When most people think of Texas, they imagine blazing summers, cowboy hats, and massive BBQ platters. But the Lone Star State is more than a one-season wonder. Thanks to its enormous size and varying climates, Texas offers activities and attractions that go beyond summer vacation or spring break. Whether you’re craving the outdoors, exploring art and culture, or diving into delicious cuisine, Texas serves up experiences that can be enjoyed any time of year.
If you’re a local looking to spice up your weekends or a traveler planning your next big road trip, here are 12 amazing things you can do year-round in Texas.
1. Visit the San Antonio River Walk
The San Antonio River Walk is a favorite for good reason, and it’s not just a seasonal hotspot. Lined with restaurants, shops, and cultural landmarks, this scenic urban waterway is perfect for a lazy walk, a romantic dinner, or a boat ride. The lush landscaping stays vibrant all year, and many events, like the Ford Holiday River Parade and Fiesta San Antonio, keep the area buzzing in every season.
2. Explore Big Bend National Park
Big Bend is a year-round gem for outdoor lovers. In the summer, you can explore the cooler mountain trails; in the winter, the desert temperatures are more forgiving. With over 800,000 acres of hiking, camping, and stargazing, there’s always something to see. Bonus: It’s one of the least light-polluted areas in the U.S., making it ideal for night sky photography.
3. Discover the Art Scene in Marfa
Yes, Marfa is remote, but it’s well worth the journey. This quirky desert town is a minimalist’s dream, with permanent installations like the Prada Marfa and works by artist Donald Judd. Art lovers flock here all year, drawn by its creative energy and cool vibe that doesn’t fade with the seasons.
4. Tour Texas Hill Country Wineries
Think you need to head to Napa for wine country charm? Think again. Texas Hill Country offers scenic vineyards and charming tasting rooms that are open all year long. Fredericksburg, in particular, is packed with spots to sip, swirl, and enjoy the rolling hills. Visit in the spring for bluebonnets, fall for grape harvest, or winter for a cozy wine-and-fireplace pairing.
5. Catch Live Music in Austin
Austin isn’t called the Live Music Capital of the World for nothing. From street performers to big-name concerts, music is happening every single day, indoors and out. Iconic venues like the Continental Club, Mohawk, and Antone’s keep the scene alive even when temps drop or rise.
6. Kayak Lady Bird Lake
Right in the heart of Austin, Lady Bird Lake offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing year-round. Even in the cooler months, you’ll find locals and tourists paddling along the skyline. It’s a great way to see the city from a new perspective—and get a workout in while you’re at it.
7. Eat Your Way Through Houston’s Food Scene
Houston is one of the most diverse culinary cities in America, and its restaurant scene doesn’t take a break. Whether you’re into Vietnamese pho, Nigerian jollof, or classic Texas brisket, you’ll find world-class options any day of the week, all year long.
8. Road Trip Through Small-Town Texas
Texas is made for road trips. With so many charming small towns like Gruene, Wimberley, and Jefferson, there’s no wrong time to hop in the car and explore. You’ll find antique shops, old-school diners, quirky roadside attractions, and welcoming vibes no matter when you go.
9. Visit the Dallas Arts District
The Dallas Arts District is the largest of its kind in the country, spanning 68 acres. With museums like the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Crow Museum of Asian Art, there’s no shortage of inspiration. And since it’s largely indoors, you can explore regardless of the weather.
10. Relax on a Gulf Coast Beach
Surprised? Texas has beaches, and they’re pretty great. Destinations like South Padre Island and Port Aransas offer soft sand, seafood shacks, and dolphin tours. Unlike colder beach states, Texas’s Gulf Coast remains beachable nearly all year, especially during the mild winters.
11. Go Antiquing in Round Top
Round Top, Texas may be tiny, but it’s a giant when it comes to antique shopping. While the biannual Round Top Antiques Fair draws big crowds, you can still explore its shops and markets in the off-season. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find treasures no matter when you go.
12. Stargaze at McDonald Observatory
Located in the Davis Mountains near Fort Davis, the McDonald Observatory is a bucket-list destination for science lovers and stargazers alike. With clear skies and public viewing events scheduled year-round, it offers a cosmic experience that’s just as magical in January as it is in July.
Why Texas Isn’t Just a Summer Destination
Texas’s year-round appeal lies in its diversity of landscapes, climates, and cultures. While the summers may sizzle, the rest of the year offers pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and an equally full calendar of events and attractions. Whether you’re hiking in the desert, enjoying a winery, or diving into a plate of tacos, Texas keeps delivering.
Which of these Texas experiences would you want to try first, or have already fallen in love with? And if you’re a local, what’s your favorite hidden gem that’s great year-round?
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Riley is an Arizona native with over nine years of writing experience. From personal finance to travel to digital marketing to pop culture, she’s written about everything under the sun. When she’s not writing, she’s spending her time outside, reading, or cuddling with her two corgis.