Alex Temblador

The capital of Texas, Austin, is a mighty destination for things to do. Being a small but densely packed metropolis surrounded by natural wonders, you’ll strike a hearty balance of concrete and green. In fact, a scenic trail runs right through the center of town. Folks can spend half a day paddling Lady Bird Lake or hiking to secret outlooks before switching shorts for their Sunday best at the city’s acclaimed restaurants and sexy rooftop bars. Maybe they’re in town for one of the many outdoor festivals that descend on Zilker Park? Well, year-round sunshine means you can keep going all day long (summers excluded) or retreat indoors in the comfort of plush surroundings and high AC. Whatever your pleasure, Austin serves variety with a heavy dollop of Southern hospitality. And there are no exceptions here: ATX is well known as the most inclusive city in Texas—a place where y’all really means y’all. So anyone who’s anyone is sure to have a rad time. Come feast on the delicious corners of Bat City, starting with our bucket list of all the essentials. RECOMMENDED: The best day trips from Austin RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Austin RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Austin At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

From dive bars to DJ nights, Dallas knows how to party. That’s no secret. But if you want a SBNO (a Seriously Big Night Out) there are only some spots in the city that are really worth your time (and hard-earned dough).  A night out in Dallas could mean anything from bottle service luxury to the best LGBTQ+ night in the city, in rooftop bars to rowdy dance floors. It’s a curious mix at the best of times, but it works. Ready to dance ‘till the sun comes up? Here are the best clubs in Dallas right now.  RECOMMENDED:🥩 The best restaurants in Dallas🍹 The best bars in Dallas🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Dallas🏨 The best hotels in Dallas This guide was updated by Alex Temblador, a writer based in Texas. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

In terms of Mexican food in Texas, Austin is hot, hot tamale. Down here, there’s a food truck, a taqueria, and a tequila-paired dining situation no matter the mood or time of day. First thing in the morning can call for a breakfast taco at one of the many Veracruz All Natural counters now dotted throughout town—migas and a coffee always hit the spot, as they say. Long afternoons during the cooler months are always an excuse for festivity up on Austin’s best rooftops, including Barton Springs legend El Alma. And as for date night, perhaps downtown’s chic and sexy spots like ATX Cocina will spice things up with the boo? You see, there’s always an occasion for good Mexican grub in Austin, we’re talking Mex without the Tex in front. Get your delicious fix of ceviche, molé, enchiladas, goat soup, duck enmoladas, and much more at our tried and tested best Mexican restaurants. And remember to always go large on the margarita.  Recommended: 🍳 The best restaurants in Austin 🍹 The best bars in Austin 🌮 Where to find the best tacos in Austin

Austin’s done some serious growing up. It’s no longer just a university town lined with cheap breakfast tacos to satisfy late-waking students. Today, the city is a culinary heavyweight, with sauce enough to rival the glitzy dining scene in Dallas and the authentic Asian digs in Houston. The brisket smokers and beloved Tex-Mex trucks are still here, of course. We’re just saying that these are now dancing with international restaurants, both casual and upscale, and it’s only a matter of time before some of those Michelin awards start flying over this way (here’s hoping!).  Hungry? We’ve rounded up the city’s best of everything: Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, and the trusted American burgers and barbecue, and they’re pretty much guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. Some are heavy on the meat (well, this is Texas), but some are leaning on plant power. Whatever the protein, expect it Texas-sized at Bat City’s most delicious places to chow down. Recommended: 🍹 The best bars in Austin 🌮 Where to find the best tacos in Austin🍳 The best brunch in Austin

There’s a lot of cowboy culture in Dallas, but that’s not all the city has going for it. The best things to do in Dallas range from brilliant museum exhibits to wacky attractions, with an ever-expanding culinary scene to match.  Come for the cowboys, for the TV series, and to learn about one of the most significant assassinations in US history, and stay for the unforgettable street food, world-class sports, and fabulous green spaces. Here are the best things to do in Dallas right now.  RECOMMENDED:🥩 The best restaurants in Dallas🍹 The best bars in Dallas🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Dallas🏨 The best hotels in Dallas This guide was updated by Alex Temblador, a writer based in Texas. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Austin is a playground for many boozy occasions: with bachelor and bachelorette parties and festivals being two of the most frequent. When you compare ATX to the rest of Texas, it’s safe to say that this is absolutely where the party's at. The thirst is real all year round thanks to ever-sunny (maybe even too sunny) skies. You’ll find Austinites quenching out in the parks with massive coolers, chilling up on rooftop bars that allow for a poolside dip, and raving out to the sounds of up-and-coming bands.  Whatever your tastes, be it fine European wines or shots so cheap you can afford a round with the spare change in your pocket, it’s here. Y’all can don your finest at Austin’s best luxury hotels, or hit up Sixth Street, a strip that's synonymous with debauchery. There are also plenty of in-betweens, like tiny hidden speakeasies, which will impress a date, and beloved digs that the locals come to kick back at after a long day WFH. We’ve handpicked the very best spots in Austin to savor your poison, mingle with singles, and party with your pals. Below, the best bars in Austin. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Austin 🏘️ The best hotels in Austin  

When you think of wineries in the U.S., you likely picture the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma in California—or perhaps you think of other well-known burgeoning regions like Willamette Valley in Oregon or even parts of the Northeast. The point is: we realize the South may not be top mind, but we’re here to tell you that the region’s wineries may surprise you. Across the Southern part of the US, vineyards are producing award-winning wines thanks to a combination of hilly areas, tropical and arid climates and rich soil. It's not just the wine that's enticing, but the experience of wine tasting itself. The wineries here often go above and beyond to create a warm visitor experience full of Southern charm and hospitality. Think wrap-around patios, stunning views, shaded picnic groves and friendly staff that keep the pours coming—from Texas to Georgia to North Carolina and more, here are the best wineries in the south.

When you think about San Antonio, museums probably aren’t the first thing on your mind. You’re probably thinking of the River Walk or the Alamo. But San Antonio is actually full to the brim with brilliant museums, and they’re surprisingly good for an under-the-radar city.  Here you’ll find funky, immersive exhibitions with a fresh take, classic art museums for history and architecture, and – oh yes – the ever-strange displays of Texan trophies (you’ll see, I guess). For a day out that will surprise and inspire you all at once, here is our list of the best museums in San Antonio right now.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in San Antonio🌮 The best restaurants in San Antonio🏨 The best hotels in San Antonio👪 The best things to do with kids in San Antonio This guide was updated by Texas-based writer James Wong. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

It is no secret that San Antonio is filled with some of the best attractions in the Lone Star State. River City is one of Texas’s largest cities (the seventh-largest in the whole country by population, in fact), and it is also one of the most visited alongside Austin, Dallas, and Houston.  You’ll discover that many of San Antonio’s sites highlight the city’s colonial, Mexican and western history, and do so in fun and fascinating ways that’ll engage both kids and adults alike. History aside, River City also has excellent parks and outdoor recreational areas, quirky contemporary exhibits, and a colorful dining scene (we suggest plucking items from our best restaurant and bar guides and slotting them between attractions). There’s just so much going on—we’ve narrowed down the top attractions to prioritize in San Antonio, so you can spend less time researching and more time exploring. 

With Austin seeing sky-high prices on everything from apartments to avocados right now, trying to find things to do on a budget can leave many scratching their sweaty heads…but not the savvy. Boomtown has a bunch of awesome free activities to keep everyone occupied without spending a single dime. Music, art, and the outdoors are, after all, what makes this city so great, and there are free live music shows almost every night of the week, museums that offer free admission days, and lots of watering holes and hiking spots within the city limits that cost absolutely nothing to bask in. Oh, and that’s just the beginning. So leave the credit card at home: we’ve put together the ultimate list of free experiences in Austin — why pay for something when you can do it for free?   

Of all the best things to do in San Antonio, hitting its glorious outdoor spaces, from parks to hiking trails, ranks high on the list. It may be a bold statement, but the park system here is arguably one of the most impressive in the nation. You’ll find one of the oldest parks in the US, sprawling green spaces with archeological sites, extensive water features, and plenty of amenities to boot. South Texas’ delicious weather means that the outdoors can be enjoyed year-round, whether that’s biking or running the trail on cool summer mornings, dragging out the mobile grill for a barbecue on warm spring afternoons, or treating the kids to a winter’s day of breezy fun under the sun. No matter if you’re looking for a secluded spot to destress or a chance for a swim, the best parks in San Antonio are at your service. RECOMMENDED: The best attractions in San Antonio 

If apps aren’t your thing, why waste time swiping when you can meet someone IRL at one of these hip Austin bars for singles? Whether you’re in town alone and hoping to recruit a couple of travel buddies, or you’re in search of a long-time lover, Austin has plenty of fish—known for some of the most friendly and open-minded folk in the entire state, you’re in good company.From downtown’s trendy hotel bars to sultry speakeasies or mood-lit dive bars all across the city, the options are endless for singles of all ages looking to mix and mingle. To give you a head start, we’ve narrowed down the most friendly, social spots in town where you’re likely to bump into someone new. And while you’re here, why not take it another step? If you hit it off, make it a proper date at one of Austin’s most romantic restaurants—cheers, lovers. RECOMMENDED: the very best bars in Austin