Mama Mystic’s Comprehensive Tourist Guide to Texas
Welcome to Texas, a state as vast as its heart is big! Known for its cowboy culture, booming cities, stunning natural landscapes, and warm hospitality, Texas offers something for everyone—whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or a family seeking adventure. This guide is tailored for Mama Mystic’s Roadshow audience: healthcare warriors, moms, and adventurers aged 13-100 who seek organic eats, active adventures, and a purposeful life filled with nostalgic experiences. As a nurse who worked in Plano in the early 2000s for HMA and crossed Texas in one night from Shreveport, LA, to Santa Teresa, NM, I’ve seen the state’s magic firsthand. We’ll explore seasonal activities, tourist attractions, ticket rates, shows, children’s activities (including zoos and riverboat rides), holiday festivities, local, state, and national park activities, sporting events, conferences, concerts, airports, transit options, lodging, traffic patterns, alternate transportation, the food scene, renowned personalities, major cities (Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Amarillo), interstates, backroads, lakes, hiking trails, and outdoor activities. Let’s dive into the Lone Star State and make tomorrow better through the memories we create today!
Introduction to Texas
Texas, the second-largest state in the U.S., spans over 268,000 square miles with diverse landscapes—from the Gulf Coast’s sandy beaches to the rugged mountains of Big Bend. Home to over 29 million people, it boasts major cities like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, and Amarillo, each with unique attractions. Texas is famous for its cowboy heritage, barbecue, oil industry, and larger-than-life attitude, rooted in its history as the Republic of Texas (1836-1845). Its subtropical to arid climate offers hot summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination. Whether you’re exploring historic sites, hiking state parks, or savoring Tex-Mex, Texas inspires hope, independence, and empowerment.
Seasonal Activities in Texas
Texas’s four seasons offer diverse experiences:
Spring (March-May 2026): Mild temperatures (60s-80s°F) and blooming wildflowers make spring ideal for outdoor adventures. The Texas Bluebonnet Trail (March-April) in Central Texas showcases vibrant wildflowers (Travel Texas). The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (March 3-22, 2026) at NRG Park features rodeos, concerts, and carnival fun (Rodeo Houston).
Summer (June-August 2025): Hot and humid (80s-100s°F), summer is perfect for water-based activities. Cool off at Schlitterbahn Waterpark (New Braunfels) or Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington). The Texas Folklife Festival (June 6-8, 2025) in San Antonio celebrates cultural diversity (Texas Folklife).
Fall (September-November 2025): Cooler temperatures (60s-80s°F) and colorful foliage make fall great for hiking and festivals. The Texas Renaissance Festival (October 11-November 30, 2025) near Houston offers medieval-themed fun (TexRenFest). Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg (October 3-5, 2025) is a German-inspired celebration (Oktoberfest).
Winter (December 2025-February 2026): Mild winters (40s-60s°F) are ideal for holiday events. San Antonio’s River Walk lights up with festive displays, and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo (February 5-22, 2026) offers rodeos and concerts (SARodeo).
Major Cities & Attractions
Texas’s major cities offer unique experiences:
Dallas:
Dallas Museum of Art (1717 N Harwood St): Free general admission, special exhibits $10-$20 (DMA).
Perot Museum of Nature and Science (2201 N Field St): $20/adult, $13/child (2-11) (Perot Museum).
Reunion Tower (300 Reunion Blvd E): Observation deck $19/adult, $9/child (4-12) (Reunion Tower).
Houston:
Space Center Houston (1601 NASA Pkwy): $29.95/adult, $22.95/child (3-11) (Space Center).
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (1001 Bissonnet St): $19/adult, $12/child (13-18) (MFAH).
Buffalo Bayou Park (1800 Allen Pkwy): Free; kayak rentals $30/hour (Buffalo Bayou).
San Antonio:
Austin:
Texas State Capitol (1100 Congress Ave): Free tours (Texas Capitol).
Zilker Park (2100 Barton Springs Rd): Free; Barton Springs Pool $5/adult, $3/child (Austin Parks).
Blanton Museum of Art (200 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd): $15/adult, $5/child (13-17) (Blanton Museum).
El Paso:
Amarillo:
Cadillac Ranch (13651 I-40 W): Free (Amarillo).
Texas Air & Space Museum (10001 American Dr): $10/adult, $5/child (6-12) (Texas Air Museum).
Amarillo Zoo (700 Comanchero Trail): $4/adult, $2/child (3-12) (Amarillo Zoo).
Tourist Attractions & Ticket Rates
Beyond city-specific attractions, Texas offers iconic sites:
Big Bend National Park (West Texas): $30/vehicle, $15/person (7-day pass) (NPS).
Guadalupe Mountains National Park (West Texas): $10/person (7-day pass) (NPS).
Padre Island National Seashore (South Texas): $25/vehicle (7-day pass) (NPS).
Dinosaur Valley State Park (Central Texas): $7/adult, free for kids under 12 (TPWD).
Shows & Performances
Texas’s arts scene is vibrant:
Majestic Theatre (San Antonio, 224 E Houston St): Broadway shows, concerts; tickets $40-$150 (Majestic Theatre).
Bass Performance Hall (Fort Worth, 525 Commerce St): Broadway, symphonies; tickets $30-$200 (Bass Hall).
Long Center for the Performing Arts (Austin, 701 W Riverside Dr): Concerts, theater; tickets $25-$150 (Long Center).
Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (Houston, 800 Bagby St): Broadway, concerts; tickets $35-$175 (Hobby Center).
Dallas Symphony Orchestra (Dallas, 2301 Flora St): Classical, pops; tickets $25-$150 (Dallas Symphony).
Children’s Activities
Texas is packed with family-friendly fun, including zoos and riverboat rides:
San Antonio Zoo (3903 N St Mary’s St): Over 900 animals, with a Swamp Exhibit. $20/adult, $15/child (3-11) (San Antonio Zoo).
Kids’ Activities: Petting zoo, animal feedings, Tiny Tot Nature Spot for under 5s.
Houston Zoo (6200 Hermann Park Dr): Features a Texas Wetlands exhibit. $22/adult, $17/child (2-11) (Houston Zoo).
Kids’ Activities: Giraffe feedings, splash pad, carousel.
Dallas World Aquarium (1801 N Griffin St): Marine and exotic animals. $35/adult, $25/child (3-12) (DW Zoo).
Kids’ Activities: Interactive touch tanks, bird feedings.
Texas State Aquarium (Corpus Christi, 2710 N Shoreline Blvd): Gulf marine life. $29.95/adult, $22.95/child (3-12) (Texas State Aquarium).
Kids’ Activities: Dolphin shows, stingray touch pool.
San Antonio River Walk Barge Ride (849 E Commerce St): 35-minute narrated tours. $12/adult, $9/child (3-11) (Go Rio).
Kids’ Activities: Kid-friendly narration, spotting river wildlife.
Children’s Museum of Houston (1500 Binz St): Hands-on STEM exhibits. $15/person (1+) (CM Houston).
Fort Worth Zoo (1989 Colonial Pkwy): Over 7,000 animals. $16/adult, $12/child (3-12) (Fort Worth Zoo).
Thinkery (Austin, 1830 Simond Ave): Interactive STEM museum. $14/person (1+) (Thinkery).
Amarillo Zoo (700 Comanchero Trail): Small zoo with local wildlife. $4/adult, $2/child (3-12) (Amarillo Zoo).
Holiday Activities
Texas celebrates holidays with flair:
New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2025): Fireworks at Dallas’s Fountain Place, Houston’s City Hall, and San Antonio’s River Walk.
Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2026): Romantic dinners at Perry’s Steakhouse (Dallas, Houston) or Bohanan’s Prime Steaks (San Antonio).
St. Patrick’s Day (March 17, 2026): Parades in Dallas and Galveston; Irish pubs like McGonigel’s Mucky Duck (Houston).
Easter (April 5, 2026): Egg hunts at Zilker Park (Austin) and Klyde Warren Park (Dallas).
Independence Day (July 4, 2025): Fireworks at Fair Park (Dallas) and Woodlands Waterway (Houston).
Halloween (October 31, 2025): Haunted houses like Cutting Edge (Fort Worth); costume contests at Austin’s Sixth Street.
Thanksgiving (November 27, 2025): Turkey trots in Houston and Dallas; parades in San Antonio.
Christmas (December 25, 2025): Holiday lights at Zilker Park’s Trail of Lights (Austin); markets in Fredericksburg.
Local, State, and National Park Activities
Texas has over 80 state parks and several national parks:
Big Bend National Park (West Texas): Hiking, stargazing, canoeing on the Rio Grande. $30/vehicle (NPS).
Guadalupe Mountains National Park (West Texas): Hiking to Guadalupe Peak. $10/person (NPS).
Padre Island National Seashore (South Texas): Beachcombing, birdwatching. $25/vehicle (NPS).
Dinosaur Valley State Park (Central Texas): Dinosaur tracks, hiking. $7/adult (TPWD).
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (Hill Country): Rock climbing, hiking. $8/adult (TPWD).
Sporting Events (June 2025-March 2026)
Texas is a sports hub:
NFL:
NBA:
MLB:
College Football:
Texas Longhorns (Austin): Games vs. Oklahoma (October 11, 2025). Tickets $50-$300 (Texas Athletics).
Texas A&M Aggies (College Station): Games vs. LSU (October 25, 2025). Tickets $40-$250 (12th Man).
Conferences & Major Events
South by Southwest (SXSW) (Austin, March 6-14, 2026): Film, music, tech. Badges $900-$1,800 (SXSW).
Texas Book Festival (Austin, October 25-26, 2025): Free literary event (Texas Book Festival).
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (Houston, March 3-22, 2026): Rodeos, concerts. Tickets $20-$100 (Rodeo Houston).
Dallas International Film Festival (Dallas, April 2026): Film screenings. Tickets $10-$50 (DIFF).
San Antonio Book Festival (San Antonio, April 2026): Free author panels (SA Book Festival).
Concerts (June 2025-March 2026)
ACL Live at the Moody Theater (Austin): Hosts artists like Kacey Musgraves (September 2025). Tickets $50-$200 (ACL Live).
House of Blues (Dallas, Houston): Concerts by local and national acts. Tickets $20-$100 (House of Blues).
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (The Woodlands): Outdoor concerts, e.g., Post Malone (October 2025). Tickets $40-$150 (The Pavilion).
White Oak Music Hall (Houston): Indie acts like Tame Impala (November 2025). Tickets $30-$80 (White Oak).
The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory (Irving): Concerts like Billie Eilish (December 2025). Tickets $50-$200 (Toyota Music Factory).
Airport Information
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) (2400 Aviation Dr, DFW Airport, TX 75261): Second-busiest U.S. airport. Ground transport: DART ($2.50), taxis ($40-$60), Uber/Lyft ($30-$50) (DFW Airport).
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) (Houston, 2800 N Terminal Rd): Busiest in Texas. Ground transport: METRO ($1.25), taxis ($50-$70), Uber/Lyft ($40-$60) (IAH).
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) (Houston, 7800 Airport Blvd): Secondary Houston airport. Ground transport: METRO ($1.25), taxis ($40-$60), Uber/Lyft ($30-$50) (HOU).
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) (3600 Presidential Blvd): Capital Metro ($1.25), taxis ($30-$50), Uber/Lyft ($25-$40) (AUS).
San Antonio International Airport (SAT) (9800 Airport Blvd): VIA bus ($1.30), taxis ($25-$40), Uber/Lyft ($20-$35) (SAT).
Transit Information
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART): Light rail, buses. $2.50/ride, $6/day pass (DART).
METRO (Houston): Buses, light rail. $1.25/ride, $3/day pass (METRO).
Capital Metro (Austin): Buses, MetroRail. $1.25/ride, $3.50/day pass (CapMetro).
VIA Metropolitan Transit (San Antonio): Buses, VIA Link. $1.30/ride, $2.75/day pass (VIA).
El Paso Metropolitan Transit: Buses. $1.50/ride, $2/day pass (Sun Metro).
Traffic Patterns: Peak hours 7-9 AM, 4-6 PM on I-10, I-35, I-45. Use Waze for real-time updates.
Alternate Transportation:
Trolleys: Galveston’s Island Transit Trolley ($1.25/ride) (Galveston Transit).
City Bikes: BCycle in Austin, Houston ($10/day) (BCycle).
Ride-Sharing: Uber, Lyft ($10-$30 for short trips).
Car Rentals: Available at all major airports.
Lodging: Luxury & Business-Class
Luxury:
The Joule (Dallas, 1530 Main St): Boutique hotel with rooftop bar. $350-$600/night (The Joule).
The Houstonian Hotel (Houston, 111 N Post Oak Ln): Resort with spa, golf. $300-$500/night (The Houstonian).
The Driskill (Austin, 604 Brazos St): Historic hotel near Capitol. $350-$550/night (The Driskill).
The St. Anthony (San Antonio, 300 E Travis St): Historic hotel on River Walk. $300-$500/night (The St. Anthony).
Business-Class:
Hilton Dallas/Plano Granite Park (Plano, 5805 Granite Pkwy): Near corporate hubs. $200-$350/night (Hilton).
Hyatt Regency Houston (Houston, 1200 Louisiana St): Business-friendly. $180-$300/night (Hyatt).
Embassy Suites Austin Downtown (Austin, 300 S Congress Ave): Suites with kitchenettes. $200-$350/night (Embassy Suites).
Marriott Plaza San Antonio (San Antonio, 555 S Alamo St): Near downtown. $180-$300/night (Marriott).
Food Scene: New & Established Eateries
Barbecue:
Black’s BBQ (Lockhart, 215 N Main St): Legendary brisket. $15-$30/person (Black’s BBQ).
Franklin Barbecue (Austin, 900 E 11th St): World-famous brisket. $20-$40/person (Franklin BBQ).
Tex-Mex:
Seafood:
Gaido’s (Galveston, 3828 Seawall Blvd): Gulf seafood since 1911. $20-$40/person (Gaido’s).
Water Street Oyster Bar (Corpus Christi, 309 N Water St): Fresh oysters. $15-$30/person (Water Street).
New Eateries:
Nancy’s Hustle (Houston, 2704 Polk St): Modern American with vegetarian options. $20-$35/person (Nancy’s Hustle).
Pool Burger (Austin, 2315 Lake Austin Blvd): Farm-to-table burgers. $10-$20/person (Pool Burger).
Established Eateries:
Pecan Lodge (Dallas, 2702 Main St): Top-rated barbecue. $15-$30/person (Pecan Lodge).
The Guenther House (San Antonio, 205 E Guenther St): Historic breakfast spot. $10-$20/person (Guenther House).
Renowned Personalities
George W. Bush (former President