By Emily Beach
The Best Vacation Spots in Texas
Texas is one of the most heavily populated states in the
United States, and home to some of the largest cities in the country. Its size is second only to Alaska, and the state maintains a warm, dry climate year-round. Because of its vast size, visitors will find a virtually unlimited number of activities, from amusement parks to some of the best live music venues in the country. While it can be hard to settle on one vacation spot in Texas, there are a few hubs that make day trips easier, and are worth visiting in their own right.
Galveston Island
Buildings on the Strand
Galveston is a tiny island located off the southeast Texas shore in the Gulf of Mexico. It can be reached only by ferry or across the vast Island Causeway. The island is home to some great beaches, but its most popular attraction is The Strand, an area of perfectly preserved Victorian buildings. The Strand houses dozens of independent shops and restaurants, and is home to many special events throughout the year. During the winter, the area is home to "Dickens on the Strand," a Christmas themed event that pays homage to the writer Charles Dickens. Visitors often come dressed in period costumes, and the area is elaborately decorated for the season.
San Antonio
The River Walk
The city of San Antonio, like many spots in Texas, is a blend of historic sites and modern entertainment venues. Visitors can tour the famous Alamo mission, which was the site of an important battle during the Texas Revolution. Here, a small group of soldiers held off a vast invading army for several weeks. The building is beautifully preserved to its nineteenth century glory, and offers free daily tours. San Antonio is also home to the River Walk, a sunken plaza featuring dozens of bars, restaurants, and shops centered along the San Antonio River. Ferries and gondolas transport guests along the impeccably landscaped river to various attractions. While in San Antonio, be sure to take a day trip to the nearby Schlitterbahn water park in New Braunfels, Texas. It is often recognized as one of the best water parks in the country, and features dozens of slides and rides for guests of all ages.
The Alamo 300 Alamo Plz. San Antonio, TX 78205, (210) 225-1391
River Walk 110 Broadway, Suite 500 San Antonio, TX 78205, (210) 227-4262
Schlitterbahn 381 East Austin Street New Braunfels, TX 78130, (830) 625-2351
Austin
6th Street in Austin
The city of Austin is both the state's capital city and one of the live music capitals in the United States. Some of the country's most famous music festivals are held here, including South by Southwest and the City Limits Festival. Even when there are no big events taking place, visitors can hear great new music in the venues along 6th Street. This historic area downtown is the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and is home to many bars, restaurants and clubs. To cool off during those hot Texas days, head over to Barton Springs, a series of natural cool springs that are fed into man-made pools. Guests can swim, dive and slide here, while partaking in the mineral elements of these natural springs.
Barton Springs 2101 Barton Springs Road, (512) 476-9044
Resources
About the Author:
Emily Beach works in the commercial construction industry in Maryland. She received her LEED accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2008 and is in the process of working towards an Architectural Hardware Consultant certification from the Door and Hardware Institute. She received a bachelor's degree in economics and management from Goucher College in Towson, Maryland.
Photo Credits:
Wiki Commons
