While tourist attractions are fun to visit, it’s always nice to shake things up every once in a while and explore spots that are off the beaten path. All it takes is a little digging and you’ll be surprised at what you can find if you look hard enough. From oddity shops to gorgeous lush gardens, there’s no shortage of fun places to explore in Texas. Now’s the time to round up a few friends or family members and discover some hidden gems close to home.
Houston
19531 Moorhead Rd
Moorhead’s Blueberry Farm is the oldest of its kind in Texas, with over twenty varieties of blueberries for you to pick across twenty acres of land.
8625 Airline Dr
Experience some of the most significant historical and cultural sites from China right in Houston.
2243 Richmond Ave
A charming little nook within the suburbs of Houston, the Hobbit Cafe is sure to brighten the hearts of Tolkein fans and literary enthusiasts alike.
National Museum of Funeral History
415 Barren Springs Dr
Learn all about the evolution of this age-old practice while exploring relics from the past.
1424 Westheimer Rd Ste B
Have a drink or two in this upscale Japanese-inspired speakeasy, sneakily tucked beside the Anvil Houston Cocktail Bar.
2441 Munger St
Experience this vibrant outdoor art gallery, where the grounds are covered in beautiful mosaic tiles from more than 300 local artists.
1515 Hermann Dr
Step inside a 10-foot wide replica of the human brain, or any other of their mega-sized displays and learn something new about how your body works.
105B Sabine St
This subterranean underground experience will leave you wanting more, with its fascinating mix of multimedia art installations and video projections.
San Antonio
26101 FM 3009
For those not too easily frightened, the Bracken Cave, filled with millions of Mexican Free-Tailed bats, might just be the spot for you.
75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr
Spend a relaxing afternoon experiencing this garden oasis, with its winding stone paths and koi ponds.
318 E Houston St
It’s not everyday you get to visit a 131-year old saloon that used to accept wild-caught animals as payment for drinks.
3903 N St Mary’s St
Visit America’s oldest amusement park with your little ones and transport yourself back to the early 1900s.
203 Fredericksburg Rd
You wont need 3D glasses to experience this mind boggling 3D mural, painted to give the illusion it’s jumping right off the walls.
210 W Market St
Experience a sliver of the past in this wild west-themed sculpture garden. Bronze statues can be seen scattered throughout the entire space depicting iconic American figures.
8400 North New Braunfels Avenue
You wouldn’t expect this hidden bar to live right behind the San Antonio airport, but with the right password, you can unlock this secret gem.
7400 San Pedro Ave
Nothing says “Texas” more than a Texas-sized pair of cowboy boots. Located near the entrance of North Star Mall, this giant display is known to draw large crowds so be sure to get there early to snap a few fun pictures.
Austin
31 Progress Ave Unit 9
Awaken your inner child and explore Toy Joy’s selection of vintage and indie trinkets that are sure to liven your spirits.
3505 W 35th St
Get a taste of the tropics by visiting Mayfield Park, where peacocks and peahens roam the grounds completely free.
5924 S Congress Ave Unit 23
Curia Arcanum is home to all things spooky and unusual, housing all of the uncommon objects in this Victorian-style oddity shop.
400 Grove Blvd
Take a trip down to this hidden spot, and while you won’t be able to swim in its waters, you can still kick back and enjoy the sea air.
300 W 21st St
Explore this treasure trove of rare books and historic art, with millions of pieces, including one of Shakespeare’s first written manuscripts, stored within its walls.
1145 Perry Rd
Take endless Insta-worthy photos with this ethereal abandoned greenhouse as your backdrop. Step into this lush outdoor space and feel instantly transported to a magical land — a place you’d think was plucked right out of a fairytale.
720 W 6th St
If you can locate the hidden one-way mirror, you’ll be granted entry into this modern-era speakeasy where phones are strictly prohibited.
605 Brazos St
If you’re looking to escape the chaos of 6th Street, this hidden lounge and hostel is the perfect place to unwind.
If you are considering taking a longer trip outside of the city, be sure to check out our list of must-see destinations.
Images courtesy of: Trip Advisor (Lucky Land); Secret Houston (Hobbit Cafe); AFAR Magazine (National Museum of Funeral History); Conde Nast Traveler (Tongue Cut Sparrow); Trip Advisor (Smither Park); Texas Medical Center (The Health Museum); Buffalo Bayou Partnership (Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern); Bat Conservation International (Bracken Cave); AFAR Magazine (Japanese Tea Garden); Trip Advisor (Buckhorn Saloon and Museum); Atlas Obscura (Kiddie Park); Atlas Obscura (Vision del Futuro); Atlas Obscura (McNutt Sculpture Garden); KSAT News (RD San Antonio); San Antonio Current (World’s Largest Cowboy Boots); Atlas Obscura (Curia Arcanum); Austin (Secret Beach); Harry Ransom Center (Harry Ransom Center); Pinterest (Sekrit Theater); Green Light Social (Benny’s Room); Do512 (Firehouse Lounge).