Recreation
Birding in Texas
The World Birding Center comprises nine birding education centers and observation sites in the Lower Rio Grande Valley designed to protect wildlife habitat and offer visitors a view of more than 500 species of birds.
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Birders along the Rio Grande at Salineño in Starr County. Photo by Robert Plocheck. |
The center has partnered with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and nine communities to turn 10,000 acres back into natural areas for birds, butterflies and other wildlife.
This area in Cameron, Hidalgo and Starr counties is a natural migratory path for millions of birds that move between the Americas. . . .
Travelers' Top Destinations and Origins, 2011
Most visited places in 2011 by all travelers as percent of total.
| Rank | Destination | Percent |
| 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. |
Alamo Hill Country Galveston Island Fiesta Texas Cowboys Stadium San Marcos Outlet Malls SeaWorld of Texas Rangers Ballpark in Arlington Six Flags Over Texas San Antonio Zoo |
32.59 15.05 13.54 12.51 10.38 9.80 9.19 7.83 7.57 7.39 |
| Source: Survey for Office of Governor. |
The leading places of origin for visitors to Texas in 2011 were:
| Rank | Origin | Percent |
| 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. |
California Oklahoma Louisiana New Mexico Missouri |
11.2 7.4 7.4 5.4 5.1 |
| Source: Survey for Office of Governor. |
Texas State Parks
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has up-to-date information about state parks — location, history, facilities, plantlife, wildlife, special features, tours and more.
The Texas Historical Commission administers the state historic sites.
National Parks and Historic Sites in Texas
The National Park Service has detailed information about each park property in Texas.
Recreation on National Forests and Grasslands
National Forests and Grasslands in Texas describes recreational opportunities on these federal lands.
Hunting and Fishing in Texas
The Texas Parks and Wildlife also has information about hunting and fishing licenses and regulations.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife website has information on Texas rivers, of special interest to anglers.
• Sporting Licenses and Game Harvests
Visitor Information for Texas Cities
Some cities have convention and visitors bureaus that offer tourism information.
Events, Fairs and Festivals
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The carnival at the annual Oysterfest at Fulton in March. Photo by Robert Plocheck. |
Local events, fairs, and festivals all over the state are listed on the Department of Economic Development site.
Accommodations
Texas Hotel and Lodging Association lists many lodgings in the state.
Texas Bed & Breakfast Association lists its members, which are mostly historic properties.
Texas Road Condition Information
The Texas Department of Transportation gives you up-to-the-minute information about road and lane closures and other road conditions.
Recreation and travel information for Texas is provided on the Texas Economic Development and Tourism website.
