Home to an estimated 16-million cattle, the vast and varied state of Texas, second largest state in the US, has plenty of people too in its half-dozen huge cities. It has often been said that everything is bigger and better in Texas, and visitors who have explored the state tend to agree.
Between its Gulf Coast in the southeast and the Red River boundary north of the Panhandle there are plains, rolling hills, lakes, soaring mountains, bogs, beaches and desert.
In Texas' large cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio it is possible to swap the bright lights for a day at the ranch at the drop of a cowboy hat, or soak up culture at a world-class art gallery before taking a stroll through a scenic park. Outside the urban enclaves Texas has 23-million acres of woodlands, including four national forests and 125 state parks, from the great pine forests of the south and east to the rugged mountains of the west.
Experience the large variety of wildlife and beautiful scenery in Texas. Texas is a very diverse state with 262,017 square miles of territory and 624 miles of shoreline on the Gulf of Mexico. Texas' elevation varies from zero to 8,749 feet elevation.
The population is close to 20,000,000 people, but Texas only has an average of 76 people per square mile. The rainfall and climate varies greater with the southeast part of Texas being wetter and the northwest being arid. It is approximately 900 miles from one side of Texas to the other at the widest points.
Tourists seem fascinated with boating at the River Walk. It is a relaxing way to enjoy the water, the beautiful scenery, the architecture and the landscaping.
The Alamo - Shed a patriotic tear at San Antonio's Alamo, the mission-fort where American volunteers were wiped out by Mexican forces in 1836 - and if you feel cheeky, ask for the "basement" as Pee-Wee Herman did in Pee-Wee's Big Adventure .
Starlight Theater - Enjoy the stars - in the sky and on stage - in this glorious desert bar in the tiny West Texas ghost town of Terlingua.
The Menil Collection - Houston's premier gallery has a magnificent collection of ancient and modern artworks, plus the sombre Rothko Chapel.
The Sixth Floor Museum - Dallas' Sixth Floor Museum is in the very building from which Oswald (allegedly) shot JFK and can't help but be affecting, with views overlooking infamous Dealey Plaza.
Padre Island National Seashore - Despite encroaching condos, Padre Island National Seashore, on Texas's Gulf Coast, is still an excellent spot for bird-watching, beachcombing and camping.
Austin Music - Austin hosts the famous South by Southwest Music Festival in March, when bands from Texas and around the world come to town, but you can experience the "Austin sound" year-round at countless music venues, such as the alternatively inflected Emo's , and the hot blues joint Antone's .
Johnson Space Center - Explore Houston's Johnson Space Center, where you can eat lunch with astronauts at the employee cafeteria, eye the disturbingly low-tech-looking rockets of missions past, and get your hands on countless interactive exhibits.
The River Walk - Texas offers few more romantic experiences than a riverside stroll through the heart of San Antonio.
Rafting the Santa Elena Canyon - The Rio Grande rushes through this narrow gorge in remote Big Bend National Park.
The Stockyards - Watch a cattle drive, or tuck into a colossal steak in this cowboy heaven.
Population: 295.734.100 Languages: English 82%, Spanish 11% (2000) Currency: US dollar Currency code: USD Local Times: U.S.A. - District of Columbia - Washington DC
U.S.A. - Florida - Orlando
U.S.A. - California - San Francisco
U.S.A. - New York - New York
U.S.A. - Nevada - Las Vegas
Country Dialling Code: +1 Voltage: 120V 60Hz Electrical plugs:
The USA is home to several of the world's most exciting cities, some truly mind-blowing landscapes, a strong sense of regionalism, a trenchant mythology, more history than the country gives itself credit for and, arguably, some of the most approachable natives in the world.
America was 'discovered' by Columbus in 1492 and for 500 years people have travelled here seeking a better life in the 'land of opportunity'. The land was fought over by colonial powers for centuries and finally won its independence from Britain in 1783. Despite the near annihilation of the Native American population, one of the bloodiest civil wars the world had seen, and racism (Native Americans were not granted citizenship until 1924 and racial segregation was the norm until as late as the 1950s), the American people have succeeded in forging one of the worlds most united, democratic and tolerant nations, a fascinating melting-pot of cultures, and the undisputed military and economic heavyweight of the world.
The country is made up of 48 contiguous states of the continental USA, plus the huge state of Alaska, northwest of Canada, and the volcanic islands of Hawaii, 2,000 miles (3,219km) out into the Pacific. There are also the US territories, which include Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Midway Islands and US Virgin Islands. Tourism is focused mainly in the great cities such as New York and Washington, as well as sunshine states such as Florida, California and Hawaii. However the mind-blowing landscapes, found in the wealth of magnificent National Parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Adirondacks, as well as spectacular sights like the Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains, are what make the USA so unique. With all this on their doorstep, it's easy to understand why most Americans have never bothered getting a passport.
Much of the information contained within the travel guides and other sections on this website are subject to change at short notice and
travellers are urged to verify information on which they are relying with relevant authorities. Traveleye cannot be held responsible for any loss or
inconvenience as a result of information above.
