Traveling in Your Twenties: Places to Visit While in Texas

Texas is a huge state with lots to do and experience. For a newcomer it may seem overwhelming, but really, it's a great chance to dive into the many events that go on throughout the state. As someone who has lived in Texas for 9 years, I've experienced a lot that it has to offer. Here are my top 5 things to do in Texas.

Visit Austin

While it might not be everyone's cup of tea, Austin is an amazing city with so much to do and tons of music. There's so much music that in other places, where tickets to see any traveling musician may be upwards of $30, in Austin you can see your favorite bands for $15-$20 easily! If you're visiting during the summer, try hitting up the greenbelt. You'll probably have to ask locals where to go. But it's a great opportunity to suddenly immerse yourself in nature, float the river, drink a beer, and meet some awesome people, and it's right there in Austin!

Go to the Beach

If you have time and are willing to travel to the gulf, visit the beach. The weather in Texas during the spring and summer is incredibly hot, so cooling off at the beach is the perfect solution. Corpus Christi, Padre Island, and Galveston are the most common destinations with Padre Island being the most popular of the three.

Go to San Marcos or Wimberley

If you want a real river-floating getaway, head out of the big city and into the towns of Wimberley or San Marcos. There are lots of rivers to float and plenty of people to enjoy the experience with. You can make a day of it and bring a cooler along for the ride.

Go to Marfa

Marfa is a town out in west Texas. It's really cool, because the terrain is completely different than most of Texas. Here, you'll find more of a rugged landscape and plenty of places to camp. A lot of hippies come out here for a unique getaway. If you want an interesting "hotel" to stay in, head to El Cosmico where you can spend the night in a tee-pee or rent a furnished trailer. There are even music festivals that come through this area. So plan your visit ahead of time and you'll have plenty to do.

San Antonio

I suppose any trip to Texas isn't complete until you've done at least one "Texan" thing. To satisfy this need, more tourists take a trip to San Antonio. In my opinion, San Antonio is the most "Texan" city in Texas. There are plenty of cowboy hats to be seen and tourist activities to partake in such as touring the Alamo. You can even take pictures dressed as saloon girls and outlaws. To finish off your day, head down to the Riverwalk for dinner and some drinks. The Holiday Inn on the Riverwalk is moderately priced and you'll get a great view from your room!