The Best of Texas
The second largest state in the US, Texas, also known as the "Lone Star State," is home to well known, and world-class cities, like Austin and Dallas. Yet this Southern state is so abundantly wealthy with natural assets and cultural attractions; visitors can’t help but be drawn to its vast Wild West cowboy culture.
Geographically, its south-central location offers a diversity of landscapes, from desert regions and cave systems to mountains, canyons, and the splendid coastal scenery along the Gulf of Mexico. Its world-class cities are also a big draw and are packed with tourist attractions.
Texas is also one of the most multicultural states, and Spanish influences in particular are still evident thanks to its status as a former colony of Spain. During your search through the state, you’ll feel an affinity to the smaller and unexpected locations. Often not found in the big cities, these little gems were places where you could find a slice of heaven, so let us help you to uncover these charming secrets of Texas.
Hidden Gems
Who knew you could find a tropical waterfall oasis, smack dab in the middle of Texas? You can, if you know where to look. In this case it’s in Colorado Bend State Park in the Hill Country. The park is known for great hiking and beautiful scenery, but the falls dotted with leafy ferns clinging to the cliff side rocks is the crown jewel. Bring boots or sneakers, you’ll need to hike about a mile-and-a-half up some moderate terrain to get to the 60-foot falls.
Once you arrive, you’ll find craggy rocks and lush greenery lining the rushing waterway. Pack a lunch or light snack to sit and enjoy as you dip your toes and take it all in. The trail system offers 32 miles of multi-use routes with something for explorers of every skill level.
This area of the river is characterized by slow moving water through the beautiful canyon lands of the Colorado River. Paddlers can travel upstream as well as down to explore or access the park by river. The park rents single and double sit-on-top kayaks and offers a 10 percent discount to Texas State Park Pass holders.
tpwd.texas.gov
There’s a reason the caverns at Cascade Caverns have names like ‘The Cathedral Room” these geological limestone caves are as visually breathtaking as they are historically significant. A one-hour guided tour will take you through narrow passageways and winding corridors, and it’s definitely not recommended for the highly claustrophobic!
The caverns date back tens of thousands of years and have been home to prehistoric animals and Apache dwellers alike. And the name ‘Cascade?’ It comes from a series of naturally occurring waterfalls that once flowed through the caves. The waterfalls have mostly dried up due to the extreme Texas drought, but are still maintained using man-made pipes to give visitors the full effect.
cascadecaverns.com
Dive In
A secret island in the middle Texas? I know we are just getting into the heart of winter, but when you start to plan your spring getaways, include this spot in all your outdoor ventures. You might be thinking you will have to book a flight to the Mexican Rivera to find a topical island of this caliber, but you would be wrong. Near New Braunfels, (which is a fantastic town to visit on its own) discover Son’s Island at Lake Placid for a fun, hidden-island getaway where you won’t need a passport.
You’ll feel like you are hundreds of miles away without having to venture far. It truly is a tropical paradise in the middle of the Lone Star State.
On the island, you can rent a cabana for the day or spend a day adventuring on paddleboards or kayaks. There's something for the entire family to enjoy, and there's never a dull moment on the island.
lakeplacidisland.com
The Medina River in nearby San Antonio isn’t so much of a secret, but it’s definitely worth seeing, especially if you plan on spending time on the water when winter is over. It’s a quiet, slower-paced spot and more relaxing than some of the livelier waterways nearby. Rent a kayak and spend the day paddling the pristine, tree-lined river winding its way to Bandera.
Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife like birds and toads along the banks. No worries for novice kayakers, along this gentle stretch of waterway, there are no rough, threatening rapids, so it is a perfect site to take the kids. Bring your own water tube or rent a kayak from the Media River Company for a few hours and enjoy the peaceful river.
themedinarivercompany.com
In a few months when it’s time to put away the scarfs and cable knit sweaters, start planning your warm weekend getaways in Texas. Okay, to be honest the waters may be a bit on the frigid side (even in the summer) at Barton Springs Pool, but the sun-drenched shores will warm you right up in this beautiful spot, touted to have the bluest water in Texas.
Right in Austin’s Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool definitely has the bluest water in the state and it’s amazing that this spring-fed pool has no chemicals added to it to keep it looking this blue. I suppose that the limestone and plant life at the bottom of the pool help naturally filter the water that keeps it sparkling, blue-green on the surface for everyone to marvel at. Cool fact: Robert Redford learned to swim at the pool at the wee age of five, when he was visiting his family in Austin.
austintexas.gov
Experience
There’s all kind of great experiences to be had in Texas. Local attractions will educate, thrill, and inspire you and your family for long after your trip is over. A museum can be a great way to please everyone’s need for something new and exciting.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is located in the former Texas School Book Depository where significant evidence of a sniper was found following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The Museum presents the social and political landscape of the early 1960s, chronicles President Kennedy's assassination and its aftermath, and reflects upon his lasting impact on our country and world.
jfk.org
The Moody Gardens Hotel contains many attractions that will stimulate your mind. The aquarium pyramid, reaching 12 stories high, allows visitors to explore the four oceans of the world and learn about the underwater world. The Discovery Pyramid is home to traveling exhibits from around the globe providing interactive demonstrations. The Rainforest Pyramid hosts a lush environment with exotic plants, a waterfall, and a variety of animals, birds and butterflies so you get the true rainforest experience. Other attractions include a 6-story 3D theatre, a stimulation ride, and so much more.
moodygardenshotel.com
Billy Bob’s Texas is the world’s largest honky-tonk. The club has almost three acres under one roof with its own indoor rodeo arena for exciting live bull riding every Friday and Saturday, a Texas-sized dance floor, dozens of bar stations, a full restaurant featuring delicious favorites such as BBQ, Chicken Fried Steak, The Burning Bubba burger and more, a late night pizza kitchen, arcade games, a Wall of Fame with celebrity handprints, and a gift shop. At Billy Bob’s Texas, the mission is to deliver the world’s greatest honky-tonk experience and create lasting Texas memories. They accomplish this by delivering the finest live music nightly, and an authentic western atmosphere to enjoy with friends and family.
billybobstexas.com
In Texas it’s easy to curate your own adventure or go with the flow and wind up having the time of your life. No matter what your itinerary looks like, who you travel with, what season it is when you visit, or even how long you are stopping by for, Texas is always the best place to be.
More Lone Star Adventures
Explore Baytown
Ever dream of kayaking in the reflection of the San Jacinto Monument or running across one of the largest stay-cable bridges in the world? Excursions to Baytown offer many exciting options from geocaching, to a night at the theater, or relaxing on the water! Baytown is situated in the gulf coast region of Texas among the scenic waterways that once witnessed the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution! Baytown is the perfect place to recharge and explore.
visitbaytown.com
Discover Seguin
Downtown Seguin represents the heart and soul of the Seguin community where they work hard and celebrate big. It’s still the place where you can find hand pressed brick buildings from the 1840’s, the determined entrepreneur growing their business, and the place where our folks come together to celebrate. Whether it’s for the unique architecture, to get a bite to eat at one of the tasty downtown eateries, or for one of the many festivals, they can’t wait to welcome you!
seguintexas.gov
Go Big In Big Springs
As a midpoint in West Texas, Big Spring delivers a mixture of yesterday, today, and tomorrow that welcomes the native and the newcomer alike. It is the location that brings you here, the unique beauty that gives you pause and the kindness of the community that will make you stay. Explore incredible museums and shop till you drop at any of the various unique and charming boutiques. Friendly folks, great fun and a beautiful beginning!
visitbigspring.com
The Oldest Town In Texas
Experience the hospitality of the Oldest Town in Texas, with a stroll through the red brick streets of historic downtown Nacogdoches. Once serving as a trade route for Native Americans, this Texas town was named after the Caddo family of Native Americans and became a leader in Texas firsts, including the first ceiling fans in the state, turned by a mule drawn treadmill outside the downtown drugstore. Designated by the Texas Legislature as the Garden Capital of Texas, Nacogdoches features the largest azalea garden in the state, as well as foliage and flower trails offering year round beauty.
visitnacogdoches.org
Bee-Lieving In Community And Kindness
With historic brick storefronts lining downtown’s Main Street, the beautiful South Texas town of Beeville charms and delights visitors from all over the globe. Located halfway between San Antonio and Corpus Christi, Beeville is known as the gateway to South Texas Brush Country. The rural setting is teeming with flora and fauna, making it ideal for wildlife photography, hunting and birding. The vast array of shops and restaurants display one of a kind gifts, highly sought after antiques, fall off the bone barbeque, and a distillery tasting room to keep warm on those cold winter nights.
cityofbeevillemainstreet.com
