Howdy! Welcome to the Lone Star State. Contrary to popular belief, Texas offers much more than horses and cowboy boots—although it certainly has plenty of that, too. Visit the state capitol Austin in central Texas to see live music, paddle board on the lake, or eat Tex-Mex with an ice cold margarita. If you find yourself in Dripping Springs for a wedding, be sure to explore it’s breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Head south for the country’s warmest beaches, including Corpus Christi, Galveston, and South Padre Island.

Not sure where to start? Check out the best destinations in the state for music lovers, beer enthusiasts, and beach goers—there’s something for everyone in Texas.

1. See your next favorite band in the Live Music Capital of the World. Every year, Austin hosts Austin City Limits Music Festival and South By Southwest—two premier music and arts festivals, perfect for catching your favorite artist or the next hottest band. Even if music isn’t your thing, look to Austin for premiere shopping, museums, and eateries. It’s also the perfect city to cope with Texas’ heat, with its numerous lakes and water activities.
2. Explore the Texas Hill Country. Located just west of Austin, Dripping Springs serves as the gateway into the Texas Hill Country. Upon reaching the small town, the landscape shifts into rolling hills and shady trees. Known as the Wedding Capital of Texas, Dripping Springs is the perfect romantic getaway and location to celebrate your nuptials. No trip to Dripping Springs is complete without touring one of its many craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries.
3. Get an adrenaline rush at Galveston’s Pleasure Pier. Located an hour away from Houston, Galveston is one of Texas’ most popular beach destinations. Play in the sand at Stewart or East Beach, shop in Galveston’s historic district, or get away from it all at the secluded West End. Pleasure Pier is a 1,130-foot pier that doubles as an amusement park along Seawall Boulevard.
4. Beach hop along the South Texas Coast. Along the Gulf of Mexico, Texas offers dozens of beaches to choose from for fun in the sun and swimming in the Gulf’s iconic warm waters. Choose between Port Aransas, Rockport, North Padre Island Seashore, and Mustang Island—or try them all. Beyond the beach, stay in Corpus Christi to explore major Texas cultural destinations, such as the Texas State Aquarium, the USS Lexington Museum, Selena Museum, and the original Whataburger restaurant.
5. Fly a kite in South Padre Island. Located even further south than beach destinations like Corpus Christi, South Padre Island is home to Spring Break Jam auto and tattoo fest in March, as well as its own kite fest in February. Family-friendly attractions include the Schlitterbahn Resort and Waterpark, the Birding and Nature Center, and Sea Turtle Inc., a sanctuary for sea turtles who travel to the island annually to lay their eggs.