Texas

Texas holds onto that raw American pride and endless variety, from thumping cities out to wide deserts and rugged hills—whether you want Austin's artsy beat, real Tex-Mex that satisfies, or the stories that set it apart. You come here expecting range, and it delivers: packed streets one minute, open spaces the next that leave you catching your breath.

Take Austin, the capital where music drifts from doorways and festivals pack the schedule. SXSW started right here, reeling in visitors for the creativity, food stalls, and easygoing "Keep Austin Weird" attitude—pop into downtown for those offbeat stores, neighborhood bars, solid meals, plus time at the impressive Texas State Capitol or circling Lady Bird Lake on a paddle.

Houston cranks things higher as the state's giant, full of business drive, space feats, and cultural pulls. NASA's Johnson Space Center grabs you if stars call, matched by the Museum District's spread of art spaces, science halls, history corners. Good food, shops, shows—they all line up without a hitch.

Land shifts quick for anyone outdoorsy, hitting Big Bend National Park's tough Chihuahuan Desert feel or East Texas Piney Woods shade. Set camp or trek Big Bend as stars pop overhead, following Rio Grande views to the Mexico side; Hill Country eases in with hills, flowers in season, creek dips, walks, or river boat rides on the Colorado River.

What marks Texas most? Its Lone Star edge, born from republic times and Revolution fights. You feel it at The Alamo in San Antonio, that battle still hanging heavy, flowing straight to the San Antonio River Walk's string of cafes, stores, unexpected finds. Out by Houston, San Jacinto Battleground seals the independence win—real places bringing yesterday forward.

Fort Worth hangs onto cowboys through ranches, rodeos, cattle paths mixed with today's scene. Then food ties it—barbecue low and smoky, Tex-Mex with kick, tacos statewide, but San Antonio, Austin do them proud, hooking anyone after those homegrown flavors.

Beaches down the Gulf let you fish, swim, stretch out—Galveston puts resorts wave-close, Padre Island National Seashore saves raw coast for folks wanting room to roam.

Texas builds trips that echo later, rough edges to bright lights and full plates. Get going with Great American Tours—Texas at its core, smooth from go to wrap-up.