With a personality all of its own, the vast state of Texas, briefly independent in the 19th century, blends a Western cowboy culture with wealthy, modern cities.
Its landscape is surprisingly diverse, from cacti-studded desert to towering mountain peaks, and this is best demonstrated in the beautiful Big Bend National Park, lying close to the Mexican border.
The dynamic music scene of Austin provides a refreshing contrast to the arid land in the west and friendly ranches make perfect bases to experience an authentic Texan lifestyle.
The stunning landscapes and ancient history of the Southwest are a draw to any visitor; a place where you can delve deep into native American culture by exploring centuries-old Pueblo settlements, visit 16th-century Spanish cities like Santa Fe, trek through the beauty of Utah's magnificent national parks, and admire the striking rock formations of Arizona's Monument Valley - the backdrop of many classic Western films.
Of course, nothing matches the staggering scale of the Grand Canyon; standing on the cusp of this spellbinding chasm is an unforgettable experience.
Best time to visit Texas
Arizona, New Mexico and Texas have a dry climate that is very hot and sunny between July and September while in winter; between November and March, there are pleasantly warm days and cold nights. The mountains are delightful to visit in July and August and although temperatures can get remarkably high; the Grand Canyon in particular gets very hot, often around 35°C (95°F). The national parks, particularly the Grand Canyon gets very busy during the summer months so are best visited in May, June, September or October.
Start planning your trip to Texas & the Southwest
Best of the West
Our Texas & the Southwest highlights
Visit the famous Alamo
The immortalised site of a famous siege, the Alamo, is a tangible reminder of Texas’s Mexican past.
Drive through cowboy country in Monument Valley
Monument Valley is the archetypal image of the west, where the distinctive sandstone pillars have featured in many cowboy films.
Go walking in Zion National Park
The enormous scale of the sculpted rocks, such as the Great White Throne in Zion National Park are renowned for their beauty and are a wonderful backdrop for walking.
Take a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon offers a scenic flight through this natural wonder of the world and is an unforgettable experience.
Enjoy the red rock scenery of Sedona
Sedona's red rock scenery provides a beautiful backdrop to this pretty town where plenty of outdoor activities can be enjoyed.
See a recreation of the famous gunfight at the OK Corral
Don't miss a recreation of the famous gunfight at the OK Corral in the historic dusty mountain town of Tombstone, near Tucson.
Go walking in Big Bend National Park
Southern Texas's vast and little-visited treasure has a dramatic, varied landscape.
Some of our favourite places in Texas & the Southwest
Grand Canyon National Park
Unmistakable in its scale, the Grand Canyon cracks Arizona’s rust-orange landscape in two, its sheer sides dropping down to the Colorado River that formed it. Discover the best ways to take in this natural wonder, from helicopter flights to hiking into its interior.
Arches National Park
The red rock landscapes of Arches National Park are among the most dramatic in the USA. Its 306-foot-long Landscape Arch is one of the longest arch formations in the world.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Monument Valley encompasses the classic Wild West scenery of sandstone buttes, forbidding rock pinnacles and an endless expanse of drifting red sands that have been immortalised in the early Wild West films.
Great places to stay in Texas & the Southwest
Amangiri
Set amidst 600 acres of desert scenery in Utah's Canyon Point, the Amangiri's living room, gallery, library and dining room all offer stunning vistas of the dunes, plateaux and mesas.
Best Western Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel
Surrounded by the stunning landscape of Bryce Canyon, this is a comfortable base from which to explore the national park's incredible natural amphitheatres and twisted rock formations.
El Tovar Hotel
One of the few hotels conveniently located within the park itself, historic El Tovar Hotel offers charismatic and charming accommodation along with a renowned fine-dining restaurant with stunning views of the canyon.
Stockyards Hotel
Since opening its doors to the public in 1907, cowboys and cattle barons, country music legends and even Bonnie and Clyde have found refuge and romance at Fort Worth's legendary Stockyards Hotel.
The View
Enveloped by red dessert and towering rock formations, The View places guests in the heart of the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Spacious rooms with private balconies and traditional local decor give an unrivalled view of the cinematic surroundings.
Cable Mountain Lodge
Hugging the banks of the Virgin River, Cable Mountain Lodge lies just steps away from the Zion National Park Visitor Centre. As a result, it serves as a great base for exploring the natural beauty of Zion National Park.
