A Comprehensive Guide for First Time Visitors to Texas
If you were to ask the average American to reel off the first five states that pop into their head, then Texas would definitely be one of the most popular.
The state of Texas, with the vibrant and fascinating capital of Austin, is one of the most interesting states within the United States to visit. So, with that being said, continue reading to discover a short guide for first-time visitors to Texas.
Houston
Houston, Texas deserves a few days dedicated to exploration on its own merit and when you are looking for exciting things to do in Houston, it is certainly worth doing your homework first.
A vibrant and exciting city, Houston boasts a plethora of different ways to spend your day, some of which are entirely free and many incredibly budget-friendly. Residents and visitors of Houston alike are absolutely enthralled when they visit Miller Outdoor Theatre, which is open from March until late November and hosts a huge range of different styles of performances. Other free events and attractions in Houston, Texas include:
- Buffalo Bayou Park
- The Galleria
- Discovery Green
- Rice University
- Street Art Tours
- Waterwall
- The Menil Art Collection
- Contemporary Arts Museum
NASA
No guide to Texas state would be complete without mentioning the fact that Houston, Texas is the gateway to NASA Johnson Space Center.
Space Center Houston is the leading learning center for all things related to space, space exploration and science in the whole of Texas and indeed the entirety of the US. What is more, visiting the Houston Space Center will be one of the most memorable days you will spend in the city, and with the only closure being on Christmas Day, it is always open for you to explore and enjoy.
Top Texan Attractions
Perhaps the most visited tourist attraction in the entire state of Texas is the San Antonio River Walk and people come from across the length and breadth of the United States and beyond to enjoy all that the river walk has to offer them.
Other top Texas attractions across the state include Hamilton Pool Nature Reserve, a wonderful natural oasis, the Texas State Capitol building with its incredible views of downtown, and the infamous Alamo in San Antonio.
Fascinating Facts About Texas
Before you visit any new state or city, it is always a good idea to learn some interesting facts and talking points which you can directly relate to the sights and sounds you experience on your visit.
The state of Texas has a rich and fascinating history, and here is just a small selection of amazing facts you may not know about Texas:
- Dr Pepper was invented there in 1885
- Texas has its own power grid which is entirely disconnected from the rest of the US
- Texas State Capitol Building is the largest state building in the US
- Amarillo is largely considered to be the helium capital of the world
- The state of Texas was its own country from 1836 to 1845