17 Budget-Friendly Ways to Experience Texas

As the second largest state in the U.S., Texas offers an epic journey. With attractions spread throughout, this isn’t a destination for a quick visit; instead, take your time to explore.

Direct flights arrive in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston, and from there, you'll likely want to head to the state capital, Austin, and discover the historic treasures of San Antonio. Outdoor enthusiasts will flock to the southern border from Big Bend National Park to the Gulf, while wine lovers gravitate towards the Hill Country, and party-goers hit the beaches of Galveston. Don’t forget those charming, lesser-known towns filled with ranches and Wild West vibes, where you can proudly wear your cowboy hat.

To experience the vast array of attractions the state has to offer, a car is absolutely necessary. Public transportation in Texas is neither dependable nor economical, and it certainly doesn’t reach every corner of the state. When you factor in gas, lodging, entry fees, and meals on top of daily rental costs, a trip can become quite pricey for those on a budget.

But don’t worry! With some clever planning, you can definitely explore Texas without breaking the bank. Check out our tips and tricks for saving money and see for yourself.

Daily expenses

• Hostel accommodation: $35–50 (dorm bed)

• Standard hotel room for two: $100–180

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): starting at $120

• Cup of coffee: $4–4.50

• Café sandwich: $8–10

• Lunch taco: $2.50-5

• Dinner for two at a restaurant: $60–80

• Beer/pint at the bar: $6–8

• Average daily expenditure: $200-300

Begin your journey in Dallas or Houston

The two busiest airports in Texas—Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Houston (IAH)—provide the widest selection of direct flights, with competition helping to keep fares affordable. You'll also find a greater variety of car rental options to compare. Make sure to book your flights and rentals well in advance; targeting the shoulder seasons can help you find a good balance between reasonable prices and pleasant weather for activities.

Steer clear of festival season (unless you're attending a festival)

In addition to typical peak holiday periods like Christmas, July 4th, and Spring Break, prices in Texas skyrocket during major festivals. Notable events to avoid (or budget for) include SXSW (March) in Austin, Fiesta (April) in San Antonio, and the Texas State Fair (late September to October) in Dallas.

And don’t forget about game days!

Additionally, finding a good hotel deal in any sports hotspot on game day can be quite a challenge, especially near stadiums. Home games for the Texas Rangers (Dallas-Fort Worth), Dallas Cowboys, and Houston Astros will significantly increase traffic throughout the city. Unless you have tickets, it’s best to visit these cities outside of game days.

Check out college football instead

If you’re not overly concerned with watching the top-tier teams and just want to soak in the American football atmosphere, you can save by purchasing tickets to college football games rather than NFL matches. The energy is quite similar—Texans are passionate sports fans and closely follow college football just as much as the national league.

Start your day with a taco breakfast

You can savor Texas' renowned Tex-Mex cuisine without breaking the bank by choosing the breakfast options. Tex-Mex breakfasts are packed with delights like eggs, beans, cheese, potatoes, avocado, and sausage, and they typically cost less than a full lunch or dinner. Many locals argue that Tex-Mex breakfasts are the best in the state. Locations of the Tacodeli chain in Austin, Dallas, Plano, and Houston offer an excellent variety of breakfast dishes.

Don’t buy into the barbecue hype

While many people wait in long lines for famous BBQ spots in Texas, you can find just as flavorful brisket from lesser-known vendors. Seek out food trucks like Austin's Leroy and Lewis and barbecue joints such as Driftwood's Salt Lick, and you'll discover your own smoky favorites.

Steer clear of well-known hotel chains

Texans cherish family reunions, and given the state's vastness, this often means hotel stays. Locals tend to be loyal to their preferred hotel chains, focusing on accumulating points to earn benefits. This leads to fierce competition for rooms at brands like Marriott and Hilton. If you’re an astute traveler seeking a more unique experience, consider booking an independent hotel, hostel, or rental apartment, where you don’t need to be a 'platinum member' to enjoy perks like free parking.

However, make the most of their pools

If you're staying in an affordable hostel but desire a bit of luxury, there’s still a way to access those lavish hotel amenities. ResortPass allows you to use chain hotel pools for about $20 a day, letting you cool off and snap those Instagram-worthy photos without the hefty overnight costs. Be aware that prices can fluctuate significantly based on the day, duration of the pass, and hotel tier.

Utilize your national park pass

If you're planning to visit major Texas national parks like Big Bend or the Guadalupe Mountains, and also plan to explore other US national parks within the same year, an annual pass will save you quite a bit. A single trip to Big Bend costs $30 per vehicle, whereas the America the Beautiful pass is available for $80 for the entire year. With just two or three visits, you can recoup the cost of the pass while enjoying America’s great outdoors.

Treat yourself to picnics as a reward after hiking

With so much expansive terrain to discover and numerous hiking trails to traverse, you'll save a lot by gathering picnic supplies from grocery stores like H-E-B and Kroger instead of dining out for every meal. Just remember to bring a cooler to keep your food fresh in the Texas heat.

Explore while you drive

While Texas can have its dry stretches, certain seasons unveil breathtaking views during road trips. In spring, the Texas Hill Country is ablaze with wildflowers, including the stunning bluebonnet, the state flower. This is just one of the many free Texas experiences you can savor on the road; for a unique stop, check out iconic roadside Americana like the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo.

Trade the boat for a canoe

Boat rentals in Texas can be pricey, but if you’re up for a bit of effort, consider renting a canoe or stand-up paddleboard to save significantly. You’ll enjoy the scenic views of Possum Kingdom Lake and Lake Travis without the high costs of a boat and captain (plus, paddling yourself is more eco-friendly).

Take advantage of free live music in Austin

Austin's claim to fame as the 'live music capital of the world' may be a bit overblown, yet it remains a hotspot for emerging bands. You can catch performances (for free) at bars, restaurants, record shops, and even during lively festivals like the annual Blues on the Green every summer.

Skip the zoos and aquariums

Trust us: the big animal attractions in Texas often come with high price tags and don’t live up to the hype. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy wildlife—like watching brown pelicans soar over the bay at Galveston—without paying an entrance fee. For those willing to spend a little, the state's national parks and reserves offer great-value nature experiences.

No rodeo tickets needed to see longhorns

Texas' iconic longhorns are abundant, so you don’t have to splurge on costly tickets to see them (and rodeos often raise animal welfare concerns). In Fort Worth, affectionately known as 'Cowtown,' you can witness two daily cattle drives where longhorns stroll through the Stockyards district, all at no cost. Plus, you're likely to spot grazing cattle and the occasional cowboy on almost any road trip across the state.

Refuel at the gas station, in more ways than one

If you’ve never visited a Buc’ee’s, get ready for a life-altering experience. These Texan gas stations are more than just fuel stops; they're also culinary havens. Their brisket sandwiches and kolaches (delicious breakfast pastries) make the visit worthwhile all on their own. You'll see gas stations in a whole new light.

Lastly, think about going electric

As reported by the Texas Department of Transportation, the state boasts over 2,000 electric charging stations, and this number continues to rise. By opting for an electric vehicle rental, you'll enjoy driving a stylish electric car while saving a bundle, as many charging stations are free. Plus, you'll be doing your part for the environment; it’s a win-win situation.