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People who’ve only seen Texas through the lens of classic Westerns will be gobsmacked by how diverse the Lone Star State really is.

Whether you’re drawn to charming small towns where the aroma of pit-smoked barbecue infuses your clothes, culturally vibrant cities with deep Hispanic roots, or the unique blend of cowboy tradition and modern growth in cities like Fort Worth, there’s no shortage of wondrous destinations in Texas.

Of course, there are some places that aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, either, as Austin has essentially become the new Dallas, and certain small towns definitely live up to let’s say, patriotic, trailer park-laden eyesores.

But no need to worry when hopping aboard perhaps the South’s most underrated train ride, the Texas Eagle, which features some of Texas’s most delightful small towns and captivating cities all in one route.

As a born-and-raised Texan turned California transplant, I had the pleasure of visiting San Antonio recently, reigniting my forgotten love for my home state.

In fact, I lived in 6 destinations on this route and never took the train (womp, womp).

Don’t be like me and regret not exploring Texas by rail. Hop aboard the Texas Eagle’s cushy air-conditioned cabins this summer and make sure to score a seat in the newly upgraded Sightseer Lounge!

Sorry Amarillo! The Texas Eagle Covers Texas’s Best Destinations

No offense to the armpit of Texas, but the Texas Eagle nails it by offering a mix of idyllic East Texas towns, sprawling metropolises, and anything in between.

Much of the barren land, like Amarillo, Abilene, and Midland’s unsightly oil rigs, is skipped over, and if you’ve ever been, you surely understand there’s no reason for FOMO.

According to Texas Highways, this Texas route is part of the longest train route in the U.S. Despite the name, this route begins in Chicago, but for the sake of the article, we’ll be sticking to the Texas portion, which consists of 16 stops in the Lone Star State.

In order from Northeast to Southwest, these are the Texas Eagle’s 16 stops that carve the state’s beautiful and varied landscapes:

• Marshall
• Longview
• Mineola
• Dallas
• Fort Worth
• Cleburne
• McGregor
• Temple
• Taylor
• Austin
• San Marcos
• San Antonio
• Del Rio
• Sanderson
• Alpine
• El Paso

8 destinations are in bold – these are the ones I believe truly stand out. With personal experience living in 6 of them, let’s delve into what makes each truly special.

3 Small Town Must-Visits

Mineola:

The first stop across the Texas state line is Marshall, hugging the Louisiana border. But it’s not Marshall or even Longview that should be your first stop-off; it’s Mineola.

From age 7 to 12, I called Mineola home. Believe me, not much has changed in 23 years, and that’s a good thing.

Mineola is a time capsule. The main drag is lined with inviting boutiques, antiquities, down-home eats, and even a classic theater.

To fuel up for the rest of your journey, the town’s longstanding staple, East Texas Burger Co., alone is worth de-boarding.

Cleburne:

Cleburne itself is a laid-back little town and a growing hub for outdoorsmen with scenic lakes and nature trails, but I believe it’s the neighboring town of Glen Rose that’s more of a draw.

We all know Jurassic Park is a fantasy, but Dinosaur Valley State Park is as close as it gets. Well, let’s see about the mammoth resurrections making waves lately…

Until then, a visit to Glen Rose’s popular state park is a thrill for all ages with dinosaur tracks preserved in dried-up riverbeds and a separate roaring attracting nearby.

Not to be confused with the state park, Dinosaur World offers dozens of animatronic dinosaurs and fossil digs — hold on to your butts!

San Marcos:

I went to college in San Marcos and didn’t graduate (woo! student loans!). Texas State University has made San Marcos a party town.

From the few brain cells I didn’t kill, I remember not only the all-night frat parties and anxiety-ridden report cards, but simply how pretty the vibrant blue San Marcos River is.

In fact, it’s 72 degrees all year long, perfect for tubing, fishing, even snorkeling since the waters are pristine.

Each Texas City Has Its Own Personality

Dallas-Fort Worth:

Despite being neighbors, Dallas and Fort Worth seem like worlds apart. Dallas is (shamelessly) more flashy, with upscale restaurants and high-end shopping, while Fort Worth has maintained its quintessential Texas roots as the ‘Gateway to the West’.

If you find yourself in Dallas, spend some time in the Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts districts for off-the-wall shops and eats. The Stockyards are a must-visit for anyone ready to explore Fort Worth, with daily cattle drives and old-timey steakhouses.

Austin-San Antonio:

Austin and San Antonio are located about an hour apart with aforementioned San Marcos, New Braunfels, and Buc-ee’s in between.

While Austin has changed more than any other Texas city over the past decade, it’s still a blast to visit, with its world-famous 6th Street, too many barbecue restaurants to name, and surprisingly stunning nature, like beautiful Lake Travis and Mount Bonnell.

San Antonio has changed a lot too, but the classics remain like The Alamo and community staples like Los Barrios, my favorite “Texas Mexican” restaurant. Get the chimichurri sauce and tell Diana I sent you!

There’s no city comparable to San Antonio, famously lined with the always buzzing River Walk, with the entire network of waterways winding 15 miles through the city.

Indianapolis and Monterrey have their own takes, but nothing will match San Antonio, especially with one of the most fun citywide festivals I’ve had the pleasure of attending, Fiesta.

El Paso:

Concluding my tour of Texas is El Paso, perhaps the state’s most underrated city. I lived in El Paso for a year and absolutely fell in love with the welcoming people, cheap sensational restaurants, vibrant downtown dotted with posh rooftops, and some of the best hikes I’ve taken in recent memory.

If you find yourself in El Paso, my advice is to arrive hungry, leave happy. Check out local favorite L & J Cafe.

Tickets for The Texas Eagle are available online on Amtrak’s official website and app.

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Last Updated 2 days ago

What is Texas like? It depends on who you ask. In all likelihood, you won’t find many people raving about their beaches.

There’s an exception to every rule, though, as the ‘Cancun of Texas‘ is one of the Lone Star State’s best coastal escapes.

But anything beats Galveston, right?

Well, what if I told you Texas’ image as a land of rootin’ tootin’ cowboy-shootin’ is largely hogwash?

In reality, Texas offers a diverse range of experiences, including tranquil waterfront escapes with access to both gleaming lakes and the sprawling Gulf of Mexico…err, America?

In fact, when it comes to idyllic shores, this state is big enough for both of ’em – nostalgic lake towns and underrated beach retreats.

Not only is Texas home to its own ‘Cancun’, but also its own ‘Maldives‘ tucked away outside of Austin.

With an assist from Southern Living, here are 3 sunny Texas lake towns for relaxing resorts and nostalgic vibes:

Conroe: Houston’s Close-By Lake Hideaway

Since Houston is experiencing record numbers of tourists, locals may find themselves escaping the crowds to Conroe, a quiet, old-timey lake town ‘down yonder’.

While not everyone finds their inner Zen in fishing, that’s largely Conroe’s claim to fame, but there’s a lot more to experience here than reeling in Largemouth bass.

But enough about my ex.

Wandering downtown is a must for an afternoon of shopping and indulging in Southern comfort foods.

Conroe is a small, vibrant town oozing charm and character along the main strip of Mom & Pop eateries like top-rated Honor Cafe, numerous antique shops, and locals’ favorite watering hole, Red Brick Tavern.

For the ultimate hidden gem, though, you gotta visit Southern Star Brewing Company, set on 13 secluded acres.

Truth be told, you don’t have to leave the handful of lakeside resorts to unwind as delightful as downtown Conroe may be.

Lake Conroe is home to multiple relaxing stays, including a name we all know and love for waterfront vacations.

Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe anchors the region with fun activities for the whole fam, but obviously more so for adults with a signature cocktail in hand.

Following Margaritaville’s lead, there’s also:

• Holiday Inn Club Vacations Piney Shores Resort at Lake Conroe
• The Landing At Seven Coves
• Villas On The Lake

Horseshoe Bay: The South’s Most Underrated Lake Town

Ever heard of Horseshoe Bay? Perhaps you have, but it’s not the stunning vivid waters of Bermuda’s version that comes to mind.

Horseshoe Bay, Texas lies on the edge of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, although a name change might be due once the JFK Files are released – yikes!

For now, Horseshoe Bay is a peaceful retreat home to a lavish 4-star resort overlooking Lake LBJ, the perfect setting for a kayaking, paddleboarding, and capping off the day with a sunset cruise.

Horseshoe Bay Resort holds thousands of rave reviews from guests, where one recently claimed, “My stay was wonderful from check in to check out. Every single employee I encountered was lovely and willing to help. The food at J’s Restaurant was great including the breakfast buffet”.

For nostalgic vibes, visit the next notable town, Marble Falls. 

Their claim to fame is that there’s so much to see that you’ll enjoy a walkable weekend without a need for a car.

Canyon Lake: Welcome To The “Maldives Of Texas”

Did you know New Braunfels was crowned the best destination in Texas?

While it’s become a destination city in its own right home to charming streets, trendy wine bars, the vibrant blue Guadalupe River, and the most popular gas station on Earth, it’s nearby Canyon Lake that’s been hyped as the “Maldives of Texas“.

Before diving in to Canyon Lake’s Maldives-esque beauty, one place you have to visit is Gruene, the historic district within New Braunfels but feels like it’s own town.

Pronounced “Green”, this itsy bitsy blip on the map is a snapshot of Old Texas. From general stores to riverside eats, it’s a must-visit before hitting up the crystal clear waters of Canyon Lake, which went viral on social media for its surprising pristine conditions smack dab in the middle of Texas.

While not the actual Maldives, the beaches are remarkable for a lake for sunbathing, picnicking, and even stargazing at night.

Kayaking is very popular as well, and there are numerous resorts and condos for rent offering sweeping views, but none better than Canyon Lakeview Resort.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Last Updated 1 month ago

So much for the Mayan calendar, huh? Well, you may question if yours is right too.

As many of us feel forced to sip pumpkin concoctions, throw on a dusty flannel from the back of the closet, and hit the back roads for incredible vibrant scenery this time of year, some places simply didn’t get the memo that the seasons have changed.

September 22nd may have marked 2024’s official start to fall, but summer vibes galore away from the endless amounts of autumn ‘leaf peepers’.

According to MySA, a local news publication in San Antonio, the marvelous beach town of South Padre Island is the place to be where summer has yet to end.

With perfect afternoon temps around hovering 80 degrees, the Gulf feels like bath water.

All the fall splendor can await back home; you’ll be mesmerized by your newfound island life of palm trees, white sand, and affordable beachfront resorts in this slice of Texas paradise.

34 Miles Of White Sand Beaches

There’s no shame in South Padre’s game; their tourism board proudly boasts their claim to fame front and center as a 34-mile-long barrier island with ‘white sand and clear emerald water’.

Now, even the colorblind can tell you Padre white is not Maldives white, so let’s temper expectations here.

And before carrying on, a little message for Crayola – Padre White is my original idea so I better not see my niece coloring with a new shade of crayon!

As a born-and-raised Texan, I can attest that anything, and I mean anything, is an upgrade from Galveston, another coastal town locals escape to for sun, sand, and definitely not white sand and emerald waters.

To sum up Galveston for you – last time I was there I stepped on a soiled diaper. ‘Nuff said?

South Padre may share the Gulf with Galveston, but they are apples and oranges in comparison.

Padre is a tried and true paradisal beach town hugging Mexico in a part of Texas that far too often flies under the radar, especially for the deals you can score in the off-season!

You may want to avoid the crowds of Spring Breakers here, but fall is pure bliss and ultimate savings for a nice vacation.

Tip: Isla Blanca is rated #1 on TripAdvisor out of South Padre’s beaches

Book A Beach Resort Under $100 Per Night This Fall

You can’t get much closer to Mexico than South Padre Island.

Many vacationers overlook this Texas escape for a sexier Mexican vacation with the likes of Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta across the border.

In doing so, travelers typically fork over their whole paycheck to stay there. If only they had known about Padre…

Beach resorts here are very affordable right now. In fact, if you were to book a last-minute vacation for September, you would be shocked!

For example, the Margaritaville Beach Resort is only $88 on select dates beginning September 30th, and even as low as $75 mid-October.

Better yet, there are many others to choose from in case the Parrothead vibes are a little too much to handle.

Here are 3 more outstanding resort deals this fall: (in order of lowest rate found on Google Travel)

• Sand Rose Beach Resort – $60
• Holiday Inn Resort at South Padre Island – $84
• Peninsula Island Resort & Spa – $93

What To Do And How To Get Here

Despite MySA rejecting my job application for a Reporter role, they did pick the right Texas beach to showcase as a tourist destination since it’s so well-suited for all ages and interests.

MySA mentions wildlife is plentiful where Laguna Madre Nature Trail and Sea Turtle Inc. are excellent options for tourists to see the region’s vast array of animals, the ladder being an up-close-and-personal

Beyond lounging in the sun with the tide at your feet, there are many fun water activities to consider.

For the more adventurous, parasailing and jet skiing are always top choices, while those looking to relax can choose from snorkeling on their own or the numerous fishing or dolphin-spotting excursions like top-rated Captain Murphy’s Deep Sea Fishing.

Remember, this is a popular Spring Break getaway for a reason, so there are still lively bars to choose from in fall too, like Clayton’s, the ‘Biggest Beach Bar in Texas‘ or more casual digs, such as Tequila Sunset Bar & Grill.

I don’t know about you, but they had me at ‘Tequila’ and ‘Sunset’.

Reaching South Padre is easy peasy since they share an airport (BRO) with nearby Brownsville where United and American offer flights year-round.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.