Destination |
Type of Location |
Best Time to Visit |
Activities |
Note |
---|
Hamilton Pool Preserve |
Natural Swimming Hole |
Spring/Fall |
Swimming, Hiking |
Reservations Required |
Big Bend National Park |
National Park |
Spring/Fall |
Hiking, Camping, Stargazing, River Rafting |
Remote location, plan accordingly |
Caddo Lake State Park |
State Park |
Spring/Fall |
Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Hiking |
Consider bug spray |
Jacob's Well Natural Area |
Natural Spring |
Summer |
Swimming, Diving (advanced) |
Reservations Required, Cold water |
Padre Island National Seashore |
National Seashore |
Spring/Fall |
Beach Camping, Birdwatching, Fishing, Swimming |
Be aware of strong currents |
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area |
State Natural Area |
Spring/Fall |
Hiking, Rock Climbing, Stargazing |
Can get very hot in summer |
Lost Maples State Natural Area |
State Natural Area |
Fall |
Hiking, Leaf Peeping |
Crowded during peak foliage season |
Natural Bridge Caverns |
Commercial Caverns |
Year-Round |
Cave Tours, Adventure Activities |
Consider wearing comfortable shoes |
Gorman Falls at Colorado Bend State Park |
State Park, Waterfall |
Spring/Fall |
Hiking, Swimming |
Hike to the falls can be challenging |
Garner State Park |
State Park |
Summer |
Swimming, Tubing, Hiking, Dancing |
Very Popular in summer, make reservations early |
Palo Duro Canyon State Park |
State Park, Canyon |
Spring/Fall |
Hiking, Biking, Horseback Riding, Camping |
Be prepared for desert conditions |
Mustang Island State Park |
State Park |
Spring/Fall |
Beach Camping, Birdwatching, Fishing, Swimming |
Check for beach conditions |
Caprock Canyon State Park & Trailway |
State Park |
Spring/Fall |
Hiking, Bison Viewing, Bat Watching, Camping |
Carry water on hikes |
Guadalupe River State Park |
State Park |
Summer |
Swimming, Tubing, Kayaking, Hiking |
River levels can vary |
Pedernales Falls State Park |
State Park |
Spring/Fall |
Hiking, Swimming (limited), Scenic Overlooks |
Swimming conditions can be dangerous |
Fort Worth Water Gardens |
Urban Park |
Year-Round |
Walking, Relaxation |
A good spot to take a break from sightseeing |
San Antonio River Walk |
Urban Walkway |
Year-Round |
Walking, Dining, Shopping, Riverboat Tours |
Very touristy |
Zilker Park, Austin |
Urban Park |
Year-Round |
Hiking, Biking, Swimming, Kayaking, Events |
Check for events that may impact access |
The Bluebonnet Trails of Ennis |
Scenic Drive |
Spring (April) |
Driving, Photography |
Check bloom conditions before you go |
Texas State Capitol, Austin |
Historical Building |
Year-Round |
Tours, History, Architecture |
Check for tour availability |
Davis Mountains State Park |
State Park |
Spring/Fall |
Hiking, Stargazing |
Higher elevation, cooler temperatures |
Dinosaur Valley State Park |
State Park |
Spring/Fall |
Hiking, Dinosaur Footprint Viewing |
River levels can impact footprint visibility |
Monahans Sandhills State Park |
State Park, Sand Dunes |
Spring/Fall |
Sand Surfing, Hiking |
Be prepared for sun exposure |
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge |
Wildlife Refuge |
Winter |
Birdwatching (Whooping Cranes) |
Check for tour availability |
Galveston Island |
Coastal City |
Spring/Fall |
Beaches, History, Entertainment |
Check for events and festivals |