The Most Beautiful Towns in Texas

Best Weekend Getaways From Dallas & Fort Worth

19 Must-Visit Attractions and Things To Do in Austin

20 Must-Visit Attractions in Houston

The Best Day Trips From Austin, Texas

The Best of Guides & Tips in Texas, USA

Outdoors - Land

Culture & Education

Food & Drink

Outdoors - Water

Attraction

Entertainment

Guides & Tips

We profile 10 of Texas’ most charming and beautiful locations that showcase the natural beauty and rich history of this state.

North America

Texas

With relaxing wineries, great shops and delightful museums, these are the best weekend getaways from Dallas & Fort Worth.

Dallas

From mini-golf to moonlight towers, read our guide to the must-visit attractions in Austin, Texas.

Austin

Gorgeous chapel? Stunning Buddhist temple? Tallest building in Texas? Houston has it all.

Houston

If you’re looking for a day trip, or even a weekend getaway, from the charming city of Austin, we have the lowdown on the must-visit places nearby.

Insider Travel Guides

Guides & Tips 

Texas is a state bigger than most of the countries in Europe; where small-town southern hospitality meets bustling cities and Cowboy country meets sandy beaches. Here’s our guide.


An Insider Guide to Texas

We know we’ve already mentioned the size of Texas but we feel it’s important to really drive that point home. This place is big. At 695,662 km², it’s the second largest state in America behind only Alaska, and the second most populous state behind only California - all of which is to say that Texas is absolutely huge, and with a state that big comes a lot of diversity.

The biggest cities in Texas are Austin, Houston, Dallas and San Antonio. Austin is the capital of Texas, and also a city considered by many to be the live music capital of the world. It’s quirky, with a vibrant art scene, and an emphasis on “Keeping Austin Weird”, as the bumper stickers say. For a hit of nature, travel a couple of hours to the mystical Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Dallas may be known for oil, sunshine and infamous assassinations, but it isn't so shabby when it comes to art either. It’s actually home to the country's largest arts district, a full 19 blocks brimming with museums, theatres and life. The BBQ down here is as good as it gets, so grab some good food and go watch the Cowboys for a real Texas experience. In Houston, if there ever was a problem, there isn’t one now. Houston is the largest city in Texas, and though it’s best known for NASA’s Johnson Space Center Houston, the creative side has really bloomed in recent decades. Hey, it produced Beyoncé - so that’s got to count for something. San Antonio is known as the Alamo City, and visiting The Alamo, where the Battle of the Alamo took place in 1836, is certainly one of the main attractions. Though history is a big pull for many, there’s a modern edge to the city too. The River Walk runs 15 miles and is a truly beautiful space - the largest urban ecosystem in America and a green gem in a bustling city. The Guadalupe Mountains and Big Bend National Park are the national parks of Texas, the latter renowned for remarkable stone formations and otherworldly views. This is a special state.


The Main Attractions

Despite being the fastest-growing city in the US, the Texas state capital has managed to preserve its offbeat spirit and live up to its “Keep Austin Weird” motto. With a vibrant creative community, flourishing independent businesses, underground venues and a thriving live music scene, the city has plenty to keep visitors happy and Austinites proud.

Austin’s musical heritage can be felt – and heard – on every corner, with venues ranging from two-stepping honky-tonks and rowdy rock’n’roll bars to jazz clubs and concert halls. The “Live Music Capital of the World” is gaining a reputation as one of America’s top foodie cities, too, not only for its world-famous barbecue but also inventive Mexican fare, top-notch sushi and a brunch scene to rival the Big Apple’s. Pair your meal with a beer from the new crop of craft breweries and you’ll be ready for a night out in one of America’s greatest party towns.

Introducing Austin

No matter when you choose to visit, Austin’s cultural calendar is always brimming. The city hosts major events year-round, including the US Grand Prix, South by Southwest and Austin City Limits Music Festival. Its many entertainment districts mean there’s always something fun to do, whether you’re learning the cotton-eyed joe at legendary Texan dance hall Broken Spoke or playing chicken shit bingo (yep, you read that right) at the Little Longhorn Saloon. 

Austin’s urban liveliness extends to its natural environment. Outdoor spaces buzz with activity, with Zilker Park offering volleyball, golf and even swimming at Barton Springs Pool. Architectural highlights include the sunset-red granite Texas State Capitol building, the fairytale-esque Bloom House and the opulent Driskill Hotel.

Austin attractions and sightseeing

Things to do

Places to stay

Read Culture Trip's guide to the best things to do in Interlaken, Switzerland, from eating chocolate fondue to viewing the Alps as you parachute from a plane.

Europe

Switzerland

The Best Things to See and Do in Interlaken, Switzerland

Not only is Zürich one of the most scenic European capitals, but it also offers some of the most dazzling hotels – bookable with Culture Trip.

Zurich

The Best Hotels in Zürich, Switzerland

The Alps have a unique and picturesque beauty. From Lucerne to Annecy, here are 10 of the most beautiful towns in the European mountain range.

The Most Beautiful Towns You Have to Visit in the Alps

Switzerland is no stranger when it comes to high-end brands and its hotels are no exception. Here's our guide to the top 11 most luxurious hotels that you'll find in Switzerland, bookable with Culture Trip.

The Most Luxurious Hotels in Switzerland

Discover the best places to go and things to do while visiting Locarno in the south of Switzerland.

The Best Things to Do in and Around Locarno

From warming fondue and raclette to cured meat dried in the Alpine breeze, read our guide to the food you must try on your visit to Zürich.

The Best Dishes to Eat in Zürich, Switzerland

Enjoy Swiss hospitality and spectacular mountain views at our favourite places to stay in the Jungfrau Region, all bookable with Culture Trip.

Where to Stay in the Jungfrau Region of Switzerland

Read our guide to the 19 must-visit attractions you have to see during a trip to Zurich, Switzerland.

19 Must-Visit Attractions in Zurich, Switzerland

Read our guide to the best boutique hotels in Geneva, guaranteed to make your trip a little more unique. Even better, they're all bookable with Culture Trip.

Geneve

The Best Boutique Hotels in Geneva, Switzerland

Luxury is the name of the game at these boutique hotels in Switzerland – and they’re bookable with Culture Trip.

The Best Boutique Hotels in Switzerland

Visit the Unesco World Heritage site of Bern and use Culture Trip's guide to explore its sights.

The Best Things to See and Do in Bern, Switzerland

Get the most out of your Swiss Alps adventure with a stay in a luxury boutique hotel, with proper old-school service – bookable with Culture Trip.

The Best Boutique Hotels in the Swiss Alps

Find out all you need to know about the 18th Caprices Festival taking place in Switzerland this summer.

Caprices Festival: Bringing the Party Back to the Swiss Alps

From grande dames to chic hotels with lakeside views, there's a host of properties in Montreux. Here are our favourites, all bookable with Culture Trip.

The Best Hotels in Montreux, Switzerland

Discover 20 must-visit places that you simply can't miss on your trip to Switzerland.

20 Must-Visit Attractions in Switzerland

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