Texas in Movies and TV: Famous Filming Locations You Can Visit
Just outside of Austin, the Texas Hill Country offers a striking backdrop that has drawn filmmakers for decades. Set in the charming town of Dripping Springs, the Hamilton Pool Preserve presents a dramatic scene with its jade-green pool and waterfall tumbling out of a collapsed grotto. This natural swimming hole was a filming location for several movies, including scenes from the indie drama “Boyhood.” Visitors can explore the roughly half-mile trail from the parking area down to the pool, a moderate hike that rewards with stunning views and a chance to cool off in crystal-clear waters. The preserve’s setting amidst limestone cliffs and sprawling oak trees makes it a uniquely serene spot to connect with Texas’s rugged beauty and cinematic history, best enjoyed in the spring or early summer before the summer crowds arrive.
Traveling west toward Marfa, a small town nestled in the high desert about three hours from El Paso, reveals an unexpected crossroads of art, film, and mystery. Marfa gained international cinema fame as the backdrop for the cult classic “Giant” starring James Dean and Rock Hudson. Visitors can wander through the minimalist galleries and the Marfa Lights Viewing Area, famous for the unexplained glowing orbs that appear at night. The landscape’s surreal, expansive vistas and open skies give filmmakers a dreamlike canvas, which continues to attract filmmakers and artists alike. Autumn offers a pleasant climate here, with cooler evenings perfect for spotting the elusive lights and absorbing the town’s quietly eccentric charm.
In the heart of Dallas, the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History and Culture offers a tangible link to films and TV shows that depict the city’s storied past. Housed in a stunning Romanesque Revival courthouse building, the museum provides exhibits on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy—a pivotal moment that has been depicted in numerous productions, including Oliver Stone’s “JFK.” Visitors can explore detailed exhibits featuring photographs, artifacts, and multimedia presentations that bring the drama and history of Dallas to life. The museum’s architecture itself is a visual feast, making it distinct among Texas’s cultural institutions. Spring and fall visits allow guests to combine indoor learning with pleasant strolls around nearby Dealey Plaza.
Southwest of Houston, the town of La Grange sits approximately 90 miles away and is famous as the site of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” The eerie farmhouse that inspired the film’s chilling story was located near this area, and the town embraces its horror film heritage with tours and local lore. Visitors can explore the Fayette County Museum to learn about the real history of the region, contrasting it with the macabre imagery popularized on screen. The rural landscape itself—the sprawling fields and dense woods—adds a palpable sense of isolation that filmmakers have captured so well. Late fall, with its crisp air and muted colors, heightens the spooky ambiance for those tracing the film’s roots.
In San Antonio, the Alamo stands as an iconic historic site that has appeared in countless films and television series, dramatizing Texas’s struggle for independence. Located right in downtown San Antonio, the Alamo Mission draws visitors to its preserved chapel, long barracks, and interactive exhibits that recount the famous 1836 battle. The site’s unique mix of Spanish colonial architecture and Texan history makes it a magnet for filmmakers seeking authenticity. Walking the grounds, visitors can imagine the scenes that have unfolded here on screen and in history. The early morning hours offer a quieter, more reflective experience before the crowds arrive, especially in cooler months when the San Antonio heat is more manageable.
About an hour northeast of Houston lies the small city of Conroe, near Lake Conroe, which has been a favored location for filming outdoor action sequences and family dramas alike. The nearby Sam Houston National Forest offers miles of hiking and biking trails, like the Lone Star Hiking Trail, stretching over 100 miles through piney woods. This lush forest setting has been used in productions requiring dense woods and tranquil water scenes. Visitors can enjoy kayaking on Lake Conroe or exploring the forest trails, immersing themselves in the landscapes that grace the silver screen. Fall is an ideal time to visit, when the weather cools and the forest takes on vivid autumn hues.
Finally, in Fort Worth, the Stockyards National Historic District captures the spirit of the Old West, a staple genre for Texas-based films and television westerns. This lively district, just minutes from downtown, features preserved brick buildings, wooden corrals, and daily cattle drives that echo the days of frontier cattle ranching. The Stockyards have been a set piece for numerous westerns and continue to celebrate cowboy culture with rodeos, saloons, and live music. Visitors can stroll Exchange Avenue while soaking up the atmosphere and imagining scenes from classic western films. Spring and early fall bring pleasant temperatures and lively events that showcase the area’s enduring connection to Texas’s cinematic heritage.