Aside from the red desert dirt, people also often picture cowboys and country music when they think of Texas. While it’s less noticeable in the big cities, Texas is a cowboy state home to rodeos, cattle farming and country music. If you still need convincing, Texas even named cowboy boots the official state footwear in 2007.
Even in the most desolate and dry parts of Texas the state produces amazing flora and fauna. The state flower is the Bluebonnet, a purple flower that resembles the bonnet worn by pioneer women for sun protection. These beautiful purple flowers are only in bloom for a few weeks each year, so be sure you take a photo if you see any. Aside from the beautiful flowers, locals and visitors enjoy spotting plenty of white-tailed deer, the rare red wolf and even nine-banded armadillo.
Houston is located on the Gulf of Mexico coast, extending west from Galveston Bay. The fourth most populous city in the country, Houston has a diverse population of 2.3 million. A great destination for families, Houston has plenty of experiences on offer for people of all ages. Some favourite activities for the kids include visiting the Children’s Museum of Houston, Houston Museum of Natural Science and seeing Stuart Little at the Express Children’s Theater. A must do experience for anyone visiting Houston is a trip to Space Center Houston. Whether you are a space fan or not, you will be fascinated and impressed by the NASA operation. Those looking to get outdoors and enjoy the Texan sunshine should head to Houston’s 52-mile Buffalo Bayou. Here you can hike or bike the trails, paddle the waterways by kayak or canoe, or enjoy a picturesque picnic in the park. The city has lots of annual events to keep funseekers happy, so make sure you see what’s on in Houston before you arrive.
The second largest Texan city is San Antonio, located only a three-hour drive west of Houston. The city was built around the San Antonio River and is rich with history and culture. With Texas Hill Country only a 90-minute drive from San Antonio, visitors can enjoy the best of both city and country life. Texas Hill Country has a history and culture entirely of its own - with some locals still choosing to speak German. Boasting wineries that pair with multi-course meals, Texas Hill Country is a must for foodies and wine connoisseurs alike. Adventure seekers will also get their fix in Hill Country with many hiking, biking, kayaking and rock climbing options available.
The most notable attractions in San Antonio are the five Spanish frontier missions that were named UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2015. The missions were built under Catholic order to spread Christianity through the Southwest in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The Alamo is the first Spanish mission that eventually became a military outpost. The fort then went on to have a 300-year history of Spanish, Mexican and American military rule. The site is widely known for its significant role during the Texas Revolution and the Battle of Alamo. To fully understand the historical significance of the Alamo we recommend booking a guided tour.
The remaining four Spanish missions are located at the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Mission Concepción, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada can all be visited for free during park hours. In fact, all four missions remain active catholic parishes and hold regular services.
Heading northeast from San Antonio you’ll find the city of Austin. Home to the University of Texas and many high-tech startups, Austin is known as one of the most forward thinking cities in the country. This city clearly has a unique and contagious charm as it has been voted the number 1 place to live in America for the last three years in a row! Perhaps this is due to its passion for entrepreneurship, entertainment and the arts - a mix that undoubtedly creates a breeding ground for creative youthful energy. Those who enjoy a drink or two in a trendy bar will love Rainey Street. Everywhere you turn on Rainey Street you’ll find another place to add to your list of places to eat and drink in Austin. This residential turned commercial street is lined with trendy eateries, food trucks and even shipping container bars.
Live music lovers will salivate over the entertainment scene in Austin - with the city hosting gigs and music festivals all year round. A trip to Zilker Park is also a must do for anyone visiting the city, where you can choose to rent a kayak or simply enjoy a picnic in the park. You can even combine the two and see Austin's largest annual music festival in Zilker Park - Austin City Limits!
Just over 300 kilometers north of Austin you’ll find the city of Dallas. Dallas is home to the largest airport in Texas, so even if you are just passing by, we highly recommend exploring the city and surrounds. There are plenty of things to see and do in Dallas. American football fans will enjoy a guided tour of the Dallas Cowboys football stadium, or even seeing a game! A popular attraction to visit is the Reunion Tower, where you can see a 360 degree view of the city. From the top of the tower you can even see the street where John F Kennedy was assassinated back in November 1963. Although it may seem eerie to some, many visitors highly recommend visiting the Sixth Floor Museum. Here you can learn about John F Kennedy’s presidency, his shooting and even the conspiracy theories that followed.
If you’d like to experience Texas country life and cowboy culture, then a trip to Fort Worth is essential. This small country town is just a 40-minute drive from Dallas and exploring is easy with a free trolley service that takes you around the town. Fort Worth is a great place to experience all things cowboy - you can even witness the world’s first indoor rodeo. You simply have to visit the historic Stockyards District where everything looks like it’s straight out of a wild west movie.
Texas is a diverse state with plenty of things to do and see. If you or a loved one are planning to visit the state soon, Gifting Owl has plenty of Texas experiences on offer. Gifting Owl experiences are a great gift idea to give to travellers, or even yourself! Happy Gifting!
