Texas
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Texas

Texas, United States

Texas, the second-largest state in the U.S., boasts a rich history, diverse culture, and wide-open spaces. From the bustling cities of Dallas, Houston, and Austin to the rugged beauty of Big Bend National Park, Texas off…

#Southern United States#Cowboy culture#Tex-Mex cuisine#Lone Star State#Oil industry
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Texas.

Top Hotels in Texas

Top Flights to Texas

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Texas.

Tours

Explore Austin's Urban Landscape

Discover the vibrant city of Austin with its unique mix of arts, culture, and natural beauty.

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Texas.

Currency
$ | USD | US Dollar
Population
As of the most recent estimates in 2023, the approximate total population of Texas is 30.0 million.
Languages
English, English, Spanish

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Texas.

What people love

Traveling to Texas, United States, offers a wide range of attractions and experiences that make it a popular destination for many travelers. Here are some of the pros of visiting Texas:

  1. Diverse Cities: Texas is home to diverse and vibrant cities such as Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Each city has its own unique culture, attractions, and food scene, offering something for every type of traveler.

  2. Rich History: Texas has a rich history that is evident in its historic sites, museums, and landmarks. Visitors can explore places like the Alamo in San Antonio, the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas, and the Texas State Capitol in Austin.

  3. Outdoor Activities: Texas is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including national parks, state parks, and scenic rivers. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and birdwatching in places like Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

  4. Texan Cuisine: Texas is famous for its delicious cuisine, including barbecue, Tex-Mex, and Southern comfort food. Visitors can indulge in mouthwatering dishes like brisket, tacos, and pecan pie at local restaurants and food trucks.

  5. Cultural Events: Texas hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating music, art, film, and more. Visitors can attend events like SXSW in Austin, the State Fair of Texas in Dallas, and Fiesta San Antonio in San Antonio.

  6. Hospitality: Texans are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness towards visitors. Travelers can expect to be welcomed with open arms and experience the famous Southern charm and hospitality during their stay in Texas.

Overall, traveling to Texas offers a blend of history, culture, outdoor adventures, delicious food, and friendly locals, making it a fantastic destination for tourists looking for a diverse and memorable experience.

Enjoy your trip to Texas!

What to know

Traveling to Texas, like any destination, has its potential drawbacks. Some cons of traveling to Texas could include:

  1. Weather Extremes: Texas is known for its extreme weather conditions, with scorching summers and occasional hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms. It's important to be prepared for these weather conditions to ensure a safe and comfortable trip.

  2. Size and Distance: Texas is a vast state, so traveling between cities or attractions can involve long driving distances. This may lead to fatigue or transportation challenges if you are not prepared for the extensive travel times.

  3. Urban Sprawl: Some parts of Texas, particularly major cities like Houston and Dallas, are known for urban sprawl and heavy traffic congestion. Navigating these areas can be stressful and time-consuming, especially during rush hours.

  4. Limited Public Transportation: Public transportation options in Texas are not as extensive or efficient as in some other states. This can make getting around without a car more challenging, especially in suburban or rural areas.

  5. Health Concerns: Certain regions of Texas may have higher levels of allergens, such as pollen or mold, that could affect travelers with allergies or respiratory conditions. Additionally, some areas of Texas have a higher prevalence of mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile virus.

Overall, while Texas offers a wide range of attractions and experiences, it's important to be aware of these potential cons to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Texas, located in the southern United States, has a rich and diverse history marked by various cultural influences, significant events, and notable figures.

Early Inhabitants and Indigenous Cultures

Before European contact, Texas was home to numerous indigenous tribes, including the Caddo, Apache, Comanche, and Karankawa. These tribes had their own distinct cultures, languages, and territories.

Spanish Exploration and Colonization (1519-1821)

  • 1519: Alonso Álvarez de Pineda mapped the Texas coastline, marking the beginning of Spanish interest.
  • 1718: The Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo) was established, part of a network of missions aimed at converting indigenous peoples to Christianity.
  • Spanish rule brought European diseases, which decimated native populations, and introduced new agricultural practices and livestock.

Mexican Independence and the Texas Revolution (1821-1836)

  • 1821: Mexico gained independence from Spain, and Texas became part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas.
  • 1825: Empresario Stephen F. Austin brought American settlers to Texas, leading to increased tensions over governance and cultural differences.
  • 1835-1836: The Texas Revolution erupted due to these tensions, culminating in the famous Battle of the Alamo in 1836, where a small group of Texan defenders, including figures like James Bowie and Davy Crockett, faced the Mexican army.
  • April 21, 1836: The Battle of San Jacinto, led by Sam Houston, resulted in a decisive Texan victory and independence from Mexico.

Republic of Texas (1836-1845)

  • Texas became an independent republic with Sam Houston as its first president. The republic struggled with debt, Native American raids, and the desire of many to join the United States.

Statehood and the Civil War (1845-1865)

  • 1845: Texas was annexed by the United States, becoming the 28th state.
  • 1861: Texas seceded from the Union and joined the Confederate States during the Civil War.
  • 1865: Following the Confederacy's defeat, Texas was readmitted to the Union.

Reconstruction and Economic Growth (1865-1900)

  • Post-war Texas saw a boom in cattle ranching and the expansion of railroads.
  • The Chisholm Trail became a major route for driving cattle to railheads in Kansas.

20th Century Developments

  • 1901: The discovery of oil at Spindletop near Beaumont marked the beginning of the Texas oil industry, transforming the state's economy.
  • 1963: President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, a pivotal moment in U.S. history.
  • Lyndon B. Johnson, a Texan, became the 36th President of the United States following Kennedy's assassination.

Modern Texas

  • Texas has grown to become the second most populous state in the U.S., with a diverse economy including technology, agriculture, energy, and aerospace.
  • Major cities like Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio are cultural and economic hubs.

Significant Landmarks

  • The Alamo: A symbol of Texan independence and a major historical site in San Antonio.
  • San Jacinto Monument: Commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto.
  • State Capitol in Austin: Known for its distinctive architecture and larger-than-life presence.

Notable Figures

  • Stephen F. Austin: Known as the "Father of Texas."
  • Sam Houston: Key leader in the Texas Revolution and first President of the Republic of Texas.
  • Lyndon B. Johnson: 36th President of the United States.

Texas continues to play a significant role in American political, cultural, and economic life, marked by its unique blend of traditions and forward-looking innovation.