Bigger than most of the world’s nations, there’s something for everyone in Texas. Whether you’re looking to live it up in the big cities like Austin and Dallas or want to dance the night away in cowboy saloons in Bandera, you’ll be given a true Texan welcome wherever you go in this glorious state.
The great outdoors
Texas might be well-known for its famous desert backdrop seen in many Wild West movies, but there’s more to the vast landscape than sandy dunes.
The Guadalupe Mountains National Park sits on the border of Texas, near El Paso, but if you’re up for the drive then it’s well worth the trip. Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in the entire Lone Star State at a staggering 2,667 metres. Adding to the impressive heights, McKittrick Canyon’s foliage is undoubtably the best in the west and is a federally designated wilderness area.
It might come as a shock, but there’s plenty of fresh greenery to be found in Texas. Piney Woods is north-east of Houston and full of impressively tall pines. The forest offers thrills to nature lovers, especially around the tranquil Caddo lake.
Knowledge and culture
Beyond the famous universities, tourists will find various museums and interactive experiences throughout Texas to soak up some knowledge of the knowledge the state has to offer.
Houston’s NASA Johnson Space Center is world-famous – America’s spiritual home of life-changing space excursions, where the Apollo missions were planned and controlled. Arrange a 90-minute tram tour to get a chance to see space up close.
If you’d like to find out more about what’s happened down on earth, head to Austin to visit the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Owned by the Texas State Preservation Board, the museum explains the story of Texas, focusing on all the big events that have happened along the state’s timeline.
Head to the Alamo to find out why it fills Texans with pride like nothing else. A real pilgrimage, many local visitors will have tears in their eyes when they learn of those who died defending the fort against Mexican invaders during the Battle of the Alamo.
Texan grub
You’ll find tasty eateries all over the state, but if you really want a taste of Texas, visit Lockhart. Named the Barbeque Capital, this is the place for saucy, smoky meats.
There are countless restaurants throughout Lockhart, but a local favourite is Blacks Barbeque. Owned by the same Texan family since 1932, this venue has continued an air of authenticity, both through its much-loved dishes and interior.
Another great option is Kreuz Market, which has been serving up the goods since 1900, with their barn-like design giving a true Texan vibe. The meat comes dripping in barbeque sauce, so make sure you grab some napkins.
Country jive
Texas is famous for country music, so make sure you let your hair down and dance the night away in one of its many venues.
The White Horse in Austin is a real honky-tonk joint and a place like no other. Listen to live music played by up-and-coming acts any night of the week.
Over in the Cowboy capital, Bandera is home to the 11th Street Cowboy Bar. A real biker bar, you’ll meet locals amongst the tourists who come to twirl and line-dance to country tunes.
You might not be able to see everything in Texas, but you can experience as much as possible with a rental car. Browse our collection now to start your Texas adventure.
