Texas is not the largest U.S. state—that honor goes to Alaska—but it is the largest of the 48 contiguous states, and it is probably the state that takes the most conspicuous pride in its size.
All of which to say that Texas is big. So big, in fact, that it would be difficult to see the entire state in one trip. Therefore, this brief guide identifies the cities that are most worthwhile to visit on your first excursion.
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1. Galveston
Galveston is a resort city located on a southern Texas island on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. It offers beaches, water sports, nightlife, and delicious seafood. A trip to Galveston can also be educational with a visit to the Lonestar Flight Museum. If you have a large group, you can charter Galveston Island bus service to drive you around the city.
2. San Antonio
In 1836, Texas fought for independence from Mexico at the Alamo. San Antonio is near this famed battle site, and there are still many historic sites and museums related to this tumultuous historical period. San Antonio has so much more to offer guests, however, including Ripley’s Believe It or Not, the Riverwalk, lively bars and restaurants, and theme parks such as Six Flags Fiesta or Sea World.
3. Dallas/Fort Worth
Dallas and Fort Worth are separate cities, and there’s not as much travel between the two by the locals as you might expect. However, because they are so close together, you may as well visit both during the same trip. Dallas offers several major league sports teams, a thriving live music scene, and an extensive collection of works on display at the Dallas Museum of Art.
Fort Worth is home to the Fort Worth Zoo and Museum of Living Art, as well as the Texas Ballet Theater. You’ll also find a bunch of cool galleries, restaurants, and shops in Downtown Sundance Square.
It would probably take several trips to see all that Texas has to offer. These are a few highlights that you should prioritize.