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Simply put, Texas is large. Over 700 miles long and almost just as wide, the second largest state in the country is a vast terrain, offering an abundant coastline, scenic mountains, far-reaching plains and up-tempo urban centers. Vacation spots in Texas offer something for everybody, whether you prefer the fresh air and relaxing tides of a beach getaway, or are looking to combine the mix of attractions that the big city has to offer. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore wide expanses of underground caves, and picturesque hills and mountains beckon those in need of inner rejuvenation. The Lone Star state is both historic and adventurous, and the right Texas vacation spots await every vocational whim you might have. With a predominantly temperate climate, Texas provides year round opportunities to pack it up and abandon your normal routine.

Texas’s largest cities of Houston. Dallas and San Antonio offer much in the way of museums, shopping and dining opportunities. A Texas family vacation in Dallas can include visits to the Dallas World Aquarium and the Six Flags Over Texas theme park in Arlington. History buffs and reminiscent revelers can make a stop at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza for an in-depth look at President Kennedy’s life and his tragic 1963 Dallas assassination. Both the Dallas Museum of Natural History and the Dallas Science Center offer educational opportunities and engaging exhibits for kids ages 1-100. South of Dallas, San Antonio delights visitors with attractions like the Alamo and the charming cobblestone-laden Paseo Del Rio River Walk. The San Antonio Botanical Garden is a wonderful place to enjoy a forest walk and examine an array of exotic plants, and the city’s 750-foot rising Tower of the Americas provides breathtaking views of the aptly named “Alamo City”. San Antonio is also a good base for a Texas Golf vacation, offering challenging public courses and picturesque golf resorts. With over 300 days of sunshine and mild temperatures, San Antonio is rapidly become a top national golf destination.

Houston is the nation’s 4th largest city, and visitors to this dazzling city will find the Houston area boasts some great Texas vacation spots. Power-shopping at Houston’s Galleria is well complimented by explorations of the city’s local culinary institutions. The Johnson Space Center is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions and offers insight into the lives of astronauts. Just 30 minutes south of Houston, Galveston features a collection of art galleries and museums that compliment the city’s 1800"s architecture. Reward yourself with a carriage ride, spend a day at one of the island’s beaches, or book one of the Texas cruises to Mexico and the western Caribbean that depart from Galveston. Close to Houston and Galveston, Surfside Beach and Crystal Beach are among the top spots for a Texas beach vacation, with Gulfside beach rentals that offer popular retreats, especially in the summer. These beach communities are ideal both for romantic Texas getaways and for those planning a Texas family vacation. Found along the state’s southern coast, Padre Island is the most notorious spot for a Texas beach vacation. South Padre Island is known worldwide for its beaches and wealth of year round activities. Base a Texas family vacation on South Padre Island and enjoy the island’s wide selection of vacation rentals.

Texas Map

For outdoors enthusiasts, Texas provides a wealth of options to escape the busy world for a taste of nature. Garner State Park, found in Uvelde County just west of San Antonio, is one of the most popular vacation spots in Texas for outdoor recreation. Rent a cabin or set up camp and enjoy swimming and hiking by day and jukebox dancing and fireside marshmallow roasts by night. Big Bend National Park, found in the southwest of Texas along the Rio Grande River, features river, desert and mountain environments that provide solitude and adventure. Scenic views can be enjoyed with a backcountry canoe ride and remote car camping. Texas hiking is prime at Big Bend and the Big Thicket National Preserve, just 100 miles east of Houston, is another great place to hoof the nature trails. Big Thicket is home to a myriad of animal species, and its complex bio-diversity is reflected in a treasure of varied habitats. Couple your Texas beach vacation at South Padre Island with a visit to the 133,000-acre Padre Island National Seashore, where beaches, grasslands and ponds are home to a variety of native flora and fauna.