MAIN Travel North America USA Texas

Spanish and French explorers visited the territory in the 16th and 17th centuries, but it was American pioneers, led by Stephen Austin, who began settling the region in 1821.

A decade later, the famous Mexican border disputes at the Alamo in San Antonio, and Sam Houston's victory at San Jacinto led to complete severing of ties with Mexico on Texas Independence Day on March 2, 1836.

The day is still observed as an official state holiday with a traditional visit to Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park to celebrate the location of the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence

The largest of the lower 48 states second in size only to Alaska, Texas leads the U.S. in oil ("Texas tea"), cattle and sheep raising, as well as cotton production.

Famous for its Texas Gulf coast beaches, the state also boasts more than a hundred state parks, the Space Center in Houston, and the Texas Capitol building in Austin.

If traveling through the state in late September, also don't miss the end-of-summer Texas State Fair in Dallas (the original home of the corn dog) for an authentic taste of Americana.

Kid-friendly Texas

In addition to the Space Center, family-friendly attractions in Houston abound. Don't miss a fun trip to the Houston Downtown Aquarium for displays of more than 200 species of aquatic life, some of which you can see from a giant, eye-popping wall-to-ceiling fish tank situated in the middle of their onsite restaurant.

There's more for younger kids and toddlers at the Children's Museum of Houston, one of the best in the country - featuring an entire miniature town, a water play area, a playground, and live animal displays.

In the Dallas-Forth Worth area, a top hot spot for families is Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington offering a full-day excursion of thrill rides, gentler attractions for younger kids, and live entertainment. For younger kids and toddlers, get your walking shoes on for a trek through the giant Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens offering beautiful surroundings and play areas to inspire young imaginations.

Meanwhile, fun for the entire family is in store at the Dallas World Aquarium with popular must-sees including regularly scheduled shark feedings as well as an exotic birds area with a 40-foot waterfall.

In San Antonio, historical displays at the Alamo compete with other major tourist draws including the San Antonio Children's Museum and recently made-over Brackenridge Park which is a delightful combination of city park, zoo, old-fashioned amusement park rides, play areas and stroller-friendly pathways. Plan to spend the day!

More information about Texas tourist attractions around the Web:

Texas Travel - It's the next best thing to being there, with webcams of top vacation spots around the state, trip planners, city guides, driving tours and directions, maps & pictures, event calendar, related resources.

Welcome to Texas Highways - The state's official online travel magazine with timely vacation features, pictures, fascinating facts, famous and offbeat attractions, Texas history, folklore and trivia, reader tips and recipes.

Texas Parks & Wildlife - Vacation fun in the sun with everything you need to know about where to boat, fish and swim, hike & bike in the state parks network with facts & information on opening times, safety, licences, forecasts, FAQ.

The Guide to Texas Outside - The whole Texas guide to swimming, surfing, fishing, hiking, hunting and anything else you can do out of doors with a special look at Southern Texas.

Houston, Texas City Guide and Houston Meeting Planner Guide - What's goin' on in Houston featuring vacation news and updates, facts and info on major attractions, hotels and restaurants, neighborhood guides.

Austin City Guide - The big, big guide to Austin with information on family vacation fun and cultural events, clubs and bars, golf courses and lake fun, with pictures & video clips, related links.

Corpus Christi, Padre Island Texas - An area Web directory with resources and links to major attractions, hotels, sports & recreation, arts & theater.

San Antonio Travel Guide -Wikitravel - A complete visitors guide with information on major vacation spots, restaurants, activities, city parks, and more with photo gallery, maps.

Fort Worth, Texas - Fort Worth Attractions, Accommodations & Dining Guide - The focus on "Cowboys and Culture" with guides to area rodeos, cattle drives and country music along with high f'lootin' opera, symphony and ballet performances, and printable money saving vacation coupons

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