How to do a Texas road trip right

Yee-haw! Texas calling. The ginormous US state is not one to arrive in without a plan – after all, there’s 696,000sq km of turf to explore, more than the entirety of France. After touching tarmac at Dallas Fort Worth International, car rental should be your first order of the day; it’s essential in any quest to tick off the sights, of which there are plenty, including hipster Austin, historic San Antonio and the “Space City” of Houston. Beginning in “The Big D”, we’ve mapped out a handy itinerary to fully immerse and truly understand the complexities and contradictions of America’s second-largest state.

Stop one: Dallas

Austin may be the state capital but the modern metropolis of Dallas is the commercial and cultural hub of Texas. Pull into town and you’re immediately dazzled by skyscrapers, where many of the city’s best hotels, restaurants and bars reside. Find your bearings atop Reunion Tower, a 171-metre-tall observation deck offering panoramic views.

Next, grab an NFL jersey and join 80,000 fans cheering on the Dallas Cowboys at the AT&T Stadium, the largest domed structure in North America. Cap things off with your first bite of juicy brisket at Terry Black’s Barbecue – and, in these parts, a side of mac and cheese is mandatory.

Stop two: Fort Worth

Fort Worth is barely half an hour’s drive from Dallas, so there’s no need to pack up and check out to get a Wild West fix. First stop: pick up your pair of hand-made boots at M.L. Leddy’s . The city may be known as “Cowtown”, but there’s more to cow than leather. Fort Worth Stockyards hosts a twice-daily cattle drive through East Exchange Avenue. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the 117-year-old Cowtown Coliseum still hosts its historic rodeo, complete with bull and bronc riding, barrel racing, plus calf and mutton wrangling to entertain youngsters. If you have the energy, show off those old-time moves at Billy Bob’s Texas – the world’s largest honky-tonk dance hall , with an obligatory mechanical bull – or retreat back to Virgin Hotels Dallas for a poolside bourbon or rye. 

Stop three: Austin

Austin is an easy three-hour drive from DFW – stop halfway at Waco for the Dr Pepper Museum, commemorating the birthplace of the popular soft drink.  

Well known as the “live music capital of Texas”, Austin draws in folks to kick back and enjoy the city’s famous scene. Musos flock for festival season, when the city electrifies with the heavyweight offerings of Austin City Limits and South by Southwest (SXSW). In fact, this city pumps all year around – so follow the beat to The Continental Club or Antone’s whenever you visit.

Beloved taco shack Veracruz All-Natural is the ideal spot to line your stomach before any big night out. To carry on the party, head to the famed Sixth Street (nicknamed “Dirty Six” for a reason) or the LGBT+ inclusive Fourth Street, or glam up for Downtown’s chic terrace bars. If you’re stationed at the Fairmont Austin, be sure to take a nightcap at the rooftop Rules & Regs .

Stop four: San Antonio

Less than 90 minutes away from Austin is San Antonio, a city steeped in colonial heritage and a must-visit for history buffs. Its star attraction is The Alamo , an 18th-century Spanish mission and the site of the 1836 battle that saw the state of “Tejas” gain independence from Mexico. Wear comfortable shoes and spend the rest of the afternoon trekking the San Antonio River Walk – a 24km loop that takes in museums, galleries, shops and restaurants. Boat tours are available for those who want to put their feet up. Unwind over dinner in the fashionable Pearl District, then go west for an overnight stay at an authentic dude ranch. In Cat Spring, one hour from Houston, BlissWood Bed & Breakfast Ranch welcomes all to its 140-hectare ranch to enjoy all manner of wild activities, including horse riding, trap shooting, boating, archery, birding and catch-and-release fishing.

Stop five: Houston

Houston, we have a problem – one day isn’t enough to soak up Texas’ biggest city. Your top priority, intergalactic intrigue or not, has to be the Space Center Houston , home to more than 400 space artefacts, including three flown spacecraft and a moon rock display.  

Houston is big on Asian food, and Viet-Cajun is the speciality. For a taste, head to Crawfish & Noodles, where spicy fish and seafood are served alongside noodles or fried rice. Lastly, watch sundown from the rooftop at Post Houston , the city’s former postal HQ, now housing exhibitions, boutique shopping, street food and cocktail bars.

Extend your road trip

New Orleans, Louisiana 

Nosh Creole cuisine in the birthplace of jazz. Best during Mardi Gras (January to March).

Denver, Colorado  

An outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, located at the base of the majestic Rocky Mountains.

Phoenix, Arizona 

This Wild West desert metropolis offers another chance to sport that cowboy hat with pride.