Things Tourists Should Never Do in Texas

Steve Jennifer
Updated: Feb 17, 2024

Ready for a Texas adventure? You're in for a treat! This state is famous for its warm welcomes and vibrant culture. But to really soak up the Texas spirit, there are some things not to do in Texas that you'll want to keep in mind. Dodging these common tourist slip-ups helps you blend in like a local and ensures your visit is as fantastic as Texas itself. So, gear up for an authentic experience, steering clear of the usual pitfalls and making every moment of your trip memorable.

01. Don't Overlook Local Markets and Shops

Bypassing local markets and stores in Texas is a wasted chance to interact with the state's varied cultural tapestry. These community centres provide more than simply shopping, they provide a window into the heart of Texas, exhibiting local crafts, meals, and customs. Connecting with these areas not only benefits the local economy, but also enhances your vacation experience by providing authentic mementos and memories. From handcrafted cowboy boots to artisanal delicacies, the treasures that await you reflect the state's rich and vibrant culture.

02. Never Ignore the Allure of Small Town Texas

Texas is dotted with small towns, each with its own history and character. From the German heritage of Fredericksburg, established in 1846, to the historic battlefields of Goliad, these locales offer a depth of experience that contrasts with the state's urban centres. Overlooking these towns is to bypass chapters of the Texas story that offer insights into the state's evolution from a republic in 1836 to its current status.

03. Don't Pass Up on Texas's Natural Beauty

Texas's state parks and natural areas cover over 600,000 acres, offering landscapes that range from the desert vistas of Big Bend National Park to the swampy bayous of East Texas. These parks, established progressively since the early 20th century, provide sanctuary for the state's diverse flora and fauna and a playground for nature lovers. Not visiting these natural wonders means missing out on the breathtaking beauty that defines much of Texas's wild spaces.

04. Don't Underestimate the Size of Texas

Texas vast expanse, measuring about 800 miles from east to west and more than 700 miles from north to south, results in a broad range of climates, civilizations, and landscapes. This vastness means that a journey across the state is not just a matter of hours but a substantial commitment to experiencing the variety Texas has to offer. Underestimating this can lead to missed opportunities and a lack of appreciation for the state's grand scale.

05. Avoid Skipping Texas's Rich Festival Scene

Texas's calendar is filled with festivals and events that celebrate its history, culture, and community spirit. From the San Antonio Fiesta, started in 1891 to honour the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto, to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the world's largest of its kind since its inception in 1932, these gatherings are a vibrant expression of Texas pride. Skipping these events means missing out on the communal joy and tradition that are at the heart of the Texan experience.

06. Don't Disregard Local Advice

Ignoring the advice of Texans can mean overlooking the richness of the state's hidden corners and local favourites. With a population exceeding 28 million people, Texas is a mosaic of cultures and histories, each offering unique insights into the best places to eat, visit, and explore. From Gruene's oldest dance hall, constructed in 1878, to lesser-known natural springs sprinkled around the state, local suggestions may turn a routine visit into an exciting adventure across Texas various landscapes and towns.

07. Avoid Sticking to Stereotypes About Texas

Viewing Texas solely through the lens of cowboys and oil fields misses the state's multifaceted nature. Texas is a leader in technology, healthcare, and education, with institutions like the Texas Medical Center in Houston, the world's largest medical complex, established in 1945. The state's economy is as diverse as its population, which speaks over 160 languages. To properly understand Texas, visitors must look beyond cliches and investigate the state's contemporary accomplishments and cultural variety.

08. Not all Texans Ride Horses

The popular assumption that all Texans ride horses as their primary source of transportation is a pleasant but false image. While horses are an important part of Texas' history and continue to be a part of life in many rural towns, the state is much more than its cowboy past. Today, Texas is a combination of urban refinement and technical innovation, with the majority of citizens travelling by contemporary automobiles. Recognizing this facet of Texas life helps to appreciate the state's diverse cultural tapestry, which blends historic roots with modern lifestyle.

09. Don't Rush Through Texas's Many Attractions

Rushing around Texas's attractions without taking the time to fully interact with each one might reduce the depth of your experience. Texas is home to numerous historical landmarks, such as the Alamo, founded in the 18th century, and natural wonders like the Guadalupe Mountains, which boast peaks reaching over 8,000 feet. Allowing yourself time to absorb the tales and beauty of each location fosters a stronger connection to the state's history and natural beauty.

10. Never Neglect Road Safety in Texas

Texas's extensive network of highways and rural roads, spanning over 300,000 miles, requires vigilant attention to road safety. The state's varied geography and weather conditions, ranging from coastal hurricanes to West Texas dust storms, need preparation and prudence. Neglecting road safety can lead to unforeseen challenges in a state where distances between destinations can be vast, and conditions can change rapidly. Ensuring your vehicle is equipped and driving responsibly are key to a safe and enjoyable Texas road trip.

11. Don't Stick Too Closely to Your Itinerary

Adhering too rigidly to a planned schedule in Texas will restrict your exposure to the state's unexpected possibilities and hidden treasures. Texas's wide variety of activities, from last-minute rodeos to pop-up art galleries, promotes a flexible attitude to travel. The state, with its vibrant cultural scenes and natural beauty, provides unexpected excursions that might become the highlight of your trip. Allowing for unpredictability in your trip plans might result in discoveries that broaden your understanding and admiration of Texas.

12. Don't Miss the Spectacular Texas Sunsets

Overlooking the opportunity to witness a Texas sunset is to miss one of the state's most breathtaking natural phenomena. The vast Texas skies, particularly in the West Texas plains, offer unparalleled sunset views that paint the horizon in vivid hues of orange, pink, and purple. These moments of natural beauty, reflecting off landscapes that range from desert sands to hill country vistas, provide a serene end to a day of exploration and adventure in the Lone Star State.

13. Avoid Overlooking Texan Greeting Traditions

In Texas, acknowledging others with a nod or a wave is more than a courtesy, it's a tradition rooted in the state's history of community and hospitality. Since the early settlers of the 1800s, this practice has symbolized the friendly spirit of Texans. When you reciprocate these gestures, you're not just being polite, you're weaving yourself into the fabric of local culture, enhancing your visit with genuine interactions that reflect the state's welcoming nature.

14. Don't Miss Out on the Breakfast Taco Experience

The breakfast taco, a staple since its introduction in San Antonio in the 1970s, is a testament to Texas's culinary innovation. This dish, blending Mexican flavours with American convenience, has become an essential start to the day for many Texans. With over 5,000 taco stands and restaurants across the state, each offering their unique twist on this beloved item, skipping this meal is to miss out on a crucial part of Texas's gastronomic identity.

15. Never Underestimate the Texas Summer Heat

With summer temperatures soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, Texas's climate demands respect and preparation. This state, stretching over 268,596 square miles, experiences some of the highest temperatures in the U.S. during the summer months. Adapting to the heat by seeking out local refreshments and shaded or air-conditioned spaces allows visitors to enjoy Texas's outdoor culture without the discomfort of overheating.

16. Skip the Non-Texas Brews at Your Peril

Texas's brewing history dates back to the 1840s when German settlers introduced lager beer, revolutionizing the local beer scene. Today, Texas is home to over 200 breweries, crafting beers that capture the essence of the state's diverse flavours and history. Choosing a beer brewed within the state not only supports local businesses but also offers a taste of Texas's rich brewing heritage, which has been flourishing for nearly two centuries.

17. Don't Limit Your Music to Just Country

Texas's musical landscape is as vast as its territory, spanning genres from country and blues to rock and hip-hop. The state has produced music legends across decades, with Austin alone hosting over 1,500 live music venues. Dismissing Texas's music scene as solely country overlooks the rich mosaic of sounds that have been part of its cultural fabric since the first fiddle tunes played in the 1800s.

TAGS: trip planning tips

Things Tourists Should Never Do in Texas

01. Don't Overlook Local Markets and Shops

02. Never Ignore the Allure of Small Town Texas

03. Don't Pass Up on Texas's Natural Beauty

04. Don't Underestimate the Size of Texas