Texas

The state of Texas is the second-largest in the U.S. and one of the most fascinating and unique cultural regions in North America. The “Lone Star State” is a well-known symbol of cowboy plains, especially rich Texas beef, rugged individuals, and a strong Mexican influence that flows across the southern border.

The eastern part of Texas is industrialized and densely populated, home to two of the five largest cities in the U.S. — Houston and Dallas.

San Antonio is the most attractive travel destination among the major cities, with its rich Spanish colonial history and a vibrant, charming downtown.

Southern Texas features the stunning beaches of Padre Island, and farther west, along the Rio Grande Valley, a series of large cities with strong Mexican character, such as Laredo and El Paso. The national parks of West Texas complete the American experience with dramatic desert landscapes and mountain ridges, massive steaks, cowboys with a twang in their voice, and endless open spaces.