When to Visit Texas
This can vary by region, but overall, Texas is HOT in the summer. I personally think that Spring is the best time to visit, especially if you’re visiting Texas Hill Country. The Texas bluebonnets typically bloom in April and you can find beautiful displays of them in Ennis, Fredericksburg and other areas.
Fall is another nice time of year where you’ll get to enjoy mild weather. You can also find beautiful displays of fall foliage in places like Garner and Lost Maples state parks. The leaves typically peak in November!
Winter brings cooler temperatures, but not usually cool enough to keep you from going outside. Plus, you can enjoy holiday events all over the state, such as the many light displays in Austin, Dallas and San Antonio.
Summer is hot, but that means it’s a great time to cool off in a swimming hole or at the beach! A few places to visit include the Blue Hole in Wimberley, Pedernales Falls or South Padre Island. Don’t forget your sunscreen.
Texas Outdoor Travel Guides
I have been blown away by many of the Texas state parks and national parks. From the “Grand Canyon of Texas” (Palo Duro Canyon) to Enchanted Rock to Big Bend, there are so many incredible trails and outdoor adventures to enjoy across the state.
Before you head out on an outdoor adventure, make sure you refresh yourself on the leave no trace principles and come prepared. I recommend the All Trails Plus membership so that you can download offline trail maps ahead of time - some of these parks are remote and do not have cell service.
If you’ll be visiting multiple Texas state parks in a year, it may be worth purchasing a Texas state parks pass! It will grant you and your guests into all of the Texas state parks for a year.
The Ultimate Texas Nature Bucket List (40+ Adventures)
Texas National Parks
Texas has two national parks: Big Bend and the Guadalupe Mountains. Both are located in the remote regions of West Texas. Big Bend is known for three distinct ecosystems: mountains, river and desert. Guadalupe Mountains is home to the highest peak in Texas! Both are very much worth a visit.
Texas State Parks
Texas has 86 state parks, and many of them have some epic scenery! All of the Texas state parks charge a fee, but it varies a lot depending on the park. For some of the popular parks (such as Enchanted Rock), it’s best to make a day use reservation in advance.
In my travel guide to the Texas state parks, I include some general information about visiting the parks, and include my personal ranking of the parks I've been to. I've been to 38 parks so far!
The Ultimate Texas State Parks Travel Guide
Travel Guides for Texas State Parks:
Texas Road Trips
Take an epic West Texas road trip! I’ve written two itineraries depending on how long you have - one only includes Big Bend and Marfa, while the other includes the Guadalupe Mountains, White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns and more.
West Texas is quite remote - be sure to fill up on gas when you can, bring your own food and water and download offline maps ahead of time.
An Epic West Texas and New Mexico Road Trip Itinerary (12 Days)
Big Bend to Marfa Roadtrip: The Ultimate West Texas Itinerary
Texas City Guides
Texas has some incredible cities that are known for their delicious food, cultural activities and fun events. Check out these city itineraries and discover the best things to do in Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and more.
Dallas Fort-Worth
I lived in Dallas for 4 years and loved exploring the area! The city is known for a huge variety of excellent food, historic events such as the JFK assassination and as a center for art and culture.
Texas Small Towns
Texas is full of small towns that exude charm. Each small town offers something unique and it’s easy to find some fantastic small business to support!
Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country region includes San Antonio and Austin, along with 1,000’s of acres of rural countryside.
The region is full of amazing wineries, picturesque small towns and state parks with beautiful hiking trails. Whether you’re taking a day trip from Austin or a weekend getaway from San Antonio, Hill Country has so much to offer!
For the ultimate list of the best things to do in Texas Hill Country, read my full list!
40+ Things To Do in Texas Hill Country: Hiking, Small Towns & More
More Texas Hill Country Guides:
Transportation in Texas
In the big cities, it’s easy to rely on rideshare to get around. There is also public transportation in the larger cities, but it often takes way longer than using a car.
Compare Rental Car Prices in Dallas
If you’re traveling to Texas and want to do any exploring outside of the city centers, you should rent a car. Driving a car is also the best way to get in between cities.
A high speed train has been proposed between Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth, but it has not been built yet.
FAQ's about Texas Travel
Where can I find hiking in Texas?
I recommend starting with the nearest Texas state park - you can find the entire list here!
A few of my favorite places to hike across Texas include Palo Duro Canyon, Dinosaur Valley (near DFW), Pedernales Falls (near Austin) and Garner (near San Antonio).
Where should I go on vacation in Texas?
There are so many options for an incredible vacation in Texas! If you enjoy big cities, I highly recommend visiting Austin. The city has such a fun energy and is full of amazing tacos, vibrant murals and some great outdoor adventures nearby.
If you’re more into nature, I recommend a trip to one of both of the Texas national parks. If you can only visit one - plan a trip to Big Bend. This West Texas park may be remote, but it’s an incredible place that offers a mix of river, mountain and desert landscapes. It should definitely be on your Texas bucket list!
What is there to do in Texas for a week?
Texas has so much to do! If it’s your first time in Texas and you have a week, I recommend focusing on Hill Country. Spend a couple days in Austin, a couple days in San Antonio and a couple days in Fredericksburg, one of the best towns to visit in Texas Hill Country. The Hill Country region is full of wineries, state parks, swimming holes and more.
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