Big enough to fit 15 states inside its border, Texas has several different climates and takes the cake for biodiversity. Cougars, black bears, diamond back rattlesnakes and sharks all call Texas home. Two national parks are located in Texas – Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains. In these parks you can float the Rio Grande, hike the highest peaks in the state and learn about the unique history these parks work to preserve. The Texas coast is a popular vacation destination for Texans and out-of-state residents alike. If you can’t make it to the beach, you can enjoy the water on one of Texas’ seven thousand lakes.