Texas Travel Guide
Vibrant canyons, remote deserts, extraordinary mountain ranges, white-sand beaches, historic towns, and bustling cities… Texas is a beautiful state with much to offer for outdoor enthusiasts and party goers alike.
Austin
13 Best Things to Do in Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas…the live music capital of the world. With over 250 live music venues spread throughout the city, there is always something going on here. Aside from the epic music scene, there are lots of other unique things to do in Austin. Learn the Texas Two Step, wait in line for some of the best […]
10 Essential Austin Restaurants You Should Try
Austin, known as the Live Music Capital of the World, is also home to a fabulous food scene. Barbecue and Tex-Mex reign supreme here but there is enough variety to keep everyone happy. From trailer park tacos to fine dining establishments, there is something here for everyone. Here is our list of Austin restaurants to […]
San Antonio
The Best of San Antonio, Texas in 24 Hours
San Antonio is a fun city to visit in Texas, even if you have limited time. The River Walk and the Alamo are the highlights, but there are a few more great places to explore. If you have just one day in San Antonio, you have just enough time to tour the best spots in the city. Here are five places to visit during your visit to San Antonio.
Big Bend
15 Amazing Hikes in Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is a hiker’s paradise. Hiking trails crisscross their way through the Chihuahuan Desert, along hot springs and the Rio Grande, and up and over the Chisos Mountains. Take your pick from short, easy strolls to off-the-beaten-path adventures to challenging mountain summits. Here are 15 of the best hikes in Big Bend […]
3 Days in Big Bend National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
If you are planning a trip to Big Bend National Park, one of the first things you might ask is “how many days do I need?” Three days in Big Bend gives you just enough time to visit all three sections of the park, go hiking, and day trip into Mexico. In this Big Bend […]
Balanced Rock Hike: A Short but Sweet Hike in Big Bend National Park
The Balanced Rock hike is one of our favorites in Big Bend National Park. It’s short, it’s relatively easy, and there is a brief section of rock scrambling that is fun for kids and adults. But the real reason for doing this hike is to see Balanced Rock, one of the most unique rock formations […]
Best of Big Bend: 10 Great Things to Do in Big Bend National Park
Isolated, remote, wild, rugged…this is Big Bend National Park. Located on the southwestern corner of Texas, within the Chihuahuan Desert, is an extraordinary mountain range that is a haven for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts. In this post, learn about the best things to do in Big Bend National Park with tips to help you […]
Big Bend Ranch State Park: Things to Do with Limited Time
Big Bend Ranch State Park is an overlooked gem in west Texas. Visitors come to this area to explore Big Bend National Park, but what many don’t know is that there is an amazing state park located right around the corner. Big Bend Ranch State Park is awesome. It has all of the ingredients of […]
How to Hike the Ernst Tinaja Trail in Big Bend National Park
The Ernst Tinaja Trail is one of the most unique hikes to do in Big Bend National Park. This is a short, easy trail through a slot canyon, featuring a series of waterholes located within colorful layers of limestone rock. Those looking for a little more adventure can continue the hike past the water-filled pools […]
How to Hike to Emory Peak in Big Bend National Park
Emory Peak is the highest peak in the Chisos Mountains and Big Bend National Park. It’s a tough hike to get here but the view over the park is unbeatable. There are two different ways to do this hike. The quickest and most direct way is to hike out-and-back to Emory Peak from the Chisos […]
South Rim Trail Loop + Emory Peak | Ultimate Hiking Guide
The South Rim Trail is one of the best ways to experience Big Bend National Park. Starting in the Chisos Basin, you will steadily climb up to the South Rim, where jaw-dropping views of the Chihuahuan Desert await. Add on the short but steep climb up Emory Peak for an even more epic experience. Here’s […]
Guadalupe Mountains
16 Great Things to Do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Canyons, gypsum sand dunes, fossilized coral reefs, the Chihuahuan Desert, and some of the highest peaks in Texas…these are all things that you can see in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. If you like hiking, you’ll love this park. Almost everything in the park requires some sort of short walk or hike…there is very little that […]
How to Hike the Devil’s Hall Trail | Guadalupe Mountains National Park
The Devil’s Hall Trail is one of the best hikes to do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. It’s also one of the most unique. For a good portion of this hike, you will be walking through a wash. On this part of the trail, you rock scramble up and over boulders of all sizes. For […]
How to Hike the McKittrick Canyon Trail to Pratt Cabin, the Grotto & the Notch
Hiking the McKittrick Canyon Trail to Pratt Cabin, the Grotto, and the Notch is one of the most popular hikes in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. This hike starts off relatively easy, as it is a mostly flat walk through the canyon to get to the first two sights, the Pratt Cabin and the Grotto. Beyond […]
How to Hike the Permian Reef Trail | Guadalupe Mountains National Park
The Permian Reef Trail is an awesome hike in the McKittrick Canyon section of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Leave the crowds behind as you ascend to the top of a Wilderness Ridge with spectacular views into McKittrick Canyon and the surrounding area. While everyone else is hiking the other two trails in this area, the […]
How to Hike to Guadalupe Peak, the “Top of Texas”
At 8,751 feet, Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in Texas. Hiking to this peak is one of the best things to do in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. This is a tough hike but the views from the top are unbeatable. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know to hike to Guadalupe […]
Texas & New Mexico Road Trip
10 Day Texas New Mexico National Parks Road Trip Itinerary
On this 10-day Texas New Mexico road trip itinerary, you will visit four national parks plus make a quick detour to a gem of a state park that just might be one of the big highlights of the trip. Go hiking in Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains, explore the underground wonderland of Carlsbad Caverns, and sled on dunes as white as snow at White Sands National Park.
USA Travel Ideas
Here are more ideas of things to see and do in the USA.
20 Epic Day Hikes in the National Parks (USA)
With 63 national parks and thousands of miles of hiking trails, your options are endless for exploring the American national parks. We narrowed down the list for you to 20 of the best day hikes in the national parks, 20 amazing ways to explore this beautiful country. Hike to the tallest peaks, through massive canyons, […]
20 Fun, Short Hikes in the National Parks
One of the best ways to experience the national parks is from a hiking trail. Hike to amazing viewpoints, deep into the forests, through scenic canyons, and to hidden lakes and waterfalls. Along the way, you have a better chance of spotting wildlife and potentially leaving the crowds behind. Here are 20 fun, short hikes […]
Best National Parks in the USA: 15 Amazing Parks for Your Bucket List
Stretching from the South Pacific, across the United States and into the Caribbean, are 63 national parks. These national treasures are filled with scenic drives, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, wildlife, historic sites, and endless opportunities for adventure. In this guide, we cover 15 of the best national parks in the USA and what […]
Best USA Road Trips: 18 Ideas for Your Next Big Adventure
One of the best ways to explore the USA is on a good old-fashioned road trip. Cruise along Route 66, road trip through the Florida Keys, explore the American Southwest, or even drive from coast to coast. In this guide, we share 18 of the best USA road trips…18 great ideas for your next big […]
Ultimate US National Parks List for 2024 (+ Printable Checklist)
The US national parks are one of this country’s best ideas…land set aside for the preservation of the natural world and the enjoyment of the people. Every few years, another park gets added and the US national parks list grows a little longer. Over the past 150 years, 63 national parks have been created in […]
Top Experiences in Texas
Big Bend National Park. Isolated, remote, wild, rugged…this is Big Bend National Park. Located on the southwestern corner of Texas, within the Chihuahuan Desert, is an extraordinary mountain range that is a haven for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, due to its remote location and low level of light pollution, Big Bend was designated as an International Dark-Sky Park in 2012. Thus, star gazing is a must in Big Bend!
Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Canyons, gypsum sand dunes, fossilized coral reefs, the Chihuahuan Desert, and some of the highest peaks in Texas…these are all things that you can see in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The park is a hikers paradise with intriguing trails to the Top of Texas and through tight slot canyons. Here you can also explore the Salt Basin, an area of snow white sand dunes with an enchanting view of the Guadalupe Mountains.
Big Bend Ranch State Park. Big Bend Ranch State Park is awesome. It has all of the ingredients of a perfect outdoor destination: easy but fun hiking trails, low crowds, and a beautiful scenic drive. Plus, its small size makes it easy to explore if you are short on time.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Palo Duro Canyon State Park is the second largest canyon in the country, and one of the most beautiful locations in Texas. Here there are opportunities to hike, mountain bike, horse-back ride, and camp along the canyon’s vibrant walls and around unique geological features.
Colorado Bend State Park. If you are looking to spend more time in the rugged outdoors, visit Colorado Bend State Park. With towering waterfalls, untamed hiking trails, beautiful swimming holes, and deep caves to traverse, this park is a nature-lovers paradise.
Padre Island National Seashore. Padre Island National Seashore is located on a 70 mile long barrier island in south-east Texas. With such a vast space and few roads, you can drive on the sand to find your own isolated beach paradise. Or, join the party at the National Seashore where there are restaurants, bars, and entertainment. On the beach you can camp, hike, swim, fish, and go boating.
Natural Bridge Caverns. Just outside of San Antonio lies Natural Bridge Caverns, Texas’ largest commercial cave. The caverns contain large colorful formations, rooms longer than a football field, and deep winding passageways that travel down 180ft. Tours will guide you through the caverns. If you are looking for an adventure, certain tours take you climbing, crawling, and repelling through narrow passageways.
San Antonio. San Antonio is a city of history, beauty, and delicious food. Here you can learn about the battle between Mexican forces and Texas defenders, and you can see the sites of San Antonio’s five Spanish missions. In the city, walk along San Antonio’s urban waterway past soaring trees and Spanish and Mexican architecture. And, as the Culinary Capital of Texas, you won’t want to miss San Antonio’s fantastic restaurants.
Austin. Austin Texas… the live music capital of the world. With over 250 live music venues spread throughout the city, there is always something going on here. Aside from the epic music scene, there are lots of other unique things to do in Austin. Learn the Texas Two Step, wait in line for some of the best barbecue in the country, or watch millions of bats soar into the air at dusk.
Amarillo. Located at the midway point of Route 66, Amarillo is a fascinating city bursting with outdoor adventure and Texan culture. Spray-paint on vintage cars rising out of the ground at Cadillac Ranch, visit the city’s historic district, learn about Amarillo’s history at outstanding museums, and challenge yourself to eat a 72 oz Texan steak at the Big Texan Steak Ranch.
Gruene Historic District. Within the city of New Braunfels lies Gruene, a historic old town that contains a dark history. Exploring Gruene makes for a great day-trip from Austin or San Antonio. Here you can learn about Gruene’s past, shop at the old Gruene General Store, and enjoy live music at Texas’s oldest dance hall.
Dallas. Lively nightlife, authentic Texan cuisine, the nation’s largest arts district, live performances, and the home to the Dallas Cowboys. Here you can also learn the legacy of former president John F. Kennedy.
Houston. Explore one of Texas’ biggest cities with over 150 museums, sports events, live music, large outdoor spaces, and a delicious culinary scene.
Best Time to Visit Texas
Fall and spring are the best times to visit Texas. Temperatures are mild during the day and cool at night. March is one of the busiest months because of the great weather conditions and the influx of spring break travelers. There is more rainfall during the autumn months, so if you want clear skies, spring is a slightly better time to visit Big Bend.
Summer and winter are the off seasons in Texas’ Parks. From May through September it can get very hot, and during the winter months expect cold temperatures with near freezing conditions at night.
US National Parks
US National Parks
The US National Parks make an excellent travel destination, whether you are planning a cross-country road trip or a weekend getaway. In our guide to the national parks, get detailed trip planning information, advice on which parks to visit by season, and itineraries to help simplify your travel planning process.
More Travel Inspiration
20 Best Travel Movies to Inspire the Wanderer in You
Have you ever been inspired to visit a new place just because you saw it in a movie? Movies have a way of bringing the world to our TV sets. They can be inspiring, they can be motivational, and they can make us want to go out and explore the world. Here are 20 of […]
30 Amazing Travel Books to Feed Your Wanderlust
Reading goes hand in hand with traveling. Books open you up to new places, new experiences, and new adventures, all from the comfort of your own home. They broaden your horizons and sometimes inspire you to travel to new places. Here is a list of our favorite travel books of all time. If any of […]
60 Best Travel Quotes (with Photos) to Feed Your Wanderlust
There’s something about travel quotes. They can be inspirational, thought provoking, or just entertaining to read. For several years now, I have been creating travel quote images…putting our favorite travel quotes on some of our favorite photos from around the world. I share them on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest, and now I have rounded up the best […]
Our Top 10 Bucket List Destinations
There are so many life-changing places in the world to visit. Some are magical, some are ancient, and some are just downright gorgeous. All will have you wistfully dreaming about them before you arrive. After you visit them, they become a part of you, forming lifelong memories and altering the way you see the world. […]
Travel Photography Gear Guide: What’s In Our Camera Bag
Do you want to know how we capture the images that you see on our website? Here is our photography gear guide, with links and explanations of our photography gear and accessories. At the end of this post, we offer tips and tricks on how to take better photographs while traveling. Photography Gear Guide The […]