There are many things that Texas is famous for, from its delicious food to its vibrant culture. If you’re looking for a unique experience while in the Lone Star State, be sure to check out some of these ten attractions!
The Lone Star State has something for everyone. From the big city lights of Dallas and Houston to the wide open spaces of the prairies and deserts, Texas is a truly unique place. Here are 10 things that make Texas so special.
The Alamo
This historic site in San Antonio is one of the most famous landmarks in Texas. The Alamo was the site of a battle during the Texas Revolution, and today it stands as a reminder of the brave men who fought and died there.
The San Jacinto Monument
This towering monument in Houston commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto, where Texas won its independence from Mexico.
The State Capitol
Located in Austin, the State Capitol is one of the most iconic buildings in Texas. Built in 1888, this grand building houses the offices of the governor and lieutenant governor, as well as the Texas Legislature.
Big Bend National Park
This huge national park is located in West Texas and is home to a variety of landscapes, from mountains and canyons to deserts and rivers. This vast national park in near the border and is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. With its majestic mountains and stunning desert landscapes, Big Bend is a must-see for any nature lover.
The Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans
One of the most popular professional sports teams in the United States, the Dallas Cowboys are known for their diehard fans and winning tradition. The Cowboys have won multiple super bowls in their history and the Texans are looking strong in 2024.
The Houston Astros and Texas Rangers
Are professional baseball teams in Houston and Dallas with a loyal following, the Houston Astros are one of the most successful baseball teams in recent years and recently won the World Series – plus the Rangers just built a new stadium.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
This annual event is the largest rodeo in the world and attracts visitors from all over the globe.
The Alamo Drafthouse
This movie theater chain is known for its unique experience, which includes in-theater dining and a strict no-talking policy during the film. Alamo Drafthouse is a good place to see a movie because you can actually enjoy the film without having to worry about people talking or texting during the show plus eat some good food or drink a beer.
The San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks
Another professional sports team with a large following, the San Antonio Spurs are two of the most successful basketball teams in recent history with multiple NBA championships and all star players like Luka Doncic and Dirk Nowitzki on the Mavericks.
The Texas State Fair
This huge fair takes place every year in Dallas and features rides, food, games, and live entertainment. At the fair you can find fried foods, a livestock show, the midway full of games plus the Red River Rivarly between OU and UT.
The University of Texas at Austin
One of the largest universities in the country, UT Austin is home to over 50,000 students and offers a variety of degree programs. UT is a popular choice because of its academic reputation and beautiful campus plus being in Austin makes is easy to get a job with tech companies moving to the area.
The Texas Hill Country
This region of the state is known for its beautiful scenery, including rolling hills and wildflowers. You can also find vineyards, breweries, and distilleries in the Hill Country which can be fun to explore if you enjoy craft beer and wine.
Texas BBQ
No list of what Texas is famous for would be complete without mentioning the delicious barbecue that can be found all over the state. Texans love brisket, pulled pork, and sausage, and there are BBQ joints in every city and town. Some of the most popular BBQ restaurants in the state are Pecan Lodge, Snows BBQ, and Saltlick in Austin.
The Lone Star Flag
The official flag of Texas, the Lone Star Flag is a symbol of the state’s independence and history. The flag was originally designed by Dr. Charles B. Stewart in 1836 and has been updated several times since then. The current flag was adopted in 1991 and features a white star on a blue background with red and white stripes.
Famous Texans
Some of the most famous people in the world have called Texas home, including presidents, astronauts, and entertainers like George W. Bush, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Selena Quintanilla.
Don’t Mess With Texas
This phrase is used to describe the state’s independent spirit and can be seen on bumper stickers, T-shirts, and more.
Famous TV Shows
Famous TV shows like Dallas, Wishbone, and Barney & Friends were all set in Texas and featured the state’s landscapes, people, and culture. Many people assume these shows originated in California but they are actually filmed in the North Texas area.
Dealy Plaza
The site of the Kennedy assassination, Dealy Plaza is a National Historic Landmark in Dallas. The plaza was named for George Bannerman Dealey, a newspaper publisher who was killed in the line of duty during the Civil War.
Palo Duro Canyon
The second largest canyon in the United States, Palo Duro is located in the Texas Panhandle. The canyon features red cliffs and a variety of plant and animal life.
Sam Houston Monument
This monument in Huntsville, Texas is dedicated to Sam Houston, a leader in the Texas Revolution and the first president of the Republic of Texas. The monument features a 22-foot statue of Houston on a pedestal surrounded by six bronze statues of his fellow Texan heroes.
Enchanted Rock
This huge pink granite rock formation is located in the Llano Uplift and is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Texas. The rock has been used as a shelter by Native Americans for centuries and is now a state park.
South Padre Island
This popular beach destination is located on a barrier island off the coast of Texas. South Padre Island is known for its clear waters, sand dunes, and wildlife as well as a popular spot for spring breakers looking to party on the gulf coast.
The Live Music Capital
Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, thanks to its many live music venues and annual festivals like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits. The city is home to a variety of musical genres including country, rock, blues, and jazz.
There’s no place like Texas! Whether you’re looking for history, adventure, or just a good time, you’ll find it in the Lone Star State. So what are you waiting for? Come see what all the fuss is about!
What are some of your favorite things about Texas? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other blog posts about the Lone Star State.
