The Ultimate Texas Bucket List \\ 50 Things To Do in Texas as a True Texan

Sharing the ULTIMATE Texas bucket list with 50 items that you should cross off to consider yourself a TRUE Texan! Coming from a girl that’s lived in Texas her entire life, from Grapevine to Dallas to Austin to Houston and so much more! Me? I’ve got about half of this Texas bucket list crossed off and I have lived here my whole life! Think you got me beat!?

SEE MORE : The Ultimate Guide to Austin, Texas

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1 // FLOAT THE SAN MARCOS RIVER
Grab a cooler, a ton of beer, and your closest friends this summer and spend the day floating the San Marcos river! Make sure you check out our floating guide for everything to know before you go float for your Texas bucket list!

SEE MORE : EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT FLOATING THE RIVER

2 // WAIT IN LINE FOR KILLER BBQ
If you live in Austin, you have to line up for the world-famous Franklin BBQ at 6am (they provide lawn chairs dont you worry). If you’re near Dallas, then head out to Pecan Lodge early for their amazing BBQ!

3 // GO TWO STEPPING
Even if you have NO clue what you’re doing! We recommend going to Billy Bob’s or Red River in the Dallas area. Both will be the ultimate authentic two-stepping experience. If you’re near Austin, head to Gruene Hall!

4 // WALK ALONG THE SAN ANTONIO BOARDWALK
Spend the day in San Antonio walking along the beautiful Boardwalk! Make sure you have dinner at one of the restaurant along the sides, and then get ice cream to top it all off. A must!

5 // STOP FOR GAS AT BUC-EE’S
If you haven’t done this yet, you can’t really consider yourself Texan! The ultimate road trip pit stop with the cleanest gas station bathrooms in the country.

6 // GO FOR A “SPRING BREAK” AT PORT A BEACH
The Texan spring break destination! Hit the beach at Port A, but be warned to keep an eye out of the jellyfish. Haven’t made it down myself yet without seeing someone get stung. Also, look into going deep sea fishing while you’re there!

7 // HIKE UP ENCHANTED ROCK
One of the coolest hiking spots that Texas has to offer, in my opinion. Wake up early and start your hike up to the top of the enchanted rock with some friends! Located just an hour and a half outside of Austin, Texas.

SEE MORE: 10 Texas State Parks for Hiking Adventures

8 // DRIVE THROUGH COLLEGE STATION
As a Longhorn, I can confidently say there is no real need to stop. Maybe North Gate if it’s late, but otherwise you just can drive on through!

9 // VISIT THE TEXAS STATE CAPITOL
I feel like there is no need to comment on this. Prettyyy obvious! (oh also it’s free, just sayin’)

10 // GO FOR A SWIM IN HAMILTON POOL
Obviously, Texas can get a smidge hot! Hamilton Pool is a Texas icon and a great way to keep cool. Make sure you book your spot in advance, it’s a reservation only hideout!

SEE MORE : 12 AUSTIN WATERING HOLES TO KEEP COOL THIS SUMMER

11 // HAVE A BREAKFAST TACO FROM A FOOD TRUCK
I would also say that a bucket list item is to have a full fledged argument with someone over where you can find the best breakfast tacos in Texas. Nobody will agree, and everyone will be yelling. Welcome to the party.

12 // DRINK SOME SWEET TEXAS TEA
Obviously, the only place to get it would be at McCallister’s Deli. Or if you buy a gallon of Arnold Palmer. But like, that’s it.

13 // TAKE A BIKE RIDE ALONG THE AUSTIN BOARDWALK
One of my favorite places in the entire state. The skyline views of Austin from the boardwalk are simply…unbeatable. Start off at the Long Center park and then ride towards 35 for the best views! Fun fact, Ladybird did not want this lake or boardwalk named after here. Texas ignored her.

14 // GROCERY SHOP AT THE OG WHOLE FOODS
Did you know the first ever Whole Foods location in the one in Downtown Austin? I highly recommend hitting it up for a lunch (and you will likely run into me tbh) and then eating said lunch on the rooftop!

Also, check out some of my other Downtown Austin restaurant favorites here!

15 // WALK THE SHARK TUNNEL AT THE DALLAS WORLD AQUARIUM
Yup. That is correct. It is a tunnel, but of sharks. Don’t worry, they are caged. This is a great spot for kids especially!

SEE MORE : 8 DFW MUSEUMS TO SPEND THE DAY EXPLORING

16 // SIP ON SOME WINE DOWN IN FREDERICKSBURG
Basically the Napa Valley of the South! Fredericksburg is home to some beautiful Texas wineries, and is the perfect girls trip spot for a weekend getaway! Grab your sundress and best gals for this one. Also, you can use our Fredericksburg Weekend Guide to help you plan it out!

17 // VISIT THE ALAMO IN SAN ANTONIO
How can you remember the Alamo if you haven’t even been there yourself!? A good question, I know. So make sure you go!

18 // GRAB A KOLACHE AT THE CZECH STOP
On your way from Dallas to Austin (or vice versa) stop by the Czech Stop in West, Texas for an amazing authentic czech kolache! It’s a Texas road trip classic, y’all.

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19 // SPEND THE NIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE AKA MARFA, TEXAS
Unsure how this became such a destination (other than the above Prada Marfa) but it sure is! The drive from Austin alone is 8 hours, but you can spend the night glamping in Marfa under the stars. Heads up, not all that much else out there! Highly recommend a trip to Big Bend State Park no matter what’s it’s gorgeous.

20 // WATCH A HORSE RACE AT LONE STAR PARK IN ARLINGTON
Get your Kentucky Derby on by catching a horse race at the Lone Star Park. Place your bets and also be prepared to lose allllll that cash. You can go here to view their schedule.

21 // VISIT ONE OF THE MANY PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIES IN TEXAS
You can check out the George W Bush library in Dallas, the George Bush library in College Station, or the LBJ library down in Austin! Either way, you’ll learn something about one of our past presidents.

22 // TAKE A PHOTO WITH THE I LOVE YOU SO MUCH MURAL
Right in front of Jo’s Coffee on South Congress in Austin is the ever iconic I Love You So Much mural! Make sure you grab a fav and head over here to snap a pic with this mural before you leave. You can also view our complete Austin Mural Guide or Dallas Mural Guide for more great murals!

23 // LEARN ABOUT JFK AT THE SIXTH FLOOR MUSEUM IN DALLAS
In case you didn’t know, JFK was actually fatally shot in Dallas and we have a whole museum dedicated to his story. Head out there, the perfect thing to do if it’s rainy outside in Dallas too!

24 // ATTEND A MUSIC FESTIVAL. LIKE ANY. SO MANY OPTIONS.
Obviously, I have to say ACL is my favorite, but there are really so many options to pick from!

25 // WATCH THE BATS FLY OUT OF CONGRESS BRIDGE IN AUSTIN
If you’re in Austin during the summer and up until late Fall, then you can go watch the bats come out under Congress Bridge just after the sun sets! It’s an Austin iconic spot. I recommend parking at the Long Center and then walking the Boardwalk trail over to the corner under the bridge by the Statesman building. My fav viewing spot!

26 // TRY FRIED FOOD AT THE TEXAS STATE FAIR
Obviously, this has to be on the Texas bucket list since it is so…Texas. Attend the State Fair in September/October in Dallas and get something incredibly horrible for you. Can’t knock it until you try it!

27 // VISIT THE NASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTER
Ideal for the space kids out there!!! The NASA center is located just outside of Houston, and is a must check out stop for the full experience. You really can’t do this one anywhere else in the world!

28 // DRINK AN ENTIRE MANMOSA AT BANGERS FOR BRUNCH
Sunday Funday y’all! Make sure you hit up Banger’s for Brunch on Rainey Street and order the Manmosa (literally…a bottle of champagne). I recommend getting there before 10am hits, or the line is going to be a mile long.

29 // DINE AT WHATABURGER
The best fast food chain, and it’s only in Texas. I have to personally recommend the honey butter chicken biscuits which are only until noon. Did I mention it’s open 24 hours!?

30 // DRIVE ALL THE WAY UP TO WINSTAR CASINO TO GAMBLE
Yes, there is a Texas bucket list item not located in Texas. But if you’re from the Dallas area and grew up there, you know that this is part of your Texas bucket list. Since gambling is not legal in Texas, we opt to drive all the way to Winstar in Oklahoma at the lovely age of 18 and spend the evening losing buckets of money there!! Definitely don’t expect it to be Vegas, but if you wanna gamble then this is the place to go…

31 // HAVE A PICNIC & WATCH THE SUNSET FROM THE 360 BRIDGE
One of my favorite spots for a sunset watch in Austin. Seriously, a beauty. I recommend climbing up the opposite side of where the cars are parked (which you cannot miss) for an insane view with way less tourists!

32 // DRIVE ALLLLLLLLLLL THE WAY OUT TO EL PASO
Why, you ask? I have no idea. It’s just kind of a thing that you have to do. It takes a stupidly long amount of time. But it is the defining moment that gives you rights to complain about how big Texas is and how long it takes to drive across! And of course afterwards you can complain about how flat it is. You are not wrong.

33 // HANG OUT AT A DRIVE IN MOVIE
I love that drive in movies are still a thing and haven’t gone away! You can check out the Blue Starlight in Austin, Showboard Drive In in Houston, and the Coyote Drive In or Galaxy Drive In in Dallas!

34 // ATTEND A REAL TEXAS RODEO & FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS
Growing up in Fort Worth, I loved heading to the Stockyards and the rodeo with my family! I absolutely recommend you go check out the rodeo for yourself and walk around the little Fort Worth shops. Pretty much what people THINK Texas is!

SEE MORE : A GUIDE TO FORT WORTH TEXAS

35 // ATTEND SXSW FESTIVAL IN AUSTIN
If you’re in Austin in March, then you can check out the famous SXSW festival going on for a week! It’s not just one festival, but literally a whole week of music, films, arts, and tech!

36 // DRINK UNTIL 2AM ON SIXTH STREET IN AUSTIN
Ah yes, the infamous sixth street. I’ll be honest y’all, after four college years of sixth I am officially unable to ever hit sixth again without flashbacks, but I still think its worth people to go to at least once! My favorite bars to hit are Chupacabra, Burnsides, Buckshot, and Maggie Maes.

37 // GO KAYAKING ON TOWN LAKE (OR ANY LAKE)
I personally have to vote Town Lake as my favorite, but honestly so many great Texas lakes that can be kayaked on! Such a great way to keep cool and get some good views.

38 // VISIT LUCKENBACH, TEXAS
It has a whole song named after it! And make sure you head to the dance hall, since going two stepping is also on this Texas bucket list and this is the perfect place to do it. It’s right outside of Fredericksburg so if you’re there for the night (check out my favorite AirBnbs there) then this is the move!

39 // SPEND THE NIGHT STARGAZING FROM A TEXAS STATE PARK
I am incredibly thankful that when I was a kid, my parents would take my sister and I every summer across all the Texas state parks in the family RV. And one of the best parts, was just walking around at night and looking at how many stinkin’ stars were in the sky. Just. Wow.

SEE MORE : 11 BEAUTIFUL TEXAS STATE PARKS YOU SHOULD VISIT

40 // SPRAY PAINT A CAR AT CADILLAC RANCH
Actually something I just crossed off my own Texas bucket list recently! If you’re up in the panhandle, then make sure you stop by Cadillac Ranch a paint a car too!

41 // ATTEND A SPORTS GAME. LIKE ANY. SO MANY OPTIONS.
Oh! My! Gosh! Options! Texans are cool because we have a million sports team and our state is very divided about them. You can’t be a Cowboys AND a Texans fan. You have to pick the Spurs or the Mavs or the Rockets. It’s the Rangers or the Astros. BUT we can all agree on the Texas Stars and that we sure as heck are NOT a hockey state.

42 // CHOW DOWN AT A CRAWFISH BOIL
Being so dang close to Louisiana, we are hugeeeee fans of having crawfish boils! If you’re here in Spring, I suggest you hop onto Facebook and try and find a crawfish boil to chow down on.

43 // HAVE A WATER PARK DAY AT SCHLITTERBAHN IN NEW BRAUNFELS
I have been going to this water park since I was 5 years old and I will never be able to love any other water park the way I love this one. It’s giant, three huge parks all connected by a lazy river. Oh my gosh Schlitterbahn is a must for kids AND adults.

44 // CATCH A DRAG SHOW IN THE ROSE ROOM AT STATION 4
The Dallas drag scene is seriously unbeatable in Texas. One place you have to catch a drag show at is Station 4 in the Rose Room! This spot has had so many of the Rupaul greats, and we always recommend it for a night out.

45 // PLACE YOUR BETS ON A LITTLE WOODROW’S TURTLE RACE
Yes, you did indeed read that correctly. It had to be on this Texas bucket list.

46 // CATCH THE SUNSET FROM THE OASIS BREWERY IN AUSTIN
That photo above, speaks for itself. I personally do not recommend eating at the Oasis restaurant, but the brewery has views that are just as amazing! And honestly, better food.

47 // STUFF YOUR FACE WITH BLUEBELL ICE CREAM
Born and raised in Texas, bluebell is the peak of all ice cream in my opinion. Pick up a pint (or six) at your local HEB and eat it right out of the carton!

48 // VISIT THE MAGNOLIA MARKET IN WACO
Bring your HGTV loving friends over to the Magnolia Marketing in Waco and try out their cupcakes for yourself! Also, maybe stock up on some super cute home decor that I definitely still cannot afford.

49 // VISIT BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK
One of the largest and most beautiful National Parks is right in our very state. Big Bend National Park is incredible with some insanely beautiful views, and right on the border with Mexico. We went a bunch growing up, and then I was back there in 2021 and it still holds up. Plus, it’s officially a Dark Sky Park so it’s one of the best spots to view the stars in Texas!

50 // BELT OUT “DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS” IN THE CAR
Probably the easiest, and also most important, item on this list. Good luck, my fellow Texans.

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