Texas vacations

The Wild West has captured imaginations since the dawn of cinema. With desolate desert, rust-red canyons and majestic mountains, it’s a backdrop that continues to awe travelers. But vacations to Texas have more to offer those wanting an all-American getaway. Lose yourself in a crowd at an Austin concert, feast on barbecue that falls off the bone — and whatever you do, don’t forget your Stetson.

Top destinations in Texas

Austin

The ‘Live Music Capital of the World’ exudes eclectic energy while retaining its Southern charm. Here, BBQ, blues and street art blend with historic landmarks.

Corpus Christi

Powder-white beaches, nature reserves and an arts scene that punches above its weight — Corpus Christi has everything you need for a perfect Gulf Coast escape.

Dallas

Dallas mixes Wild West heritage and country music with contemporary arts and culture. Explore the exciting dining and nightlife scenes and find outdoor adventure right outside this Texas city.

El Paso

This West Texas border town boasts cool museums, mountain trails and the best green chili enchiladas around. Lace up your boots — we’re going to El Paso.

Houston

With its aerospace history, cowboy culture and exciting sports teams, Houston is big on adventure and even bigger on Southern hospitality.

San Antonio

Say hello to San Antonio, home to riverside strolls, Tex-Mex cuisine and one of the oldest landmarks in the ‘Lone Star State.’

South Padre Island

For a taste of the tropics without leaving the state of Texas, this island getaway offers sand, sun and loads of fun. Pack your bags for South Padre.

Midland

In the heart of West Texas, Midland’s soaring skyscrapers sit alongside history museums, and year-round sunshine makes everything shine brighter.

Laredo

Discover the true meaning of Tex-Mex in Laredo. In this multicultural border town, you’ll find a unique fusion of Texan and Mexican culture, history and cuisine.

Texas: fast facts

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

Houston - UTC−6 (CST) and UTC−5 (CDT)

High season

March – May; October – November

Low season

June – September

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Texas vacation highlights

El Paso
Chris Zebo

Live music

Country tunes at the airport terminal, grocery store and coffee shop announce Austin as the world’s live music capital. Across the state, hundreds of concert venues offer blues, rockabilly and everything in between. Donning your cowboy boots and dancing the two-step is one of the best things to do in Texas. Follow the sound of fiddles to the world’s largest honky-tonk in Fort Worth.

Cowboy culture

At the Fort Worth Stockyards, cowboys parade a herd of longhorns through town on twice-daily cattle drives. Don’t miss the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. From there, head for the small town of Bandera, the world cowboy capital. Saddle up at a dude ranch, trekking the trails of Hill Country and singing ’round a campfire come nightfall.

World-class barbecue

If the line’s around the block, then you’re in the right spot. Beef brisket reigns supreme in cattle country. Recent years have seen the state’s increasingly diverse population reflected in experimental barbecue, from Tex-Japanese bento boxes to Tex-Egyptian shawarma. A word to the wise — bring a deckchair for the wait and don’t wear white.

Things to do in Texas

Houston
Jamie Hudson

Top attractions

Walk through centuries of history at San Antonio’s Alamo and other nearby UNESCO-listed missions along the scenic Mission Reach trail. In Houston, book a behind-the-scenes tram tour at Space Center Houston for a peek at astronaut training facilities. Over in Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area’s pink granite dome rewards early risers with golden views over the Texas Hill Country.

Beaches

Texans head for the nearest swimming hole during sizzling summer months. In Austin, cool down in the turquoise waters of Barton Springs, a natural pool with warm waters year-round. River tubing is another favorite pastime here, and the Gulf of Mexico offers endless sandy beaches. In Galveston, spot dolphins from the historic pleasure pier, while in Port Aransas, professional sand artists compete at Texas SandFest each April.

Nature

Big Bend National Park offers a variety of breathtaking landscapes, from the peaks of the Chisos mountains to the dust of the Chihuahuan desert. Kayak the Rio Grande through the Santa Elena Canyon, relaxing weary muscles post-paddle at the Langford Hot Springs. Beyond Big Bend, history buffs will appreciate Native American rock art at White Shaman Preserve and colossal footprints at Dinosaur Valley State Park.

Cuisine

Tex-Mex is king in San Antonio, a UNESCO City of Creative Gastronomy and the birthplace of the puffy taco. Unlike a regular taco, the tortilla is deep-fried to create a light, airy yet crunchy shell. Ray’s Drive Inn and Henry’s Puffy Tacos are the best restaurants in Texas to try the legendary treat. Wash it down with a prickly pear margarita.

Culture and museums

The UNESCO-listed Alamo in San Antonio is a historic Spanish mission and the site of a brutal battle between Texan revolutionaries and Mexico. In Dallas, pay your respects to President John F. Kennedy at Delaney Plaza, learning all there is to know about his assassination at the Sixth Floor Museum. Space Center Houston is the top museum in Texas for wannabe astronauts.

Nightlife

From boot-stomping honky-tonks to swanky cocktail lounges, nightlife in Texas is as big as the state itself. In Austin, catch live music on Sixth Street and in the Red River District. Rooftop bars, speakeasies and late-night food trucks fuel the city after hours in Houston’s Midtown. Visiting Dallas? Make a beeline for Deep Ellum’s live music joints and brewpubs.

Find the best time to visit Texas

Weather in Texas through the year

March – May: Spring is one of the best times to visit Texas, with warm temperatures and bluebonnets in bloom. It’s also storm and tornado season — keep an eye on weather alerts.

June – September: Summers are hot, with temperatures often topping 95°F. Stay cool by heading to the Gulf Coast, but be aware of hurricane risks in late summer.

October – November: Warm days and fewer crowds make fall a great time for hiking in the Texas Hill Country and visiting state parks like Big Bend and McKinney Falls.

December – February: Winters are mostly mild, though cold snaps and ice storms can hit northern regions. Don’t miss the holiday events in Grapevine, known as the ‘Christmas Capital of Texas.’

Events in Texas

SXSW (March): Austin’s South by Southwest transforms the city’s downtown into a global stage for music, film and tech. Catch rising bands, indie screenings and cutting-edge panels.

Fiesta San Antonio (April): What began as a single parade now spans more than 10 days of citywide parties celebrating San Antonio’s multicultural roots. Expect live music, colorful floats and food stalls galore.

GrapeFest (September): In the heart of the state’s wine country, the city of Grapevine celebrates Texan wines with tastings, grape stomping contests and live music.

State Fair of Texas (September to October): Carnival rides, concerts, football and deep-fried treats await at the country’s longest-running fair, held in Dallas. Don’t miss a picture with Big Tex, the fair’s 55-foot-tall mascot.

Know before you go

Budget

A cheap vacation to Texas is easy in this huge state teeming with bargains around every corner. You can usually find a meal at an inexpensive restaurant for about 20 US dollars ($) and a beer for under $6. For tips, budget a minimum of 15% for servers and about $1 per bar drink.

Health and safety

Texas summers can be very hot, especially in inland and southern areas. Stay hydrated, wear sun protection and avoid outdoor activity during peak midday hours. In spring and early summer, sudden storms and flash floods are common, especially in central and eastern regions. Tornadoes are also a risk during this time, so keep an eye on weather alerts.

Free things to do

Take a deep dive into Texas history at the Alamo and the four UNESCO-listed San Antonio missions, all connected by the scenic river walk. In Austin, join the crowds at dusk to watch thousands of bats take flight from Congress Avenue Bridge. For nature without the state park price tags, explore the trails at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center.

Family friendly

The Children’s Museum Houston blends play and learning with interactive exhibits on science, engineering, arts and culture. On the Gulf of Mexico, the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier packs in seaside thrills with rides, games and ocean views. For outdoor adventure, Natural Bridge Caverns in Texas Hill Country offers family-friendly cave tours and fossil digs.

Getting around Texas

Austin
Travel Texas

Public transportation

Buses: Intercity bus operator Greyhound links major cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. Many cities also run regional and commuter bus networks, though services in rural areas can be limited.

Trains: Amtrak’s Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited lines offer long-distance services through cities like Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and El Paso. Light rail systems operate in Dallas (DART) and Houston (METRORail) for urban transit.

Boats: Passenger ferries are limited, but the Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry offers a free, scenic 20-minute ride across Galveston Bay. It’s a popular route for vehicles and foot passengers heading to Galveston Island.

Domestic flights

Flying between cities in this vast state is often the fastest option. Major airlines like American and Southwest operate frequent domestic routes linking Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. Smaller airports serve regional hubs like Lubbock and McAllen, helping travelers access less central parts of the state.

Find domestic flights

Driving and car rental

Driving in Texas is usually the best way to explore, especially in rural areas with limited public transportation. Interstates like I-35 and I-10 connect major cities, while roads like FM 170 in Big Bend or the Willow City Loop near Fredericksburg offer scenic desert and Hill Country views.

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FAQs about Texas vacations

Austin offers an exciting mix of live music, trendy neighborhoods and outdoor escapes like Barton Springs. For something quirkier, try Marfa in west Texas’ Chihuahuan Desert. It’s known for its art scene, retro buildings and mysterious Marfa Lights — unexplained glowing orbs best viewed from Highway 90’s roadside platform.
A long weekend is plenty to sample Austin’s mouthwatering barbecue and vibrant music scene. Don’t expect to see this giant state in one trip, though. Instead, hone in on one region, like the Gulf of Mexico, then come back to explore more.
The shoulder seasons are the best times to visit Texas. In spring, head for the blooming bluebonnets and wineries of Hill Country. Summer calls for the Gulf of Mexico’s coastline. Fall is football season — cheer on a local high school team for a true slice of Americana. Winter offers comfortable conditions for hiking the many national parks.
Texas is generally safe for travelers, but weather conditions can be extreme. Tornadoes, hurricanes, flash floods and intense heat are all possible depending on the season and region. Stay informed by checking forecasts regularly and following local safety advice, especially during spring and summer months.
English is the primary language of Texas. But you’ll find that Spanish is also widely spoken, especially the closer you get to the Mexican border. Charm new friends with an ‘hola’ (hello) and ‘gracias’ (thank you).
Texas uses the US dollar ($), and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. ATMs are widely available, but it’s smart to carry some cash when visiting smaller towns and rural areas. When dining in a restaurant, it’s customary to tip 20% for good service.

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