Texas
This is one big and very diverse state. You can stroll on sandy beaches, explore majestic canyons, play cowboy and enjoy world-famous music and food. These three cities will give you a taste of Texas – there’ s down to earth yet sophisticated Austin, a small university town that over the past few decades has grown into a bustling city. Dallas has the country’ s largest urban arts district, a huge sports scene and heaps of attractions. Then Houston, America’ s fourth-largest city, is very cosmopolitan, filled with world-class dining, arts, shopping and nightlife.
Houston
Whether you’ re spending a day, a weekend or a week in Houston, it has something to keep everyone entertained.
The Houston Museum District is one of the top cultural districts in the USA. With over 19 museums to explore from The Children’ s Museum of Houston and the Contemporary Arts Museum to the Museum of Natural Science and the Health Museum.
Shopping is a must do in Texas – it’ s tax free for international shoppers. And there’ s no better place than in Houston which is arguably the style capital of the South. From the Galleria to bargain hunting at the Premium Outlets, you’ ll find it all.
A trip to Houston wouldn’ t be complete without seeing the number one attraction – Space Centre Houston. Discover the future and remarkable past of America’ s spaceflight programme set among the largest collection of space artefacts in the southwestern United States.
Dallas
Dallas is a sports fans’ dream. Called the‘ Best Sport City in America’, it’ s the only city in the Southwest U. S. where you can find all major American sports leagues. Cheer on the world-renowned Dallas Cowboys. Head to the American Airlines Center to root for the NBA’ s Dallas Mavericks or the NHL’ s Dallas Stars. Or visit the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, to catch major league baseball’ s Texas Rangers.
Celebrate Texas history by visiting the historic Fair Park, a complex with many museums featuring the largest collection of beautifully preserved 1930s Art Deco architecture in the U. S. Spend time at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza to learn more about the life and legacy of JFK.
And don’ t forget the Western heritage, from Bonnie and Clyde to J. R. Ewing. Visit Pioneer Plaza and take your picture with the massive bronze monument of cattle drives and cowboys or check out Dallas Heritage Village to see what Dallas used to look like.
Austin
Austin is not only the state capital but also the Live Music Capital of the World ®. Live music can be enjoyed in more than 250 venues throughout Austin. Annual music festivals such as South by Southwest( SXSW) in the spring and ACL( Austin City Limits) in the autumn are two of the most notable.
Austin is also a foodie paradise. Home to Texas’ best barbecue joints, craft beer and farm-to-table-cuisine. Looking for something a bit different? Look out for one of the many Food Trailers around the city and if you’ re in town in April head along to the Austin Food and Wine Festival.
With over 250 parks you’ ll have plenty of outdoor space to explore. The Hike and Bike trail follows the edge of downtown Lady Bird Lake for more than 16 kilometres. Kayak, canoe or paddle board on the clear, calm waters of Lady Bird Lake which also offers a great view of the downtown Austin skyline.
Our favourite places to stay:
• DoubleTree by Hilton by the Galleria
• The Westin Galleria
• The Lancaster Hotel Houston Downtown
Our favourite places to stay:
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Dallas Downtown
• Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown
• Hotel ZaZa Dallas
Our favourite places to stay:
• Radisson Hotel & Suites Austin Downtown
• Hyatt Place Austin Downtown
• Omni Austin Hotel Downtown
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