18 Famous Landmarks in Texas You Need to Visit

Situated in the south-central United States, Texas is a diverse state with a rich history and culture. From the bustling city of Houston to the scenic, eclectic Austin, there is something for everyone in Texas. 

Many famous landmarks in Texas reflect Lone Star State’s unique heritage. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, Texas has something to offer. So why not plan your next vacation in Lone Star State? You’re sure to have a memorable experience.

1. The Alamo 

The Alamo is an iconic symbol of Texan independence and bravery. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Texas.

The Alamo is in downtown San Antonio, and there’s no doubt it’s a popular tourist spot in Texas. The site of the Battle of the Alamo is a significant part of Texas history. Today, the Alamo is a museum that houses artifacts from the battle and other exhibits on Texas history. Visitors can also take a tour of the Alamo grounds.

Texan independence fighters fought The Battle of the Alamo in 1836 against Mexico. The Texans realized the Spanish had them outnumbered and outgunned. But they fought bravely for 13 days before losing to the Mexican forces. Although the Texans suffered defeat, the Battle of the Alamo remains a symbol of Texan courage and defiance in the face of adversity.

2. USS Texas

The ship is a symbol of American military history and a beautiful example of naval architecture. Visitors can explore the decks and cabins and learn about the ship’s role in both world wars. Additionally, the USS Texas is home to a museum that contains many artifacts and exhibits about the ship and its crew.

The US Navy built the USS Texas in 1914 and served in both world wars. The ship played a critical role in the Allied victory in World War II and was also involved in the D-Day invasion. After the war, the Navy decommissioned and later turned the ship into a museum. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction for navy buffs and battleship enthusiasts. 

3. San Antonio River Walk

Stroll along the river, enjoy the scenery and the restaurants, and shop till you drop. There are also plenty of activities to keep you busy, like boat rides, kayaking, and bike rentals. 

And if you’re looking for a little bit of history, the river walk is home to five historic missions. They also hold several events around holidays, like the Day of the Dead Parade and a holiday lighting ceremony. So whether you’re looking for a place to relax, explore, or celebrate, the San Antonio River Walk is the perfect destination. 

4. Fort Worth Stockyards

The Fort Worth Stockyards is a historic district. It includes buildings and other structures associated with the livestock industry, especially the cattle trade. 

The area developed into a livestock center in the 1850s and became one of the largest such centers in the United States by the early 20th century. The stockyards closed in 1971. But the city renovated many of the buildings in the district. 

Over time, the area has become a tourist attraction, with restaurants, shops, and hotels. It is also home to the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. You can attend it in January and February of each year. 

5. The State Capitol of Texas

The State Capitol is home to the Texas Legislature, the executive offices of the Governor of Texas, and the Texas Supreme Court. Visitors can tour the state capitol building, one of Texas’s most recognizable and iconic buildings. 

The state capitol grounds are also home to many important monuments. These include the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Texas State Cemetery. With so much to see and do, the State capitol of Texas is a must-visit for anyone interested in Texas history.

6. Big Bend National Park

Craving a trip outside of the city? Big Bend is the place for you in this case. You’ll see plenty of desert landscapes, mountains, canyons, and rivers. 

Big Bend National Park is home to more than 1,200 species of plants and animals, so there’s plenty of wildlife to spot as well. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the rare javelina or Mexican black bear.

Big Bend National Park is in southwest Texas and covers more than 801,000 acres. The park includes the Chisos Mountains, which rise more than 7,000 feet above sea level, as well as the Santa Elena Canyon.

There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Big Bend National Park. Hiking, camping, and bird watching are just a few of the popular pastimes. You can also go horseback riding, mountain biking, or take a scenic drive. 

The best time to visit Big Bend National Park is between November and April. This is when the weather is cooler, and there’s less chance of rain.

7. The Space Center Houston

Are any outer space buffs in your vacation crew? You don’t want to miss the Space Center Houston. It is the visitor center for the Johnson Space Center, which is the United States astronaut training and flight control center. 

The Space Center hosts a museum with interactive exhibits, theaters showing NASA films, and opportunities to meet astronauts. Visitors can also take a behind-the-scenes tour of facilities where astronauts train and work. You can also get an up-close look at some of the equipment and technology used by astronauts.

8. USS Lexington

World War II history fanatics won’t want to skip the USS Lexington. 

The USS Lexington is a decommissioned plane carrier that served the United States Navy during World War II. The Lexington was one of the first Essex-class carriers and one of the world’s largest ships at the time of its launch in 1943. 

The Lexington served in several campaigns during World War II, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Okinawa. The Navy decommissioned the ship in 1947 and later used it as a training ship and a museum ship. The Lexington is now docked in Corpus Christi, Texas, and is open to the public.

9. The Caverns of Sonora

The majestic Sonora Caverns are an incredible natural wonder. The cave system consists of over 100 miles of interconnected passages, making it one of the largest in the world. In addition to its size, the Caverns of Sonora boast some of the most impressive and well-preserved cave formations around.

The beauty of the Caverns of Sonora is not only found in its stunning rock features but also in the variety of wildlife that inhabits the cave system. The caves are home to some rare and endangered species, including bats, salamanders, and crayfish.

Visiting the Caverns of Sonora is an opportunity to see a truly unique and remarkable natural wonder. The caves offer a fascinating glimpse into the underground world and are sure to leave visitors with lasting memories.

10. The John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza

Pay your respects to a beloved president at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza. Located in downtown Dallas, it is a public plaza that commemorates the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. 

The plaza features several monuments and sculptures. This includes the JFK Memorial, a cenotaph (empty tomb) that honors the president’s memory. The plaza also has some other features, including a reflecting pool, an eternal flame, and a sculpture garden. The plaza is open to the public 24 hours a day, and there is no charge for admission.

11. The Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas

If you’re still interested in learning more about the John F Kennedy assassination, this museum has answers to your questions. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza has dedicated itself to preserving the memory of JFK’s assassination. 

In the Dallas County Administration Building, which used to be the Texas School Book Depository, you’ll find on the sixth floor.

 Visitors to the museum can learn about the events leading up to Kennedy’s assassination, view exhibits about the investigation and trial, and see the spot where Kennedy was fatally shot. As well as educational programs, the museum hosts events.

12. The Reunion Tower

The Reunion Tower is a 560-foot (170 m) observation tower in Dallas, Texas. It is the 15th tallest building in the city and the 47th tallest in the United States. It is also one of the most recognizable famous landmarks in Texas and a popular tourist destination. 

Built in 1978, it is part of the Hyatt Regency Dallas hotel. The tower has a revolving restaurant, observation deck, and event space.

The Reunion Tower offers stunning views of Dallas and the surrounding area. On a clear day, visitors can see up to 40 miles (64 km) away. 

The tower also has a rotating restaurant called Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck, which offers 360-degree views of the city. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. But make sure you reserve ahead of time if you want to dine at the tower since it’s usually fully booked.

13. San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site

The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site is a Texas state park commemorating the Battle of San Jacinto. The battle took place on April 21, 1836. 

The park is in Houston, Harris County, Texas. The site includes the battleground, the USS Texas (BB-35), and the San Jacinto Monument. 

The San Jacinto Museum of History, housed in the monument, prominently displays a diorama depicting the Battle of San Jacinto. The battleground is part of the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site. The site became a Texas state park in 1953. It covers 1,200 acres (4.9 km2) of land. 

The battleground includes the area where the Battle of San Jacinto happened. It also includes the site of the first Texas Capitol, which was in Harrisburg. The Harrisburg Cemetery is also located on the site.

The Texas Revolution started because the Mexican government wanted to reduce the autonomy of the Mexican states. The people of Texas, who were mostly American settlers, resisted these changes. 

This led to open conflict and eventually the independence of Texas from Mexico. The Mexican-American War started when the United States annexed Texas in 1845

Mexico lost the war and ceded control of California and other northern territories to the United States as part of the peace treaty. This led to a massive increase in American settlement in these areas and changed the region’s demographics. 

The museum tells the story of the Battle of San Jacinto and the Texas Revolution. The museum features a diorama of the battle, as well as exhibits on the history of Texas. Visitors can also learn about Sam Houston, the Texan army’s commander at the Battle of San Jacinto.

The San Jacinto Monument

The San Jacinto Monument is a 567-foot (173 m) tall obelisk built to commemorate the Battle of San Jacinto in 1939. It is the tallest monument in the United States and the tallest stone column in the world. The monument includes an elevator that takes visitors to the top, where they can enjoy views of Houston and the surrounding area.

14. The Mission San Jose

The Mission San Jose opened in 1720 and was the first Spanish mission in Texas. It is in San Antonio, Texas. The mission takes its name from the River San Jose, which flows through the city. The Mission San Jose served as a base for Catholic missionaries evangelizing the local Native American population. 

It also served as a waypoint for Spanish soldiers and settlers traveling to and from other parts of the Spanish empire in the Americas. The Mission San Jose is now a National Historic Landmark and a state park. 

It’s one of Texas’ top tourist spots. Visitors to the Mission San Jose can learn about the history of the mission and the people who lived there. Also on the property are a church, a Convento (monastery), and a granary. The Mission San Jose is a great place to learn about Spanish colonial history in Texas.

15. The National Museum of the Pacific War

The National Museum of the Pacific War is a world-class museum dedicated to telling the stories of the Pacific Theater of World War II. 

Located in Fredericksburg, Texas, just an hour’s drive from Austin and San Antonio, the Museum is home to over 35,000 artifacts, documents, and photographs related to the war in the Pacific. In addition, the Museum’s six-acre grounds include the site of the original Japanese Garden of Peace, a memorial to the more than 2,000 Texas soldiers who lost their lives in the war, and a replica of the USS Missouri.

16. The Port Isabel Lighthouse

The Port Isabel Lighthouse is not only a beautiful sight but also rich in history. It is the oldest working lighthouse in Texas, built-in 1852. The light from the lighthouse is visible up to 24 miles away, making it a perfect spot for whale watching, bird watching, or simply admiring the view.

There is also a museum on site that tells the history of the lighthouse and the surrounding area. The Port Isabel Lighthouse is a must-see for anyone visiting the Texas coast.

17. The Cadillac Ranch

Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch is a sculpture and public art installation. A group of artists created it in 1974. The installation consists of ten old Cadillac cars that are half-buried nose-down in a field.

Visitors to the Cadillac Ranch can bring spray paint cans to add their touch to the cars. As a result, cars are constantly changing and evolving. The Cadillac Ranch is a fun and unique place to visit, and it’s a great way to see some amazing art. Make sure to bring a spray can if you’re feeling creative!

18. The Prada Marfa Installation

Ready for another attraction off the beaten path? You’ll want to check out Prada Marfa. It is a fake Prada store in the middle of the desert. Artists Elmgreen and Dragset created it in 2005, and it became a popular tourist destination. The store is not affiliated with Prada and sells no products.

Prada Marfa is a work of art. It makes a statement about consumerism. By putting a fake store in the middle of nowhere, the artists were commenting on the idea that people will buy anything, even if it’s not needed or wanted. 

The reaction to Prada Marfa has been mostly positive. Many people see it as a clever and thought-provoking work of art. The surrounding town of Marfa is also worth a visit. Many artists live and work in the region. 

Famous Landmarks in Texas You Don’t Want to Miss

Texas is a one-of-a-kind destination that offers something for everyone. If you love the outdoors, you can explore the state’s numerous parks and hiking trails. History buffs can visit the Alamo, ships, and battle monuments. 

So whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or delicious food, Texas should be at the top of your list for your next vacation.