Texas Vacation Planner

2024 Texas Visitors Guide

Texas is a beautiful state full of natural resources and wildlife. The beauty of our planet abounds throughout Texas from its scenic drives, historical landmarks, San Antonio’s famous Riverwalk, thick pine forests, long winding bayous that flow into the Gulf of Mexico, and its beach escapes of Padre Island to the Coastal Blend of Corpus Christi and the Mexican border – home of Texas’s finest beaches and bays. So you can see why we want to conserve the natural beauty of our state. You’ll find some of the best biking trails in the state and ample sites for camping, hiking, rock climbing, and watching wildlife, so keeping our beautiful state environmentally productive is very important to us. On December 29, 1845, Texas was admitted into the union as the 28th U.S. State. The origin of the name Texas is from an Indian word meaning friends. Its nickname is the ‘Lone Star State.’

Areas of Texas

The beautiful city and Texas state capital of Austin with its lush riverside parks is a pleasant surprise to everyone who visits there. Dallas is the image of Texas that most people are familiar with, and visitors will not be disappointed. North Texas is prairie, home of the cattle ranges and oil fields that fuel the state’s economy. Another, less familiar side of the state is its ocean playground on the Gulf Coast, with great beach resorts and very interesting shorelines with abundant wildlife.

Houston is one of the most modern and dynamic cities in the U.S.A. The Houston Shipping Channel is a major shipping seaport that reaches the Gulf of Mexico, which is only 50 miles away. San Antonio is one of Texas’s most well-known historic regions and is very beautiful. West Texas is an arid region, there is a lot of desert here, which offers visitors an interesting experience in wild desolation.

Big Bend Texas

Sandwiched between Mexico and New Mexico, Big Bend Texas integrates Hispanic culture into the American mix. The Pecos and the Rio Grande rivers are just two of the natural attractions that abound in this part of the state, the latter forming a natural border between Texas and Mexico. In Big Bend National Park, one of the largest national parks in the United States, guests are able to hike, float on commercial float trips on the Rio Grande, camp, and birdwatch. The largest center in the region is El Paso, a city that provides easy access to its sister city of Juarez, Mexico. While in El Paso visit Fort Bliss, the Ysleta, Socorro, and San Elizario missions, and the El Paso Museum of Art. Other areas of interest in Big Bend Texas include the Amistad National Recreation Area, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and the city of Del Rio.

Central Texas Visitors Guide

Central Texas is located west of Houston, east of Austin, and south of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Defined by prairies and lakes, the environment of Central Texas offers vistas and activities unique to this area. Museums and other cultural venues present visitors with opportunities for learning about Brazos County and the rich heritage that helped to form present-day Texas. Waco is the largest town in the area and features the Cameron Park Zoo, an animal facility with a variety of flora and fauna from around the world. Flea markets are a part of the local lifestyle, with shoppers able to browse the seemingly endless tables and booths in search of bargains. Bastrop State Park is also located in Central Texas, offering campsites, picnic spots, and other visitor services. Another major draw to the area is the city of College Station, home to Texas A&M; University.

DFW Metroplex

The DFW Metroplex features all of the attractions and amenities one would expect from a supercity. In addition to Dallas and Fort Worth, the Metroplex includes the cities of Arlington, Irving, Garland, Grapevine, Mesquite, and Plano, to name a few. Visitors can take in the Fort Worth Cultural District with its numerous museums, the three-day Plano Balloon Festival in September, the Traders Village flea market in Grand Prairie, the National Football League institution of the Dallas Cowboys in Irving, and a Texas Rangers Major League Baseball game in Arlington. Guests in the area can also golf at one of the area’s many courses or hop on one of the rides at an area amusement park, such as Six Flags Over Texas. Nightlife in the Metroplex is eclectic, with everything from bars and nightclubs to performances by Dallas Opera, both the Dallas and Irving Symphony orchestras and other performance companies like the Dallas Black Dance Theatre.

East Texas

East Texas is a picturesque part of the state that welcomes visitors year-round with a number of accommodations, restaurants, shops, and other services. Outdoor activities figure prominently in this region of Texas, with guests able to get into the fresh air and experience vistas unlike any in the rest of the country. Tyler is a popular East Texas destination and offers a variety of attractions such as the Caldwell Zoo, which features over 2,000 animals from all over the world. Further south is Beaumont, a town that boasts a culture that is a mix of Louisiana’s Cajun roots and big-as-life Texas attitude. Beaumont offers a vast selection of entertaining attractions, museums, and festivals including the Fire Museum of Texas, home to the world’s largest fire hydrant. Port Arthur is a shipping center located in the southeastern part of the state that welcomes travelers with the annual Mardi Gras celebrations that take place in February each year.

Texas Gulf Coast

The Gulf Coast of Texas features a wealth of activities and attractions, including some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. Due to its seaside nature, many towns along the Gulf Coast are awash in boat charters, giving anglers ample opportunity to book deep-sea fishing excursions. Corpus Christi, one of the larger centers in the area, offers a robust choice of attractions, including the Texas State Aquarium. The city is also known as the gateway to the Padre Island National Seashore—a natural area dedicated to the conservation of native aquatic flora and fauna. The city of McAllen is another sizeable center found in the area. Located on the Rio Grande, McAllen is known for its abundance of citrus groves and for being just 10 mi (16 km) north of the Mexican border. Other popular destinations in this region include Brownsville, Harlingen, and Kingsville, each offering a fine selection of outdoor activities, trendy restaurants, and charming accommodations.

Texas Hill Country

The Hill Country of Texas is characterized by rivers, parks, hiking and biking trails, and, of course, rolling hills. Located in the heart of the state, this area reveals not just outdoor activities such as the Scott Schreiner Golf Course in Kerrville but also wineries, shopping, and a wide selection of restaurants. Visitors to Hill Country can immerse themselves in rich history through various heritage sites and cultural venues, including theatres that offer live performances and other entertainment. Cultural events from Oktoberfest Fredericksburg, to the Kerrville Folk Festival, range in genres, providing enough variety for everyone to enjoy. Fort Concho National Historic Landmark in San Angelo and Fort Lancaster State Historic Site in Ozona are just two of over a dozen sites that designate and honor the area’s early western history. The pace of life in Hills Country is known to be laid back and easy-going, perfect for a family vacation or a romantic getaway.

Texas Panhandle

The Texas Panhandle is so named because it protrudes at the top of the state, much like the handle of a pot or pan. Home to the northernmost counties in Texas, the landscape of the Panhandle is dominated by agriculture and petroleum. Visitors to this area of Texas have a variety of experiences waiting to be discovered, such as Adobe Walls, an ancient Spanish trading post that is today a contemporary historical attraction. A full one-quarter of the Panhandle is known as the Llano Estacado, which represents one of the largest expanses of flat land in the world. The town of Lubbock can be found on the Llano Estacado and is well known locally as the birthplace of early rock and roller Buddy Holly. The Lake Meredith National Recreation Area near Amarillo is another favored destination on the Panhandle, popular with anglers and campers seeking to enjoy some of the boundless Texas outdoors.

Texas Rolling Plains

Set between the Panhandle and the metropolis of Dallas, the Rolling Plains exude what many think of when talking about Texas. Due to the abundance of native grasses, the Plains Country is renowned for its grazing livestock, however, some of the more fertile soil has been planted into crops that also form a vital part of the fabric of the area. Golf and tennis are just two of the myriad outdoor activities available in the Rolling Plains area, and visitors are encouraged to enjoy the fresh air and scenery that is integral to this part of the state. Abilene is one of the area’s larger centers and offers an array of attractions, including the Abilene Zoo and the Grace Museum. The pioneer spirit is alive throughout much of the Rolling Plains and is an important part of the fabric of towns such as Wichita Falls, located in the northern part of the area.

Top Destinations in Texas

Abilene

Located in the DFW Metroplex and known as the Friendly Frontier of Texas, Abilene retains its traditional Wild West spirit in a contemporary setting. One fine example of this is Frontier Texas, a museum that brings the Wild West back to life through hands-on displays and modern exhibits that take visitors back to the days when Texas was a lawless expanse of sagebrush. The Abilene Zoo is another popular attraction, boasting over 200 species of animals from around the world and offering admission for a nominal cost. One of the city’s more unique attractions is the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, a museum that celebrates the book illustrations that stoke young imaginations. The Dyess Air Force Base is found in Abilene as well and is home to bombers and transport planes used by the U.S. military. Located just outside Abilene, the Buffalo Gap Historic Village interprets local history from the 1870s to the 1920s, showcasing American Indian artifacts, Frontier firearms and 20 historic buildings.

Addison

Offering an abundance of hotel accommodations in the DFW Metroplex, Addison is known for its entertaining nightlife for both visitors and residents. Pubs are plentiful in this town—attend a show at the Addison Improv Comedy Club or enjoy the live music at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, where handcrafted brews are a favorite. Shoppers at the Grapevine Mills outlet mall will find brand-name stores such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Nine West, and Tommy Hilfiger. In addition, Addison’s historic Town Hall Square also has a variety of shops, especially for antique and bargain hunters. Visit the Addison Theatre Centre, home to the WaterTower Theatre Company, to catch a musical or drama production or take part in a guided tour at The Cavanaugh Flight Museum, featuring fully-restored warplanes from World War I and II. For those who seek a relaxing atmosphere, rest at a local spa and enjoy a wellness treatment or massage.

Alpine, TX

In the foothills of the Davis Mountains of Texas sits the town of Alpine. Best known as the home of Sul Ross University, this college city offers many activities and attractions to keep both residents and visitors entertained. The university encompasses many of these sites, including the Museum of the Big Bend, which depicts the history of the region and its Mexican, Spanish and American Indian roots. Every February, people from all over the world come to Alpine for the Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering, which shares the cowboy life through words and workshops. With its mountainous terrain and ideal year-round weather conditions, this area is a popular hunting destination as well. Outfitters take hunters on guided trips for mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and audad sheep. Alpine also attracts many artists and boasts several galleries that display local paintings, sculptures, and other handcrafted items.

Amarillo Visitors Guide

Located in the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo offers an array of activities for all visitors, ranging from museums to recreational opportunities to a variety of entertainment venues, all while commemorating its Western heritage. For those who adore horses, the American Quarter Horse Museum features the history of one of the most popular equine breeds in the United States of America. The nearby Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and encompasses roughly 17,000 acres (6789 ha) of the canyon landscape. Camping, horseback riding, and mountain biking are common activities within the park. Visitors flock to the annual Tri-State Fair, a weeklong September event that features a midway, live entertainment, and a rodeo. Professional sports teams are not lacking in Amarillo. Visitors often attend a football, hockey, or baseball game played by one of the city’s professional teams.

Arlington, TX

Known as Fun Central, Arlington is a Texas town located between Dallas and Fort Worth. From the Six Flags Over Texas amusement park to the Texas Rangers baseball team and the Legends of the Game Baseball Museum at Ameriquest Field, Arlington celebrates its state with a variety of attractions. There is a wide choice of accommodations and services in Arlington as well as restaurants, shops, golf courses, and more. Arlington is the largest city in the United States without a public transit system; however, there is a trolley shuttle that delivers visitors to many of the local sights from the convention center or one of nineteen area hotels. Two of the area’s major draws are the Palace of Wax and Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, in neighboring Grand Prairie, each providing eye-popping displays for patrons to experience. Housed in the same building, visitors can marvel at both attractions at one venue.

Austin Visitors Guide

The area surrounding Austin is home to a blend of high-tech industry and leisure opportunities that are unrivaled in Texas. The city of Austin is the capital of Texas and is situated on the Colorado River, just one of the bodies of water in the area that offer recreational parks and lush green spaces at their edges. Created when the Colorado River was dammed, the Highland Lakes region is a haven for water sports enthusiasts as well as a spot for family getaways. For those who appreciate local cuisine, the nearby town of Lockhart is known as the Barbecue Capital of Texas, no small compliment from the state where everything is celebrated in a big way. Golf is well represented in the Austin area as well, with several courses to challenge golfers of all skill levels.

Located in the heart of Texas, Austin is a dynamic urban center bursting with accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The self-described Music Capital of the World boasts a vibrant music and arts community and a wealth of entertainment venues and related attractions. In addition to numerous entertainment districts within the city, visitors can take in live performances at the University of Texas at Austin’s Performing Arts Center, Frank Erwin Center, and Mary Moody Northern Theatre at St. Edward’s University. South by Southwest, one of the largest music festivals in the United States, is held in Austin each spring and welcomes musicians and aficionados from around the globe. For those traveling with children, must-see destinations are the Austin Children’s Museum, the Austin Zoo, and Zilker Metropolitan Park, a multi-purpose recreational area that also features the Austin Nature and Science Center, the Zilker Botanical Gardens and the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum.

Beaumont, TX

Located in East Texas, a short distance from the Louisiana border, Beaumont is almost more of a Cajun city than a Texan one, and the mix of the two cultures can make for a unique experience. After the discovery of the Spindletop gusher in 1901, Beaumont became one of Texas’s first oil boomtowns. It has since diversified and expanded to become a thriving industrial center and port. The South Texas State Fair, the second largest in the state, is held here every year and attracts up to 600,000 visitors. The Crockett Street Entertainment District in downtown Beaumont is home to numerous city festivals and has a city block full of restaurants, nightclubs, and live music. A large number of museums, covering subjects as diverse as art and pottery, steamboats, firefighting and the works of Thomas Edison, mark Beaumont as a cultural center for eastern Texas.

Boerne

Residing in Texas’ Kendall County in the Greater San Antonio area, approximately 28 mi (45 km) northwest of San Antonio and 79 mi (127 km) southwest of Austin, is the city of Boerne. The natural ecosystems and living caverns of this area attract visitors to attractions such as the Cibolo Nature Center, Cascade Caverns, and The Cave Without a Name. The city boasts local artists and collections of paintings, pottery, and sculptures, presented through exhibitions in numerous commercial and artist-run galleries. Various musical and theatrical performances, storytellers and poetry readings by local artists can be attended at the Boerne Community Theatre and accompanied by a picnic and a bottle of wine during the six-month Songs and Stories series. Accommodations vary from secluded guest ranches to full-service resorts to quaint bed and breakfast rooms, catering to visitors of all tastes.

College Station

Home to Texas A&M University, the third-largest public university in the United States, College Station boasts a broad diversity of cultures and people that draw visitors for more than just academic reasons. Located in the heart of the state, this city offers over 1,100 acres (445 ha) of park space that includes everything from bike paths to golf courses to picnic areas. There are several research facilities in the vicinity of College Station that have become major local employers and have created a strong industrial base in this part of Central Texas. The Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater is a local venue for live performances, such as the Starlight Music Series, an annual schedule of free concerts in College Station. The wine industry is represented in the area as well with the Messina Hof Winery, a vintner located in Bryan.

Columbus, TX

Columbus is a Central Texas town known for its location on the Colorado River, a body of water used for a variety of recreational activities. Bird hunting is a popular pursuit that has earned nearby Eagle Lake the moniker of the Goose Hunting Capital of the World. Naturalists also flock to the area for outstanding bird-watching opportunities in this natural habitat, which features some 300 species of migratory birds. A rich history awaits visitors to Columbus as well, and every Christmas several historical venues are opened to the public with docents relating to local history. The Live Oak Festival is an annual event each May that brings live entertainment, food concessions, and more to the community in celebration of spring. Another interesting Columbus attraction is the Mary Elizabeth Hopkins Santa Claus Museum, which features over 2,000 representations of jolly St. Nick.

Conroe

Woodland lakes, tall pines, and rolling hills are all part of the landscape surrounding Conroe, a burgeoning center of arts, entertainment, and recreation on the southern edge of Big Thicket National Preserve. Although Conroe is much smaller than the nearby metropolis of Houston, it shares the same appreciation and nurturing spirit towards the arts. Downtown Conroe is a hotbed of arts and entertainment activity, providing everything from live theater and concerts to fine dining and shopping. The Texas Arts Venue features new art and photography exhibits each month. At the Heritage Museum of Montgomery County, visitors have the chance to learn about the area’s lumber and oil industries and view an early 20th-century general store. Three golf courses await visitors interested in honing their game amidst the area’s scenic vistas.

Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi is a major port city located in the Gulf Coast region of Texas. Featuring beachfront boulevards, exciting attractions and a myriad of popular annual events, Corpus Christi proves to be a trendy vacation destination. Perhaps the most popular attraction in this city is the Texas State Aquarium, which boasts exhibits on marine life and daily shows featuring otters, dolphins, and reptiles. The Corpus Christi Dog Track also draws crowds wishing to view live greyhound dog racing several times a week. Every year the city is abuzz during Buccaneer Days, a 20-day event that takes place in April and May. Featuring a carnival, a rodeo, parades, barbecues and dance competitions, this festival is perfect for all ages. Music enthusiasts flock to the Texas Jazz Festival, a four-day October event that features top jazz performances on several stages. Outdoor adventurers enjoy visiting nearby Padre Island National Seashore, which is noted for its fishing, camping and windsurfing opportunities.

Dallas Visitors Guide

Dallas symbolizes much of the popular image of Texas. A major center for oil and gas, this city goes about its business with refreshing character and gusto. For fans of modern architecture, the business core has several styles of contemporary buildings. At Fair Park, visitors are presented with a cultural and entertainment district, with attractions that include the Dallas Museum of Natural History, Dallas Aquarium at Fair Park, Science Place and Cotton Bowl Stadium, which hosts concerts and both national and international sporting events. The performing arts—dance, music, and theater—are well represented in Dallas, with a host of venues offering performances that range from traditional to contemporary styles. Dallas’ Majestic Theatre has been a mainstay for live entertainment and arts performances since 1921. Dallas is also home to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza, a good place to meditate and get away from the fast pace of downtown.

Del Rio

Located in the Big Bend area of Texas, Del Rio supports many outdoor sites and indoor attractions for guests. One of the most popular activities in the area is fishing at Lake Amistad. This lake is one of the biggest in Texas and lends itself to activities like water skiing, jet skiing, camping, boating, picnicking, and much more. The past days of Del Rio can be found simply by walking through the historic downtown or going to the Whitehead Memorial Museum. For those interested in wine, Texas’ oldest bonded winery Val Verde, which has been operating since 1883, is close by. There are plenty of sites in the area around Del Rio, like Seminole Canyon State Park, which holds ancient cave drawings; Del Rio’s sister city, Ciudad Acuna, which is located across the Mexican border and offers a unique dining and shopping experience; and the area used for John Wayne’s film, The Alamo, in Brackettville.

Denton

Denton is located 36 mi (58 km) north of Dallas and Fort Worth in the DFW Metroplex, forming what locals call the Golden Triangle. Besides being home to the Texas Woman’s University and the University of North Texas, Denton also offers annual festivities, unique shopping, and exciting attractions. The city comes alive every August during the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo, a nine-day event that features a midway, a parade, live entertainment, and a professional rodeo. The Denton Arts and Jazz Festival is also a popular April event that features over 1,300 jazz performers. History buffs enjoy visiting the historic Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum, which commemorates the history of the area. Shoppers flock to the Golden Triangle Mall, home to over 90 stores, restaurants, and a cinema. Downtown Main Street is also home to a number of antique and eclectic shops, as well as restaurants, entertainment venues, and art galleries.

El Paso

Cradled between two shadowy mountain ranges in the Chihuahuan Desert in the Big Bend area, alongside the Rio Grande and steps away from its sister city, Juarez, Mexico, is El Paso—a city as enchanting in its history and culture as it is in its surroundings. El Paso is surrounded by sights that recall the area’s heritage, such as the 400-year-old Mission Trail, the 1680 Ysleta Mission built by Spanish Franciscans, and the 34 million-year-old molten rock marked by Apache Indians at Hueco Tanks State Historical Park. The Wyler Aerial Tramway has the best seat in the house to see it all from a 940-ft (286-m) vantage point. The area’s exceptional scenery can be explored on foot, bike or horseback at Franklin Mountains State Park, located just northwest of the city. From cowboy boots to spicy salsa, experience the fusion of American and Mexican traditions that is El Paso.

Fort Worth Visitors Guide

Known as the museum capital of the Southwest, Fort Worth boasts an impressive array of museums and art galleries, many of which can be found in the Fort Worth Cultural District. Visitors can choose from a myriad of museums including the Kimbell Art Museum, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame and the Amon Carter Museum. Fort Worth is a haven for shopping fanatics, with everything from upscale shops to large malls and flea markets. The downtown district of Sundance Square offers replicas of early 19th-century buildings filled with fine stores and boutiques, as well as restaurants and entertainment venues. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the collection of parks and lakes throughout the Fort Worth area that is ideal for hiking, biking, rollerblading, swimming, sailing, and fishing. For family fun, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and the Fort Worth Zoo are must-see venues.

Houston Visitors Guide

Greater Houston encompasses a number of cities full of historic sites, beaches, and western charm. While in Houston, many different destinations are available, from the American Cowboy Museum to the Downtown Aquarium to the Johnson Space Center. Galveston, a popular day trip, features attractions such as the Moody Gardens and the home port for the Carnival Cruise Line. Just north of the city is one of the country’s largest outdoor markets, Traders Village, as well as Mother Nature’s sanctuary, Mercer Arboretum. Families can head to Baytown, which offers access to a number of beaches and area attractions, including Evergreen Point Golf Course, Galveston Island and Six Flags Astroworld, just to name a few. The unique town of Sugar Land was built and developed around the sugar industry and features an array of historic buildings. Pasadena and Conroe are two other cities among many that make up the metropolis surrounding Houston.

Located in southern Texas, off of the Gulf Coast, Houston is a major petrochemical and oil-refining center and is home to one of the United States’ largest seaports. Houston is best known, however, for N.A.S.A. and the Johnson Space Center, which boasts simulated space voyages and mission control panels, teaching people of all ages about space travel. It also houses the Astronaut Gallery, the Mission Status Exhibit, the Starship Gallery, and the N.A.S.A. Tram Tour. Bayou Place in downtown Houston features an abundance of international dining and entertainment options. A ride on Houston’s Metro Light Rail will take you by the world-renowned Texas Medical Center, the Museum District, and Reliant Park. Visitors can also step back in time at Sam Houston Park, where the Heritage Society operates a museum and some historic buildings. Sports fans have a number of professional games to see while visiting Houston, including a baseball game at Minute Maid Park or a football game at Reliant Stadium.

Irving Visitors Guide

Located less than 11 mi (18 km) from Dallas in the DFW Metroplex, Irving offers visitors exceptional opportunities for recreation and entertainment. For outdoor enthusiasts, Irving has many championship golf courses, a world-class equestrian center, and acres of parkland perfect for hiking, jogging, biking, and fishing. The city’s numerous entertainment venues range from amusement parks to art galleries. The Irving Arts Center, which exhibits contemporary and traditional works by established and emerging artists, is a must-see. The Movie Studios at Las Colinas give visitors a taste of Hollywood with their behind-the-scenes Studio Tour. Situated in William’s Square, The Mustangs of Las Colinas, one of the largest equestrian sculptures in the world, features nine bronze mustangs, which symbolize the free-spirited people of Texas. Shopping in Irving covers everything from one-of-a-kind boutiques to bargain centers. The Traders Village Texas Flea Market is home to over 1,600 dealers every weekend.

Laredo Visitors Guide

Laredo has a long and vibrant history. History buffs will have lots to do and see in Laredo. You can take the Heritage Tour via a turn-of-the-century trolley which, for two hours, allows travelers to tour some of the city’s oldest sites including the Old Mercado, the restoration of Ft. McIntosh, the San Agustin Cathedral, and more.

San Antonio Visitors Guide

Greater San Antonio is made up of a number of unique and charming cities. From the historic Alamo site in San Antonio to the antique and specialty stores in New Braunfels, there are a host of activities and venues for visitors to enjoy. As the site of Sebastopol House State Historic Site and the Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center, Seguin offers a comfortable blend of history and culture. Natural Bridge Caverns is located between San Antonio and New Braunfels and offers tours of one of the most incredible underground caverns in Texas. German heritage abounds in New Braunfels, the home of the famous Wurstfest fall festival and the Landa Park miniature train ride. Just south of San Antonio is Calaveras Lake, which boasts a nature trail, campsites, and boating as well as fishing options. Be immersed in Texas tradition and history at Landmark Inn State Historic Site, where visitors can stay in an 1840s bed and breakfast adorned with early American antiques.

A city steeped in history, San Antonio, Texas, is a destination not to be missed. On the top of most tourist lists is the Alamo, one of the more famous Texas landmarks and site of a legendary battle that included such American icons as Davey Crockett and James Bowie. The San Antonio IMAX Theatre at Rivercenter offers a 45-minute presentation on the history and battle of the Alamo. While visiting the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, four 18th-century frontier missions connected by recreational areas are on hand to explore. Underground tours of natural formations are conducted at the Natural Bridge Caverns, with its mazes of subterranean tunnels, nooks, and crannies. Families will find plenty to do, as San Antonio is home to Sea World, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, and the San Antonio Children’s Museum. Day trips around Greater San Antonio include destinations such as New Braunfels and Seguin, which both lie less than a 40-minute drive away.