2023 Best Places for Outdoor Activities in Texas

• City in Texas

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  Rating 4.24 out of 5  5,288 reviews

Current Resident: Houston is a great city! There's lots of infrastructure for entertainment (sports, music, etc.), a wide variety of food neighborhoods, and a wide range of job opportunities. Some of the negatives about Houston is that we are very dependent on automobiles. The public transportation system has a small range, is expensive, and is ineffective. Additionally, the Houston Independent School District lacks dedicated head employees and suffers from curriculum proficiency. If Houston improves these much-needed services, the city could strengthen its reputation from just a large to a next-level city.... Read 5,288 reviews

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• Population 2,293,288

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  Rating 4.32 out of 5  510 reviews

Current Resident: I always tell people The Woodlands is not an exciting place to live, but it is a nice place to live. When people from the greater Houston area hear "The Woodlands," they think of The Woodlands Mall. This is the most popular part of town, and it is conveniently located close to the freeway. The adjacent Market Street is an upscale shopping center that looks prettiest at night. Newcomers always point out the excess greenery and ask how we locals can find anything, but I have no problem with all the trees because the town is so well-organized. There are several zoning laws that ensure business and residential areas are clearly separated. There are plenty of franchise restaurants along the town's major streets. There are local churches and well-maintained parks hidden in every neighborhood. A common complaint is that residential streets do not have sidewalks. My least favorite part about TW is that it is a comedy desert. The closest comedy club is a 35-minute drive from the edge of town.... Read 510 reviews

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• Population 115,716

• City in Texas

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  Rating 3.95 out of 5  744 reviews

Nearby Resident: College Station, TX, is a vibrant and welcoming community that offers an exceptional blend of academic excellence, southern hospitality, and a rich cultural tapestry. Home to Texas A&M University, one of the nation's leading institutions of higher education, College Station provides a nurturing environment for students and families alike. With its strong sense of community, diverse recreational opportunities, and a thriving local economy, College Station is more than just a city; it's a place where people come together to learn, grow, and create lasting memories.... Read 744 reviews

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• Population 116,276

• City in Texas

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  Rating 4.2 out of 5  2,480 reviews

Current Resident: Austin is such a friendly city. It has a wide variety of people engaged in different cultural and artistic expressions. It has a great community for raising children. There is a nice blend of hippie and southern hospitality. The cost of living has gone up significantly and the traffic is almost impossible to get through during peak hours. It is growing fast but hopefully it doesn’t lose its charm. Honestly, it’s getting a bit too packed for me but I appreciate how people are doing their thing here and there is space for an alternative lifestyle. I wish there were mountains and an ocean nearby but the lake and the hiking is enjoyable. Barton Springs and other swimming holes make summer more manageable with the heat and humidity. There are great climbing gyms, parks, and the food is incredible! Austin is a foodie city with an array of options. There is always something happening related to music with two big festivals happening annually. There is something for everyone here!... Read 2,480 reviews

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• Population 944,658

• City in Texas

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  Rating 4.29 out of 5  1,368 reviews

Current Resident: After living in three different cities, Dallas has been my absolute favorite. It is incredibly family-oriented, with wonderful and safe neighborhoods in the area. It has an incredible education system and opportunities for all types of students. Dallas is an incredibly convenient city, with access to everything one might imagine, and is the perfect size. Dallas is proliferating, and traffic has been ramping up over the eight years I have lived here. Regardless, it is one of my favorite cities in the US!... Read 1,368 reviews

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• Population 1,300,239

• City in Texas

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  Rating 3.9 out of 5  408 reviews

Works Here: There are many good experiences that people can have in small towns. Some common examples include a strong sense of community, a slower pace of life, and the opportunity to get to know one's neighbors and local businesses. Additionally, many people enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities that are often available in small towns. Tyler is a great place to raise a family and experience a tight-knit, supportive community. Of course, what constitutes a good experience will vary depending on the individual, but there are many potential positives to living in a small town. It's difficult to say what specific changes Tyler could benefit from, as each town is unique and will have its own set of challenges and opportunities. Some possible changes that could benefit small towns include increased economic development, the creation of new job opportunities and efforts to preserve and enhance the town's natural environment and cultural heritage.... Read 408 reviews

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• Population 104,945

• City in Texas

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  Rating 3.36 out of 5  281 reviews

Current Resident: I was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas. I believe Beaumont, like any other small city, has its own unique qualities and experiences. I have many enjoyable memories from playing in the local parks, or going to the museums in downtown Beaumont. Beaumont is also full of diverse cultures, with local heritage festivals and celebrations. The local college, Lamar University, is a hidden treasure that houses one of the best engineering programs in the country, as well as other renowned majors. I firmly believe that Beaumont is a growing metropolis that has the potential to change the overall attitude of the Southeast Texas Area.... Read 281 reviews

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• Population 115,013

• City in Texas

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  335 reviews

Current Resident: Richardson, Texas is a vibrant city that offers a delightful blend of suburban charm and urban amenities. Nestled in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Richardson captivates visitors with its friendly community, diverse cultural scene, and a multitude of recreational opportunities. With its well-planned neighborhoods, Richardson provides a safe and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. The city boasts a range of parks and green spaces, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking relaxation and leisure activities. Overall, Richardson, Texas offers a dynamic and livable environment with its welcoming community, ample recreational options, educational excellence, and culinary delights. Whether you're considering a visit or a permanent move, Richardson is a city that will capture your heart.... Read 335 reviews

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• Population 115,904

• City in Texas

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  429 reviews

Current Resident: I love this town! I live in the suburban area, There are so many things to do, we are close to lakes (Lake Travis, Lake LBJ, Lake Austin, etc) and we are close to Kalahari (The largest indoor waterpark). We also have several schools in our district that are very highly educated and diverse. The weather here is very beautiful, it can be really hot, but better than cold/icy. We are close to the malls, like the Domain and Barton Creek Mall, which have a very large selection of items compared to smaller malls. The only con I would say related to Round Rock is that there aren't many things to do that don't cost money. There aren't many pretty views, mostly flat land, or cliffs that drop to lakes. The cost of living is going up daily, and the population continues to grow. I love this town though, and I wouldn't trade growing up in it for anything.... Read 429 reviews

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• Population 117,735

• City in Texas

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  Rating 4.01 out of 5  1,117 reviews

Current Resident: I was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. I moved to Arlington before the start of sixth grade and I've lived here ever since. The City of Arlington is very close to Mansfield and Grandpraire which is really great for Arlington residents. Arlington is known for homing AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Park, and Texas Live. Arlington is a growing city and an excellent place for people looking to settle down and start a family! Arlington receives only four stars because there aren't any fun activities for kids and teens. The city could also do more to engage with the community and foster a positive atmosphere. Even though I live in Arlington I attend school in the Mansfield district, which is really great. Comparing the two districts Arlington needs to step up their game. Overall, The City of Arlington is very affordable and the social life is really great.... Read 1,117 reviews

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• Population 392,304

• City in Texas

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  Rating 3.78 out of 5  687 reviews

Current Resident: Waco as a whole, feels like a very small, big town. There are many different areas in Waco that are in different economic phases, however, downtown is very charming and entertaining. The Baylor campus is gorgeous, Magnolia and fabulous, and the suburb areas are nice. There is a beautiful lake that offers walking and biking! On the other hand, there is a big homeless community, and you will often find many people pan handling on the corners.... Read 687 reviews

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• Population 136,800

• City in Texas

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  Rating 3.79 out of 5  740 reviews

Current Resident: As an Irving resident since the age of three, I feel a deep connection to this community. I'm grateful to have grown up here, graduated from local schools, and now work as the Human Resource Staffing Assistant for the Irving Independent School District. My degree is in business administration, and working in administration has been an incredible opportunity. This city and state have taught me the value of perseverance, and I'm always striving to grow and improve both personally and professionally.... Read 740 reviews

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• Population 254,184

• City in Texas

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  Rating 3.26 out of 5  275 reviews

Current Resident: I have seen a significant change in my community, especially in Midland, Texas. A wide range of food cultures, excellent housing, and friendly schools exist. Although it is usually dry and windy, Midland can improve more with more excellent swimming centers or offering more activities for teenagers around 13-18. Midland, Texas, is my home and is known as the big-money city for its oil field. There are also lovely parks, especially downtown, with live events and great shopping markets.... Read 275 reviews

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• Population 130,765

• City in Texas

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  Rating 3.2 out of 5  292 reviews

Nearby Resident: I grew up here in Odessa, Texas and then i moved to Midland, Texas. There are lots of fun things to do here and fun activities. The community is great here and they actually care about you. The opportunities are also great here and the housing is amazing. Odessa and Midland aren’t that affordable but it’s made up by all these opportunities that will give you a high salary. There are tons of places to go out to eat in Odessa. The services are great here! Crime is very low and it’s very quiet there. There are people walking around jogging, walking their dog, going on a walk, or just exploring. The weather is great here as well and the metro system is amazing. Sometimes there’s delays but it’s reasonable. Houses are pretty expensive but it’s not that bad. Most of the roads are well-maintained and clean. The schools are also great here because i went to school here and i loved it. I recommend that you come here to Odessa. I lived here when i was a child and it was amazing.... Read 292 reviews

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• Population 112,640

• City in Texas

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  Rating 3.58 out of 5  1,098 reviews

Nearby Resident: I absolutely love Corpus Christi! It has everything you could possibly need at your convenience. A big enough town to have things to do and places to see, but also small enough to not get lost like bigger cities. The only thing that does bother me, is the constant road construction that has been going one since I was a baby. Also the crazy amounts of pot holes and bad roads. All in all, it is a great place to live!... Read 1,098 reviews

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• Population 318,168

• City in Texas

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  Rating 4.12 out of 5  946 reviews

Current Resident: As a current Plano resident, I love the sense of community and social activities around here. One of my favorite things about living in Plano is the emphasis on outdoor spaces. The city has a plethora of well-maintained parks, trails, and green spaces where residents can enjoy recreational activities, picnics, or simply a leisurely stroll. Places like Arbor Hills Nature Preserve and Oak Point Park offer a serene escape from the urban hustle and bustle. The diversity of dining options is another aspect that makes Plano special. From cozy family-owned eateries to upscale restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, there's no shortage of choices for food enthusiasts. Exploring the local food scene can be a delightful adventure, and it's a great way to connect with friends and neighbors over shared meals.... Read 946 reviews

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• Population 282,181

• City in Texas

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  Rating 3.38 out of 5  607 reviews

Current Resident: Tons of restaurants, stores, and activities of all nationalities. Most people you meet in the public are kind and generous, however there is some crime involvement in the community.... Read 607 reviews

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• Population 150,082

• City in Texas

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  Rating 3.97 out of 5  2,487 reviews

Current Resident: Fort Worth Is a great city! Friendly and spontaneous, there's always something new! It has the thrill of the big city with the safety and coziness of small hometown. From the Botanical Research Institute of Texas and Botanical Gardens to the #1 zoo in the country, quality experiences are everywhere. The temperature gets high, but luckily, the Water Gardens are public and open in the summer. Another summer highlight? The Stockyards are impossible to miss, a tradition that gathers spectators from over 5 continents yearly. More of a science person? Check out the Perot in downtown DFW, or the Natural History museum. A music lover? How about the Cliburn Nationals or the Ft. Worth Symphony's Summerside concerts? For the theater kids, Bass Hall is a must-see, and for the art enthusiasts... there's The Modern, The Kimbell, The Sid Richardson, The Amon Carter, and more! Fort Worth is a place bursting with creativity, and you'll love it here. You just might not know it yet.... Read 2,487 reviews

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• Population 908,469

• City in Texas

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  Rating 3.93 out of 5  2,067 reviews

Current Resident: I was born and raised in the sun city El Paso. I love this city so much because of the diversity. Being right next to the border and having Fort Bliss, El Paso has become a very diverse culture that I love to be around. I also feel El Paso is a very safe city compared to others for its size. Most people in El Paso are liberal and open minded which I consider a plus as well. I think public education is pretty good with the better districts being Ysleta and Socorro. The only thing I wish to change about El Paso are the highways. They were built when this city had a smaller population and now with the city being much bigger, they can't hold all of the traffic. This leads to a lot of traffic in the afternoons which can be a hassle to get through. Other than that, I am proud to be a resident of the city of the 915 and plan to live here when I am older as well!... Read 2,067 reviews

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• Population 676,395

• City in Texas

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  Rating 4.2 out of 5  4,459 reviews

Current Resident: Overall, my experience living in San Antonio, Texas has been great! I really enjoy the small-town feel of the city combined with big-city amenities. There's always something to do, whether it's visiting the Riverwalk or exploring the historic missions. The very mild winters are also a big plus for me. One thing I particularly like about San Antonio is the low cost of living and cheaper real estate. It is more affordable compared to other major cities in Texas like Austin or Dallas. Additionally, the city has a booming economy with plenty of job opportunities. If there was one thing I could change about San Antonio, it would be the traffic. It's not as bad as other cities I have visited, like Houston, but there are times when traffic can be frustrating and time-consuming. Overall, I am happy living in San Antonio and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great place to live.... Read 4,459 reviews

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• Population 1,434,540

• City in Texas

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  Rating 3.92 out of 5  626 reviews

Current Resident: There is so much to love about Denton! There is great local food and coffee, and a lot of local music because of UNT's music school. The city can feel small, but actually spreads out wider than you realize at first, and there is more to explore than meets the eye. It also just has a wonderful character that is really unique from many Texas cities. It's very nice to be within an hour to Dallas and Fort Worth. Because the job pool is not huge, depending on your field it is possible that you'll have a long daily commute to a nearby suburb. There also are not currently many transportation options for people who don't have a car. Some areas are walkable, but some definitely are not, and the bus system can be unreliable.... Read 626 reviews

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• Population 139,704

• City in Texas

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  Rating 3.71 out of 5  922 reviews

Current Resident: Lubbock has been the best city the past four years. Growing up I visited all the time because my little sister had doctors appointments at UMC. It was great back then, the people were always kind and went out of their way to make a good impression about the city. You won't find kinder people - even the college students working at "Spanky's". And now as a college student in the same city, I am still as impressed as I was a decade ago. In fact, a large reason for wanting to come to Texas Tech was because of how friendly people were. Furthermore, Lubbock is a foodie paradise, filled with great locally owned restaurants and franchise's. It is a perfect city with diverse groups of people - college students, country and city types, families and much more. It is guaranteed you will find your people in Lubbock. It has amazing history with Buddy Holly, former congressman and more!... Read 922 reviews

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• Population 255,537

• City in Texas

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  Rating 3.68 out of 5  966 reviews

Current Resident: For most of my life I have spent it living in Brownsville. Downtown is where I have all my treasured memories are at, living with my grandparents and going on late night strolls with them around those streets will always be close to my heart. I know many people just like that have spent their whole life here that are tired of the same old things, but i strongly disagree. I believe that Brownsville is growing and changing for the better. As a child you don't realize the dangers that are lurking around you, but as you get older you begin to see the ugliness that's around you. Now that I'm much older I remember how unsafe our environment was and how poor our city is. Without a doubt in my mind Brownsville is so much better than what it used to be. With the arrival of well known CEO and chief technology officer of SpaceX, our city has definitely gotten more diverse and tourism is at it's highest its ever been. I'm really proud of where I come from and how much this city has grown.... Read 966 reviews

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• Population 185,849

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  Rating 3.64 out of 5  399 reviews

Current Resident: I really love the people of Abilene, but we have some pretty broken systems here. There are so many people of our town experiencing homelessness and there is not really a good way to combat that within our government or leadership. But the people are really the best part of this place. When I came to Abilene for college, I expected to be bored all the time and thought that I would want to leave quickly. But there are always things to do here and people to see and I am really dreading having to leave this city in a year. Something that I would like to see change is the stark contrast between the "good" and "bad" neighborhoods of this city. There is major poverty here right up next to obscene wealth.... Read 399 reviews

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• Population 125,474

• City in Texas

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  Rating 3.64 out of 5  497 reviews

Current Resident: It is a small city. I love the small town feel with the opportunity to do large city activities. The citizens are respectful, kind, and hard working. Amarillo has great first responders and a supporting community! The cost of living is one of the best in Texas! Amarillo also has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the State of Texas, residents have no problem finding a job here! It is believed that there are more jobs than there are people! Exceptional education is provided here and there are many college opportunities. Great place to raise a family!... Read 497 reviews

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• Population 200,371