Texas Cities and Regions

A vibrant music scene isn’t the only thing this hip, funky capital city in the middle of Texas has to offer. Consistently ranked one of the most livable cities in the U.S., Austin embraces film, culture, and outdoor pursuits in its idyllic surrounding Hill Country equally. See our Austin Travel Guide

Dallas the city is a lot like Dallas the television series – without the big ’80s hairdos. New media entrepreneurs and young professionals rub elbows in this city known for an exploding arts district, an ever-changing skyline, and top sports teams – Cowboys (football), Stars (hockey), and Mavericks (basketball). See our Dallas Travel Guide

When it comes to cowboys, most Texans think immediately of Fort Worth, home of Billy Bob’s Texas honkytonk, which was featured in the movie Urban Cowboy. But the city also embraces the high brow, as evidenced by the top-rated Kimball Museum of Art.

Its mix of internationally recognized museums and art galleries, a rich oil history, a heritage of space exploration (as home to NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center), and top sports teams like the Astros (baseball), Texans (football), and Rockets (basketball) makes Houston a heady contrast of cowboys and culture. See our Houston Travel Guide

Visitors to San Antonio remember much more than the Alamo. The Paseo del Rio (River Walk) is truly the jewel of the city, with great shopping and dining along a long, winding river path that runs through the heart of the city. See our San Antonio Travel Guide

Its tagline might be “where the Texas coast begins,” but Galveston is much more than that. This small island of just 96 square miles is popular for its 32 miles of beaches, historic downtown, art galleries, and status as a premier international cruise port. See our Galveston Travel Guide

Literally steps away from Mexico and New Mexico, El Paso is Texas’ gateway to a vibrant Hispanic culture that spans the state. From the rugged Franklin Mountains to Juarez, El Paso’s sister city in Mexico, the region offers something for everyone.

With a population hovering around 2,000, Marfa, Texas' slight size is by no means proportionate to its appeal. Situated between the Davis Mountains and Big Bend National Park (at almost a mile above sea level), this remote ranching community attracts visitors with its pleasant mountain air, mysterious light phenomenon (known as the "Marfa Mystery Lights"), and area activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. Recent years have seen a real spike in tourism, with crowds drawn by a cool artists' vibe that includes galleries galore and a 340-acre contemporary art space founded by Donald Judd, as well as by the promise of simple, small-town serenity.