Texas is bursting with exciting new places to explore in 2025! From cutting-edge museums to mouth-watering restaurants and thrilling attractions, the Lone Star State has something for everyone this year. Pack your bags and get ready to discover these brand-new Texas treasures that are making waves across the state.
National Medal of Honor Museum — Arlington
Forget stuffy history displays! Arlington’s gleaming $300M tribute to American heroes opened March 25, 2025, revolutionizing how we experience military history.
The museum’s cutting-edge VR exhibits transport visitors into the shoes of Medal of Honor recipients, bringing their incredible stories to life through immersive technology. Kids and adults alike can interact with touchscreen timelines and participate in guided reflection spaces.
The striking glass-and-steel building, designed to symbolize courage and sacrifice, features a central atrium where light changes throughout the day. Weekend programs include veteran meet-and-greets and hands-on activities for young history buffs.
Splash Island Water Island — Arlington
Summer heat doesn’t stand a chance at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor’s newest tropical paradise! Splash Island Water Island made waves when it opened in May 2025, becoming an instant hit with thrill-seekers and relaxation-lovers alike.
The centerpiece attraction, Texas’s largest corkscrew slide, sends riders spiraling down at heart-pounding speeds. For those preferring a gentler pace, floating hammocks suspended just above the water offer a perfect spot to soak up the sun.
Families love the shallow splash zones with mini slides and water cannons. The island’s lush landscaping, with over 200 palm trees and exotic flowers, creates an authentic tropical feel despite being in the heart of Arlington.
La Nube STEAM Discovery Center — El Paso
El Paso’s skyline gained a stunning cloud-shaped addition when La Nube opened on August 10, 2024. This 77,000-square-foot wonderland stands as one of America’s first fully bilingual science centers, welcoming curious minds of all ages.
Spanish and English exhibits flow seamlessly throughout five interactive zones focused on robotics, environmental science, digital art, engineering, and space exploration. Young inventors can build and test their own creations in dedicated maker spaces equipped with 3D printers and coding stations.
The center’s “Sky Laboratory” features a glass floor suspended 40 feet above the main atrium, offering breathtaking views and hands-on weather experiments. Monthly family nights include stargazing sessions and cultural celebrations highlighting Latino contributions to science.
Texas Museum of Contemporary Art — Austin
Austin’s Cultural District welcomed a bold architectural masterpiece when TMCA opened its doors on June 1, 2025. Designed by renowned firm BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), the building itself is an artwork of sweeping curves and dramatic angles.
The inaugural exhibition “Visions of Tomorrow” showcases groundbreaking AI-inspired installations alongside powerful video art by celebrated artists including Kara Walker. One standout piece allows visitors to see their movements transformed into digital brushstrokes on massive wall projections.
The museum’s rooftop garden features sculptures that change appearance throughout the day as shadows shift across their surfaces. TMCA’s commitment to accessibility includes touch tours for visually impaired visitors and sensory-friendly hours every Tuesday morning.
NASA: The Apollo Project Exhibit — Frisco
Space enthusiasts are flocking to Frisco Heritage Museum for this rare opportunity to experience NASA history up close. Running from February 20 to June 28, 2025, this free exhibition brings the Apollo missions back to Earth.
Visitors can marvel at authentic artifacts including a lunar module replica and moon rock samples. The highlight for many is the Apollo mission simulator where you can attempt your own lunar landing while facing the same challenges as the original astronauts.
Mark your calendar for second Saturdays when special planetarium demonstrations and lectures by former NASA engineers enhance the experience. The February 26 opening reception features an appearance by astronaut Charlie Duke, one of only 12 humans to walk on the moon.
Perseid Bistro at Hotel Saint Augustine — Houston
Houston’s dining scene gained a stellar new player when Perseid Bistro opened in mid-January 2025. Nestled inside the chic Hotel Saint Augustine, this restaurant marries classic French techniques with Gulf Coast ingredients to create something truly special.
The signature coq au vin arrives bathed in a Texas oyster jus that locals can’t stop talking about. Vintage 1970s-inspired decor—think plush velvet booths, brass accents, and starburst chandeliers—creates an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and thoroughly modern.
Chef Marielle Thompson sources ingredients from within 100 miles whenever possible, including herbs grown on the hotel’s rooftop garden. The restaurant’s name honors the summer meteor shower, reflected in the ceiling’s fiber-optic lighting that mimics shooting stars across a night sky.
Mayahuel Mexican Restaurant — Houston
Chef Luis Robledo’s love letter to Mexico’s rich culinary heritage opened in Autry Park this July 2025. Named after the Aztec goddess of agave, Mayahuel celebrates regional Mexican cooking beyond the familiar Tex-Mex offerings.
The squash blossom tostadas topped with huitlacoche crema have quickly become the must-order item. Every detail reflects authentic Mexican craftsmanship, from hand-painted Talavera tiles to custom mezcal glasses created by Oaxacan artisans.
The restaurant’s circular bar showcases over 100 varieties of tequila and mezcal, with knowledgeable servers guiding guests through tasting flights. Weekend brunches feature live mariachi performances, while the outdoor patio offers stunning views of Buffalo Bayou Park and downtown Houston’s skyline.
Contemporary Pavilion at MFAH — Houston
The Museum of Fine Arts Houston expanded its already impressive campus with the stunning Contemporary Pavilion in early 2025. This 30,000-square-foot addition creates space for boundary-pushing exhibitions that blend visual art with film and cutting-edge technology.
Floor-to-ceiling windows flood galleries with natural light, while movable walls allow the space to transform completely between exhibitions. The pavilion’s inaugural show features light installations that respond to visitors’ movements, creating unique patterns with each passing group.
Free public programs include monthly “Technology and Art” workshops where participants create their own digital masterpieces. The building’s sustainable design incorporates solar panels and a rainwater collection system that supplies the museum’s decorative fountains and garden irrigation.
Juneteenth Culture Fest & Freedom Wall — Houston
Houston celebrated freedom and Black excellence at the Juneteenth Culture Fest on June 14-15, 2025. The festival’s centerpiece, The Freedom Wall, quickly became a powerful community art project and Instagram favorite.
Festival attendees contributed personal stories, photographs, and artwork to this massive interactive mural celebrating Black Texan history. Professional artists helped integrate contributions into a cohesive visual narrative spanning from Emancipation to present-day achievements.
Beyond the mural, the festival featured performances by Grammy-winning musicians, cooking demonstrations of traditional soul food, and panel discussions with civil rights leaders. Organizers plan to preserve the wall digitally and physically, with sections traveling to schools throughout Texas as educational exhibits during Black History Month.
