Texas' 27 Most Stunning Sights to Marvel At
Y'all, if you haven't visited Texas yet, you're missing out big time! This Lone Star State is jam-packed with jaw-dropping landscapes that'll leave you speechless. With a whopping 270,000 square miles to explore, there's no shortage of breathtaking spots waiting to be discovered.
From bustling cities to small-town charm, Gulf Coast beaches to West Texas mountains, Texas is a treasure trove of surprises. Looking for some inspiration for your next road trip? Here are 17 insanely beautiful places in Texas that'll make your heart skip a beat:
1. Guadalupe River State Park
This state park welcomes you with four miles of riverfrontage, located just an hour from San Antonio and two hours from Austin. It's also one of the more popular camping destinations in the state, especially during the summer when cooling off in its crystal-clear waters is a must. Embark on its hiking and biking trails or take a lazy tube ride down the river – just make sure to book your tubes with Rockin' R River Rides!
tpwd.texas.gov/guadalupe-river3350 Park Rd 31, Spring Branch, TX 78070
2. Big Bend National Park
With more than 800,000 acres, Big Bend National Park is the eighth-largest national park in the continental U.S., but it sees less than half a million annual visitors. Chalk it up to its remote location, more than 400 miles away from Austin or San Antonio and a three-hour drive from the nearest airport in Midland. But trust us, it's worth the journey. Explore countless hiking trails and lookout points on your own, or enjoy a more immersive experience by booking an activity with Big Bend Boating and Hiking.
nps.gov/bibeMultiple entrances
3. Willow City Loop
Just outside Fredericksburg, this scenic 13-mile loop is the perfect way to see the famous Texas wildflowers each spring. You'll find fields bursting with bright bluebonnets, fiery red Indian paintbrushes, and cheery yellow coreopsis. Start at the town of Willow City and follow the loop.
4. Texas Wine Country
With over 100 vineyards and tasting rooms located in and around Fredericksburg and along the Fredericksburg Wine Road 290, Texas wine country offers the ultimate vino experience while learning about Texas grapes. Fredericksburg is one of the most-visited wine destinations in the country. Book the 290 Wine Shuttle for safe all-day transportation between the wineries. Some of our favorite recommendations include Grape Creek Vineyards, Messina Hof Hill Country Winery, Signor Vineyards, and Barons Creek Vineyards.
290wineshuttle.com308 S Washington St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
5. Garner State Park
A popular tubing and swimming destination in the warmer months, Garner State Park sees many visitors year-round. During fall, temperatures are often still high enough for enjoying the water of the Frio River, but they aren't sweltering. So, you can swim, hike, view the changing leaves, and take advantage of the park's more developed campsites all in one trip. Weekends can get crowded, but weekdays are quieter, meaning the short, steep hikes to various overlooks, including Old Baldy (the park's most notable hill), will be less traversed.
tpwd.texas.gov/garner234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838
6. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
There's perhaps nowhere that native wildflowers put on a more marvelous display than at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, southwest of downtown Austin. Founded by Lady Bird Johnson and actor Helen Hayes in 1982, the 284-acre state botanic garden and arboretum is home to over 10,000 species from all across Texas – the most diverse collection of such in North America. Throughout the year, the not-for-profit puts on events like movie nights in the gardens, sunset happy hours with live music, and workshops on how to grow your own native varieties.
wildflower.org4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739
7. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
The top of Enchanted Rock offers panoramic views of Texas Hill Country, making it an ideal spot for leaf peeping. Located north of Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area has 11 miles of trails to see fall color on your way to the top of the pink granite dome. This park is also designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it a great place to see fall colors and relax under the stars.
tpwd.texas.gov/enchanted-rock16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
8. Barton Springs Pool
This outdoor swimming hole in Zilker Park is entirely fed by natural springs, making it the perfect spot to cool down during hot Texas summers. It's surrounded by a picturesque grassy area, and on hot summer days, it seems as if all of Austin is there to cool off. (The visitor count has approached 800,000 in recent years.)
austintexas.gov/barton-springs-pool2131 William Barton Dr, Austin, TX 78746
9. Padre Island National Seashore
Located on Padre Island, the barrier between the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre Bay, this national park contains the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world. Its 66 miles of pristine coastline shelter the rare Kemp's ridley sea turtle and more than 380 bird species, while offering ample opportunities for walking, swimming, and birdwatching. Head to Malaquite Beach for a visitor center, pavilion, and wheelchair access to the shore.
nps.gov/paisEnd of Park Road 22, Corpus Christi, TX, 78480
10. Marfa, Texas
This funky art town in the remote desert lands of West Texas became an unlikely hub attracting curious Texans, artistic bohemians, and incognito celebrities, who flock here throughout the year for its art, film, and music festivals. It's also just a perfect place to post up for a weekend to enjoy the art exhibits, local restaurants, and close proximity to Big Bend National Park. You'll feel like you're million miles away from any city, and there's no place quite like it.
11. San Antonio River Walk
The great San Antonio River winds its way through the center of the city with a pedestrian-friendly River Walk that follows right alongside it, offering a serene respite that's lined on each side with countless activities to discover, from art museums to public parks to historic landmarks that have become bustling districts. Explore the San Antonio missions (including the Alamo), Historic Market Square, La Villita neighborhood, and the Pearl District. Find the map here.
12. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a 66-acre living showplace that you can find blooming in the spring with thousands of flowers, overflowing in the fall with pumpkin displays, and absolutely decked out at Christmastime when the grounds are decorated with over 1 million LED lights, a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree, and a quaint German village.
dallasarboretum.org8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
13. Hamilton Pool Preserve
One of the most iconic natural landmarks in Texas, Hamilton Pool is a unique grotto with a cascading 50-foot waterfall. It only takes a short hike from the entrance of the 230-acre preserve to see the pool and find a spot to post up for a picnic or picture.
parks.traviscountytx.gov/hamilton-pool-preserve24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
14. Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
On many country roads and small parks throughout Texas Hill Country, you'll find plenty of blossoming wildflowers to behold, such as at Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area in Spicewood. During early spring, you'll find bluebonnets (Texas' famous state flower) blanketing every grassy surface. In this park near Austin, enjoy tent camping along the shore of Lake Travis or under the shade of oak-tree canopies.
lcra.org/muleshoe-bend2820 Co Rd 414, Spicewood, TX 78669
15. Lost Maples State Natural Area
At nearly 3,000 acres, Lost Maples State Natural Area contains the headwaters of the Sabinal River and trails that lead up to views of undisturbed rolling hills. Each year, once the leaves have already changed and dropped to the ground in heaps throughout most of North America, the park's famed bigtooth maples begin their show, bursting into brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow during late October and November.
tpwd.texas.gov/lost-maples37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885
16. Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
Located in Austin, this 10-mile trail floats on and off the water and offers unbeatable views of the growing skyline and (often) blue skies that the Capital city is known for. Meander on a morning to see the city come to life with walkers, joggers, and bikers. Stop off along the way to see downtown, South Congress, and Zilker Park.
17. Wildseed Farms
Unlike most floral fields where you can look but not touch, you can pick a bouquet at the nation's largest working wildflower farm, Wildseed Farms. This family-owned countryside escape has 200 acres of wildflower fields, a beautiful butterfly garden, a wine-tasting room, and frequent special events.
wildseedfarms.com100 Legacy Dr, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
No matter what type of beauty you're seeking, Texas has got you covered. So pack your bags, buckle up, and get ready to experience the Lone Star State's unparalleled natural wonders first-hand!
Southern Living magazine highlights some of Texas's breathtaking travel destinations, including Guadalupe River State Park, Big Bend National Park, Willow City Loop, Texas Wine Country, Garner State Park, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Barton Springs Pool, Padre Island National Seashore, Marfa, Texas, San Antonio River Walk, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Hamilton Pool Preserve, Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area, Lost Maples State Natural Area, Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, and Wildseed Farms. Each location offers unique experiences, ranging from hiking, swimming, and camping to art exhibits, wine tastings, and wildflower fields. Texas, with its diverse landscapes, is a treasure trove of surprises waiting to be discovered.
