| Texas is the second largest state in the Union both in | | | | landscaped sandy beach, IMAX theater, and a |
| terms of area (after Alaska), and of population (after | | | | paddlewheel cruise boat. |
| California). There are many interesting places and | | | | 5. Plano Balloon Festival (in Plano): An annual hot-air |
| events to see around the state, including: | | | | ballooning festival. The festival also offers other |
| 1. The Alamo (in San Antonion): Originally built as a | | | | activities such as live bands, activities for kids, and |
| Spanish mission, the site became legendary as a result | | | | great food. |
| of the 1836 siege that took place during the Texas | | | | 6. Plaza Wax Museum (in San Antonio): Two |
| Revolution of 1836. | | | | attractions in one - Louis Tussard's Plaza Wax |
| 2. Forbidden Gardens (in Katy): An outdoor museum of | | | | Museum (a traditional wax museum) and Ripley's |
| Chinese culture and history. Perhaps the most | | | | Believe It or Not! (a museum of the strange and |
| impressive exhibits are a 1/20th scale model of the | | | | unusual). |
| Forbidden City, as well as a Terracotta Army of 6,000 | | | | 7. SeaWorld San Antonio (in San Antonio): The |
| 1/3 scale figures. | | | | famous marine-themed theme and zoological park. |
| 3. Hartman Prehistoric Garden (in Austin): A site where | | | | 8. State Fair of Texas (in Dallas): An annual event |
| fossilized tracks and bones have been found, this is | | | | including many attractions including the largest ferris |
| one garden of several within the Zilker Botanical | | | | wheel in North America, a college football game, and |
| Garden. The Hartman Prehistoric Garden has been set | | | | even an Auto Show. The fair is also well-known for its |
| up to resemble a Cretaceous habitat, and even | | | | deliciously high-fat foods such as deep-fried Oreo |
| contains an actual-size sculpture of the dinosaur | | | | cookies, pork ribs and corn dogs. |
| Ornithomimus. | | | | 9. Texas Rose Festival (in Tyler): An annual festival |
| 4. Moody Gardens (in Galveston): A large and | | | | held in October of each year, this popular festival |
| spectacular tourist attraction, Moody Gardens contains | | | | celebrates the area's rose-growing industry. |
| three "pyramids" which themselves contain the largest | | | | 10. USS Texas (in La Porte): A battleship which served |
| aquarium in the world, rainforest fauna and flora, and | | | | with the US Navy during both World Wars. |
| science exhibits and activities. There is also a | | | | |