If you've ever traveled between Pasadena and Houston, you've likely driven through the Washburn Tunnel. It truly was an incredible feat of engineering for its time, and its history is fascinating.
Traveling north-south underneath the Houston Ship Channel, the tunnel was completed in 1950.
The thought of traveling below such an incredible amount of water pressure might be a little unsettling, but fear not - there are pumps underneath the pavement that drain any water back into the ship channel. There are also fans that keep the air free of carbon monoxide, a generator, and brighter lights at the entrance and exit of the tunnel to prevent temporary blindness.
The tunnel is 3,791 feet long and cost almost $8 million to build (in 1950 - just imagine how much more expensive it would be today!).
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008, the same year Hurricane Ike caused it to flood for the first time ever - so the next time you drive through it, remember that it's more than just a tunnel; it's an artifact.
Here's another awesome tunnel to visit this summer.
Have you ever driven through the Washburn Tunnel? Did you know how interesting a history it has?
Summer in Texas may be hot (and unbearably so at times!), but we still find ways to enjoy it. From world-famous waterparks and river tubing adventures to finger-licking good BBQ and ripe, juicy peaches, this is my own personal Texas summer bucket list. If you’re in search of the best things to do in Texas during summer, look no further!
I was around five years old when I first visited Schlitterbahn, and it remains one of my favorite summer destinations. The original location in New Braunfels is my personal preference - I love all of the lazy rivers!
Tubing is a summertime rite of passage in Texas. There are many different rivers to float on - most of which are located in the beautiful Hill Country - but I think it’s safe to say the Comal is the most popular. After all, who doesn’t love a tube chute?
Since Texas gets so hot in the summer, it’s a true blessing we have so many great options for cooling off. From Hamilton Pool to Krause Springs, swimming holes abound here in the Lone Star State.
Summer night skies are something else, and there’s no place quite like Big Bend National Park to see them. This desert oasis boasts some of the darkest skies on Earth, so you can marvel at the Milky Way and all your favorite constellations.
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5. Watch baby sea turtles hatch on the Padre Island National Seashore
I’m pretty sure it’s a universal truth that baby animals are adorable, and if you visit the Padre Island National Seashore in the summer, you can see some up close. Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles hatch all season long, captivating onlookers as they scurry towards their ocean home.
There are so many things to do in Galveston - especially in the summer! From dolphin tours to visiting Moody Gardens, you’ll never run out of activities to enjoy.
Magic is, in fact, real, and it exists on the San Antonio River Walk. Between the rich heritage, the lively atmosphere, and the plethora of incredible shops and restaurants, there’s no denying how special this historic place is.
8. Swim in the world's largest spring-fed swimming pool at Balmorhea State Park
Everything really is bigger in Texas - including our swimming pools! Balmorhea State Park in Toyahvale has the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool, so there’s plenty of room for everyone.
Few feelings compare to that of enjoying a glass of wine on a summer evening. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just like to imbibe every now and then, the 290 Wine Shuttle offers the experience of a lifetime. You can visit dozens of wineries in and around Fredericksburg - and you don’t even need a designated driver!
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10. Sink your teeth into delicious BBQ at The Salt Lick
I used to be a vegetarian, but now, there’s nothing I look forward to more than a heaping plate of BBQ. The original Salt Lick in Driftwood serves up exactly that, and the meat is so good, it practically melts in your mouth.
11. Sample farm-fresh peaches from Jenschke Orchards
Biting into a ripe, juicy peach is - for me, at least - one of summer’s greatest joys. Getting to pick them myself is even better, and Jenschke Orchards in Fredericksburg lets you do just that. They even sell homemade peach ice cream!
Do you agree with me that these are the best things to do in Texas during summer? Let me know in the comments!
If you need somewhere to stay during your summer travels, I can almost guarantee there’s a Hilton wherever you’re going!
Get your kicks on the Mother Road when you visit the Texas Route 66 Visitor Center in Amarillo. Paying homage to the historic highway that ran straight through the city, this unique destination features all sorts of authentic memorabilia and gift items. It's a must-visit next time you find yourself up in the Panhandle!
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Calling all Route 66 enthusiasts! If you're fascinated by all things relating to the Mother Road, then you simply must stop by one of the coolest visitors centers in Texas next time you're in Amarillo.
The center is located just south of the historic highway and offers a unique glimpse into both the heyday and legacy of the route that helped shape America.
This is because the visitor center is located in the building that once housed Myers Fried Chicken Restaurant, which was open 24/7 from 1948 to 1970 to serve hungry Route 66 travelers.
While the center does have a gift shop with kitschy items like T-shirts and mugs, that's only the tip of the iceberg.
Visitors can also watch a documentary called "Two For the Road" which tells the story of Route 66 in Texas. The film is shown daily.
Even if you just pop in for a couple of minutes to pick the owners' brains, rest assured your visit will be worthwhile. Not only can they tell you anything you'd like to know about the Mother Road, but they're also some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet.
What is the coolest visitor center in Texas that you've been to? We'd love to hear all about your experience in the comments!
This isn't the only Route 66 attraction in Texas. One of my favorite road trips leads to the most charming Route 66 towns in the state, and it's such a fun journey. But no road trip is complete without snacks, so check out our Road Trip Snack Guide for 50 on-the-go bites to keep you fueled while you explore.
