World · 25 Places · Best Year-round
Texas is the second-largest US state by area and population, a land of dramatic contrasts—from Gulf Coast beaches and piney woods to desert mountains and rolling Hill Country. Home to four of America's largest cities, a legendary BBQ culture, deep cowboy heritage, and the world-famous Austin music scene, Texas offers travelers an astonishing range of experiences under its vast open skies.
Everything is Bigger in Texas
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
The 25 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
The most visited historic site in Texas, this 18th-century Spanish mission is where the legendary 1836 battle for Texas independence was fought. The shrine, museum, and gardens tell the story of 189 defenders against thousands of Mexican soldiers.
NASA's official visitor center for Johnson Space Center, featuring real spacecraft, moon rocks, behind-the-scenes tram tours of mission control, and interactive exhibits that bring space exploration to life.
One of the most remote and spectacular national parks in the US, covering over 800,000 acres along the Rio Grande. Features dramatic desert landscapes, the Chisos Mountains, river canyons, hot springs, and some of the darkest skies in North America.
Home to Guadalupe Peak (8,749 ft), the highest point in Texas, this park preserves the world's finest example of an ancient marine fossil reef. Excellent hiking through a diverse landscape of desert, canyon, and forest.
A stunning network of pedestrian walkways along the San Antonio River, lined with restaurants, bars, hotels, and shops. The 15-mile system connects major attractions and features beautiful landscaping, bridges, and river taxis.
Located in the former Texas School Book Depository building, this museum chronicles the life and assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. The restored sixth-floor sniper's perch and exhibits tell the full story.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Austin's premier luxury hotel on the shores of Lady Bird Lake, offering stunning water views, a resort-style pool, world-class spa, and the celebrated Ciclo restaurant. Steps from Congress Bridge and downtown.
A boldly designed boutique luxury hotel adjacent to the Museum of Fine Arts, featuring uniquely themed 'Magnificent Seven' suites, a rooftop pool deck, and the sophisticated ZaZa Social bar and restaurant.
A legendary Dallas landmark and Forbes Five-Star property housed in a 1920s Renaissance-style mansion. The Mansion Restaurant is one of Texas's most acclaimed fine dining destinations.
A sprawling AAA Four Diamond resort on the city's northwest edge, featuring 6 pools, 2 PGA golf courses, a 25,000 sq ft spa, 8 restaurants, and stunning Hill Country views. Next to Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Arguably the most famous BBQ restaurant in America, founded by Aaron Franklin. Lines start before dawn for the butcher paper-wrapped brisket that has consistently been rated the best in the world.
Dallas's gold standard for Central Texas-style BBQ, located in the Deep Ellum arts district. Their massive beef ribs (Friday only) and brisket are legendary.
A San Antonio institution since 1932, serving classic San Antonio-style Mexican food in a charming historic building in the King William area. The enchilada plate is a local benchmark.
Chef Hugo Ortega's acclaimed restaurant in Montrose showcasing sophisticated regional Mexican cuisine far beyond Tex-Mex, with complex mole sauces, coastal seafood preparations, and Yucatecan specialties.
Chef Tyson Cole's James Beard Award-winning Japanese restaurant transformed Austin's dining scene. Creative, impeccably sourced Japanese cuisine in a converted 1930s house on South Lamar.
A Houston institution since 1967, Brennan's brings New Orleans Creole cooking to Texas with legendary tableside preparations, extensive wine list, and the iconic Sunday Jazz Brunch.
Texas is the second-largest US state—larger than most European countries. At 268,596 square miles, driving from El Paso to Beaumont takes over 10 hours. A car is essential for almost all travel outside major city centers. Major cities have airports with numerous direct flights, making air travel efficient for long cross-state journeys.
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15-40 | $50-120 | $150+ |
| Food (per day) | $10-25 | $30-60 | $80+ |
| Transportation | $5-15 | $20-50 | $75+ |
| Activities | $5-15 | $20-50 | $75+ |
| Daily total | $50-100 | $100-200 | $300+ |
The best time to visit Texas is Year-round.
The currency in Texas is the USD. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in Texas: English, Spanish. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
The top attractions in Texas include The Alamo, Space Center Houston, Big Bend National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and San Antonio River Walk. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
