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City-dwellers will love exploring some of the biggest cities in the country. Creative types will fall in love with Houston's museum district, which boasts 18 unique museums showcasing art, science and history. If history entices you, vibrant San Antonio's breathtaking missions and historic River Walk architecture make the past come alive. In Dallas, distinct entertainment districts feature fine dining and more shopping centers per capita than any other US city. Meanwhile, the city's love of arts and culture is evident in the Dallas Arts District. For a laid-back vacation, Austin is the perfect fit. It's the live music capital of the world, and bands ranging from country and Tejano to reggae and rock play in Austin's 200 music venues every night of the week.

But it's not just cities. There are beautiful, rustic landscapes as far as the eye can see and endless prairie skies filled with millions of stars. With its varied landscapes, every Texas holiday should include spending some time in the great outdoors. Texas has more than 600 miles of coastline where you can take a dip in the warm Gulf Coast waters. Relax with a stroll on the beach, charter a boat for some deep-sea fishing or take a sunset sail beyond the waves.

If you're ready to hit the links, look no further than the 800 golf courses in the state.  These lush, green courses each provide interesting challenges, and many are even stops on the PGA TOUR.

Texas is also a mecca for birders. Pack a pair of binoculars because, with more than 625 species of birds documented, it's the birding capital of America. The state's distinct habitats play host to a wide variety of birds, some of which are incredibly rare in North America. Tropical species even travel across the border to the Gulf Coast region.

Of course, if you're looking for a cowboy experience, Texas is ideal. Get a taste of the Old West at the Fort Worth Stockyards' saloons, live country music shows and daily longhorn cattle drive. Or how about taking in a rough-ridin' rodeo? Rodeo is one of Texas' most popular sports, featuring everything from professional bull riding to peewee calf roping. From huge events to local arenas, you can find rodeos to attend year-round.

If you want to be more than a spectator, ride the trails, rope some cows or cook out over an open fire at a dude ranch, where guests learn the cowboy lifestyle from people who live it every day.

This western heritage is what the state was built on, and the down-home charm makes you feel welcome the moment you arrive. From outdoor adventures to city sights, it's the true spirit of Texas.