It should come as no surprise that the country’s second largest state is just chock-full of hidden gems just waiting to be explored. There are so many beautiful towns, historical sites, parks, shops, and restaurants that it would take a lifetime to explore them all, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t at least try. Even though these spots won’t cover all of Texas’ lesser-known elusive treasures, but I hope this guide will at least encourage you to explore more of our beautiful state! In no particular order, here are some of the most amazing hidden gems in Texas.

1) Boca Chica Beach (Brownsville)
Justin Hundsnurscher/Wikimedia
This undeveloped beach near the Mexico border is unknown to most Texans, simply because it isn't as well-traveled. However, the rugged solitude of this beach at the end of Highway 4 in Brownsville will give you a true relaxing beach experience on what feels like a deserted island to those who have visited.
2) Blue Lagoon (Huntsville)
Janine Curry, Ph.D./Flickr
While this beautiful swimming hole lined by limestone rocks and towering pine trees caters to divers first, swimmers are just as welcome here. You can learn to dive among the small fish that have also made a home here, or just simply relax in the crystal-clear blue waters and enjoy nature. It's easy to see why this is one of the best hidden gems in Texas!

Check out Texan Scuba's website for rate and more information.
3) Marfa
Daniel Schwen/Wikipedia
This tiny town in west Texas is famous for what's known as the Marfa Lights. Many people claim to see white, yellow, red, and orange basketball-sized spheres floating above the ground at all hours of the night throughout the year. No matter if you believe in UFO's or not, this ghost town in Texas with less than 2,000 residents is definitely worth a visit.

Check out Marfa's Facebook Page for more information.
4) San Felipe Springs (Del Rio)
Pinterest/Randall P
In this part of Texas, summers are particularly brutal, so any body of water is a welcome luxury. Along the San Felipe Creek, Horseshoe Park and Lions Park offer wonderful places to cool off from the sweltering Texas heat, and the small waterfall is a nice backdrop while you swim!
5) Hueco Tanks State Park (El Paso)
Kirk Fuson/Flickr
This strange cluster of rocks in El Paso is actually an ancient wonder, because people used to trek here for the rainwater held inside the rock basins. Now, you can rock climb, hike, or marvel at more than 200 images of masks on the rocks drawn by Native Americans.

Click here to learn more.
6) Claiborne West Park (Vidor)
Joe Palermo/Flickr
After finding out about this treasure in Southeast Texas a few months ago, I have been numerous times and can't get enough of this place. The park usually isn't too crowded, so I get to really immerse myself in the tranquility of the forest. It's one of the best kept secrets in Southeast Texas in my opinion, and is a great place to unwind and decompress from a long work week.

Check out their Facebook Page for more information.
7) Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center (Orange)
joevare/Flickr
If you're in the area, these beautiful botanical gardens are a must-see. View a variety of different plant life in the gardens, and you can even take a bayou boat tour and see turtles, birds, and other animals native to the area.

Check out their Facebook Page for more information.
8) Copper Breaks State Park (Quanah)
Pierce Place/Flickr
This rugged state park located near the Oklahoma-Texas border is often overlooked by tourists. You can camp, mountain bike, and swim here, and also see a variety of animals, including bluebirds, owls, roadrunners, and longhorns.
9) Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve (Austin)
Vanessa Vought/Facebook
Here, you can explore and hike 227 acres of wooded hills right in the heart of Austin.

Stay up to date with their hours of operation on their website.
10) Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge (Freeport)
Gary Boyd/Flickr
When it comes to hidden gems in Texas, nothing beats Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. In this 44,414 acre wildlife conservation area, you can go bird-watching and view over 300 bird species, or just take a stroll through the boggy wetlands.

Learn more on their Facebook Page.
11) Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge (Tyler)
Facebook
(Temporarily closed as of September 2020). This wildlife refuge is home to 39 big cats, including tigers, lions, pumas, a leopard, and bobcats. They were neglected, abused, or displaced before coming to the refuge, so the staff aims to teach people about wildlife sustainability and protection of these majestic creatures.

Learn more here.

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12) Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (Los Fresnos)
Facebook
Another wildlife refuge way down near the Mexico border, this is the largest protected natural habitat in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Here you will get to see an impressive 417 species of birds, 45 mammals, 44 kinds of reptiles, 130 butterfly and 450 plant species.

Learn more on their Facebook Page.
13) Palmetto State Park (Gonzales)
Facebook
Named after the dwarf palmettos throughout the park, this is a beautiful place to hike, swim, fish, or just relax on the hiking trails through the tropical vegetation, or in the San Marcos River winding through the park.

Check out their Facebook Page for more information.
14) Blue Hole at Riding River Ranch (Leakey)
Facebook
Angi English/Flickr
Open to overnight guests only, spending the night at this scenic ranch is totally worth it for a dive in this gorgeous, secluded, and pristine swimming hole surrounded by canyons.

Book your stay here.
15) Lover's Leap at Cameron Park (Waco)
Bill McNeal/Flickr
The people of Waco know this lookout well, but out-of-towners will be blown away by the picturesque views of the Brazos River and neverending greenery below.
16) Regency Suspension Bridge (Regency)
cmh2315fl/Flickr
The only suspension bridge open to motor traffic in Texas, this is known as the "Swinging Bridge" by locals. As you drive over the bridge, enjoy the stunning views of the Colorado River below.
17) Pinto Canyon Road (between Ruidosa and Marfa)
Georgia Harper/Flickr
Commonly known as the Ranch to Market Road 2810, a drive along this sparsely traveled highway will grant you astounding views of the Chinati Mountains in west Texas. Just breathtaking.
18) Westcave Preserve (Round Mountain)
Addie B/Yelp
45 minutes outside of Austin, you will find this natural sanctuary abound with canyons, grasslands, savannas, and even a beautiful hidden grotto, pictured above.

Learn more on their website.
19) Galveston Island State Park (Galveston)
Dan Thibodeaux/Flickr
tpwd.texas.gov
Most people pass up this wonderful gem on Galveston Island, where you can walk along nature trails, go bird-watching, mountain biking, and swim in the warm waters of the Gulf.

Stay up to date on their Facebook Page.
20) Cattail Falls Trail at Big Bend National Park
Felecia I/Yelp
michaelhwhitten/Flickr
You won't find this trail on the map, and you won't hear it advertised anywhere, so it's a true hidden oasis in the otherwise arid land. After heavy rainfall, the waterfall at top of the trail will cascade over the canyons, making the grueling trek totally worth it. Pictured above is the waterfall in early spring.

Texas’ beauty never ceases to amaze me. I’m so thankful to live in such a geologically diverse state, aren’t you? What are some other hidden gems in Texas we should all know about? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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More to Explore

hidden gems in Texas

Jackie Ann | August 20, 2020

What are the most beautiful hikes in Texas?

There’s nothing better than lacing up your hiking boots and setting off on a new trail you’ve yet to explore. When the urge for adventure strikes, consider heading over to Caprock Canyons State Park where you can hike the 2-mile Eagle Point Trail. This short trail leads you through a natural bridge, a natural tunnel, and then onto Lake Theo with simply spectacular canyon views. For the experienced hiker, the Four C National Hiking Trail in the Davey Crockett National Forest is an absolute must. The 20-mile trail is perfect the epic outdoor warrior.

What are the most beautiful lakes in Texas?

Texas is home to countless lakes, each one more beautiful than the next, and perfect for spending a day fishing, boating, or splashing on the shores. Lake Texoma is one of the largest lakes in the country, boasting a surface area of 36,000 hectare and is a popular spot for sailing, wind surfing, fishing, and more. In Central Texas, you’ll find Lake Travis, which was formed in 1942 during the construction of the Mansfield Dam. If you like scuba diving, Lake Travis is an ideal spot.

What are the most charming small towns in Texas?

Houston, Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio are all wonderful cities, but there’s something special about all those small towns that make up the heart and soul of the Lone Star. If you want to check out some of the smaller, more charming towns in Texas, start with Wimberley, a little village full of specialty shops and restaurants in the Texas Hill Country on the outskirts of Austin. For history lovers, check out Granbury, a beautifully historic town with over 10 historical sites and museums plus several boutiques, shops, and vineyards.

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Featured Addresses
Boca Chica Beach, Texas 78521, USA
The Blue Lagoon, 649 Pinedale Rd, Huntsville, TX 77320, USA
Marfa, TX 79843, USA
San Felipe Springs, Del Rio, TX 78840, USA
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site, 6900 Hueco Tanks Road No. 1, El Paso, TX 79938, USA
Claiborne West Park, I-10, Vidor, TX 77662, USA
Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 2111 W Park Ave, Orange, TX 77630, USA
Copper Breaks State Park, 777 State Hwy Park Rd 62, Quanah, TX 79252, USA
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, 805 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX 78746, USA
Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, 24907 FM 2004 Rd, Lake Jackson, TX 77566, USA
17552 FM14, Tyler, TX 75706, USA
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, 22688 Buena Vista Blvd, Los Fresnos, TX 78566, USA
Palmetto State Park, 78 Park Rd 11, Gonzales, TX 78629, USA
Riding River Ranch, 971 KENT Crk Rnch Rd, Leakey, TX 78873, USA
Lovers Leap, Waco, TX 76708, USA
441 Co Rd 433, Mullin, TX 76864, USA
Pinto Canyon Road, Pinto Canyon Rd, Texas, USA
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd, Round Mountain, TX 78663, USA
Galveston Island State Park, Farm to Market Road 3005, Galveston, TX, USA
Big Bend National Park, TX, USA