While yes, everything is bigger in Texas, one of the biggest things you’ll find is the huge contrasts between areas of the state. Sometimes, you’ll find the old west like you’ve seen in the movies, and other times, modern cities that rival any other state. And you’ll even find beautiful Gulf Coast beaches to sink your toes into. Looking for delicious BBQ, world-class museums, or just some good southern hospitality, Texas will welcome you with it all.
Getting Around
Your Texas journey likely begins at one of the state’s major airports, with Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport serving as a primary gateway. Securing a Houston airport car rental is often the most practical choice for exploring Texas, given the state’s enormous size—roughly 268,000 square miles. While major cities like Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio have public transportation systems, Texas is fundamentally a driving state where distances between attractions can span hundreds of miles.
If you’re planning to venture beyond a single city, a rental car provides the freedom to experience Texas’s diverse landscapes at your own pace. The drive from Houston to Austin takes about three hours, while reaching Big Bend National Park from any major city requires at least seven hours behind the wheel. For those staying within urban areas, ride-sharing services and occasional public transit can suffice, but the true Texas experience unfolds along its highways.
Where Should You Go?
Austin, the state capital, pulses with live music, innovative cuisine, and a quirky, creative spirit. Don’t miss the bats emerging from Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset or the food trucks that define the city’s culinary scene.
San Antonio offers the iconic Alamo and the enchanting River Walk, a network of walkways along the San Antonio River lined with restaurants, shops, and historic sites. The Spanish colonial missions here comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Houston showcases world-class museums in the Museum District, a thriving arts scene, and incredibly diverse dining options reflecting its multicultural population. Space enthusiasts must visit Space Center Houston, NASA’s official visitor center.
Dallas blends Western heritage with sophisticated urban culture, featuring the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, the Dallas Arts District, and excellent shopping.
More than Just Cities
Texas’s natural wonders deserve equal attention. Big Bend National Park in West Texas offers dramatic desert mountains and Rio Grande river canyons. The Hill Country, between Austin and San Antonio, features rolling landscapes, German heritage towns like Fredericksburg, and numerous wineries. South Padre Island provides pristine beaches and water sports along the Gulf Coast.
Practical Tips
Texas weather varies dramatically by region and season. Summers are intensely hot statewide, while winters remain mild in the south but can bring ice storms to northern areas. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for exploration.
Texans take pride in their state’s unique identity, and visitors who show genuine interest in local culture are warmly received. Try the barbecue—it’s a serious matter here—and don’t be surprised by generous portions. Sales tax isn’t included in posted prices, and tipping 18-20% at restaurants is standard.
Texas rewards those who embrace its scale and diversity. Whether you’re captivated by urban sophistication, natural beauty, or historical significance, your first visit to Texas will likely leave you planning your return before you’ve even departed.
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