From the Alamo to cowboy culture and the classic Texan BBQ, Texas is steeped in history and heritage. But soon there will be even more to the Lone Star State than its bold blend of Native American, Mexican, Spanish, and European influences.
In 2026, Texas cities Houston and Dallas will be front and centre as North America hosts the FIFA World Cup, making it the perfect time to hit the open road and see firsthand why everything’s bigger - and better - in Texas. Here’s our guide for an epic
Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas road trip…
Planning Considerations
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off its Lone Star debut on Sunday 14th June, with matches in both Houston and Dallas. Houston is set to host seven thrilling games, wrapping up with a Round of 16 match on Saturday 4th July. Meanwhile, Dallas will host nine epic matches, including a high-stakes Semi-Final on Tuesday 14th July.
If you’re planning to road-trip around Texas to catch all the action, plan to explore from 14th June to 14th July 2026. And although San Antonio and Austin won’t host any matches, they’re only a 3-hour drive away from Houston and Dallas, offering historic UNESCO sites, a live music scene, and large doses of Texan charm.
Which Route to Take
Start your Texan footie holiday in Houston, where you can catch one of the group stage games. From here, it’s a 197-mile drive to San Antonio on Interstate 10 W, taking you just under 3 hours (traffic dependent).
To reach Texas’ state capital of Austin from San Antonio, you can drive 79 miles northeast on Interstate 35 N, which should take under 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Finally, the last leg of your journey from Austin to Dallas covers 195 miles as you take the fastest route on Interstate 35 N and Interstate 35E N in just under 3 hours (traffic dependent).
Day 1 – 3
Houston
First up on your Texan road trip is Houston, Texas’ largest city and home of the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. When you’re not soaking up the action at Houston Stadium (also known as the multi-purpose NRG Stadium), hit up Minute Maid Park and cheer on the Houston Astros as they bring their A-game. And no trip to Houston is complete without a visit to NASA Johnson Space Center - launching you into a world of cosmic explorations and fascinating artefacts.
Expand your world of discoveries as you explore the 19 museums that comprise the Museum District, from the Houston Museum of Natural Science to the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. And if you’re craving entertainment, the Theatre District is ready to deliver show-stopping performances that’ll leave you on the edge of your seat. And foodies will find a fusion of flavours in Houston’s diverse dining scene of Tex-Mex, BBQ, Vietnamese, Middle Eastern, and Nigerian delights, all served up alongside a buzzing food truck scene.
Day 4 – 6
San Antonio
High tail to the Alamo City, where Texan history plays in a league of its own. Enter the Alamo’s historic mission and fortress that played a crucial role in Texas’ battle for independence. Then, wander over to the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site bursting with 18th-century Spanish charm. Marvel at Mission San José’s Rose Window and Mission Concepción, America's oldest unrestored stone church, showcasing 18th-century original frescoes.
And when you’re not gazing at historical monuments, take a scenic stroll along San Antonio’s Riverwalk, pulsating with riverside restaurants, boutique stores, and paths along the San Antonio River. Get a taste of Mexican culture at Historic Market Square (El Mercado) – the largest of its kind outside of Mexico for handcrafted goods, unique souvenirs, and Tex-Mex cuisine. And to view this charming city from above, ascend the 750-foot Tower of the Americas for 360-degree panoramas.
Day 7 – 9
Austin
A football holiday is all about the liveliness. But in Austin, the Live Music Capital of the World, you can combine the beautiful game with some killer live music. Check out top venues like The Continental Club, Antone’s, Mohawk Austin, and ACL Live at the Moody Theater to crack open a cold one and enjoy live performances. Austin isn't just about the tunes; it's also home to the Texan State Capitol - a towering 19th-century landmark that is even bigger than the US Capitol.
Nearby, the trendy South Congress neighbourhood is stacked with top restaurants and bars, plus the Congress Avenue Bridge, where you can catch a glimpse of the largest urban bat colony in the world. When you need some downtime, take a relaxing soak in Barton Springs Pool – a natural spring-fed pool, cycle or kayak along Lady Bird Lake, or get lost in the lush botanical garden in Zilker Park. And don’t forget to discover the quirky murals and street art in East Austin that keep the city weird and wonderful.
Day 10 – 12
Dallas
Finally, return to the football action as you end in Dallas – a city known for its sporting prowess. Home to major league teams like the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), and FC Dallas (MLS), this city knows how to bring the heat. And with 9 allocated games, you can either catch one of the group stage matches at the Dallas Stadium (better known as the AT&T Stadium outside of the FIFA World Cup), or amp up the excitement with a nail-biting knockout from the Round of 32, Round of 16, or the Semi-Final.
When you’re not cheering at the game, you’ll find a buzzing atmosphere in Dallas’ trendy neighbourhood of Deep Ellum Entertainment District, where you’ll find street art, bustling brewpubs, and live music that spans jazz, blues, and indie. Brush up your history by visiting The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealy Plaza – a historic site known for the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, then check out the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, complete with a replica of the Oval Office. Before the final whistle blows on your holiday, ascend the Reunion Tower for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Dallas skyline.
What to Pack
Texas is known for its warm, year-round climate. While western Texas is semi-arid, eastern Texas has a humid subtropical climate, with summers that can rival the muggy feel of Orlando. Houston enjoys a breezy position near the Gulf of Mexico, where summer temps hover around 32°C from June to July. Just a bit hotter, San Antonio basks in an average of 34°C, while Austin and Dallas turn up the heat with sizzling averages of 35°C.
As the temperatures will be hot, packing smart is key. Opt for breathable, lightweight clothing made to keep cool under the Texan sun. Pack hats to shield your face from the sun, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, and apply sunscreen regularly on exposed skin to prevent sunburn.
Some tips to help you in the Texan climate are:
- Always carry water to stay refreshed and hydrated
- Consume foods with high water content, like watermelon, that help keep you hydrated
- Find air-conditioned places when the humidity is at its peak
- Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day
- If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors
Car Hire Options with Ocean Florida
Whether you're dreaming of cruising in a sleek convertible with your partner, packing the family into an SUV for a fun-filled adventure, or gathering your footie friends in a spacious 12-seater minivan, Ocean Florida has the perfect car hire options for every occasion. One of the perks of choosing Ocean Florida is you can bundle your car hire with your holiday package - all in one easy booking. But there’s more to look forward to with an Ocean Florida car hire:
- 24-Hour roadside assistance
- Free one-way drop-offs between cities
- Comprehensive insurance – our Gold Plus package includes GPS, a full tank of fuel, underage driver fees, 3 additional drivers, and child seats if needed
- Quick and simple online check-in in minutes
- State-of-the-art sat nav that can be pre-booked
Plus, if you prefer using your phone for navigation or exploring cities on foot, you’ll love our unlimited data plan. All Ocean Florida customers can enjoy a discounted eSIM for just $3.60 a day - half the price of most UK providers – so you get to soak in the sights of Texas for less.
If you're game for a 2026 World Cup holiday, get in touch with our Travel Specialists who can craft your ideal Texas itinerary as soon as bookings become available. 
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