7 Regions Of Texas For Every Kind Of Traveller
The perfect getaway means different things to different travellers: some want to explore the great outdoors, while others are drawn to arts and culture or simply soaking up the sun on a beautiful beach. Texas has it all, offering something for every kind of getaway.
Spanning an incredible range of landscapes and experiences, the Lone Star State is divided into seven distinct regions, each with its own blend of unique attractions, history and cuisine to discover.
1. Panhandle Plains
Texas’s largest region is a haven for nature lovers, offering breathtaking landscapes that range from sweeping plains to dramatic canyons. Just outside of Amarillo, Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the United States, stretches nearly 200 kilometres long and over 32 kilometres wide, offering opportunities for hiking, cycling and camping. South of Palo Duro, the rugged Caprock Canyons serve as a roaming ground for the Texas bison herd. Northeast of Amarillo, Lake Meredith provides an oasis with seven diverse habitats for birds and other wildlife.
Insta-worthy location: Cadillac Ranch, an art installation of classic Cadillacs painted in wild colours, half-buried along Route 66.
2. Big Bend Country
This west Texas region takes its name from the sweeping curve along the Rio Grande's southern boundary and offers breathtaking scenery. Big Bend National Park spans over 800,000 acres of rugged terrain, ideal for exploration, while Guadalupe Mountains National Park features the iconic 8,085-foot-high El Capitan, a favourite among climbers and hikers. The area spans from El Paso, often called the “Sun City” for its nearly 300 sunny days a year, to Marfa, a vibrant arts hub known for its galleries, restaurants and striking architecture.
Insta-worthy location: Monahans Sandhills State Park, which features enormous white-sand dunes.
3. Hill Country
The Hill Country region is a cultural hub, hosting music, art and entertainment year-round, including renowned events like SXSW in March and the Austin Film Festival in October. The small towns in this region reflect strong European influences: Fredericksburg and New Braunfels celebrate German heritage with Oktoberfest and the Bavarian-inspired Schlitterbahn Waterpark, while Castroville showcases French architecture, including some buildings dating back to the 19th century. Wine enthusiasts can explore the Texas wine trail, featuring more than 50 Hill County wineries perfect for toasting the region’s charm.
Insta-worthy location: Wonderspaces Austin, a 28,000-square-foot art show full of immersive installations.
4. Prairies & Lakes
This region is a paradise for sports enthusiasts, offering a vibrant hub for Texas’s NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL teams, as well as NASCAR races and PGA tournaments. Iconic venues include AT&T Stadium in Dallas, where you can catch a football game, and Choctaw Stadium in Arlington, where you might just be able to field a foul ball. Fort Worth’s Texas Motor Speedway hosts thrilling races, while PGA Frisco features two championship golf courses for anyone who wants to get a few holes in while on their travels. For surfers, Waco Surf provides a world-class wave facility catering to all skill levels—hang 10, dude!
Insta-worthy location: The Dallas Eyeball, a 30-foot-high fibreglass sculpture in downtown Dallas.
5. Piney Woods
Known for its biodiversity, Piney Woods blends lakes, rivers, bayous and marshes with lush forests and sprawling savannahs. Once a region for lumbering, it has been reforested with towering pines and hardwoods like willow, hickory and sweetgum. Nature enthusiasts can hike the 205-kilometre Lone Star Hiking Trail in Sam Houston National Forest, fish in Toledo Bend Reservoir in Sabine National Forest or explore the protected Big Slough Wilderness Area in Davy Crockett National Forest.
Insta-worthy location: Tyler Municipal Rose Garden, featuring 38,000 rose bushes and more than 600 rose species.
6. South Texas Plains
With a rich tapestry of history and heritage, this area draws visitors eager to explore its centuries-old landmarks and architecture. The Alamo, the site of a pivotal battle in the Texas Revolution, stands as a must-see, while the San Antonio Missions, built by Franciscan missionaries in the 1700s, offer a glimpse into the past. In Goliad, the Presidio La Bahía, a military compound from 1749, is steeped in history. And Laredo, located 250 kilometres southwest of San Antonio, is Texas’s oldest independent settlement, boasting Barrio Azteca, one of the state’s most historic residential districts.
Insta-worthy location: The Saga in San Antonio, which is a free, world-class video installation that takes you on a visual journey through the history of the city—from its historical discovery through today.
7. Gulf Coast
This coastal region is defined by one thing: beaches. With more than 550 kilometres of shoreline, it’s a great destination for swimming, surfing, sunbathing and seashell hunting. Matagorda Beach offers 37 kilometres of soft sand, while Galveston Island State Park spans 2,000 acres of wave-filled fun. The Gulf Coast is also brimming with activities for the whole family, from dolphin-watching tours on South Padre Island to the Pleasure Pier amusement park in Galveston, the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi and NASA’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston.
Insta-worthy location: The 64-foot-high wall of cascading water in Houston’s Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park.