Texas is big, bold, and brimming with adventure. For Australian and New Zealand travellers, some of the best things to do in Texas involve smoky BBQ joints, legendary honky-tonks, cowboy ranches, space history, and vibrant art scenes. This Texas travel guide dives deep into what to do in Texas, from iconic road trips to experiences like the Alamo and NASA, and unexpected gems like the coastal beauty of Corpus Christi and Hill Country wineries. We’ve included Adventure World top tips and highlights so you can turn inspiration into a ready-to-book journey.
Hit the Open Road and Discover Texas’ Big Horizons
Explore wide-open landscapes on scenic self-drive routes
Texas was made for road trips. The Willow City Loop near Fredericksburg is a springtime favourite, with wildflowers carpeting the Hill Country from March to May. Prefer coastal vibes? Head to South Padre Island for sandy beaches, dolphin cruises, and fresh Gulf seafood.
Amarillo & the 100-Year Legacy of Route 66
As Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, Amarillo stands out as one of the Mother Road’s most iconic waypoints. Long known as a gateway to the American West, the city blends retro Americana with cowboy heritage. Soak up the vintage neon charm of 6th Street, explore roadside attractions, and experience the nostalgic spirit that has drawn roadtrippers here for a century. Amarillo will play a major role in the centennial festivities including car shows, live music, street festivals, and a grand finale in the historic Route 66 District.
Adventure World tip: Our Take a Bite out of Texas itinerary links Houston, Austin, Fredericksburg, and San Antonio with curated food tours and winery stops. This is perfect for travellers who love scenic drives and local flavours.
Find small towns full of Southern charm and local storytelling
Texas’ small towns are full of charm and character. Texas’ small towns are full of charm and character. In Fredericksburg, you’ll discover a unique blend of German heritage, boutique wineries, and scenic hikes at Enchanted Rock. Just down the road, tiny Luckenbach is a country music icon famous for its laid-back dance hall and live performances that capture the true spirit of Texas. For something truly authentic, head to Bandera, the Cowboy Capital of the World, where you can experience ranch life, horseback riding, and campfire cookouts under the Texas stars.
Adventure World tip: Combine these towns during our Authentic Texas road trip itinerary for a true taste of cowboy country.
Take a classic West Texas road trip through desert canyons
West Texas is pure cinematic drama. Big Bend National Park offers Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, a 50km route through volcanic landscapes and limestone cliffs. Stop at Santa Elena Canyon, where 450m walls rise above the Rio Grande. Sunset here is unforgettable. For hikers, Lost Mine Trail (4.8km return) delivers sweeping Chisos Mountain views.
Taste the Flavours That Define the Lone Star State
Try authentic Texas BBQ from legendary smokehouses
BBQ in Texas is a cultural experience. For Aussies and Kiwis who love a good smoky brisket or ribs, Texas is the holy grail. In Austin, for one of the best food experiences in Texas, head to Franklin Barbecue for world-famous, melt-in-your-mouth brisket.
Head to Lockhart, known as the “BBQ Capital of Texas,” where you’ll order by the pound at Kreuz Market or Black’s Barbecue, both family-run with decades of tradition. It’s a casual, no-frills experience with butcher paper instead of plates.
Adventure World Tip: Our culinary-focused itineraries include guided BBQ tours, so you can skip the guesswork and taste the best.
Discover Tex-Mex favourites loved by locals
Tex-Mex is a fusion of Mexican flavours and Texas flair – perfect for travellers who love bold, hearty dishes. Expect sizzling fajitas, cheesy enchiladas, and the famous breakfast tacos (a must-try for brunch lovers from Down Under).
San Antonio is Tex-Mex heaven. The breakfast tacos at Mi Tierra Café y Panadería, a colourful local icon, are a taste sensation. Pair your meal with a margarita on the River Walk for the full experience.
Dallas’ Margarita Mile is a must do for cocktail lovers, celebrating the city as the birthplace of the frozen margarita. Today, the self guided Margarita Mile trail highlights some of Dallas’ most iconic bars and inventive takes on the city’s signature drink. For a different kind of Texas spirit, head west to Fort Worth’s TX Whiskey Ranch.
Enjoy boutique wineries and new culinary hotspots
The Texas Hill Country boasts over 50 wineries. Spend a day tasting bold reds and crisp whites in Fredericksburg. Consider heading to Austin for farm-to-table dining and inventive food trucks. Houston’s food scene is a true reflection of its cultural diversity. With over 10,000 restaurants serving dishes from over 70 countries, you can taste the world with a Texan twist. It’s a paradise for food lovers and a must-visit destination for anyone keen to explore global flavours in one vibrant metropolis. San Antonio proudly holds the title of a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, celebrating its rich culinary heritage. From award-winning restaurants and local diners to bustling farmers’ markets, the city serves up flavours for every palate.
Adventure World tip: Our itineraries include wine trail stops and reservations at top-rated restaurants. Suggested itinerary: Take a Bite out of Texas | Adventure World
Experience Texas’ Great Outdoors Up Close
Swim in Natural Spring-Fed Pools Across Hill Country
After a day of exploring, nothing beats a dip in Texas’ natural swimming holes. Barton Springs Pool in Austin is a local icon with three acres of spring-fed waters that stay a refreshing 20-21°C year-round. For something more secluded, head to Jacob’s Well near Wimberley, a striking karst spring surrounded by lush greenery. Other favourites include Hamilton Pool Preserve, with its dramatic limestone grotto and waterfall, and Blue Hole Regional Park, ideal for families.
Adventure World tip: Combine a swim stop with a Hill Country wine tour for the ultimate Texas day out.
Explore the Stunning Landscapes of Palo Duro Canyon
Just south of Amarillo, Palo Duro Canyon reveals a striking contrast to the flat Texas Panhandle, with towering redrock cliffs, mesas, and winding desert valleys stretching across 190 kilometres. The canyon floor is easily accessible by scenic drive, offering short walks, wildlife spotting, and views of roadrunners, mule deer, and longhorn cattle. Adventurous travellers can tackle the 10km Lighthouse Trail to see the canyon’s iconic rock formation, while the Rim Visitor Centre provides panoramic vistas of this dramatic, colourful landscape. Palo Duro Canyon is a mustsee for those wanting to experience Texas’ natural grandeur up close.
Discover Texas’ Gulf Shores and Coastal Charm
Set along the sparkling South Texas Gulf Coast, Corpus Christi invites you with its beautiful beaches, rich birdlife and coastal wilderness at Mustang Island State Park or Padre Island National Seashore. Corpus Christi provides essential habitat for several endangered sea turtle species, with ongoing conservation initiatives taking place throughout the year. At Padre Island National Seashore, you can often witness public hatchling releases (typically at sunrise from midJune to August). History buffs can step aboard the USS Lexington for a fascinating look into World War II naval heritage. The region’s semi‑tropical landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique festivals (like the Whooping Crane Festival) create a vibrant blend of coastal adventure and cultural discovery. Corpus Christi is a standout stop for travellers seeking to explore Texas’ natural wonders.
Hike the Dramatic Trails in Big Bend or Guadalupe Mountains
Big Bend National Park is a hiker’s dream, offering trails that range from easy riverside walks to challenging mountain climbs. The Lost Mine Trail is a favourite for panoramic views of the Chisos Mountains, while the Santa Elena Canyon Trail takes you along the Rio Grande with towering limestone walls on either side.
Further north, Guadalupe Mountains National Park boasts rugged beauty and the Guadalupe Peak Trail, a strenuous climb to Texas’ highest summit at 2,667m. Along the way, you’ll encounter fossil-rich limestone and breathtaking canyon views.
Step Into Iconic Texas Culture & History
Walk Through the Historic Alamo and San Antonio Missions
The Alamo is more than a landmark. It’s a symbol of Texas independence and resilience. For travellers who love history, this is a must-see. Explore the storied walls and learn about the pivotal 1836 battle that shaped Texas identity.
Continue along the Mission Trail, where four UNESCO-listed Spanish colonial missions, Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada, showcase stunning architecture and centuries-old traditions. These sites offer a glimpse into Texas’ multicultural roots, blending Spanish, Indigenous, and Mexican influences.
Adventure World Tip: Our itineraries include guided tours of the Alamo and Mission Trail, so you’ll gain insider knowledge and avoid missing hidden details.
Learn Space History at NASA’s Space Center Houston
For science buffs and curious minds, NASA’s Space Center Houston is an unforgettable experience. Get up close to real spacecraft, including the Saturn V rocket, and walk through interactive exhibits that trace America’s space program from the Apollo missions to Mars exploration.
You will love the behind-the-scenes feel where you can even see the Historic Mission Control where astronauts were guided during moon landings. It’s a great family-friendly stop and perfect for anyone fascinated by space technology.
Discover Art, Architecture, and Culture in Austin and Dallas
Texas isn’t all cowboy boots and BBQ. It’s also a hub for art and culture. In Austin, immerse yourself in its creative vibe with vibrant street art, indie galleries, and live music venues. Don’t miss the Blanton Museum of Art for a mix of contemporary and classical works.
In Dallas, explore world-class museums like the Dallas Museum of Art and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which chronicles the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Architecture lovers will appreciate the sleek modern skyline and historic districts that tell the story of Texas’ evolution.
Texas Sports Culture: Big Teams, Big Crowds, Big Energy
Texans live and breathe sport. American football sits at the heart of Texan culture, with high school games bringing entire towns together, fierce college rivalries like the Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies, and the Dallas Cowboys reigning as one of the most iconic teams in the National Football League (NFL) – and yes, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are now celebrities in their own right. Beyond football, locals passionately follow National Basketball Association (NBA) teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks, Major League Baseball (MLB) favourites including the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers, National Hockey League powerhouse the Dallas Stars, and fast-growing soccer clubs such as Austin FC — co-owned by Matthew McConaughey, who’s often spotted on the sidelines — plus FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo. If there’s a game on while you’re in town, expect big crowds, big noise, and seriously infectious energy.
Get a Taste of Cowboy Country
Experience Real Ranch Life with Ethical, Hands-On Activities
Step into the heart of cowboy country in Bandera, often called the “Cowboy Capital of the World”. For Aussie and Kiwi travellers who love authentic experiences, staying at a guest ranch is a highlight. Here, you can saddle up for a horseback ride across scenic trails, learn traditional roping skills from seasoned wranglers, and gather around a campfire for hearty cookouts under the Texas stars.
What makes this experience special? Many ranches now focus on sustainability and ethical practices, ensuring animal welfare and preserving the land for future generations. It’s a chance to live the cowboy lifestyle without compromising modern values.
Adventure World Tip: Our itineraries include ranch stays with hands-on activities, so you’ll enjoy an immersive experience guided by local experts.
Learn About Texas’ Cowboy Heritage Through Museums and Local Stories
Texas’ cowboy culture has a rich history of cattle drives, rodeos, and pioneering spirit. Head to Fort Worth Stockyards, where you can watch live rodeo shows and witness a traditional cattle drive down the historic streets. It’s a spectacle that brings the Old West to life.
Visit the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, celebrating the women who shaped the American West. From rodeo champions to ranchers and trailblazers, their stories add a fascinating layer to cowboy heritage.
Take a scenic drive into Texas Hill Country for a stay at Dixie Dude Ranch, an authentic working ranch where longhorn cattle roam. This is a true cowboy experience, complete with real ranch hands, rodeo traditions, horseback riding, hiking, hayrides and hearty home-cooked meals and dancing.
Follow the Music to the Heart of Texas
Explore Austin’s Iconic Live Music Venues
Austin proudly wears the title of “Live Music Capital of the World” and is one of the best places to see live music in Texas. Music spills out of bars, clubs, and street corners every night, creating an atmosphere that’s electric and welcoming. Experience a music scene that rivals Nashville but with a Texan twist.
Catch a gig at the legendary Continental Club, a venue that’s been hosting blues and rock acts since the 1950s. Wander down South Congress Avenue, where you’ll find intimate bars and open-air stages. Step into a true Texas Honky Tonk experience at The Broken Spoke, an Austin institution since the 1960s. This legendary dance hall is packed with country music history and lively energy. Icons like Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Garth Brooks have graced its stage.
Adventure World Tip: If you’re keen to experience an iconic Honky Tonk in another Texan city, head to the Fort Worth Stockyards to check out Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest Honky Tonk.
Final Texas Travel Tips for Australian and New Zealand Travellers
Planning your Lone Star State adventure? Here are some essentials to consider:
- Best time to visit: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Getting there: Getting to Texas from Australia and New Zealand is easier than you might think, with several direct transpacific options. Qantas operates nonstop flights from Sydney to Dallas–Fort Worth, while American Airlines flies direct to Dallas from Melbourne and Brisbane. From New Zealand, Air New Zealand offers direct services from Auckland to Houston, with United Airlines also flying nonstop to Houston from Sydney. Once you land, you’re right in the heart of Texas and perfectly placed to start exploring.
- Getting around: Texas is big! Self-drive itineraries are ideal, with well-maintained roads and scenic routes through Hill Country and beyond.
- Pack smart: Bring layers for changing weather, comfortable shoes for exploring, and don’t forget a hat and sunscreen for those sunny days.
From BBQ smokehouses and cowboy ranches to live music in Austin and celebrated historic museums, Texas is full of unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re chasing history, culture, or wide-open landscapes, Adventure World itineraries make it easy to dive deep into authentic Texas life.