Historic Road Trip: South Texas Coastal Bend
The Texas coast stretches 350 miles from South Padre Island to the Louisiana border, extending through a diverse array of towns, each with their own rich history. The southern portion of the coast—roughly 100 miles of shoreline between Rockport and South Padre Island—offers travelers a diverse range of heritage tourism opportunities.
Top Picnic Spots with Texas History
Grab a picnic basket and go off the beaten path to explore these scenic spots across the state with unique stories.
Historic Road Trip: Denison to Clarksville
Settled by Native Americans, conquered by Spaniards, then included as part of Mexico, this region is rich with history and culture. This part of North Texas was also home to several legendary Texans, including Dwight D. Eisenhower, Sam Rayburn, and Sam Bell Maxey—their stories are each told at a Texas Historical Commission state historic site in the area.
Hispanic Heritage Sites in San Antonio
Formerly part of Mexico and Spain, Texas has deep Hispanic roots. Much of the food, entertainment, and celebrations Texans enjoy are part of its Hispanic heritage. Hispanics were among the original Texans—their history is Texas’ legacy. San Antonio is home to many Mexican American cultural attractions, making it the perfect destination to experience Hispanic culture.
Historic Road Trip: Fredericksburg to Johnson City
The Hill Country is the birthplace of former President Lyndon Baines Johnson and the home of descendants of thousands of German immigrants who escaped political and religious persecution.
These historic ties backdropped by breathtaking natural scenery make this part of the Texas Hill Country a perfect cultural destination. War museums, presidential parks, and exhibits also make the trip a learning experience. For a relaxing time, visitors can enjoy the numerous biergartens, wineries, and distilleries in the area.
Discover These 8 African American History Sites in Dallas
As one of the last states to inform enslaved people of their freedom, Texas shares an interesting relation with its Black residents. Many locations across Dallas share and preserve the community’s undertold Black history and activism, including churches, schools, and museums.
Historic Road Trip: Amarillo and Canyon
Amarillo’s heritage contains a surprisingly eclectic mix of cultural influences, from Native American leaders to legendary ranchers to the Americana of Route 66.
The city’s population surged in the late 1800s, when windmill-powered agricultural wells reached the deep water table, the railroad arrived, and thousands of nearby cattle were corralled and shipped to meatpacking centers in the north.
By the 1930s, cross-country automobile travel shifted into high gear thanks to new highways like the famous Route 66. The city’s distinctive blend of fiery, friendly folks endeared many travelers to its independent pioneer spirit.
Exploring the Quanah Parker Trail
Dozens of arrows, 22 feet tall, pierce the landscape of the Panhandle Plains. They commemorate Quanah Parker, last chief of the Comanche (Nʉmʉnʉʉ), and the territory called Comanchería where his people lived. Parker was the son of a Quahada Comanche man and a white woman, a heritage that made a lasting impact on his life.
Visit Eight State Historic Sites to Experience the Republic of Texas Era
Step back in time and experience the period of the Texas Republic in person or virtually at one of these Texas Historical Commission state historic sites.