If you live in Texas or plan on visiting sometime soon, you may be looking for some of the best things to do while in the state. Fortunately, we have compiled a list of the top # things to do that cover everything from museums to dispensaries, so keep reading to make the most out of your stay in Texas. 

• The Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is a natural history museum located in Houston. HMNS is the largest history museum in Texas and offers many fun attractions such as tropical rainforests and the world galaxies away exhibit. Tickets can be purchased online or at the on-site box office. 

• Natural Bridge Caverns

Natural bridge caverns are a cave system perfect for those curious about what lies within the earth. When visiting, you can take part in guided tours, witness the largest bat colony in the world, take a ride down the zip rails, go through a rope course, do some gem mining or go through a maze.

Natural Bridge Caverns are open year-round, rain or shine.

• Fort Worth Zoo

Fort Worth Zoo has recently been voted the best zoo in the US by USA Today.

This zoo is home to over 7,000 native and exotic animals and is known for being the only zoo in the country to feature four Great Ape species; gorillas, bonobos, orangutans, and chimpanzees. Those that visit can go shopping or grab a meal in the 35 block Sundance Square, discover true western heritage, have fun at the Texas Motor Speedway, and more. 

• Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston is the official visitor center of NASA and is an experience you don’t want to miss. This space center showcases three flown spacecraft, several used in training and moon rocks. When visiting, you can view their extensive collection of spacesuits representing the men and women of space history and even the ejection suit astronaut John Young wore on the first shuttle flight in 1981. Additionally, viewing is not all you get to do; you get the opportunity to explore the inside of the shuttle replica independence and then explore the giant plane as well. 

• Pleasure Pier

This historical waterfront destination has much to offer with rides, attractions, games, shops, and food venues. The list of things to do at Pleasure Pier is endless, but here are some of the most notable:

Stage performances

Historical films

Art exhibits

Festivals

Waterpark

amusement park

Rainforests

3D and 4D theatres

Museums

Surfing

Kayaking

To see what else Pleasure Pier has to offer or start planning your trip, you can go here. 

• Scenic Drive Overlook

Scenic Drive Overlook is perfect for anyone that enjoys beautiful scenery. This overlook allows you to take a hike along a trail that showcases two cities at the same time- El Paso, TX USA, and Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico. If this sounds like something you would enjoy, you can even stay in a hotel at the overlook so that you can appreciate the view every day of your stay.

• Rainforest Cafe

The Rainforest Cafe has a history of opening and closing all over the globe, and unfortunately, there are only 27 left today. 

When you walk into this restaurant, you are immediately immersed in the rainforest and left with memories that you will never forget. As you dine, realistic animatronic animals play and caw while the sounds of rain surround you. The food is delicious, and the experience is one of a kind. 

• Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

Medical marijuana recently became legal in the state of Texas, which means that dispensaries are popping up all over, and they must be trying to prove a point because they are top of the line. The cannabis provided at the dispensaries is high quality, and there is a strain for everyone. If you are not a fan of the psychoactive effects of marijuana, you can shop for other items like CBD topicals, gummies, and roll-ons. If interested, here you can find info on how to get your hands on some cannabis in Texas. 

• North Texas Jellystone Park

You can hang out and lodge with Yogi Bear and his crew at Jellystone Park. This resort offers lodging in cabins, tent sites, bunkhouses, and farmhouses, and there are many things to do during the day. Some fun activities are gem mining, bingo, archery tag, petting farm, scavenger hunts, fire truck rides, and paintball. 

North Texas Jellystone Park is the perfect getaway for nature lovers of all ages.