Travel Spotlights: Southwest Region

Amid desert beauty, sample the Southwest’s flavorful cuisines and learn about its colorful cultures. Here, striking rock formations meet clear blue skies, and fascinating histories take center stage.

Texas

Time for Texas

Experience Texas culture’s exclusive mix of cosmopolitan meets western as you travel around. Its cities are culturally rich and diverse with some of the best, mouthwatering eateries sprinkled throughout. Immerse yourself in the unique outdoor experiences that the wide open Texas countryside has to offer.

Rodeo on a beautiful sunny day in Fort Worth, Texas

Western Experiences

Immerse yourself in cowboy lifestyle and western heritage. Take roping lessons, go horseback riding, try your hand at skeet shooting and eat delicious barbecue at a dude ranch. From various small town rodeos and honkey-tonks to authentic cowboy hat and bootmakers, there are special experiences statewide.

Family beach day on South Padre Island, Texas

Beautiful Beaches

Discover everything from quaint oceanside escapes to activity-filled resort towns with renowned fishing spots, perfect sailing breezes, regular dolphin sightings and year-round swimming in warm waters along more than 965 kilometers of the Texas Gulf Coast and its barrier islands.

Big State, Bigger Music Scene

Its music scene is as far-reaching as the state itself, with a past of dancehalls and country music to world-class venues and festivals. The Texas spirit has inspired new genres, countless songs and continues to be defined by every musician that calls Texas home.

Visitors enjoying a wonderful hike at Big Bend National Park in Texas

Outdoor Adventure

In Texas, you can traverse almost every ecosystem and a great place to start is in one of the 100+ state parks, each unique and abundant with outdoor recreation. Texas delivers with fun on land, like birding and hiking, to fun in the water, like sport fishing and scuba diving.

Rooftop restaurant and bar in Dallas, Texas

Top Food & Drink

From fine wines, craft beers and multicultural cuisine, to State Fair confections and famous barbecue, there's plenty to sample in the state’s revered food scenes. It’s such a foodie state, the James Beard awards had to create a separate category for all the awarded chefs and restaurateurs from Texas.

Visitors outside the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas

Arts, History & Culture Galore

Texas culture is reflected in the food, music, arts, and history of this multicultural state. Explore one of the many galleries or museums, travel back in time to historical sites like the Alamo or tour various neighborhoods that showcase Texas today.

Kid-friendly Excitement

From sunny beaches, water parks and authentic cowboy experiences to theme parks, zoos, and museums, Texas is a year-round destination that offers families a world of fun. Grab the family and jump on a thrilling roller coaster, high-flying zip line, exciting train rides, an adventurous river float, and more!

Shoppers at The Domain Shopping Center in Austin, Texas

Spectacular Shopping

Between outlet and traditional malls, the largest mercado in the nation, and unique boutiques throughout the state, you can find something for just about any taste, style, or budget in Texas. Your next great fashion find is waiting.

Golf course at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in Texas

Sports Loving State

Texas sports teams are recognized around the word, whether you love basketball, football, hockey, baseball, soccer, fast cars or rodeos, Texas has it all and more! Buy a ticket to professional and amateur stadiums, fields and venues, or play golf at over 800 courses in the state.

Houston, Texas

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Big City Culture

Discover a tapestry of cultures throughout Houston, where big city vibes meet Southern hospitality. World-class arts, award-winning restaurants and endless attractions welcome you to share in the blending of international cultures with classic Texan charm.

Houston Museum of Natural Science in Houston, Texas

A Museum for Every Curiosity

Get lost in Houston’s walkable Museum District where 19 museums covering history, photography, arts and much more await the curious explorer. Pop by to see wildlife at the Houston Zoo and stroll through the lovely Hermann Park, all easily accessible via the METRORail.

Only in Houston Attractions

Blast off to planets, stars and galaxies far away at Space Center Houston. This official visitor center for Houston’s NASA Johnson Space Center is full of behind-the-scenes looks at space exploration through artifacts, interactive exhibits and out-of-this-world special events.

Friends enjoying a tasty meal at Post Market in Houston, Texas

International Delights

Dig into Houston’s eclectic culinary scene with classic, local favorites like Texas-style barbecue as well as authentic food from around the world. With many diverse cultures located within the city, you can sample a bite from various nations without leaving Texas.

Buffalo Bayou Park in downtown Houston, Texas

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Green Spaces Galore

Enjoy Houston’s natural side as you discover the many urban parks and green spaces to explore. From biking to boating on the Bayou or just strolling through the lush lawn of Buffalo Bayou Park, the great outdoors is never far away from the city’s urban environment.

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Dallas, Texas

A city where every neighborhood is worthy of exploration, head out to discover excellent shopping, unique attractions and welcoming greenspaces throughout Dallas. There is entertainment galore with topnotch art and culture scenes, the annual State Fair of Texas and much more! Learn more

Photo: Visit Dallas

Dallas, Texas

Find something the whole family will love in Dallas – catch a Dallas Cowboys or Mavericks game or spend the day exploring the Perot Museum of Nature & Science, the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, or the Rory Meyers Children Adventure Garden. Learn more

Photo: Visit Dallas

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Fort Worth, Texas

Experience Fort Worth’s remarkable districts full of culture and fun, like the 37-block Sun-dance Square entertainment district with shops, restaurants and shows or the Cultural Dis-trict’s museums and gardens. The historic western Stockyards is a must when visiting. Learn more

Fort Worth, Texas

Don’t miss the live country music and line dancing at Fort Worth hot spots like Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky tonk, and the beautifully restored barns of Mule Alley, a col-lection of happening restaurants, eateries, entertainment venues and shops. Learn more

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Fredericksburg, Texas

Journey to the birthplace of the Texas country music scene made famous by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson at places like the legendary Luckenbach Texas Music Dance Hall, where you can catch live music 364 days a year. Learn more

Photo: Trish Rawls

Fredericksburg, Texas

The Fredericksburg area is home to more than 50 wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms. Each winery brings its unique personality and style to winemaking, earning accolades around the world. Learn more

Photo: Jason Risner

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Amarillo, Texas

A can’t-miss city along Route 66, Amarillo is full of quirky local shops, classic diners and the memorable interactive art installation, Cadillac Ranch. Check out the second largest canyon in the USA, Palo Duro Canyon, and take in a show under the stars at Starlight Ranch. Learn more

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Bandera County, Texas

Welcome to the Cowboy Capital of the World! Go horseback riding at dude ranches, dance at honky tonks like Arkey Blue’s Silver Dollar Saloon, catch live bull riding at rodeos, stargaze and discover local history at the Frontier Times and Bandera Natural History Museums. Learn more

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El Paso, Texas

Take a ride on vintage streetcars. Plan an outdoor adventure. Explore historical sites dating back hundreds of years. Dine at award-winning restaurants and visit one-of-a-kind shops. A unique culture and stunning attractions are awaiting for you in the Sun City. Learn more

Photo: Experience El Paso

Chickasaw Country, Oklahoma

The Chickasaw Nation

Chickasaw Cultural Center

Immerse yourself in Chickasaw culture with dance demonstrations, traditional stories and walking through the Chikasha Inchokka’ Traditional Village’s architecturally accurate replicas. Access Chickasaw National Recreation Area trails from the cultural center by way of the Inkana Bridge.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area

From the panoramic views of Lake of the Arbuckles to prairie uplands, waterfalls, and swimming holes, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area is full of photo-worthy landscapes and exciting hiking opportunities easily accessed by over 48 kilometers of trails.

Chisholm Trail Heritage Center

The 4D Experience Theater at Chisholm Trail Heritage Center offers a multi-sensory experience of life on the Oklahoma prairie, while the impressive permanent collection of Western and First American art at the Garis Gallery features exclusive masterpieces showcased only there.

Turner Falls in Chickasaw Country, Oklahoma

Turner Falls Park

Discover Turner Falls Park, nestled in the Arbuckle Mountains of Oklahoma. The grounds feature cabins and campsites, the largest waterfall in the state, a castle to explore, and kilometers and kilometers of hiking trails and natural caves.

Buffalo at Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Chickasaw Country, Oklahoma

The Chickasaw Nation

Bison Sightings

Spot these iconic prairie animals of Oklahoma at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area’s designated preserve where bison are allowed to roam freely and are spotted throughout the day from the special viewpoint on Highway 177. Watch the herd graze in wide open fields.

Open Road and Epic Stops, Here You Are in Arizona

Arizona

Take a cruise on the iconic Route 66 in Arizona, stopping off at the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon National Park. Sample world-class cuisine in Tucson, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and enjoy 120 wineries in three unique AVA wine regions. The red rocks formations of Sedona always excite. Learn more

Starry Skies Over the City of Seven Wonders

Flagstaff, Arizona

Just 90 minutes from Grand Canyon National Park, Flagstaff is known for its incredible stargazing and is the world’s first International Dark Skies City. Catch unobstructed night views from the east to the west at the Wupatki National Monument, just outside the city. Learn more

Photo: Discover Flagstaff

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