There are endless activities to enjoy in major cities across the Lone Star State, making your next urban adventure not only possible, but curated perfectly for you. Plus, with this many options, you don’t have to break the bank to have an unforgettable experience.
Austin
Let’s start in the capital — “The Live Music Capital of the World” that is. Artists flock to Austin in March for the famed South by Southwest, where you can find various shows playing all week long across downtown. Hosted in Zilker Park, Austin City Limits Music Festival offers two full weekends of live music in the month of October — and gathers numerous local favorites on S. Lamar Boulevard like Matt's El Rancho and Tiny Pies all in one place for fest nourishment. Zilker Park is next to Barton Springs Pool, the perfect place to cool off after a live show. If gliding sounds better than swimming, head over to Lady Bird Lake, where you can paddleboard or kayak down a waterway that slices through the heart of the city. In addition to being a music haven, Austin is also a swimmer’s and kayaker’s paradise. Bikers and hikers will be right at home, too; a jog or ride down the scenic Barton Creek Greenbelt will take you right to the gorgeous Gus Fruh, a swimming hole famous for its limestone, tailor-made for lounging away on a sweet summer night. Speaking of which, all of that outdoor activity might make you thirsty, so end your night with more live music at any number of the fan-favorite watering holes on Rainey Street, East 6th Street, and throughout Downtown Austin.
Dallas & Fort Worth
Your Dallas adventure can also begin in a beautiful downtown park: Klyde Warren Park, to be exact. Situated in the middle of downtown, this park is encircled by gleaming skyscrapers. Inside the park, you’ll be surrounded by live music, yoga classes, and delicious food trucks. Nearby, the nationally recognized Dallas Arts District offers 19 blocks of amazing architecture and award-winning museums, including the one-of-a-kind Nasher Sculpture Center And since this is Dallas, sculpture lovers can rejoice: The renowned Crow Museum of Asian Art includes a sculpture garden that will transport you to the Far East. The Arts District is also home to a plethora of savory restaurants; if there’s anything Dallas does as well as art, it’s eateries. Taco joints like Taqueria La Ventana and Tacos La Banqueta Puro DF offer the delectable grub you need to fuel the rest of your day of adventures — which, in Dallas, can include just about anything. Go for a peaceful stroll on the Katy Trail or spend your day enjoying games and music at The Rustic in the popular Uptown neighborhood. Down the road in Fort Worth, you can enjoy music and embrace the town’s unique western heritage at the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Dance the night away at Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk, or watch the horses dance at the Stockyards Championship Rodeo, held in the historic Cowtown Coliseum on Fridays and Saturdays.
El Paso
Looking for more great eats, with a view? El Paso, rightfully known as the “Sun City,” boasts majestic landscapes and stellar cuisine. Put your hiking boots to good use and take to the rugged Franklin Mountains surrounding the city. Franklin Mountains State Park, the largest state park in an urban setting, covers 37 square miles, all of which are within El Paso city limits. The summit might offer one of the best views you’ll find in all of Texas. The Sun City is also home to a culinary summit of sorts. In a town with no shortage of tasty options, Kiki’s Mexican Food Restaurant has the admirable distinction of being adored both by locals and the Food Network. Located downtown inside the Stanton House boutique hotel, Taft-Diaz is also a favorite — enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner set against the restaurant’s iconic black and white backdrop.
San Antonio
San Antonio is steeped in history, ready to be explored. In addition to the famed River Walk and the iconic Market Square shopping and dining district, this city is home to a series of stunning Spanish missions — including the famous Alamo — that will immerse you in the Texas of the 1700s. Complement your tour of those five stunning colonial treasures with a visit to any of San Antonio’s excellent museums. Both the Witte Museum and the San Antonio Museum of Art offer engaging permanent and traveling exhibits that will delight your eyes. Delight your tastebuds as well in the Culinary Capital of Texas — indulge in cheesy enchiladas at La Fonda on Main or dine on a delectable pasta dish at Nonna Osteria. There’s a dish for every palate in San Antonio! Visit as soon as possible, thank us later.
Houston
The attractions in Houston are out of this world — the James Turrell Twilight Epiphany Skyspace on the Rice University campus is just one example. Each morning and night, you can camp out under an immaculately designed LED structure and enjoy specially programmed artworks that slowly change as the sun rises or sets. Of course, Space Center Houston is also a must-see for anyone who loves NASA and the intricacies of our nation’s space program. But that’s just scratching the surface of what “H-town” provides. The always-surprising cultural mecca gives you a chance to get lost in the stacks in the 17,000-square-foot, Oxford-inspired Lanier Theological Library which also houses fragments from the original Dead Sea Scrolls, two early King James versions of the Bible, a C.S. Lewis collection, and more. Or if you’re looking for a different kind of fun, check out the city’s critically acclaimed Houston Ghost Tour.
