Did you know that Texas is not only the second-largest state in the United States, but also ranks high in population density? Its vast and diverse land area is home to a variety of communities and offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development. If you’re looking for a state with endless possibilities, Texas should definitely be on your list!
Texas Time Zone
Texas is divided into two time zones: UTC -6 Central Time Zone (CT) and UTC -7 Mountain Time Zone (MT).
The majority of Texas, which includes cities like Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth, is in the Central Time Zone (CT).
During Standard Time, the Central Time Zone is UTC-6 hours and during Daylight Saving Time, it is UTC-5 hours.
However, the western part of Texas, mainly the El Paso area, follows Mountain Time Zone (MT). During Standard Time, this area is UTC-7 hours and during Daylight Saving Time, it is UTC-6 hours.
What is Texas known For? Facts about Texas
- Size: Texas is the second-largest state in the United States, both in terms of land area and population.
- Nickname:Texas is the “Lone Star State” due to its flag’s single star, symbolizing its past as an independent republic.
- Independence: Texas was an independent nation from 1836 to 1845, known as the Republic of Texas, before joining the United States.
- Capital City: The state capital is Austin, known for its live music scene, tech industry, and vibrant cultural scene.
- Major Cities: Houston is the largest city in Texas, and other major cities include San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, and El Paso.
- Economy: Texas has a diverse economy, with significant contributions from industries like energy (oil and gas), technology, agriculture, and manufacturing.
- Energy Production: Texas is a leading producer of oil and natural gas in the United States. The state’s oil industry is centered around areas like the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale.
- Cattle Ranching: Texas has a long history of cattle ranching and is associated with the iconic cowboy culture. The state is a major producer of beef.
- Music Scene: Texas has a rich musical heritage, contributing to various genres such as country, blues, and rock. It’s famous for its country music festivals and the birthplace of artists like Willie Nelson and Buddy Holly.
- NASA: The Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, is home to NASA’s Mission Control and serves as a hub for human spaceflight.
20 biggest cities in Texas and their population
- Houston – Approximately 2.3 million
- San Antonio – Approximately 1.5 million
- Dallas – Approximately 1.3 million
- Austin – Approximately 990,000
- Fort Worth – Approximately 920,000
- El Paso – Approximately 682,000
- Arlington – Approximately 400,000
- Corpus Christi – Approximately 327,000
- Plano – Approximately 310,000
- Laredo – Approximately 259,000
- Lubbock – Approximately 256,000
- Garland – Approximately 242,000
- Irving – Approximately 247,000
- Amarillo – Approximately 200,000
- Grand Prairie – Approximately 198,000
- Brownsville – Approximately 183,000
- McKinney – Approximately 199,000
- Frisco – Approximately 207,000
- Pasadena – Approximately 154,000
- Mesquite – Approximately 142,000
All Towns in Texas
- Fredericksburg: Located in the Texas Hill Country, known for its German heritage and wineries.
- Marfa: A small town famous for its art scene and the mysterious Marfa Lights.
- Galveston: A coastal town on the Gulf of Mexico known for its historic architecture and beaches.
- Jefferson: A historic town in East Texas with charming bed and breakfasts and a steamboat ride.
- Gruene: Pronounced “Green,” known for its historic district and the Gruene Hall, one of the oldest dance halls in Texas.
- Nacogdoches: The oldest town in Texas, with a rich history and numerous historic sites.
- Wimberley: Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, known for its art galleries and natural beauty.
- Port Aransas: A popular coastal town on Mustang Island, known for its sandy beaches and fishing.
- Lockhart: Often referred to as the “BBQ Capital of Texas” due to its famous barbecue joints.
- Freestone: A small town with a historic district and the Freestone County Historical Museum.
- Frisco: A rapidly growing suburb of Dallas known for its sports facilities and family-friendly atmosphere.
- Granbury: A town with a historic downtown square and the Granbury Opera House.
- Brenham: Home to the famous Blue Bell Creameries and known for its historic architecture.
- Salado: A picturesque village known for its arts and crafts and historic buildings.
- Bastrop: Known for its historic downtown, outdoor activities, and proximity to Bastrop State Park.
- Rockport: A coastal town with a rich maritime history and a popular destination for birdwatching.
- Llano: A small town in the Texas Hill Country known for its barbecue and historic courthouse.
- Kerrville: Nestled along the Guadalupe River, known for its parks and cultural attractions.
- Denton: A college town with a vibrant music scene and historic downtown.
- Alpine: Located in West Texas, known for its artistic community and proximity to Big Bend National Park.
100 cities and towns in Texas
- Abilene
- Amarillo
- Arlington
- Austin
- Baytown
- Beaumont
- Brownsville
- Bryan
- Carrollton
- College Station
- Corpus Christi
- Dallas
- Denton
- Edinburg
- El Paso
- Fort Worth
- Frisco
- Galveston
- Garland
- Grand Prairie
- Harlingen
- Houston
- Irving
- Killeen
- Laredo
- League City
- Lewisville
- Longview
- Lubbock
- McAllen
- McKinney
- Mesquite
- Midland
- Mission
- Missouri City
- New Braunfels
- Odessa
- Pasadena
- Pearland
- Pflugerville
- Plano
- Port Arthur
- Richardson
- Round Rock
- San Angelo
- San Antonio
- San Marcos
- Sugar Land
- Temple
- Texas City
- The Woodlands
- Tyler
- Victoria
- Waco
- Wichita Falls
Additional smaller towns
- Alvin
- Balch Springs
- Bay City
- Bellaire
- Big Spring
- Brenham
- Brownwood
- Canyon
- Cleburne
- Clute
- Commerce
- Corsicana
- Del Rio
- Eagle Pass
- Farmers Branch
- Friendswood
- Gainesville
- Haltom City
- Huntsville
- Keller
- Kingsville
- La Porte
- Lake Jackson
- Lancaster
- Live Oak
- Lockhart
- Marshall
- Mercedes
- Midlothian
- Mineral Wells
- Nacogdoches
- Palestine
- Pampa
- Paris
- Plainview
- Port Lavaca
- Rockwall
- Rosenberg
- San Benito
- Schertz
- Seagoville
- Sherman
- Stephenville
- Universal City
- Uvalde
What to do in Texas
Texas has something for everyone. Explore history, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and food. Here are some things you can do in the Lone Star State:
- Visit the Alamo (San Antonio): Explore the historic Alamo in San Antonio, a symbol of Texas’ fight for independence.
- Explore Big Bend National Park: Discover the breathtaking landscapes, hiking trails, and wildlife in one of the largest national parks in the United States.
- Enjoy the Beaches (Galveston and Corpus Christi): Relax on the sandy beaches of Galveston or Corpus Christi along the Gulf Coast.
- Live Music in Austin: Experience the live music scene in the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin. Check out famous venues on Sixth Street or attend a music festival like South by Southwest (SXSW).
- Space Center Houston: Explore space exploration at Space Center Houston.
- Texas Hill Country: Explore the picturesque Hill Country, known for its rolling hills, wineries, and charming small towns like Fredericksburg.
- Visit the Dallas Arts District: Immerse yourself in culture at the Dallas Arts District, home to museums, theaters, and galleries.
- Experience the Fort Worth Stockyards: Step back in time and witness the Old West at the Fort Worth Stockyards, complete with cattle drives and cowboy culture.
- Go to a Rodeo: Experience the excitement of a traditional Texas rodeo, showcasing bull riding, barrel racing, and more.
- Texas Barbecue Tour: Savor the flavors of Texas by embarking on a barbecue tour. Each region has its own style, from brisket in Central Texas to sausage in East Texas.
Extra things to do in Texas
- Take a River Walk (San Antonio): Stroll along the scenic River Walk in San Antonio, lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
- Visit the State Capitol (Austin): Explore the State Capitol building in Austin, the largest state capitol in the U.S.
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Hike and explore the stunning landscapes of Guadalupe Mountains National Park in West Texas.
- Tour the Lyndon B. Johnson Ranch (Stonewall): Learn about the life and presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson by visiting his ranch.
- Attend a College Football Game: Experience the passion for college football by attending a game at one of Texas’s major universities, like the University of Texas at Austin or Texas A&M University.