With its larger-than-life personalities, places, and experiences, the region of North Texas perfectly embodies the saying, “Everything’s bigger in Texas.”
From the top of the panhandle to the bustling DFW metroplex and everywhere in between, vacationing in North Texas definitely won’t disappoint.
So, read on as we share our list of the most interesting and beautiful places to visit in North Texas. Then say “Howdy, y’all!” as you explore everything this popular region of the state has to offer!
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1. Fort Worth Stockyards – Fort Worth, TX
A visit to Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is a must during your North Texas vacation. You can experience quintessential Texas cowboy culture on full blast with live cattle drives, rodeos, saloons and shopping, and the occasional wild west gunfight.
In addition, the Stockyards provide a great opportunity to find souvenirs fit for any Texan at heart, with plentiful shops full of tourists purchasing authentic cowboy hats, bolo ties, boots, cowhides, and western wear.
After a day of exploration, stick around to enjoy authentic Tex-Mex on the gigantic patio at Joe T. Garcia’s. Then experience the iconic Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk, for some true Texas sensory overload (and two-steppin’).
2. Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo, TX
Located along the famous Route 66 sits Texas’ iconic public art installation—Cadillac Ranch.
This roadside oddity is made of 10 classic Cadillacs buried face down into the ground, inspiring millions of visitors since 1974. In addition to its Instagram-worthy appeal, Cadillac Ranch allows you to spray-paint your own artwork on the vehicles (yes, you read that right!).
After you’ve made your own mark on this ever-changing monument, visit the nearby copycats, VW Slug Bug Ranch and Combine City, for further inspiration.
3. Dinosaur Valley State Park
Ever dream of walking in the footsteps of dinosaurs? Well, you can do that and a lot more in Dinosaur Valley State Park.
Located near Glen Rose, Dinosaur Valley State Park preserves actual dinosaur footprints fossilized in mud along the Paluxy River. You can clearly see these indelible tracks firsthand—and discover how small your feet stack up to those belonging to prehistoric giants!
In addition, the park offers 20 miles of hiking trails, as well as camping, backpacking, kayaking, and guided horseback riding tours.
4. Magnolia Market at the Silos – Waco, TX
Since 2015, millions of Fixer Upper and Chip & Joanna Gaines fans have made the pilgrimage to Magnolia Market at the Silos, Magnolia’s central hub, making Waco’s downtown alive and bustling.
As Waco’s must-see attraction, the Silos have developed into a lively community center (with theme park vibes) of shopping, dining, and entertainment. After you’ve gotten your Magnolia souvenirs, make a stop at their local bakery and coffee shop for some tasty treats.
In addition, Waco’s downtown offers an abundance of shops and restaurants, as well as two local landmarks—the Dr. Pepper Museum and the Waco Suspension Bridge.
5. State Fair of Texas – Dallas, TX
There’s nothing more legendary in North Texas than the State Fair of Texas, an annual tradition since 1886. Proclaimed as “the Most Texan Place on Earth,” the State Fair of Texas offers over 100 free attractions, over 70 midway games, and gobs of live entertainment.
Of course, a visit wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the fair’s famous fried food offerings. Fried oreos, fried lemon icebox pie, fried guacamole, twice-fried albondigas, fried shrimp étouffée, fried bubblegum, fried beer, fried butter…the list goes on and on!
While at the fair, be sure to take a selfie with its iconic greeter, Big Tex, and ride the famous giant ferris wheel, the Texas Star.
6. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Did you know that the second largest canyon in the United States is located in North Texas? Considered the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro Canyon is 120 miles long, 20 miles wide, and 800 feet deep in some places.
To experience the breathtaking beauty of this Texas treasure, head over to Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Here you can enjoy the canyon’s expansive vistas up close through over 30 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, as well as the Palo Duro Canyon scenic loop drive.
Visitors can spend the night at the park’s campgrounds, glamp in luxury sites, and even stay in cabins along the canyon rim or deep in the canyon floor. In the summertime, guests can enjoy the park’s TEXAS outdoor musical at its onsite amphitheater as well.
7. The Texas Eiffel Tower – Paris, TX
Maybe you’ve been to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, but what about the other Eiffel Tower in Paris, Texas?
The North Texas town of Paris draws visitors from all over to see the Texas version of the Eiffel Tower adorned with a cowboy hat on top. If you’re looking for a unique cultural photo-op for your Instagram account or family Christmas card, this is it!
After posing in front of this famous roadside attraction, make time to explore the small town charms of Paris’ historic downtown square.
8. Tyler Rose Garden – Tyler, TX
If you’re a fan of roses or idyllic garden settings, you’ll want to visit the Tyler Rose Garden during your North Texas adventure. With 14 acres of 500 different rose varieties, the Tyler Rose Garden is the largest public rose garden in the United States.
Get your cameras ready as you soak in the tranquil beauty of over 38,000 roses. The garden is free to visit, and, while open year-round, peak bloom season occurs in May and again in October.
After exploring the variety of roses in the garden, check out the Tyler Rose Museum nearby to understand the historical impact of Tyler roses. And if you’re there in October, make sure you see the Texas Rose Festival, a beloved annual tradition since 1933.
9. The Big Texan Steak Ranch – Amarillo, TX
Enjoying a big steak is a quintessential Texas pastime, and at the Big Texan Steak Ranch, you can eat your very own giant 72 oz steak, for free. Well, I should say it’s only free if you eat it (and some fixin’s) within one hour.
Such a contest has given the Big Texan worldwide fame, making it a must-see if you’re driving Route 66 through Amarillo. This local institution is an over-the-top tourist haven with old-school saloon decor, live music, an extensive menu, and even a shooting gallery.
If you need more time to get over your food coma, the Big Texan also provides an Old West-themed motel and RV park nearby.
10. Reunion Tower – Dallas, TX
An icon of the Dallas skyline, Reunion Tower provides one of the best panoramic views of the sprawling DFW Metroplex. Known as “The Ball” by locals, Reunion Tower has been delighting visitors in the heart of downtown since 1978.
The tower’s GeO-Deck really draws the crowds with its indoor and outdoor 360-degree views from 470 feet up. If you can, make the trip to the tower at night to see the stunning Dallas skyline all aglow in city lights—it’s a view you won’t soon forget!
In addition, Reunion Tower hosts a number of special activities, including family and date night packages, as well as seasonal events and live entertainment.
11. Texas Ranch Roundup – Wichita Falls, TX
Cowboys, ranches, and rodeos are synonymous with all things Texas, and the best place to see these converge is at the Texas Ranch Roundup in Wichita Falls.
For over 40 years, the Texas Ranch Roundup has been showcasing ranch life and Texas’ legendary ranches with an epic ranch rodeo. Every year, real ranch families and ranch hands face each other in competitions like barrel racing, bronc riding, wild cow milking, and team branding.
This ranch rodeo extravaganza also features live music, a trade show with over 100 vendors offering Western goods, and a chuckwagon cooking contest. Grab your cowboy hat and spurs and join in on the fun!
Did we miss any of your favorite places in North Texas?
Let us know in the comments if there are any more places in North Texas that you would add to our list!