Lake Travis is a bonanza for recreational use, from wakeboarding to sailing and swimming. If you're feeling frisky, check out Hippie Hollow, the only clothing-optional park in Texas.
You can tour the 100-year-old brewery that makes the popular Shiner brand of beer in the small town of Shiner (population 2070). Tourists also get samples of various Shiner brews.
No pets, no glass, no credit cards, but it sure is here, and Opie's barbecue is close distance. The pools are open 9 a.m. to sunset. $5 for 12 and older; $4 for ages 4-11; free for anyone under 4.
One story below downtown San Antonio, the River Walk is lined with restaurants, bars and shops. The first restaurant on the River Walk opened in 1946.
Enchanted Rock is truly one of the great places to hike in Texas. It’s known for breath-taking views, quiet hikes and challenging climbs.
Despite sustaining damage from wildfires in 2011, Bastrop State Park is great spot for camping, swimming, and even golfing. The park was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
This 65-acre waterpark has more than 40 attractions, including the Master Blaster, an uphill water roller coaster.
A Texas institution. Jerry Jeff Walker, Willie Nelson, George Strait, Lyle Lovett and many other greats of country music have played here as Texans two-stepped the night away. Read more.
Built in Adm. Chester Nimitz' hometown, this history-rich museum takes hours to go through. The new George H.W. Bush Gallery opened on Dec. 8, 2009, and includes 33,000 feet of exhibition on its own.
On a hot summer day, few things cool Texans off better than a 2-hour tube ride down the cool, spring-fed Comal River. Open from March to October.
This 200-acre amusement park includes dozens of rides and large water park. March-November.
The 250-acre marine theme park is home to Shamu, beluga whales and sea lions, more than 25 rides, shows and attractions. It's open from March to November.
President Lyndon B. Johnson spent a lot of time on his beloved ranch. During his administration, it became known as the Texas White House, and it opened to the public in August 2008. Read more.
Central Texans who want to take a short drive to a beautiful beach can look no farther than Mustang Island. Port Aransas is at the northern end, and a roadway to Padre Island is on the southern tip.
