Texas has it all—landscapes too beautiful to ignore, a thriving culture that’s sure to impress, and an abundance of natural wonders just waiting to be explored. And if you’re looking for ways to explore the state without spending a penny, you’ve come to the right place. From museums full of fascinating history and culture, to lakes so stunning they feel like something out of a movie, you won’t want to miss out on this magical place that calls itself home.
Who knows? You may just discover your next favorite spot. Here are some great things to do in Texas for free.
Visit the Texas State Capitol
The Texas State Capitol is the most iconic building in Austin. Its dome, a stunning piece of Neo-Renaissance architecture, can be seen from miles away. It’s also home to an impressive art collection and several great eateries.
But if you want to see something else that’s worth seeing in this majestic structure, you’ll need to do it on your own time. The official tour of the Texas State Capitol lasts 45 minutes and costs $1 for entrance. However, there is no set schedule and tours are not guaranteed every day. And for even better access, consider purchasing one of the official tours available at the Visitor Center on the ground floor of the building or another location near downtown Austin.
Explore an art museum
The best way to experience the art of Texas is at one of the state’s museums. From the Houston Museum of Fine Arts to the Fort Worth Art Museum, there are plenty of opportunities for you to explore and learn about local artists.
If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at what’s on exhibit at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. The museum offers a great selection of artwork spanning seven centuries, including pieces by Salvador Dali and Claude Monet. Another museum worth checking out is the Fort Worth Art Museum, which has over 80 galleries that boast works from Europe and America’s most prestigious artists, such as Diego Rivera and John Singer Sargent. If you’re interested in seeing some amazing art but don’t have time for an extended trip, check out what’s on display at the Fort Worth Art Museum—you might be surprised by how much you enjoy it.
Go to a local library
Whether you’re a ballet or opera aficionado, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy these performances in Texas. But, most of the time, you will find yourself paying a hefty price just to see these amazing works of art. You can attend any one of these performances for free by visiting your local library or museum.
In addition to offering various events for all ages and tastes, libraries often have audiovisual material available for use in their event spaces. If you enjoy watching films with live music or listening to classical music while reading, this is your chance to do it for free!
Additionally, many museums offer complimentary admission on the first Monday of each month if you visit during that week. They also frequently host special events such as tours, lectures on art history, and literary discussions.
Visit a nature preserve
Texas is full of nature preserves that offer plenty of free activities. Many of these sites have hiking trails, which provide a scenic way to explore the land and learn more about the different plants and animals that live there.
See what’s in bloom as you explore the land at a nature preserve. These spots are full of color, and are perfect for taking photos or setting up a tripod for capturing some breathtaking landscapes.
Take part in an outdoor activity like camping out under the stars or going on a hike to get your heart pumping and body moving. Find yourself some Texas scenery during your next visit– it’s worth the trip!
Take a free walking tour of downtown or your own neighborhood
If you love history and culture, you’ll want to take a free walking tour of downtown or your own neighborhood. This is an ideal way to learn about the city and its history from a firsthand perspective. You’ll get a sense of what those who have lived in the area before you experienced. And if you visit during the week, be sure to stick around for some shopping—there are plenty of great shops in the area that offer unique products at affordable prices.
Get outside and explore
Texas has more than 1,500 miles of shoreline, so it makes sense that it should also have 1,500 miles of trails to explore. With these trails all over the state, it would be easy to spend hours exploring what Texas has to offer without ever getting bored. To help you find your favorite trail, try using public transit like Google Maps or AllTrails for their trail ratings. Then hop on your bike and start exploring!
Go fishing or hunting
The great outdoors is a treasure trove of opportunities to hunt and fish. If you’re into hunting or fishing, head out to the land or waters near your home and see what catches your eye. You can also go out with a group in order to maximize your chances of success.
But that’s not all. Texas has a wide variety of state parks for those who prefer more than just nature’s beauty. Spend time hiking through the woods, learning about the history at one of the many museums, or exploring natural wonders like caves and waterfalls.
When you want to get away from it all, there are some amazing things to do in Texas for free that will keep you occupied for hours on end.
Stay in touch with the state’s culture and history
A day without visiting an art museum would just be wrong. You can find art in all shapes and sizes around Texas, and if you’re interested in finding out more about the state’s culture and history, you don’t have to break the bank to do so.
If you’re looking for a way to really immerse yourself in the state’s culture, try checking out a local museum. From museums focused on Texas artists or prehistoric animals, to those devoted entirely to music or science, there is sure to be something for everyone. The Houston Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most popular museums in Houston because it has such a wide variety of work from different artists that speak to different interests. If you’re looking for a museum focused more on Texas history, try visiting the Dallas History Center. This museum focuses on telling stories from people who lived through key moments in Texas history and offers interactive displays that will keep kids coming back again and again.
Take a road trip to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Texas
Texas has a lot to offer. From the breathtaking landscapes in the Hill Country, to the cultural treasures of Houston, there’s plenty of places to explore and discover.
If you’ve got a car, you can take a road trip with family or friends and really see all that Texas has to offer. The good thing about driving yourself is that you can decide when to stop and explore the sites at your leisure. You may want to stop by an interesting museum, or eat in one of the many restaurants along your way. A road trip isn’t just for sightseeing—you might also find some new businesses or people who share your interests.
Wrap up
There are so many natural wonders to explore in Texas. From the beautiful beaches and gorgeous landscapes to the impressive museums and engaging culture, there’s no shortage of things to do in this beautiful state.
So if you’re looking for a way to explore Texas without spending any money, these free activities will be sure to wow you.
