14 Texas Destinations That’s Sure to Make Your Trip Worthwhile
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The season of road trips and outdoorsy fun is almost here. With the cool weather starting to dissipate, I’m starting to gather together a list of must-see destinations. But the question is, what places are worth visiting? When planning a trip, it’s important to make sure that the hours spent traveling from A to B are worth your time. Typically, I tend to gravitate towards historically and culturally significant locations, as well as places where I can chill out and enjoy nature’s beautiful views.
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If you’re preparing for a trip like me, look no further. Here are seven Texas destinations that are sure to make your trip worthwhile.
Terlingua
If you’re considering a trip near the Rio Grande, then Terlingua might just be up your alley. Previously a silver mining town, Terlingua is now home to just a few dozen people. You can expect plenty of restaurants, some brilliant accommodation options, gift shops, and art galleries. There are also a number of more unusual sights, such as the town’s sand-locked submarine and pirate ship. And if you ever get to visit Terlingua in November, make sure to head to the famous annual chili cook-off at Rancho CASI de Los Chisos, sponsored by the Chili Appreciation Society International.
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Speaking of chili, don’t forget to look out for Whitson’s Chile Products sold in stores around Terlingua.
Comfort
Comfort, a small town in the Texas Hill Country, is a picturesque location filled with oddities. Make sure to visit the Comfort Little Theater, an entertaining little venue that puts on adult humor-themed plays during the last weekend of April and first weekend of May. If you fancy it, why not visit the Elephant Story, a lovable store selling elephant dung coffee for $50 a cup. If you get to call upon this town in October, you’ll be delighted (and perhaps spooked!) by Comfort’s Scarecrow Invasion, which started off as a way to fend off flocks of blackbirds, but is now an event in itself.
After enjoying some great sights and fun times in Comfort, Texas, head on down to Skyline Gelato to sample some authentic Italian sorbets made with deliciously fresh ingredients.
Hamilton Pool
If you’re up for a short hike to one of Texas’ most stunning swimming holes, then Hamilton Pool in Dripping Springs is a must-visit. Reaching this stunning preserve involves hiking through a canyon filled with flora and fauna. The trail eventually opens up to a majestic grotto, where stalactites grow from the ceiling and a natural pool is surrounded by slabs of limestone.
After a trip to Hamilton Pool, a quick stop at Acopon Brewing Co. in Dripping Springs is certainly in order. Here, they serve up English-style ales on tap, providing you with refreshing brews after a long day of swimming.
Enchanted Rock
Enjoying the great outdoors is both easy and fun in Texas, and Fredericksburg’s Enchanted Rock is the perfect way to do so. Climbing this pink granite dome means trekking 4.25 miles of zig-zagging trails, or if you’re super fit, hiking straight up its 425-feet rock face. Trekkers visiting this special location during the hotter months of the year will notice that the rock makes creaking noises after a cold night. This special spot is a great place to relax and connect with both yourself and nature, as you enjoy the panoramic vistas of Fredericksburg’s Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
After spending your day outdoors, make your way down to South Fredericksburg and visit Prometheus Pizza. Their artisan pizzas are made with 100% Barton Spring Mill flour, meaning you can tuck into some truly delicious doughy crusts.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park houses the second largest canyon in the US. However, unlike the Grand Canyon, it doesn’t see hauls of visitors, making it the perfect, serene destination. Referred to as “The Grand Canyon of Texas”, the Palo Duro Canyon is 120 miles long and 20 miles wide in certain places, and is home to a variety of plants that cover the location in a sea of green. Visitors can navigate the canyon and its surrounding park by car, bike, foot, and even horseback!
After a long day out in the sun at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, why not dine at Brent’s Cafe in Amarillo. This cafe caters to various dietary requirements and uses locally sourced ingredients in all its menu items.
Waco Mammoth Site
Archeological destinations always get me excited and the Waco Mammoth Site is no exception. This site located in Waco, Texas offers visitors a window into the past by presenting the largest concentration of mammoth remains ever found. The fossils of these ancient animals are believed to have been buried here since the mammoths were overcome by a mudslide over 68,000 years ago. What’s more, the remains of a prehistoric camel and a large, saber-toothed cat can also be found.
After a fun-filled day at the Waco Mammoth Site, pay a visit to Twisted Root Burger, where you and your loved ones can enjoy 1/2 pound beef patties with freshly baked burger buns. Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, this joint serves burgers made from a variety of different meats, such as buffalo, Wagyu beef, duck, (What wine goes well with duck?) and lamb.
Luckenbach
Considered to be one of the most charming small towns in the Lone Star State, Luckenbach offers visitors an authentic Texan experience. According to the 2006 census, this little community is inhabited by only three individuals and is home to just two buildings –– an old post office and a dance hall. Luckenbach’s dance hall hosts top Texas country stars every week, making this destination a perfect way to get acquainted with the Texan music scene.
Photo by Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Fernández on Unsplash
After enjoying the sights and sounds of Luckenbach, head on down to Narrow Path Winery for some delicious wine tasting to cap off a fun day.
Blue Hole at Riding River Ranch
If you’re up for spending some quality time in nature and want to enjoy it in a secluded spot, then the Blue Hole at Riding River Ranch may be just for you. Unlike other swimming holes that are open to the public, this site is only accessible to guests booking overnight stays, so pack some extra clothes and bring your swimsuit if you plan on visiting. The spring-fed lake is the perfect place to unwind if you’re looking for some quiet time alone or with family and friends. However, you can also stretch your legs and get a bit of exercise by hiking the various trails that cross this 3,400-acre ranch. The diversity of wildlife and geographic formations within the Riding River Ranch means that the Blue Hole is the ideal location for a truly nature-filled trip.
Driving out of the Riding River Ranch, you can drop by and do a bit of shopping or grab a quick bite to eat at Cottle Farmstead in Uvalde. They have a wide selection of prepared food and farm-grown greens available. Their artisan jams and freshly baked breads are certain to satisfy your hunger after a long hike.
Palmetto State Park
Named after the dwarf Palmetto trees that grow within its borders, the Palmetto State Park was first opened to the public back in 1936. Filled with beautiful jungle paths, it’s a peaceful paradise that allows one to explore the wonders of nature. The wide variety of flora and fauna in the park mean that visitors may catch sight of white-tailed deer, nine-banded armadillos and a host of bird species sure to delight any visiting ornithologists. Other activities in this state park include biking on the many trails that span throughout the grounds, fishing in the Oxbow Lake, and pitching your tent at their campsite.
After a fun-filled day at the Palmetto State Park, why not check out Kitchen Pride Mushroom Farms in Gonzales, Texas. One of the best mushroom farms in the US and the only full service mushroom farm in Texas, this is a must-visit if you’re a funghi fiend. Be sure to head there and pick up the tastiest and freshest mushrooms available in the Lone Star State.
Cameron Park
Measuring 416 acres, Cameron Park in Waco, Texas was opened to the public in 1920 in an effort to retain a green space for the rapidly urbanizing city. The park was given its name in honor of the lumberman William Cameron and started out as a single patch of land. Throughout time, various private property owners donated areas of land, which have since come to make up the grounds of Cameron Park. With the recent renovation of the site, visitors can take a short leisurely walk on the park’s trails that offer tranquil views of nature. Head out to the Mouth of the Bosque and relax while enjoying beautiful waterfront vistas at the intersection of the Brazos and Bosque rivers. Looking for a bit of exercise? Why not climb up Jacob’s Ladder, which features a zig-zagging staircase as well as a rock shelter—a wonderful spot for a little picnic.
After enjoying yourself at Cameron Park, a great place to go and cool off is the Waco Ale Company. Here, you can sip on a delicious cold brew after a long day out in the Texas heat.
Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge
South of Houston lies the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, a fabulous place to kickback, unwind, and enjoy the best sights nature has to offer. Located near the Texas coastline, this wildlife refuge is home to a variety of migratory birds that can be seen throughout the year––a true delight for birdwatchers! During the winter months, Canadian geese, ducks, and cranes flock to the reserve. While in summer, people can expect sparrows, larks, egrets, herons, and a variety of birds to fill this wildlife refuge. Once there, drop by the Big Slough Recreation Area to get your bearings and find out about the best trails that criss-cross the reserve.
After a long day of bird watching, Ramirez Tamales is the place to grab a bite to eat. Based in Brazoria, Texas, this food stop offers the best tamales around. Each of their delicious tamales has the perfect balance of meat and masa for the right price. And you can get them in either mild or spicy chicken, bean, or pork.
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Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
If you plan to visit the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, make sure to bring a backpack of snacks, as this hidden gem is packed with fun outdoor activities. Located west of Austin, this preserve is open from morning till late afternoon, meaning you can fill your day by hiking beautiful trails, visiting beautiful waterfalls along the Bee Creek, and stopping by the Scenic Overlook for a not-to-be-missed photo opportunity. This spot is quiet and great for families with small kids who are up for a fun-filled day of adventure.
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Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
After spending a few hours at the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, the Vince Young Steakhouse is certainly worth a visit. The meats served up at this Austin resto are some of the tastiest and most succulent in this part of the Lone Star State. Once there, make sure to order their prime rib eye and roasted bone marrow for a mouth-wateringly memorable experience. And don’t forget to make your reservations in advance—this place gets busy!
Copper Breaks State Park
Spanning 1800 acres, Copper Breaks State Park in Hardeman County is home to two lakes and miles of trails. Historically, it was occupied by the Comanche and Kiowa tribes, before being passed on to a private landowner. By 1970, the government had obtained the park from private ownership and opened it up to the public, adding swathes of land dedicated to the Texas longhorn, and leaving the area undeveloped for visitors to enjoy. The state park also has an abundance of flora and fauna—the landscape is covered in mesquite, juniper, and cottonwood trees. You should also keep an eye out for the wild mule deer, roadrunners, great blue herons, and rabbits that roam this expansive area of natural beauty. What’s more, if you get a chance to visit this year between April and October, make sure to ask about the Dark Sky Park stargazing program, which is sure to amaze!
After a day out at the Copper Breaks State Park, head on to Wichita Falls where you’ll find Odd Duck Coffee Roastery & Tasting. This family-owned roastery boasts a wide variety of fairtrade-sourced, single origin coffee beans (how long do coffee beans last?) for you to choose from. And if you want your coffee brewed there and then, you can pair it up with a stack of crepes or a scoop of gelato for that much-needed energy rush after a day of rambling.
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Jacob’s Well
Out in Wimberley, Texas lies a swimming hole that’s sure to cool you off in the coming summer months. Jacob’s Well is a spring that flows out from Cypress Creek. 12 foot in diameter, the mouth of this spring serves as a sweet swimming spot for both tourists and locals. However, it’s the depth of Jacob’s Well that sets this water hole apart from others—at 137 feet deep, it’s the second deepest submerged cavern in Texas. Be sure to visit between May and October, when the spring is open to the public!
Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
After cooling off at Jacob’s Well, you might find yourself driving through the small town of Fischer, Texas. If so, don’t forget to drop by the renowned Fischer Store! Established in 1902, this family-owned shop has a whole lot of history behind it. At one point, it was even the largest mercantile establishment in Texas. Nowadays, it sells a variety of honies, pastries, and coffees that are sourced locally within Texas. In other words, don’t forget your shopping bags!
Spending time outdoors on trips and adventures is the best way to spend your summer. But be prepared—make sure you come up with a list of locations to visit and, of course, remember to get your car checked. And the rest? It’s just you and the open Texan road. With these hidden (and not so hidden) gems, you’re sure to have a ton of fun exploring the best outdoor spots Texas has to offer.
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Pull out your bucket list and get ready for road-trip season. Whether trekking in the great outdoors or visiting an (almost) deserted ghost town, these fourteen Texas destinations are packed full of fun and intrigue.
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