Discover Texas
Everything really is bigger in Texas. The second-largest state in the nation by both area and population, Texas is less a single destination and more a world unto itself. From the glittering skylines of Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio to the otherworldly Chihuahuan Desert landscapes of Big Bend, the turquoise Gulf Coast beaches of South Padre Island, the rolling Hill Country vineyards around Fredericksburg, and the live music pouring out of every doorway on Austin's Sixth Street — "The Lone Star State" contains multitudes. It is a place shaped by Indigenous nations, Spanish missionaries, Mexican culture, cattle drives, oil booms, and an independent spirit so fierce that Texas is the only state that was once its own sovereign republic. Come with an appetite — for barbecue, for space, and for adventure.
Best Time to Visit Texas
- March–May: The finest season statewide — wildflowers blanket the Hill Country, temperatures are mild across the state, and the famous bluebonnet season peaks in April.
- October–November: A second ideal window with cooler weather, fall festivals, and superb conditions for hiking in Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks.
- June–August: Beach season on the Gulf Coast and South Padre Island, though inland cities like Dallas and San Antonio can experience extreme heat well above 100°F.
Tip: Texas in March means South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin — one of the world's premier music, film, and tech festivals. Book accommodation a full year ahead if you plan to attend!
History
Few states carry a history as dramatic and layered as Texas. For millennia the land was home to numerous Indigenous nations including the Caddo, Comanche, and Apache peoples. Spanish explorers arrived in the 1500s, and a string of Catholic missions — including the famous Alamo in San Antonio — were established to extend colonial reach. Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836 following the legendary Battle of the Alamo, and for nearly a decade existed as the independent Republic of Texas before joining the United States in 1845 — an annexation that helped trigger the Mexican-American War. The state seceded during the Civil War, and the June 19th, 1865 announcement of emancipation to enslaved Texans gave rise to Juneteenth, now a federal holiday. The discovery of oil at Spindletop in 1901 transformed Texas into an economic powerhouse, and its explosive 20th and 21st century growth has made it one of the most influential states in the nation.
Top Attractions in Texas
The Alamo, San Antonio
The most visited historic site in Texas, the 18th-century mission-turned-fortress is the hallowed ground of the 1836 battle that defined Texas independence.
Big Bend National Park
A remote and spectacular wilderness straddling the Rio Grande, featuring desert canyons, the Chisos Mountains, hot springs, and some of the darkest skies in America.
Austin's Sixth Street & Live Music
Self-proclaimed "Live Music Capital of the World," Austin pulses with hundreds of live music venues, world-famous food trailers, and the annual SXSW festival.
San Antonio River Walk
A stunning network of walkways along the San Antonio River, lined with restaurants, shops, art galleries, and hotels just steps below street level.
Space Center Houston
The official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center, where you can touch a moon rock, see real spacecraft, and learn about humanity's journey beyond Earth.
Texas Hill Country
A beautiful rolling landscape west of Austin and San Antonio, bursting with bluebonnets in spring, boutique wineries, charming German heritage towns, and swimming holes.
Tourist Tips for Texas
- You Need a Car: Texas is enormous. Even within cities like Houston and Dallas, distances between attractions are vast. A rental car is essential for most itineraries outside of walkable downtown areas.
- Barbecue is Sacred: Central Texas BBQ — brisket, ribs, and sausage — is a culinary art form. Iconic spots like Franklin Barbecue in Austin routinely have multi-hour lines. Arrive early or pre-order online.
- Heat is Real: Summers in Texas are brutally hot and humid, especially in Houston and the Gulf Coast region. Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for early morning.
- Big Bend is Remote: Big Bend National Park is one of the most isolated national parks in the U.S. Fill your gas tank in Marathon or Alpine before heading in, and carry extra water.
- Juneteenth: Juneteenth (June 19th) originated in Galveston, Texas in 1865 and is celebrated with particular pride across the state. It is now a U.S. federal holiday.
Capital City: Austin
Austin is one of America's fastest-growing and most exciting cities. Beyond the legendary live music scene on Sixth Street and Rainey Street, explore world-class museums on the Drag, kayak on Lady Bird Lake, feast on breakfast tacos and award-winning barbecue, and day-trip to the stunning swimming holes of the surrounding Hill Country.
Explore Austin Travel GuideState Facts
| State Capital | Austin |
|---|---|
| State Size | Total: 268,596 sq miles; Land: 261,232 sq miles |
| Number of Counties | 254 (most of any U.S. state) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (observes Daylight Saving Time); El Paso & Hudspeth County on Mountain Time |
| Bordering States | New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana; borders Mexico to the south |
| Highest Point | Guadalupe Peak (8,749 ft) |
| National Parks/Sites | Big Bend NP, Guadalupe Mountains NP, San Antonio Missions NHP, Padre Island NS |
| State Population (2020) | 29,145,505 |
| Population Density | 111.6 people per sq mile |
| Area Codes | 210, 214, 281, 361, 409, 430, 432, 469, 512, 682, 713, 726, 737, 806, 817, 830, 832, 903, 915, 936, 940, 956, 972, 979 |
Texas Map
