6 Ways You Can Experience Texas Differently

Texas is a state that is best known for cowboy culture, smoky barbecue and southern hospitality. But it is so much more than that.

Presented by Tourism Texas

Last updated October 24, 2025

Share on

Texas is also a state filled to the borders with exciting new music, cutting-edge cuisine and it is a melting pot of international cultures.

Texas is a place of big personalities, big welcomes and even bigger skies. This state might be famous for its ranches, rodeos and Stetsons – now a global travel trend thanks to cowboy core – but this is just the beginning of a memory-making trip to Texas.

Come for the ten-gallon hats and fancy embroidered boots but stay for the Michelin-starred chefs, the outdoor adventures, the vintage vinyl, the live music, boutique stays and more.

Let’s discover live music in Austin

The historic Sixth Street mural in Austin - Luxury Escapes

There is a reason why Austin is considered the live music capital of the world. From the moment you step off the plane you might find live music in the airport, in a grocery store or in some of the classic Austin live music venues like the Roosevelt Room or the Parker Jazz Club.

Austin is home to the South by Southwest (SXSW) music showcase, a cultural phenomenon that has been exported all over the world – and you will discover new and exciting acts all over this great city. You can also do some incredible crate diving at record stores like Antone’s Record Shop and Breakaway Records.

Let’s uncover new and old in Fort Worth

If you do want to get yourself to a neon-soaked rodeo bar, get fitted for a fine pair of cowboy boots or spend an afternoon exploring Pioneer Plaza, the downtown landmark celebrating one of the first cattle drives, Fort Worth is where you can get your cowboy on.

The Fort Worth Stockyards features the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive. There is also the award-winning Fort Worth Zoo (named Best Zoo in Texas for 2025) and also where you can see Michelangelo’s first painting at the Kimbell Museum.

Both Fort Worth and Dallas are part of the region hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup with matches in AT&T Stadium in Arlington, so they are getting ready to welcome the world.

Let’s soak up the Southern hospitality

Some things are a cliché for a reason and the warm welcome in Texas is something that you have to experience, because everything is bigger in Texas. Just like the service you will get in the Trueheart Hotel in Fredericksburg, where the owners treat you like friends.

Texas is home to 20 Michelin Key hotels and there are three stays that have reached the prestigious Two Key status. In Austin, the Commodore Perry Estate is on a century-old southern estate. In San Antonio, Hotel Emma is located in a former 19th-century brewery and in Fort Worth you will find Bowie House located in one of the greatest examples of Second Empire architecture in America, with all the modern comforts you would expect from an Auberge Resort Collection property.

While there, you might find yourself throwing back shots with locals at Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s biggest honkytonk. In Texas, you will feel like you are welcome everywhere you go.

Let’s explore the cosmopolitan culture of Dallas

Texas has cowboys and rodeos but it also has rich Spanish influences, a melting pot of global food and art and in Dallas nowhere displays this diversity better than in Deep Ellum, a music, arts and culture hub since the 1800s. Tree-lined streets are home to breweries and bars like Deep Ellum Brewing Co and live music venues like Trees which has seen gigs by Radiohead and Nirvana.

Bishops Arts District is a community of artists that hosts friendly events like the regular wine walks. But for a true taste of Texas fun, try the Margarita Mile, a self-guided tour of the city’s best margaritas. After all, we have Dallas restaurateur Mariano Martinez to thank for inventing the frozen margarita machine in the 1970s.

Let’s dine out in Houston

Texas barbecue - Luxury Escapes — texas style bbq tray with smoked brisket, st louis ribs, pulled pork, chicken, hot links, and sides

This thriving city is billed as the “culinary and cultural capital of the South” and you will know why if you spend a few days exploring the city’s dynamic food scene.

Start with some classic Texas “Q” at Truth BBQ in the Heights where you can try smoky brisket, pork ribs and sausage with all the classic sides piled high. This industrial-chic spot with bare lightbulbs and exposed brick will satisfy your barbecue cravings.

But to truly Texas you will need to expand your palate and get some modern Mexican at Caracol Mexican Coastal Kitchen, have Italian-inspired bites at North Italia and try the sushi at Uptown Sushi in Uptown Park.

Let’s get into the great outdoors

You don’t think of diving when you think of Texas, but you should. The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is the only marine sanctuary on the Gulf Coast, with a huge array of marine life. You can also dive the wreck of the USS Queens, a Second World War transport ship, and swim with freshwater fish on the Comal River Drift Dive.

Elsewhere you can explore cavernous cave systems, kayak the Texas Gulf Coast and camp on some of the state’s pristine beaches.