RV travelers to Texas will find plenty of Texas landmarks to visit on their trip. The state has points of interest that include national parks, historic sites, science centers, and more.
Check out some of the most popular landmarks in Texas that are certainly worth a stop.
- Big Bend National Park
- The Alamo
- The State Capitol
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park
- Cadillac Ranch
- Space Center Houston
- Natural Bridge Caverns
- Padre Island National Seashore
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park
- Colorado Bend State Park
Texas Landmarks
There are many popular U.S. landmarks to see in Texas. You can visit parks full of nature, political centers like the State Capitol, and quirky sites like Cadillac Ranch. You’ll find plenty to do in this great state.
1. Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park in southwestern Texas has activities for all adventurers. This 801,000-acre park is full of mountains, canyons, deserts, thermal hot springs, and the Rio Grande. It’s a top destination for hikers, mountain bikers, and kayakers and is full of gorgeous desert scenery. You’ll be able to find a trail that suits your experience level, whether you’re a beginner or an expert hiker.
Things to do near Big Bend National Park: It’s one of the most remote national parks in America, so there aren’t many big cities nearby. A few of the smaller towns include Lajitas, Study Butte, and Marathon. Here are some local RV rentals to check out.
2. The Alamo
Talk about a legendary Texas landmark! The Alamo Mission in San Antonio is an 18th century Spanish mission and the site of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Today the mission offers guided hour-long tours as well as a Young Texans Tour for kids, with knowledgeable guides and living historians. You can also tour the church itself.
Things to do near The Alamo: The Alamo is right in the middle of San Antonio, where there’s plenty to explore. Check out our local guide for fun things to do and look at the RV rentals in the area.
3. The State Capitol
Texas’ State Capitol in Austin is one of America’s most distinguished capitol buildings. It’s 14 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol building and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Visitors have the option of guided or self-guided tours through the building. Specialty tours, including holiday and Halloween-themed options, are also available throughout the year. There are also specific tours focusing on Hispanic and African American heritage, veterans, and women’s history.
Things to do near the State Capitol: The Capitol is in Austin and there’s lots to see in that city. Check out our local’s guide for the best things to see, do, and eat. You’re not too far from San Antonio and Houston. And if you need an RV rental, we’ve got you covered.
4. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is about 25 miles south of Amarillo and is the second-largest canyon in the United States. There are hiking trails throughout the park, and much of it can be seen on a scenic drive. There’s also horseback riding, mountain biking, and stargazing during the evenings.
Things to do near Palo Duro Canyon State Park: The state park is between Lubbock and Amarillo, and we’ve got local guides to help you find the best things to do. There are some great local RV options to check out. You’re also near Cadillac Ranch, the next landmark on our list!
5. Cadillac Ranch
Cadillac Ranch is another iconic landmark, and pops up on pretty much any Historic Route 66 must-see list. The ranch is a public art installation in Amarillo created in 1974. It’s made of 10 Cadillac cars with their noses buried in the ground and covered in layers and layers of paint and graffiti. You can see it from the highway. Taking the frontage road will take you to the installation itself, which is open to the public. And unlike most art, adding paint to this display is actually encouraged! So grab a can of spray paint and start tagging the cars for a truly unique experience.
Things to do near Cadillac Ranch: The ranch is just outside Amarillo in northern Texas, so be sure to explore the town. You’re also close to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, and Lubbock, Texas.
6. Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston is the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center. Visitors can learn about America’s human spaceflight program and see one of the largest collections of space artifacts in the western part of the country. Be sure to stop by Independence Plaza, where you’ll see a shuttle replica mounted on a shuttle carrier aircraft. You can actually go inside both the shuttle and the carrier.
Things to do near the Space Center Houston: There’s plenty to discover around Houston. Check out our local’s guide for the best things to do. And you’re not too far from Galveston and the beach!
7. Natural Bridge Caverns
Natural Bridge Caverns are the largest commercial caverns in Texas. They’re full of flowstone, stalagmites, and geological formations. The caverns are named for the 60-foot-long natural limestone bridge that spans the entrance. Visitors can choose from several different tours to head underground and explore the cavern’s passages and chambers. Back on the surface, a ropes course and zipline, climbing obstacles, and a giant maze provide hours of fun for the whole family, making it easy to spend an entire day here.
Things to do near Natural Bridge Caverns: The caverns are located just outside San Antonio and are a little south of Austin. We’ve got local guides for both cities, and we have you covered with local RV rentals.
8. Padre Island National Seashore
If you’re craving the beach, head to Padre Island National Seashore. It’s the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world, and it protects 70 miles of coastline. This seashore separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre and is filled with sand dunes, prairies, and tidal flats. There’s plenty to do, including kayaking, fishing, boating, camping, and even watching sea turtles hatch during certain times of the year. Plus, it’s run by the National Park Service, so you can attend ranger programs and learn from knowledgeable guides and rangers.
Things to do near Padre Island National Seashore: Most people are here for the beach, so explore and enjoy the water! But you’re not far from Corpus Christi if you want to explore the city. Check out a few of the local RV rentals nearby.
9. Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is one of the newer national parks in the U.S. It’s home to Guadalupe Peak, the tallest point in Texas at 8,749 feet. It also includes Frijole Ranch, a museum of ranching history, as well as stagecoach station ruins. This newer park doesn’t have all the amenities of the more established national parks, so fill up on gas and bring your own lunch or dinner. However, it’s less crowded than other national parks, so you’ll get amazing views and scenery without the crowds.
Things to do near Guadalupe Mountains National Park: This park is somewhat remote and near the border of Texas and New Mexico, but El Paso isn’t too far away. You’re also only a few hours from Roswell, New Mexico, if you’re looking for UFOs.
10. Colorado Bend State Park
Don’t let the name confuse you, we’re still in Texas. Named for the Colorado River, which runs through the park, Colorado Bend State Park is full of waterfalls, springs, and caves. It’s a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon by the water or explore the 35 miles of hiking trails. There are even ranger-led cave tours, as well as fishing and kayaking.
Things to do near Colorado Bend State Park: This state park is somewhat remote and located about two hours northwest of Austin. Some of the smaller towns and cities nearby include Bend, San Saba, and Lampasas. We’ve got you covered with great local RV rentals.
Planning an RV Trip to Texas
An RV trip is an excellent way to tour the many landmarks in Texas, and we have all the resources you need to plan a perfect vacation.
Here are guides to some of the best state parks in Texas, as well as all the national parks in the country. And as always, we’re here to help when it comes to finding the best campgrounds, local guides for Texas cities, and RV rentals. Now it’s time to get planning and start exploring!
