Texas accommodation from AU$155

"THE STARS AT NIGHT ARE BIG AND BRIGHT..." You know how it goes! Clap your hands for Texas, the second biggest state in the USA. And while you can still find the cowboy spirit in this part of America, and the natural beauty is worthy of a rugged explorer, Texas also has several cities where modern nightlife meets relics from history. Check out our range of Texas hotels and buckle up for your big trip to Texas!

History

Spanish adventurer Alonso Alvarez de Pineda was the first European to explore the Texas coast in 1519. From 1540 to 1542, Coronado led an expedition across the north of Texas, looking for the Cities of Gold.

Texas fought from independence from Mexico in 1835 in what became known as the Texas Revolution. One of the revolution’s most famous events was the Battle of the Alamo, when Mexican troops launched an attack on a Catholic mission that left hundreds of Texans killed or wounded and encouraged other Texans to take up the fight. After winning the right to be an independent nation, Texas eventually joined the United States in 1845.

In 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas.

Things to see and do

At over 261,000 square miles, Texas is bigger than some countries. So it’s no surprise that there’s a lot to do here. City slickers can stay in San Antonio, Austin, Houston or Fort Worth and enjoy the shopping and nightlife.

History buff? You’re welcome to join the two million people a year who visit The Alamo, discover the science of Space Travel with a visit to the Space Centre, and visit Mission San Jose, a historic Catholic mission.

Love nature? For a real slice of rural Texas, head to Big Ben National Park. Here, there are 150 miles of hiking trails that can take you through bare rocky desert, along river and up to the top of mountains like Emery Peak, with its brilliant views. Closer to the city, you can check out the San Antonio River Walk and the Natural Bridge Caverns.

Need something for the kids (or the whole family)? Try the Six Flags over Texas theme park, San Antonio Sea World, or a zoo or aquarium. Take a trip to the beaches – Yes, Texas has them, and they’re located on the Gulf Coast, which has 600 miles of coastline.

Shopping and dining

Texas’s cities are a top place for shopping. In San Antonio, you can take your pick of malls and markets, including the largest Mexican market in the States: El Mercado. Dallas has both malls and Western-themed boutiques, where you can dress up like one stylish cowboy or cowgirl. In Houston, you’ll have no problem with shopping since the city is home to Texas’s largest mall: The Galleria.

Texas has all the mouth-watering steakhouses and BBQ joints you’d expect from the Lone Star State, but hamburgers, Mexican food and even fine dining all have a generous serving on Texas’s massive platter.

Getting here

Check out our cheap flights to Austin, Texas to go with your Texas accommodation. Soon you’ll be deep in the heart of Texas! Image from FlickrLickr