Texas Travel Guide

Geographical Position and Climate of Texas

Texas is situated in the South Central region of the United States. It is bordered to the east by Louisiana, to the northeast by Arkansas, to the north by Oklahoma, to the west by New Mexico, and to the south and southwest by the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. Additionally, the Gulf of Mexico lies to the southeast of the state.

The state covers a vast area, making it the second-largest U.S. state by both area and population. Its diverse landscapes range from coastal swamps and piney woods in the east, to rolling plains in the center, rugged hills and deserts in the west, and the Rio Grande that forms its border with Mexico to the south.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Texas largely depends on the activities you’re interested in and the region of the state you plan to explore, as the climate can vary significantly across Texas. However, generally speaking:

  • Spring (March to May): This is one of the best times to visit the state. The weather is warm but not too hot, wildflowers (including the famous Texas bluebonnets) are in bloom, and it’s a great time for festivals and outdoor activities.
  • Fall (September to November): Like spring, fall offers comfortable temperatures and is ideal for outdoor activities. The changing colors of the leaves, particularly in the Texas Hill Country, make for a beautiful backdrop for hiking and driving tours.
  • Winter (December to February): Winters are typically mild in the state, making it a good time to visit if you want to avoid the heat. In some areas, like the Gulf Coast and South Texas, temperatures remain warm enough for beach visits.
  • Summer (June to August): Summers in Texas are hot and often humid, especially in the eastern part of the state. If you don’t mind the heat, this can still be a good time to visit water parks, coastal areas, and enjoy various indoor attractions with air conditioning.

Keep in mind that summer is peak tourist season for certain attractions, so places may be more crowded and prices higher. Additionally, if you’re visiting the Gulf Coast, be aware of hurricane season, which runs from June through November.

Travel to Texas

By Air

  • Major Airports: Texas is home to several major airports, including Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston (IAH), Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), and San Antonio International Airport (SAT). These airports serve numerous domestic and international flights daily.
  • Regional Airports: For more localized travel, there are also many regional airports throughout the state that can provide easier access to specific destinations.

By Car

  • Interstate Highways: A network of interstate highways connects Texas with the rest of the country. Major routes include I-10, I-20, I-35, and I-40.
  • Road Trip: Due to its size and the variety of landscapes, Texas is a popular destination for road trips. You can drive into Texas from any of its neighboring states: New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

With Bus

  • Bus Services: Companies like Greyhound and Megabus offer intercity bus services to and from various Texas cities, providing an affordable option for travel.

By Train

  • Amtrak: Amtrak provides train service to several Texas cities, including routes like the Texas Eagle, which runs between Chicago and San Antonio, and the Sunset Limited, which travels between New Orleans and Los Angeles, stopping at several Texas cities along the way.

By Sea

  • Cruise Ports: If you’re interested in arriving by sea, the Port of Galveston is a cruise ship terminal that serves as a gateway to the Caribbean.

Places to visit in Texas

Texas map and flag

Important Information

Capital – Austin

Largest City – Houston

Territory – 695,662 km2

Population – 30,503,301

Time Zone – UTC-6 (Central)

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