Gather the family and hike to the highest place in Texas; Guadalupe Peak. You will be rewarded for your efforts. Sign the log at the top, feel that sense of accomplishment, and take in the beauty that surrounds you. The view will not disappoint.
Go on an underground adventure! The caverns have several tours to choose from, including a lantern tour where you can experience the cave just as it looked when it was discovered decades ago. Many more attractions are available above ground including a ropes course, zipline, panning for gems & gold, a maze, shops, and treats.
Gas up the car. Big Bend is far and isolated, but spectacular! Feel the calming effects of the desert and being miles away from civilization. Make your first stop the ranger station at Panther Junction. Pick up a Jr. Ranger book. (Even if you are visiting without kids; it’s a great way to learn about the park and not miss anything.) We aren’t kidding about the gas. The sites are spread out, you’ll want to arrive with a full tank.
Located in the Piney Woods of East Texas, this Lake is like no other. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. This eerie, swampy, bayou full of bald cypress trees and draped with Spanish moss is hauntingly beautiful. You might get lucky while here and experience the fog settling over the lake or get to spot one of its resident alligators. The history is just as rich as the geology. Stop by the visitor center to learn about Caddo villages, steamboats, and park structures built during the depression by the CCC.
The 2nd largest canyon in the country is right here in Texas and this is the perfect trip to get that sense of adventure only found on the Texas Frontier. Over 30 miles of trails are available to hike and bike, or saddle up and take a tour by horseback. Make sure you stop at the visitor center on the canyon rim and the trading post on the canyon floor. If you visit during the summer enjoy a show at the outdoor amphitheater. This humorous family-friendly show tells the story of early settlers.
Gorman Falls is the biggest waterfall in Texas and it will require a 3-mile round trip hike, part of the fun, right? Be prepared for rocky terrain and steep descent. Gorman Falls is a viewing only area, but there are still plenty of places to cool off in Colorado Bend State Park. Hike along spring-fed swimming holes with many smaller waterfalls along the way or spend some time paddling the river. For more adventure, book a wild cave tour.
Walk in the footprints of the dinosaurs, literally. The well-preserved tracks are located in the usually hike-able Paluxy riverbed. Check with the park for trail conditions and dinosaur track visibility.
Temporarily Closed for renovations as of 5-13-21. Check here for updates.
Pack a picnic and head to Balmorhea State Park where you will find the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. Swim, snorkel, scuba dive, or sunbathe in this desert oasis.
Padre Island National Seashore protects and preserves the longest stretch of an undeveloped barrier island in the world. This isn’t the party beach of South Padre Island. The beaches here are pristine. Spend the day building a sandcastle and the night camping on the beach. You may also be able to catch a sea turtle hatchling release during your visit.
Ready for some Texas sledding? Monahans Sandhills is an ever-changing desert landscape of dunes. The wind transforms the dunes and erases footprints, giving you new terrain every time you visit. Grab a sledding disc from the visitor center and get ready for some fun.
Garner State Park has been attracting families for generations. Swim, tube, or paddle down the crystal clear Frio River as you wind through limestone canyons formed millions of years ago. In addition to the usual state park features, Garner has a long-standing tradition of summer night dances.
Enchanted Rock, the name says it all, a huge granite dome with enough mystical folklore to keep things interesting. Hike to the summit and stay for the stars.
