John T. Floore’s Country Store in Helotes, commonly referred to as just Floore’s, opened in 1942 and has hosted several music legends, including none other than Willie Nelson. Before he became the household name he is today, he performed every Saturday night for extra money—some people even say Floore’s is Nelson’s musical birthplace. He obviously still has a lot of love for the venue, because fans of the famous country artist can catch a live performance from Willie there at least once a year. In 2006, Floore’s was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Living in Houston, it’s easy to forget that not everywhere in Texas is as flat as a pancake. Big Bend National Park in West Texas deserves all the hype it gets, allowing visitors to enjoy isolated bliss while exploring some of the Lone Star State’s best natural wonders and archeological sites. A trip to Big Bend means tons of hiking and camping opportunities, scenic drives, floating the Rio Grande River, birding, and stargazing. Remember, this park is in a desert, so be sure to bring plenty of water, research conditions ahead of time, and have a park map in hand.

Route 66 has often been sung about, from the classic Chuck Berry tune to that John Mayer song in Cars. The historic road is more than just a pop culture icon, it’s also home to one of Texas’s most famous art installations: Cadillac Ranch just outside Amarillo. Featuring 10 graffitied Cadillacs whose noses are buried in the ground, the “ranch” is all thanks to Stanley Marsh 3 and the Ant Farm, a group of art hippies from San Francisco. The odd yet intriguing structure celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024. Visitors who stop by can even contribute their own artistic skills, leaving their mark on the famous Cadillacs with spray paint.

This live music venue in New Braunfels, built in 1878, credits itself with being the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas, so it’s a no-brainer that every Texan should step foot in here for a two-step at least once in their life. The venue features live performances daily on its lighted stage, a bar, side flaps for open-air dancing, and an outdoor garden. If you attend a ticketed show, you’ll even have access to its merch booth. If you visit during the day or catch a free show, don’t worry—the hall keeps its favorites readily available for visitors to take home as souvenirs.

This gorgeous canyon, the second largest in the country, is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Texas. Located in the panhandle, it’s the escape you need when urban life gets overwhelming, offering opportunities for exploration by car, mountain bike, foot, or even horseback. With over 30 miles of trails, it can’t be seen all in one day, so pack some gear and stay for as long as you please at one of the campsites. For a more pampered experience, stay at a glamping site equipped with air-conditioning, refrigerators, microwaves, gas grills, firepits, and porch swings.

With its year-round temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit, this river is the perfect escape from the horrid summer heat and an easy weekend trip thanks to its location in New Braunfels. You can bring your own tube, rent one from the city, or use one of the Comal River tubing outfitters, which often have packages for parking, a shuttle service, and tube rentals. Keep in mind that there are rules for river floaters: Food and drinks must be in reusable containers, as disposable containers and glass bottles are not permitted, and only one cooler is allowed per person.

Overlooking the gorgeous Texas Hill Country, Enchanted Rock is a beaming pink granite dome recognized by the Nature Conservancy—a global environmental nonprofit—as a geological phenomenon known as a batholith. Formed about a billion years ago from molten magma that cooled and crystallized into granite beneath Earth’s surface, this natural gem is now a place for Texans to hike, backpack, camp, rock climb, bird, and stargaze. The Texas Wildlife and Parks Department recently purchased an additional 630 acres to further preserve the Enchanted Rock area and offer new recreational opportunities for visitors in the coming years, while protecting surrounding resources.

Founded in 1892 as the Fort Worth Public Library and Art Gallery, this destination is now the oldest art museum in Texas. It preserves, collects, and exhibits art from the 1940s to the present. Whether a historic piece or work from an emerging artist, the art on display comes from people at different stages of their careers. To educate the wider community, the museum holds tours, lectures, art camps, classes, film screenings, and other programs. The building itself is striking. Designed by architect Tadao Ando, it features a reflection pool that makes the museum look like it’s floating.

Droughts in recent years have made this natural preserve not as great of a visit, but when the spring water is flowing, it’s a fascinating—and cooling—swimming hole. The oddity of the well piqued the interest of the diving community; thanks to their exploration efforts, Jacob’s Well is now known as the second-longest submerged cave in Texas. When it isn’t open for swimming, visitors to the 81-acre preserve can still view the spring and enjoy the area’s trails, picnic sites, and birding opportunities.

This one is a bit of an oddball, but something has to keep Austin weird. A peculiar game of bingo has been held for over 50 years at the Little Longhorn Saloon, also known as the “Honkiest Tonkiest Beer Joint” in the city. If you want to guess where a chicken will poop for money, this is the quirky game you need in your life. It’s held every Sunday and costs $2. While you’re there, enjoy the saloon’s ice-cold beer, margaritas, or selection of wines.

Houston’s light pollution doesn’t give people much of a chance to truly appreciate the night sky, which is why a stargazing trip to West Texas is necessary. The McDonald Observatory’s location in Fort Davis lends itself to some of the darkest skies, allowing for the best views of stars and galaxies far, far away. On a clear evening, visitors can participate in a “star party,” where they are given an introduction and constellation tour, then have the opportunity to view them through the observatory’s massive telescopes. If you’re interested in the solar system’s largest star—the sun—visit during the day for a live solar viewing. History junkies can take a guided tour to learn more about the observatory and its oldest telescope.

Beef lovers, this one’s for you. The Big Texan restaurant in Amarillo has the ultimate menu item: a 72-ounce steak challenge. The dinner includes the steak, shrimp cocktail, a baked potato, a salad, and a roll with butter. To win and receive the meal for free, you must eat it in an hour—every last bit must be swallowed. You will be disqualified if anyone assists you in any way, including cutting your meat or sneaking a bite, and you can’t stand up or leave the table once the timer starts. This challenge might be easy for some, but for those who don’t finish, the restaurant allows leftovers to be taken home—unfortunately, failure also means you have to pay the full $72 for the meal.

Although this one seems like a given, it’s definitely still worth including on your Texas bucket list. The beautiful building was completed in 1888, put on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, and designated as a National History Landmark 16 years later. Free tours are available for all who want a further glimpse into what goes on at the capitol. View the Senate chamber, the House of Representatives, the governor’s public reception room, the Texas Supreme Courtroom, the legislative reference library, and the agricultural museum. People love to take a selfie with the building’s interior dome in the background.

A cold Dr Pepper is the best way to start off a warm summer day. And Texans love to brag that this soda was created right here. Made in 1885 in Waco, it’s the oldest major soft drink in the country. Today, the town’s museum, which includes the original 1906 building that was used as the soda’s bottling plant, educates and entertains. Visitors can make their own soda and do a Dr Pepper blind taste test. To go all-in, opt for the Extreme Pepper Experience, which includes a guided tour, photo ops, a glass bottle of the soda, a Dr Pepper float, and a private experience to make their soda. With such an old history, it’s no surprise that ghosts are rumored to be lurking the building—take the paranormal tour and decide for yourself if the haunts are real.

First established as a trading post in 1849, this unincorporated Hill Country community 10 miles outside Fredericksburg is one of the oldest settlements in Gillespie County. This area is the epitome of true Texas country. Shout out to Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson for the song, which not only put the spot on the map but also helped breathe some new life into its old dancehall and general store. And just like Floore’s, Nelson returns to the space yearly. Today, Luckenbach offers great music and memories for all who travel through it.