A trip to East Texas caters to visitors of all interests.
Whether you’re enamored by wildlife, passionate about history or a fan of flora and fauna, there’s an activity or adventure for you.
Bordered by the Piney Woods on the edge of Louisiana and Arkansas, to the prairies on the eastern end of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, this pocket of Texas is a cultural hub and natural wonderland, with acres to explore and enjoy.
Here’s a list of 21 of the top things to do in East Texas.
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How to get around East Texas
Like most of Texas, the best way to get around East Texas is to explore on your own by car!
If you’re visiting and need to rent a car, we highly recommend Discover Cars where they find you the best car rental deals from all of the competitors (has saved us so much money!).
Okay, everyone grab their best vintage Texas tee and let’s get going!
1. Visit Jefferson
Go back in history to the bustling 19th century riverport town of Jefferson.
A visit to Jefferson is one of the most popular things to do in East Texas, and for good reason.
Some of the highlights include the Historic Jefferson Railway tours, the Jefferson Historical Museum and the Graceful Ghost paddlewheel steamboat on Caddo lake.
If you’re visiting at Christmastime, the annual parade and festivities bring highly anticipated festive cheer to the whole city.
Even outside of the peak festive period, the quaint brick streets and horse-drawn carriage tours showcase the charm that makes this Southern city such a delight to visit.
2. Visit the Rose Capital of the United States
One of the top things to see in East Texas is the Rose Festival of Tyler.
If you visit the town of Tyler during October, you’ll be treated to the spectacular annual Rose Festival, a three-day celebration of the significance of roses in the town’s history.
But even if you’re visiting outside of the main festival week, take a stroll around the town’s grand rose garden, where over 40,000 rose bushes bloom from March to the start of winter.
3. Visit the Big Thicket National Preserve
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Big Thicket National Preserve provides an array of adventurous activities, set within the impressive setting of the grand cypress trees and bountiful waterways.
Whilst there are no official campsites, DIY camping is permitted so bring your tent and sleeping bag along if you like.
If you only have time for a daytime activity, you can choose from hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and fishing.
4. Take a ride on the Texas State Railroad
One of the most popular things to do in East Texas is to take a ride on the Texas State Railroad.
Since the late 19th century, the Texas State Railroad has been a key piece of infrastructure in East Texas, ferrying timber and other goods between the towns of Palestine and Rusk.
Whilst the Railroad is no longer used for ferrying cargo anymore, visitors can now climb aboard to take a scenic ride through the Piney Woods of East Texas.
5. Try your luck at Bass Fishing
One of the most popular outdoor activities to do in East Texas is bass fishing.
Playing host to three of the top bass lakes in the country, there are plenty of opportunities to try your hand at the sport.
Lake O’ the Pines is abundant with white, yellow, spotted and striped bass, making it a favorite bass fishing spot for both locals and visitors.
6. Visit the East Texas State Fair
Every September, the town of Tyler hosts the East Texas State Fair, a ten day family friendly celebration, complete with carnival rides, live music and livestock shows.
There’s plenty to see and do in the park so plan your visit in advance. You can choose to explore the Caldwell Zoo, the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum, the Discovery Science Place or attend a live musical show hosted by the East Texas Symphony.
There’s also plenty of food vendors and a farmer’s market to stock up on snacks to keep you energized.
7. Visit the city of Beaumont
The coastal city of Beaumont lies approximately 85 miles east of Houston, and plays an important part in Texan history.
Known as the site of the first oil discovery in Texas and the start of the Texas oil boom, there’s lots to see and learn during a visit to this historically significant city.
One of the key attractions is the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum. A visit here will transport you back in time as you take in the historical replicas and period reenactments by talented actors, showcasing a snippet of what life was like in Beaumont during the early 20th century.
8. Alternative things to do in Beaumont
If you’ve got some extra time in Beaumont, or you’d rather explore more of the wildlife than the history, there’s plenty of other activities for you to choose from.
You can visit the Gator Country Adventure Park to see the three hundred alligators and crocodiles that call this park home.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Big Al, the largest alligator in captivity. At nearly four meters long, he’s one you’ll want to watch out for.
9. Explore the largest flea market in the USA
One of the most popular things to do in East Texas is visit the First Monday Trade Days flea market.
The First Monday Trade Days is not only the largest flea market in the nation, it’s also got a quirky twist in its name because this market doesn’t actually run on a Monday at all.
Spanning from the Thursday to the Sunday before the first Monday of each month, this expansive market offers hidden gems for every type of treasure hunter.
If you’re in Canton, be sure to spend a few hours trawling through the stalls and you’ll come across vintage finds, from records, books to quirky Texan memorabilia. Giant carved bison skull for your wall, anyone?
10. Do a wildlife safari
One of the most memorable things to do in East Texas is the Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari in Jacksonville.
This 300-acre nature reserve is home to a myriad of exotic wildlife, including the African longhorn cow, blackbucks, zebras and other non-native wildlife.
You can drive your own vehicle through the park on a self-guided tour and even stop to feed some of the animals that call the reserve home.
11. Take part in Tomato Fest
Did you know Jacksonville is also known as the ‘Tomato Capital of the World’?
If you’re visiting during June, you’ll hopefully get a first hand glimpse at why Jacksonville takes on the title of World’s Largest Bowl of Salsa.
Spanning four days of events, including a tomato eating contest, tomato peeling contest, the best homegrown contest and street dancing, this is a local celebration you should definitely get involved in, even if it’s just to take a bite of one of the locally grown red rubies.
Top tip, don’t wear white.
12. Visit the Cultural Capital of East Texas
The City of Marshall offers some of the most interesting historical sights to see in East Texas.
Not only is the city home to many landmark buildings, such as the Starr Family Home State Historic Site and the Harrison County Courthouse, the locals have also made a dedicated effort to preserve the grandeur of these architectural gems.
Take a stroll downtown and you’ll get to spy many of the traditional buildings that gave the city its unique flair.
Many of the buildings also offer tours so you can glimpse the artwork and structures from the inside. One of the most popular places of interest is the Harrison County Courthouse, which offers tours from Tuesdays to Saturdays.
13. Visit Marshall during Christmas
If you’re in Marshall during Christmastime, you’ll be treated to the largest Christmas festival in Texas and also the largest light festival in the country.
The ‘Wonderland of Lights’ typically kicks off in late November and includes a full calendar of events and sights to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.
Some of the events include the annual Courthouse lighting ceremony, the Christmas parade and the Outdoor Christmas Market that draws crowds from all over the country.
If you can time your visit to coincide, the annual Christmas parade is an extravaganza of lights, costumes and carols galore.
14. See a rodeo
A classic Texas tradition and especially popular in East Texas are the various rodeos held across various counties, most commonly from February through to May.
Depending on where you are and the time of your visit, there’s a range of rodeos you can choose to visit.
Some of the biggest names include the Kiss n Kick Rodeo in Seguin and the WPRA Elite Extravaganza in Waco, both held during March. If you’re visiting during April, you can book in to see the famed 1836 Chuckwagon Race in Palestine.
15. Visit the City of Uncertain
One of the most unique places to visit in East Texas is the City of Uncertain.
Commonly regarded as a place of mystery, the City of Uncertain is popularly referred to as the ‘best kept secret in Texas’. Along the shores of Lake Caddo, you’ll find a remote town of exotic beauty, vast wetlands and unique mystery.
Many of the biggest events and activities in the town are centered around the lake, from fireworks and parades to boating and fishing expeditions.
There’s also unique accommodation available, from cabins and lake-side lodges that will give you a true flavor of the quirkiness that gives this city its name.
16. Visit nearby Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Built for the preservation and protection of migratory birds and other wildlife, the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most interesting places to visit in East Texas.
With a vast wildlife sanctuary that is free to visit and full of activities, including horseback riding, biking, hunting and wildlife photography, there is plenty to see and do at the Refuge.
Be sure to stop in to the visitors center to learn more about the important work carried out by the Refuge in conserving the local and native wildlife that resides in the sanctuary.
17. Visit the oldest town in Texas
Nacogdoches is not only the oldest town in Texas, but also a celebration of the unique blend of American history, Spanish architecture and Southern charm that makes up this historical community.
Originally a Spanish settlement, there are plenty of activities on offer to give you an insight to the history of the town, such as the Henderson Oil Field Tour and a visit to Millard’s Crossing Historical Village.
If you’re happy to simply roam the town at your own leisurely pace, you can enjoy the Victorian-style architecture and the red brick streets in downtown.
18. Visit Athens Scuba Park
With more than twenty sunken dive wrecks to explore, Athens Scuba Park is a true wonderland for divers and scuba aficionados, making a visit to Athens Scuba Park one of the most fun things to do in East Texas.
This world class diving site attracts visitors from all over the world for its all inclusive dive facility that offers classes, PADI certifications and its very own private jet fit for ten people.
From beginner scuba divers, experts and those just looking for a relaxed day of easy snorkeling, there’s a suitable activity for all at this eight-acre adventure park.
19. Visit Shelby County
One of the most popular things to do in East Texas is visit the gateway to Texas forest country, also known as Shelby.
Encompassing various natural reserves and lakes, there are plenty of activities for travelers of all ages and interests.
You can choose to go camping at Lake Pinkston or the Toledo Best Reservoir, or go fishing, hunting or biking at the Sabine National Forest.
Keep an eye out for some spectacular local wildlife too, from the beautiful water fowl and the songbirds.
20. Play a round of golf at Coldspring
For a fun day out in East Texas, spend an afternoon on one of the twenty-five golf courses surrounding Coldspring.
There are both private and public golf courses, including some with grand country clubs that offer a luxurious break away from the course.
The oldest course and one of the most popular is the Livingston Municipal Golf Course which is 6,108 yards and is located approximately fifteen miles away from the center of Coldspring.
21. Attend the Edom Festival
Running annually since 1972, this festival of art is an annual celebration in the craft community of Edom, Texas.
Originally sponsored by the 279 Artisans Trail to support local artists, the celebrations include antique shows, art shows, hot rod car shows and craft demonstrations.
The trail also includes a number of nurseries, boutiques, spas and restaurants that you can explore at your own leisurely pace.
You can also try unique local food from the many vendors that participate, including the Cajun gumbo, corn dogs and locally made gourmet ice cream.
22. Angelina National Forest
This national forest is where you’ll find your inner peace, get your steps in on the hiking trails, or reconnect with nature with over 100,000 acres of recreational areas.
Birdwatchers absolutely love this national forest, and fishermen can check out the incredible lake with lots of things to catch.
There are marked trails for hiking so you can plan out your day!
23. Davy Crockett National Forest
The Davy Crockett National Forest actually became a National Forest in 1936 and has been providing a family-friendly place to become one with nature ever since.
Put on your hiking boots and walk all around the forest, or go fishing in the lake or enjoy a swim at Ratcliff Lake.
It was named for none other than of course, Davy Crocket, an icon of the “wild frontier” and you can even go primitive camping if you want to really get back to the basics.
Hiking lovers will enjoy the view from the Four C National Recreation Trail, and you can even go horseback riding on Piney Creek Horse Trail.
Keep an eye out for that wildlife, including turkeys, deer, and woodpeckers!
Make sure to “leave no trace” of your visit and take trash with you when you leave.
24. Texarkana, Arkansas (and Texas)
Texarkana, so named because it combines Texas and Arkansas, is a fantastic place to go if you want to be in two states at once.
Downtown Texarkana is walkable and historic, and while you’re there you’ve got to head to the Ace of Clubs House.
This House, built in 1885, is shaped like a playing card club and is a must-see.
There’s also other things to do, like the Museum of Regional History and the Four States Auto Museum.
If you’re hungry, stop at Zapata’s for some incredible guacamole and margaritas or try Pecan Point Gastropub for the burgers that you’ll talk about the whole ride home.
25. Cool off at the Waterpark at the Villages
This enclosed water park is a great way to cool off in East Texas while making sure that you can let the kids run around a bit more freely.
You’ll find it in Flint, Texas, and it’s a must-do for families.
Spend the day floating around the lazy river, plunge down the waterslides, or jump up and down in the wave pool.
The genius part of it is that you can head here even in the cold weather, and in the summer months, you’ll still get the sun streaming through the glass structure.
26. Go fishing on Lake Palestine
Lake Palestine is a great lake for boating and fishing in East Texas.
Head to the Village Marina where you can set off on your pontoon boat, rent peddalos, or head off on a fishing expedition from the boat ramps.
The lake is consistently used for largemouth bass tournaments due to the sheer number of fish in the lake, and you can also find catfish and spotted bass.
Have a peaceful day on the water with this excellent East Texas activity.
27. Spend the day in Atlanta State Park
If you want to get out into nature and get “lost” on some trails, Atlanta State Park is the place to do it!
And of course, we’re talking about Atlanta in Texas, not Georgia!
It’s quiet, peaceful, the camping sites are huge, and the rangers are incredibly friendly.
Take a picnic and just spend the afternoon, or stay all day and go canoeing.
It’s right on the shores of Wright Patman Lake, a large lake featuring plenty of water activities and one of the most beautiful sunsets in all of Texas.