9 Underrated Cities in Texas to Visit

Here are a few Texas cities that don’t get enough attention.

These cities go unnoticed by many travelers, yet there is so much to see and do in Texas. Here are nine underrated cities in Texas to visit the next time you have time for a road trip.

Takeaways:

• In a recent study, El Paso ranked as the city no one visits. It attracts only 2 million tourists, one of the lowest numbers among other cities.
• Cowtown, aka Fort Worth, offers an outstanding balance between its famous attractions and mild weather, and yet it gets only 11.5 million tourists annually. That’s large, yes, but compared to Dallas’s 27 million, it’s low.
• Port Arthur, one of the coolest coastal towns with a state park and the neatest boardwalk, which gets 250K visitors a year, is one of the least crowded destinations among Texas coastal towns.

Texas Travel Talk researched a recent study, online media, and several other forums to identify the most underrated cities in Texas. We came up with nine of them – not necessarily the top underrated cities, but towns that offer a lot for tourists.

9 Most Underrated Cities in Texas

We selected nine underrated cities in Texas and explained why you should consider visiting them.

1. El Paso

El Paso is the most underrated city, attracting 2 million tourists annually. From the sweeping vistas of Franklin Mountains State Park to the rich cultural performances at the Plaza Theatre, this underrated city offers travelers unforgettable experiences. El Paso has plenty of shopping, restaurants & bars, and coffee shops. But one reason El Paso is underrated and overlooked is that it is so far west of the rest of Texas. However, it has an airport you can fly into, rent a car, and drive to Big Bend National Park. That’s just one option for family travel.

When I was young, I remember driving through El Paso on our way to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. I don’t know whether we stopped, but I do remember my parents discussing it. I took that drive again years later, but again, I don’t remember stopping in El Paso for any length of time.

El Paso, TX Highlights

2. Pearland

Pearland is a shopping hub in the area with many name-brand stores and a walkable outdoor mall. There’s also a hotel in the midst of all the shopping. It’s also one of Houston’s fastest-growing suburbs. It’s not called Pearland (pear-land) for nothing. I used to call it Pearl-and, and still do if I don’t watch it. But the pear orchards tell a story, and with all the pear statues around town, perhaps you won’t make the same mistake as I did. But it’s okay if you do, because when we were there, they told us we weren’t the only ones who made the name mistake.

Give Pearland a try the next time you’re in Houston or on your way to Galveston.

My mom and I visited Pearland several years ago and enjoyed our time, especially the hunt for all the pears scattered around town.

Mother-Daughter Trip To Pearland, TX

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Pearland, TX Highlights

3. Brownsville

At Texas’s southern border lies a destination often overlooked by visitors bound for South Padre Island. Yet it boasts world-class birdwatching, the acclaimed Gladys Porter Zoo, a vibrant fusion of Mexican and American cultures, and striking colonial-era architecture.

As of August 2025, Brownsville is the only City in Cameron and Hidalgo counties to hold the Tourism Friendly Texas City designation. Not sure if this is legit, but Brownsville’s title is “Taco Capital of Texas.”

Brownsville, TX Highlights

FYI: Fly into Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport.

4. Fort Worth

Visitors are drawn to its western heritage and cultural hotspots, such as the Fort Worth Stockyards. Fort Worth is worth a trip. Skip Dallas, and drive west of the airport to Cowtown!

I’m a little biased as I was born in Fort Worth, raised in Tarrant County, and now live just north of the city in another town. I love Fort Worth! Give it a try next time you fly into the airport, and don’t skip E Exchange Street and Main Street – that’s where the cowboys are – ha!

Fort Worth Stockyards Family Fun Round-Up

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Fort Worth, TX Highlights

5. Galveston

Once considered underrated, Galveston has recently become a sought-after Texas getaway. Even with its growing popularity, the island still offers endless opportunities for family adventure. With its exceptional coastal charm, however, I’ve been told, if you’re going to drive 8 hours to Galveston, you might as well drive a little further to Florida beaches.

Galveston, TX Highlights

6. Lockhart

Lockhart is a hidden gem proudly known as the Barbecue Capital of Texas. Beyond its legendary smoked meats, the town offers natural beauty and memorable experiences. True-crime enthusiasts can step inside the Caldwell County Museum, once a working jailhouse, and explore the very cells that held Texas outlaws.

For a dose of vintage charm, catch a live performance at the Gaslight-Baker Theatre, a historic venue entertaining audiences since the 1920s. Of course, no visit is complete without savoring Lockhart’s iconic barbecue—whether at Black’s Barbecue, Barbs BBQ, or another local favorite.

Lockhart, TX Highlights

7. Nacogdoches

Nacogdoches, situated in East Texas, is Texas’s oldest town, with a heritage spanning more than 300 years, as reflected in the nine flags that have flown above it. The Downtown Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This is an underrated city I have not personally been to. I’m embarrassed to say that, but I’ll get there.

Nacogdoches, TX Highlights

8. Alpine

Alpine is a popular town known for its arts, unique culture, and Sul Ross State University. Have you heard the story of Hancock Hill, home to “The Sul Ross Desk”? If not, Google it – it’s pretty cool.

The heartbeat of the town is found in its local shops. At Ring Tail Records, music lovers uncover rare treasures and sometimes walk away with a free mixtape. Just a short stroll away, Murphy Street Provisions mixes the practical with the playful—stocking sunscreen for Texas wanderers alongside whimsical souvenirs that let visitors carry a piece of the town home.

Alpine’s rugged peaks and sweeping desert valleys have stirred the imagination for generations, turning the town itself into a living gallery of art.

Alpine, TX Highlights

9. Port Arthur

Discover a historic seaport town where Texas history comes alive—from its crucial role in the Civil War to its vibrant present-day culture. With waterfront charm, preserved landmarks, and a thriving community, it offers visitors a journey through time along the Gulf Coast. Here is how to spend a perfect day in Port Arthur, TX.

Did you know Port Arthur nabbed the Cajun Capital of Texas a couple of years ago? That’s worth a trip, right there!

Port Arthur, TX Highlights

Texas is full of overlooked gems that combine history, culture, and natural beauty, free from the bustle of Austin, Dallas, or Houston. If you’re planning a trip to less-crowded places, these underrated cities in Texas are perfect for blending authentic heritage with modern charm.

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