Here’s the thing about Texas: not everyone wears boots, greets you with “howdy!”, or listens to country music.
It’s true — Texas may be portrayed as a one-trick pony, but it’s actually one of the most diverse U.S. states.
In fact, if you were to show up in the capital of Austin in a typical cowboy get-up, you’d be laughed off of 6th Street and escorted to northbound I-35.
Fort Worth, however? You’d fit right in. 🤠
Home to gorgeous lakes, time capsule towns, major bustling cities, and even exciting new waterfront destinations in the works, Texas ticks off every possible box from boot scootin’ honky-tonks, serene stargazing to history so tangible it’s practically a living museum.
We at Travel Off Path have scoured the Lone Star State and compiled 5 must-visit Texas trips we genuinely believe you’ll fall in love with.
Plus, I grew up there! I’m more than stoked to be your guide.
(We’ve also created a quiz for you at the end to find your perfect match, so stick around!)
1) Fort Worth: ‘Where The West Begins’ & Dallas Vibes End
The Vibe: Trendy but not crowded; what travelers wish Nashville was
Perfect For: Concert lovers, history buffs, and even luxe hotel splurgers (Hotel Drover is a must!)
The hype is real about Fort Worth.
Not that we take our travel advice from A-list actors, but southern native Billy Bob Thornton was recently quoted as saying it’s his ‘favorite U.S. city’.
As a born-and-raised Texan myself, I’m not far behind. It’s certainly my go-to nowadays when I come back home.
But it’s not just the ritzy hotels and bold downtown transformation making headlines; it’s Fort Worth’s timeless aura, particularly the famous Stockyards.
Lined with old-timey saloons, honky-tonks, and classic steakhouses that are quite literally a film set for such hit shows as Landman and 1883, this region of the DFW metroplex feels like real Texas.
Better yet, though it shares the “DFW” acronym with Dallas, this city feels worlds away despite being a short drive.
Think less chaotic shopping malls, welcoming locals that have earned their spurs, and authentic charm that massive cities can’t replicate.
2) New Braunfels: The Little-Known Town That Has It All
The Vibe: Laid-back Hill Country escape sprinkled with German culture
Perfect For: Anyone who thinks water = vacation
This growing town sandwiched between Austin and San Antonio is more than a roadside stop at everyone’s favorite gas station, Buc-ee’s (it really is worth it!).
While it’s true you can spend hours there and forget your car is filling up, New Braunfels is a full-fledged vacation destination, no matter if you love wine, river tubing, or fun festivals.
With deeply rooted German heritage, one of my favorite events in all of Texas is Wurstfest. Arrive hungry, order a currywurst, and leave happy — I promise.
But if there’s 2 places in and around New Braunfels you absolutely have to see, it’s these 2 stunners:
Gruene: A historic village frozen in time, lined with old wooden storefronts, one of my favorite restaurants the Gristmill, and the legendary Gruene Hall where famous acts like George Strait have played.
Canyon Lake: The ‘Maldives of Texas’, boasting shockingly blue waters, hidden coves, and postcard-worthy Hill Country scenery.
I still visit any chance I get. In fact, one time I drove off course back home to Austin just to get a glimpse of the lake for a few minutes for a soulful recharge — it’s that pretty and so unexpected for Texas.
3) Austin: Still ‘Weird’ Enough For An Awesome Trip
The Vibe: Live music, tacos, barbecue aroma, and unapologetic weirdness
Perfect For: Foodies, nightlife lovers, and travelers who hate cookie-cutter cities
Austin isn’t what it used to be, but it’s still a cool city. Sharing Portland’s ‘keep it weird’ moniker, Austin’s weirdness has shifted from late-night death metal-themed pizza joints to towering skyscrapers reminiscent of Dallas.
Locals used to brag that their beloved city had a small-town feel. Now it’s a hybrid of Dallas and Silicon Valley from the outside, but it still holds enough of its original ‘weirdness’ to have a blast in one of America’s most unique cities.
The truth is, despite despising what certain parts of my hometown has become, I still love visiting (as long as I can have my nostalgia-induced rant and cure my hangriness with Cabo Bob’s and every kind of barbecue known to man).
From a tourist perspective, Austin is undeniably one of America’s top foodie destinations, but it is still amazing for live music, and even more so for live comedy now with Kill Tony leading the charge.
4) Big Bend: Discover The Wild Side Of Texas
The Vibe: Vast, cinematic desert
Perfect For: Road-trippers, nature enthusiasts, and those who want crowds replaced by stillness
Want to feel worlds away, or even view other worlds? The Milky Way may be a hipster coffee concoction in nearby Marfa, but you can bear witness to the real deal here.
There’s no better place in Texas than Big Bend National Park, located on the last sliver of the Texas-Mexico border.
Brimming with staggering landscapes, one-of-a-kind accommodations like Summit’s stargazing domes, and plentiful wildlife (including wildcats, snakes, and bears – so beware), this side of the Lone Star state feels more like a different planet compared to Dallas and Houston.
Big Bend is truly underrated, and I would say equally as beautiful (if not more) than the Grand Canyon, especially if you cruise the Rio Grande between towering limestone cliffs and staggering canyon walls.
Solo travel is still a hugely popular travel trend right now. I’d say there’s no better place to hit the road and embrace solitude, especially as it’s only $30 to enter.
5) Goliad: Texas Meets Old Mexico In This Living Museum
The Vibe: Fascinating cultural town etched in time
Perfect For: History buffs, slow travelers, and Austin/San Antonio escape artists
Remember the Alamo?
San Antonio would be #6 on this list, but Goliad earned the nod since it’s one-of-a-kind and almost unheard-of.
Take it from someone who grew up reading Texas Highways magazine that most Texans don’t even know about this place.
Goliad is the perfect blend of Texas and Mexico. In fact, this very town is a famous site where the Texas Constitution was signed.
Today, you can visit such places as Presidio La Bahía, the Hanging Tree, and Mission Espíritu Santo — all landmarks, among others, that helped shape the great state of Texas.
Unlike the Alamo, you don’t have to make a reservation and there’s no crowds in this hush-hush town under 2 hours from San Antonio.
The Travel Off Path Advantage: Your Travel Toolkit
Subscribe To Our Latest Posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.