What is Texas Known For? 40 Facts, Foods & Landmarks

From Texas BBQ, and iconic cities like Galveston and San Antonio, to its wild west past and winding rivers, there’s plenty that Texas is known for. Whether you’re a long-time Texas resident or recently moved to the state, there’s always something new to learn about the Lone Star State.

In this Redfin article, we’ll cover what Texas is known for. If you’re looking for a home in Dallas or planning to rent an apartment in Houston, you’ll find plenty of reasons to love Texas.

6 tourist attractions to visit in Texas

1. San Antonio’s River Walk is a picturesque urban oasis lined with shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks like the Alamo. You can take boat tours along the river, explore museums like the San Antonio Museum of Art, and enjoy festive events throughout the year.

2. Big Bend National Park has rugged landscapes, including canyons, deserts, and the Rio Grande River. You can hike trails like the Window View Trail, soak in hot springs along the river, and stargaze in one of the darkest skies in the US.

3. Austin, the state capital, is known for its live music scene, eclectic culture, and outdoor recreation. There are plenty of attractions to explore, like the Texas State Capitol, hiking and biking along Lady Bird Lake, and enjoying concerts and festivals throughout the year.

4. The Houston Space Center is a hub of space exploration history and education. It features exhibits on NASA’s manned space missions and interactive displays like the Mission Control Center. You can also tour space capsules and learn about future space exploration initiatives.

5. The Fort Worth Stockyards preserve the city’s Wild West heritage with daily cattle drives, rodeos, and historic buildings like the Stockyards Station. You can watch bull riding at the Stockyards Championship Rodeo, shop for Western gear, and dine on Texas barbecue.

6. The Alamo is a historic landmark located in San Antonio. This Spanish mission and fortress was the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution.

Did you know? Texas is the only state to have been a decade-long independent nation, known as the Republic of Texas, from 1836 to 1846 before joining the United States.

>>Read: 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Texas

7 regional dishes to try in Texas

Texas cuisine is influenced by Mexican, Southern, and cowboy culinary traditions.

1. Texas barbecue reigns supreme with regional styles like Central Texas brisket, East Texas pork ribs, and South Texas barbacoa.

2. Brisket is one of Texas BBQ’s star attractions. It’s slow-smoked and served with tangy sauces.

3. Tex-Mex cuisine features dishes like cheese enchiladas, breakfast tacos, steak fajitas, and chili con carne.

4. Queso: Also called chile con queso, this Tex-Mex staple combines melted yellow cheese and chili peppers into a dip.

5. Texas chili is made with chunks of beef and without beans, and is a hearty comfort food enjoyed throughout the state.

6. Pecan pie is Texas’ official dessert.

7. Texas sheet cake is a type of chocolate sheet cake topped with chocolate frosting – and sometimes includes pecans.

7 festivals, music venues, and museums in Texas

Texas has a unique blend of Western heritage, traditions, and a thriving arts scene.

1. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is Texas’ oldest art museum and has art ranging from antiquities to modern day.

2. Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth opened in 1972 and has pieces from artists like Monet, Picasso, and Matisse.

3. South by Southwest (SXSW) is held each March in Austin. This event showcases film, musicians and bands, and interactive media.

4. Austin City Limits (ACL) is a music festival that takes place in Austin’s Zilker Park in October. Spanning three days, you’ll find big-name artists alongside up-and-coming musicians, an array of local restaurants, and fun cocktails showcasing Texas’ vibe.

5. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo happens during March and includes trail rides, parades, a BBQ contest, live music, and of course, the rodeo itself.

6. ACL Live at The Moody Theater in Austin is a 2,750-person venue that hosts various bands and well-known musicians.

4 national and state parks in Texas

Texas has a wide range of landscapes from the rugged mountains of the Big Bend region in the west and the Rio Grande to the expansive plains and rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country. The Gulf Coast features sandy beaches and coastal marshes, while the Panhandle region offers wide-open spaces and canyons carved by rivers like the Palo Duro Canyon.

1. Big Bend National Park: Located in West Texas along the Rio Grande, Big Bend has diverse landscapes including desert, mountains, and river canyons. Activities include hiking, river rafting, birdwatching, and stargazing.

2. Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Known for its rugged mountains, it’s home to the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak. This park has hiking trails, camping, and opportunities to explore a fossilized reef.

3. Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro Canyon has hiking, horseback riding, camping, and scenic drives amidst colorful rock formations.

4. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: Home to a massive pink granite dome, Enchanted Rock offers hiking trails, rock climbing, and panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country.

>Read: 10 Beautiful Lakes in Texas to Live on

Thriving economy and job opportunities

Texas’ major industries encompass energy, particularly oil and gas, technology, and healthcare. Some of the major corporations driving the state’s economy include Motiva Enterprises, Exxon Mobil Corporation, and Texas Instruments.

Texas’s top five employers

1. Walmart

2. The University of Texas System

3. Amazon

4. Home Depot

5. Target

Professional and collegiate sports teams

Texas is known for its list of highly accomplished professional sports teams, with enthusiastic fans across the state. You’ll also find this support extends into collegiate sports as well.

1. Dallas Cowboys (NFL)

2. Houston Texans (NFL)

3. Houston Rockets (NBA)

4. San Antonio Spurs (NBA)

5. Dallas Mavericks (NBA)

6. Texas Rangers (MLB)

7. Houston Astros (MLB)

8. Dallas Stars (NHL)

9. University of Texas Longhorns (Competing in NCAA Division I sports)

10. Texas A&M University Aggies (Competing in NCAA Division I sports)

FAQs about Texas

What is Texas’ nickname?

Texas is known as the “Lone Star State,” symbolizing its independent spirit, as well as its former status as an independent republic.

What is Texas’ state flower?

The bluebonnet is Texas’ state flower. You can see this native plant during the springtime along the state’s highways.

What are some of the top restaurants in Texas?

Texas has countless restaurants, but some popular spots include Franklin Barbecue and Torchy’s both located in Austin, Pecan Lodge in Dallas, Killen’s BBQ in Pearland, and Lucille’s in Houston.