Texas is the Lone Star State, but we think it deserves a million stars for all the epic adventures you can have there! Texas is no one-trick pony; it offers history, culture, and natural wonders across all seven of its fun-filled regions. You know Texas has great BBQ, cowboys, festivals, and friendly locals, but how deep does your knowledge go? Read on and find out!
On the prairies on the Panhandle Plains, at Hill Country’s prettiest landmarks, while squishing toes in the Gulf Coast’s white-sand beaches or standing awestruck at Big Bend’s dramatic landscapes, Texas amazes.
Texan activities wow, too. From the famed barbeque pits to legendary dance halls to cowboy shenanigans at dude ranches. Or, for history buffs, the Alamo’s history at San Antonio’s Mission Trail is a hit.
Australian visitors especially go crazy when shopping in Dallas or Houston and at Austin’s concerts and festivals (major brownie points if you score them tickets!).
But is that all, y’all? Not even close! Give yourself a point if you know any of these Texan travel facts.
#1: Did you know you can hit the beach in Texas?
Did you know that Texas has a famous beach scene? It does! Galveston has 50 kilometres of gorgeous beaches along the Gulf of Mexico coastline.
Stewart Beach is perfect for families, and East Beach draws visitors for its year-round outdoor concerts and events. For visitors seeking peace, Galveston Island State Park has lush white-sand beaches, pristine dunes, hiking trails, and excellent bird-watching opportunities.
#2: Did you know you can surf in Waco?
Waco is 300 kilometres from the ocean, so you’d probably think you can’t surf there. However, Waco Surf recently opened, so Central Texans can do the impossible!
While there are two swimming beaches around Lake Waco, Waco Surf delivers thrills to watersports lovers! Your clients can book lessons, ride the slides, cruise the lazy river, and even stay overnight.
#3: Did you know Austin has idyllic swimming holes?
Austin is the live music capital of the world, with an incredible concert, event, and festival scene. However, we’re spilling the tea that Austin has idyllic swimming holes for those scorching Texan summer days!
Barton Springs Pool is the Texan capital’s most famous natural pool. The natural spring waters stay around 20 degrees Celsius, making it über-refreshing.
Other springs to include on an Austin itinerary include Blue Hole, Krause Springs, and Twin Falls. All are within a 45-minute drive from downtown Austin.
#4: Did you know there is a quirky arts community in the Texan high desert?
The 2,000-resident town of Marfa has a deserved reputation as a quirky, artsy desert town. The Chinati Foundation is a major drawcard, thanks to its minimalist large-scale art installations.
Art in Marfa can be interactive, too, thanks to the resident artists in the town’s 20+ art galleries and their willingness to show their work in progress. Art is also found on the plate in Marfa, with creative cuisine tantalising tastebuds.
Architecturally, Prada Marfa is an iconic art installation resembling a high-end boutique in the middle of nowhere.
#5: Did you know you can see shooting stars across the state?
The Lone Star is also the Million Stars State, with two Dark Sky Sanctuaries, five Dark Sky Parks, one Dark Sky Reserve, and seven Dark Sky communities!
Big Bend National Park is a top pick, thanks to its gold-tier status, as is the McDonald Observatory, two hours north of Big Bend. Palo Duro Canyon is great on moonless nights, too. Dripping Springs is only 40 kilometres from Austin.
#6: Did you know there are treasures in the heart of Texas Hill Country?
From March to May, a detour to Fredericksburg will not disappoint. Why? Because it’s wildflower season, and the region looks like a Monet painting!
Pair wildflowers with wine (Fredericksburg is Texas Wine Country’s epicentre), and you’re onto a total itinerary winner! It has 60 wineries, vineyards, and cellar doors, including 10 downtown for easy access to Fredericksburg’s famous Chardonnays and Chenin Blancs.
Let’s Texas (and learn more)
So, what’s your score? If you’re savvy, you’ll have tallied your result after reading, giving yourself a perfect score. Because what you didn’t know before, you sure do now!
To learn more surprising Texas facts (and rediscover the Lone Star State’s more well-known gems), head to traveltexas.com.
And don’t forget, it’s never been easier to get to Texas. This is thanks to direct flights from Australia and New Zealand into Dallas Fort Worth and Houston.
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