If you haven’t put the Lone Star State in your vacation plans this year, Baby, I’m amazed by you!
As the second-largest state in the nation, diversity is at a premium in Texas. There are several options to help you make your dream vacation a reality.
Whether it’s space-gazing in Houston or boat rental in Austin, here are some “bigger and better” reasons Texas should be your next vacation spot!
Don’t Mess With Tex-Mex
Good food can upgrade any experience when you’re on vacation and even helps relieve anxiety. Texas is right up there with the very best when it comes to high-quality, value-for-money dining.
Texas is famous for its BBQ joints, with their generous, heaping quantities of delicious meat and sides.
Let’s not forget to mention that, down south in Texas, they’re famous for Tex-Mex, a flavorful fusion of Texan favorites with classic Mexican cuisine. If you want to spice up your holiday with Tex-Mex, visit Carnitas Lonja and La Fonda on Main in San Antonio.
If you’re a food connoisseur, don’t miss the Wine + Food Festival in San Antonio.
Fantastic Boats and Where to Find Them
Whether you seek the sun and sand of East Texas or feel the need to rent a boat in Austin, the fun will find you.
Texas is home to the Colorado River, the longest waterway in Austin, not to be confused with its more-famous counterpart out West. It’s the perfect vacation spot to while away the long, hot summer weather or tries out the water sports you’ve always been curious about. There are plenty of boat rental options on Lake Travis, and you can waterski and jet ski.
If beaches are what you’re after, Texas has them in spades too. Stewart Beach in Galveston is perfect for family outings. Surfside Beach is much quieter and one of the cleanest beaches in the area. Boca Chica beach on South Padre Island boasts the clearest water in all of Texas.
Lone Star State Of Mind
Texas is undoubtedly one of the most culturally and historically rich areas in the country.
Famous Native American historical sites, like Caddo Mounds State Historic Site in East Texas, and the more recent sites such as the Sixth Floor Museum and the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site are ideal for families on vacation. And, of course, Don’t Forget the Alamo.
If Earthly history and culture aren’t enough for you, you’re welcome to gaze skyward at the home of NASA, Houston’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. It’s one of the only places on this green Earth where you can see real astronauts train and get to touch a genuine moon rock. With its spectacular exhibits, hands-on activities, and fascinating history, the Space Center is truly out of this world.
The Thrills Are Bigger and Better in Texas
Texas certainly isn’t lacking in excitement, but you’re never too old to bask in the awesome might of the state’s many amazing theme parks and epic attractions.
Texas is a great place for families. Grapevine has some of the best places to visit with kids, including LEGOLAND Discovery Center and the Great Wolf Lodge Resort, the nation’s largest indoor water park.
The famous Six Flags is based in both San Antonio and Arlington. If you’re in San Antonio, stop at SeaWorld for plenty of marine and theme park fun.
Arts for Every Heart
If you’re looking to enrich your artistic soul, Texas is a cultural hotbed with a pulsing, vibrant arts scene. In fact, Austin is widely considered the live music capital of the world, being the home of the world-famous SXSW Festival. Live music can be enjoyed at restaurants like Stubbs BBQ, at outdoor festivals like the Austin Summer Carnival, and bars like The Mohawk and the historic Scoot Inn year-round.
There are plenty of options for fans of traditional fine arts, too, such as the Dallas Museum of Art or The Modern in Fort Worth. Houston is home to several cultural institutions and exhibits, and the performing arts scene is highly popular in the Theater District.
Here’s Where All the Cowboys Went
One of the most famous Texan trademarks is the idyllic image of the rancher. Ranch culture runs through the veins of Texas, with its long-standing legacy of raising cattle and rodeos. You can still partake in this timeless tradition: The Fort Worth Stockyards still allow you to experience cattle drives twice a day.
Bandera, Texas proudly calls itself the Cowboy Capital of the United States, and you can still witness the cowboy life first-hand. Make sure you pack your leather boots, belt buckle, and cowboy hat because you’re stepping straight into the true Wild West. In fact, make sure you beef up your whole summer wardrobe while you’re at it.
Field of Teams
With three NBA teams, two MLB teams, two NFL teams, two MLS teams, and one NHL team, Texas sounds like the product of an over-active sports fan’s imagination. Oh, and there’s NASCAR, Indycar, F1, and a whole host of excellent college teams to shout for.
Home of storied franchises like the Dallas Cowboys (football), San Antonio Spurs (basketball), and the Texas Rangers (baseball), Texan pride abounds and ensures that there are must-see sporting events year-round.
With world-class stadiums, an abundance of tickets, and a vibrant, colorful fan culture, your only job is to make sure you put on the right jersey.
Living for the Cities
If your idea of getting away is getting into the hustle and bustle of City Life, Texas is home to several world-class cities, where exposure to rich culture, exquisite dining, and a unique Texan lifestyle is guaranteed.
Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston are just a few examples of the thriving cities within this great state.
Austin offers the largest amount of music venues per capita in the US, and Dallas offers more shopping centers per capita than any other US city.
Houston is what many consider to be the most culturally diverse city in the country, with its Museum District attracting more than 7 million visitors a year.
Fort Worth is still the rodeo capital of the world and San Antonio, boasting a vast array of terrains such as hills, prairies, plains, and lakes, offers an immense variety of activities.
