Texas Travelers Recommend

Three days gives you plenty of time to explore everything Dallas has to offer, plus venture farther afield to nearby Fort Worth for a completely different Texas experience. With three days to spend in the DFW area, here are some ideas for how to make the most of your time.

Day 1: City Highlights

Kick off your stay in the Big D with a guided tour of the city. Zip around on a Segway tour to see downtown landmarks including Pioneer Plaza, the John F. Kennedy Memorial, Dealey Plaza, and the Dallas Arts District. Learn more about the history and heritage of Dallas as you go. In the afternoon, dive deeper into the city’s history and culture with a visit to one of its excellent museums. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza recounts the life and death of JFK, while the Nasher Sculpture Center counts some of the finest modern sculpture in the world among its 300-piece collection. If you plan to explore on your own, be sure to grab a multiattraction city pass before hitting the streets to explore at your own pace. In the evening, take the elevator to the top of Reunion Tower for 360-degree views of the big city illuminated at night.

Day 2: Sports and Shopping

Today is all about celebrating two Dallas icons: sports and shopping. In the morning, head to Dallas Cowboys Stadium for a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the most expensive sports venues ever built. Tours take you to areas normally off-limits to the public, including the press box, team locker rooms, postgame interview room, and even onto the field for a selfie in front of the jumbo screens. After lunch, indulge in some retail therapy—a popular Dallas pastime—with a shopping hop to three of the city’s best malls. Snag deals at Grapevine Mills, go upscale at Northpark Center, and browse the extensive collection of retailers at the Galleria Dallas. This evening, sample the flavors of Texas on a food tour of one of the city’s diverse neighborhoods—Uptown, Deep Ellum, West Village, or Downtown.

Day 3: Fort Worth Day Trip

Fort Worth might be Dallas’s “twin city,” but it feels worlds away. On a day trip to Fort Worth, you’ll get an Old West experience at the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, stroll through Sundance Square in the heart of downtown, marvel at the water features at the Water Gardens, and enjoy the art collections at the Fort Worth Cultural District. Once the sun goes down, head over to Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk, for an evening of live country music, barbecue, and two-steppin’. Alternately, if you’re traveling with family, you might consider spending the day at Six Flags Over Texas in nearby Arlington instead, for 212 acres (86 hectares) of rides, parades, concerts, and live entertainment. 

With two days to spend in Texas’ largest city, you have time to see the highlights of downtown and the Museum District, plus learn more about Texas history and the city’s ties to space exploration. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your 48 hours in Houston. 

Day 1: Essential Houston

**Morning:**Start your trip off with a sightseeing tour of the city. Zip around town on a Segway, hit the highlights with a private guide and driver, or listen to narration as you ride the hop-on hop-off bus, with stops in six neighborhoods. Most tours include visits to Hermann Park, the Museum District, Market Square, Buffalo Bayou, and Downtown Houston.

**Afternoon:**Journey back into Texas history at the Battleship Texas State Historic Site and San Jacinto Monument. The 570-foot-tall (174-meter-tall) monument marks the spot where Sam Houston defeated General Santa Anna in the Texas Revolution. Take the elevator to the top for views of the Houston shipping channel, and board the USS Texas, a battleship that served in both World War I and World War II.

**Night:**Treat your tastebuds to a Houston specialty, whether it be Texas barbecue, Tex-Mex, or Viet-Cajun crawfish. If you’re not sure where to start, join a guided food tour through one of the city’s eclectic neighborhoods.

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

**Morning:**Get an early start for a trip to one of Houston’s most famous attractions, Space Center Houston at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Visitors take a tram tour through the facilities, view Mission Control, and see relics from space travel, including full-size rockets, moon rocks, and an Apollo 17 replica. 

**Afternoon:**Spend your afternoon touring some of the 19 museums in the Houston Museum District. Book your tickets ahead to maximize time, whether you visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Children’s Museum of Houston, or the Menil Collection. Alternatively, spend the afternoon soaking up the Texas sun at Kemah Boardwalk.

**Night:**Top off your Houston visit by exploring the darker side of the city’s history during a haunted pub crawl through downtown. Visit several local bars, each housed within a historically significant building, while learning sordid tales from Houston’s past.

Three days in Houston gives you enough time to explore the city’s neighborhoods, tour the facilities at NASA, treat your tastebuds to the city’s renowned food scene, and still have time for a day trip to Galveston Island. Here are some ideas for how to maximize your time during a 3-day trip to H-Town.

Day 1: Houston Essentials & Outer Space

Your first day in Houston is all about icons—iconic attractions, foods, and experiences. Start with a guided tour, which might include landmarks such as Minute Maid Park (home of the Houston Astros), Market Square, Hermann Park, the Museum District, Buffalo Bayou, and Downtown. Join a private or small-group tour to learn more about what you’re seeing from a local guide, or take advantage of the double-decker hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus to travel at your own pace. In the afternoon, head south to Space Center Houston, made famous by Apollo 13’s line “Houston, we have a problem.” Tours of the facility let visitors look in on Mission Control and see a real Saturn V rocket, among other space memorabilia. Wrap up your first day by tucking into a famous Houston food, whether it be barbecue, Tex-Mex, or Viet-Cajun seafood.

Day 2: History & Culture

Houston is rich in history and heritage, so set aside a day to explore the culture of the city. One great place to start is the Houston Museum District, a collection of 19 museums in a compact area. Book your admission tickets ahead of time and skip the line at the Museum of Fine Arts, Children’s Museum of Houston, or the Houston Museum of Natural Science. You could easily spend an entire day (or more) in the area, but if you need a break, spend the afternoon touring Houston’s hidden network of underground tunnels or visiting the historic San Jacinto Monument and Battleship Texas. Each Houston neighborhood has its own unique vibe; explore one of them—choose from downtown, the Heights, Montrose, or Sugar Land—during an evening food tour.

Day 3: Galveston

Now that you’ve explored the best Houston has to offer, take your last day to enjoy a leisurely day trip to Galveston Island. A day spent in this historic city on the Texas Gulf shore might involve touring Victorian homes, browsing shops in the Strand District, soaking up sun on the beach, or cruising the Gulf of Mexico in search of dolphins. Dine on fresh Gulf shrimp with dinner at a Galveston restaurant, or head back to Houston for a night out downtown or a meal at one of the many international restaurants in neighborhoods such as Westheimer, Bellaire, or Hillcroft. 

Three days in San Antonio gives you plenty of time to experience the historic missions, tour downtown, spend the day at a theme park, and even venture farther afield into the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Read on for advice on what to do during your 3-day trip to San Antonio.

Day 1: Historic San Antonio

Start your trip to San Antonio at the beginning, with a look into the past. The Alamo Mission has come to symbolize the fight for Texas independence, and a trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get there early to beat the crowds, then spend some time touring the historic downtown neighborhood on your own or on a guided walking or Segway tour. In the afternoon, get a feel for everything San Antonio has to offer with a flexible, self-guided tour aboard the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. You’ll be able to stop at notable landmarks such as the San Antonio Museum of Art, Pearl Brewery, Market Square, HemisFair Park, and the Tower of the Americas. In the evening, head to the San Antonio River Walk for dinner at one of the waterside restaurants, followed by a romantic evening cruise along the San Antonio River. 

Day 2: Modern Family Fun

Now that you’ve experienced San Antonio’s historic appeal, it’s time to have some serious fun. This city is home to some of the nation’s best family-friendly attractions. Depending on your interests, you could spend the day riding rides and watching parades at Six Flags Over Texas, learning about more than 750 species of animals at the San Antonio Zoo, or taking an educational (and entertaining) dive into the world’s marine ecosystems at SeaWorld San Antonio. After your day at the park of your choice, head back into downtown San Antonio for an after-dark ghost tour to learn more about the paranormal side of the city. 

Day 3: Texas Hill Country

Today, head outside the city limits on a day trip to explore the scenic Texas Hill Country. Many guided tours include stops at the boyhood home of President Lyndon B. Johnson (as well as his “Texas White House”), the German-influenced town of Fredericksburg, country music–loving Luckenbach, and area vineyards where it’s possible to sample Texas-made wine. When you arrive back in the city, head to the top of the Tower of the Americas for one last look over the San Antonio landscape from the Flags Over Texas observation deck. If you’re feeling hungry, make reservations at the tower’s rotating restaurant for dinner with a view.

Houston, one of the largest and most diverse cities in the US, is a culinary and cultural capital that has it all—a modern downtown, world-class museum district, internationally renowned medical center, and an exciting up-and-coming dining scene. Here’s how to spend one day in this Texas metropolis.

Morning: City Sightseeing

Houston is big—Texas big—so get your bearings with a city sightseeing tour to some of Houston’s top attractions. Go for the value of a small-group tour or the flexibility of a private tour. If you’d rather explore on your own, climb aboard the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus to tour the city at your own pace. No matter which option you choose, you’ll get to see places such as Minute Maid Park, City Hall, Houston Astrodome, Houston Medical Center, Market Square, and Hermann Park. 

Afternoon: Museum District

Houston is home to some of the nation’s best museums, all located in a compact museum district. Explore one or two of these collections this afternoon. Learn more about the natural world at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, or travel the world through the free exhibits at the Menil Collection. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Museum of Fine Arts, while kids love the Children’s Museum of Houston. Most are located near sprawling Hermann Park, one of the city’s most popular outdoor green spaces and a great place to get some fresh air in the heart of the city.

Night: Neighborhood Dining

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite from all that sightseeing, spend your evening eating your way through Houston’s stellar food landscape. Several neighborhoods offer food tours, including hip Heights, the downtown Warehouse District, Sugar Land, and quirky Montrose. You’ll get to sample dishes from favorite local spots serving a range of international and fusion cuisine.

With two days to spend in the Big D, you’ll have enough time to see the city’s highlights, learn about the infamous JFK assassination, and tour Texas icons such as the Dallas Cowboys Stadium and Southfork Ranch. You’ll even have some leisure time to explore on your own. Here are some tips for planning the ultimate 48 hours in Dallas.

Day 1: City Sights

Morning: Kick off your trip by getting an overview of what Dallas has to offer on a city sightseeing tour. Zip around downtown and the Arts District on a guided Segway tour, or opt for a small-group bus tour to cover more ground in less time. If you’d prefer to explore on your own, pick up a multiattraction city pass or challenge yourself with a self-guided scavenger hunt through the city.

Afternoon: After lunch, dive deeper into what interests you by visiting one of Dallas’ excellent museums. Several are concentrated in the downtown Dallas Arts District, including the Dallas Museum of Art and Nasher Sculpture Center. To learn more about an infamous day in Dallas history, take a guided tour of the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, the location where JFK was shot.

Night: Now that you’ve worked up an appetite with all that sightseeing, treat yourself to a food-centric night on the town. Each neighborhood has its own distinct flavor, so pick one for a food tour—West Village for its casual eateries, upscale and pedestrian-friendly Uptown, eclectic Bishop Arts, or eccentric Deep Ellum.

Day 2: Texas Icons

Morning: There’s nothing quite like hearing the roar of the crowd at a Dallas Cowboys game, but if you can’t make it to one, opt for the next best thing—a tour of their state-of-the-art stadium. Go behind the scenes to see the press box, locker rooms, private suites, and interview rooms, and snap a selfie on the field.

Afternoon: Now that you’ve experienced a Dallas sports icon, spend the afternoon immersed in a pop culture legend at Southfork Ranch. This estate doubled as the Ewing Mansion in the popular TV series Dallas. See Jock Ewing’s original Lincoln Continental, as well as the live Texas longhorns and American quarter horses that live on the estate.

Night: As the sun goes down, wrap up your time in Dallas at the top of Reunion Tower for 360-degree views of the urban skyline from the indoor/outdoor GeO-Deck. Explore the city through interactive touchscreens as you take in the views from 470 feet (143 meters) in the air.

With 48 hours to spend in San Antonio, you’ll have enough time to soak up the city’s history, stroll its modern streets, cruise the San Antonio River, and spend the day at one of its star attractions. Here are some ideas for how to plan the ultimate 2-day trip to San Antonio.

Day 1: Downtown and the Alamo

**Morning:**Get your bearings this morning with a sightseeing tour of downtown San Antonio. One of the most popular ways to explore the city streets is by Segway, but it’s also possible to cover more ground (and see neighborhoods such as the Pearl District) on a small-group tour by air-conditioned van. If you’d like to strike out on your own, climb aboard the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus to explore at your own pace. No matter the option you choose, be sure to visit the Alamo.

**Afternoon:**No trip to San Antonio would be complete without some time spent at the River Walk. The sidewalks and footbridges are great for strolling and people watching, but you can learn and see more about this historic waterway by taking a leisurely boat cruise with onboard commentary along the way. 

**Night:**In the evening, take in some of the best views of San Antonio from the Flags Over Texas Observation Deck at the top of the Tower of the Americas. Photos on the deck floor point out important city landmarks, while a 4D theater ride (included in the ticket price) takes guests on a flight across the Lone Star State.

Day 2: Family Fun

**Morning:**San Antonio ranks among the nation’s top family-friendly destinations. Find out why by spending today at one of the city’s star attractions. Thrill seekers might opt for the rides of Six Flags Fiesta Texas, while families with younger kids can spend the day with animals at SeaWorld San Antonio or the excellent San Antonio Zoo.

**Afternoon:**You could easily spend the entire day at some of the city’s kid-approved attractions, but if you’re ready for a change of pace, treat your tastebuds to the taste of Texas during an afternoon food tour. Visit some local favorites to experience for yourself the culinary diversity of the city.

**Night:**As one of the state’s most historic cities, San Antonio is also one of the most haunted. As dark descends, head out onto the streets on a haunted tour to learn about the city’s sordid side. Spend your last night in San Antonio listening to tales of resident ghosts and paranormal happenings as you explore the old town by lantern light.

On November 22, 1963, US President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. Today many attractions and monuments in the city commemorate not only that tragic day, but the man himself. Here are a few sights you should definitely not miss.

Dealey Plaza

Dealey Plaza, nicknamed the birthplace of Dallas, was also the location of the Kennedy assassination. Now a National Historic Landmark, the park is home to the now-famous grassy knoll from where some witnesses claimed the shots originated. JFK history tours often begin at this now iconic location in downtown Dallas.

Sixth Floor Museum

Situated in Dealey Plaza, the Sixth Floor Museum occupies the Texas school book depository in the same building where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots believed to have killed Kennedy. Two floors of exhibits recount the events of the day through film, photographs, artifacts, and oral histories from eyewitnesses.

Hilton Fort Worth

The Hilton Fort Worth—then known as the Texas Hotel—was where the Kennedys spent their final night together the day before his murder. While the original suite where the couple stayed is no longer there, room 808 sits near the same location. Old photographs of the Kennedys hang throughout the hotel.

John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza

Visitors who wish to pay respects to the fallen president can do so at John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza, a roofless granite monument with the president’s name engraved in gold. Created by architect Philip Johnson as an open tomb, the structure symbolizes JFK’s free spirit, while its free-floating design reflects the strong emotion of loss the nation—and the world—felt after President Kennedy was killed.

The Live Music Capital of the World and a hub for food, culture, and creativity, Austin ranks among the fastest growing cities in the US. With loads of entertainment, outdoor attractions, and quirky neighborhoods, the Texas capital has a lot to offer. Here’s how to make the most of your time if you only have one day in Austin.

Morning: City Sightseeing

Austin’s compact downtown area is an excellent place to get out and do some sightseeing to kick off your short visit. Step on a Segway and zip past the Texas State Capitol, historic Driskill Hotel, and hip South Congress Avenue, or hop on a bike to peddle through downtown, across the Congress Avenue Bridge, and to Zilker Park. Alternatively, the hop-on hop-off bus lets you explore the city at your own pace, with stops at the Texas State Capitol, Museum of the Weird, South Congress District, and the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum.

Afternoon: Austin Outdoors

Austinites love their outdoor activities, many of which are accessible to visitors as well. Spend a sunny afternoon cycling along Walnut Creek, swimming in the cool waters of Barton Springs, touring the murals and street art of the HOPE Outdoor Gallery, or kayaking on the waters of Lady Bird Lake. For something a little different, head to Zilker Park, Congress Avenue, or the Texas State Capitol downtown for a digital scavenger hunt.

Night: Live Music

Before diving into Austin’s nightlife, head to the Congress Avenue Bridge to watch North America’s largest urban bat colony take flight. No visit to Austin would be complete without seeing some live music. After the sun sets, join a local musician for a live music crawl to a mixture of iconic clubs and up-and-coming venues while learning about the history of Austin’s storied music scene.

The Big D is a Texas icon, thanks to its football, eponymous television series, country music, and upscale ethos. There’s plenty to see and do in this Lone Star city, and even if you only have one day, you still have time for a uniquely Texas experience. Here’s how to make the most of your limited time in Dallas.

Morning: City Highlights

Take the morning to get your bearings with a sightseeing tour of Dallas. Learn about the city’s history as you cruise through downtown and the Arts District by Segway, or opt for a small-group coach tour to visit sites such as Pioneer Plaza, Dallas City Hall, and Dealey Plaza. If you’d rather explore at your own pace, pick up a multiattraction city pass to visit some of the most popular attractions—the Perot Museum, Reunion Tower GeO-Deck, Dallas Zoo, and the George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum among them—at your leisure. 

Afternoon: An Afternoon with JFK

In the afternoon, take a step back in time to learn more about one of the most historically significant events to ever take place in Dallas, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Sift through stories and conspiracy theories with a local guide as you visit the Grassy Knoll, Kennedy Memorial, and the former home of Lee Harvey Oswald. Don’t leave Dallas without a visit to the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza and its collection chronicling the life and death of JFK.

Night: A Taste of Texas

Dallas is proud of its food scene, so loosen that belt and treat your tastebuds to the flavors of Texas this evening. Options abound. Head to a local barbecue joint for some slow-smoked brisket, sample the city’s best tacos and margaritas on a food tour, or explore the culinary scene of a particular neighborhood, such as Deep Ellum, West Village, or Uptown. After you’ve had your fill, finish your day with a night out on the town. Hop aboard a multipassenger party bike for a pub crawl.

Whether for a long weekend or midweek getaway, three days in Austin allows enough time to experience the town’s funky culture, enjoy its plentiful green spaces, hear its live music, taste its food, and get out into the Texas Hill Country to enjoy the countryside. Here’s how to spend three days in Austin.

Day 1: Essential Austin

Immerse yourself in all things Austin with an exploration of the city’s quirky culture. Options abound, from bike or Segway tours of downtown and the Texas State Capitol to hop-on hop-off bus tours or a walk around Lady Bird Lake. Don’t miss some of the capital’s most iconic neighborhoods, like South Lamar and South Congress.

In the evening, gear up for a night out on the town. Austin is world famous for its live music, but you’ll also find top-notch comedy, performing arts, nightclubs, and cocktail lounges. Sign up for a bar crawl through nightlife hot spots like Sixth Street and Rainey Street.

Day 2: Bike, Brew, Paddle

Austin seems made for active travelers, so use your second day to take advantage of the city’s many offerings. Go mountain biking along Barton Creek, take a kayaking tour of Lady Bird Lake, get behind the wheel of a race car on a professional track, or experience the rush of indoor skydiving. If the weather isn’t cooperating, you can always try one of Austin’s many escape rooms.

In the afternoon, reward your active efforts with a culinary exploration of the Texas capital. Visit some of the city’s top craft-beer bars and breweries, or take a food tour to sample the best barbecue, Tex-Mex, and sweet treats Austin has to offer.

Day 3: Texas Hill Country

Austin lies in the heart of Texas Hill Country, and three days gives you plenty of time for a day trip to explore beyond the capital. In the summer, enjoy the local pastime of tubing down the San Marcos River alongside a floating cooler. Alternatively, make the short drive to Dripping Springs to visit olive orchards and an Italian-style mill, or do some wine tasting at the wineries of Driftwood or Marble Falls.

Lake Travis, located just a short drive from downtown, is a popular destination for sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the sunny shores.

The story of Texas independence played out in what is today San Antonio, best known for the Alamo and the River Walk. This diverse Texas city has plenty more to offer, and even a single day gives you enough time to enjoy its highlights. Here’s how to make the most of your 24 hours in San Antonio. 

Morning: City Sightseeing

Before diving into San Antonio’s past, get a feel for the modern city with a guided sightseeing tour. Skip the hassle of renting a car and opt for a small-group tour to explore some of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, including the King William District and the Pearl District. For a more leisurely morning, zip through downtown on a Segway tour, passing landmarks such as HemisFair Park, Tower of the Americas, the Alamodome, and El Mercado. If you’d rather go at your own pace, climb aboard the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus to tour this Southwestern city at your leisure.  

Afternoon: Remember the Alamo

No trip to San Antonio would be complete without visiting the Alamo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the grounds on your own, or take a guided or audio tour to learn more about the roll this mission played in Texas history. If you want to take a deep dive into the San Antonio missions, consider an afternoon tour of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, home to four Spanish missions (including Mission San Jose).

Night: The River Walk

Take this evening to enjoy the lively and romantic atmosphere of San Antonio’s River Walk. Cruise along the San Antonio River by boat to learn more about the historic waterway while taking in the sights from a different perspective. The River Walk is lined with bars and restaurants, so be sure to make a reservation for dinner. For a special night out, consider a meal at the Chart House Restaurant, the 360-degree revolving restaurant at the top of the Tower of the Americas.

With two days in Austin, you’ll have time to explore many facets of the Texas capital—its history, politics, art scene, live music, nightlife, and extensive opportunities for outdoor recreation—at a much more leisurely pace. Here are a few ways to spend two days in the Live Music Capital of the World.

Day 1: Keep Austin Weird

Morning: Texas History

To understand Austin’s present, look to its past. Dive deep into Texas history at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, learn about Austin politics at the Texas State Capitol (the biggest capitol building in the 50 states), or snap a photo with an animatronic version of a past president at the LBJ Library and Museum, where you’ll also find the best views of the University of Texas campus.

Afternoon: Music & Art

Austin is known as quite the quirky community—a characteristic you’ll quickly note when exploring the art and music scene. Take in some of the city’s street art on a Segway tour, or head to the shops on Lamar, including Waterloo Records (Austin’s favorite music store) and the Whole Foods flagship.

Night: Bar Crawl

Austin is home to well over 200 live-music venues, plus plenty more bars, clubs, lounges, and breweries. Depending on your interests, you might join a local musician for a live-music crawl down Sixth Street, hop on a bike to peddle between the lounges and pubs of Rainey Street or the East Side, or polish up your offbeat Austin trivia while hopping between the city’s best patio bars.

Day 2: Get Outdoors

Morning: Lady Bird Lake

Yesterday was all about diving into Austin’s culture. Today is about getting outdoors. Start your morning with a walk, bike, or Segway tour along the shores of Lady Bird Lake, set beneath the skyscrapers of downtown Austin. Take a stroll through the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to learn about the 800 species of native Texas plants on display.

Afternoon: Barton Springs

The cool, clear waters of Barton Springs rank as one of the best swimming holes in Texas. Come for a refreshing dip during the hot summer months, or get your heart pumping with some mountain biking along Barton Creek no matter the season. 

Night: Congress Avenue Bats

As the sun begins to set, some of Austin’s most famous residents make an appearance: the Congress Avenue bats. One of the best places to watch as North America’s largest urban bat colonies takes flight is from the water beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge. Join a guided kayaking tour for the best views.

Dallas, a city that epitomizes Texas life, has long been a showcase for Tex-Mex cooking and grilled meats. A new wave of immigrants from outside and inside the US has added flair to the culinary scene, reimagining classic dishes and cooking up some of the best Vietnamese and Mexican dishes this side of the Rio Grande.

Must-Try Dishes

Make like the locals and stand in line for barbecue. Meat cooked low and slow over hardwood coals personally selected by the pit master, barbecue is a statewide passion at the hub of Dallas food life. Brisket with burnt ends and sausages are a must. Dallas denizens and cowboys alike also share a love for chicken-fried steak — a breaded and fried beefsteak served with gravy — and every local has their favorite spot. Combining the best of Texas and Mexican flavors, Tex-Mex fare is as Texan as it gets. Fajitas served with corn or flour tortillas or queso with toasted tortillas exemplify the ease with which flavors cross borders. For the true expression of Mexico, Dallas falls hard for the octopus taco or really, any taco. More recent arrivals to the Big D, the Vietnamese and their iconic bowls of pho have made a soupy splash in this meat-loving city.

Must-Do Experiences

• Eat and drink your way through traditional sweets and meats on a food tour of the Deep Ellum neighborhood.
• Relive history on a walking tour of the architectural landmarks that map John F. Kennedy’s assassination before heading to a seated food tour of modern Dallas.
• Combine Dallas history with an eating tour of the city’s best Tex-Mex and Mexican taco houses, sipping margaritas in between stops on a luxury motor coach.

Known for its live music scene, stellar restaurants, green spaces, and hippie culture, the quirky Texas capital is one of the fastest growing cities in the US. Despite its expanding size, Austin maintains a welcoming small-town vibe. Here are some of the best ways to experience the local culture in Austin.

Highlights

• Get a new view of downtown Austin during a stand-up paddleboarding lesson or small-group kayak tour on Lady Bird Lake.

• Dive into East Austin’s street art scene with a walking tour and hands-on lesson from local artists.

• Explore Austin's darker side on a running tour past haunted sites and Congress Avenue Bridge, home of the largest urban bat colony in North America.

• Take advantage of Austin's stellar network of recreational trails and cycle past Lady Bird Lake, Longhorn Dam, and Govalle Park on a bike tour of Walnut Creek.

• Hop aboard the Brunch Bus and treat your taste buds to local specialties like breakfast tacos, Czech kolaches, and chicken with waffles—all to the sounds of a live band.

• Taste some of the city's famous BBQ and visit local wineries on a Winery Tour.

They say that the heart of a place lies in the music it produces and if that’s the case, then Austin’s got a rough-and-tumble, honky-tonk, country rock of a good heart. From the raucous music festivals in Zilker Metropolitan Park to the funky clubs on 6th Street, these are some of the best spots for live tunes.

Sixth Street & Downtown

The Historic 6th Street District comprises roughly eight blocks of downtown Austin—such a hotbed of great nightclubs and music joints that the very act of walking through these streets will lead you to some world-class live music establishments, like Stubb’s Barbecue. This neighborhood plays host to much of the live music action during the annual SXSW Festival at venues like Mohawk, Beerland, and the Elephant Room.

Zilker Park

While Zilker Park doesn’t always have live music, it’s notable as the home of Austin’s biggest music festival, Austin City Limits. For two consecutive weekends each October, the park hosts more than 125 performances across eight stages. Past headliners have included Metallica, Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson, and Kendrick Lamar.

South Congress

South Congress Avenue, or SoCo, is a hip neighborhood that’s home to antique shops, costume stores, and a handful of excellent live music venues. On the top of the list is the Continental Club, an institution since the 1950s that often features swing, country, and rockabilly performances. Fans of blues and soul should check out C-Boy’s Heart & Soul.

The Moody Theater

The iconic Austin City Limits films at the Moody Theater, a 2,700-seat venue that hosts a range of big name performers like ZZ Top or Belle & Sebastian throughout the year. Visitors can also enter drawings to attend a taping of ACL live at the theater.

South Lamar

Music lovers looking to treat their ears to some old-time country music should make their way to the classic honky tonks of South Lamar. The most notable venue in this bohemian neighborhood is the Broken Spoke, known equally for its boot-scootin’ music, Texas two-steppin’ and hearty chicken-fried steak. The Saxon Pub hosts popular happy hour shows on most weekdays.

Houston was recently named the most ethnically diverse city in the United States—and that diversity is reflected in its culinary melting pot, which combines Texas classics with everything from South African sandwiches to Korean braised lamb. Here are some of the city’s must-try dishes and food experiences.

Must-Try Dishes

In Houston, as in much of Texas, two food icons reign supreme: barbecue and Tex-Mex. The former typically features slow-smoked brisket with a dry rub instead of a sauce. The latter is somewhat of its own food group in H-town, encompassing everything from tacos and burritos to fajitas and enchiladas. No matter what Tex-Mex dish you’re nomming on, it’s best served with a side of gooey chile con queso. Those who believe breakfast is the most important meal of the day are in luck: breakfast tacos are sure to get your day off to the right start.

Houston’s diversity has given birth to some rather unique fusion foods, none more famous among locals than Viet-Cajun crawfish. Cajun influences combined with one of the country’s largest Vietnamese populations has yielded this succulent seafood favorite, made from boiled crawfish tossed in garlic butter and cayenne pepper as well as Southeast Asian ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, and Thai basil. It’s location on the Gulf of Mexico means seafood features prominently in the gastronomic landscape, particularly gulf shrimp, which are often served fried.

Must-Do Experiences

• Explore the diversity of Houston on a walking food tour of the downtown, Sugar Land, Montrose, or Houston Heights neighborhoods.

• Satisfy your thirst with a tour of Houston’s exploding craft beer and spirits scene through the lens of breweries and distilleries in the Woodlands, Houston Heights, Pearland, or Cypress.

• Combine a pub crawl through some of downtown Houston’s most historic buildings with stories of the city’s haunted history.