Texas is too big. Honestly, that’s the first thing you realize when you actually try to plan a trip here. You look at a map and think, "Oh, I'll just zip from Dallas down to Big Bend," and then you realize that’s a nine-hour drive through a whole lot of nothing. Most people end up sticking to the "Texas Triangle"—Houston, Dallas, Austin—and they have a perfectly fine time. They eat some brisket, see the Alamo, and go home thinking they’ve "done" Texas.
But they haven't. Not really.
If you’re looking for places to go to in texas in 2026, the landscape has shifted. We aren't just talking about the Dr Pepper Museum or the Fort Worth Stockyards anymore. There is a massive "Neo-Western" revival happening right now, fueled by everything from Yellowstone to Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, and it's pushing travelers toward the dusty, high-desert corners of the state that used to be ignored. From the international frenzy of the FIFA World Cup hitting Dallas and Houston to the quiet, German-influenced corners of the Hill Country, Texas is currently a weird, wonderful mix of global stage and rugged frontier.
The 2026 "Neo-Western" Surge: Why El Paso is Suddenly Cool
If you had told someone five years ago that El Paso would be the hottest travel destination in 2026, they would have laughed. El Paso? The place you drive through to get to Arizona?
Well, the data is in, and HomeToGo actually ranked El Paso as a top "Rising Star" destination for this year. Search interest is up 191%. Why? Because people are tired of paying $400 a night for a "boutique" hotel in Austin that’s basically just a renovated motel with a neon sign. El Paso offers a median nightly price of about $62. That is wild.
🔗 Read more: Why an Escape Room Stroudsburg PA Trip is the Best Way to Test Your Friendships
But it’s not just about being cheap. It’s the "Neo-Western" vibe. People want the Franklin Mountains. They want to stand in a place that feels like the edge of the world. You’ve got the Hueco Tanks State Park nearby, which is world-class for bouldering, and then you’ve got the city’s burgeoning food scene that is finally getting its due. It’s authentic. It hasn't been "Disney-fied" yet.
The Big Bend Crisis and What to Do Instead
We have to talk about Big Bend National Park. It is the crown jewel of Texas, but it's having a rough go. As of early 2026, the park has been dealing with some pretty serious water shortages. There's been talk of temporary closures for firefighting safety. If you’re planning a trek out there, you absolutely must check the National Park Service alerts first.
If Big Bend is a no-go or just too crowded, look at Guadalupe Mountains National Park. It’s arguably more dramatic. It’s home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas. It’s rugged, it’s windswept, and it’s usually way less crowded than the Chisos Basin. Plus, it’s closer to the New Mexico border, so you can double up with Carlsbad Caverns.
The World Cup Effect: Dallas and Houston Go Global
2026 is the year of the FIFA World Cup. If you aren't a soccer fan, you might want to avoid Dallas and Houston in June and July. If you are, well, you're in for a ride.
💡 You might also like: Why San Luis Valley Colorado is the Weirdest, Most Beautiful Place You’ve Never Been
Dallas (or rather, Arlington) is hosting nine matches at AT&T Stadium—which, for the tournament, is being rebranded as "Dallas Stadium" due to FIFA's strict sponsorship rules. They’re even hosting a semifinal. The city is expecting a $1 billion economic impact.
- Dallas Tip: Don’t just stay in Arlington. Check out the new Halperin Park. It’s this massive five-acre deck park that finally connects Southern Dallas back to the downtown core. It’s a game-changer for the city's walkability.
- Houston Tip: While the crowds descend on NRG Stadium, escape to the Post Houston. it's a massive rooftop park and food hall built into an old post office. It’s got one of the best views of the skyline and some of the best international food in the state.
Beyond the Cities: The Underrated Hill Country Gems
Everyone knows Fredericksburg. Everyone knows Wimberley. They are great, but on a Saturday in the spring, they are a nightmare of traffic and bachelorette parties.
Try Gruene (pronounced "green"). It’s technically part of New Braunfels, but it feels like a time capsule. You’ve got Gruene Hall, which is the oldest continuously operating dance hall in Texas. It’s not a museum; it’s a living, breathing place where you can still grab a Lone Star and two-step on floorboards that have been worn smooth since 1878.
Then there's Uvalde. Most people only know it for the tragedy, but the surrounding nature is some of the most beautiful in the state. Chalk Bluff on the Frio River has limestone cliffs that look like they belong in a movie. The water is crystal clear and cold—essential when the Texas sun starts hitting triple digits.
📖 Related: Why Palacio da Anunciada is Lisbon's Most Underrated Luxury Escape
The Best Places to Go to in Texas by the Numbers
| Destination | Vibe | Estimated Daily Budget |
|---|---|---|
| El Paso | High Desert/Budget | $90 - $130 |
| Fredericksburg | Wine/German Heritage | $200 - $350 |
| Port Aransas | Coastal/Chilled | $150 - $250 |
| Marfa | Art/Alien Vibes | $250+ |
The Gulf Coast: More Than Just Spring Break
South Padre Island gets all the press, but it’s basically a neon-soaked party town. If you want something a bit more "real," head to Galveston or Port Aransas.
Galveston is weird. I mean that as a compliment. It has a dark history—the 1900 storm nearly wiped it off the map—and you can feel that weight in the Victorian architecture of the Strand. But in 2026, it’s seeing a massive revival. The Pleasure Pier is fun for kids, but the real magic is in the backstreets, finding the old "tree sculptures" carved from oaks killed by Hurricane Ike.
Port Aransas, or "Port A," is for people who want to fish and drive golf carts on the beach. It’s the closest thing Texas has to a "slow living" coastal town. It’s not about luxury; it’s about salt air and cheap shrimp po-boys.
Common Misconceptions About Texas Travel
You probably think Texas is all flat. Go to Palo Duro Canyon near Amarillo. It’s the second-largest canyon in the United States. When you stand on the rim at sunrise, the red rocks glow in a way that makes you forget you're in the Panhandle.
You probably think it's always hot. Tell that to the people in the Davis Mountains in January when it’s snowing. The McDonald Observatory out there is one of the best places in the world for stargazing because the "Dark Skies" laws are strictly enforced. They host Star Parties where you can look through massive telescopes, but you have to book those months in advance. Literally, go to their website now if you’re even thinking about it.
Actionable Steps for Your 2026 Texas Trip
- Get a Texas State Park Pass: If you're visiting more than three parks (and you should), it pays for itself. It’s $70 and covers everyone in your car.
- Timing is Everything: Avoid the Hill Country in the dead of summer. It’s miserable. Go in late March or early April for the bluebonnets.
- The FIFA Factor: If you aren't going for the World Cup, avoid Dallas and Houston between June 11 and July 19, 2026. Hotel prices will be quadruple the normal rate.
- Drink Local: Don’t just stick to Shiner. The Texas wine scene in the Hill Country (Highway 290) is actually legitimate now. Look for William Chris or Lost Draw—they focus on grapes that actually grow well in Texas heat, like Tempranillo and Mourvèdre.
- Book Big Bend Now: If you want a room at the Chisos Mountains Lodge, you usually need to book a year out. With the 2026 water issues, availability is even tighter.
Texas isn't a state you can "see" in a week. It’s a collection of several different countries that just happen to share a border and a fierce sense of pride. Pick a region—the desert West, the humid East, the rolling Hill Country—and lean into it. Just don't forget to fill up your gas tank before you hit those long stretches out past San Angelo. You'll thank me later.