Located in the South Central United States, Texas is the second largest U.S. State. Austin is the capital of Texas, while Houston is the largest city in Texas. San Antonio and El Paso are the major cities and Dallas-Fort Worth is the largest metropolitan area in Texas and the fourth-largest in the US. Texas contains diverse landscapes that ranges from prairies, grasslands, swamps and woods to rugged hills and rolling plains. Texas has a long history as the center of the American cattle industry. It is for this reason that most of the world associate Texas with the image of a cowboy.
What are the Things to do in Texas
The things to do in Texas includes visits to historical sites and architectural marvels, shopping and dining in some of the best malls and restaurants in the US. Your Texas vacation would be incomplete, if you don't experience the rugged Texas terrain, the amazing aquariums and water-parks. If you are having a hard time figuring out the things to do in Texas, here's some help.
Texas State Capitol: If you are visiting Texas for the first time, you should not miss the chance to tour the Texas State Capitol. It is located on 11th Street, between Lavaca and San Jacinto in Austin. The State Capitol was completed in 1888. In the year 1986, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark. The things to see in the State Capitol are the legislative chambers and the House Chamber, which is the Capitol's largest room and can hold 150 representatives when the House is in session. You will also get to see the original flag from the Battle of San Jacinto and other artifacts that are on display. The grounds of the Capitol Complex display several monuments, including the one dedicated to the heroes of the Alamo. Visitors are offered free walking tour of the Capitol on all days, excluding the Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Easter.
The Alamo: Previously known as the Mission San Antonio de Valero, the Alamo is considered as the most famous Texan shrine in San Antonio. More than 2.5 million people visit the Alamo every year. The Alamo, established in 1718, was the first Spanish mission that was founded to educate the Indians. The Alamo came to be known as the "Cradle of Texas Liberty", after a small band of Texas volunteers defied the powerful Mexican Army of General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna for 13 days. Although they suffered defeat at the hands of the Mexican Army, their death came to symbolize the virtues of courage and sacrifice. Located at 300 Alamo Plaza in downtown San Antonio, Texas, the Alamo is open everyday of the year. Moreover, admission is free of charge.
Riverwalk: The Riverwalk is San Antonio's famous shopping and dining district. The Riverwalk is one of the most exciting places to visit in Texas. Located along the winding banks of the San Antonio River, the Riverwalk is also known as the "American Venice". It is dotted with a number of classy restaurants, nightclubs, hotels and shops. Enjoy the beauty of Riverwalk in a boat or on a leisurely walk.
Texas State Aquarium: Attracting over 500,000 visitors every year, the Texas State Aquarium provides an 'out of the world' experience for the old and young alike. The Aquarium features the most exotic species of fishes as well as the ones endemic to the Gulf of Mexico. Programs like 'You Otter Know This', 'Dive Encounters', 'Dolphin Presentations', 'Birds of Prey' and 'Reptile Report' are a great hit with the kids. The Aquarium is located in Corpus Christi, Texas. The best time to visit the Texas State Aquarium is during summer. The Aquarium is open to visitors every day of the year, except during Thanksgiving and Christmas. So book your tickets for a fun family evening in the Texas State Aquarium.
Forbidden Gardens: Inviting tourists to discover the mysteries of Imperial China, Forbidden Gardens, in Houston was built in 1997 by a Hong Kong real estate mogul. The attraction covers an area of 40 acres and depicts 2000 years of Chinese history. Behind the courtyard, you will see tiny model palaces and people. Models of the Forbidden City of Beijing, the Temple of Heaven, the Calming of the Heart Lodge and canal city of Suzhou are a delight to the visitors. You can see a pit filled with little pink terra-cotta men representing Emperor Qin's 6000 men army. The Forbidden Gardens give you a glimpse of public life and culture of ancient China in modern-day Texas.
Lake Somerville State Park: One of the fun things to do in Texas is experiencing the great outdoors on a horseback. You don't have to be a cowboy to experience the thrill of trail rides in the rugged and wild Texas terrain. Lake Somerville State park is located between Austin and College Station and is a great family getaway. The trail ways are great for fun activities like horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking and outdoor photography. You can also tour the entire park in a canoe.
Canyon Lake: Located on the Guadalupe River in Comal County, Texas, the Canyon Lake has 80 miles of breathtaking shoreline. The Canyon Lake shoreline has 8 public parks. The parks offer facilities for camping and trekking. The parks are a delight for nature lovers, you can observe a variety of sea birds and also white-tail deer grazing in the grassy slopes. The Guadalupe river offers the best river tubing experience in the whole of Texas. So pack your bags for some amazing river tubing experience in Texas.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort: The 65 acre Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort in New Braunfels, Texas is undoubtedly one of the world's biggest waterparks. Located on the banks of the Comal River, the waterpark has a wide variety of slides and water rides which include the three uphill water coasters, the Torrent, a 'tidal wave' river and the Boogie Bahn surfing attraction. The best thing about the Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort is that it offers onsite lodging to visitors. The resort guests can also avail discounted admission to the park. With more than 40 thrilling water rides, Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort truly offers an experience of a lifetime.
SeaWorld: The world's largest marine-life theme park, the SeaWorld tour is one of the fun things to do in Texas. Enjoy a variety of shows featuring beluga whales, penguins, seals, sea lions, and the amazing Orca whales. Some of the popular shows and exhibits of the SeaWorld include 'Believe', 'The Cannery Row Caper', 'Cool Vibrations' and 'Viva!'. Visitors to the SeaWorld can experience the Antarctic wilderness on a moving walkway, that offers a view of over 200 penguins. The SeaWorld also has a collection of the world's most exotic and dangerous sea creatures like the sting rays, tropical fish, eels and sharks.
Galleria Mall: The Galleria Mall, a 1,400,000 square feet shopping center in Dallas is a must visit for the shopaholics. Shop until you drop in some of the best boutiques like Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Nordstrom and a host of others. The mall also has an ice-skating rink, five movie theaters and a number of world-class restaurants. If you are looking for antiques, you should visit the Historic downtown Plano for some amazing antique crafts, folk art and Scandinavian pottery. Some other centers like the Collin Creek Mall, Grapevine Mills, and the NorthPark Center offer great shopping experiences.
Apart from these, there are a number vacation spots in Texas that should be on your list of things to do in Texas. So pack your bags for a fun filled adventure in Texas.
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