When Texas isn't in the news for crazy winter storms (or senators escaping those storms for Mexico), it's quite a lovely state to visit. As someone who grew up and lives in the state, there are plenty of amazing destinations that are well worth a visit. So if you're planning a safe trip (and hopefully masked-trip despite Texas officials ignoring the CDC's advice) to the Lone Star State, add these bucket-list destinations and tick them off one by one.

Big Bend National Park is arguably the most popular national park in the state. Set on the border of the western part of Texas and Mexico, Big Bend is home to the entire Chisos mountain range and has the least light pollution than any other national park in the lower 48 states -- which means star gazing is phenomenal. Camp or hike on the many trails in the park, or take a rafting adventure through Santa Elena Canyon. You can even go for a dip in the Langford Hot Springs. Nearby Terlingua is a great spot to book a rental, hang with the locals, and enjoy the most beautiful sunsets over Big Bend National Park.

Galveston is a Texas beach town with the most unique history. It was home to an encampment of the famous pirate, Jean Lafitte, and is the site of the first Juneteenth, which freed enslaved people in Texas and parts of the South years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, people visit Galveston to experience this history through historical and ghost tours. Time at the beach is another draw, as is the boardwalk, exploring the historic downtown Strand Street, and admiring the beautiful Victorian architecture.

If you make a trip to Big Bend, you might as well stop by Marfa. This super small town has been a big hit among celebrities for its art installations like Prada Marfa and the larger-than-life sculptures at the Chinati Foundation. It's also the site of the Marfa Lights, a place where people go and watch mysterious and unexplained lights at night that some believe are UFOs.

The Enchanted Rock is a pink granite mountain in Texas' Hill Country. People climb this ancient dome for the great views and the history and mystery that surrounds it. Prehistoric people lived in the area around the Enchanted Rock, and it was the home of Indigenous groups like the Lipan Apache. Legends about the Enchanted Rock abound from those relating to ghost fires seen on the rock at night to hauntings of an Indigenous woman who threw herself off the rock after her tribe was killed by an enemy.

Imagine Spanish moss hanging on giant cypress trees that reflect on the water of a bayou and that's what you'll find at Caddo Lake State Park. This state park is a maze of bayous and ponds that attract people from all over who want to fish, camp, hike, and paddle. While gators do live in the park, it adds to the excitement of the beautiful destination.

Central and South Texas is home to an area known as Hill Country. It's so named for the notable hills of the area that offer lovely sites of the local terrain. People are drawn to the small cities of Hill Country like Fredericksburg, the centerpiece for Texas' wineries, or Bandera, the Cowboy Capital of the World. You'll find plenty to do in Hill Country from scenic hikes in Lost Maples State Natural Area to apple picking in Medina, scenic drives during bluebonnet season, ranch experiences in Bandera, music shows at Gruene Hall, and wine tastings galore.

South Padre Island is a verifiable summer and spring break hot spot in Texas. It's home to beautiful sandy beaches and fun water experiences like fishing, boating, skiing, and more. Many will soak up the sun in South Padre Island, while others visit for birding experiences at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center.

Just outside of Amarillo, Texas, off Route 66, you'll find the coolest art installation -- Cadillac Ranch. In 1974, Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez and Doug Michels stuck 10 Cadillacs into the ground. People visit from all over the world and leave their own mark with spray paint on this famed art installation.

Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States. Located in the Texas Panhandle, it's home to breathtaking structures in tones of oranges, reds, yellows, and browns. Visitors can hike the park, explore by horse, camp, and bike this amazing state park.

The San Antonio Riverwalk is an iconic place in Texas. The 15-mile riverwalk is comprised of three sections called 'reaches.' The Downtown Reach is home to bars, restaurants, and shops that line the river. The Mission Reach is next to the San Antonio Missional National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to four of the five missions in the city. The Museum Reach goes all the way to the Pearl District and features sites like the San Antonio Museum of Art. You can walk, run, or bike along the 15 miles and explore the best that San Antonio has to offer.

Love space? You'll want to visit NASA's Johnson Space Center. Visitors can check out the science museum to see over 400 space artifacts, the world's largest collection of moon rocks and lunar samples for public view, and learn all about the history of human space exploration through exhibits. You can also book tours, one of which includes lunch with an astronaut and another that gives you access to behind-the-scenes of NASA operations.

The Fort Worth Stockyards is a Texas cowboy experience you don't want to miss. In addition to shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs, people visit the Stockyards to attend rodeos and watch the twice-daily cattle drive through the street. It's a great place to go two-stepping, watch a gunfight re-enactment show, and explore some great museums that speak about the history of the destination and Texas' cattle driving past.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is not too far from El Paso so if you're in that area, you'll want to visit this great park. It's home to the world's most extensive Permian fossil reef and the four highest peaks in Texas, making it the ultimate climbing and hiking destination in the state. Set up a tent in the campgrounds and spend your days exploring this national park and your nights admiring the stars above.

You can't visit Texas without crossing the border into Mexico for a visit. While there are plenty of border crossings from McAllen to El Paso, the most unique crossing is the Los Ebanos Ferry Crossing. This ferry is the last of its kind in Texas. It can hold about three cars and moves from one side to the other by hand pulling. Make sure you have your passport on hand if you want to have this special experience, and check the most recent updates to see if the border is open due to the pandemic.

In Toyahvale, Texas, you'll discover Balmorhea State Park. It's here where you can go swimming in the world's largest spring-fed pool. Not only can you swim, but you can also scuba dive and snorkel in these clear waters, have a picnic under the gorgeous trees or spend the night at a campground.

While in San Antonio, you can't miss a chance to visit The Alamo. The historic Spanish mission is where the famous Battle of the Alamo occurred that sparked the rallying cry of "Remember the Alamo!" during the Texas Revolution. It's one of the most noteworthy places in Texas history and definitely worth the visit.

You won't be disappointed adding New Braunfels to your bucket list. It's home to Schlitterbahn Waterpark, the largest waterpark in Texas and voted the #1 waterpark in the world for 22 years. When you're not at the waterpark, you must take the family on a tubing adventure down the Guadalupe or Comal Rivers. The Natural Bridge Caverns are also a beloved attraction in the area, making for an all-around getaway to New Braunfels.

Dealey Plaza in Dallas is the notable site where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Here you can visit The Sixth Floor Museum to learn about the assassination and see the 'X' in the road where JFK was shot. A few blocks away you'll find the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza.

Hamilton Pool is a Texas hot spot. You must book a reservation to visit and swim in the natural pool that sits under a grotto structure that has a 45-foot waterfall. If you visit, wear sturdy shoes as it's a 30-minute hike from the parking lot to the pool.

The State Fair of Texas has been a big Texas to-do since 1886. Located in Dallas' Fair Park, the State Fair of Texas is a 24-day fair, making it the longest-running fair in the U.S. and one of the largest to boot. This annual event features a game and rides area, agricultural shows, live concerts, and the most creative fair food stalls in the states.

San Antonio's El Mercado or the Market Square is the largest Mexican market in the United States with over 100 businesses that cover three blocks. Shop among Mexican products or stop in Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia for a Mexican pastry or meal anytime day or night (it's open 24/7!). This area is home to lots of festivals, live bands on the weekend, and great stalls with food and crafts.

Ever wonder where the name for the amusement parks, Six Flags came from? Texas, of course. Six different flags have flown over Texas and the first amusement park in the Six Flags brand was founded in Arlington, Texas, -- hence the name. The 212-acre theme park is one of the best amusement parks in the world and whether you're going with friends or family, you'll have a blast.

Sixth Street is the most popular entertainment street in Austin. It's famous for its bars and restaurants, but perhaps more importantly, the music scene. Visit any time of the year and you'll find tons of live music performances. Be sure to book your hotel on Sixth Street so you can easily walk back after a fun music-filled night on the town.

Tejana singer Selena was the pride and joy of Texans. When she passed, her hometown of Corpus Christi paid tribute to her with a memorial along Shoreline Boulevard. Today, people visit and take photos with the life-size bronze statue of the singer, before making their way to the Selena Museum.

Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Park is a great destination for hiking and exploring the park's notable rock hills. The park is well known for having a significant number of pictographs and petroglyphs that travelers love to see. Guided and self-guided tours are available but only 70 people are allowed to visit the North Mountain area each day so you'll want to reserve a permit.