Texas is one of America’s largest states, with famous landmarks and delicious food on every corner. From El Paso to Dallas to Houston, the Lonestar State is a melting pot of culture. Here are some of the can’t-miss highlights.
See History at the Alamo
Before it became a state, Texas was a sovereign nation after declaring its independence from Mexico. Texans fought for freedom in the 1836 Texas Revolution, and the Battle of the Alamo was one of the most historic battles. Revolutionaries held the fort for nearly two weeks, and “Remember the Alamo!” became a memorable rallying cry. Today, you can see history at the Alamo in San Antonio.
The Alamo is in the heart of San Antonio and is a terrific history lesson for the family. You can tour the church and 300-foot-long barrack — the oldest building at the Alamo. The site also has living historians to demonstrate how Texans lived in the 1830s and what they endured in the battle.
Stroll the River Walk
While in the city, stroll down the San Antonio River Walk. This attraction offers boat rides on the San Antonio River and numerous shops and restaurants to patronize. The River Walk started as a flood management tactic for the city but has since evolved into one of the most popular sites in San Antonio. Plus, it’s only a few blocks from the Alamo.
When touring the River Walk, take advantage of the different types of food around the area. If you’re a Mexican food enthusiast at home, you’ll enjoy authentic cuisine at The Original Mexican. The restaurant has outdoor seating to soak in the River Walk views. You’ll also find Tex-Mex restaurants like Casa Rio and German-Mexican fusion at Schilo’s.
Tour Space Center Houston
When you think of the Smithsonian, you likely picture the museums in Washington, D.C., not Texas. However, you can tour Space Center Houston, which is owned and operated by NASA. The museum is adjacent to the Johnson Space Center, where NASA trains astronauts and conducts flight control daily.
At Space Center Houston, you’ll see artifacts from numerous flown aircraft. The museum has a command module from Apollo 17 — the last of the Apollo space missions. It’s also one of the few places worldwide where you can touch moon rocks. You can do a self-guided tour of Space Center Houston and take a tram tour.
Taste Houston’s Foodie Scene
Outsiders considering Houston may imagine the space center, the Galleria and its successful professional sports teams like the Astros. Space City is also the hometown of famous people like Beyoncé, Travis Scott and Patrick Swayze. However, Houston’s most underrated aspect is its diverse food scene.
Houston’s land area is 655 square miles, making it one of America’s biggest cities. That means there’s plenty of room for worldwide cuisine. For example, visit Little Saigon on Bellaire Boulevard. This neighborhood has a large Vietnamese population with restaurants like Thim Hing Banh Mi and Nam Giao. In fact, Houston has one of the largest Vietnamese populations in the United States.
You can check all possible visit choices on the homepage for odessaaf.com
Hike Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Cities aren’t for everyone. If you like to spend time in nature, Texas has numerous opportunities to get fresh air and embrace tranquility. Guadalupe Mountains National Park in west Texas sits on the New Mexico border, providing stunning views from the mountaintops. Here, you’ll discover Guadalupe Peak — the highest point in the state.
This national park charges a small admission fee to enter, but you don’t need an entrance pass on Veterans Day, National Public Lands Day and other holidays. Guadalupe Mountains National Park features multiple trails for hiking, horseback riding, wilderness campgrounds and scenic drives through the park.
Tour El Paso Museums
Drive two hours west of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and you’ll end up in El Paso. This city is the biggest in west Texas and rests on the U.S.-Mexico border. You can soak in the dynamic combination of American and Mexican cultures here. Census data show El Paso’s population is 83% Hispanic, so the city is a terrific opportunity for experiencing different heritages.
El Paso stands out because of its museums. Visit El Paso’s Holocaust Museum, America’s only bilingual one. El Paso also has rich military history at Fort Bliss and Old Ironsides. You’ll see tanks and other memorabilia from World War II and historic battles at the museum.
Experience Authentic Mexican Cuisine
El Paso’s proximity to Mexico boasts its credibility for terrific Mexican cuisine. Options abound for most any palate. You’ll find enchiladas, street tacos, tortas, carne asada and countless other delicious foods.
There are numerous restaurants across the city to indulge in. L&J’s Cafe has been an El Paso institution since its 1927 opening. The restaurant serves New Mexican food and traditional Mexican dishes like chiles rellenos and tamales. El Paso also features Latin American cuisine at Amar Peruvian and Mexican Kitchen. You’ll enjoy delicious seafood and flavorful desserts like torta de elote or alfajores here.
Relax on the Galveston Beaches
Galveston is only an hour south of Houston and on an island off the Gulf Coast. Texas’s warm climate offers numerous opportunities to visit the beaches and relax on the white sands throughout the year. The average temperature in Galveston reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit in May and doesn’t dip to the 70s until October.
If the beach isn’t for you, other opportunities exist to cool off in the summer heat. Galveston features Schlitterbahn Waterpark with high-speed slides and lazy rivers. You can also visit the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, with numerous carnival games, roller coasters and fair food. Moody Gardens is another popular attraction because of its wildlife, such as monkeys and macaws.
Eat Fresh Seafood From the Gulf
Seafood is typically better when you’re close to the ocean. Luckily, Galveston is in the Gulf of Mexico, so it’s a terrific city to eat shrimp, oysters and anything else your heart desires. Many restaurants catch fish and serve it to customers on the same day.
Galveston provides numerous opportunities to eat fresh seafood. Locals laud Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant because it’s been a part of the city since 1911. It sits on Seawall Boulevard overlooking the Gulf with amazing views. Fisherman’s Wharf is another prominent seafood restaurant. The business serves shrimp pasta, po-boys, steak, lobster and other crowd favorites.
Taking Terrific Texas Trips
Texas is a large state at over 260,000 square miles. You’ll need multiple days to cover the different regions of the Lonestar State. South Texas is an excellent place to start, with Houston, San Antonio, Austin and Galveston only a few hours away from each other.
Be sure to soak in the culinary adventures of each city. The closeness to Mexico provides many opportunities to taste its incredible food. Plus, you’ll find large Vietnamese and Indian populations in Houston and Dallas, respectively. The state is a melting pot of cultures that create the ideal vacation destination.
