From breathtaking views to dynamic cultural, culinary and recreational opportunities, Texas offers countless reasons for international travelers to fall in love. Here are some highlights of the state’s seven picturesque regions. The state’s largest population centers are Houston, San Antonio and the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
South Texas Plains
The South Texas Plains region offers an irresistible blend of centuries-old culture, cuisine and historic sites, including the Alamo, Mission Trails, the iconic River Walk and King Ranch, the nation’s largest ranch.
Panhandle Plains
Head over to the Panhandle Plains in the northwestern corner of Texas to explore Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest canyon in the U.S. The region is dominated by ranching and farming and is the heart of the Texas frontier.
Gulf Coast
The Texas Gulf Coast offers 350 miles of selfie-worthy sand dunes, coastal towns and seaside adventures, bordered by barrier islands stretching from Galveston to South Padre Island. The coast is also home to more than 600 bird species, more than any other state.
The population of Texas is more than 30 million, making it the nation’s second-largest state by both population and area.
Piney Woods
Nature enthusiasts will also enjoy the East Texas Piney Woods, home of the Big Thicket National Preserve, and the nearly 27,000-acre Caddo Lake area, with its maze of slow-moving bayous, wetlands and backwaters. With a landscape full of forests and streams, it’s a haven for canoeing, fishing and nature photography.
Prairie and Lakes
The Prairies and Lakes region is home to the vibrant nightlife, cuisine, shopping and culture in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, but it is also full of interesting finds, from historic downtown Grapevine to the Texas Motor Speedway to the iconic Fort Worth Stockyards.