Texas has a way of exceeding expectations quietly, city by city, meal by meal. It is the second-largest state in the country, and the distance between its major cities gives each one the room to develop a character entirely its own — something that becomes obvious the moment the landscape shifts and the skyline changes.
Waco sits at the midpoint of the I-35 corridor, a small city with more personality than its size suggests. Cameron Park’s wooded trails and limestone cliffs run along the Brazos River with a beauty that most visitors don’t expect, and the food and bar scene that has grown up around the city’s cultural revival is genuinely worth a stop.
Dallas strikes a balance between urban sophistication and classic Texas confidence. The Arts District is one of the finest cultural corridors in the American South, and the restaurant scene — from sleek steakhouses to globally influenced dining — reflects a city that has developed a serious appetite alongside its ambition.
Austin is the creative and culinary heart of the guide. Rolling hills, Lady Bird Lake, and the Barton Springs greenbelt give the city a natural beauty that offsets its rapid growth, while a food scene anchored by live-fire restaurants, farm-to-table kitchens, legendary barbecue pits, and a craft distillery culture built on Texas-grown grain makes it one of the most exciting places to eat in America right now.
San Antonio carries the deepest history of any city in this guide. The San Antonio Missions — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — tell the story of Spanish colonial Texas with a quiet authority that stops you mid-stride. Mission San José in particular, with its ornate stonework and remarkable state of preservation, is one of the most significant historical sites in the American South.
Houston closes the loop with cosmopolitan energy and a culinary diversity that reflects one of the most genuinely multicultural cities in the country. The Museum District, Buffalo Bayou Park, and a dining scene as wide-ranging as the city itself make it a fitting final chapter on a Texas journey full of contrasts.
This guide covers where to eat, where to stay, and the experiences that make Texas one of America’s most rewarding and surprising road trip destinations.
Stay
Hilton Austin The Hilton Austin hotel in Austin, Texas, is a contemporary hotel situated in downtown Austin, near the city's vibrant nightlife and entertainment venues.
Hotel Indigo Waco – Baylor Located in Waco, Texas, Hotel Indigo Waco - Baylor is a great hotel for travelers looking for a pause between destinations on I35 
JW Marriott Austin The JW Marriott Austin is a beautiful, tastefully decorated hotel in Austin, Texas. However, be prepared for possible parking issues
Lorenzo Hotel Dallas, Tapestry Collection by Hilton Lorenzo Hotel Dallas, part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is a trendy, art-filled boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Dallas, Texas
The Otis Hotel Austin, Autograph Collection The Otis Hotel Austin, Autograph Collection is a fun, uniquely styled hotel in Austin, Texas
tommie Austin tommie Austin is a unique European inspired concept hotel, sharing space to the Thompson hotel in Austin, TexasExperiences
Comedy Mothership Comedy Mothership serves as a hub for stand-up performances, attracting comedians and fans alike - in Austin, Texas
Exploring the Natural Caves of Longhorn Caverns State Park Longhorn Cavern State Park in Texas is a fascinating geological site featuring stunning underground rock formations shaped by centuries of natural forces. 
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin is a stunning botanical garden dedicated to native Texas plants and wildflowers.
Mission San Jose of the San Antonio Missions Visiting the Mission San Jose of the San Antonio Missions was a distinct learning experience about the history of Southern TexasEat
Bird Bird Biscuit Bird Bird Biscuit restaurant offers delicious, straight to the point chicken and biscuit sandwiches in Austin, Texas
Brazos Bar & Bistro Brazos Bar & Bistro was a phenomenal cocktail and spirits bar at the Hotel Indigo Waco in Waco, Texas
Cajun Craft Cajun Craft is the perfect, cozy hometown style eatery, serving Southern comfort food in Waco, Texas
Cosmic Coffee & Drinks – South Austin Cosmic Coffee in Austin is a laid-back spot offering craft coffee, local beers, and a tranquil outdoor garden. 
Dichotomy Coffee and Spirits Dichotomy Coffee and Spirits is a wonderful coffee bar in the front / cocktail bar in the back social space in in Waco, Texas
Emmer & Rye Emmer & Rye in Austin, Texas, is a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its inventive farm-to-table cuisine and emphasis on seasonal ingredients.
Hestia Hestia in Austin, Texas, is a sophisticated restaurant that centers its menu around live-fire hearth cooking of high-quality ingredients in a sleek, modern setting.
Home Slice Pizza Dinner at Home Slice Pizza was a great way to walk away with dinner - and brunch for the next day - in Austin, Texas
JW Marriott Austin Lobby Bar Taking a seat at the Lobby Bar at JW Marriott Austin gave me a tasteful tour of local Texas spirits and vibrant conversation
LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue in Austin is known for its innovative approach to Texas barbecue, offering creative cuts of meat and seasonal sides.
Paperboy Paperboy in Austin is a popular brunch spot known for its inventive, locally sourced dishes served in a stylish yet casual setting. 
Salt Lick Barbecue Looking for delicious barbecue around Austin? Salt Lick Barbecue is a top notch choice for Texas' best dinner plate.
St. Elmo Brewing Company St. Elmo Brewing Co. in Austin, Texas, is a popular brewery known for its diverse lineup of craft beers and laid-back, industrial-chic atmosphere. 
State of Grace Dinner at State of Grace was a delicious spot for a relaxed and delicious meal, in Houston, Texas
Still Austin Whiskey Company + Distillery Tour Still Austin Whiskey Company in Austin, Texas is a renowned craft distillery specializing in small-batch whiskeys made from Texas-grown grains.
Suerte Suerte restaurant's menu selections offer some of the best TexMex style cuisine I've enjoyed in Austin, Texas. 
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants – Cedar Creek Sushi by Scratch Restaurants in Cedar Creek outside of Austin is everything I love about omakase: decadence, deliciousness - and fun
Terry Black’s Barbecue Terry Black's Barbecue is a local barbecue cuisine staple - with good food without excessively long lines - in Austin, Texas
The Grey Market The Grey Market is a cute diner spot, serving assorted regional dishes, adjacent to the tommie Austin hotel
The Saint The Saint restaurant is a chic steakhouse in Dallas, Texas known for its elegant ambiance and expertly crafted steaks.
