Look At What Makes These 5 Huge Texas Cities Worth Visiting

Texas is a proud state filled with legendary landmarks, rich history, and larger-than-life experiences. Here's what I believe we all should know before visiting the BIG cities.

When I visit the big cities in the Lone Star State, especially one of our Texas metropolises I want more than just tall buildings and traffic. I want to know what that city is all about. What makes it tick? What should I see, do, and/or remember? So, here is my look at the biggest cities in Texas, not from a tourist brochure, but from my personal point of view.

Dallas-Fort Worth: Flights, Football, and One Fantastic Zoo

Let’s be honest, when folks think of DFW, two things usually come to mind: the massive DFW International Airport and the legendary Dallas Cowboys. Do not forget Fort Worth. That city quietly boasts one of the best zoos in the country, maybe even the best in the USA. The Fort Worth Zoo is where families smile, kids learn, and animal lovers like me get lost in wonder. Cowtown (aka: the Stock Yards) is a place to shop, dine, rodeo, and catch live music at Billy Bob's. It’s not just concrete and commerce; there’s life, fun, and nature tucked into this metroplex.

Austin: Music Over Politics, Always

Most people think Austin is all about government and state politics. And sure, it’s the capital of Texas. But to me, it’s about energy, live music, wild nights, and creative souls. I spent six weeks at UT back in the day, and my biggest lesson wasn’t academic: it was discovering the magic of Sixth Street. That’s where I saw and heard Jerry Jeff Walker for the first time in the late ’70s. If you visit Austin for business, do yourself a favor, at least spend one night on Sixth. It's where Austin sings.

San Antonio: History, Flavor, and Heart

San Antonio will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where I went through Air Force boot camp and where I adopted one of the greatest dogs I’ve ever had—Tiny, a retired military German Shepherd with a huge heart. Together, we once walked past the Alamo, soaking in the city’s powerful mix of heritage and pride. Between the rich culture, incredible food, and strong military roots, San Antonio is more than historic, it’s soulful.

Houston: Bigger Than a City, It's a Planet

To me, Houston isn’t a city, it’s a whole planet. Everything’s big here: the population, the traffic, the ambition. But nothing beats the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. It’s the biggest in the world, and the concerts that go along with it are just as massive. Houston knows how to entertain, and whether you’re there for the food, the culture, or the cowboy hats, you’ll leave with a story (and probably a full belly).

Don’t Just Visit—Experience It

Texas isn’t just a state, it’s a state of being. Each of our biggest cities offers something unique, something worth discovering. From world-class zoos to legendary musicians, from military memories to rodeo lights, there's more to these metropolises than just their size.

So, the next time you're headed to one of these cities, don���t just pass through, experience it. Ask questions. Try something new. And find out what makes each one proudly, unmistakably Texan.