South Texas is a region in the U.S. state of Texas that lies roughly south of, or begins south of, San Antonio. Its eastern boundary is defined by the Gulf of Mexico and its southern and western boundary by the U.S.-Mexico border. It is often distinguished from the rest of the state by its distinct ethnic makeup, economy, and geography.
The region is known for its hot semi-arid climate, with mild winters and extremely hot summers. The landscape ranges from woodlands and fertile plains to dry, scrubby ranchland. It is home to a number of rivers including the Nueces, the Guadalupe, and the Rio Grande, which forms the border with Mexico.
South Texas has a unique cultural flavor owing to the mix of Hispanic and Anglo-American influences. The majority ethnicity is Hispanic, and Spanish influence can be seen in the architecture, food, music, and festivals of the region.
The region is an agricultural powerhouse, with produce like citrus fruits, onions, and spinach, as well as cotton, corn, and sorghum being major outputs. Ranching, particularly of cattle and sheep, is also a significant part of the economy. Additionally, South Texas is known for its oil and gas extraction, with the Eagle Ford Shale being one of the most prolific oil and gas plays in the world.
Attractions in South Texas include the San Antonio River Walk, the Alamo, Padre Island National Seashore, the bustling city of Corpus Christi, and a number of state parks and wildlife refuges. South Texas is also home to several renowned universities such as University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Texas A&M University–Kingsville, and Texas State University.