What is Texas known for? Facts, Food and Attractions

From Texas BBQ and iconic cities like Galveston And San Antonioits Wild West past and its winding rivers, Texas is known for many things. Whether you’re a long-time Texas resident or a recent move, there’s always something new to learn about the Lone Star State.

Read on to learn more about what Texas is known for. If you are looking for a At home in Dallas or plan rent an apartment in HoustonYou will find many reasons to love Texas.

Thriving economy and employment opportunities

The major employment industries in Texas include energy, particularly oil and gas, technology, and healthcare. Major companies that drive the state’s economy include MD Anderson Cancer Center, Exxon Mobil Corporation, and Dell Technologies.

The five largest employers in Texas

• MD Anderson Cancer Center
• ExxonMobil Corporation
• Dell Technologies
• HEB Food Company
• University of Texas at Austin

Iconic tourist attractions

• The San Antonio River Walk is a picturesque urban oasis with shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks like the Alamo. You can take boat tours on the river, explore museums like the San Antonio Museum of Art, and enjoy festive events throughout the year.
• Big Bend National Park offers rugged landscapes, including canyons, deserts, and the Rio Grande. You can explore hiking trails like the Window View Trail, soak in riverside hot springs, and stargaze in one of the darkest skies in the United States.
• Austinthe state capital, is known for its live music scene, diverse culture, and outdoor recreation. There are many attractions to explore, such as the Texas State Capitol, hiking and biking along Lady Bird Lake, and concerts and festivals throughout the year.
• The Houston Space Center is a center for the history and education of space exploration. It features exhibits on NASA’s manned space missions and interactive displays such as the Mission Control Center. You can also tour space capsules and learn about future space exploration initiatives.
• The Stockyards of Fort Worth Preserve the city’s Wild West heritage with daily cattle drives, rodeos and historic buildings like the Stockyards Station. You can watch bull riding, shop for western gear and enjoy Texas barbecue at the Stockyards Championship Rodeo.

Did you know? Texas is the only state that was an independent state for decades as the Republic of Texas from 1836 to 1846 before joining the United States.

Famous regional cuisine

Texas cuisine is as diverse as its landscape, with influences from Mexican, Southern and cowboy cuisine. Barbecue reigns supreme in Texas, with brisket being the main attraction, slow-smoked and served with spicy sauces. Tex-Mex cuisine is also common, with dishes like enchiladas, tacos and fajitas. Texas chili, made with chunks of beef and no beans, is a hearty comfort food popular across the state. And don’t miss a slice of pecan pie, the official dessert of Texas.

Top Restaurants in Texas

Festivals, music and art scene

Texas has a unique blend of western heritage, traditions and a thriving art scene. The state is home to world-class institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston and the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worthwhose collections range from classical to contemporary art.

Music festivals such as South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Austin City Limits and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo attract audiences from around the world. Austin and Dallas in particular are vibrant cities with numerous theaters, music venues and galleries that reflect the artistic atmosphere of Texas.

Five great places in Texas to see a show

Picturesque landscapes

Texas offers a variety of natural landscape formations, from the rugged mountains of the Big Bend region in the west along the Rio Grande to the vast plains and rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country. The Gulf Coast offers sandy beaches and coastal marshes, while the Panhandle region offers wide open spaces and river-carved canyons such as Palo Duro Canyon.

National and State Parks in Texas

• Big Bend National Park: Located in West Texas on the Rio Grande, Big Bend offers diverse landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and river canyons. Activities include hiking, whitewater rafting, bird watching, and stargazing.
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park: The park is known for its rugged mountains and is home to Texas’ highest peak, Guadalupe Peak. This park offers hiking trails, camping, and the opportunity to explore a fossilized reef.
• Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Palo Duro Canyon, also known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” offers hiking, horseback riding, camping, and scenic drives amid colorful rock formations.
• Enchanted Rock State Wildlife Area: Enchanted Rock is home to a giant pink granite dome and offers hiking trails, climbing opportunities and panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country.

First-class higher education

Texas is home to many prestigious higher education institutions, from public to private universities. With prestigious research programs, specialized schools, and internationally recognized colleges, you will find great opportunities in Texas.

Top Universities

• The University of Texas at Austin
• Rice University in Houston
• Texas A&M University in College Station
• University of Houston
• Baylor University in Waco

Professional and college sports teams

Texas is known for its many successful professional sports teams with enthusiastic fans across the state. This support extends to college sports as well.

• Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
• Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)
• Houston Rockets (NBA)
• San Antonio Spurs (NBA)
• Dallas Mavericks (NBA)
• Texas Rangers (MLB)
• Houston Astros (MLB)
• Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
• University of Texas Longhorns (participate in NCAA Division I sports)
• Texas A&M University Aggies (participate in NCAA Division I sports)

Popular Texas Sayings

In Texas, you’ll discover expressions that reflect the state’s supreme atmosphere and deep-rooted cowboy culture.

• “Two-Step Dancing”, in a honky-tonk or “ride the mechanical bull”, for a taste of Texas nightlife.
• “Don’t mess with Texas,” the independent spirit of the state, expressed in its motto.
• “Hello,” is another way to say hello.
• “I will do it.” is an idiom meaning “to prepare for” or “to be about to do something”.
• “A lot of noise about nothing” means “lots of talk but no action”.

Other things Texas is known for

• Lone Star State: Texas is known as the “Lone Star State,” symbolizing its independent spirit as well as its former status as an independent republic.
• Cowboy culture: Texas boasts a rich cowboy tradition, celebrated at events like the Fort Worth Stockyards Rodeo and cultural icons like the Texas Rangers.
• Grill capital: Texas is known for its barbecue traditions, and regional barbecue dishes such as brisket from Central Texas, pork ribs from East Texas, and barbacoa from South Texas attract barbecue fans from around the world.
• live music: Austin, the state capital, is famous for its live music scene with numerous music venues, festivals such as South by Southwest (SXSW), and a vibrant indie music community.
• Mexican-American culture: Texas has a strong Mexican-American influence, reflected in its cuisine, art and cultural traditions. Cities like San Antonio are home to historic missions and vibrant Latino culture.