America’s largest state is full of adventures. Whilst there’s plenty to see outside of the state’s cities in terms of natural sights and historic monuments, these five metropolises are certain to give you the best all-round taste of Texas.

Houston

Houston’s biggest attraction is its space centre from which you can delve into the history of space travel in the complex’s visitor centre. Whilst in this city, you should also check out the zoo, which has everything from lions to bears. There are plenty of boutique hotels to rest your head in Houston that also serve as an exciting experience. Hotel Indigo Houston is one such exciting place to stay – it changes its music, artwork and flowers on a seasonal basis so that it’s always fresh and new. The cafes and restaurants in Houston are also excellent for trying some of the best food that the state has to offer.

Austin

This city’s motto is ‘keep Austin weird’ and it lives up to this with a number eccentric and entertaining attractions. Here you’ll find antique shops full of curiosities, junk art sculptures and obscure museums. It’s also a hub for music, with plenty of live music venues and iconic vinyl stores. Austin is also popular amongst those wanting an active holiday. It’s popular for cycling and hiking with many trails in and around the city to explore. There’s something for everyone in Austin.

Dallas

Dallas has a lot of fascinating museums to explore including the Perot Museum of Nature And Science and the Sixth Floor Museum dedicated to the assassination of John F. Kennedy, which took place in this city. You can also shop for cowboy clothing here and eat traditional Texan food from food trucks. The Botanical Gardens meanwhile are a great place for getting some tranquil peace from the buzz of the city. It’s diverse and large city, which you’re best spending a few days in to get the most out of all the attractions.

Amarillo

Amarillo’s mix of Spanish revival and Art deco architecture give it a unique feel. It also serves as the gateway to one of Texas’s greatest natural sights – the Palo Duro Canyon famous for its 800 ft cliffs. Amarillo is also home to Cadillac Ranch, which is an outdoor art installation made up of graffiti covered cars. It’s worth staying in one of the cities hotels such as Courtyard Amarillo Downtown and trying out the rustic nightlife. Amarillo is also a great place to try out all things horse-related from riding horses to visiting a rodeo.

Fort Worth

For those wanting a traditional taste of Texas, Fort Worth has it all. It’s the rodeo capital of the world and features the notable National Cowgirl Museum. Here you’ll also find the Texas Motor Speedway, which is a great place to watch a NASCAR race. You’ll also find plenty of live music venues here where you can experience genres as diverse as country, jazz and classical.