Texas holidays

How to reach Texas

• Flight time: Flights to major Texas airports such as Dallas−Fort Worth, George Bush Intercontinental (Houston), Austin-Bergstrom and San Antonio, take 9 to 11 hours from London, plus any connection time from other UK airports.

• Transfer time: It takes about an hour to get from Dallas−Fort Worth Airport to downtown Dallas, via the Trinity Railway Express. To get from George Bush Intercontinental to downtown Houston, take the METRO bus, which takes 50 minutes. Travel from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to downtown Austin by METRO bus takes about 35 minutes.

• Price: The Trinity Railway Express to Dallas costs $2.50 for one zone. METRO buses from George Bush Intercontinental to Houston and from Austin-Bergstrom to downtown Austin are both $1.25. The cost of taxis and rideshares varies greatly based on distance and level of car service, but you’d generally be looking at rides starting at $30–$45 to get to downtown destinations from the airports.

Best time to visit Texas

The Lone Star State is a big place, and there is a lot of variety in the climate, but here’s what you need to know when planning your Texas holidays:

• Spring sees Texas blessed with pleasant weather that is ideal for exploring the cities and also enjoying the outdoors, including seeing the state’s renowned Texas bluebonnets and other wildflowers in person. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 26°C and while rainfall varies quite a bit, there is a moderate amount at this time of year.

• Summer gets very hot in Texas – average temperatures often head to the mid to high 30s. This is the time to hit the beach and make the most of what’s on offer along the Gulf Coast, but bear in mind that the cities – especially Houston and Dallas – can be stifling (although air-con is plentiful).

• Autumn welcomes cooler but still warm and pleasant temperatures ranging from 21°C to 26°C. Strap on your hiking boots: this is the best time for exploring the state parks, or alternatively, enjoying the range of outdoor festivals.

• Winter features temperatures dropping to as low as 4°C to 15°C across the state. Winter in a state as big as Texas means a lot of variety, with it much colder in the Panhandle than in the warmer south. It’s the off-peak season and a good bet you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy comfortable walking weather.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is the main language, but Spanish is also widely spoken.

• Local habits and customs: Texans are renowned for their warmth and hospitable welcome to visitors. Greet people in kind with a polite “hello” or “howdy”. Chivalry isn’t dead here; it’s usual to hold doors for others and extend thanks when they do the same for you. As elsewhere in the States, tipping all service staff is standard and expected; expect to give 15–20% in restaurants and bars, and keep a stash of $1 bills handy.

• Getting around: Texas is a vast state and best travelled by car; it’s straightforward to hire one. The big cities, however, have good and affordable public transport networks. A single journey ticket in Dallas and Houston, for instance, costs just $1.25–$2.50.

• Currency: The currency used is the United States Dollar. You’ll find ATMs everywhere, while credit cards are widely accepted.

• Electricity and plug types: 120 volts, using American two-prong and three-prong plugs.

• Health and safety: Texas is generally safe for visitors, but stay aware of what’s around you. Summers are hot: wear sun cream, a hat and carry water.

• Time zone: Big ol’ Texas spans two time zones: Central Time Zone and Mountain Time Zone.

• Required travel documentation: For UK travellers, you will need a valid passport and an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

Best things to do in Texas

Holidays to Texas offer an enormous range of sights, activities and staggering natural landscapes; here are just a few of the highlights you should put on your hit list.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Guadalupe Mountains National Park: This stunning park is home to the highest peak in the state, Guadalupe Peak; ascend for incredible views of the desert.

• Big Bend National Park: This iconic park is famed for its striking scenery, with extraordinary panoramas over the rugged landscape. Don’t miss Santa Elena Canyon and the Chisos Basin.

• Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Everything is big in Texas, including this, the second-largest canyon in the country. Hike the Lighthouse Trail for incredible views.

The best city districts

• San Antonio’s River Walk: Like a fabulous secret below street level, this enticing series of walkways along the San Antonio River’s banks is packed with places to eat, drink and shop, as well as historical and natural highlights.

• Austin’s South Congress Avenue (SoCo): Come here to find out why the city’s catchphrase is “Keep Austin Weird”: SoCo is lined with quirky boutiques, live music venues and restaurants.

• Houston’s Museum District: There’s bound to be something to intrigue you at Houston’s 19 museums – so good, they named the quarter for it. Round off all that culture with some time in the vibey Montrose neighbourhood, where the food offerings are diverse and the shops are packed with vintage finds.

Historical monuments

• The Alamo in San Antonio: Even if you don’t know much about Texan history, chances are you’ve heard of The Alamo. It’s the location of the landmark 1836 battle in the Texan Revolution, and this historic Spanish mission is a must-see.

• State Capitol in Austin: Visit this mighty Renaissance Revival structure, take a guided tour and learn about Texas’s legislative history – more interesting than it sounds.

• San Jacinto Monument in Houston: Not done with Texan Revolution history? Pay a visit to the site of the decisive Battle of San Jacinto.

Regional highlights

• West Texas: For something different, take a trip to Marfa and experience its natural beauty, cultural significance and the mysterious Marfa lights.

• The Gulf Coast: Grab some downtime with a spell of beach life, seafood and maybe even birdwatching on the Padre Island National Seashore.

• Hill Country: Did you know you can go wine tasting in Texas? Head to the hills for some vino, charming, historical towns and the region’s natural springs.

Activities for families in Texas

There’s no shortage of activities for families of all ages in Texas: everything’s big and bold, and plenty is designed with kids in mind.

• Parks and gardens: Urban parks like Austin’s Zilker Metropolitan Park offer green space to run around in, fun train rides and activities such as canoeing on Lady Bird Lake. Discovery Green in Houston will excite kids with its interactive fountains and playgrounds.

• Interactive museums: Most kids love rockets and space, so make a beeline for the Houston Space Center, both educational and thrilling. For something closer to the ground, hit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas for intriguing, interactive displays.

• Theme parks and adventure: When you just need a thrill, Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington is a lot of fun, or cool off at one of the Schlitterbahn Waterparks.

• Cultural experiences: Immerse yourself in friendly, kid-inclusive culture at one of the state’s festivals, such as the Texas State Fair in Dallas, or take a fascinating, interactive tour at one of San Antonio’s historic missions.

Free things to do in Texas

With a little planning, you can make the most of Texas’s freebies and stretch those dollars a bit further.

• Free events: Make a beeline for San Antonio’s First Fridays to soak up art events, live music and mouthwatering food, while in Houston, you can access establishments like the Houston Museum of Fine Arts for free on Thursdays.

• Free guided tours: Austin, capital of Texas, makes its history and politics accessible with free guided tours of the State Capitol.

• Nature exploration: Not every park charges for entry: head to Big Thicket National Preserve, located near Houston, for free hiking and fascinating nature trails.

Local dishes in Texas

You may well plan your holiday in Texas while dreaming of succulent barbecue and Tex-Mex, but while these are well beloved, there is a heady diversity to Texan cuisine. Don’t miss sampling these local favourites:

Some typical dishes

• Tex-Mex: The Mexican food we’re more familiar with in the UK started here, as a blend of Mexican and American influences: think cheese, spicy sauces and refried beans, presented in plates of fajitas, enchiladas, burritos and nachos.

• Barbecue: This is barbecue taken to another level, as Texas is justifiably renowned for its barbecue offerings. Try smokey beef brisket, ribs, turkey and more, all finished off with delectable sauce.

Meat dishes

• Chicken-Fried Steak: Sounds like a carnivore’s dream, and indeed, this is a Texas staple: tenderised steak that’s coated in seasoned flour, fried and served with a creamy gravy.

• Chilli: Texas chilli drops the beans in favour of a lot of spiced meat, and everywhere has their own recipe. Known as “Texas Red”, it’s worth seeking out local recommendations for the best!

Fish and seafood dishes

• Gulf Coast Seafood: With such a long stretch of coast, seafood here is top-notch. Seek out freshly caught shrimp, oysters and redfish, maybe even served in a gumbo.

City eats

• Food Trucks: Food truck culture is alive and well in Texas’s cities, offering everything you can think of from tacos and arepas to Korean-fusion sandwiches.

• ** Tapas:** It doesn’t sound Texan, but a local take on tapas is popular, with small plates of dishes like spicy shrimp, stuffed jalapeños and brisket sliders on offer.

Sweets and desserts

Texan puddings are rich and sweet. Seek out sopapillas (fried pastries with honey), local-nut-based pecan pies and classic peach cobblers.

Local drinks

• Sweet Tea: Thirst-quenching, this Southern staple of sugary iced tea is what you need in the heat.

• Local Craft Beers: Beer aficionados rejoice: there is a healthy craft beer scene in Texas, with hundreds of breweries.

• Texas Wines: Don’t overlook Texas wine: its Tempranillo and Viognier varieties are award-winning.