Justine Harrington

Just 50 miles south of Houston, you’ll find Galveston, a 600-mile stretch of coastline that straddles Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. And though flashier Texas cities sometimes steal all the limelight, real ones know that Galveston is the place to spend the holidays.  That’s partly down to its beaches, its colorful seaside shops and its delightful seafood, but it’s also down to Galveston’s vibe; a chilled-out, laid-back city where there’s always a buzz, anytime of year. From theme parks to state parks and its infamous pier, here are the best things to do in Galveston.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Houston🌮 The best things to do in Austin☀️ The best things to do in Texas🎡 The best amusement parks in the US James Wong is Time Out’s Texas correspondent. 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. 

El Paso’s restaurant offerings are diverse, plentiful and bursting with flavor. Once considered nothing more than a border stop, El Paso is now a vacation-worthy destination in its own right (and for good reason).  Sitting at the edge of Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico, there’s a hell of a lot of foodie influence to compete with here; and it’s led to something special. Nor does it stop there—you’ll find flavors that recall the likes of Spain, Italy, Lebanon, and a whole lot more. So what are you waiting for? Here are the best restaurants in El Paso right now.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Texas🌵 The best Airbnbs in Texas🏖️ The best beaches in Texas James Wong is Time Out’s Texas correspondent. 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.

They don’t call it the “Natural State” for nothing: the best things to do in Arkansas tend to be showstoppers thanks to the state’s endless landscape of wilderness. With 2.5 million acres of national forest, natural splendor soars from the famous Ozark Mountains to the Ouachitas, where you’ll find anything from hot springs to caves, rivers, waterfalls, and exceptionally-preserved parks everywhere you turn. But don’t let the natural wonders fool you, because there’s plenty of culture to explore, too. Cities like Hot Springs, Bentonville, Fayetteville, and Little Rock all offer an assortment of noteworthy excursions from must-visit museums and landmarks to historic streets with centuries-old architecture. Ready to see it for yourself? Check out our guide for the best things to do in Arkansas, and prepare for nature in all its beauty.RECOMMENDED: ⛰️ The most scenic national parks in the U.S.🇺🇸 The best hotels in Arkansas👍 The 15 best things to do in Little Rock

The sheer amount of awesome things to do can get the best of anyone in Texas, let alone first-timers. All seven of the Lone Star State’s regions are wildly distinct, from the glamorous skyscrapers of Dallas to the lush green wine country, to the sandy beaches along the gulf coast. But, no matter where you are, you’re bound to encounter a near-universal rebellious spirit and a deeply entrenched sense of Texan pride. In short, the rumors are true: Texas is big, bold, and in many instances, beautiful. How best to get around? Well, unfortunately, not pub trans (trust us, it is bad here). You’ll need a car, patience, and an expectation that you’ll be filling up a lotta tanks of gas—this is the second largest state in the country, after all. Deal? Compile an ultra-long playlist now, and come down to tick off the very best things to do in Texas this summer. RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in TexasRECOMMENDED: The best flower delivery in Texas

It’s no secret that Dallas is a really, really good time. This city is full of honky-tonk, blues bars and tons of live music, so a day exploring its best attractions never has to end. Party on all night at wine bars, hotel rooftops and local dives, right here in Dallas.  In fact, one of the best features of the city’s nightlife scene is its diversity. Laid back joints here take it up a notch with performances well into the night; swanky restaurants stay open for late-night snacking; party-goers flock from neighbourhood bars to thumping clubs. Whatever your style, here are the best nightlife spots in Dallas right now.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Dallas🍔 The best restaurants in Dallas🍹 The best bars in Dallas🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Dallas This guide was updated by Justine Harrington, 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. 

Oklahoma City’s dining scene is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Tell that to your friends and they’ll likely sneer but, hey, that just means more food for you. It’s not all about juicy burgers and chicken-fried steak, either (although meat lovers should rest assured that there is plenty of both to go around): the best restaurants in Oklahoma City are defining a sizzling Szechuan scene, putting out delectable sushi and revamping comfort food staples into high-quality, gourmet meals. Let’s not forget the smattering of hipster hotspots and farm-to-table eateries that rival those of any other major urban area in America. So, when you’re done ticking off all the essential things to do in town, take a breather and fill up your belly at these best restaurants in Oklahoma City.

Admittedly, Texas isn’t known for its beaches in the world, but that’s not to say there aren’t great ones around. The Lone Star State has over 600 miles of coastline, featuring stretches of emerald green, dusty gold and blood orange hues. Admittedly, it's the activities that make the Texas beaches extra bit special—think spots for families to gather and enjoy fireworks, barbecue and go for a cool, refreshing dip. Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or to frolic with loved ones, we’ve uncovered the best beaches in Texas to set your sights on as the temperatures rise along the Gulf Coast. Don’t forget the sunscreen! RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Texas

As one of the best destinations for foodies, Houston’s naturally a haven for brunch. The city has long been praised for its swanky, diverse international dining scene. In addition to the traditional Texan fare, Houston is home to excellent Vietnamese, Italian, Cajun, Chinese, South African, Thai and Lebanese food, to name just a few of the city’s culinary traditions and top Houston restaurants. This stellar foodie reputation extends to brunch, too, of course. In fact, there are an outrageous number of great brunch spots in H-Town, from long-standing cafes to new hip establishments. Brunching is quite the popular thing to do in Houston, as well as a great thing to do with kids if you're looking to plan a weekend family outing. Anywhere you go is likely to be jam-packed, but hey, that just means more time for pre-meal champagne cocktails and bottomless Bloody Marys (for the adults, of course). Here are the best places to do brunch in Houston.

Waco may be the halfway point for commuters between Austin and Dallas, but it’s more than just a stopover for gas and snacks, at least for those in the know. The charming little city has a certain humble, eccentric vibe, with an identity that feels deeply different from either of its big neighbors. Not only is Waco home to the biggest Baptist university in the world, Baylor University, but there’s a diverse mix of museums, attractions and leafy parks sprinkled around the still-revitalizing downtown. Its newly opened Camp Fimfo along the Bosque River finally gives visitors a reason to stay the whole weekend for outdoor fun and frolics. And there’s also the 474-foot Suspension Bridge that stands guard over the Brazos River, almost like a protective force – which feels appropriate for a city that’s experienced its fair share of cultural pangs. The truth is that Waco is slowly and steadily evolving all the time, while still retaining its quietly distinctive character. Come see for yourself with the best things to do in Waco. 

First time in Fort Worth and searching for the best things to see, do and experience? You’ve come to the right place. Cowtown, as it’s affectionately known, is your one-stop-shop for all things old-school Texas. This is the Texas you imagine it to be, the one in the movies (old movies, that is!). Though Fort Worth is frequently overshadowed by Dallas, those arriving in DFW should factor in a couple of days in this delectable city. Why? Firstly, it is deep-rooted in cowboy culture and Old Western heritage meaning fascinating museums and historic mom-and-pop stores specializing in boots and cowboy hats. Second, this is the fifth-largest city in the state, so there is plenty to keep the family entertained, including shopping, galleries, restaurants, and gorgeous green spaces. Time to add Fort Worth to your Texan itinerary—here’s what to do there. Recommended: the best things to do in Texas  

There’s no beating Houston for the best museums in all of Texas. Houston is a mega-city, and with a mega-city comes top-notch exhibits, restaurants worth flying in for, endless things to do (both for kids and adults), and culture to the max. Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas may have a lot to offer by way of museums in the Lone Star State, but Houston has virtually everything covered.  The quality is world-class, and many of them are free to enter (or offer special free days and discounts), making them extra accessible. Though you’ll find exhibits dotted all over town, the Museum District is where the core of it lies. This leafy, quiet neighborhood between the Texas Medical Center and Rice University contains 18 museums within a 1.5-mile radius. From here to the edges of the city, there’s a museum to suit nearly everyone’s interests – whether you’re fascinated by great art, Texas culture, space, or even funeral history. 

Though Dallas is best known for cosmopolitan vibes and its contributions to popular culture, it definitely doesn’t miss the kids out when it comes to fun things to do. In fact, with so many attractions, there’s plenty here to keep the whole family busy. Take, for example, the museums. These aren’t limited exhibits with stuff you’ve never heard of. Dallas has mahoosive collections featuring the great and glorious, presented in world-class institutions that give The Big Apple a run for its money. And as for the best restaurants, parks, stadiums, and shows, they are pretty much guaranteed to knock your socks off. Any time of year. After all, the city encompasses around 400 square miles, and that’s a lotta space to let the good times roll. Whether your youngsters are into sparkles on a stage, science and history displays, scary rollercoasters, or simply chasing butterflies in a park, here are our picks for the best family experiences in Dallas to put a big smile on their cheeky faces.