20 Reasons You Need To Visit Texas

Everything is bigger AND better in Texas. Some think Texas is just a bunch of farms and ranches – while we do have those, we also have so much more.

1. Big Bend National Park

Via TripAdvisor

Home to some of the highest points in Texas (Emory Peak) and some of the best hiking trails around.

2. The Big Texan Steak Ranch - Amarillo, TX

Via TripAdvisor

Nothing is more "Texas-Sized" than The 72oz Steak Challenge consisting of the steak itself, a bread roll with butter, a baked potato, baked beans, shrimp cocktail and a salad in one hour or less. If you fail, you have to pay $72.

3. Natural Springs in Balmorhea State Park - Balmorhea, TX

Via TripAdvisor

A large cool-water spring that has essentially turned into a giant swimming pool. You can even practice your scuba-diving skills here.

4. Any High School Football Stadium

Via photographyblog.dallasnews.com

There are two religions in Texas: Jesus and Football. Friday night lights is more than just a television show to Texas, and that's a statewide standard.

*Allen High School Stadium (pictured above) cost a whopping $60 million to build.

5. Floating the Guadalupe River - Canyon Lake, TX

Via tubehaus.com

It's not a summer in Texas if you don't float the river. I can't think of a better way to kill a few hours, drink a few beers and spend time with your best friends.

6. 6th Street - Austin, TX

Via theflightdeal.com

If you are in Austin and of age, you must pay a visit to 6th Street. Good drinks, awesome music and the freakishly bizarre - it's all here.

7. Luckenbach, TX

Via txyoungfarmers.org

The small unincorporated community in the heart of Hill Country maintains a ghost town feel with strong western roots. It's popular with tourists and it's so cool that even Waylon Jennings has a song about it.

8. Schlitterbahn - New Braunsfels, TX

Via do512family.com

Regarded as the "biggest waterpark in the world," it is also one the best ways to beat the heat every summer.

9. McDonald Observatory - Fort Davis, TX

Via communitymatters.biz

Located in West, Texas, you will see some of the darkest skies in the country. A must see if you're in the area and be sure to make arrangements to attend The Star Party.

10. Gruene Hall - New Braunfels, TX

Via TripAdvisor

Located in the historical town of Gruene (outside of New Braunsfels), it is billed as "the oldest continually run dance hall in Texas." It is the mecca for country music and line-dacing, so be sure to bring your boots.

11. K Spoetzl Brewery - Shiner, TX

Via flickr.com

Home to every Texan's favorite beer, Shiner. Take a tour to learn how each and every bottle is made and enjoy a complimentary beer or two.

12. Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show - Houston, TX

Via barnesprcrodeo.com

There are rodeos all across the state but few are as big as the one in Houston. It's every guy's dream: ropin' cattle and girls in sundresses and cowboy boots.

13. South Padre Island, TX

Via collegepartyguru.com

Who says you need to go to Florida or California to go to the beach? Every spring break, thousands of Texans flock to South Padre to let loose... sometimes maybe a bit too much.

14. Dr Pepper Museum - Waco, TX

Via TripAdvisor

When a Texan asks for a coke, they are more than likely actually asking for a Dr Pepper. Unfortunately, the Dublin Dr Pepper Factory recently shut down, but at least we can still pay our respect to the classic drink at the Dr Pepper Museum.

15. Buc-ee's

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We weren't kidding when we said everything is bigger in Texas, including our gas stations. No road trip is truly complete without a stop at the Taj Mahal of gas stations.

16. Czech Stop - West, Texas

s3-ak.buzzfeed.com

While we're on the subject of pit stops, a visit to Czech Stop is mandatory. It is home to the best kolache in the world (not officially, but I guarantee that many Texans would agree).

17. The Stockyards - Fort Worth, TX

Via marriott.com

Nothing is as quintessential Texas as the Fort Worth Stockyards. Grab some good ol' Texas BBQ and then head over to the main square to watch the cattle drive.

18. Cowboys Stadium - Arlington, TX

Via garyatprosoco.wordpress.com

Home to the Dallas Cowboys, "JerryWorld" boasts the fourth largest hi-definition video screen among other very impressive features. I'm pretty sure you can watch a game on the Cowboys' JumboTron from outer-space.

19. The State Fair - Dallas, TX

Via cravedfw.com

If you like fried food, the Texas State Fair is your heaven. From fried oreos to fried butter, you won't be disappointed. Also, we're very glad to have Big Tex back!

20. And of course, The Alamo - San Antonio, TX

Via blogs.dallasobserver.com

The site for one of the most pivotal battles in the Texas Revolution fought back in 1836. If there was an honorary state motto, it would be "Remember the Alamo!"

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