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Best places to visit in texas.

They say everything is bigger in Texas. And if you take into account all that the state has to offer, it's easy to see why the Lone Star State packs such a potent punch with travelers. Texas is filled to the brim with breathtaking countrysides, significant historical attractions, diverse museums, pristine city parks, suburban shopping meccas, mouthwatering barbecue and more. U.S. News took into account traveler sentiment and expert analysis to come up with the best places to visit in Texas. Want to share your opinion? Make sure to vote below to help determine next year's list. 

Big Bend National Park

Fredericksburg, tx, san antonio, guadalupe mountains national park, port aransas, south padre island, mustang island, corpus christi, san josé island.

This sprawling metropolis promises a jam-packed itinerary for every type of traveler, whether you're traveling with the family or on a romantic getaway . Explore the many museums, parks and historical sites the city has to offer, including the infamous Dealey Plaza, where JFK was assassinated, or get to know Dallas' vibrant, artsy neighborhoods like Trinity Groves and the Design District. And if you're visiting during football season, catch a Dallas Cowboys game to see state pride at its best. However you spend your time, you'll be surrounded by top-notch restaurants and a surplus of shopping options.

Every year, more than 500,000 people visit this national park along the U.S.-Mexico border to spend some time outdoors. Big Bend National Park features hundreds of miles of paved and dirt roads for scenic drives, as well as 150-plus miles of hiking trails. While exploring the park's sections of the Chihuahuan Desert, the Chisos Mountains and the Rio Grande, keep your eyes peeled for more than 450 bird species, including several kinds of woodpeckers, thrashers and sparrows. At night, camp (or glamp) under the moonlight to see why Big Bend is one of the best dark sky parks in the country.

For a different kind of Texas vacation, skip the state's main cities and beach towns in favor of a visit to Fredericksburg. This Texas Hill Country locale is known for its superb shops, rich German roots and tasty wines. When you're not enjoying some retail therapy on Main Street, learn about the town's connection to Germany at the Pioneer Museum. Don't forget to sample some of Fredericksburg's delectable vino before you leave; you'll have your pick of more than 50 wineries and tasting rooms in and around Fredericksburg.

Historical relics like The Alamo are no doubt San Antonio's biggest draw. However, you don't need to be a history buff to enjoy all the city has to offer. The River Walk makes for a soothing stroll along the San Antonio River, while the expansive Brackenridge Park offers a variety of attractions and amenities. Active travelers can practice their swing at the park's golf course and ball fields, nature lovers can pass the time in its stunning Japanese Tea Garden and families can get an up-close look at the on-site San Antonio Zoo's animals. Before you leave, sample a San Antonio staple – the puffy taco.

If hiking is one of your favorite pastimes, then you'll want to venture to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. This national park by the southern Texas-New Mexico border houses eight of the state's 10 highest peaks, including the iconic El Capitan, and features 80-plus miles of hiking paths, such as traveler-approved routes like Devil's Hall and the Guadalupe Peak Trail. Although the scenery is stunning year-round, for extra-memorable vistas, visit in fall when the park's tree leaves turn vivid shades of red, orange and yellow.

This small town on Mustang Island (about 40 miles northeast of Corpus Christi) provides ample opportunities for fun in the sun. When you're not sunbathing, parasailing or splashing around at the beach, put your angling skills to the test in the "Fishing Capital of Texas" or sign up for a dolphin-watching cruise. You'll also want to keep an eye out for the endangered whooping crane and other birds in this bird-watching paradise. If you love festivals, time your visit to coincide with one of Port Aransas' events, which focus on everything from art to music to food.

Texas is home to some prime Gulf Coast shorelines , and South Padre Island is considered one of the best. South Padre offers 34 miles of relaxing beaches along the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. While the island has a reputation for being a prime party spot for spring breakers, the rest of the year it's favored by families thanks to its affordability and bevy of kid-friendly attractions. Head to Sea Turtle, Inc. to learn about local sea turtle rehabilitation efforts, or visit Beach Park Waterpark to cool off on a hot day.

The capital city's colorful character takes Texas to an entirely new level. Austin offers loads in the way of culture, cuisine and natural scenery. While here, enjoy unique outdoor areas like Zilker Metropolitan Park (where you'll find the natural Barton Springs Pool), various museums and plenty of delectable Tex-Mex joints. The best way to soak up Austin's contagious energy is to visit Sixth Street. This music hub is packed with bars, restaurants and live music venues that have helped Austin earn its "Live Music Capital of the World" moniker. For a souvenir, head to SoCo to pick up a pair of authentic cowboy boots.

Originally inhabited by wild horses, the aptly named Mustang Island is now known for its miles of beaches and outdoor activities. On this 18-mile-long barrier island, which sits about 30 miles southeast of Corpus Christi, visitors will find Mustang Island State Park, a popular place to go mountain biking, kayaking and swimming. The park is also home to endangered sea turtles and more than 400 bird species, making it an excellent destination to spot wildlife, and boasts 5 miles of beaches. For more outdoor recreation outside the park, travelers can visit North Packery Beach to enjoy water sports like kiteboarding, wakeboarding and surfing.

Once a lesser-known, low-key getaway, this small town just north of Mexico now attracts space enthusiasts thanks to its SpaceX launch site. Beachgoers will still find plenty of allure with Boca Chica's 8-mile-long stretch of sand, but remember to bring your own equipment since water sports rentals like surfboards and kiteboards are not available on-site. You'll also want to plan ahead, as the beach is closed near rocket launch dates. While here, save time for wildlife watching, as the area is a haven for various bird and sea turtle species, particularly in spring and fall.

Renowned as one of America's top barbecue destinations, Houston offers travelers a finger-licking good time. But did you know Houston is also a culture hub? Within the urban sprawl, visitors can check out museums galore, from NASA's impressive Johnson Space Center to the quirky Art Car Museum. Many of the city's restaurants and shops are also covered in Instagram-worthy murals. Plus, with the world-class Houston Zoo , verdant Buffalo Bayou Park and a children's museum, Houston is an ideal (and affordable) vacation spot for families. Consider purchasing a CityPASS to save even more coin.

Corpus Christi features several scenic shorelines and can't-miss attractions to keep you entertained for days. Popular stretches of sand in this Gulf Coast city include McGee Beach and North Beach, which is also home to two of Corpus Christi's most visited sights, the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington. Additional museums and entertainment venues can be found in SEA, the city's Sports, Entertainment and Arts District. Meanwhile, music fans can visit several sites dedicated to the emblematic Tejano singer Selena, including the Selena Museum and the Mirador de la Flor memorial.

Sitting in between Fort Worth and Dallas (roughly 23 miles from both), Grapevine delights all travelers, whether they're outdoorsy types, historians or wine lovers. Lake Grapevine is a popular boating and fishing spot, while its surrounding trails attract hikers and bikers. Meanwhile, history buffs can engage in 19th-century heritage events at Nash Farm or ride into the past on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. As its name suggests, Grapevine is also home to several tasting rooms along Texas' Urban Wine Trail. What's more, with some of the best water parks in Texas , an aquarium and a LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Grapevine is incredibly kid-friendly.

Located about 50 miles southeast of Houston, Galveston attracts Texans looking for a convenient place to spend some time at the beach. The island features family-friendly spots like Stewart Beach (with amenities like lifeguards, volleyball courts and a playground) and Pleasure Pier (which features an array of games and rides). Meanwhile, Schlitterbahn Waterpark offers yet another place to play. Away from the sand, visitors can explore the shop-, restaurant- and nightclub-filled Strand District, named a National Historic Landmark for its well-preserved Victorian architecture. Travelers will also want to check out other historical sights, such as Bishop's Palace and Moody Mansion.

Easy to reach by ferry from Port Aransas, this former ranch is now a prime beach destination. Because San José Island is privately owned, the island's only publicly accessible land is its 21-mile stretch of unspoiled sand situated below the vegetation line. But visitors will find plenty to do on the beach. The island's more than 600 kinds of fish and roughly 300 bird species make it a terrific place to go fishing and birding. Other popular pastimes here include shelling and surfing.

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Padre Island National Seashore

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Entertainment, 5 family friendly travel destinations in texas to visit this spring, a mom’s guide to exploring the outdoors in the lone star state.

Krisna Menier , Membership Director

HOUSTON – Hey there, fellow adventurers! As winter fades away and the flowers begin to bloom, spring in Texas is the perfect time for families to venture out and explore. As a mom on a mission to ensure maximum fun during our travels, here’s my round-up of the coolest spring nature destinations in the Lone Star State.

Santa Ana National Refuge

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Lush trails, chasing after colorful birds, and crossing a tree bridge for the ultimate bird’s eye view awaits you at the Santa Ana National Refuge ! It’s like stepping into a real-life nature documentary, and trust me, your little adventurers will be buzzing with excitement.

• Distance from Houston: 5 hours
• Admission: Daily passes are $5 per vehicle and yearly passes are $10 per vehicle. The first Sunday of every month is FREE!

Llano River State Park

Who’s up for a splash-tastic adventure? Head on over to the Llano River , where the water’s cool and the vibes are even cooler! Head to the visitor center and pick your kids up a FREE junior ranger explorer pack, packed with goodies to conquer the great outdoors. From floating down the river to casting a line for the catch of the day, there’s no shortage of fun to be had.

• Admission: Adults are $5 daily. Children 12 years and under are free. Camping is between $10 - $20.

Rockport Beach

Rockport Beach is your ticket to sun-soaked bliss and sandy shenanigans. Managed by Blue Wave Beaches, this slice of paradise boasts squeaky-clean sands and low tide waters for every swimmer to enjoy.

• Distance from Houston: 3 hours
• Admission: $10 daily or $40 annual vehicle parking fee.

Comal River

Grab your tubes , slap on some sunscreen, and prepare for a tubing adventure like no other. With gentle currents and heart-pounding tube chutes, it’s the perfect blend of chill vibes and adrenaline rushes. The Comal River is known for its shorter float and calmer waters making it perfect for families.

• Admission: Expect to spend $15-22 per person, including shuttle, tube rental, and parking fees.

RELATED: Play in New Braunfels: Grab your inner tube, sunblock and beach towels!

Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center

Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is a haven of adventure and tranquility. Surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery, you are transported to a world where time slows down and nature takes center stage. Through hands-on activities like nature walks, guided photography grotto hikes and star gazing , there is something for everyone to relax and enjoy the serenity of the environment.

• Admission: Varies based on tours between $5 - $50.

So, grab your crew, pack your sense of adventure (and some sunscreen), and get ready to make memories that’ll last a lifetime. When it comes to family fun in Texas, the sky’s the limit!

Have other spots your family loves to visit in the spring in Texas? Share your favorites in the comments section below!

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Krisna menier.

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US issues level 3 travel advisory to China amid safety concerns. Here's what to know

Are you thinking about traveling to China to visit or study abroad? The U.S. government suggests reconsidering your trip for now. 

According to the U.S. Department of State , traveling to China is under a level 3 travel advisory , warning Americans to reconsider. The State Department has four warning levels. The fourth is “Do not travel.”

Is it safe to travel to China right now?

The U.S. is asking Americans to reconsider traveling to China due to various reasons, including concerns about health and safety, such as the prevalence of contagious diseases like COVID-19, as well as political tensions or security risks in certain regions.

As of April 12, there are some specific areas that the U.S. is asking people to reconsider travel to. Those areas include:

• Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.
• Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
• Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. 

Additionally, the U.S. government may issue travel advisories based on factors like civil unrest, natural disasters, or other hazards that could affect travelers' well-being.

Americans detained in China

Mark Swidan — a man from Houston, Texas — has been detained in China for over 10 years on drug charges. According to The Texas Tribune , Swidan was detained in China in 2012 while on a trip looking for materials for his home and business in Houston. Chinese authorities arrested him after his driver and translator were found in possession of drugs. The driver blamed Swidan, who is accused of trafficking and manufacturing methamphetamine.

A review of Swidan’s case said there were no drugs on him or in his hotel. Last year, the Republic of China’s Jiangmen Intermediate Court denied Swidan’s appeal and upheld his death penalty with a two-year suspended death sentence.

Other Americans considered wrongfully detained include Chinese American businessman Kai Li from Long Island, N.Y., and California pastor David Lin.

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

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• Saudi Arabia

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• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)
• Burkina Faso

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Injured Guardians reliever will travel with team to Atlanta and Texas

• Updated: Apr. 25, 2024, 2:46 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 25, 2024, 12:16 p.m.

James Karinchak will travel with the Guardians on their upcoming trip to Atlanta and Houston while he continues to rehab his injured shoulder. MLB Photos via Getty Images

• Joe Noga, cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio — James Karinchak was spotted in the Guardians clubhouse ahead of Thursday’s series finale against Boston at Progressive Field. The right-hander has been on the 60-day injured list since March 28 as he continues to recover from shoulder soreness that he experienced in spring training.

Manager Stephen Vogt said Karinchak will travel during the upcoming six-game road trip to Atlanta and Houston under the watchful eye of Guardians trainers and coaches.

“It’s a good time for our pitching guys to get their eyes on him,” Vogt said. “He’s getting closer to getting to the mound, so we just thought it would be a good time for him to come get with the guys, mix in with them. Also, just a chance for our trainers and pitching coaches to get their hands on him and see where he is at.”

Karinchak has progressed to throwing at 250 feet and is continuing to build toward a return to the mound, Vogt told reporters Tuesday. He is not eligible to come off the injured list until May 30, but will likely need several rehab appearances in minor league games before then.

Karinchak split last season between Cleveland and Triple-A Columbus, spending three extended stints on the major league roster. He finished with a 3.23 ERA in 39 innings across 44 appearances. Karinchack was 2-4 with a 3.90 ERA through 32 outings before he was optioned on June 10.

In his August and September stints with the Guardians, Karinchak made 10 scoreless appearances in 12 outings and posted a 1.59 ERA with 14 strikeouts. Karinchak’s walk numbers climbed in 2023 as he pitched to a 6.46 walks per nine innings and a career-low strikeout to walk ratio of 1.86. Still, the righty held opposing hitters to a .178 batting average and had the third-lowest opponent average among MLB relievers from 2019 to 2013 behind Devin Williams and Josh Hader.

More Guardians coverage

• The most surprising thing about the Guardians; Evan Mobley, difference maker; Deshaun Watson vs. Russell Wilson: Terry’s Talkin’ podcast
• José Ramírez’s grand slam ties Jim Thome for 12th on Guardians’ all-time hits list (video)
• Cleveland Guardians, Boston Red Sox starting lineups for April 25, 2024: Game No. 25

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