Sometimes the best destinations are just off the beaten path. Olympus 7th Street Station is here to help you uncover some of Texas’ hidden gems. So, if you’re planning your next getaway, give these three underrated Texas cities a look.

El Paso

El Paso doesn’t make too many trendy vacation lists, but it has a lot going for it. This diverse city along the United States’ southern border is steeped in history and culture, and it lives up to its “Sun City” nickname with year-round sunshine. It packs quite the scenic punch, too, with the picturesque Franklin Mountains towering over the skyline.

So what, exactly, is there to do here? Plenty! A lively downtown scene. Unreal restaurants in an unreal variety of flavors. Deep dives into history at destinations like the El Paso Mission Trail and the El Paso Museum of Archaeology. Rock climbing at nearby Hueco Tanks State Park. Miles and miles of biking trails. Sun-drenched golf courses. Epic music festivals. Plus, the most awesomely named minor league baseball team in all the land – the El Paso Chihuahuas. We could go on, but you get the picture. Don’t overlook El Paso when planning your next weekend away.

Canyon

Situated at the edge of Palo Duro Canyon State Park, this tiny Panhandle city south of Amarillo is one of the most scenic spots in the state. Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the U.S., is known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” and it lives up to the nickname. The city of Canyon is the ideal home base from which to explore the sprawling natural wonder that is Palo Duro Canyon, where you can hike, bike, horseback ride, camp, or simply check out the diverse wildlife. A must-do if you visit in the summer is the Texas Outdoor Musical at the park’s spectacular Pioneer Amphitheater, an outdoor venue that plays off the canyon’s natural beauty. If you’re into the great outdoors, give Canyon a look.

Rockport

This quaint coastal hamlet is often overshadowed by its much bigger neighbor, Corpus Christi, but it’s well worth a visit. From the white sand beaches to the delectable seafood, you can’t go wrong with Rockport in Aransas County. Popular attractions include the Fulton Mansion, Texas Maritime Museum, and Goose Island State Park. Oh, and did we mention the beaches? The city’s namesake Rockport Beach is Texas’ only Blue Wave Beach-certified stretch of shore and features endless opportunities for fun. So find a cozy cottage or bungalow to rent and make a weekend of it in Rockport.

Explore More

Looking for more things to do and explore in Fort Worth and beyond? Check out the Olympus 7th Street Station blog for inspiration.