The history of this modern city is especially visible throughout downtown. In addition to the Alamo, there are several other well-known missions in San Antonio, all of which are now part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Among the gleaming skyscrapers, the austere San Fernando Cathedral stands as a reminder of the city's religious past.

Families will enjoy the Texas city's theme parks, world-class museums, professional sports teams, and the world-famous River Walk. Furthermore, San Antonio is a burgeoning culinary destination, with a variety of new barbecue establishments and eclectic upscale eateries in addition to its signature Tex-Mex style. With so many options for how to spend your day, you might be too busy to "Remember the Alamo". If you lack time, consider signing up for one of the best San Antonio tours for a sampling of the city's history, culture, and food.

Every year, approximately 450,000 people visit this national park on the United States-Mexico border to spend time outdoors. Big Bend National Park has hundreds of miles of scenic paved and dirt roads, as well as 150-plus miles of hiking trails. Keep an eye out for birds while exploring the park's sections of the Chihuahuan Desert, the Chisos Mountains, and the Rio Grande. More than 450 bird species live in Big Bend, including several types of woodpeckers and hummingbirds.

From archeological sites dating back nearly 10,000 years to more recent pioneers, ranchers, and miners, the area has a rich cultural history. The Chisos Mountains, which are located within the park, are the only mountain range in the United States that is completely contained within the boundaries of a national park. The park's geological features include sea fossils and dinosaur bones, as well as volcanic dikes.

Austin, known as the "Live Music Capital of the World", has more live music venues per capita than any other city in the country. It has seen the beginnings of several famous musicians' careers, including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Janis Joplin, and the Dixie Chicks. Despite significant growth in recent years, Austin retains a quirky, laid-back atmosphere that is unlike any other Texas city. Outsiders often perceive Austin as a haven for eccentric characters, but Austinites relish their eccentricity and proudly proclaim the city's motto, "Keep Austin Weird".

Apart from its vibrant live music and nightlife scenes, the main reason to visit is to enjoy the great outdoors. With an average of 300 sunny days per year and large swaths of green space such as Zilker Metropolitan Park, many experts rank Austin as one of the Best Places to Live in America. It's probably because there's something for everyone here, whether you're a history buff (LBJ's library and the Texas State History Museum are both here), an art lover (Blanton Museum of Art), a sports fan (the University of Texas at Austin football), or a budding musician (Sixth Street).

Houston's history is tainted with oil, and its modern landscape is dotted with skyscrapers belonging to Citgo, Shell, and a slew of other companies. What you may not realize is that Houston has grassy parks, eclectic galleries, a thriving art scene, and Tex-Mex restaurants all competing for attention downtown. And, outside of Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston is one of the best shopping destinations in Texas: Have you heard of the Galleria?

There are also plenty of nice hotels to stay in, as well as a variety of fun things to do with the kids, such as the zoo and the children's museum. Those with a keen interest in space can learn everything there is to know about NASA's program at Space Center Houston, while science buffs can visit the extensive Museum of Natural Science. So it's a huge sprawling city of more than 2.3 million people, but with pleasant weather almost all year, a plethora of entertaining festivals, and plenty to do, you should give it a shot.

Every March, students cram into cars and drive to South Padre Island for spring break sun and 24-hour beach bashes. While the island is still a popular spring break destination for a little more than a month, the area has seen a sort of rebirth as a popular family vacation destination. That's because South Padre Island, or SPI, has wide sandy beaches, clear blue water, and a variety of fun activities for kids of all ages.

But SPI is more than just beach fun. Kiteboarding is a popular activity, and several sports outfitters provide deep-sea fishing trips and dolphin-watching excursions. The consistently warm weather also entices northern Texans looking for a place to get away from the cold. And it's easy to see why: this seaside paradise is just a day's drive from major Texas cities like Houston and Dallas, and it's right in the state's backyard.

Galveston is a barrier island located on the Texas Gulf Coast, approximately 50 miles southeast of Houston. Because of its proximity to a city of approximately 2.3 million people, it is a popular (and busy) destination for Houstonians seeking a sea breeze to cool off in the summer. It also has a busy port for cruisers going to Mexico or the Caribbean. But Galveston is more than just its beaches and convenient cruise port. Galveston has a lot to offer visitors, from its Victorian architecture in the East End Historic District and interesting shops on The Strand to its museum lineup and seafood-inspired dining options. Galveston is also a budget-friendly and family-friendly vacation destination, thanks to its many beaches and water parks.

The best months to visit Galveston are October to November or March to April, when the weather is warm but not oppressively hot and hotel prices are reasonable. Winter is the best time to get a good deal on lodging, but it will most likely be too cold to enjoy Galveston's beach activities. Galveston's long summer season runs from May to September, when lodging rates, tourism, and temps are at their highest.

Mustang Island, which was once home to wild horses, is now known for its miles of beaches and outdoor activities. Mustang Island State Park, located on this 18-mile-long barrier island 28 miles southeast of Corpus Christi, is a popular spot for mountain biking, kayaking, and swimming. The park is also home to endangered sea turtles and over 400 bird species, making it an ideal destination for wildlife viewing. Outside of the park, visitors can enjoy water sports such as kiteboarding, wakeboarding, surfing, and snorkeling at North Packery Beach.

The island is a popular Spring Break destination because of its beaches, and it is also popular with snowbirds from the north and Canada who spend their winters in warmer climates. The southern end of the island is connected to Padre Island by a road. Port Aransas is located at the northern end of the island, and San José Island is located beyond. The Aransas Channel, also known as the "Aransas Pass", which connects Mustang Island and San José Island, is guarded by jetties that extend into the Gulf from each island.

If you want to be close to both city amenities and outdoor activities, spend your next vacation in The Woodlands. High-end shopping centers, an outdoor concert venue, and family-friendly attractions such as The Woodlands Children's Museum can be found in this upscale destination 30 miles north of Houston. In addition, the city has 220 miles of hiking and biking trails spread across 147 parks. On a hot day, rent a kayak or paddleboard from the Riva Row Boat House and explore The Woodlands Waterway and Lake Woodlands in comfort.

The Woodlands has a humid subtropical climate, which is common in Southeast Texas and Greater Houston. Market Street, an old-fashioned "Main Street" pedestrian shopping district with a movie theater and a variety of shops and restaurants, is another attraction. The Woodlands Mall is adjacent to Market Street and borders the waterway, forming a large pedestrian-friendly shopping district. Each village in The Woodlands has its own shopping center, complete with a core grocery store, shops, banks, gas stations, restaurants, and so on. Every April, the Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival attracts 220 juried artists from around the world for a fine arts festival on the Woodlands Waterway. The Woodlands Arts Council uses festival proceeds to fund year-round arts enrichment programs and events.

Skip the state's main cities and beach towns in favor of a visit to Fredericksburg for a different kind of Texas vacation. This Texas Hill Country destination is well-known for its excellent shopping, deep German roots, and delectable wines. When you're not shopping on Main Street, visit the Pioneer Museum to learn about the town's ties to Germany. Before you leave, don't forget to sample some of Fredericksburg's delectable wines. In and around Fredericksburg, you'll have your pick of more than 50 wineries and tasting rooms.

Fredericksburg, Texas architectural structures are often unique to the Texas Hill Country and are historical edifices of the German immigrants who settled the area in the 19th century. Many of the structures have state or national historic designations. The Gillespie County Historical Society is actively involved in preservation efforts.

Corpus Christi has a long and illustrious history. Before Spanish colonists arrived in the 1500s, the Karankawa Indians built thriving communities in this coastal area for hundreds of years. Today, you can learn more about the history of this beachside city at its museums. Aside from its historical attractions, the city has museums devoted to everything from art and science to naval aviation and music stars. If you get a hankering to get outside, there are a plethora of beaches in the city and on the nearby barrier islands that are ideal for swimming and water sports.

Those looking for a quiet seaside getaway should head to Corpus Christi; those looking for a wild spring break should head 185 miles south to South Padre Island. It's also a great weekend trip to add to your San Antonio vacation because it's only about 145 miles (a two-hour drive) south of the Alamo's birthplace. So grab your towel and sunscreen; it's time to have some fun in the sun.