Texas is enormous, and it knows it. The second-largest state in the US stretches from the pine forests of East Texas to the desert canyons of Big Bend, from the Gulf Coast beaches of South Padre Island to the high plains of the Panhandle. It would take twelve hours to drive from one end to the other, and you would pass through landscapes that look nothing alike.
The big cities are where most visitors spend their time, and each has its own personality. Houston is sprawling, diverse, and home to world-class museums and NASA's Space Center. Dallas is flashy and sports-obsessed, with excellent restaurants and a surprisingly deep arts scene. San Antonio feels like no other American city, blending Spanish colonial history with Mexican culture along the famous River Walk. Austin is the state capital and its cultural rebel, built on live music, tech, and a fierce streak of independence.
Beyond the cities, Texas rewards the adventurous traveler. Big Bend National Park is one of the most remote and spectacular landscapes in the country. The Hill Country between Austin and San Antonio offers small towns, wildflowers, and winding roads. The Gulf Coast has barrier island beaches, fresh seafood, and a laid-back vibe.
Summers are brutally hot across most of the state, with temperatures routinely hitting 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, and winters are mild enough that Texans barely own a proper coat. The food alone is worth the trip: barbecue smoked low and slow over post oak, Tex-Mex that puts most Mexican restaurants elsewhere to shame, and Gulf oysters shucked fresh off the boat.
Destinations in Texas
Austin | Dallas | Fort Worth | Houston | San Antonio | Arlington | Bastrop | Big Bend National Park | Brenham | Brownsville | Buffalo Gap | Galveston | Kerrville | Killeen | Kilgore | Matagorda County | McKinney | Midland | Port Aransas | Round Top | San Angelo | South Padre Island | Texarkana | The Woodlands | Waxahachie
