It may come as a surprise, but while the main destinations that may come to mind when you think of the Lone Star State are places like Dallas, Houston, or Austin, there’s actually a ton lot more to Texas than meets the eye! If you’re a nature lover, you’ve got to check out these amazing places to visit in Texas if you love the outdoors!
The Lone Star State is a fabulous destination for all things nature, be it pristine beaches, otherworldly-looking rock formations, rugged ranches, massive caverns, and sky-high mountains. It’s also a huge state. Whether you’re traveling by car and selecting a smaller region of the state, or flying from one major city to another, there’s so much to see. Sleep under the stars, see fields of the Bluebonnet state flower or make a trip to the beach. Put in simple words, Texas has a bit of everything when it comes to the outdoors.
15 Places To Visit In Texas If You’re Outdoorsy
My recommendation is to pick one or two of these places to visit in Texas and not to overwhelm yourself. It’s a big state. If you want to see the whole state and really explore Texas, carve out a week. Beach hopping is easy because you can drive along the coast and see if the different beaches. The middle of the state is harder because there’s more agriculture between the major cities.
Padre Island National Seashore
Did you know Texas is home to the largest undeveloped barrier island in the entire world? While you would expect it to be sitting somewhere in the Pacific or on the Caribbean, it’s actually located on the coast of Texas and it’s named Padre Island! As part of the National Parks system, Padre Island National Seashore is a great way to see the island.
Dividing the Gulf of Mexico from the Laguna Madre, this 130,434-acre seashore is home to a ton of different landscapes ranging from enormous sand dunes to untouched grasslands and contains just about everything you could wish for in a beachside escapade.
There are some very remote areas of the park where you can experiencesolitude in this natural landscape: Little Shell Beach, Big Shell Beach, Yarborough Pass, and Mansfield Channel. These areas can only be reached by driving along the beach.
Aside from its unparalleled beauty, there’s a ton to do at South Padre Island National Seashore. In its menu of activities, you’ll find camping, bird-watching (about half of North American migratory birds make stops here), four-wheeler cruises around the island, and turtle release missions! Little explorers can earn a badge by participating in the Junior Ranger program and completing the park’s activity book.
Big Bend National Park
As one of the largest national parks in the United States, Big Bend National Park is a haven for gorgeous views, wildlife sightings galore, and a ton of activities to fully get to know its varied terrain as well as some of the most iconic views in Texas when it comes to natural landscapes.
A few of the can’t miss activities while exploring Big Bend National Park include walking along the Rio Grande River, exploring the Chihuahuan Desert, seeing massive towering cliffs, hiking in search of the best vistas of the Chisos Mountains, and hiking to see The Window, the most emblematic view at Big Bend if not entire Texas!
The park boasts more types of birds, bats, butterflies, ants, and scorpions than any other national park in the United States. The varied habitats make is an amazing destination to see different types of wildlife.
It’s also the best destination to see Bluebonnet flowers, with its own Big Bend Bluebonnet species – the largest of all bluebonnets. Blooms happen a little earlier than elsewhere in the state: February through March.
Enchanted Rock
Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Enchanted Rock is the second-largest granite dome in the country and one of the most sought-after natural landmarks in the state due to its humongous size and its pink hues.
Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the surroundings at Enchanted Rock and another wonderful way to experience the area is by overnighting here. The area is considered Dark Sky territory, which essentially means there’s no light pollution anywhere nearby, making stargazing a true treat!
Caverns of Sonora
Formed from limestone several million years ago, exploring the Caverns of Sonora will make you feel as though you’re inside an Indiana Jones set. It’s known as Earth’s most revered underground treasures.
Located near the city of Sonora, this massive cave is actually home to one of the biggest collections of calcite crystals in the entire world, with some sections of it being so heavily packed with these formations that they make it look as though its walls belong inside an entirely different planet.
Go 155 feet below the surface and take a tour of the caverns. There are several different tour to pick from. Be prepared for a physically challenging experience with plenty of stairs, but the crystals are some of the most beautiful to see.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Texas was once submerged underwater, and even though that may feel a bit hard to believe, a visit to Guadalupe Mountains National Park will change your mind.
In fact, the park is considered one of the world’s best examples of a fossil reef from the Premium Era. While visiting, you’ll get to see tons of fossils encapsulated in rocks, all of which are from underwater creatures!
Other activities to do at the Guadalupe Mountains include hiking, birdwatching, horseback riding, feeling as though you traveled back in time by visiting El Capitan Peak in search of beautiful views and pioneer wagon trails, and seeing Guadalupe Peak, which is the highest point in Texas as over 8,000 feet!
Colorado Bend State Park
Offering incredibly scenic views and natural beauty galore, Colorado Bend State Park is one of the most sought-after natural attractions in the state for one reason: Gorman Falls, an impressive 60-foot waterfall that cascades into a grotto blanketed in ferns!
To get there, you’ll need to hike 1.5. miles through beautiful ranch country, down a pretty rocky path, and a pretty slippery moss-covered stairway, but the views of this beautiful waterfall are guaranteed to be worth the trek!
Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island is a 4,000-acre gem and one of my favorite places to visit in Texas. Mustang Island State Park is at the southern end of the 18-mile-long Mustang Island and it’s home to over 400 species of birds. The best time to visit is during spring and fall migrations. If you’re not into birding, it also offers some of the best fishing in Texas. A unique way to see the park is by paddling the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail. The 20 miles of trails pass through some of the best shallow-water fishing areas in Texas. You’ll see tons of native wildlife!
It’s a great destination if you’re on a budget. The park has 50 primitive campsites. Sleep by the beach enjoy a couple of days of beachcombing, swimming, and paddling.
Palo Duro State Park
As the second largest canyon in the United States, Palo Duro State Park is often dubbed the “Grand Canyon of Texas”. This is one of the best places to visit in Texas if you’re a shutterbug. It’s a stunning backdrop for photos.
Aside from the jaw-dropping views of the canyon itself, what makes it extra special are the multicolored sandstone formations you’ll find all over the park, be it through hiking, biking, or horseback riding across its 30 miles worth of trails.
Another must-do activity to do while at Palo Duro is staying the night. Camping is possible here, but we recommend trying out a “glamping” experience while here instead! Each glamping site is fully furnished with air conditioning, luxury rustic furnishings, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, games, bicycles, gas grills and gas fire pits, covered porches with porch swings.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
If your idea of being outdoors is a bit more manicured, head to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. It’s a natural escape in the middle of the big city. It’s 66 acres total and voted one of the best botanical gardens in the country.
I love their ornamental garden, A Tasteful Place, if you want to learn about eating fresh, sustainable, locally-grown food. Enjoy three free daily tastings made with seasonal produce, cooking demos and more. Another great area is their Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. Children can connect with nature through 8 acres of beautiful play space that educates and inspires.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Just a short drive from Fort Worth and you can see where the dinosaurs roamed. Dinosaur Valley State Park is one of the best places to visit in Texas as an outdoorsy family. Long ago, the dinosaurs lived near the Paluxy River in Texas.
Ride a horse and look for dinosaur tracks, but you have to look closely because sometimes they’re in the riverbeds. Park rangers can help guests find the tracks on guided tours. Other park activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, and fishing. One of the coolest things to do is use the park’s app. Download the app before your park visit and map out the dinosaur tracks that you find!
Fort Worth Water Gardens
It’s hard to find zen within big cities, but you can find some at the Fort Worth Water Gardens. It’s a beautiful and refreshing oasis near the convention center. While it’s not a green space, it’s a gorgeous place to unwind and take in some fresh air if you’re in the city. Designed by Philip Johnson, the Fort Worth Water Gardens is an architectural and engineering marvel to be enjoyed any time of the year. It’s an urban park unlike any other that you’re sure to admire.
Carleen Bright Arboretum
Located in Woodway, Texas, the Carleen Bright Arboretum extends over 16 acres that are home to lovely botanical gardens. It’s a family-friendly outdoor space where even leashed dogs are welcome. Botanical gardens, reflection ponds, fountains and nature trails make it a great destination to visit. Don’t miss the popular cactus garden and roses. Walk the Todd Willis Nature Trail and feel surrounded by woodland nature. It’s a great way to spend a half-day.
Big Thicket National Preserve
SouthEast Texas is home to multiple habitats and Big Thicket National Preserve protects them. Hiking trails and waterways meander through nine different ecosystems where guests can see all types of life. Explorelongleaf pine forests and breathtaking cypress-lined bayous.
The preserve doesn’t offer any formal campsites, but instead welcomes campers to backcountry camping.You’ll need to hike or paddle in with all of your supplies. Camping is allowed in the woods, at least 500 feet from roads, trails, and the park boundary. It’s a true, very primitive, camping experience.
Daingerfield State Park
Daingerfield State Park is known for ginormous tall trees. Walk the forest trails and feel teeny tiny under the canopy of trees. You’ll see pines, oaks, and dogwoods. There’s also an 80-acre lake in the park where you can swim, paddle or fish. Combine the lake with hiking and walk the Rustling Leaves Trail, it’s a 2.4-mile easy hike around the lake.
If you want to make it an overnight trip, reserve a historiccabin. Two cabins are four-person, one is six-person, and the Bass Lodge sleeps up to 15 people. All cabins have bathrooms and kitchens.
Galveston
Galveston’s sun-kissed beaches make it the perfect spot for outdoor fun. It’s one of the best places to visit in Texas if you love paddling. The island ecosystem harbors are unique and house precious wildlife. Head to Galveston Island State Park, which is the region’s go-to destination for nature lovers. Bring your kayak (or rent one) and paddle along one of their three trails. The water on the trails is usually calm, which is great for paddling, along with fishing out on the water. Check out the paddling trails:
- Paddle on wide expanses of open water on the Dana Cove Trail (2.8 miles)
- Get close-up views of shorebirds on the Jenkins Bayou Trail (2.9 miles)
- Hit the more challenging Oak Bayou Trail (4.2 miles) and paddle among secluded bayous, open coves, and seagrass beds.
