Top 5 Places to Visit in Texas
1. San Antonio – San Antonio is the third largest city in the state of Texas. The city is located in the South Texas Plains. One of the most enjoyable, tranquil, and laidback areas of the city is definitely the River Walk, which is nestled between tall buildings and cypress trees and tucked far away from the noises, stress, and hassle of the big city. The area attracts a big number of tourists because of its chic boutique hotels, speciality shops, and a bunch of cool open-air restaurants. Fine dining and great shopping can be experienced in the lively and thriving downtown area too, a vibrant place thanks to the abundance of nightlife and eateries. Alamo is yet another place to visit in Downtown San Antonio – the national landmark where the Battle of the Alamo was fought.
2. Houston – Houston is definitely one of the most popular destinations in Texas, maybe because it is the largest city in the state. In a nutshell, Houston is world-renowned as the home of the NASA Mission Control Center hence the infamous words: “Houston, we have a problem!” However, Houston is not all NASA and you can find a lot to do, visit, and see in the city, including the beautiful campus of Rice University, the high-end shopping centre Galleria Area, the incredible Downtown Tunnel System, the Chase Tower Observatory that offers some really spectacular views from its 60th floor, the Downtown Aquarium, and you can even catch an outdoor performance at the Theater Under the Stars.
3. Austin – Austin is the capital city of the state and also the unofficial Live Music Capital of the country. You may know Austin for its pretty interesting slogan: “Keep Austin Weird” and, hands down, the city feels definitely a bit different from the rest of the state. Maybe because of the very youthful, vibrant, and very energetic vibe of Austin due to the many young people studying in the enormous campus of University of Texas, or maybe the famously pink and taller than the one in Washington Capitol Building of Texas. In addition, you can take your time and visit the LBJ President Library, the stunning paths winding along Barton Creek, and the Congress Avenue bridge, where you can see millions of bats flying out at sunset.
4. Padre Island National Seashore – Extending its small and narrow land parallel to the coast of Texas, Padre Island is stretching all the way from Corpus Christi to the Mexican border. Surrounded by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Padre Island is a great place for family holidays with its amazing weather, beautiful beaches, and many opportunities for watersports. However, the majority of the island is made up of the Padre Island National Seashore, which is a protected land where you can enjoy the water in all shades of blue practically anywhere you turn.
5. Texas Hill Country – The very centre of the state is where the Texas Hill Country is nestled – a region with a significant natural and cultural importance. The Texas Hill Country is simply a melting pot for a number of cultures. Since the area was settled by the Germans in the 19th century, you can feel the strong European influence in the region, especially in Fredericksburg where you can hop on a wine tasting tour, enjoy a bratwurst and sauerkraut, an authentic German beer, and shop for Bavarian souvenirs. When it comes time for some sightseeing in nature, make sure to head to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, which, as the name suggests, is simply magical and an ideal place for hiking and camping. If you fancy some fishing and swimming then make sure to visit the Hill Country State Natural Area.