Texas is located in the south-central part of the United States. It is bordered by Oklahoma to the north, Arkansas to the northeast, Louisiana to the east, New Mexico to the west, and Mexico to the south. Texas is approximately 695,000 square miles in size and has a population of more than 28 million people. According to countryaah, the state’s capital is Austin and it has three major metropolitan areas: Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, and San Antonio–New Braunfels.
According to citypopulationreview, Texas has a varied terrain that includes beaches along its Gulf Coast region, rolling hills in central Texas, desert terrain in West Texas, and mountains in its far western border region with New Mexico and Oklahoma. The state’s highest point is Guadalupe Peak at 8751 feet above sea level located near El Paso. The state’s lowest point is Red River at an elevation of only 5 feet above sea level located near Texarkana on the Texas/Arkansas border.
Texas has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters in most parts of the state. The Gulf Coast region experiences more tropical weather while northern parts of the state tend to experience cooler temperatures during winter months. Texas also receives frequent thunderstorms throughout summer months due to its location within a warm humid airmass from the Gulf of Mexico.
In terms of geography, Texas can be divided into four distinct regions: East Texas which consists of heavily forested areas; Central Plains which consists mostly flat land; Western Mountains which consist mostly mountainous terrain; and South Texas which consists mostly desert terrain. Each region offers visitors unique scenery and attractions such as Big Bend National Park located in West Texas or Padre Island National Seashore located along South Texas’ Gulf Coastline.
Weather in Texas
Texas has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters in most parts of the state. The Gulf Coast region experiences more tropical weather while northern parts of the state tend to experience cooler temperatures during winter months. Texas generally has very warm, dry summers and mild winters with occasional cold snaps. Average summer temperatures range from the low 90s Fahrenheit (32-37 Celsius) in the southern part of the state to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (29-31 Celsius) in northern Texas. In winter, average temperatures range from the upper 40s Fahrenheit (8-10 Celsius) in northern Texas to the low 60s Fahrenheit (16-18 Celsius) along its coastal regions.
Texas receives an average of 35 inches (890 mm) of rain per year, with most rainfall occurring during spring and summer months due to frequent thunderstorms brought by warm humid air from the Gulf of Mexico. The western part of Texas tends to receive less rain than eastern regions, however all parts of the state experience occasional droughts which can cause severe water shortages.
In addition to rainfall, Texas also receives snowfall during winter months in areas located at higher elevations such as Big Bend National Park located near El Paso or Guadalupe Mountains National Park located near Carlsbad. Snowfall is much less common than rainfall and typically only occurs in areas located at higher elevations or further north in cities such as Amarillo or Wichita Falls.
Overall, Texas offers visitors a variety of weather conditions throughout its four distinct geographic regions ranging from hot and humid summers along its Gulf Coast region to cooler winters along its northern border with Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Major Landmarks in Texas
Texas is home to a variety of historic landmarks, national parks, and other unique attractions that make it a popular destination for travelers from all over the world.
The Alamo in San Antonio is perhaps the most famous landmark in Texas. Built in 1718, The Alamo was originally known as Mission San Antonio de Valero and served as a stronghold for the Texan forces during the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Today, The Alamo is open to visitors who can explore its grounds and learn more about its rich history. Check relationshipsplus for places of interest in Andrews County, Texas.
The State Capitol Building in Austin is another major landmark in Texas. This impressive building was constructed between 1882 and 1888 and features an iconic pink granite dome which stands at nearly 300 feet tall. Visitors can tour the building’s interior which contains many historical artifacts related to Texas’ past including an original copy of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
Big Bend National Park located along West Texas’ Rio Grande River is another popular landmark in Texas. This 801,163 acre park offers visitors stunning views of rugged canyons, desert landscapes, and majestic mountains while providing ample opportunities for hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and fishing. Big Bend National Park also contains some of the darkest skies in North America making it one of the best places to stargaze without light pollution interference.
Padre Island National Seashore located along South Texas’ Gulf Coastline is another popular destination for travelers visiting Texas. This 70 mile long barrier island offers visitors stunning beaches with crystal clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking or simply relaxing on its white sandy shores while soaking up some sun rays during summer months. Padre Island National Seashore also contains a variety of wildlife such as sea turtles which come ashore to lay their eggs from March through August each year making it an ideal place for nature lovers looking to spot some fascinating creatures during their visit to Texas.
Popular Hotels in Texas
Texas is a popular tourist destination, with many visitors coming to explore the state’s unique attractions and landmarks. As such, there are a wide variety of hotels available throughout the state to suit any budget or preference. From luxurious five-star resorts to more budget-friendly options, Texas has something for everyone.
For those looking for an upscale experience, one of the best places to stay is The Joule in Dallas. Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, this luxury hotel features stylish rooms with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can also enjoy onsite dining options as well as an outdoor pool and spa services. Other top-tier hotels in Dallas include The Adolphus and The Ritz Carlton Dallas.
Heading further south, Houston offers a range of luxury hotels including The St Regis Houston, Hotel Granduca Houston and Four Seasons Hotel Houston Downtown. Each of these hotels offer guests elegant accommodations with luxurious amenities such as onsite restaurants, rooftop pools and spas. For those looking for something a bit more affordable yet still stylish, there are also several mid-range hotels located throughout the city including Hotel ZaZa and The Sam Houston Hotel.
If you’re looking for beachfront accommodations then South Padre Island is the place to be. Here guests will find a variety of resorts ranging from budget-friendly motels to high end luxury resorts such as Isla Grand Beach Resort and Schlitterbahn Beach Resort & Waterpark South Padre Island where visitors can enjoy beachfront access along with plenty of activities for everyone in the family.
For those visiting Austin there are several great hotel options ranging from hip boutique properties like The Line Austin to luxurious high end resorts such as W Austin Hotel & Residences which offers stunning views over Lady Bird Lake along with onsite dining options and much more.
No matter what type of accommodation you’re looking for during your stay in Texas you’ll be sure to find something that suits your needs. Whether you’re looking for a 5 star resort experience or just need somewhere comfortable enough to rest your head after exploring all that Texas has to offer you won’t be disappointed by the selection available here.