Texas might be best known for its cowboy culture and its wide-open spaces, but there’s a whole lot more to the Lone Star State than just cowpokes and big skies. From sophisticated wineries to a vibrant music and cultural scene, Texas is brimming with fascinating and intriguing things to see and do.
So whether you are road-tripping from coast to coast, staying for a weekend in Galveston, or just looking for deals and promotions on the best cruises from the Gulf Coast, here are a few awesome things to do in Texas that might challenge your preconceptions of this amazing state.
Texas Hill Country Wineries
Wine and Texas aren’t always pictured in the same room, but the wineries of Texas Hill Country are doing their best to change that perception. There are over 50 wineries a short drive from Austin and San Antonio, and the region is the perfect wine country, complete with picturesque rolling hills covered in vines. Most of the wineries offer tasting rooms, making a day pottering about admiring the scenery and tasting award-winning wines a seriously excellent idea. And all in Texas!
Austin’s Live Music Scene
Austin has long been famous for its live music scene. So much so that the city’s nickname is ‘the live music capital of the world’! With over 250 live music venues, from vast arenas to tiny gig spaces, it certainly lives up to its reputation. While the predominant focus is blues, rock, and indie music, you’ll find plenty of other genres on display, particularly in the smaller, more intimate venues like the Continental and Antone’s. However, for a serious Austin experience, a gig at the Austin City Limits Live show at the Moody Theater is an absolute must.
Coastal Getaways
One attraction that Texas has in spades but doesn’t always get the recognition that it deserves is its glorious Gulf coastline. From the beautiful beaches of Galveston, with its iconic Moody Gardens and historic downtown, to the laid-back charms of South Padre Island, there is so much beauty and enjoyment to be had by the sea in Texas. Wildlife lovers will rejoice at the chance to see an abundance of birds on various barrier islands while kiteboarding and parasailing enthusiasts will be blown away (not literally, hopefully!) by the awesome conditions on the coast.
Marfa’s Art Scene
Marfa is a quirky little town tucked away in the West Texas desert that would be unremarkable were it not for its unique art installations and incredible minimalist ‘desert chic’ aesthetic. Organized by the Chinati Foundations, founded by the artist Donald Judd, these epic-scale art installations incorporate the bleak beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert and are a sight to behold. Don’t miss the Prada Marfa, a faux Prada store in the middle of the desert.
Big Bend National Park
If you are looking for an adventure in the great outdoors, Texas is undoubtedly the place. Big Bend National Park is one of the wildest, most dramatic parks in the US, with rugged landscapes and amazing hiking trails following the gentle curves of the majestic Rio Grande River. The park is a long way from…well, from anywhere else, and its remoteness makes it an incredible spot for stargazing, with no pesky cities and light pollution to get in the way.
Texas is far more diverse than you might expect and there is a wealth of experiences just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re into culture, adventure, or relaxation, the Lone Star State has something special to offer, making it a unique and multifaceted destination for all types of travelers.
