When planning a trip to the US then most people head to the theme parks of Florida, the shopping districts of New York or the peaks and troughs of San Francisco. Few venture far enough to sample the delights of the southern states.

Before the recent hurricane, New Orleans may have been an exception but Texas is likely to have avoided the radar of most British holidaymakers. The Lone Star State conjures up images of much-maligned heads of state or popular 80s television shows, but does in fact have much more to offer.

The jewel in the crown is surely Austin. Contrary to popular belief, Dallas is not the state capital. This particular honour falls to Austin although the city is more famous for its excellent food and live music scene than for hosting the state legislature.

Austin is positioned smack in the middle of Texas, south of Fort Worth and Dallas, west of Houston and north-east of San Antonio. Like many American cities, the centre is laid out like a grid meaning that it is easy to find your way around, although it is not exactly designed for walking.

The fact that the state legislature is in Austin means that the city is blessed with some impressive buildings and while it certainly doesn't feel sanitised, you may well find it cleaner than other big urban hubs.

Music is what makes Austin famous meaning that the nightlife is difficult to top. Bars with live music are harder to miss than to find and there is often no cover charge. This means you can take in an array of live talent, touring venues that are often in close proximity of one another. Free newspapers and websites provide visitors with calendars offering details of forthcoming acts.

A night out in Austin can start at one of the city's microbreweries, followed by some outstanding seafood and then a range of live music to cater for most tastes. The people meanwhile will do their best to live up to the cliche of no nonsense southern hospitality.

Thanks to its central location, Austin can also provide an excellent base for exploring the rest of Texas. Granted you may need more than a standard two-week holiday before you make it to Amarillo, but San Antonio is a mere bus ride away. The home of the Alamo is a great, if limited, source of entertainment. Its low-rise skyline gives the city a small town feel, while the riverside area is the embodiment of artificial urban development.

Down on the river you can take a boat trip, eat right next to the water and watch as street performers make their way down the promenade. San Antonia also has plenty of live music, but doesn't take itself anywhere near as seriously as Austin – that said you are more likely to pay a cover for the entertainment.

Seafood and steaks dominate the menus with Argentinean restaurants and crab shacks vying for the healthy flow of peak season tourists. Its reliance on visitors from outside does give the city rather a theme park feel to it and makes it a seasonal destination. During the annual carnival you won't be able to move, but out of season there is a definite winding down.

Flying to Texas from the UK you are likely to have to change either on the East Coast or at Dallas Fort Worth.