5 Texas Towns Where Famous Movies Were Filmed
The Lone Star State has inspired generations of artists who work with all mediums, from canvas to celluloid. The untamable landscapes and bold spirit have long been a magnet for filmmakers seeking to add some grit to the grandeur of Hollywood. The creativity that defines Texas can be seen on screen throughout the world, being a home base for famous production studios for many years, where epic mainstream films and award-winning independent features are created. After all, everything is bigger in Texas, including its stories. If you’ve ever wanted to step into the scenes of your favorite films, start with these iconic Texas towns.
San Antonio
To understand the true beauty of San Antonio, head to the San Antonio Museum of Art. The museum holds thousands of years' worth of art not only from Texas but from cultures all over the globe. The art surpasses previous conceived limitations of color and form with neon acrylic paint on canvases and masquerades made of sequins and feathers. More fascinating formations lie below the earth at Natural Bridge Caverns. Vast expanses of geological rock formations fill the tunnels and ballrooms that comprise the caverns, all of which are available to walk through with a tour guide. More than exploration, these caverns offer rare experiences, such as underground yoga and candle-lit holiday celebrations. Afterwards, relax at the Japanese Tea Garden. The gorgeous greens were once a limestone quarry and are now a lush garden completed with a koi pond and a waterfall. Along with fragrant floral pathways, Jingu House offers Asian cuisine with a signature San Antonio flair.
This town is also the setting of Selena (1997), a movie that honors a Texas-born pop star who topped the Latina music charts. Selena’s rise to fame is chronicled in the film, as well as her tragic death at the hands of a fan.
Marfa
The mystical town of Marfa has been home to many stories. Some are told by its natural phenomena, others by cameras and film equipment. In 1956, the story of a Texan cattle rancher and his family came to life here. The epic Giant featured star power, including Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean’s final performance. The film even won an Academy Award for Best Director.
More recently, There Will Be Blood (2007) showed a different portrayal of Texan life as the oil industry began to boom. Aside from film lights, unexplained glowing orbs light this town. See this awe-striking sight at the Marfa Lights Viewing Area. More beautiful sights await at the Chinati Foundation, a military base turned art museum featuring large-scale installations. The Ayn Foundation boasts numerous large-scale projects, with a collection curated from artists across the country.
Dallas
The sprawling metropolis of Dallas is the filming location for JFK (1991). This movie ambitiously dives into the Kennedy assassination, suggesting there is more to the story than what is publicly known. "JFK" won two Academy Awards and garnered many other accolades. This moment is also authentically explored at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. The museum explores all aspects of Kennedy’s presidency and his murder, even holding an exhibit of artwork by children about the events on November 22, 1963, to examine how children perceived the assassination.
After strolling through the museum halls, take a walk through the home of thousands of plants across 66 acres at Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Along with flowers and colorful shrubbery, guests will also see artistic statues and peaceful ponds. Finally, see Dallas from 470 feet above it at the Reunion Tower Observation Deck. Locally known as “The Ball,” the spherical Geo-deck offers 360-degree views that allow visitors to see all of the metallic shine and vast blue sky that make Dallas so special.
Austin
The capital of Texas is the backdrop for incredible pieces of art, such as Boyhood (2014). The film shows the life of Mason, following his journey from childhood to adulthood. The ambitious premise of this movie required a city that welcomed artistic innovation, which Austin has in abundance. Cathedral of Junk is one such innovation, where a community's trash is transformed into a cathedral. This art project has been growing since 1989 and continues to expand to this day.
Austin’s slogan, “Keep Austin Weird”, is perfectly exemplified at the Museum of the Weird. Here lie oddities such as mummies, shrunken heads, and wax recreations. After exploring the strange, ground yourself in serenity at Barton Springs Pool. Being fed from underground springs, this three-acre pool is 68-70 degrees, perfect for year-round swimming. Dazed and Confused (1993) follows the strangeness that the state capitol is known for with a film about the end of high school, as teenagers try to navigate the next chapter of life.
Brackettville
The iconic ranches of Brackettville serve as a stage to The Alamo (1960), a film about a small group of soldiers sacrificing their lives to defend Texas against a huge army. The set for this film (just 6 miles out from Brackettville) still stands in Alamo Village. 50+ years later, travelers can tour (private events) the Alamo village and appreciate all the rich detail that cameras weren’t able to capture. Have more adventures at Fort Clark Springs, a gated resort beloved for its spring-fed pool, golf course, and campgrounds.
For another camping option, check out Kickapoo Cavern State Park. The park is filled with trails that tourists have come to expect from Texas campgrounds, but it also features at least 20 caves for the more adventurous visitors. Finally, eat at the hidden gem of Texas’s BBQ scene, Ziggy’s Roadside BBQ. This roadside shack offers authentic BBQ and a warm, friendly atmosphere, ideal for replenishing after exploring caves and wandering around film sets.
Movie Magic In Texas
From famous westerns filmed in Marfa to independent films shot in Austin, the towns on this list reveal the true heart of Texas, which lies not only in its incredible natural and architectural beauty but also in the people it inspires. Stories have unfolded on these ranches and cities that tell the stories of cultural icons like Selena, as well as the bloodshed and greed that came with the expansion of the state's oil empire in the film There Will Be Blood. The next time you watch a classic Texas film, remember that the real magic begins on its soil.
