The state of Texas is the second largest state and is well known for its vast landscape and history in gaining independence from Mexico and joining the United States. But as a vacation destination, the Lone Star state offers a lot with its beaches, rivers, deserts, mountain ranges, and pine-filled forests. We list the coolest places in Texas you may not know about.
Jacob’s Well
Have a swim in a Texan spring. Located in Wimberly, Texas, Jacob’s Well is a fully submerged cavern, fed from Cypress Creek. While pretty narrow (about 12 feet), this swimming spot gets pretty deep, around 23 feet before declining down to a depth of about 137 feet. The water is fairly cool in temperature but many enjoy getting in. While you can visit year-round if you want to get in the spring, make sure you visit during the open season.
Hueco Tanks State Park
With three granite mountains, Hueco Tanks State Park is a beauty. In El Paso County, this park is large at 860 acres. Trails date back to Native Americans, and you may spot some drawings on rocks and historic artifacts. In addition, this is a popular place to bird watch or to rock climb and of course to explore.
Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center
These botanical gardens contain over 300 plants and are truly breathtaking. Located in Orange, Texas, this unique oasis is a great place to bird watch as well. Enjoy hands-on exhibits and learn how people can live in harmony with nature.
Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge
This is 150 acres of big lions and tigers! What a unique place to visit and learn about these animals. Take a tour of the rehabilitated animals and support their survival.
Westcave Preserve
Home to a variety of wildlife, this lush preserve is a gorgeous place to discover. You can only go with a guide, so book your 2-hour tour and take your camera to capture it all. You’ll visit canyons, grottos and at the end an amazing cave.
City of Marfa
This is a unique Texan destination that made our list. It is a small desert city that offers a lot of beauty in the way of art and culture with various exhibitions, films, and concerts. Additionally, for a long time, Marfa has been reported to have been haunted! Known as “Marfa Lights”, the unexplained spirits or some have even said UFOs, can be viewed from town.
Goose Island State Park
Having one of the oldest tree in America (it’s almost 1000 years old), Goose Island State Park in Rockport, Texas is a seaside park. Take a photo in front of the 89-foot tree or enjoy hiking, camping, and fishing here.
Boca Chica Park and Beach
Hidden on the edge of Texas is the Boca Chica Park and Beach, a natural preserve. Enjoy the dune-covered beach, surf its waves or fish. It’s also a great place to hike, camp, and bird watch.
Regency Bridge
Known to many as the “Swinging Bridge” the Regency Bridge is a one-lane suspension bridge over the Colorado River in Texas. Are you brave enough to cross?
Galveston Island State Park
Located on Galveston Island, this park has amazing unobstructed views of the beach horizon. Its terrain is flat and almost has no trees making the views exquisite. There are also many trails for hiking and it’s a great place to camp.
There’s our list for top Texan hotspots. Hope you visit some on your next Texas stay.
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