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Texas

The Lone Star state is large and diverse. From quirky dive bars and a lively music scene in Austin to charming small towns in Texas Hill Country, there’s a variety of experiences waiting to welcome any traveler. Oh, and don’t forget to stop for a bit of BBQ along the way.

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Overview

Planning Your Trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip to Texas.

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Read Before You Go
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The Last-Minute Guide to Traveling for April’s Total Solar Eclipse
Haven’t finalized your solar eclipse plans? We’ve got you covered.
March 19, 2024 03:30 PM
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Chloe Arrojado
comfy armchairs at the Capital One Lounge at DFW Airport
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An Honest Guide to the Airport Lounges at Dallas Fort Worth International
February 08, 2024 02:19 PM
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Paul Rubio
Three people sitting in camping chairs looking at the sky with solar eclipse viewers
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7 U.S. Parks With Great Views of Totality for the April Solar Eclipse
February 06, 2024 02:28 PM
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Chloe Arrojado
A spread of dishes from Kau Ba Kitchen Houston
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10 Houston Restaurants Where You Can Taste the Flavors of America’s Most Diverse City
January 30, 2024 03:15 PM
 · 
Mae Hamilton
Kayaking in Seward
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These Gateway Towns Might Be Cooler Than the National Parks Next Door
January 19, 2024 03:19 PM
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Hotels
The pool at the Berkeley City Club has art deco tiling and a blue ceiling
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You Can Stay in These 6 City Club Hotels Even if You’re Not a Member
Architecture, history, and fitness star in these exclusive club hotels that let nonmembers check in.
April 15, 2025 11:17 AM
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Clockwise, from top left: Zita Cobb, Shorefast (Fogo Island Inn); Sheila Johnson, Salamander Collection; Barbara Muckermann, Kempinski Hotels; Liz Lambert, MML Hospitality; Liz Biden, The Royal Portfolio; Maud Bailly, Sofitel
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The Hotel Industry Has Traditionally Been a Man’s World. These 6 Women Leaders Are Shaking It Up.
These women aren’t just breaking barriers. They’re building a more inclusive, dynamic future for hospitality—and your hotel experience will be the better for it.
March 28, 2025 03:30 PM
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Jennifer Flowers
The scenic campground at Ulum Moab.
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Visiting a National Park, but Don’t Want to Rough It? Book a Room at One of These Dreamy Hotels
Not into camping? These hotels near national parks offer upscale luxury and comfort in remote, scenic locations.
August 27, 2024 03:27 PM
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An Airstream trailer with a hot tub, outdoor shower, deck, and hammock, surrounded by trees
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12 Airstream Trailers You Can Book on Airbnb
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Two Bedroom Villa at Adronis wellness concept
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The 15 Best Destination Spas Around the World
If you’re looking for serenity in 2024, check out these top destination spas.
January 31, 2024 12:53 PM
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Laura Begley Bloom
High Peaks Resort puts guests within reach of kayaking, hiking, paddle boarding, and more.
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The 8 Hotels in North America to Book for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
Snag a room at one of these hotels in the path of totality next April—before it’s too late.
November 20, 2023 07:52 PM
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Open Sky in Utah is just a 20-minute drive from the entrance to Zion National Park.
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These Are the 6 Best Hotels for Watching the Perseid Meteor Shower
These are the best U.S. hotels for watching one of the most spectacular night-sky events of the year.
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The Most Anticipated U.S. Hotel Openings of 2019
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The Most Anticipated U.S. Hotel Openings of 2019
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5 of Texas’s Quirkiest Hotels
Hotels
5 of Texas’s Quirkiest Hotels
From a two-cell jailhouse to a vintage bowling alley, here are the Lone Star State’s most eccentric stays.
October 11, 2017 03:38 PM
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Anna Mazurek
12 Amazing Hotel Boutiques that are Changing the Face of the Gift Shop
Hotels
12 Amazing Hotel Boutiques that are Changing the Face of the Gift Shop
These well-curated hotel shops will give you a sense of place and a lasting memory.
September 02, 2015 04:02 PM
 · 
Jen Murphy
Hotels
The 13 Best Hipster Hotels in the U.S.
We’re living in the golden age of hotels that have craft cocktails, Instagram-ready design, and in-room turntables. These properties, ranging from West Texan motels to loft-like boutiques in the middle of city noise, are our absolute favorites of the breed.
April 28, 2015 02:45 PM
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Andrew Richdale
Resources to help plan your trip
What to Do in San Antonio
A family-friendly city, San Antonio is home to everything from amusement parks and children’s museums to gardens and historical sites. If you’re taking an adults-only trip, expect spas, art museums, and enough shopping to keep you busy for days.
July 25, 2022 11:22 AM
 · 
Kristin Finan
Cities We Love
Phil Collins Loves This Texas City, and You Will Too
Deep in the historical city of San Antonio, new developments are brewing.
July 22, 2022 09:56 AM
 · 
Tanvi Chheda
Cities We Love
Why You Should Visit San Antonio This Fall
With the summer crowds long gone, you’ll have more space on the River Walk as well as milder fall weather for exploring San Antonio’s arts, culture, and food scene.
September 01, 2021 08:02 PM
 · 
Michelle Baran
Natural Wonders
Promising Texas Bluebonnet Season Predicted Despite Winter Storm
Wildflower experts say all that snow and ice ended up insulating Texas bluebonnets.
March 26, 2021 04:22 PM
 · 
Lyndsey Matthews
Longreads
The Texas Riding Club Keeping Black Cowboy Culture Alive
For the past 70 years, the Circle L 5 Riding Club in Fort Worth has been honoring the legacy of its forefathers.
February 25, 2021 11:38 AM
 · 
Aislyn Greene
San Antonio for Solo Travelers
Emerging as a destination for cultural explorers, San Antonio is a big city with an artsy appeal. If you’re into taking in a show, immersing yourself in history, exploring the outdoors, or surprising your palate San Antonio has you covered—and then some.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
John Sandstone
Hipster Paradise in Austin
Austin has been on my travel bucket list for years now. I’ve heard nothing but incredible things about the city - the abundance of culture, outdoor activities, and giant mustaches!
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
The Perfect Day in Houston
With so many things to do in Houston, it’s difficult to know how to plan the day. You’ll need some brunch, barbecue, and Tex-Mex food, and to burn off all those calories, some time exploring the best of Houston’s shopping, vibrant art scene, and natural wonders.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
AFAR Editors
A Perfect Weekend in Houston
You can still get a great taste of Houston even if you only have a few days to visit. The city is full of surprises and intrigue if you know where to look. Delve into Houston’s open-air markets, global cuisines, vibrant arts community and recreational activities.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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AFAR Editors
The Best Places to Hear Live Music in Austin, Texas
Live music is the heart of Austin. The city has launched the careers of legendary musicians like Stevie Ray Vaughn and Willie Nelson. Austin has always been a destination for struggling artists looking to hone their skills performing at local venues to receptive audiences. In the 70s, the television show “Austin City Limits” debuted, putting the city’s prolific music scene on the map. Music lovers will be in heaven at small to large venues that feature everything from Cojunto to punk rock.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Rey Madolora
6 Unusual Attractions in Houston, Texas
Houston may have the reputation as a business-oriented city, but it also has a plethora of unique and offbeat attractions. Discover Houston’s unpretentious side by visiting a monument inspired by oranges, a beer can house, or a weekly bingo night at the lodge. Yup—wacky, weird, and quirky—this city has got it all and may surprise you.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Jessica Lymberopoulos
The Perfect Day in Austin
A creative culture, laid-back charm, and array of activities make this Texan city a hot destination. Spend your time in Austin shopping at indie boutiques and record stores, tasting Texas cuisine at hot spots and food trucks, hearing some live music, checking out the scene at Lady Bird Lake or Barton Springs, hitting a happy hour, and eating dinner at one of the remarkable local restaurants. Are you sure you only have one day?
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
AFAR Editors
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