Discover the 9 most popular, touristy and worthwhile cities in Texas.
1. Austin
Austin, the capital of Texas, is known for its vibrant music and cultural scene. The city hosts events such as South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
In addition, Austin offers many outdoor activities, with parks and trails to explore, such as Zilker Metropolitan Park. The Texas State Capitol is one of the must-see tourist attractions, offering guided tours that show the state’s rich history.
Quick tip on how to get to the cities
If you want to make a route between the cities of Texas or even a round trip, the most common option is to rent a car. In the United States, in general, renting a car is very worthwhile because the roads are great and the prices are worth it. Plus, you don’t waste a lot of travel time on buses or pay extreme prices like cabs.
So if you want to secure the lowest price for your rental car, our first tip is to book as far in advance as possible and to do it online. The earlier you book, the cheaper you’ll pay. See below for more tips.
Don’t rent a GPS in Atlanta
Another good tip is not to rent a car with a GPS, as it costs a lot per day. Instead, you can buy a good American chip, unblocked for international calls and with unlimited Internet. That way, you’ll be able to use the map and location apps with your own cell phone.
Use this incredible price comparator
There are some car rental price comparators in Texas (and throughout the United States) that are sensational and search all the main car rental companies there, finding the best prices and excellent deals.
We recommend one that you can use by going to the website and entering the date of your trip. It then searches for all the best car rental companies in Texas.
If you want to do the search, click here on Car Rental Comparator. In just a few seconds, you’ll have all the options for renting a car in Texas from the best companies on your screen, and you can choose the cheapest one. You really will save a lot.
More tips: prefer larger and reliable rental companies, such as Alamo, Hertz, Dollar, Budget and Avis. Take out basic insurance when booking, which is super important and is usually included in the price. But don’t fall for the companies who, when you pick up the car, try to push extra insurance that isn’t worth it.
2. San Antonio
San Antonio is famous for its historical and cultural attractions. The Alamo, one of the most important sites in Texas history, attracts millions of visitors every year.
The city is also known for the River Walk, a riverside promenade lined with restaurants, stores and entertainment. The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another highlight, with its four preserved missions.
3. Houston
Houston, the largest city in Texas, is an important cultural and economic center. Space Center Houston is one of the main attractions, offering a fascinating insight into the US space program!
The Museum District is another highlight, with 19 museums, including the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts. For nature lovers, the Houston Zoo and Hermann Park are great.
4. Dallas
Dallas is known for its mix of history and modernity. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, dedicated to the life and death of President John F. Kennedy, is a must-see attraction there.
The Dallas Arts District, the largest urban arts district in the USA, is home to several galleries, theaters and museums, such as the Dallas Museum of Art. Finally, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden offers beautiful landscapes and seasonal events.
5. Fort Worth
Fort Worth is known for its Old West charm. The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District preserves the city’s heritage as a cattle center, with rodeo shows, stagecoach rides and other themed activities.
The Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth are important cultural attractions. The Fort Worth Zoo and the Fort Worth Water Gardens are other leisure options for the whole family.
6. Galveston
Galveston, located on the Texas Gulf Coast, is famous for its beaches and historic attractions. The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier offers fun for all ages, with rides, games and restaurants.
Moody Gardens, with its aquarium, rainforest and discovery museum, is another popular attraction. The Strand Historic District is ideal for walking tours, with its stores, galleries and restaurants.
7. El Paso
El Paso, located in the far west of Texas, is rich in culture and history. The El Paso Museum of Art and the Magoffin Home State Historic Site are important cultural attractions.
Franklin Mountains State Park offers opportunities for hiking, climbing and wildlife watching. The Wyler Aerial Tramway provides breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains.
8. Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is known for its beautiful beaches and coastal attractions. The Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay are tourist highlights.
Padre Island National Seashore, the largest uninhabited barrier island in the world, offers pristine beaches and a wealth of wildlife. The city also has several parks and nature reserves, such as the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center.
9. Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is famous for its German heritage and wineries. The city offers several options for wine tasting and winery tours, such as Grape Creek Vineyards, the main one, and shown in the photo below).
The National Museum of the Pacific War is an important attraction, dedicated to the history of the Second World War in the Pacific. The stores and restaurants along Main Street offer quaint charm and a variety of local products.
Save money on your trip to Texas:
Tickets: find out where to buy your Texas tickets in the cheapest and safest way. You can save up to 40%!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Car: if you are thinking about renting one this is the best website. It compares the price at all rental companies and finds unbeatable prices. You can save up to 30%!
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
Transfer: do you need one from the airport to the hotel? Find out here how to book and for the lowest price!