The second-largest state in the USA (surpassed only by Alaska), Texas is filled with delightful things to see, do and experience. Comprised of seven distinct regions, the Lone Star state offers everything from buzzy cities to charming beach towns on the Gulf Coast to rugged, rolling terrain in Hill Country. Join us as we take a look at the top reasons why Texas should be on your must-visit list. As usual, check state travel advisory and individual venue opening times before planning a visit.
A thriving, open-hearted city, state capital Austin is also known as "the Live Music Capital of the World". With more live venues per capita than any other city, Austin's music scene is unparalleled, typically hosting dozens of festivals throughout the year. Whether you prefer old-school honky-tonk saloons or up-and-coming indie venues, locking into the vibrant music scene is the surest way to get under the city's skin.
In true Texan style, everything is just a little oversized in the grand domed state capitol, liberally emblazoned with Lone Star motifs and standing 14 feet (4m) taller than its DC counterpart. The building is open for self-guided tours five days a week and it provides a whistlestop introduction to Texan history. The colossal capitol building is one of the city's grandest landmarks and its leafy grounds are especially nice for a leisurely stroll afterwards.
Though The Driskill's façade is Romanesque and the rooms Victorian, this hotel is Texan through and through. Adorned with stuffed cattle heads – a nod to the venue's original owner, cattle baron Jesse Driskill – the hotel, which dates back to 1886, still remains Austin's go-to spot. The Driskill has an extensive collection of art and has hosted numerous governors' inauguration balls too. It was also here that Lyndon B. Johnson awaited the results when he ran for president.
Normally popular with Austin locals in summer, Hamilton Pool Preserve is a natural swimming hole just 30 miles (48km) west of the Texas state capital. The bright green pool, fed by a 50-foot (15m) waterfall, was once entirely underground until the sheltering limestone roof above it collapsed. Usually, swimming is allowed between May and September, and visitors need to make a reservation online.
Speaking of motorsports, Circuit of the Americas near Austin is the first purpose-built track for Formula One in the US, and it now hosts the Formula One United States Grand Prix. Described as "spectacular" by many drivers, Circuit of the Americas also offers various tours and track experiences to visitors. There's COTA Karting for fun-loving families (in some karts drivers can be as young as 14) and a chance to whizz around the track in an Audi R8 V10 plus.
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If there's one thing Texans love, it's their sport and there's plenty of opportunity to embrace it all around the state. In Dallas there are NFL's Cowboys, NBA's Mavericks or NHL's Stars to follow; San Antonio is home to NBA's Spurs; while MLB's Astros, NFL's Texans and NBA's Rockets are based in Houston. You also shouldn't forget motorsport, which is hugely popular in the state. The Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth is home to both NASCAR and IndyCar races.
In 1963, the Texas Highway Department were drilling through rock to test if it could support an overpass in Georgetown, just north of Austin. When their drill bit dropped suddenly, they realised they'd stumbled across a vast subterranean network of karst caves. Now known as the Inner Space Cavern, the chambers are open to visitors, who are wowed by the sharp stalagmites, still pools and even coral (this was once the ocean floor).
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Texas is part of the 'barbecue belt' along with the Carolinas, Tennessee and Kentucky. In this state, no food is a bigger deal, and Franklin (Austin) and Salt Lick BBQ (Driftwood) have long fought the battle for the best BBQ joint in Texas. Many gladly wait for hours to be served at both and both have been featured on countless "best of" lists. You'll just have to try for yourself...
Steak receives as much love in Texas as barbecue so you'll have to make time to eat plenty of both. With two locations just outside of Houston, Killen’s Steakhouse is an elegant place to relish perfectly seared steaks. From USDA Prime beef to Japanese wagyu, there's plenty for carnivores to get their teeth into – tasty starters and vegetable sides add to the menu too.
Starting out in Austin, the designated scenic highway US-290 beats a path west to take in Fredericksburg (pictured), in the heart of Texas Hill Country. It’s around one hour 30 minutes and just under 80 miles (129km) between these two enchanting cities and you’ll be travelling through Texan wine country too. In fact, given the abundance of wineries, the stretch of US-290 between Johnson City and Fredericksburg is known as Wine Road 290.
With a mission statement promising to "connect communities with animals" and "inspire action to save wildlife", Houston Zoo is a top destination for getting up close to an array of incredible species, and also learning about population management, conservation efforts and caring for endangered wildlife and their habitats. There are more than 6,000 animals from 900 species, so you could easily spend a whole day here getting to know black bears, cheetahs, Asian elephants, red pandas and more.
This is the world's best and most famous space museum, so to miss Space Center Houston would be a real shame. Your first port of call should be Independence Plaza, where you'll see a huge space shuttle replica. Next, head for the Astronaut Gallery: it boasts a large collection of spacesuits, coupled with stories about the people who wore them. The accessible exhibits are suitable for all ages and live presentations offer a glimpse of life beyond Earth.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, also known as RodeoHouston, is one of the largest livestock exhibitions and rodeos in the world. Ranchers, cowboys and spectators flock to Houston from far and wide to enjoy some of the best concerts of all genres, rodeo, beer and barbecue. The rodeo has been cancelled for 2021 but check for updates on next year and at-home events too.
Only an hour's drive from Houston lies Galveston Island, and the beach town of Galveston. Here you can explore 32 miles (51km) of beautiful beaches, find some good old-fashioned seaside entertainment at the Pleasure Pier, and marvel at the historic homes in the downtown area. Finish the day with a stroll along Seawall Boulevard and a meal at one of the many restaurants on offer.
It’s a little small for a palace, but this beloved Galveston property is deserving of its name. Built in 1892, the Bishop's Palace is an impressive example of Victorian architecture, with its red turrets, gargoyles and bold, circular towers. It was the brainchild of celebrated Galveston architect Nicholas Clayton, who built many of the city’s most beautiful buildings. Still a great source of city pride and now on the National Register of Historic Places, it's open for tours and occasionally for special events, such as high tea.
Beaches and barrier islands might not be the first things that come to mind when you think of Texas, though that will change once you dip your toes in the calm, clear waters that lap the sand at South Padre Island. It’s a popular spring break spot with happy hour cocktails, sunset cruises and activities from dune buggying to kiteboarding. To escape the crowds, head straight for the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center – more than 3,300 feet (1km) of boardwalk and a five-storey watchtower are both perfect for observing migratory birds.
San Antonio is a treasure trove for architecture buffs. The city, which was colonised by the Spanish empire in the early 1700s, has the largest concentration of Spanish architecture in North America. It also has an abundance of brilliant attractions, from the historic Alamo to the modern Tower of the Americas. But it's not all about the history either – there's a great zoo for animal lovers, fragrant botanical gardens and a cowboy museum.
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The Alamo mission and fortress complex was a key site during the Texas revolution. It was the location of the fabled Battle of the Alamo in 1836, which saw the Texans fight off thousands of Mexicans in their fight for independence. The Alamo church, or the Shrine as it is commonly known, is the heart of the complex: the names of the Texan soldiers who defended the mission can be found inscribed inside.
The 750-foot-tall (228.6m) Tower of the Americas has one of the highest observation decks in the country, alongside a bar, restaurant and 4D rides. A glass-fronted elevator allows you to take in vistas of downtown before you even reach the top. Once you're into the viewing area, historical displays will help you make sense of the pocket-sized buildings below.
Urban and eclectic within the shell of a 19th-century brewery, San Antonio's Hotel Emma is a destination property, ranked the fifth-best US hotel in TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice 2020 awards. Soft textiles clash with the hard brick and steel, while all rooms feature high ceilings and plenty of light.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas' wood-steel hybrid roller coaster is stomach-churningly good with a satisfying series of speed-filled twists and turns. It features a whopping 171-feet-tall (52m) drop which is taken at an 81-degree angle, four steep overbanked turns and an inverted barrel roll. And that’s all taken at fierce speeds of up to 70 miles per hour (112.6km/h).
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Home to the oldest continuously functioning religious community in the state of Texas, San Fernando Cathedral has been at the centre of San Antonio's religious life since its inception in 1731. Occupying a unique position in the state's history, the cathedral today welcomes more than 5,000 participants at weekend Masses every week. It's also famous for San Antonio | The Saga – a light show depicting the history of San Antonio projected onto the façade of the cathedral every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Texas might not be your first thought when planning a leaf-peeping trip, but the Lost Maples State Natural Area gives the North East a run for its money. The site rambles for more than 2,000 acres, sewn with miles of hiking trails allowing visitors to delve deeper into the fiery autumn foliage. The West Trail covers a great expanse and includes a breathtaking overlook, while the shorter West Loop Trail takes in one of the site's rushing springs.
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Fredericksburg proudly describes itself as having a Texas heart with a German soul, since it was established by German settlers in the 1840s. The city still wears its German heritage on its sleeve, with beautifully preserved German-style architecture, detailed exhibitions at the Pioneer Museum and events such as Oktoberfest. A walking tour of the Historic District is a great way to kick off your adventures here.
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It’s hard to find somewhere better to disconnect than Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas. Characterised by dramatic, seemingly endless landscapes, the park gives a feeling of complete isolation. Ranger-led hikes, scenic drives and river trips are all highlights, but it’s not just the daylight hours that make this park worth a visit. As the sun sets, a coal-black sky sweeps above the desert and is slowly illuminated by a blanket of twinkling lights.
Around 100 miles (160.9km) east of El Paso, right in the northwestern corner of the state, lies Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Home to the four highest peaks in Texas, it's popular with hikers thanks to more than 80 miles (129km) of trails that stretch through woodland canyons. There's plenty of wildlife to spot as well, including golden eagles, and the visitor centre in Pine Springs offers more information on the park, as well as all the details on hiking and biking trails.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, located in the Texas Panhandle, is home to the second-largest canyon in the United States (trumped only by the famed Grand Canyon in Arizona). Its rugged red scarps are dotted with shrubs and when it comes to sunsets, Palo Duro rivals its better-known western counterpart. You can horse ride, bike or hike the park's miles of trails, spend the night in a rustic cabin and even see live music at the park's open-air amphitheatre.
Fun and sometimes bizarre roadside attractions are huge in the US and Texas sure does have some of the best. Cadillac Ranch, just outside of Amarillo in northern Texas, is an art installation that consists of a series of upturned cars painted in bright colours and psychedelic-like patterns. Installed in 1974, using ten junk Cadillacs, it's now become a popular tourist attraction in this area.
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Located around 80 miles (129km) northwest of Fort Worth, you'll find the Wildcatter Ranch & Resort in Texas' Panhandle Plains. A unique escape from the city, it offers a taste of ranch life in total comfort. Perfect for family holidays, special events or simply to get away from it all, the ranch offers a choice of accommodation, from cabin suites to cottages and guesthouses. Once you've spent the day horseback riding, hiking or relaxing by the pool, the Steakhouse restaurant offers excellent on-site dining.
Better known as The Modern, Fort Worth's Modern Art Museum is recognised as having one of the foremost collections of international modern and contemporary art in the central United States. Designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando and opened to the public in 2002, the museum building consists of five large pavilions set into a reflecting pond. The Modern's collection currently consists of almost 3,000 pieces including works by Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock and Cindy Sherman.
If you happen to be in Fort Worth's Stockyards at 11.30am and 4pm and see cattle roaming along East Exchange Avenue, there’s no need to be alarmed. Fort Worth’s herd of Texas longhorns at the city’s Stockyards is the only twice daily cattle drive in the world. And it’s managed by authentic Texan cowhands too.
One of Texas' best museums, the Dallas-based Perot Museum of Nature and Science promises to be an exciting day out for kids and adults alike. Named after Ross Perot, who made billions as the founder of Electronic Data Systems, the museum hosts exhibits ranging from interactive dioramas depicting the Texan ecosystems to the world's third-largest gold nugget. There's even an opportunity to build your own robot.
With the Dallas skyline stretching into the distance, you can temporarily turn your back on the city to get lost in one of the top arboretums in the world. With over 500,000 tulips and over 100 different varieties of spring flowers, the Dallas Blooms festival provides the perfect floral backdrop to the wine tastings, picnics and live events that take place there. Plus, it's perfect for youngsters thanks to the dedicated Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden with a wetlands area and a canopy tree walk.
The Dallas Museum of Art houses more than 24,000 pieces from across the world spanning 5,000 years. Work your way through collections showcasing paintings, sculptures, ceramics and jewellery independently – or, if you want a guided visit, check out the museum's range of free talks and tours.
If you want to learn more about the life and assassination of President John F. Kennedy, take a trip to the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas. Located in the old Texas School Book Depository building, where a sniper’s perch and rifle were found on the sixth floor after President Kennedy was assassinated in Dealey Plaza, the museum chronicles the life and legacy of the president through the lens of his assassination in 1963, with historic images and news footage.
This tucked-away Texan escape hugs the state’s border with Louisiana. The Caddo Lake area is an ethereal mix of swampy bayous, ponds and cypress trees, which rise from the water and drip with Spanish moss. People (though not too many – don’t worry) come here to fish from the pier, paddle around the maze of waterways or just rent one of the park’s cabins.
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