Texas Holidays

Big skies, big steaks, and even bigger personality – Texas doesn’t do anything by halves. From live music in Austin to cowboy culture and Gulf Coast beaches, this state’s got serious range.

Highlights

• 🤠 Two words: cowboy culture. Rodeos, boots, and BBQ for days

• 🎸 Austin is the live music capital of the world – and it shows

• 🏖️ You can surf, sunbathe, and ride horses... sometimes all in one day

• 🌮 Tex-Mex is a lifestyle here – and yes, you will need stretchy pants

Getting around

Texas is massive – like, country-sized – so if you’re planning to explore more than one city, a car is your best mate. Major cities like Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio have decent public transport, but for road trips, hill country drives, or hitting small towns, you’ll want four wheels. Flying between cities is common too – it’s quicker and often pretty cheap. Just remember: distances are big, but so are the adventures.

Things to do for families in Texas

Texas is packed with family-friendly fun. Head to San Antonio to explore the Alamo and ride a riverboat through the downtown River Walk – it’s basically Venice with tacos. In Houston, kids can touch a real moon rock at Space Center Houston or get wild at the zoo. Dallas brings the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, plus LEGOLAND Discovery Center for your little brick-builders. If you’re near the coast, Galveston is a winner for beach days and waterparks, while Austin’s Zilker Park has paddleboarding, train rides and a pool the size of a lake. Basically, they won’t be bored – and you might even have fun too.

Things to do for couples in Texas

Looking for romance? Texas brings the charm. Stroll hand-in-hand through the vineyards of Texas Hill Country, or take a sunset cruise on Lady Bird Lake in Austin. Catch a live band under the stars, then tuck into late-night tacos – because nothing says love like shared queso. Marfa is a must for artsy couples – it’s remote, weird, and totally magical. If you’re after full-blown romance, stay in a cowboy-chic B&B or cosy up in a riverside cabin. And if your idea of date night involves boots and a dancefloor, hit up a honky-tonk in Fort Worth and two-step the night away.

Things to do for groups in Texas

Group trip? Texas delivers. Start in Austin – hire a pontoon boat for a party on Lake Travis, or bar hop down Rainey Street where historic bungalows are now buzzing beer gardens. Dallas is fab for shopping, sports, and rooftop cocktails, while Houston’s got food crawls, art walks and more breweries than you can shake a pint at. Into nature? Go tubing together down the Guadalupe River, or book a glamping weekend in Big Bend National Park for stargazing and campfire chats. And if you’re looking for something truly Texan, why not hit up a rodeo or take a group line-dancing lesson? Yeehaw guaranteed.

Things to do for foodies in Texas

You’ll need an appetite – and a bit of a game plan – because Texas cuisine is no joke. Start with BBQ: we’re talking brisket so tender it falls apart if you look at it. Head to Lockhart, Austin, or Houston for some of the best pitmasters in the game. Then there’s Tex-Mex – enchiladas, tamales, and breakfast tacos for days. Don’t miss Whataburger, a cult-classic fast food stop, or kolaches, a Czech-Texan pastry that’s basically joy in dough form. For something swankier, Texas cities are full of chef-driven restaurants dishing up everything from Gulf Coast seafood to Asian fusion. Whether it’s a food truck or fine dining, every bite’s got a little Southern swagger.