening sky. Highly accessible for all levels, the cave offers guided tours, and the summer and early fall’s nightly flight of the colony is one of the park's most anticipated and well-attended events. 
nps.gov/cave  

 

Explore the varied attractions, the awe-inspiring night sky, and the independent culinary style of the Lone Star State. From thousands of feet in the air to thousands of years into the past, Texas is a wonderful land of discovery, inspiration, and exploration. 

 Uncover more destination gold mines throughout the great state of Texas.