Texas holidays

How to reach Texas

• Flight time: If you’re heading to Texas from Ireland, expect flight times to major airports like Dallas/Fort Worth, George Bush Intercontinental (Houston), Austin-Bergstrom, and San Antonio to be around 9 to 11 hours. Keep in mind that connection times from other Irish airports can add some extra travel time.

• Transfer time: Getting from Dallas/Fort Worth Airport to downtown Dallas takes about an hour via the Trinity Railway Express. If you're flying into George Bush Intercontinental, the METRO bus can get you to downtown Houston in approximately 50 minutes. Meanwhile, the METRO bus from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to downtown Austin takes around 35 minutes.

• Price: A ticket for the Trinity Railway Express to Dallas is about $2.50 for one zone. The METRO buses from George Bush Intercontinental to Houston and from Austin-Bergstrom to downtown Austin are both very affordable at $1.25. Taxi and rideshare fares vary quite a bit, but expect to pay between $30 and $45 for a ride into downtown from the airports.

Best time to visit Texas

Texas is a massive state with a range of climates, so here's a simple guide to help you plan your trip:

• Spring brings lovely weather, perfect for exploring the cities or stepping outdoors to see the stunning Texas bluebonnets and other wildflowers. Average temperatures hover between 15°C to 26°C, with moderate rainfall.

• Summer can be scorchingly hot, especially with average temperatures climbing into the mid to high 30s. This is the ideal time for beach trips along the Gulf Coast, even if the cities—particularly Houston and Dallas—can feel a bit stifling. But don’t worry, air conditioning is everywhere.

• Autumn welcomes pleasantly cooler temperatures ranging from 21°C to 26°C. This is the best time for outdoor adventures, whether that means hitting the state parks or taking part in one of the many autumn festivals.

• Winter sees temperatures dropping to about 4°C to 15°C across the state. With Texas being so large, you’ll find quite a bit of variation, especially with it being colder in the Panhandle. Winter is more laid-back and off-peak, making it great for avoiding crowds and enjoying some comfortable weather for walking.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is the main language, but don’t be surprised if you hear a fair bit of Spanish too.

• Local habits and customs: Texans are known for being warm and welcoming. A friendly “hello” or “howdy” goes a long way. It’s common to hold doors open for others, so be sure to say thanks if someone does it for you. As is standard across the States, tipping is expected; aim for 15-20% in restaurants and bars, and keep some $1 bills handy for tips.

• Getting around: Given the size of Texas, renting a car is your best bet. It’s easy to hire one, and while the major cities have good public transport systems, having your own wheels makes exploring a whole lot easier. A single ticket on public transport in Dallas or Houston typically costs between $1.25 and $2.50.

• Currency: The currency here is the United States Dollar. You’ll find ATMs everywhere, and credit cards are widely accepted.

• Electricity and plug types: Expect to use 120 volts with American two-prong and three-prong plugs.

• Health and safety: Generally, Texas is safe for visitors, but it’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings. Summer heat can be intense, so remember to slap on the sunscreen, wear a hat, and keep hydrated.

• Time zone: Texas stretches across two time zones: Central Time Zone and Mountain Time Zone.

• Required travel documentation: If you’re coming from Ireland, you'll need a valid passport along with an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) under the Visa Waiver Program for entry.

Best things to do in Texas

Holidays to Texas offer an enormous range of sights, activities and staggering natural landscapes; here are just a few of the highlights you should put on your hit list.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Guadalupe Mountains National Park: This stunning park is home to the highest peak in the state, Guadalupe Peak; ascend for incredible views of the desert.

• Big Bend National Park: This iconic park is famed for its striking scenery, with extraordinary panoramas over the rugged landscape. Don't miss Santa Elena Canyon and the Chisos Basin.

• Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Everything is big in Texas, including this, the second-largest canyon in the country. Hike the Lighthouse Trail for incredible views.

The best city districts

• San Antonio's River Walk: Like a fabulous secret below street level, this enticing series of walkways along the San Antonio River's banks is packed with places to eat, drink and shop, as well as historical and natural highlights.

• Austin's South Congress Avenue (SoCo): Come here to find out why the city's catchphrase is "Keep Austin Weird": SoCo is lined with quirky boutiques, live music venues and restaurants.

• Houston's Museum District: There's bound to be something to intrigue you at Houston's 19 museums – so good, they named the quarter for it. Round off all that culture with some time in the vibey Montrose neighbourhood, where the food offerings are diverse and the shops are packed with vintage finds.

Historical monuments

• The Alamo in San Antonio: Even if you don't know much about Texan history, chances are you've heard of The Alamo. It's the location of the landmark 1836 battle in the Texan Revolution, and this historic Spanish mission is a must-see.

• State Capitol in Austin: Visit this mighty Renaissance Revival structure, take a guided tour and learn about Texas's legislative history – more interesting than it sounds.

• San Jacinto Monument in Houston: Not done with Texan Revolution history? Pay a visit to the site of the decisive Battle of San Jacinto.

Regional highlights

• West Texas: For something different, take a trip to Marfa and experience its natural beauty, cultural significance and the mysterious Marfa lights.

• The Gulf Coast: Grab some downtime with a spell of beach life, seafood and maybe even birdwatching on the Padre Island National Seashore.

• Hill Country: Did you know you can go wine tasting in Texas? Head to the hills for some vino, charming, historical towns and the region's natural springs.

Activities for families in Texas

There's no shortage of activities for families of all ages in Texas: everything's big and bold, and plenty is designed with kids in mind.

• Parks and gardens: Urban parks like Austin's Zilker Metropolitan Park offer green space to run around in, fun train rides and activities such as canoeing on Lady Bird Lake. Discovery Green in Houston will excite kids with its interactive fountains and playgrounds.

• Interactive museums: Most kids love rockets and space, so make a beeline for the Houston Space Center, both educational and thrilling. For something closer to the ground, hit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas for intriguing, interactive displays.

• Theme parks and adventure: When you just need a thrill, Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington is a lot of fun, or cool off at one of the Schlitterbahn Waterparks.

• Cultural experiences: Immerse yourself in friendly, kid-inclusive culture at one of the state's festivals, such as the Texas State Fair in Dallas, or take a fascinating, interactive tour at one of San Antonio's historic missions.

Free things to do in Texas

With a little planning, you can make the most of Texas's freebies and stretch those dollars a bit further.

• Free events: Make a beeline for San Antonio's First Fridays to soak up art events, live music and mouthwatering food, while in Houston, you can access establishments like the Houston Museum of Fine Arts for free on Thursdays.

• Free guided tours: Austin, capital of Texas, makes its history and politics accessible with free guided tours of the State Capitol.

• Nature exploration: Not every park charges for entry: head to Big Thicket National Preserve, located near Houston, for free hiking and fascinating nature trails.

Local dishes in Texas

You may well plan your holiday in Texas while dreaming of succulent barbecue and Tex-Mex, but while these are well beloved, there is a heady diversity to Texan cuisine. Don't miss sampling these local favourites:

Some typical dishes

• Tex-Mex: The Mexican food we're more familiar with in the UK started here, as a blend of Mexican and American influences: think cheese, spicy sauces and refried beans, presented in plates of fajitas, enchiladas, burritos and nachos.

• Barbecue: This is barbecue taken to another level, as Texas is justifiably renowned for its barbecue offerings. Try smokey beef brisket, ribs, turkey and more, all finished off with delectable sauce.

Meat dishes

• Chicken-Fried Steak: Sounds like a carnivore's dream, and indeed, this is a Texas staple: tenderised steak that's coated in seasoned flour, fried and served with a creamy gravy.

• Chilli: Texas chilli drops the beans in favour of a lot of spiced meat, and everywhere has their own recipe. Known as "Texas Red", it's worth seeking out local recommendations for the best!

Fish and seafood dishes

• Gulf Coast Seafood: With such a long stretch of coast, seafood here is top-notch. Seek out freshly caught shrimp, oysters and redfish, maybe even served in a gumbo.

City eats

• Food Trucks: Food truck culture is alive and well in Texas's cities, offering everything you can think of from tacos and arepas to Korean-fusion sandwiches.

• ** Tapas:** It doesn't sound Texan, but a local take on tapas is popular, with small plates of dishes like spicy shrimp, stuffed jalapeños and brisket sliders on offer.

Sweets and desserts

Texan puddings are rich and sweet. Seek out sopapillas (fried pastries with honey), local-nut-based pecan pies and classic peach cobblers.

Local drinks

• Sweet Tea: Thirst-quenching, this Southern staple of sugary iced tea is what you need in the heat.

• Local Craft Beers: Beer aficionados rejoice: there is a healthy craft beer scene in Texas, with hundreds of breweries.

• Texas Wines: Don't overlook Texas wine: its Tempranillo and Viognier varieties are award-winning.