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Texas is the second largest state in America. This behemoth is second only to Alaska in terms of land area. Texas is also home to three of the ten largest cities in the country. The list of places to see and things to do in Texas is mind-boggling. When planning Texas travel, it can be hard to decide what part of the state to focus on. When I planned my first trip to Texas, I was completely overwhelmed and had no idea where to start. Fear not! I’m here to help break down some of the biggest tourist cities in Texas.
Are you someone who loves the sophisticated attractions of a big city? Or maybe you prefer the artsy feel of a laid-back college town? How about a peaceful trip to a quaint little town, or maybe sinking your toes into the soft sand on the beach. Texas is so geographically and culturally varied, it has cities that will appeal to every kind of travel taste. After multiple trips to Texas, I’ve come to appreciate how unique the cities of Texas really are. I’ve traveled to all corners of Texas, and some cities left me positively charmed, while others left a little more to be desired.
In today’s post, I will share with you what each Texan city has to offer and give you some reasons to consider visiting. There are several must-see cities in Texas, but I will also share a couple popular Texas cities that I didn’t care for quite as much, which you may want to skip. So, let’s talk Texas!
1. Austin, Texas
Austin is not only my favorite city in Texas, it’s one of my most cherished cities in America. How to describe Austin? Hip. Lively. Quirky. Relaxed. Austin is a “cool city” without the air of pretension often found in other “cool” cities. In Austin, you can enjoy a big city without being a hipster, because appearances don’t matter much.
Austin proper is home to seven colleges and universities (with 20 in the greater Austin area), so it is very much a college town. Austin has a fun, laid back feel but without the elitism. In Austin, “staying weird” is the vibe. There is an artistic, quirky feeling here, different from other college towns. Austin is a dynamic and colorful city, literally. Artists have painted bold, inspiring murals on what feels like every surface within the city. With so much creativity on display, it’s nearly impossible not to feel alive and inspired by Austin. Don’t just take my word for it: USA Today named Austin one of the best U.S. cities for street art.
The best way to explore Austin is the way the locals do. Spend an afternoon strolling the city while relishing in Austin’s crazy good food scene. Austin is particularly renowned for having some of the best BBQ and tacos in the country. Head to one of the city’s food truck parks or open air patios for a relaxed afternoon of amazing food and people watching.
At night, be sure to leave time to explore the eclectic downtown and live music scene. Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital Of The World”, so treat yourself to a show. The food, culture, art, people and vibe of Austin all make for one freaking cool city to hang around in. I encourage you to visit Austin and then send me a dozen migas tacos.
One minor disclaimer: Austin is the most expensive part of Texas to visit. If you are looking to visit the most budget-friendly city in Texas, Austin is not it. Texas is one of the most reasonably priced states to visit, however, so there’s no shortage of budget-friendly cities aside from Austin.
Who will like it: Everyone. If you don’t, you’re doing it wrong.
What to do: Listen to live music, take in the street art, eat ALL the tacos and BBQ
2. Houston, Texas
If Austin is the quirky cool college kid of Texas, then Houston is the more refined, slightly older sibling. Let’s just call it grown up Austin. While Austin feels young and wild, Houston is more grown up cool. Houston is a little more sophisticated and diverse, and a little less wacky than Austin while retaining a fun, lively energy.
As the 4th most populated city in the country, Houston is a more massive, sprawling city than you probably realize. Seriously, the city is monstruous. Case in point: Houston is home to the Katy Freeway, the widest freeway in the world at a whopping 26 lanes. While Houston can be painful to navigate, traffic seems to flow more easily than in other similarly sized cities across the country, like Los Angeles or Atlanta.
More importantly, unlike Dallas (see: cities you can skip), Houston is loaded with big-city attractions. Of all the cities in Texas, Houston has the most cerebral feel (it is home to Space Center Houston, after all). What made me fall in love with Houston is the staggering amount of museums and cultural institutions to explore. Lifelong learners (like me), rejoice! What Austin does with street art, Houston does with museums. Houston has one of the most incredible museum scenes in America with more than 150 museums and cultural institutions.
In addition, while Austin is more geared toward young singles and older weirdos, Houston is very family-friendly. No one will find themselves bored in Houston, because there is plenty to keep every kind of visitor amused. Just a few of the well-known attractions in Houston include their museum scene, world-class parks, sporting events and their rocking rodeo. No matter your age or interests, Houston will have plenty to keep you entertained when visiting.
Not only is Houston a brilliant and bustling city, it is also home to ridiculously good food. While Austin’s BBQ and tacos own my heart, Houston has the overall strongest foodie game in the state of Texas. The cultural diversity and sheer number of eateries to explore in the city is astounding. In addition, Houston is a stellar city for nightlife, with tons of swanky bars for you to enjoy during a night out on the town. In Houston, we’re growing up and trading in our beers and lawn chairs for fancy cocktails and rooftop bars. Cheers!
3. Galveston, Texas
If I asked you to think of the states in America with gorgeous beaches, I’m guessing Texas isn’t on your list. It wasn’t on mine either, but then I met Galveston and had a change of heart. Galveston is home to 32 miles of beachy shoreline along the gulf coast. In addition, the beaches of Galveston offer a more low-key alternative to the oft overrun tourist-trap beaches of Florida.
The best part about Galveston is that it has so much more to offer than just the beach (I’m looking at you Gulf Shores and Pensacola….). Galveston is a city with a rich (literally, it was one of the wealthiest cities in America for a long time) and a fascinating history. While Galveston doesn’t have the crystal white beaches of Pensacola or clear ocean waters of Florida, the beaches are lovely, and the warm gulf waters are swimmable most of the year. Note: Summer in Galveston is miserably hot, so you may want to avoid that time of year.
For a beachy destination with kid-friendly attractions besides just beach-lounging, Galveston is a smart choice. Keep the kids busy with a trip to the indoor rainforest and aquarium paradise of the Moody Gardens. Or let your littles run amok exploring the trains at the Railroad Museum. Or get the kids wound up on gobs of cotton candy and hours of spinning rides at Pleasure Pier.
As beach cities go, Galveston is one of my favorites due to how much there is to do beyond the beach. Learn about America’s grand past by touring one of Galveston’s niche museums or architecturally distinctive homes. Spend a day browsing the adorable boutique shops along The Strand. After exploring, grab a meal at one of the waterfront dining spots overlooking the cruise port. Galveston delivers a level of sophistication and history beyond what most of America’s best beach cities offer.
Who will like it: Young families, history and architecture lovers, people seeking a beach vacay with more than just the beach and less of a spring-break crowd
What to do: Explore one of Galveston’s beautiful beaches, waterfront dining, historic home tours
4. San Antonio, Texas
To revisit my sibling analogy, compared to big cities of Houston and Austin, San Antonio is the dutiful older sister. Traditional, responsible, and humble are fitting descriptors. San Antonio is the oldest city in Texas, with a rich culture. Its deep roots and traditions are on full display at some of the city’s most beloved tourist spots. Visitors can dive into San Antonio’s vibrant heritage at attractions like the Alamo and the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park.
In terms of vibe, while Austin has more of a techy, Silicon-Valley type edge, San Antonio has a sleepier small-town soul. Perhaps surprisingly, San Antonio is the 2nd largest city in Texas behind Houston, and 7th largest in America. I was stunned to learn San Antonio proper is home to nearly 1.5 million people. I found San Antonio to have the feel of a mid-size city and was relatively easy to navigate. While San Antonio is enormous, it feel far more approachable than other large cities.
One reason to consider a visit to San Antonio is to experience a city with rich and authentic Hispanic roots, history and cuisine. While Houston is one of the most internationally diverse cities in America, San Antonio get high scores from me for the city’s cultural heritage. Most notably, San Antonio is home to the River Walk, which is one of my favorite attractions in America. And yes, while in town, you should visit the Alamo though it is one of America’s most overrated destinations. If big attractions are your thing, San Antonio is home to Six Flags Fiesta and Sea World San Antonio.
In terms of feel, San Antonio has a down-to-earth, blue-collar vibe reflective of the four military bases found nearby. If I had to knock one thing about San Antonio, it would be the food. The cuisine here simply doesn’t compare to the quality or variety found in Austin or Houston. If you love Tex Mex, however, then you’ll be in heaven in San Antonio, where queso is king. For an affordable, family-friendly vacation with great attractions and a laid-back feel, it’s time to plan a trip to San Antonio!
Who will like it: Everyone, but it’s a big city that may be more palatable to traditional conservative types
What to do: The San Antonio Riverwalk is a must-see; as is exploring the nearby historical sites; eat all the Tex Mex food
5. Hill Country, Texas
Alright travelers, on to a part of Texas you may not have heard of, and that’s Texas Hill Country. Hill Country is a group of small counties in central Texas, about an hour and a half west of Austin and San Antonio. Texas Hill Country is just far enough outside the big city bustle to make you feel like you’re in a different world entirely. A drive to Hill Country will take you through gently rolling hills lined with bluebonnets to a quaint world of cute storefronts, wineries and European influence.
Did I mention that Hill Country is basically the Napa Valley of Texas? The hilly terrain makes it ideal for grape-growing. In fact, this little-known part of Texas is home to more than 50 wineries. On the whole, Texas is the fifth largest wine producer in the US with more than 5,000 acres and 400 wineries throughout the state.
Texas Hill Country doesn’t pack the same punch in terms of attractions and nightlife found elsewhere in the state. Texas Hill Country offers a peaceful respite from the bustle and bright lights of the city. Visitors can savor refreshing peach wine on a hot Texas day while perusing the artsy storefronts on main street. Texas Hill Country is the perfect getaway for those seeking a slower pace retreat. One thing to note is that Texas Hill Country is most ideal for a girl’s weekend and is less ideal for kids and the entire family. There just aren’t many attractions for the little ones, and many men may find themselves somewhat bored. For the husbands who do tag along, plenty of shops offer free beer and designated “hubby-sitting” areas, for what it’s worth.
Who will like it: Women. Hill Country is brimming with boutique shops, wineries and art galleries. Perfect location for a girl’s trip (that’s how I visited).
What to do: Visit a winery, fill up your glass, stroll the shops and art galleries and repeat.
6. Waco, Texas
In full transparency, I really wrestled with which list to put Waco, Texas on; I could go either way on this one. Mostly to avoid the ire of my friends, I’m putting Waco on the worth-visiting list. It was inches from the skip-it list, though, so let’s talk about why.
Waco, Texas is a mid-sized city in central Texas about an hour and a half drive north from San Antonio or Austin. Most people who visit Waco come for one very particular reason: Chip and Joanna Gaines. Waco is home to Magnolia Market, made famous by the Gaines couple, of HGTV Fixer Upper fame. I’m no home interior enthusiast (hell, I’d live in a hippie trailer if I had my way), but the DIY crowd goes absolutely bananas for this place. Beyond Magnolia Market, there are some cool places to explore, such as Texas sports museums and Baylor University. What keeps Waco off my skip-it list (aside from peer pressure), is that Waco is the birthplace of Dr. Pepper. That, my friends, is truly something to celebrate. Beyond inventing Dr. Pepper and being home to the Dr. Pepper Museum, the city leaves a lot to be desired.
So what’s not to love about Waco? In short, a lot. Somehow, Waco is a college town without feeling like it. In fact, the city doesn’t seem to have much of a distinct vibe at all, though the downtown cultural district is evolving. Waco feels like a city in search of an identity and in the infancy of shaping its future. In addition, Waco is not very aesthetically pleasing, is struggling socio-economically, and doesn’t have a very welcoming energy.
What Waco does have is the Gaines famous power couple and delicious Dr. Pepper. If you do visit Waco, I would recommend avoiding Sundays, as Magnolia is closed that day.
Who will like it: A pretty niche crowd of wacked out DIY enthusiasts and Dr. Pepper fanatics
What to do: Shop the Magnolia Market, see the Mammoth National Monument active dig site, the hip Waco Downtown Cultural District and of course, the Dr. Pepper Museum.
Texas Cities You Can Skip
1. Dallas, Texas
Time to buckle up and make some people mad. At the risk of getting some serious shade and angry side eye, Dallas, Texas is my first city to skip. Many Americans like me, seem to have a larger-than-life impression of Dallas. Maybe I grew up watching too many episodes of Dallas, or Jerry Jones press conferences. From big belt buckles to bigger hair, to the enormous jumbotron from the evil pro football team that shall not be named, everything always felt bigger and better in Dallas. Part of the problem for Dallas is the high expectations, but the bigger problem is a surprisingly spiritless city.
Dallas is a monstrously large city. It is the 9th most populous in the United States and the 3rd largest in Texas, behind Houston and San Antonio. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come anywhere close to those cities in terms of culture and things to do. In that regard, I don’t think Dallas even comes close to most of the Top 50 most populous cities. How can such a giant city with such a big reputation barely make an impression?
One of the most notable things about Dallas is its lack of identity. Cities like Austin and San Antonio have a distinctive vibe whereas the energy of Dallas feels…generic? Flat? Boring? Dallas feels like a city without a personality, and there isn’t much of note about the city’s culture. As I walked around the city, I couldn’t help but feel sad as I took in the drab and uninspired concrete jungle and massive freeways, searching for something to grab my attention.
Dallas is a city without much natural beauty, unlike many other cities. Dallas doesn’t have the benefit of scenic mountains or beaches, and overall, it’s a relatively featureless place with shockingly little green space. Add to that some of the highest pollution in America, and you have a city that just isn’t very exciting to visit. While there are a decent number of eateries and family friendly activities for a big city, the uniqueness and quality of the local food and attractions is far less than most other big cities across the country.
Dallas isn’t an awful city by any means, but it is comparatively underwhelming. It does have a pretty incredible sports scene and is very affordable, if we’re looking for redeeming qualities. If you are trying to prioritize which cities to visit in Texas however, I’d recommend putting Dallas at the bottom of your list. You simply aren’t missing out on much if you skip over it.
2. El Paso, Texas
Speaking of not missing much, what’s another Texas city you can afford to skip? The heavily congested, polluted dumpster nightmare that is El Paso. A recent Buzzfeed article named it one of the 18 Ugliest Cities in the US, a distinction shared with fellow standout American cities like Bakersfield, California and Gary, Indiana. While the article lacks detail, the quote “El Paso, Texas depresses the hell out of me” is a bullseye. Few places have made me feel as instantly bummed out as El Paso. Allow me to explain why I recommend you drive on past El Paso.
In theory, El Paso is more geographically interesting than much of Texas with the Franklin Mountains in the distance. In reality, the mountain is a brown pile of dirt clouded in the city’s smothering haze of pollution. Overall, the city is brown, dirty and dusty, but not in the attractive way of Utah. El Paso has many dull, dreary buildings, dilapidated run-down neighborhoods and heavy industrial areas where garbage lines the streets.
Perhaps the biggest problem in El Paso is pollution. You can literally feel the pollution problem in your lungs when visiting El Paso, which recently ranked #4 of 300 mid-size metro cities for worst air pollution. The city’s air quality is so bad, that it is considered unhealthy for the public. I don’t think I truly appreciated how green and healthy Wisconsin is until I visited El Paso.
Beyond the sad aesthetics and toxic air, El Paso is a city that lacks the basic infrastructure to support the city’s growth. El Paso is the 6th largest city in Texas and 22nd largest in the entire United States. If you don’t care for congestion, you may come away feeling a little claustrophobic, as I did. In addition, the lack of thoughtful infrastructure makes the city a bit of a pain to navigate. A trip to El Paso is likely to result in you sitting in a nightmarish traffic jam in the punishing sun, watching dust collect on your windshield. Lastly, El Paso is on the far Western border of Texas, nowhere near the other major cities in the state. El Paso is quite out of the way, and is not easily added on when visiting other major cities in Texas.
While El Paso is not a visually appealing city to visit, it does have a far more distinctive cultural feel than Dallas. As a border town, El Paso has a substantial Hispanic population and many interesting cultural museums and attractions. If you like warmth (like scorched-earth, skin-melting warmth) the Sun City is known for its average of 302 days of desert sunshine annually. As you consider the best cities to visit in Texas, El Paso is just not one I can highly recommend.
Alright, that’s it for my list of must-see cities in Texas along with a couple you can afford to skip. Have you visited any of these cities in Texas? Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!