Texas is inarguably the proudest state in the country. We are known for our stereotypes and gladly embrace them. Those who claim the title "Texan" are lucky to do so.
With all of that being said, Texas also has some of the best places to travel to. Many of these are hidden gems that some people have not heard of, and some are iconic attractions. Whether you are from Texas or simply visiting, these are 18 must visit Texas treasures!
1. Enchanted Rock -- Fredericksburg
Enchanted Rock is fairly well known, but it is still one of the greatest Texas attractions. Whether you are just visiting the old town of Fredericksburg or hiking to the top of the rock and exploring the rock caverns above, this one is a must.
2. Congress Bridge Bats -- Austin
If you have never seen the bats fly out from Congress Bridge in Austin, you are missing out. Mostly in the fall months, the bats fly at dusk every day. Crowds gather on the lawn to see this magnificent natural show.
3. Underground Railroad -- Dallas
Home to many beauties is the city of Dallas, but what many do not know is what lies underneath. The Santa Fe underground railroad has been abandoned for years, but is still accessible. It was formerly used to transport booze illegally during the prohibition era. If you are brave enough to wander down below, this attraction is a must do.
4. Blue Lagoon -- Huntsville
Huntsville, Texas may mostly be known to being home of Sam Houston State University and the giant General Sam Houston statue, but it has a hidden gem. The Blue Lagoon is a beautiful water area that visitors can swim, scuba dive, and play in.
5. Marfa
Marfa is in the middle of nowhere in west Texas. While it may not seem like it could have much, it is home to simplistic towns and abandoned buildings (like this fully stocked Prada store pictured above). While you are there, also check out the mysterious Marfa Lights that occur nightly.
6. Natural Bridge Caverns -- New Braunfels
New Braunfels is known for being beautiful in many aspects, but an all time favorite place to visit there is the Natural Bridge Caverns. This is an underground cave filled with tunnels, rivers, and rock structures. It is simply extraordinary!
7. Cadillac Ranch -- Amarillo
Amarillo, Texas, is pretty far out of the way from most other cities, but if you happen to find yourself near the panhandle, Cadillac Ranch is a cool place to visit. 10 Cadillacs sticking out of the ground are covered in graffiti art, and visitors are free to paint and take pictures as well.
8. Blue Bell Creamery -- Brenham
All Texans know how obsessed we are with our Blue Bell ice cream. We proudly host the home of the original Blue Bell Creamery, located in Brenham. The creamery is open for visitations and they give away samples!
9. Hamilton Pool -- Dripping Springs
About 30 miles outside of Austin in Dripping Springs is the Hamilton Pool. This gorgeous place is a wonderful swimming hole with a natural waterfall as well. As far as most swimming pools go, this one has to take top prize.
10. "Texas Grand Canyon" -- Palo Duro
Though not as grand as the real thing, our Texas Grand Canyon in Palo Duro is still pretty breathtaking. It is a miniature scale of the real thing-- and completely natural, of course!
11. The Alamo -- San Antonio
This is one that everyone knows of, but it is an iconic place that everyone should visit. The Battle of the Alamo is a greatly significant part of Texas history, and going inside the original structure is pretty amazing.
12. Gruene Hall -- Gruene
Gruene, Texas, has a historical downtown district that, in itself, is pretty neat. My favorite part of this city would have to be Gruene Hall. This is a dance/music hall where Texas Country artists (big and small) come to sing to visitors. If you like country music and a great environment, this is a must visit.
13. Stonehenge II -- Ingram
The original Stonehenge in the United Kingdom may be too far of a trip for us Texans, so we made our own replica in Ingram. Taking a trip to this gorgeous re-creation is definitely on my to-do list, especially because I know my chances of visiting the UK any time soon are slim!
14. HOPE Outdoor Gallery -- Austin
If you ever find yourself in Austin, taking a trip to the graffiti art walls of HOPE Outdoor Gallery is a must. It is free to go to, so that is an immediate plus, but the art is incredible to see. Photoshoots in front of the artwork are also fun and required for most groups.
15. Eclectic Menagerie Park -- Houston
Houston is home to many great locations, but one of the lesser known gems would be the Eclectic Menagerie Park. This place is home to many steel structures such as birds, cows, spiders, and other art structures. Though they may be rusted, this park still is a must visit.
16. Texas Eiffel Tower -- Paris
Right here in our very own state is a piece of Paris. In Paris, Texas, there is a small-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower. Of course, with our own Texas touch-- the big red cowboy hat on top.
17. Reunion Tower -- Dallas
Dallas is home to a great, big, beautiful city. Right in the heart of that is the Reunion Tower, and if you are in town, you should definitely go to the top of the viewing deck inside to get the best view of the city. At night it illuminates the town, and it is eye catching.
18. Mustang Island -- Port Aransas
Texas has some amazing beaches, but Mustang Island in Port Aransas has to be one of the prettiest. The water is bluer and the sand is whiter. Who doesn't love a day at the beach? Plus, the town of Port A itself is spunky and full of life!
Though you probably didn't have to be convinced, after reading these Texas to-dos, it would be pretty hard not to be in love with our state. Enjoy a few of these Texas treasures next time you are feeling like adventuring!