Texas Travel Guide
Our Texas Travel Guide includes a comprehensive list of tourist attractions, top-rated hotels, local cuisine, and safety tips.
- Introduction to Texas
- List of Places to Visit in Texas
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Texas
- Best Things to Do in Texas: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Texas
- Food and Drink Scene of Texas
- Where to Stay in Texas: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Texas: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Texas
- Best Time to Visit Texas
- Do’s and Don’ts of Texas
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Texas: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Texas
- Where to Go Next from Texas: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Texas
Texas, known as the Lone Star State, is the second largest state in the United States of America. Located in the southern region of the country, Texas is known for its oil and gas industry, incredible cuisine, and western culture. Spanning over 268,000 square miles, Texas is home to a plethora of landscapes ranging from mountains and forests to deserts and coastline.
List of Places to Visit in Texas
Texas offers a vast array of tourist attractions, catering to different interests. Here are a few of the must-visit places in Texas:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- The Alamo in San Antonio - a historical site where a pivotal battle was fought in the Texas Revolution
- Johnson Space Center in Houston - a space center where you can learn about NASA and its mission to explore space
- The Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas - a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy and the events surrounding his assassination
Natural Attractions of Texas: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon - offers incredible scenery, hiking, and camping opportunities
- Big Bend National Park - home to the Chisos Mountains, Rio Grande, and a diverse range of flora and fauna
- Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in Fredericksburg - a stunning park famous for its 425-foot granite dome
Hiking/Biking Routes of Texas
- Lone Star Hiking Trail - a 96-mile national recreation trail through Sam Houston National Forest
- Barton Creek Greenbelt - a 12-mile trail in Austin with breathtaking scenery and challenging terrains
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park - offers great hiking opportunities to explore the towering peaks of the Guadalupe Mountains
Best Things to Do in Texas: Activities and Tours
- Attend a rodeo in Fort Worth – a world-renowned event
- Take a river cruise along the San Antonio River Walk
- Visit the State Fair of Texas in Dallas, one of the largest state fairs in the country
Week-Long Itinerary for Texas
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore the River Walk in San Antonio |
| Day 2 | Visit The Alamo and spend the afternoon at Six Flags Fiesta Texas |
| Day 3 | Head to Austin to explore live music venues and enjoy a night out on the town |
| Day 4 | Visit Big Bend National Park and go on a guided hiking tour |
| Day 5 | Visit Houston and explore the Space Center |
| Day 6 | Visit Dallas and tour the museum at Dealey Plaza |
| Day 7 | Explore the laid-back city of Lubbock and visit the Buddy Holly Center |
Food and Drink Scene of Texas
Texas cuisine is known for its unique blend of southern, Mexican, and Tex-Mex flavors. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- BBQ brisket - a slow-cooked, flavorful Texan delicacy
- Tex-Mex cuisine - a blend of traditional Mexican and Texan flavors, including dishes like fajitas and enchiladas
- Chicken fried steak - a signature dish consisting of breaded and fried steak
Local Beverages
- Shiner Bock - a popular beer brewed in Shiner, TX
- Margarita - a classic Texan cocktail made with tequila, lime, and orange liqueur
- Dr Pepper - an iconic Texan soda that originated in Waco, TX
Where to Stay in Texas: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Texas offers a wide range of accommodation options, from 5-star luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Some of the top-rated places to stay in Texas include:
- The Driskill Hotel in Austin - a historic luxury hotel with classic Texas charm
- The Adolphus Hotel in Dallas - an elegant hotel with vintage flair
- The St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio - a luxury hotel in the heart of downtown San Antonio
What to Buy in Texas: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Texas is known for its western culture, cowboy boots, and ranching industry. Here are some souvenirs and products to bring home:
- Cowboy hats and boots - a symbol of Texas culture
- Handmade leather goods - wallets, belts, and bags
- Local sauces and spices - a taste of Texas flavors
Local Culture and Customs of Texas
Texas is known for its hospitality and southern charm. It is customary to greet strangers with a friendly “howdy” and indulge in Texan cuisine. Additionally, Texas is steeped in western culture, and rodeos and line dancing are popular activities.
Best Time to Visit Texas
The best time to visit Texas is from March to May and September to November. During these months, the temperature is mild, and you will have the opportunity to experience both the outdoor and cultural activities without the scorching heat of Texas summers or frigid temperatures during winters.
Do’s and Don’ts of Texas
Do:
- Try Tex-Mex cuisine
- Visit a rodeo
- Embrace western culture
Don’t:
- Don’t underestimate the size of Texas, distances can be great
- Don’t insult locals – Texans are proud of their state and culture
- Don’t forget sunscreen – the Texan sun can be intense
Safety and Health
Safety in Texas
Texas is a safe state for tourists and visitors. However, it is always advisable to remain cautious and aware of your surroundings while exploring the cities, especially at night. In some areas, it is essential to be mindful of your belongings and avoid flashing money or valuables.
Health in Texas
Texas is a hot and humid state, and heatstroke and dehydration can be a concern for visitors, especially during summers. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated while exploring Texas.
Getting to Texas: Transportation Options and Logistics
Texas is well-connected by air, road, and rail. Visitors can fly into major airports like Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport or Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Greyhound and Megabus operate buses to major cities. Additionally, Amtrak provides train services that cover several cities in Texas.
Airports Near Texas
- Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport
- Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport
- Austin–Bergstrom International Airport
Bus Stations Near Texas
- Greyhound Bus Lines in Dallas
- Austin Greyhound Station
- Kerrville Bus Station
Other Options
- Amtrak rail services cover several Texas cities.
How to Get Around in Texas
Texas is vast and has several transportation options. Visitors can rent a car, use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft or use public transportation.
Where to Go Next from Texas: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Texas is an excellent starting point for excursions to nearby destinations. Some popular destinations include:
- New Mexico - visit the Carlsbad Caverns National Park
- Louisiana - explore the lively city of New Orleans and its diverse culture
- Mississippi - visit the Natchez Trace Parkway and Vicksburg National Military Park
Conclusion
Texas offers a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. From the bustling cities to the serene landscapes, Texas has something for everyone. So, whether it’s exploring the museums and historical sites or indulging in Texan cuisine, Texas is a great vacation destination.
