A Native Texan’s Guide to the 9 Must-See Spots in the Lone Star State

As the largest state in the contiguous United States, Texas often feels larger than life. Yet, there’s a wealth of experiences beyond cattle ranching, cowboys, and barbecue—though those elements are certainly present.

Every region of Texas showcases its own unique character and culture. The lush piney woods of East Texas capture the essence of Southern charm. Central Texas is marked by the picturesque, rolling hills of the Hill Country. The coastline features pristine, sandy beaches teeming with diverse wildlife. West Texas presents rugged, desert vistas that have inspired acclaimed films like No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood.

Eager to embark on your Texas adventure? Here are the nine premier destinations to explore in the Lone Star State.

1. Houston

• Highlights: The state’s most vibrant and varied culinary scene, alongside a flourishing arts and culture environment
• Recommended accommodation: La Colombe d’Or

H-Town boasts a rich tapestry of ethnic communities from every corner of the globe—over 145 different languages can be heard here. This multicultural mix has fostered one of the most dynamic culinary destinations on the planet. In Bayou City, you’ll discover upscale hand-rolled sushi at places like Handies Douzo, acclaimed soul food at the James Beard Award-winning Lucille’s, and delicious Viet Cajun crawfish at popular spots like Crawfish Cafe.

Beyond the culinary delights, one of Houston’s standout features is its vibrant museum scene. The Museum District sits at the city’s core, home to 20 museums all within walking distance of each other. (If visiting in summer, be sure to stay hydrated while exploring on foot.)

The Menil Collection showcases a diverse range of exhibits, from Byzantine treasures to captivating surrealist works by artists like René Magritte. Visit the Houston Museum of African American Culture to delve into the city’s Black American heritage or explore the Houston Museum of Natural Science, where you can enjoy interactive experiences like the Burke Baker Planetarium and the Cockrell Butterfly Center.

How to reach Houston

Arrive via George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or William P. Hobby Airport (HOBBY), the oldest commercial airport in the city. IAH is situated approximately 20 miles from downtown Houston, while HOBBY is slightly under 10 miles from the city center.

2. Big Bend National Park

• What to expect: Stunning and rugged West Texas desert landscapes
• Recommended accommodation: The Gage Hotel

Big Bend National Park is one of the country’s enchanting national parks, spanning over 800,000 acres. The terrain is filled with cacti, yucca, aspen, mesquite, and Ponderosa pine, and inhabited by wildlife such as bobcats, javelinas, and mountain lions. Visitors can kayak on the Rio Grande or explore the Chisos Mountains by hiking, biking, or camping, which rise nearly a mile above the Chihuahuan Desert. The 4.8-mile Lost Mine Trail provides breathtaking views of Casa Grande and Juniper Canyon, while the challenging South Rim covers almost 14.5 miles with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet.

The prime accommodation option is within the park itself, either at the 60-site campground in Chisos Basin or in one of five stone cottages at Chisos Mountain Lodge, the only established lodging in the park. For a more developed experience, consider heading to Marathon, known as the “Gateway to Big Bend,” and staying at the Gage Hotel, set in a historic mission-style adobe structure built in 1927.

Getting to Big Bend National Park

The nearest airport to Big Bend National Park is El Paso International Airport (ELP), located 287 miles away, which takes about four and a half hours to reach. If you're coming from Austin, expect a 435-mile drive of roughly six and a half hours. From San Antonio, the journey is 370 miles and will take about six hours.

3. Fredericksburg

• Come for: A charming German town nestled in the heart of Texas wine country
• Where to stay: The Hoffman Haus

While Texans have long appreciated its relaxed vibe, the Texas Hill Country is experiencing a resurgence, particularly with the upcoming total eclipse set to occur on April 8, 2024. Fredericksburg stands out as the region's gem. Established by German settlers in 1846, this town of under 30,000 residents is celebrated for its German eateries, thriving winery scene, and the delicious peaches harvested from local orchards.

After securing a stay at The Hoffman Haus (a charming bed-and-breakfast that delivers breakfast in gingham-covered picnic baskets), wander through the more than 150 unique shops in downtown Fredericksburg, then immerse yourself in the town’s history at the Pioneer Museum. Wrap up your day with a slice of peach cobbler topped with Blue Bell ice cream at Das Peach Haus, which also offers a variety of jams, jellies, and preserves.

How to reach Fredericksburg

Situated in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg isn’t directly served by major airports. Travelers should fly into either Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) or San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and then take a drive. It's roughly a 90-minute journey from Austin and about an hour from San Antonio.

4. Marfa

• Come for: The trendiest art haven in the remote reaches of Texas
• Where to stay: Hotel Saint George

Nestled deep in West Texas, Marfa is a small town of around 2,000 residents that has become a hub for art enthusiasts, largely due to minimalist artist Donald Judd, who settled here in the 1970s. The town boasts 19 permanent galleries, including the Judd Foundation and the Chinati Foundation, both established by Judd, alongside the Inde/Jacobs Gallery and the Rule Gallery.

Despite its size, Marfa offers a delightful culinary scene: indulge in wood-fired pizza at Para Llevar, or enjoy creative cocktails and unique dishes at Water Stop, known for its rotisserie chicken that Bon Appétit dubbed the “second best reason to visit Marfa”. Plus, it's just an hour and a half drive from Big Bend National Park (see above).

How to reach Marfa

The closest international airport to Marfa is El Paso International Airport (ELP), located two and a half hours away by car. Many travelers also drive approximately 430 miles from Austin or about 400 miles from San Antonio to get here.

5. San Antonio

• Come for: Authentic San Antonio experience
• Where to stay: Hotel Emma

As a proud native of San Antonio, I might be a bit biased, but I believe Alamo City is the most beautiful of Texas's urban centers. With the recent expansions, the River Walk now stretches 15 miles, offering an ideal setting for leisurely walks or bike rides (though be mindful of the busy downtown section, which tends to attract tourists and revelers). Additionally, the revitalization of the Pearl Brewery has turned it into a bustling cultural hotspot. Here, visitors can enjoy Brasserie Mon Chou Chou, widely regarded as one of the best French restaurants in Texas, Cured, which emphasizes farm-to-table American dishes, and Best Quality Daughter, offering Asian American cuisine influenced by Jennifer Dobbertin’s South Texas roots.

Getting to San Antonio

Arrive at San Antonio International Airport and then either drive or take a taxi to reach downtown, which is approximately eight miles away.

6. Port Aransas

• Come for: The peaceful ambiance of a quaint beach town
• Where to stay: The Tarpon Inn

While Galveston attracts throngs of beachgoers and South Padre Island is a favorite among spring breakers, Port Aransas offers the charm of a small town along a pristine stretch of white-sand Texas coastline. Visitors can enjoy 18 miles of beaches and a feast of fresh Gulf Coast seafood, including red snapper, blue crab, oysters, and an abundance of shrimp. The last wild flock of endangered whooping cranes finds refuge at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge during winter. From April to August, travelers can observe baby sea turtles, including the endangered Kemp’s ridley, embarking on their journey to the ocean at Mustang Island State Park, located 16 miles south of Port Aransas.

Getting to Port Aransas

Fly into Corpus Christi International Airport and then take a four-minute drive north on Mustang Island to reach Port Aransas. Many visitors also make the journey from Houston (200 miles away), San Antonio (180 miles away), and Austin (200 miles away).

7. Austin

• Come for: The excitement and energy of the Live Music Capital of the World
• Where to stay: The Loren at Lady Bird Lake

There's a running joke in Austin that every new generation of locals claims, "You should have experienced it ten years ago." And there's some truth to that. In the past few years, Austin's skyline has dramatically changed due to an influx of people and tech companies seeking refuge during the early days of the COVID pandemic.

However, that doesn’t mean Austin has lost its character. The Live Music Capital of the World continues to thrive musically—stop by the Skylark Lounge for some soulful blues and funk, the Continental Club for jazz, and the Broken Spoke for a classic honky-tonk vibe. The culinary scene in the state capital has also flourished. Dimly lit and only open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. (midnight on weekends), East Austin's beloved Justine’s Brasserie serves exquisite French cuisine and craft cocktails. Franklin Barbecue is globally renowned for its mouthwatering brisket, and the acclaim is truly warranted—get in line or pre-order on their website. On the outskirts of Austin, Jester King Brewery offers barrel-aged wild ales and wood-fired pizzas on its sprawling 100-acre Hill Country property.

How to reach Austin

Austin's airport, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), is located roughly five miles southeast of downtown. The most convenient way to travel from the airport into the city is by car.

8. Lubbock

• Come for: Warm hospitality of the high plains and an emerging winery scene
• Where to stay: Cotton Court Hotel

The Texas Panhandle is often underestimated due to its expansive grasslands, which are better suited for cattle ranching than breathtaking views. However, the region surrounding Lubbock boasts over 9 million acres dedicated to vineyards, producing 80 percent of Texas’s wine—far exceeding that of the Hill Country. Be sure to visit McPherson Cellars, Llano Estacado winery, the vino-and-tapas eatery La Diosa Cellars, and Funky Door Bistro & Wine Room. After indulging in wine tasting, check out the Buddy Holly Center to learn about the rock ‘n’ roll icon. For outdoor enthusiasts, take a 90-minute drive north to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the second-largest canyon system in the U.S. after the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

How to reach Lubbock

Fly into Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB). A car is necessary for getting around the city.

9. Fort Worth

• Come for: A blend of cowboy charm and metropolitan amenities
• Where to stay: Bowie House

Once in the shadow of its flashier neighbor, Dallas, Fort Worth is carving out its own identity. Renowned for its historic stockyards, which have been running since 1866 and still feature a cattle drive twice daily, Fort Worth is emerging as the next Texas boomtown—and travelers are taking notice. A recent addition to the local hotel scene is Bowie House (which opened in December), an Auberge Resorts Collection property that celebrates the West and owner Jo Ellard’s passion for horses.

Fort Worth is also gaining recognition in the culinary world. In 2021, Goldee’s Barbecue was named the top spot on Texas Monthly’s list of the 50 Best BBQ Joints—the restaurant plans to launch a second location, Ribee’s, dedicated solely to ribs, soon. For those less inclined toward cowboys and barbecue, Fort Worth boasts a variety of museums, including the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History.

Getting to Fort Worth

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is situated almost exactly between Dallas and Fort Worth. It takes roughly thirty minutes to drive from the airport to the center of Fort Worth.