The 7 Regions of Texas (+ Things to Do There!)

Texas is an incredibly vast and diverse state–and if you ever brave driving across it, it will quickly become obvious why there are 7 regions of Texas!

From the soaring trees of the Piney Woods to the sparkling rivers of the Hill Country, and from the vast open spaces of the plains to the long beaches of the Gulf Coast, Texas has so many different kinds of natural beauty and cultural interests to explore.

Each region offers a variety of landscapes, activities, and history to be discovered. 

Here’s a quick guide to each of the Texas regions, plus some of the fun things to do there.

longhorn laying in bluebonnets in one of the seven regions in texas

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

How many Texas regions are there?

While we’ve chosen to cover the seven regions of Texas here, you’ll also see many references to the four regions of Texas.

So, which is it: four or seven?

The answer is both!

The four regions of Texas are typically used when covering physical regions only, and they are the Gulf Coastal Plains, Interior Lowlands, Basin and Range Province, and the Great Plains.

READ NEXT
101 Fun Things to Do in Texas (Bucket List Ideas!)

These regions are used to describe Texas’ geology and are not specific to the Lone Star State (the Great Plains famously touch many states, for example).

The seven regions of Texas we use here do reflect Texas’ diversity of nature, however, they also reflect cultural differences and are a bit more specific.

The 7 regions of Texas are more commonly used when discussing tourism, and since we are a Texas travel blog at the end of the day, we opted to discuss 7 instead of 4.

sunset over the great plains, one of the four regions of texas

A Guide to the 7 Regions of Texas

Big Bend Country

Big Bend Country is located in far West Texas.

READ NEXT
25+ Fun Facts About Texas

The region features some of the most beautiful parks, hiking and camping areas, mountain ranges, historic forts, and mining camps.

Here are some of the most memorable things to do in Big Bend Country!

kate storm and ranger storm hiking in big bend ranch state park in one of the texas regions

Head to Big Bend National Park.

If you visit Big Bend Country you have to visit Big Bend National Park.

READ NEXT
11 Great RV Parks Near Big Bend National Park

The park borders Mexico and is the largest protected area of the Chihuahuan Desert in the United States.

Some highlights of a visit will include a hike at Santa Elena Canyon, taking a dip in the hot springs, a visit to the Fossil Discovery Exhibit, camping out at one of the campgrounds, dining at the Chisos Mountain Lodge Restaurant, and canoeing down the Rio Grande River.

view of chisos mountains from the south rim, one of the best hikes in big bend national park

Check out Fort Davis National Historic Site

Take a step back in history and visit Fort Davis.

The post is one of the best examples of a military post from the Indian Wars’ time period.

From 1854 to 1891, Fort Davis was used to protect people, mail coaches, and freight wagons on the Chihuahua Trail.

READ NEXT
The 16 National Parks in Texas: A Complete Guide

Today, there are 24 buildings and over 100 ruins and foundations that make up the Fort Davis National Historic Site.

Visitors can check out the visitor center, museum, and multiple structures.

Don’t forget to explore the small town of Fort Davis or the beautiful Davis Mountains State Park while you’re there, either!

covered wagon at fort davis, one of the west texas attractions to see

Visit vibrant Odessa, Texas.

Odessa is a West Texas town that you are not going to want to miss.

READ NEXT
9 Otherworldly Things to Do in West Texas

They offer some unique activities that are hard to find like sand dune surfing at Monahans Sandhills State Park and seeing the city’s very own Stonehenge replica located at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin.

Other experiences include checking out a play at the Globe of the Great Southwest, seeing the “World’s Largest Jack Rabbit,” viewing the Chris Kyle Memorial and seeing the geological site of the Odessa Meteor Crater.

footsteps leading up a dune in monahan sandhills, one of the best state parks in west texas

Stare in wonder at the night sky at McDonald Observatory.

The McDonald Observatory is an astronomical observatory located on Mount Locke in the Davis Mountains of West Texas.

There is an additional facility on Mount Fowlkes.

READ NEXT
17 Terrific Reasons to Visit Texas

The observatory is a research unit for the University of Texas at Austin, and is one of the best places to go stargazing in Texas.

The visitors center of the observatory conducts live solar viewings, tours of the observatory’s telescopes, and hosts evening star parties.

Milky Way as seen at night from the McDonald Observatory, one of the most unique places to visit in Texas and a bucket list Texas travel destination

Stop by the Ysleta Mission.

The Ysleta Mission is located in the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo in El Paso.

The mission is recognized by the State of Texas as the oldest continuously operating parish holding its first mass in a small chapel in October of 1680.

READ NEXT
Hiking in El Paso: 10 Best Trails In + Near El Paso

Over time, it has transformed into a stunning piece of adobe architecture that visitors can view today.

It is currently open daily to the public.

For a real treat, make it out on the second weekend in July when the church hosts the Ysleta Mission Festival.

Ysleta Mission along the mission trail, one of the best el paso things to do

The Texas Hill Country

The Texas Hill Country is known for its beautiful rolling hills, swimming holes soaring live oak trees, and small towns.

READ NEXT
25 Amazing Things to Do in the Texas Hill Country

Of all of the seven regions of Texas, the Hill Country is probably the best-known beyond Texas for its tourism, and it features many attractions from wineries, dude ranches, serene rivers, and vibrant towns.

Here are just a few of the best things to do in the Hill Country (we have even more listed here).

view of the blue hole wimberley from the shore, one of the best things to do in the texas hill country

Spend a weekend at a dude ranch.

The Texas Hill Country, especially near the town of Bandera (AKA the self-declared Cowboy Capital of the World), offers outsiders the opportunity to experience the cowboy way of life.

READ NEXT
Texas BBQ Guide: What to Order + TX Barbecue Tips

In the area, there are numerous dude ranches or guest ranches that allow visitors to stay and learn about life on the ranch.

They usually have horseback riding tours, ranch demonstrations, home-cooked meals, fishing, and other planned activities.

close up of a rider on a white horse

Go tubing in New Braunfels.

New Braunfels is a great Hill Country city known for its German heritage and for being one of the best places to float a river in Texas.

The Comal and Guadalupe Rivers both run through the town, and visitors come from all over the state to relax, grab a tube, and just float.

The original Schlitterbahn is also located there and has water rides, playgrounds, and other water adventures.

a man's legs in a black inner tube floating down a river. floating the river is one of the most fun things to do in new braunfels

Make your way to a winery.

Another popular Texas Hill Country destination is a trip to one of the many wineries.

There are actually over 50 wineries throughout the Hill Country that have a reputation for producing some of the best quality grapes in the Lone Star State.

READ NEXT
12 Best Wineries in Fredericksburg, TX (+ Nearby!)

So, whether you want a winery that provides lodging, hosts events, provides food, gives extensive tours, or even participating in a grape harvest, there is sure to be one that will provide the experience you are looking for.

kate storm holding a glass of white wine in johnson city texas

Climb Enchanted Rock.

Enchanted Rock, located outside Fredericksburg, is a large pink granite mountain that is an immediately recognizable feature of the Hill Country region in Texas.

READ NEXT
31 Best Things to Do in Fredericksburg, TX

A trip to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area provides you with the chance of ascending to the top of the beautiful dome, as well as access to the 1,644 acre park that features hiking, camping, rock climbing, bird watching, stargazing, and geocaching.

The formation really is a memorable sight and is a great example of the beauty that the Hill Country has to offer.

view of enchanted rock hiking looking up

Experience the music scene in Austin.

The Hill Country Region is also home to the state’s capital, Austin, which is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World.”

The diverse city has more than 250 live music venues and you will even find musicians playing from the airport terminal to grocery stores.

READ NEXT
What to Do in Austin at Night: 7 Epic Evening Activities

The city also annually hosts Austin City Limits Music Festival which showcases almost 100 different artists and bands and lasts not one, but two three-day weekends.

The music experience in Austin is truly like no other.

acoustic guitar on a music set, similar to one of the best tv shows set in texas, austin city limits

Get underground at Natural Bridge Caverns.

The Natural Bridge Caverns are located near San Antonio and are one of the best things to see in this region in Texas.

The cavern gets its name from the suspended 60 ft natural limestone slab bridge at the entrance that was left suspended when a sinkhole collapsed below it.

READ NEXT
10 Coolest Caves in Texas (+ Map to Find Them!)

Public tours take you 180 feet deep within the Earth and showcase beautiful geological formations.

Back above ground, you will find the Natural Bridge Mining Company Sluice and the Twisted Trails Zip Rails and Ropes Course.

Interior of Natural Bridge Caverns in Texas

The South Texas Plains

The South Texas Plains region of Texas spans from San Antonio to the Rio Grande River, creating a diverse Texas region stretching from the edge of the Hill Country to the desert.

READ NEXT
15 Fun Things to Do in South Texas

It is an area with a rich history, gorgeous scenery, and an abundance of wildlife.

If you get a chance to explore the area, here are some suggestions of some places not to be missed.

Colorful tourist boats parked along the Riverwalk in San Antonio. The Riverwalk is one of the most instagrammable places in San Antonio

Remember the Alamo.

A trip to the South Texas Plains would not be complete without a tour of the Alamo.

READ NEXT
The Ultimate Weekend in San Antonio Itinerary

The Alamo was founded in 1718 as the first mission in San Antonio and became a legend in 1836 during the famous battle during the Texas Revolution.

A visit to this Texas historic icon will provide you with interactive tours, exhibits, and a living history encampment.

kate storm in a red dress standing facing the alamo when visiting the alamo in san antonio tx

Visit the famous King Ranch.

The King Ranch is one of the world’s largest ranches spreading over 825,000 acres in South Texas.

They manage over 60,000 cattle and 300 quarter horses.

READ NEXT
25+ Best Small Towns in Texas (+ Map to Find Them!)

Guided ranch tours are available to visitors as well as special interest tours, wildlife tours, birding tours, and motorcoach tours.

They also have a museum and a saddle shop.

This is a chance to learn the history and see the workings of a modern-day ranch that is bigger than the entire state of Rhode Island!

man on horseback driving a herd of cattle in west texas, a common sight in western texas movies

Go birdwatching in Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley.

One of the top destinations in the country to bird-watch is in the Rio Grande Valley.

A great place to do this is at the 797-acre Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park and World Birding Center.

READ NEXT
8 Incredible Islands in Texas

Here you will have the opportunity to view beautiful tropical birds that you can’t see anywhere else in the US.

The World Birding Center is located along a 120-mile historic river road that is home to 9 different birding sites.

Whether you are new to bird watching or an expert birder, with more than 500 bird species to possibly see, this is definitely the place for the ultimate bird watching experience.

golden fronted woodpecker with a pink flower in south texas, one of the seven regions in texas

Visit the San Antonio Missions.

Get beyond the Alamo by visiting San Antonio’s “other” four missions as well!

READ NEXT
11 Interesting Historical Sites in Texas

The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is made up of four missions: Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission Espada, and Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Together with the Alamo, these 18th century missions make up the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas.

mission san jose from the outside on a sunny day, one of the best reasons to visit texas

Learn some South Texas history.

If you really want to experience the heritage and culture of the Rio Grande Valley, then visit the Museum of South Texas History located in Edinburg.

This Texas museum is home to memorable exhibits and artifacts that explore the Rio Grande Valley between South Texas and Northeastern Mexico.

The museum has expanded over the years and now occupies an entire city block, so rest assured that there will be plenty to discover.

READ NEXT
7 Cool National + State Parks Near Amarillo, TX

The Panhandle Plains

The Panhandle Plains are located in Northwest Texas.

Clear skies, beautiful landscapes, and a rich heritage make this region in Texas a great place to explore.

Here are a few stops to include on your adventure to the Panhandle Plains.

group of bison in caprock canyons state park texas

Go for a hike in Palo Duro Canyon.

The top natural attraction of this Texas region is the beautiful Palo Duro Canyon, which bears the famous nickname of the “Grand Canyon of Texas.”

The canyon is 120 miles long, 20 miles wide, and 800 feet deep making it the second-largest canyon in the USA.

READ NEXT
11 Best Things to Do in Palo Duro Canyon, Texas (+ Travel Tips)

At Palo Duro Canyon State Park you can view the impressive canyon, as well as hike, bike, camp, bird watch, and partake in the guided horseback tours and wagon rides offered by the park.

Don’t miss the chance to hike to the lighthouse formation while you’re there!

Kate Storm standing in front of the Lighthouse in Palo Duro Canyon TX

Visit the Buddy Holly Center.

Music fans will have to stop by the Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock.

The legendary musician was born in Lubbock and his gravesite can be found there.

The museum features memorabilia from his life and career, as well as highlights on other West Texas musicians.

front facade of buddy holly center in downtown lubbock, one of the best day trips from amarillo tx

Road trip Route 66.

The famous Route 66 crosses right through the Texas Panhandle.

READ NEXT
The Ultimate Guide to Route 66 in Texas: What to See (+ Map!)

Driving down the route will take you into Amarillo and to the historic Route 66 district that has numerous shops, historic buildings, street art, and restaurants to check out.

Along the way, make sure to also check out Cadillac Ranch, home of ten spray-painted Cadillacs half-buried in the desert, nose-down.

Jeremy Storm sitting on top of a spraypainted Cadillac at Cadillac Ranch Amarillo Texas

Explore the magic of Mineral Wells.

Mineral Wells is a Panhandle town that has been known for over a century for its world-famous healing waters.

READ NEXT
21 Best Lakes in Texas (+ Map to Find Them!)

People once traveled near and far to obtain some of the sought-after mineral water.

Today, only one well is still functioning at the Famous Mineral Water Company.

Lake Mineral Wells as seen from above at an overlook, home to some of the best hikes near Dallas

Check out the Storybook Capital of America.

Abilene has earned itself the nickname “Storybook Capital of America,” and has dedicated itself to showcasing children’s literature.

The city annually hosts the Children’s Art and Literacy Festival, is home to The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature Museum, and has a beautiful Storybook Garden.

little girl with brown hair reading a picture book

The Gulf Coast

The Gulf Coast region of Texas consists of a 600-mile stretch along the Gulf of Mexico.

READ NEXT
15 Best Beaches in Texas

Between the coastal towns, Texas beaches, water adventures, and unique attractions, this region is a perfect destination.

We have some of the top must-sees for exploring one of the most popular regions in Texas!

aerial view of galveston island and some of the best beaches in galveston tx

Tour the USS Lexington.

Corpus Christi is a great coastal city with miles of beaches and fun in the sun.

If you visit though, don’t miss the opportunity of seeing the national treasure, the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay.

READ NEXT
11 Best Beaches in Corpus Christi

The USS Lexington is a World War II-vintage aircraft carrier.

Guests can tour through five tour routes upon the ship, watch films in a 3-D mega theater, view 20 aircraft from the National Museum of Naval Aviation on the flight deck, and even participate in an escape room or flight simulator.

You won’t want to miss out on the piece of history.

USS Lexington in Corpus Christi TX belongs on any list of what to do in Texas

Go camping on the beach.

Ever wanted to wake up to a sunrise on the sand?

There are many places to camp on the beach in the Gulf Coast region in Texas!

orange tent on the sand with water in the background at sunrise when beach camping texas

Check Out Moody Gardens.

In Galveston, you will find Moody Gardens, an entertainment complex that offers a variety of popular attractions.

On the property, you will find a resort hotel, aquarium pyramid, rainforest pyramid, discovery museum, 3D and 4D theaters, and a colonel paddlewheel boat.

READ NEXT
13 Best Beaches in Galveston, TX

They also have seasonal activities, including a palm beach, ropes course, zip lines, and a Holiday in the Park festival.

There is no shortage of activities at this popular destination.

monarch butterfly on a pink flower at moody gardens, one of the most fun things to do in galveston tx

Spot wild dolphins along the coast.

Being on the coast, there are several options when it comes to spotting dolphins in this region of Texas.

READ NEXT
11 Fun Things to Do in Rockport, TX

Depending on where you are at, some favorites include the South Padre Island Dolphin Watch, the Baywatch Dolphin Tours of Galveston, and the Scarlet Lady Dolphin Adventure Tour in Port Aransas.

You are sure to have a blast seeking out wild dolphins in their natural setting and viewing natural landmarks.

3 wild dolphins as seen from a boat in texas

Learn all about space exploration.

The Space Center Houston is the ultimate learning center of all things outer space.

READ NEXT
21 Unique State Parks in Texas to Visit

Inside the facility, you will find the Starship Gallery, Astronaut Gallery, a Mission to Mars exhibit, and catch a film or live presentation.

On a tram tour, you will find Rocket Park, astronaut training facilities, Mission Control, and more.

NASA sign with logo against a blue sky. The Houston Space Center is one of the best things to do in Houston TX

Visit the only tropical island in Texas.

South Padre Island is a perfect beach getaway–and it also happens to be Texas’ only tropical island.

READ NEXT
21 Best Things to Do on South Padre Island

This white sandy beach is the perfect place for surfing, windsurfing, wave running, parasailing, kayaking, banana boating, fishing, horseback riding, and sandcastle building.

This popular tourist destination makes a fantastic weekend getaway that guarantees plenty of fun in the sun.

Sunrise over the beach in South Padre Island Texas, one of the best Texas romantic getaways

The Piney Woods

The Piney Woods region of Texas includes the eastern part of the state.

READ NEXT
9 Enchanting East Texas State Parks to Visit

It is filled with lush forests, several lakes, and historic towns.

These are just a few attractions available in the Piney Woods region.

kate storm and ranger storm hiking in piney woods huntsville state park

Visit Caddo Lake.

Caddo Lake is a 25,400-acre lake and wetland area on the Texas-Louisiana border that is home to some of the most unique views in Texas.

READ NEXT
13 (Mostly) Abandoned Ghost Towns in Texas (+ Map!)

The lake offers scenic views, an abundance of wildlife, and the biggest Cypress trees you will ever see.

Fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and guided boat tours are the most popular activities. 

family in an inflatable kayak on caddo lake tx

Wander Through the Big Thicket National Preserve.

The Big Thicket, located north of Kountze, is known as the “biological crossroads of America” due to the diversity of species and terrains.

READ NEXT
Hiking in Houston: 15 Best Trails In + Near Houston

At the Big Thicket National Preserve, you can find 85 species of trees, over 1,000 flowering plants, 300 species of birds, and more than 50 reptile species.

On a visit, fill time by camping, kayaking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, fishing, and hiking.

Boardwalk among pine trees in Big Thicket National Preserve, home to some of the best hiking near houston tx

Explore the historic town of Jefferson.

The town of Jefferson is a charming town that has nearly 100 historic landmarks, watch out though because some say it is haunted.

There are several homes available for tours that were built in the Civil War era.

READ NEXT
9 Fun Things to Do in Jefferson, TX

There are also numerous churches, historic structures, and one of the best collections of bed and breakfasts in the Lone Star State.

A guided walking tour is a great way to experience the town and all it has to offer.

sign advertising pralines sodas ice cream coffee in front of the jefferson general store, one of the best jefferson attractions

Stop and smell the roses in Tyler.

Tyler is world-famous for its roses.

The town’s 14-acre public rose garden is the largest in the country.

READ NEXT
17 Terrific Things to Do in Tyler, TX

They feature over 35,000 rose bushes and more than 500 varieties of roses that reach their peak bloom in the fall.

You can also visit the Tyler Rose Museum, and attend the month-long Rose Festival in October.

collection of pink roses in a garden. the annual rose festival is one of the best things to do in tyler tx

The Prairies and Lakes Region

The Prairies and Lake Region is another diverse region located in the north-central part of the state that boasts beautiful freshwater lakes and forests.

READ NEXT
25+ Fun Things to Do in North Texas

The region showcases small-town charm as well as vibrant areas like the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

Here are just a few suggestions on what to do in the region.

Curving Paluxy River as seen from above in Dinosaur Valley State Park, home to some of the best camping near dallas texas

Explore Dinosaur Valley State Park.

For an exciting adventure, make your way to Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose where you can see where dinosaurs once roamed.

READ NEXT
14 Cool Places to See Dinosaurs in Texas

At the park, you can find actual dinosaur tracks embedded in the bed of the river.

Besides finding dinosaur tracks, you can also picnic, hike, or bike 20 miles of trails, swim, fish, paddle in the river, bird watch, or find a geocache.

fossilized dinosaur tracks in dinosaur valley state park, one of the fun road trips from ft worth tx

Ride aboard a vintage train.

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad lets guests ride aboard a vintage locomotive on an excursion down the Historic Cotton Belt Route from Grapevine to Fort Worth.

They offer themed rides as well, including the North Pole Express, jazz wine trains, trick-or-treat rides, Thomas the Tank Engine, and more.

train parked at yellow grapevine railroad station, one of the best things to do in grapevine tx

Experience First Monday Trade Days in Canton.

Deal-seekers and lovers of vintage goods will love First Mondays, which is the largest flea market in Texas!

Held once a month, on the weekend preceding the first Monday of that month, Canton goes all-out for its trade days.

Collection of small porcelain items for sale at a flea market. First Monday Canton is one of the most interesting things to do in Texas for people interested in flea markets!

Experience Six Flags Over Texas.

Six Flags Over Texas is a 212-acre theme park located in Arlington.

READ NEXT
13 Stunning Waterfalls in Texas (+ Map to Find Them!)

The park is actually the first park in the Six Flags chain.

Thrill-seeking roller coasters, children’s rides, activities, and entertaining shows await those who make the trip.

Blue iron roller coaster loop as seen looking up with a yellow train car on it

Visit White Rock Lake.

White Rock Lake, located in Dallas, offers a variety of activities like kayaking, canoeing, boating, and fishing.

READ NEXT
Texas Movies: 15 Best Movies Set in Texas

In White Rock Lake Park visitors will find miles of running, biking, and walking trails, a dog park, and picnic areas.

Nearby there is also White Rock Lake Museum, Bath House Cultural Center, and the Dallas Arboretum.

aerial view of marina at white rock lake, one of the best dallas lakes, with skyline visible in the distance

Seek out the Fort Worth Cultural District.

The Fort Worth Cultural District is where you’ll find many of Fort Worth’s best museums.

READ NEXT
Bluebonnets in Texas: Where to Find Them + Tips for Visiting!

It’s home to the Kimbell Art Museum, Amon Carter Museum, Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.

You will also find the Will Rogers Memorial Center, Casa Manana Theatre, and Fort Worth Botanical Garden. There is no shortage here of things to do.

4 photos of texas regions including mountains hill country pine woods, black and red text on a white background reads "the regions of texas"

Leave a Comment