About Texas

Texas offers an epic journey through diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures. From the live music capital of Austin to the historic Alamo in San Antonio and the cosmopolitan energy of Houston and Dallas, the Lone Star State blends rich history with modern innovation. Nature lovers can explore Big Bend National Park's dramatic desert canyons, Padre Island's pristine beaches, and the rolling Hill Country's wildflower displays. Texas barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine provide unforgettable culinary adventures, while rodeos and honky-tonks showcase authentic cowboy culture. The state's sheer size means you can experience everything from piney woods and bayous to arid plains and bustling urban centers. Don't miss the quirky charm of Marfa's art installations, the space exploration history at NASA's Johnson Space Center, or the German heritage towns like Fredericksburg. Texas hospitality is legendary—expect friendly welcomes and larger-than-life experiences.

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Travel Tips for Texas

Getting Around

Car rental is essential for most travel outside major cities. Interstate highways connect urban centers. Limited Amtrak service between major cities. Greyhound buses serve many towns. Major cities have public transit: Dallas DART light rail, Houston METRO, Austin CapMetro. Ride-sharing (Uber/Lyft) widely available. Texas is vast—allow ample driving time (e.g., El Paso to Houston is 12+ hours). Toll roads are common; get a TxTag or pay online. Domestic flights connect major cities.

Best Time To Visit

March-May and September-November offer pleasant temperatures (60-85°F/15-29°C) and festivals like Austin's SXSW (March), San Antonio's Fiesta (April), and State Fair of Texas (September-October). Summer (June-August) is extremely hot but good for water activities. Winter is mild except in northern Panhandle where snow occurs. Wildflowers peak April-May.

Local Customs

Texans are famously friendly—smiles and greetings are common. Casual dress is acceptable most places, but upscale restaurants may require collared shirts. Tipping: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, $2-5 per night for hotel housekeeping. Respect for Texas pride and history is appreciated. Remove hats during national anthem. "Y'all" is standard second-person plural. Rodeo and football (especially high school/college) are cultural touchstones. Don't criticize barbecue—regional styles are passionately defended.

Safety Information

Most tourist areas are safe, but use normal precautions in cities. Avoid isolated areas at night in downtown districts. Hurricane season (June-November) affects Gulf Coast—monitor weather. Tornadoes occur spring/fall in northern regions. Flash floods are dangerous—never drive through flooded roads. Border regions have increased law enforcement presence; carry ID. Common scams include fake parking tickets, overpriced tourist traps, and timeshare presentations. Lock vehicles and don't leave valuables visible. Wildlife encounters (snakes, coyotes) require caution but are rarely dangerous.

Health Information

Texas has excellent medical facilities in major cities (Houston Medical Center is world-renowned). Rural areas may have limited services. No special vaccinations required beyond routine immunizations. Summer brings extreme heat (over 100°F/38°C)—stay hydrated and use sun protection. West Texas has rattlesnakes and scorpions; watch where you step. Tick-borne illnesses (Lyme, Rocky Mountain spotted fever) occur in wooded areas. Tap water is generally safe. Health insurance is essential as medical costs are high without it.

Languages Spoken

EnglishSpanish

Quick Facts

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)
$

Timezone

America/Chicago -06:00 (GMT) / America/Denver -07:00 (GMT) for western portion

Calling Code

Electricity

Type A, B; 120V, 60Hz
Socket types →

Driving Side

Right

Population

30.5 million

Area

695662 km²

Government

State government with executive, legislative, and judicial branches; divided into 254 counties with local municipal governments

ISO Code

US-TX

About Texas

Things to do in Texas

Private Dallas Party Bike Rental in Deep Ellum

Walking Tour Along the San Antonio Riverwalk And Around Downtown

San Antonio E-Bike Tour: Murals, Street Art and Hidden Gems

Taco 'Bout Austin Bicycle Tour

Walking Tour of Houston: History, Architecture, Street Art

Dallas Margs, Wine & Foodie Experience

ACL Live Guided Backstage Tour at The Moody Theater

Howdy H-Town Street Art & Small Bar Tour

Exclusive Hill Country Wine Tours in and around Fredericksburg TX

Austin Private Tours – Landmarks & Local Highlights

Fort Worth Highlights Tour

Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour

3 Hour Private Boat Charter on Lake Travis for up to 12 People

3 Hour Private Boat Charter on Lake Austin for up to 12 People

San Antonio 1/2 Day "BEST" UNESCO Colonial Missions driving tour

Places to visit in Texas

Rib Mountain Inn Villas

Rib Mountain Inn Townhouses

Quality Inn Midway

Budge Inn Motel

Observation Deck

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

AmericInn

Baymont

Nite Inn

Rothschild Inn Motel

Country Inn & Suites

Rosenberry Inn Ben & Breakfast

Nite Inn

Rib Mountain Inn

Best Western