DestinationsNorth AmericaUnited StatesTexas

Texas

StateUnited States, North America

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.

Best time to visit Texas

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.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Mild 16-26°C

Travel notes

Crowds: Medium
Prices: Medium

Best weather; fall festivals

Know before you go

Getting there

DFW

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

International

25 km away

IAH

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston)

International

30 km away

AUS

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

International

15 km away

SAT

San Antonio International Airport

International

10 km away

ELP

El Paso International Airport

International

10 km away

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."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cities and hotels; limited in rural areas

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5 (e.g., T-Mobile, AT&T)

Calling code

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Petty theft in tourist areas; avoid walking alone late at night in big cities.

Night safety

7/10

Petty theft in tourist areas; avoid walking alone late at night in big cities.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"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."

Police

911

Ambulance

911

Fire

911

Tourist Police

Entry and health

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."

Culture

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."

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Costs and practicals

Currency

United States Dollar (USD) · $

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$10-15 | a cheap local meal costs around $10-15

Hotels

$80-150 | budget hotels range $80-150/night

Local transport

$1.25 | local bus ride ~$1.25

Cost notes

Gas prices are lower than national average; car rental is affordable.

Timezone

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

More facts

Population

30,500,000

Area

695,662 km²

Government

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

ISO code

US-TX

Type

State

Frequently Asked Questions

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