Touring Texas
Fill up the tank for a tour across Texas, with cities and attractions so diverse, you might forget that it’s all in one place. Beginning in the Panhandle Region and ending on the Gulf Coast, we will take you through the regions of Texas stopping at some must see cities.
Panhandle Region: Keep an eye on the endless horizon as you explore the art, history and natural beauty of the plains.
Amarillo
Amarillo is known for its picturesque landscapes and unique attractions. Check out Cadillac Ranch located just west of the city on Interstate 40. It’s an art installation with 10 Cadillacs buried headfirst into the earth. The cars represent the golden age of the American automobile and are open for the public to paint, so don’t forget your spray paint! When your appetite strikes, you’ll definitely want to venture over to The Big Texan Steak Ranch and Brewery for some mouthwatering grub. This is the only place where you can watch people attempt to devour a 72-ounce steak in under an hour to get it free of charge. Once you’ve eaten to your stomach’s content, head on over to the U.S. Route 66-Sixth Street Historic District. It’s a strip of road filled with things to see: art galleries, collectible and antique stores, clubs, bars in historic buildings and a rich history. And if the Historic District isn’t enough, drive south on Interstate 27 to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. Some say it’s the largest historical museum in Texas.
visitamarillo.com
bigtexan.com
nps.gov
panhandleplains.org
Praries & Lakes Region: You’ll find bountiful nature, city splendor and everything in between in Texas’ most expansive region.
Dallas
Kick off your trip to Dallas in the heart of the Dallas Arts District by exploring more than 25,000 works at the renowned Dallas Museum of Art. Next door is the Nasher Sculpture Center with masterpieces spread across its indoor gallery and outdoor grounds. For family-friendly activities, the popular West End is also home to the fascinating Museum of Illusions. Plus, Dallas is home to every major professional sport, so you can almost always catch a game. You can even tour AT&T Stadium in Arlington, the state-of-the-art home of the Dallas Cowboys.
Before continuing on your trip, make a few stops on the Margarita Mile, which tours 17 of the best margaritas you can find. You can even stop at the birthplace of the original frozen margarita. To sleep off those margs stay at the Statler, a midcentury modern treasure.
dma.org
nashersculpturecenter.org
museumofillusions.com
attstadium.com
visitdallas.com
thestatlerdallas.com
Hill Country: Nestled in the rolling hills of Central Texas, this region offers historic and quaint experiences, adventurous excursions and extraordinary cities.
Fredericksburg
After driving winding roads through the rolling green hills of Texas Hill Country you will find the charming small town of Fredericksburg. Here, you’ll find German heritage all around you, with local menus focused on bratwurst, schnitzel and homemade sauerkraut. And of course, you can’t miss the annual Oktoberfest, where you can find authentic pretzels and imported German beer galore. A major draw for travelers are the quaint streets lined with historic buildings and homes. A few of them have been converted into bed and breakfasts and offer darling places to settle in after a long day of dining and biergarten-hopping. If you are in Fredericksburg, you are in wine country, so before you settle in for night, make sure to book a wine tour with 803 Elevated Wine Tours to explore some of the surrounding fifty plus wineries.
oktoberfestinfbg.com
830elevatedwinetours.com
Big Bend Region: This remote region of Texas comes with the state’s most stunning landscapes, starriest skies, and possibly the quirkiest towns.
Alpine
Driving west on highway 90 you’ll find Alpine nestled perfectly between the Davis and Glass mountains of West Texas. First, you’ll want to drop your luggage at a hotel. We recommend the Holland Hotel, a building that may look unassuming from the outside, but is filled with art, animals and a luxurious lobby inside, making it feel like a museum unto its own. Once you’re settled and out onto the streets of Alpine, stretch your legs with a Historic Walking Tour - a mapped out walking path purposefully guiding you to boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, food trucks, murals and more. For food, check out Cow Dog, an all-beef hot dog joint that serves up some dogs that are masterpieces in their own right, with the wing sauce-smothered “Wing” Dog and grilled pineapple-topped “El Pastor” varieties waiting to be scarfed.
To see some of Alpine’s natural side, hit the links at the Alpine Country Club. This nine-hole course has some breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges, plus it’s a great opportunity to work on your short game. If golf isn’t your thing, you can also hike up Hancock Hill behind Sul Ross State University and check out some of the same views. If you still need your nature fix just head south into Big Bend National Park and experience one of America’s most stunning mountain vistas.
thehollandhoteltexas.com
cowdogdog.com
alpinetexascc.com
Piney Woods Region: You never know what’s around the bend in Piney Woods, where lakes, forests, and small-town charm make unexpected adventures.
Tyler
Nestled in the heart of the Piney Woods region, Tyler is the perfect Texas city for getting your nature fix and quenching your wanderlust. Go paddleboarding on one of its crystal-clear lakes, or spend a weekend camping and fishing on the shores of Lake Tyler. Try seeing the city from a bird’s-eye view and hop on a zip line. Afterwards, sip some wine at Kiepersol winery and watch the sunset. If you’re looking for an adventure the whole family can enjoy, drive among the zebras, alligators and water buffalo at Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari Park, or hear the calls of the big cats at Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge. If it’s a more traditional zoo experience you’re after, Caldwell Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals and 250 species, and it includes a petting pen and two aquariums.
kiepersol.com/winery
cherokeetrace.com
tigercreek.org
caldwellzoo.org/
South Texas Plains Region: Adventures and exploration abound on the plains of South Texas. From the San Antonio River to the borderlands of the Rio Grande Valley, historic roots run deep in this cultural hot spot.
San Antonio
San Antonio is a vibrant city with a diverse culinary scene and historic Spanish culture mixed with modern art and buildings that keeps drawing you back in.No San Antonio trip is complete without a stop at the historic Alamo! However, don't stop there. San Antonio has the Mission Trails with four other missions that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can drive to each mission or, for a more active day, check out the Swell Cycle BCycles and bike the trail that passes Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan and Mission Espada. Along this route, you'll be able to take in the different architecture and learn about the unique history. After a full day of exploring, indulge in traditional Spanish food over at Toro Kitchen + Bar. With a curated Spanish wine list and a large selection of paellas to order as well as tapas, you can transport yourself across the sea with the culinary selections. For a historical stay mixed with modern elegance book a night at the Hotel Emma.
thealamo.org
torokitchenandbar.com
thehotelemma.com
Gulf Coast Region: With over 600 miles of selfie-worthy sand dunes, charming coastal towns and seaside adventures, the Gulf Coast of Texas is overflowing with art, culture and mouthwatering cuisine.
Gavelston Island
Galveston is a mix of history and entertainment, beginning with the historic Strand District. Home to one of the country’s largest concentrations of Victorian buildings, the Strand is Galveston’s entertainment hub lined with restaurants and shops. Head to Postoffice street for art galleries and antique shops and while you there book a tour of The Grand 1894 Opera House, one of the few remaining theaters of its era in Texas. After exploring stop at Black Pearl Oyster bar for your fill of oysters and Cajun style seafood. Before leaving Galveston, families will love to stop at Galveston’s Pleasure Pier. It features carnival rides and games, an arcade, shops and more. For a nights stay pick from a quaint seaside cottage or discover unparalleled luxury at the San Luis Resort & Spa.
thegrand.com
pleasurepier.com
sanluisresort.com
