Texas
ABOUT TEXAS
Texas is located in the south-central United States, bordered by New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and the country of Mexico, with the Gulf of Mexico along its southeast coast. Covering about 268,596 square miles (695,662 km²), Texas is the second-largest state in both area and population, with roughly 30 million residents as of 2024. The capital is Austin, while Houston is the largest city.
Texas is famous for its vast landscapes, diverse culture, and “everything is bigger” attitude. The state proudly showcases Cowboy and Wild West culture, from rodeos and cattle ranches to frontier heritage museums. Travelers use driving directions to navigate between bustling cities, deserts, forests, and coastal areas. Popular destinations include The Alamo, Big Bend National Park, and the vibrant Austin music scene.
Major Cities to Visit
- Austin: The state capital, renowned for live music, festivals, and the thriving tech scene.
- Houston: The largest city, known for its space center, museums, vibrant arts scene, and diverse culinary culture.
- San Antonio: Famous for The Alamo, River Walk, and rich Spanish heritage.
- Dallas: A modern metropolis with cultural attractions, sports, and historic sites like the JFK Memorial.
- Fort Worth: Known for its cowboy culture, rodeos, and Western heritage museums.
Experience Cowboy Culture
- Fort Worth Stockyards (Fort Worth): Watch authentic cowboys drive Longhorn cattle daily at 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM, enjoy Friday and Saturday rodeos, shop for custom boots, and visit historic saloons.
- Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (Houston): The world’s largest rodeo and livestock show, held every March at NRG Park, with calf roping, bull riding, and nightly concerts by global stars.
Unique Local Cuisine
- Texas BBQ: Must-try slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and sausages at Franklin Barbecue (Austin) and Snow’s BBQ (Lexington).
- Tex-Mex: A flavorful mix of Mexican and Texan dishes like enchiladas, tacos, and queso, best at Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia (San Antonio) and Matt’s El Rancho (Austin).
- Chicken Fried Steak: Classic Southern comfort food with creamy gravy, potatoes, and vegetables, served at The Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo) and Babe’s Chicken Dinner House (Fort Worth).