Top-Ranked Texas Attractions

State Tourism Office Offers List of Most Popular Attractions in Lone Star State

Every year in Texas, the Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism commissions a study to determine the most popular tourist attractions in the state. The results of the 2005 study, which was conducted by Virginia-based D.K. Shifflet & Associates, have been released.

The survey ranks attractions overall, as well as two sub-categories: in-state visitors and out-of-state visitors. In-state visitors must have traveled in excess of 50 miles to reach the attraction in order for the visit to be counted.

It comes as no surprise that San Antonio led the state in the number of Top 10 attractions in a single city. Once again, the in-state and out-of-state lists were fairly similar. However, a few items "swapped spots." But, overall, it seems in-state and out-of-state visitors agree, for the most part, on what is worth seeing and doing while on vacation in the Lone Star State.

2005 Top Attractions (in-state visitors):

1. San Marcos Outlet Malls

2. Paseo del Rio (River Walk)

3. Alamo

4. Sea World of Texas

5. Padre Island National Seashore

6. State Capitol

7. Houston Space Center

8. Six Flags Over Texas

9. Texas State Aquarium

10. South Padre Island

2005 Top Attractions (out-of-state visitors):

1. Alamo

2. Paseo del Rio (River Walk)

3. Six Flags Over Texas

4. South Padre Island

5. Sea World of Texas

6. Moody Gardens

7. State Capitol

8. State Fair of Texas 9. San Marcos Outlet Malls

10. Padre Island National Seashore