Texas holidays

Texas is huge. Like, really huge. Which is great news, because it means there's no shortage of places to explore – from buzzing cities to wild desert parks and beachy getaways. Whether you're all about live music, outdoor adventures, cowboy culture or just amazing food, these are the best places to visit in Texas.

Austin
The capital of cool. Austin’s got live music every night, legendary BBQ, and plenty of sunshine. You can paddleboard on the lake by day and dance on Sixth Street by night. It’s laid-back, quirky and full of surprises.

San Antonio
One of Texas's prettiest cities, thanks to the iconic River Walk. Grab a margarita, stroll along the water, and dive into local history at the Alamo. Bonus points for amazing Tex-Mex and charming neighbourhoods.

Dallas
Chic, modern and bigger than life. Think rooftop bars, world-class art, luxury shopping and a dash of cowboy grit. History lovers should hit up the JFK museum, while foodies can eat their way around Uptown.

Houston
Massive, multicultural and packed with energy. Visit NASA’s Space Centre, wander the Museum District, and taste food from just about every country on earth. It's a city that keeps surprising you.

Big Bend National Park
Remote, rugged and ridiculously scenic. This one’s for the adventurers – with desert hikes, mountain trails, hot springs and some of the clearest night skies in the US. Pure magic if you like the great outdoors.

Texas Hill Country
Rolling hills, wineries, and rivers made for floating. Hill Country is perfect for a slower pace – think vineyard hopping in Fredericksburg, wildflower spotting in spring, and swimming holes you’ll want to move into.

Fort Worth
If you're after real-deal cowboy vibes, this is the spot. Watch a cattle drive through the historic Stockyards, see a rodeo, or pull on your boots and hit a honky-tonk. It's all charm, with a good dose of grit.

South Padre Island
Beach life? Texas has that, too. South Padre is all about sandy shores, chilled beach bars and dolphin watching at sunset. Great for families, couples or anyone in need of a sea breeze.

Galveston
Old-school seaside charm with a touch of Victorian flair. Stroll the historic streets, hit the beach, and snack on saltwater taffy. It’s low-key, quirky and great for a weekend break.

Texas is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you're after. Whether you're chasing sunshine, festivals or a crowd-free getaway, here’s when to go:

Spring (March to May) – Mild weather and wildflowers
This is one of the absolute best times to visit. Think sunny days, blooming bluebonnets in Hill Country, and loads of festivals. It’s warm but not too hot, so perfect for road trips, city breaks, or outdoor adventures in Big Bend and beyond.

Autumn (September to November) – Sunshine without the scorch
Still warm enough for pool days and beach trips, but without the summer sizzle. Great for exploring the cities or hitting the road when the crowds have thinned out. Plus, autumn in Texas means big events, like the State Fair in Dallas.

Winter (December to February) – Cooler but still sunny
Texas doesn’t really do freezing. Winter’s a fab time to visit the cities – fewer tourists, cheaper stays and Christmas lights galore. Head south for mild temps and even the odd beach day.

Summer (June to August) – Hot, hot, hot
It’s sizzling in summer – especially in places like Austin, Dallas and Houston. But it’s also packed with energy. Think live music, rooftop bars, lake days and water parks. Just keep the sunscreen handy and stay near a pool or river.

If you're heading to Texas from the UK, here’s the lowdown on visas. Spoiler: it’s easier than you think.

Short answer? You don’t need a visa if you’re just going on holiday, but you do need an ESTA.

What is an ESTA?

An ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) is your golden ticket to travel to the USA without a visa. It’s part of the Visa Waiver Program, which lets British passport holders visit for up to 90 days for tourism, business or transit.

You’ll need to apply online before you fly – it only takes a few minutes, and it’s valid for two years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first). Make sure you get it sorted at least 72 hours before your trip.

What do I need to apply?

• A valid e-passport (with a chip)

• A payment card (there’s a small fee)

• Your flight and accommodation details (helpful but not essential)

When do I need a visa instead?

You’ll need a proper visa, not an ESTA – if:

• You’re staying for more than 90 days

• You want to work, study or live in the US

• You’ve been refused entry to the US before

• You’ve visited certain countries (like Iran or North Korea) in the last few years

Final tip?

Sort your ESTA as soon as you’ve booked your trip – just in case. It’s quick, easy and gives you total peace of mind.

Texas was made for road trips. Wide open highways, epic views, quirky pit stops and towns with stories to tell – it’s all part of the Lone Star charm. If you want the ultimate Texas road trip, here’s the route that ticks every box: nature, food, music, cowboy vibes, and plenty of “we should totally pull over here” moments.

Austin ➡️ Hill Country ➡️ San Antonio ➡️ West Texas ➡️ Big Bend National Park ➡️ Marfa ➡️ El Paso

This one’s a proper adventure – full of flavour, freedom and iconic Texas scenery.

Start in Austin – Live music and lake life
Kick things off in the state’s coolest city. Catch a gig, stuff your face with tacos, kayak on Lady Bird Lake and browse vintage shops. It’s funky, fun and a little bit weird – in the best way.

Drive into Hill Country – Wineries, wildflowers, and rivers to float
Head west to Fredericksburg and the surrounding Hill Country. Think German charm, scenic drives and wine tasting with a view. In spring, the wildflowers are next-level.

Swing by San Antonio – Culture and cocktails
Hop down to San Antonio for a slower pace. Wander along the River Walk, soak up the history at the Alamo, and grab a frozen margarita under the fairy lights.

Onward to West Texas – It’s about to get wild
Hit the open road toward West Texas. There’s a lot of space and not much traffic – just you, the radio, and the horizon. Stop in quirky towns like Alpine and Marathon for a real taste of small-town Texas.

Explore Big Bend National Park – Jaw-dropping landscapes
This is the big one. Big Bend is all desert peaks, dramatic canyons and stargazing so good, you’ll lose track of time. Hike by day, soak in natural hot springs, and toast marshmallows under a sky full of stars.

Marfa moment – Desert art and cosmic vibes
Tiny but mighty, Marfa is a high-desert art town in the middle of nowhere. Come for the minimalist installations, stay for the sunsets, alien lights, and effortlessly cool vibe.

Finish in El Paso – Border town charm with serious flavour
Wrap it up in El Paso, where Mexican and Texan cultures blend perfectly. Dig into legendary food, hike in the nearby mountains, and reflect on your epic road trip.

Absolutely! Texas is huge (we’re talking second-largest state in the U.S. big), so driving is definitely the best way to explore the Lone Star State. Here’s why:

Freedom to Explore

Driving gives you the ultimate freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want. Want to see a ghost town, stop at a quirky diner, or take a detour through a vast desert landscape? When you’re behind the wheel, it’s all up to you.

Scenic Routes

Texas has some of the best scenic drives in the country. Think rolling hills, wildflower fields, and endless stretches of open highway. The Texas Hill Country, the Loneliest Road in America (U.S. Route 50), and the Palo Duro Canyon are just a few of the jaw-dropping landscapes you’ll experience. No other mode of transport can offer that kind of stunning backdrop.

Big, Bold Cities & Remote Spots

From Austin’s buzzing nightlife to the quiet, expansive beauty of Big Bend National Park, Texas is made for road trips. Public transport is minimal in many parts of the state, especially in smaller towns and rural areas, so having your own wheels is a must if you want to explore the full range of experiences.

Flexible Schedules

With driving, there’s no worrying about catching a bus or train on time. You’re in control of your schedule. Stay as long as you want in one place, take as many breaks as you need, and plan your journey around what you love.

Comfort and Convenience

Texas is all about comfort and convenience, and a rental car offers both. You can pack everything you need, from snacks to sunscreen, and even take a nap in the back seat when you’ve had enough of driving. Plus, the highways are generally well-maintained, making the ride smooth and easy.

Public Transport – Not So Much

While cities like Dallas, Houston, and Austin have decent public transit systems, the vast expanses of Texas mean you're often better off with a car. Rural areas and small towns are often lacking in public transport options, so having your own car gives you the flexibility to reach more remote spots.

Texas is BBQ heaven, with each region offering something special. Here are the best spots:

Austin – Brisket Heaven

• Franklin Barbecue: The gold standard of BBQ.

• Micklethwait Craft Meats: A hidden gem with amazing sausage and brisket.

Lockhart – BBQ Capital

• Kreuz Market: Famous for no-frills, big-flavour brisket.

• Black’s Barbecue: Legendary ribs and sausage.

Dallas – Big City BBQ

• Pecan Lodge: Best brisket in town.

• Lockhart Smokehouse: Solid Texas BBQ with great ribs.

Houston – BBQ Fusion

• The Brisket House: Epic brisket sandwiches.

• Rudy’s Bar-B-Q: Reliable, mouth-watering BBQ.

San Antonio – Texas with a Kick

• The Big Bib BBQ: Amazing brisket and BBQ chicken.

• 2M Smokehouse BBQ: Perfect blend of brisket and spicy sauces.

East Texas – Smoky, Tender BBQ

• The Salt Lick: Wood-fired brisket and ribs.

• Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q: Famous pulled pork.

West Texas – BBQ with a Desert Twist

• Big Bend BBQ: Unique BBQ in a stunning location.