People & culture
What are Texans like?
Ranching is one Texas tradition, among many.
A big state with many voices
A Texan may greet you with “howdy,” recommend a taco truck, explain a space mission or invite you to hear a local band. The cowboy hat is part of the picture, but it certainly is not the entire wardrobe.
Indigenous histories, Mexican and Tejano heritage, Black communities, European settlement and immigration from around the world all help shape the state. Austin, Houston, the Panhandle and the Rio Grande Valley can feel remarkably different.
Conversation comes easily
A warm greeting and a little curiosity go a long way. Ask people what they enjoy about their town, where they eat or which local place visitors miss. Expect different answers, and perhaps a friendly disagreement about barbecue.
A good guest anywhere
Respect private property, ask before photographing people and follow local guidance in natural and cultural places. Enjoy Texas’s friendliness while remembering that every person has a story of their own.
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