Southeast Region

Historic missions and theme parks, river walk cafes and mariachis, working ranches and golf resorts - these are just a few examples of how the diversity of the South Texas settlers, South Texas has its feet firmly planted in both the old and new worlds. In San Antonio and other South Texas cities, historic battle sities of Texas independence reside side-by-side with metropolitan shops and night clubs.

The Hill Country

Lakes, spring-fed rivers, and rolling hills provide just some of the natural beauty of the Hill Country landscape. River rafts, canoes, and sailboats are common a sight as cowboy boots in this part of the state, also known as the Hill Country. The State Capital in Austin, built with Hill Country pink granite, is a perfect place to begin exploring. In addition to the natural beauty, small communities steeped in European tradition are a great source for antique shopping and wonderful cuisine, including fine Texas wines. Those with a more adventurous streak can enjoy one of the many dude ranches found in the region.

Big Bend Country

Larger than several states combined, Big Bend offers 19th-century U.S Army posts that once guarded the pioneers' westward trail and mountain communities that feature a rich blend of Mexican, Native American, and Anglo cultures. The city of El Paso is living proof of this rich mixture of cultures. Visitors to Big Bend Country can also hike the state's tallest mountain in the Guadalupe Mounatins, float down the Rio Grand River or camp in the untamed paradise of Big Bend National Park's colorful mountains and desert floors. It is also possible to glimpse the heavens from a mountain-top observatory.

The Gulf Coast

Cool Gulf waters, sand dunes covered in rustling sea oats, emerald marshlands, wildlife refuges, and cosmopolitan glamour define the Gulf Coast region, better known as the Texas Riviera. Major cities and hide-away resorts dot the more than 600-mile(969 km) stretch of beaches that feature water sports, plus unique historic and cultural attractions. The city of Houston hosts performing arts and concerts, sports events, and family amusement parks as well as a major international airport. The resort islands and coastal cities, such as South Padre Island, Corpus Christi, Galveston, and Port Aransas offer relaxing beach vacations.

The Piney Woods

The Piney Woods of East Texas, with its millions of acres of pine forests and wetlands, has a unique appeal all its own. Texas' four national forests, which offer wonderful camping, hiking, and fishing, are all located in this densely wooded area of the state. History buffs can visit the 1800s via quaint historic towns and replica pioneer settlements. Many of the Victorian buildings double as charming bed-and breakfast inns. A steam-powered locomotive carries visitors through sky scraping pines. Blooming dogwoods, magnolias, and roses add a touch of southern charm to this region.

Prairies and Lakes

While the Prairies and Lakes area is home to miles of grassy prairies and lovely lakes, this description belies the excitement available in the cities that anchor this part of the state & Dallas, Forth Worth, and the surrounding communities also know as "The Metroplex". Dallas offers its visitors a healthy helping of "Cowboy Chic" - exciting night life, outstanding cultural arts and more shopping centers per capital than anywhere else in the United States. Forth Worth appeals to those more interested in a more ethnic flavor of the Wild West, but in a big city atmosphere. And in between the two cities are several exciting cities like Irving and Arlington that provide sports buffs and families all types of professional sporting teams, amusement parks, and shopping opportunities. South of the MetroPlex one can find a variety of cities that are steeped in history and home to major industrial companies and international recognized universities.

The Panhandle Plains

Better known as cattle country, the Panhandle Plains offer big skies, sweeping sunsets, great plains, and breathtaking vistas. Adventure can climb the majestic multicolored cliffs of Caprock Escarpment and explore rugged Palo Duro Canyon on foot or horseback. Area cities complete with cowboy customs as well as cultural sophistication are exciting destinations. Visitors to the Panhandle Plains, around Lubbock, will enjoy wineries and museums honoring the pioneers of the Old West.

Texas is a state of many cultures. Long before the word "Tejas" evolved into our name, people had been living on this great land. Over the centuries, travelers of different cultures come to Texas and made it their home. Today, our diversity is as great as our state. We are all Texans. We are all Texas.

Everywhere you look in Texas, you see our rich beauty and history formed from the many cultures that have come to call Texas home. And we celebrate it the same way we celebrate everything else in Texas: Big!

The Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio, with it's rich variety of exhibitshighlighting 26 cultural and ethnic groups gives visitors a lesson on the many cultures that influenced the Lone Star State -- concentrating on the people who created Texas history. Visitors can view how different people arrived in Texas; how they lived; what they ate; how they celebrated and other interesting historical facts.

Texan cultures have left vast evidence of their contributions everywhere. It's what makes Texas, Texas. Today, we celebrate these contributions through events, festivals, and museums. Take a look at the brief history of some of these cultures, and how important they are to the state that has throughout time, been home to many people and has stood under six flags

There are lots of great reasons to visit Texas : the scenery, the culture, the people just to name a few. If no other reason, come for the food. Texas offers one of the best attractions all day long, all year round - Texas cuisine. From Tex-Mex to Five Star it's what makes every visit a real treat.

When taking a trip to Texas, remember two things. Come ready for an exciting time and come hungry. Texas cuisine offers the best of over 20 nationalities, including mixtures of Native-American, Spanish, Mexican, African, German, and good old-fashioned Southern home cooking recipes. They are all uniquely Texan, since through the generations they've been flavored with Texan charm.

And speaking of flavor, no one enjoys great food as much as Texans. In fact, no other state has as many cook-offs, fry-offs, festivals, jamborees or any other celebration of food than we have. With everything from Turkey Trots, Watermelon Thumps, Peach Jamborees, and Chili Cookoffs to our famous state Jalape‹o Eating Contest; the pastime of food ranks second in Texas only to football.

So what makes Texas cuisine so popular? We're glad you asked. Because there's one thing we Texans love almost as much as eating great food. And that's talking about it. So here's a sample of some of the foods considered authentic Texan cuisine. We suggest you not read this on an empty stomach.

Everything's bigger in Texas, including the bird watching. With our incredibly diverse bird population, the American Birding Association has listed Texas as the top birding tours destination fo the last five years. Come and see why thousands of birders flock here each year.

With over 600 species of birds to see and catalogue, Texas is arguably the birding capital of America. In fact, according to the American Birding Association, the Lone Star State is the most popular state in the union for bird watching, and has been for five years straight. A confluence of three major migratory paths makes Texas birding especially rich in variety. And Texas has it's share of resident birds, as well as species from Mexico to add to the count.

Horned larks, kites, and prairie chickens make their home in the Texas Panhandle. Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for thousands of wintering Sandhill Cranes.

The Hill Country boasts the only bird that nests exclusively in Texas, the Golden-cheeked Warbler. Black-capped Vireos and Cave Swallows found in about 16 limestone caves are also specialties of the central Texas area.

Several eastern species including the Wood Thrush, Acadian Flycatcher, and Kentucky Warbler, breed in the forested areas of the Piney Woods of East Texas. While Swainson's Warblers and Swallow-tailed Kites can be seen in the swampy streambottoms.

Over 450 species have been identified in Big Bend National Park, more than any other national park. In the canyons of the Chisos Mountains, Painted Redstarts, Blue-throated Hummingbirds, Mexican Jays, rare Colima Warblers, and many other species of the Mexican Mountains may be seen.

Although you can find birding trails and other avian resources all over Texas, 75% of the bird-watching sites and parks are along the Texas Gulf Coast.

The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail was developed to keep the birder's experience rich and diverse. The highway trail connects established and new birding sites all along the 624 miles of Texas Coast. It's the first such trail in the nation. And, by far, the most diversely populated.

Divided into three sections, appropriately named Upper, Central and Lower Coast, the trail can be easily navigated and planned for travel. Each section has it's unique bio-diversity, climate and features, so each is a unique birding experience.

Of course, single birding sites can offer an experience without traversing the entire Third Coast. The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, located just north of Rockport, is the principle wintering ground for the near-extinct Whooping Crane. This sanctuary was established to protect over 300 species, including Canadian Geese, Pintail and Baldpate Ducks, as well as Sandhill Cranes. Other animals prosper at the refuge as well. White-tail deer, javelina and raccoon also call Aransas their home. With trails and observation towers strategically positioned, sight-seers and photographers alike will enjoy the view.

The Padre Island National Seashore, an 80-mile stretch of undeveloped beach located off the Texas Coast, is home to more than 350 species of wintering birds. Further inland, the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge south of Alamo on the banks of the Rio Grande River features beautiful hiking trails and a 7-mile wildlife drive, where you can see a variety of tropical birds as well as ocelots, jaguarundis and other wildlife rarely seen on this continent.

The Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park on the banks of the Rio Grande near Mission is a year-round home to native birds like the Oriole, the Flycatcher and the Kingfisher. Exotic species such as the Collared Forest Falcon of Argentina can also be seen.

It's what Texas is known for.The land. And the way Texans have lived and worked the land for generations. What better way to see Texas than to visit our vast, historic ranches. Relax in the scenic open country and you'll see just how the land makes this a perfect getaway.

The tradition of Texas ranching began in the 1700s, when Spanish priests and soldiers first introduced domesticated livestock to the colonial settlements here. Spanish Vaqueros (cowboys) introduced the concepts of the roundup and branding. They taught the Americans the trade of working cattle on horseback. And the Cowboy was born.

Today, Texas ranches still cover the countryside as they've done for generations. And they've remained as the history of Texas unfolded. There was great diversity among the early cowboys and vaqueros who shaped the American cattle industry. In fact, it was an African-American cowboy named Bill Pickett who, while working cattle on a central Texas ranch in 1903, invented the sport of "bulldogging," where a cowboy leaps from his horse to take the "bull by the horns" and force it to the ground. He became the first African-American cowboy inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Of course, you won't be required to wrestle a steer to the ground when you visit a Texas ranch. But you'll want to visit one of the many beautiful guest ranches across the state. If you want to experience the life of a real cowboy, visit one of the many "dude" ranches. You'll learn to ride a horse, rope a calf and with practice, walk with a swagger. Other ranches feature the beauty and serenity of the Texas landscape as their main attraction, and offer more of the hospitality of a bed and breakfast. And you don't want to miss a real Texas breakfast.

In Amarillo you can visit the Elkins Ranch. Located near the scenic Palo Duro Canyon, this spread has been a family-run working ranch for 75 years. Cattle drives take place from May to October. Visitors can live like real cowboys during their stay - sleep under the stars, drive the herd, and have "supper" around a fire every night.

San Angelo offers Old Fort Concho, one of the most well-preserved forts in the nation. Staffed with "living-history" soldiers, you'll see just how the frontier soldier lived and played. While you're in San Angelo, you can also visit the largest cattle auction in the Southwest, and the nation's largest sheep auction.

The Taylor-Stevenson Ranch in Houston is one of the first and remains one of the few African-American family-owned working ranches in the US. A variety of historical and educational events are offered at this century-old ranch. It also serves as the site of the American Cowboy Museum, which highlights the African American, Hispanic, and Native American contributions to America's cowboy legacy.

The Cowboy Capital of the World is just outside San Antonio in the Texas Hill Country. The cowboy tradition has never faded in Bandera, Texas. The concentration of dude and guest ranches keep visitors cozy in everything from rustic cabins to luxury accommodations-complete with golf and tennis. And in the summer months, you can find a rodeo every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday night.

Looking for an escape from the cold, harsh winter ? How about basking in the warm Texas sun ? How about a climate so inviting, you can enjoy outdoor activities, festivals, and events all winter long? Come and see what so many others have already found.

The warm Texas sun. It sure can welcome a weary Yankee or Canadian or two come wintertime. In fact, we've always been the favorite destination for wintering folks from around the nation.

And when it comes to winter in Texas, there's plenty to do - especially since our climate allows for lots of outdoor activities almost all year long.

The Lower Rio Grande Valley has long been a favorite destination for thousands of Winter Texans every year. Located in the sub-tropical southern tip of Texas, visitors are lured by balmy temperatures throughout most of the year, proximity to Old Mexico, excellent golf courses, and sun-washed Gulf beaches. Many Mid-westerners and Canadians spend the entire winter here, strolling amid blossoming citrus groves and palm-lined boulevards. It's a great destination for nature oriented visitors and is one of the best birding locations in the country. Most cities along the Lower Rio Grande Valley such as McAllen, Weslaco, Harlingen, and Brownsville include planned "Winter Texan" programs from November through April with social activities, trips to Mexico, tours, shows and concerts.

Another famous and obvious destination is, of course, the beautiful 624 miles of Texas Gulf Coast. With warmer winters than most, Texas lets you enjoy our beaches in a relaxed, friendly climate. And wildlife seekers will enjoy the many species of indigenous and migratory winter Texans as well. In fact, the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail is the first of its kind in the nation, allowing birding-enthusiasts to see many of the over 600 species that call Texas their permanent or seasonal home. If you prefer aquatic-life gazing, the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi offers a look at over 250 species of ocean life. From starfish to sharks, you can see them all.

If you just want to escape the harsh winter of the Midwest or Canada, we've got just the right place. Actually, there are hundreds. Hundreds of small quaint towns and large bustling cities to enjoy a little time in the warm, hospitable Texas winter. Buckaroo Bucks is a statewide savings program exclusively for Canadian visitors valid from September 1, 1999 through March 31, 2000. If you're a Canadian traveler, you can receive a Buckaroo Bucks coupon book when you order a free copy of the Texas State Travel Guide.

The Texas Hill Country is home to many of these small towns. The rich, German heritage of towns such as Fredericksburg, New Braunfels, Gruene and others give you a taste of old-world hospitality and cuisine. Plus, they're a great spot for shopping and "antiquing" as well.

Shopping in Texas can also mean a quick jaunt to Mexico to shop for art and gifts, not to mention great silver jewelry -- where you can purchase from the artists who craft them. Large cities such as Dallas, Houston, El Paso and San Antonio offer a variety of activities as well, including museums, restaurants and sightseeing.

If the warm weather and rich heritage isn't enough for you, consider the many festivals and events Texas hosts each winter. The Texas Square Dance Jamboree is held in McAllen every February. Also in February is the annual Charro Days festival in Brownsville. It would be a challenge to spot the Winter Texans in the crowd because they're made welcome by the locals and they feel right at home. In fact many small towns display their "Welcome Home, Winter Texans" banners come fall. Because in Texas, we're friendly to everyone: full-time Texans, and those who wish they were.

No other state can beat the quality and diversity of them more than 800 golf courses in Texas. In fact we have host half a dozen PGA and LPGA tours on some of the most beautiful, challenging courses you 'll ever see. Come to Texas and take a look for yourself.

It's true. We Texans love our land. And we have a lot of it. So it's nothing for the Lone Star State to pepper the landscape with pockets of lush oasis-like playgrounds, otherwise known as golf courses. You can only imagine that since everything's bigger in Texas, golf is no exception. With over 800 courses in our grand state, you won't be shy any rounds if you come to play the links.

If you do pack your clubs while visiting Texas, you won't be alone. You can count over 70 of the top PGA players as Texas residents.

Whether you're wanting to ride roller coasters, white-water rapids, or galloping horses, Texas has it all. Millions of visitors come to the Lone Star State to enjoy the theme parks, water parks and national parks. And everyride comes with the friendliness only Texans can offer. Come and visit Texas for an adventure you'll always remember. Enjoy the ride.

Roller coasters, white-water rapids, horses, surfboards. If you can ride it, you can ride it in Texas. And all year long, you can find the wildest rides Texas has to offer all over the state.

If you're looking for thrill rides, we've got the ticket for you. We've got three Six Flags¨ Theme Parks in Texas. You can visit Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington (conveniently located between Dallas and Fort Worth), Astroworld in Houston and Fiesta Texas in San Antonio. Each with exciting rides, stunt shows featuring DC Comics Super Heroes, musical productions and even fun rides for the very young children. Not to mention monster roller coasters and other rides for the thrill seeker of any age. (Click here to see a complete list of all the theme parks in the state.)

Now we can't talk about Texas rides without mentioning the ride most associated with our great state: the horse. Whether it's a Quarterhorse, Arabian or even a Thoroughbred, you can saddle up just about anywhere in Texas. There are stables all over that let you ride along our beautiful beaches, through our wide-open plains and our stately ranches. Depending on your ability and experience, you can ride solo or take lessons. Check with almost any Texan town you're visiting to see where you can sit a top a ride that's truly a part of Texas history.

We also have wild rides that cool you off. Our water parks are some of the best in the country. Schlitterbahn is 65 acres of pure wet and wild fun located in New Braunfels. Fed by the Comal River, this park of water rides, giant hot tubs, slides rapids and even a children's playground, is surrounded by the lush greenery of the Texas Hill Country.

Take 600 miles of some of the most beautifully kept beaches in the world. Add the warmth of the Gulf waters and Texas hospitality, and you have a retreat worth taking. Come inside to see the sands of Galveston Island, Port Aransas, Corpus Christi, South Padre Island and all the surf in between.

All along the 600 miles of Texas beaches, the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico meet the 80° F median temperature of the Lone Star State, making Texas beaches among the most calming and beautiful in the nation. There are countless sandcastles to build, unrelenting surf to tame and infinite shells to find. There are a number of ways to enjoy what we in Texas like to call the "Third Coast." All you have to do is pack. And pick one.

Galveston Island, at just an hour's drive from Houston, boasts 32 miles of family-oriented beaches. Its rich history and Texas charm makes any summer retreat an experience beyond the sun and surf. And with planned activities like volleyball tournaments, concerts and more, there's always something going on. The island even hosts one of the largest sandcastle-building competitions in the world, planned and judged by the American Institute of Architects. Stewart Beach Park is the island's premiere family beach which features a pavilion, complete with a playground, volleyball courts, snack bar, as well as a souvenir shop and even umbrella and chair rentals. As for the rest of the island, there are more beautiful beaches and tours of some of the 550 historic sites and homes that add to your visit.

Head south and you'll hit Corpus Christi, at the heart of the Texas Gulf Coast. While visiting Corpus Christi, you'll be able to climb aboard the USS Lexington, an aircraft carrier-turned museum. But don't end your naval tour there. Enjoy a scenic narrated cruise of Corpus Christi Bay and Harbor. And when you come ashore, visit the Texas State Aquarium and marvel at the aquatic life of the Texas gulf coast and the Atlantic Ocean.

Across Corpus Christi Bay, you'll find Port Aransas on Mustang Island. Along with some of the most popular beaches in the country, you can explore one of the nation's prestigious "Top 12" bird watching sites on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.

Take a breathtaking drive across the spectacular Harbor Bridge (U.S. 181) for a view of the city and bay. Outside the city, another bridge (TX 358) leads to Padre Island, one of the last natural seashores in the United States. At either end of the 110-mile long island are state parks and resort accommodations. In between, an unblemished stretch of serene Texas coast. The National Seashore features the Grasslands Nature Trail - a two-mile paved walk among native plants and wildflowers. While enjoying the pristine coastal waters and sand, you can learn to surf, kayak and even windsurf the waves, or parasail above them. At the southern-most tip of the island lies the appropriately named town of South Padre Island. Each year, the 2000-population town grows tenfold for a few weeks in March, as it has become one of the most popular Spring Break destinations in the nation.

And if a good catch is what you're looking for, there are seasoned fishing expeditions just waiting for you at almost every stop on the Texas-beach tour. Bringing home a prize sailfish or shark as a souvenir is pretty tough to top.