Top Texas Hotspots You Won't Believe Exist!

Here at Travel Global, our goal is to bring you some of the most amazing travel destinations and tips as you adventure around the globe. So do subscribe to our channel and turn on that bell icon to add amazing new places to your travel bucket list. Number 10. Amarillo Amarillo may not come to mind as a top vacation destination. However, this north Texas city has plenty to offer travelers. History buffs will enjoy viewing the relics of the old Route 66 which runs through Amarillo. Yet the attractions outside of Amarillo such as Cadillac Ranch and Palo Duro Canyon State Park are definitely worth a visit while you're here too. Number 9. Space Center Houston Just 30 minutes drive from the heart of Houston, Space Center Houston is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Texas. This is a wonderful place to learn about space exploration, upcoming missions, NASA's latest projects and possibly even meet an astronaut. Space Center Houston is also home to Johnson Space Center and Mission Control which can be visited on a tour. Plan to spend at least half a day exploring the entire complex which includes a space shuttle replica mounted on a shuttle carrier. Visitors can walk inside the shuttle and the carrier. You can also walk inside a replica of America's first space station, Skylap. Other highlights include seeing rockets and touching a rock from the moon and Mars. The center provides a fascinating insight into the operations of the world's largest space program with countless exhibits as well as films, models, astronaut-related artifacts and displays on the experiments and developments at NASA. Number 8. Texas Hill Country In the very center of Texas is Hill Country where a variety of cultures combine to create a melting pot of history, heritage and cuisine. Enjoy the natural beauty of the region at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area ideal for hiking and camping or the Hill Country State Natural Area which is a favorite for swimming and fishing. Head to Fredericksburg for a dose of German culture since the area was settled by German settlers in the 19th century. In Fredericksburg you might visit a winery for a tasting, enjoy bratwurst and sauerkraut at an authentic beer garden or shop for Bavarian souvenirs at an outdoor market. The best time to visit the region is in spring when the Hill Country is ablaze with wildflowers including the Texas state flower the bluebonnet. Number 7. Dallas They say that everything is bigger in Texas and nowhere is that truer than in the action-packed city of Dallas. In addition to well-known attractions like the Dallas World Aquarium and Reunion Tower, the city boasts the largest urban arts district in the country, stunning Pritzker prize-winning architecture and an excellent array of world-class restaurants and bars. Visitors who fly to Dallas might not even need to worry about renting a car. It's easy to explore the city thanks to free transportation options like the Number 6. The Alamo The Alamo is one of the most important historic sites in America. Part of a mission station established in 1718, it was built by Franciscans in 1744 and by 1836 had been converted into a fort. It became famous during the Texas Revolution when a small force including Davy Crockett and James Bowie barricaded themselves against an overwhelmingly superior Mexican army, some 3,000 strong. While the defeat saw all 187 defenders killed, the cry of remember the Alamo rallied the state to eventually overcome the Mexicans. Today you can visit this landmark to see its restored buildings and the cenotaph commemorating the fallen Texans. Inside is a museum with changing displays featuring weapons and artifacts related to the events and the history of the mission. If you have time, it's worth visiting some of the other missions in the area which are all part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and connected by the Mission Trail. Number 5. Houston As the biggest city in Texas, Houston is one of the most popular places to visit in Texas. Famously known for being home to the NASA Mission Control Center, Houston is also where you'll find places like the beautiful campus of Rice University and the high-end shopping of the Galleria area. Many of the city's biggest attractions are located in the Warehouse District of Downtown Houston. So head there to see the incredible downtown tunnel system, soak in the views from the 60th floor Chase Tower Observatory, explore the downtown aquarium and catch an outdoor performance at Tutts or the Theater Under the Stars. Number 4. Big Bend National Park Although Big Bend National Park is one of the least visited parks in the United States, it's a jewel in the heart of Texas and a must-see destination. The park is enormous and borders the Rio Grande River. The park was once underwater and dinosaur fossils speak to the history of the region. There are miles of scenic drives throughout Big Bend National Park, but hiking is an even better way to see the rock formations and landscapes up close. Try an east stroll along Window View Trail, the more challenging Chimneys Trail or just a relaxing float down the river instead. Number 3. Austin The capital of Texas, Austin is a bustling city known for its live music scene, its many beautiful lakes and parks and its world-class museums. Lady Bird Lake sits in the heart of the city, offering opportunities to swim, kayak, cycle and jog. Culinary options range from beat-up food trucks selling delectable barbecue to upscale farm-to-table restaurants and the city's nightlife has something for almost everyone. Live music performances are held every night all over the city, but it's especially worthwhile making a trip to the city during one of its two major music festivals, South by Southwest and the Austin City Limits Festival. Number 2. South Padre Island Nestled up against the southern coast of Texas, South Padre Island is the longest barrier island in the world. The island caters to visitors interested in a luxurious vacation as well as to those who want to unplug and lose themselves in nature. The south end of the island is home to a busy resort town full of spas, restaurants and shops. Breathtaking beaches can be found on almost every part of the island, ensuring plenty of opportunities to surf, sunbathe and swim in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Number 1. San Antonio The third largest city in Texas is San Antonio, which is nestled in the south Texas plains. San Antonio's heartbeat is its downtown, thanks to an abundance of restaurants and nightlife options. Nestled in by tall buildings and cypress trees and tucked away from the noise of the traffic above, the River Walk draws huge numbers of tourists to its boutique hotels, specialty shops and plethora of restaurants with open-air dining. Downtown is also home to the famed Alamo, a national landmark where the iconic Battle of the Alamo was fought. For more history, check out the many 19th century homes in the King William Historic Area, tour the Casa Navarro State Historical Park or admire the extensive collection at the Institute of Texan Cultures. What destination in Texas did you like best? Which destination do you think we missed? Leave us a comment below and make sure you like this video and subscribe to our channel so you don't miss our future travel videos. With that, I'll see you in the next video!