Days 1 and 2 | Austin

You’ll know you’re in Austin as soon as you get off the plane; in the city’s airport, a singer-songwriter with a voice as big as Texas serenades visitors as they head for baggage claim. It’s a unique feature of this town that brings a smile to many a weary traveler’s face–and that’s just the beginning. Check into a hip hotel in the downtown area (try the Hotel San Jose with its cool pool), and then walk down South Congress Avenue to check out the funky shops there.

That night, before dinner in the Warehouse District, watch as more than a million Mexican freetail bats fly out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge (or take a “bat cruise” that includes dinner and drinks), then explore the new 2nd Street District, with shops open late and many options for refreshment. Make your way to the Broken Spoke, a true Texas dance hall with a musical history that started with Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys; you’re bound to find great local musicians or even national acts here.

The next day, do a little sightseeing around the state capitol, visit the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, and take yourself to lunch at Stubb’s Barbecue (which also features live music). The highlight of your cultural tour will be the brand-new and exceedingly splendid Blanton Museum of Art, a stellar collection of more than 17,000 works of art. Wind up the afternoon with a walk or jog around Town Lake (which is actually part of the Colorado River that runs right through town) and a dip in Barton Springs, Deep Eddy, or Hamilton Pool.

Days 3 and 4 | San Marcos, New Braunfels

No trip to San Marcos is complete without a stop at the San Marcos Prime Outlets Mall, just off I-35, where a $20 million expansion project is bringing in a 28,000-square-foot Neiman Marcus Last Call. At the Tanger Outlet Mall, stores include Liz Claiborne,ÊBanana Republic Factory, Old Navy, Reebok, Tommy Hilfiger, Disney, and more. When you–and your credit card–need a breather, get lunch at one of the many restaurants close by.

If the weather’s nice and the area has had some rain recently, seize the moment and go tubing down the San Marcos River. A longtime summer tradition for kids and adults alike, it’s an incredibly relaxing way to while away a few hours. Or take a glass-bottom boat ride at Aquarena Springs, then walk through an earthquake-formed cave and ride to the top of the 110-foot Tejas Observation Tower at Wonder World.

In New Braunfels, learn about the city’s German heritage with a trip to the Sophienburg Museum and Conservation Plaza, a collection of historic buildings from pioneer days. For fun in the water, tubing is an option here as well, with the Guadalupe River nearby–or take in Schlitterbahn, a huge water park with lots of activities for the entire family. Landa Park is a great place for a picnic; the Comal River runs through it, and tubes are available for rental here, too.

If your trip happens to fall in October, that means you’ll be around for Wurstfest, a celebration of German food and beer. There’s a veritable smorgasbord of food (sausages, anyone?) and drink, plus a carnival for the kids and a 5K run.

Days 5 and 6 | Seguin, Kingsville

Be sure to pick up a pile of pecans in Seguin; the area is famous for them, and roadside stands and farmers’ markets abound with them when they’re in season (the community’s “World’s Largest Pecan” is a great photo op). Visit the chamber of commerce for a list of museums that honor Seguin’s namesake, Texas patriot Juan Seguin, and gather information that will help you experience the city’s history.

In the morning, make the 185-mile drive to Kingsville, where a major attraction is the King Ranch, a huge working ranch known for its luxurious guest accommodations and high-quality leather goods. Browse historic downtown Kingsville with its restored architecture and shop at the King Ranch Saddle Shop, Opera House Antiques, and Seller’s Market Crafts.

Days 7, 8, and 9 | Harlingen, Port Isabel, South Padre Island

Get an early start so you can hit the downtown Jackson Street District in Harlingen–a perfect place to shop for antiques, discover vintage clothing, buy homemade pottery–and then lunch at one of the city’s cafes. If there’s time, visit the 45,000 acres of natural habitat at the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.

The beach will surely be beckoning by now, so go on and drive to Port Isabel and South Padre Island. Port Isabel’s wonderful historic 1852 lighthouse is the only lighthouse on the Texas coast that’s open to the public, so don’t miss the chance to visit. To learn more about this tiny historic port, visit the Treasures of the Gulf Museum, with its bounty from centuries-old Spanish shipwrecks. Get an early dinner at the B&A Seafood Market before continuing on to South Padre.

A short drive across the Queen Isabella Causeway and the beaches of South Padre Island come into full view. Head out to the firm sand for a stroll, then stop at one of the beach bars (Boomerang Billy’s is a fun one) for some volleyball and a cold drink. Aim to get to Parrot Eyes (a Jimmy Buffett tribute bar/restaurant with live parrots) on the bay side of the island in time to ooh and ahh at the stunning sunset.

The next morning, take a walk on the beach before exploring the South Padre Island Preserve with its sand dunes and native animal species. Later, take a dolphin-watch tour, leaving from the Sea Ranch Marina, go on a fishing, sailing, or scuba adventure with Aloha Charters, or take a birding tour/photo safari with Colley’s Fins to Feathers.

Learn about sea turtle preservation efforts at Sea Turtle, Inc., and visit the South Padre Island Dolphin Research and Sea Life Nature Center. For family fun du jour, the Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark is just a short drive away, as is the Gladys Porter Zoo, in nearby Brownsville. Shopping opportunities abound in South Padre and just across the river in Matamoros, Mexico, where you’ll have your choice of Mexican crafts.