When it comes to exploring the best of the US, nothing quite compares to traveling to Texas. From bustling city life to mystical natural landscapes, the state has something to suit every traveler’s unique wanderlust. However, since the state is incredibly large, it can be tough to know exactly how to plan out your trip to Texas.
The good news? This guide lets you build your personal checklist to check off one by one as you go about traveling to Texas. Let’s explore everything to make your trip worthwhile!
Best Places to Visit in Texas
Popular for its legendary cowboy culture and a strong Mexican-American influence, anyone traveling to Texas is quite literally plenty of choices in terms of places to visit. From dense forests and barrier islands to stunning beach runs, it’s no surprise why the Lone Star State is a favorite among tourists.
If you’re planning to enjoy an epic vacation in Texas, we’ve put together the best places to visit that you can’t go wrong with:
Austin
Best known for: Music (Live Music Capital of the World)
As the US travel darling, Austin houses nearly 984,567 people as of 2024, all of whom enjoy the city’s eclectic music scene and quirky cultural vibe. The city is a hub of entertainment, especially for music enthusiasts who can easily catch any show in one of its 250 (or so) live music venues.
The city also has numerous hiking trails, stunning landscapes, and fantastic spots for water sports. When planning out a trip to Austin, it’s worth keeping South Congress Avenue, 6th Street District, and the Capitol Building on your list. These spots have everything from music to eateries that make Austin a favorite among tourists.
San Antonio
Best known for: Housing ‘the Alamo’
Around 80 miles south of Austin lies San Antonio, Texas’s historic gem, with plenty of things to explore for history buffs. Of course, no trip to the city is complete without the Alamo, one of the five historic Spanish colonial missions. Stroll around the San Antonio River Walk, where you’ll find some fine shopping, dining, and live music spots.
San Antonio also lets you immerse in the Tex-Mex culture with a range of museums, including San Angel Folk Art, San Antonio Museum of Art, McNay Art Museum, and multiple Mexican market stalls brimming with history.
Mustang Island
Best known for: Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island features 18 miles of barrier-island coastline, best for those seeking serene beach escapades and water sports activities. Mustang Island State Park is just one of the locations for fishing, kayaking, and rafting. The highlights of the island include native wildlife, multiple trails, fewer crowds, and more migrating birds.
To fuel up your adventurous spirits, the island features clean picnic spots, restrooms, and overnight staying facilities. When traveling to Texas, it’s no surprise that most travelers rave about the peace Mustang offers.
Fort Worth
Best known for: World-class Art Museums & Western Heritage
For a taste of Texas’s Wild West roots, there’s no better spot than the US’s 12th-largest city, i.e., Fort Worth. This city is where world-class museums and incredible food scenes merge, making it worth the visit for travelers from all across the US. Popular for cowboys from the 19th century and Stockyards, it’s worth exploring how the city turned into the modern, bustling hub it is today.
Perhaps it’s the impressive cultural sites like the Kimbell Art Museum and Fort Worth Botanic Garden that make it so special. But if you wish to experience nightlife in full swing, Fort Worth has something to suit everyone you’re taking along!
Where to Eat in Texas
Now that we’ve looked through places that make Texas so appealing, it’s time to turn over the next page: the eateries in TX. The good news? Lone Star State is home to a melting pot of cuisines worth drooling over. From regional Tex-Mex culinary comforts to fine dining spots across the state, there’s no limit to an extraordinary food experience here.
So, if you’re traveling to Texas, don’t forget to check out our list of ‘where to eat in Texas’ to thank us later:
The Lutie’s Garden Restaurant, Austin
Location: 4100 Red River St, Austin, TX 78751, US
Let’s begin the list with Austin’s top-tier restaurant, Lutie’s Garden Restaurant, particularly crowned for its aesthetics. Surrounded by contemporary designs, it’s always a treat to immerse in the restaurant’s rich velvet stools and enjoy seasonal cuisines in exclusive serving dishes.
While dishes vary depending on your preferences, the main menu highlights include the Salted Caramel Flan, English Muffins, Texas Beef Carrot Truffle, and Scallops. When here, you can totally expect a myriad of farm-to-table recipes ready to show you what Texas can produce!
The Guenther House, San Antonio
Location: 205 E Guenther St, San Antonio, TX 78204, US
If you’re a fan of American Classics, the Guenther House in San Antonio has everything to feast your taste buds with. Built between 1915 and 1918, this stunning restaurant lets you enjoy your favorite classics with a view. Whether you wish to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or simple bakery offerings, the Guenther House has it all.
For a more specific outlook, try out their Gourmet Hot Chocolate, 1851 Breakfast Platter, Pioneer Pancake platter, and, of course, Chorizo Quiche of the Day.
Tonight and Tomorrow, Houston
Location: 3410 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006, US
Tonight and Tomorrow in Houston is yet another food lovers’ paradise, packed with approachable, delicious dishes you don’t want to miss out on. For each item on the menu, from the minimalist crab ravigote to hearty steaks, the place strongly emphasizes taste and ways to make each bite satisfying.
Beyond the food, the setting creates an inviting vibe that appeals to any foodie. The menu highlights include their French Onion Soup, the Lyon Burger, Bistro Ham and Cheese Benedict, and Kale Salad. But that’s not all— the restaurant is full of standout recipes prepared by Chef Jonathan Wicks himself!
Reata Restaurant, Fort Worth
Location: 530 Throckmorton St, Fort Worth, TX 76102, US
For legendary Texas cuisine with incredible views of the downtown, the Reata Restaurant in Fort Worth offers an experience hard to beat. As you soak the city views from the rooftop, you can choose between Southwest-inspired dishes and classic American fare. Incredibly popular for cowboy-style cooking, the meal options here are practically endless.
For instance, Reata serves up crowd favorites like Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, Tamale bread pudding, Buffalo Steak, and the all-time favorite Carne Asada with Cheese Enchiladas. Plus, if you’re looking for something to sip on, their non-exhausting wine list has everything you could think of!
Top Texas Attractions You Don’t Want to Miss Out On
When traveling to Texas, you probably already know the cities to visit and the experiences you’re eyeing. Being the most populous state in America’s South Central region, this inviting part of the world knows no bounds in terms of tourist attractions. Unless you’ve got a list of attractions in Texas right before you, it’s hard to make the most out of your experience.
But here’s the good news: We’ve compiled a list of top attractions you don’t want to miss out on when planning to vacation in Texas:
Space Center Houston
Highlights: NASA Tram Tour, Mission Mars, International Space Station Gallery.
If there’s one place in Texas that offers an authentic and immersive science learning experience, that’s Space Center Houston. It stands out as the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center, letting you honor the operation and the history of human space flight.
With an incredible collection of space artifacts, it’s a must-visit for space buffs and science lovers. If you wish to explore a virtual Martian landscape, the Mission Mars exhibit is a must-see. But to really take your space experience up a notch, the NASA Tram tour takes you behind the scenes of the JSC, Historic Mission Control, and even the Rocket Park.
San Antonio River Walk
Highlights: Centuries-old historic sites, River Walk boat tour, Cycling the River Walk.
Also known as Paseo del Rio, the 15-mile-long San Antonio River Walk appeals to millions of tourists each year, and for good reason. This glorious network of walkways is lined up with bars, restaurants, and lush, scenic gardens. Although this waterside network might get crowded during peak travel times, the further you get from downtown, the more serene it gets.
The area is especially charming during the annual Fiesta San Antonio, the time of the year when Texas goes all out to honor the Battle of San Jacinto— yes, the battle that led to Texas’s independence. The best part? When you’re done walking, you can hop on 35-minute cruises to fill your bucket with more adventures!
Big Bend National Park
Highlights: Santa Elena Canyon Walk, Close-up Canyon Views, Sotol Vista.
When traveling to Texas, it’s always worth adding the Big Bend National Park to your attractions list. Known as a geologist’s paradise, this 14th-largest National Park in the US offers 800,000 acres of unmatched beauty and extraordinary mountain ranges.
Here, you may cruise down the Ross Maxwell landscapes, stroll through Tuff Canyon, or enjoy trailing all across Chisos Basin. But hiking Santa Elena Canyon is hands down the best thing you can do — this brief hike is worth every second you spend here!
Sixth Floor Museum
Highlights: the FBI Model, Sniper’s Perch, Oswald’s Wedding Ring, and the Original Teletype Machine.
Last on our list of attractions worth checking out when traveling to Texas is none other than the popular Sixth Floor Museum, located in the Dallas County Administration Building. Generally, this museum digs into the legacy of John F. Kennedy and Lee Harvey Oswald.
If you’re deeply interested in the former, Dealey Plaza has all you need to know about the events that led to Kennedy’s assassination. The Sixth Floor Museum doesn’t just explore the story but also gives you insights into the conspiracies surrounding it. Head to the ‘X’ marking for a firsthand look at this historic spot.
Texas Travel Guide: Tips to Get Around the State
If you’re traveling to Texas soon, you might be on the lookout for a guide that helps you get around the state, explore fully, and, ultimately, enjoy the best of Texas. So, we’ve put together some tips to ensure traveling to Texas is a fantastic experience:
- Know the Laws: It’s best to abide by Texas Driving Safety Laws and obey speed limits, i.e., ranging from 25-85 miles per hour.
- Tolls: When traveling to Texas, you might have to pay tolls on certain routes, so don’t forget to set aside a budget to pay off the tolls.
- Prioritize Your Safety: Hotels and restaurants in Texas often follow strict protocols. Stay clean and sanitized to ensure you remain safe.
- Weather Preparations: Weather conditions in Texas may be extreme, so it’s best to prepare for them before planning your trip. This saves you from brutal summers and snowy winters, letting you explore the state to the fullest.
- Reserve Hotels and Get Tickets Ahead of Time: Another pro tip is to reserve lodging weeks, if not months, before your itinerary to Texas.
- Go Through the Online Travel Guide: Before heading to Texas, check out the online guide for maps, trip planning, and tourist spots.
Best Hotels in Texas for Comfortable Accommodation
Once you know all the bucket-list-worthy things to do in Texas, you think traveling to Texas is all fun and games. But if you haven’t considered the critical part, i.e., accommodation, yet— you’re bound to miss out on a lot. So, here’s a list of the best hotels in Texas to offer comfortable communication.
The Post Oak Hotel, Uptown Houston
When you’re on a luxury getaway, the last thing you want is inconvenience getting in the way. Luckily, the Post Oak Hotel in uptown Houston stands out with its Forbes 5-star rating, letting you conveniently explore the state to the fullest.
From spacious 500-square-foot spaces to incredible 5,000-square-foot Presidential Suites, this hotel offers you the best of both worlds. Here, you enjoy the outdoor pool, a fitness center, and scenic views of downtown— all of which add to the ultimate experience of traveling to Texas.
The Crescent Hotel, Fort Worth
Traveling to Texas becomes so much fun with a hotel like the Crescent Hotel in Forth Worth, going all out to ensure your experience is nothing short of extraordinary. This stunning hotel reflects the city’s unique history and culture while offering amenities that continue to ‘wow’ you every second.
Located in the Cultural District, this hotel puts you in the heart of Fort Worth’s bustling entertainment scenes. With a fitness center, private parking, and breathtaking gardens, it’s hardly surprising that this place is all booked up during peak seasons!
Hotel Emma, San Antonio
Located only a short distance away from The Alamo, Hotel Emma stands as the perfect example of Southern Hospitality. This top-tier hotel in San Antonio sets the bar high by combining historic charm with today’s elegance. The historical aspect of the hotel comes from being housed in a beautifully repurposed 19th-century brewhouse.
Hotel Emma offers stylish accommodations with fine details, such as free Wi-Fi, a year-round outdoor pool, a sun terrace, and a gym.
Four Seasons, Austin
When traveling to Texas, you might want to check out the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, the perfect lakeside retreat for travelers. Located right on Lady Bird Lake, this scenic hotel has 294 rooms with views that let you stay close to the downtown action. Here, you can swim in the outdoor pool, enjoy finger-licking meals, or even treat yourself to a full-service spa.
FAQs
Which City in Texas Has the Most Tourist Attractions for Travel Enthusiasts?
While Traveling to Texas is getting around a land full of tourist spots, Austin and San Antonio are generally considered the top Texas cities loaded with tourist attractions. Austin shines with live music, family-friendly spots, and delicious cuisines. San Antonio, on the other hand, brims with history like no other city.
Which Month is Ideal for Traveling to Texas?
A good rule of thumb is traveling to Texas during the spring season, i.e., during March, April, and May. During this time, the weather is quite tourism-friendly, letting you make the most out of your trip to the Lone State.
Where are the Best Places to Enjoy Authentic Texas BBQ?
Houston is hands down the best city for authentic BBQ in Texas, with a range of places like Truth BBQ, The Pit Room, and Pinkerton’s. Alongside barbecue feasts, multiple places offer scenic views for a full-fledged rooftop barbecue experience.
Conclusion
Traveling to Texas fills up your bucket with once-in-a-lifetime experiences that are hard to find elsewhere. Especially when you know the best places to head to, enjoy Texas-specific cuisines, and discover top attractions, you can map out an itinerary like none other. Hopefully, this all-inclusive guide will help you catch the best of the Lone State!
Traveling to Texas and wishing to make the most out of the state’s hidden treasures? Start planning your trip today and discover all that this amazing state has to offer!
