Did you know that 52% of Americans have taken a trip to Texas? That makes Texas the 4th most visited state in the country. What makes Texas so special?
The state’s name paints scenes of BBQs and cowboy hats, lone riders on horseback trotting through the wilderness. Hold on! There is far more to a Texas vacation than the postcard sights.
There are so many things to do in Texas that you need some tips when planning a trip. Try to fit too much in, and you may miss the true soul of the Lone Star State. You need a handy travel guide to help you.
Read on and let’s hit the road!
Soundtrack Your Trip to Texas
You’ve had a long journey to get here. Before you start exploring, wind down with a live event, concert, or theater show. Start your journey full of soul!
Austin, Texas, is famous worldwide for its art, music, and culture. The city has even earned the name, Capital of Live Music!
You are spoiled for choice when you hit the streets of Austin. You have every genre of music you can imagine, performing arts, and film festivals at every turn. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find it in Austin.
After the show, you can relax in Austin’s swanky bars or restaurants, recharging for the next day. Need a guide? Click for more events.
Landscapes Teaming With Nature
Texas’s huge area is home to pine forests, deserts, swamps, mountains, and rivers that would take you a lifetime to explore. The Lone Star State is home to several national parks where you can spot endemic wildlife and wander for hours. Camping in the cooler months offers an escape from city life too!
Texas is a perfect location for a road trip. From the desolate West to the coastal East, you will see Texas transform as your wheels roll on the asphalt.
There are 2,318 hiking trails in Texas. Some are easy, some technical, but all of them will treat you to epic vistas.
Houston, We Have a Visitor!
Ever dreamt of being an astronaut? Well, the next best thing is visiting the Space Center in Houston. You can take part in events, watch astronauts training, and learn about NASA’s space program.
Since opening in 1992, more than 22 million people have walked through its doors. The center is home to over 400 space artifacts. Where else can you find that?
Space Center Houston is the area’s number 1 attraction. Pop in when visiting Texas. You can check upcoming events here.
600 Miles of Warm Water Coastline
California may seem like the beach capital of America, but Texas really gives it a run for its money. You might even say Texan beaches are California’s quieter cousins. They are less developed and offer empty stretches of sand for you to lie back on.
The best thing about Texas’s beaches is the water temperature. Compared to California’s frigid waves, Texas’s waters can reach almost 90°F in summer, so you may feel like you are in the tropics.
The top spots to check out are Galveston, South Padre Island, and Corpus Christi. With a bit of searching though, you can find lesser-known beaches along those 600 miles of coastal bliss.
Texas Barbecue!
Slow-cooked meats that fall off the bone are the Texas tradition. Savor oak-smoked beef brisket with chunky fries and slaw. Tuck into a huge Texan beef rib or pick at burned ends washed down with a cold beer. Texas BBQ makes the world jealous, and you must try it when taking a vacation.
Texas’s history and proximity to Mexico have influenced its cuisine. The arrival of Tex-Mex put spicy staples like nachos, fajitas, enchiladas, chili con carne, and queso dip onto our plates. It may be far from authentic Mexican food, but it is authentic Tex-Mex.
How about dessert? Texan pecan pie is a savory delight perfect with coffee. Kolaches, a traditional pastry, offer fruity, doughy delight at any time of day. Funnel cake is a family fair favorite that adds a vintage crunch.
Sports Galore
Texas is hard to beat when it comes to sports. A trip to Texas puts the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, F1, and NASCAR right on your doorstep. Even if you’re far from a sports fan, you should watch at least one game when visiting Texas.
In the NFL, you can watch the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans stride down the field. These are the two franchised teams in Texas, but there are countless college teams to watch too.
MLB fans can watch the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers. On the NBA court, you have the Houston Rockets, the San Antonio Spurs, and the Dallas Mavericks. NHL fans will find the Dallas Stars on the ice rink.
Texas hosts NASCAR and F1 periodically. If you time your trip to Texas with a racing event, you can watch the cars roar around the track.
Postcard Views Still Exist
Texas has preserved its cultural heritage in a way that few states manage. Even today, you can visit a local rodeo show and watch skilled riders try to stay atop a mount as it bucks to and fro. You could even try it yourself if you’re feeling brave!
You can be the rider trotting into the sunset by visiting a dude ranch in Texas. Join groups of riders and explore Texas’s terrain on horseback, the way it was meant to be. Chat with your friends around an open fire, with traditional Texan music behind you, as the sun sets behind the pines.
Your Texas Vacation Awaits
Your trip to Texas will leave you wanting more. You might start planning your next trip before you have left, and we would too! The Lone Star State has endless places to explore, things to do, and people to meet.
Forget the postcard; make your own!
We hope this guide helps you when planning your visit. Choose things to do in Texas that suit you and your companions. Take it slow and savor all that Texas soul.
