Great Vacation Spots In Texas
Texas is full of fun and interesting places to visit. Whether you are into history or just looking for a good time, Texas has you covered. Here are a few places in Texas you should consider checking out next time you are in the Lone Star State.
The Alamo
One of the biggest tourist attractions in Texas is the Alamo. Located in the fine city of San Antonio, the Alamo is one of the most historic buildings in Texas history. It was constructed in the 1700s and played an important role in the Texas Revolution. Anyone who knows about Texas history will tell you the Battle of the Alamo was one of the most pivotal events for the Texas Revolution. Historic figures like Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie fought in this grizzly battle to gain Texas’ independence from Mexico.
The Alamo is now a museum with many daily tours for people to learn about the old Spanish Mission. There are audio tours as well as guided tours all for a price that won’t break the bank. Visitors may also attend history talks, historic documentary screenings, and much more. The Alamo has been restored a few times so it doesn’t look like a crumbling building like other historical landmarks. It is a huge part of Texas history and a must-see for anyone wanting to learn more about the state.
South Padre Island
Popular among college students, South Padre Island has built up a reputation for being one of the hottest spring break spots in the United States. People come from all over the country to visit the tiny island to escape the daily grind. If you are looking to party hard or just relax by the beach, South Padre is the place for you.
It is no secret that South Padre has a thriving nightlife. College students flock to the island every year to party and get away from their studies for a while. The island is packed with clubs where you can dance the night away. If you are looking for a little less hectic experience, there are also a lot of relaxing bars where you can just enjoy the tropical environment.
South Padre also caters to families as well as university students. The South Padre Dolphin Research and Sealife Nature Center offers many different tours for people wanting to learn more about aquatic wildlife. There is also a nature center that has a 5-story watchtower if bird watching is more your thing. Tons of different birds visit the island due to migration so there are numerous bird species to look at.
The calm beaches are probably the biggest attraction on South Padre Island. Most people want to just relax and feel the ocean breeze when visiting South Padre. A lot of Texas native frequent the island just to get away from the hectic city life. Just make sure to visit South Padre after spring break if you are looking to relax. Rowdy 20 somethings take over the island during spring break making it very difficult for people just trying to have a relaxing vacation.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas. The park hosts some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the whole state. It has many jaw-dropping canyons and mountains you would have to see to believe. The Rio Grande River also runs through the park adding that much more beauty to it.
There are a vast number of hiking trails visitors can walk and take in all the marvelous landscape. Tours are also offered for people looking for a less adventurous getaway. Campgrounds are scattered around the park for people wanted the full Big Bend experience. Guests can even paddle down the Rio Grande if the weather is nice enough.
Much like South Padre Island, birdwatching is very big at Big Bend. There are over 400 different species of birds throughout the park making birdwatching extremely popular. Other types of wildlife can also be found across the area. Roadrunners, Bears, Bobcats, and more can all be found in the park. Big Bend is a nature lovers paradise. The amazing landscape and abundant wildlife create a unique place that no one will soon forget.
The Fort Worth Stockyards
The Fort Worth Stockyards is a historic district located west of Dallas in the city of Fort Worth. The stockyards have a long history dating back to 1866. It was one of the most important livestock centers in all of America. People came from all over to trade cows, sheep, and hogs and still do today. The Fort Worth Stockyards are the last standing stockyards in the entire United States.
Fort Worth takes its wild-west history very seriously so almost everything is designed with the western theme. It even earned the nickname “Cowtown” due to the cowboy nature of the city. There are cattle driving demonstrations and of course, a rodeo. You can even ride a mechanical bull if you are brave enough! There are tons of western-style restaurants and bars to choose from as well, with most catering the authentic Texas-style.
Anyone with an interest in Texas history will be right at home at the Fort Worth Stockyards. The Stockyards have had a few restorations, but they still keep the old-timey western feel many tourists are looking for. The Stockyard museum is available to anyone looking to brush up on the city’s immense history. The Fort Worth stockyards host many concerts and arts performances for people not as interested in western culture. If you are ever in the great city of Fort Worth, make sure to stop at the Fort Worth Stockyards.
