Relax under the Houston sun as you float around this incredible Texas-shaped lazy river.
The Marriott Marquis Houston is hiding a uniquely Texan secret. Viewed from above, their rooftop lazy river is actually in the shape of Texas itself.
The lazy river is a whopping 530 feet long and sits 100 feet above the bustling streets of downtown Houston. This stunning river will let you travel around the entire state without a plane ticket – just hop on an inflatable and float along the Texas border. The pool is about 3.6 feet deep and it will take you about 15 minutes to cruise around the entire length.
At night, the pool sparkles with light and creates an even more serene oasis. The rooftop also features shady cabanas and cushy lounge chairs for when you feel like drying off. And of course, the view is absolutely breathtaking.
Check out the awesome video below, courtesy of In The Know, to see just how cool this rooftop pool really is. The lazy river is accessible to guests of the hotel, and watching it in action will have you booking your tickets to Houston in no time.
Fall is definitely my favorite season - what about you? As the days grow shorter and a crisp breeze infiltrates the air, it's time to answer the burning question that's at the forefront of all of our minds as fall approaches: "When do leaves change color in Texas?" Luckily, thanks to the Smoky Mountains Texas fall foliage map 2024, we don't have to play guessing games all season long. The interactive map makes it easier than ever to figure out exactly when fall foliage will arrive all across Texas, ensuring your leaf-peeping adventures can go on without a hitch.
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Fall begins on September 22 across the entire Northern Hemisphere, but fall in Texas doesn't truly get going until mid-October.
Richard Eden/Moment Via Getty Images
Around the middle of October, the first hints of autumn foliage will start arriving in the Lone Star State. The leaves change first in West Texas and the Panhandle, so this is a great time to plan a trip to Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
If you've always wanted to visit the iconic Palo Duro Canyon State Park, mid-October is also a fantastic time. The weather is perfect, the red canyon walls are stunning as ever, and the fall foliage will transport you into a gilded wonderland (especially when the sunlight hits just right).
As we head into late October, fall colors begin rearing their heads in East and Central Texas.
Daingerfield State Park is one of my favorite late-October leaf-peeping spots. An 80-acre lake is surrounded by trees all dressed up in their finest reds, oranges, and yellows, and it's truly a spectacular sight to behold.
Of course, you can't talk about fall in Texas without mentioning Lost Maples State Natural Area. Located in the small town of Vanderpool, this state park is arguably the most iconic fall foliage destination in the state. The leaves start changing in late October, but the true peak of the season isn't until mid-November.
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is such a hidden gem - especially during fall. Japanese maples are known for their jaw-dropping autumn colors, which you can see from late October all the way through the end of November.
Garner State Park is also a can't-miss leaf-peeping spot during this time. All throughout November, the trees lining the Frio River erupt in a brilliant display of warm colors that will fill your heart with joy.
Once Halloween ends and November is upon us, the autumn hues start pushing further and further south.
Cypress trees with golden leaves in fall season, Frio River, Concan, Texas, USA
Mid-to-late November is your best bet for seeing the majority of Texas inspire with peak fall foliage. It's a view you don't want to miss.
This is a landscape image of an urban park in San Antonio, Texas. The landscape is composed of a pond in the foreground, and trees and a pagoda in the background.
There you have it, folks. Thanks to our friends over at Smoky Mountains, you won't need to Google "When do leaves change in Texas?" this year.
Where will you go leaf-peeping this fall in Texas? What are your favorite things to do during harvest season in the Lone Star State? Tell us in the comments, and check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List if you need ideas about what to bring on your autumnal adventures.
We all know about Palo Duro Canyon (after all, it's the second-largest canyon in the country). Few people know, however, that the Lone Star State is peppered with smaller canyons that are stunningly beautiful in their own special ways. One of them is Yellow House Canyon, one of the most hidden natural wonders in Texas. Tucked away near Lubbock in the Panhandle, this desolate place will bring out the adventurer in you.
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Next time you find yourself driving through the Texas Panhandle, make sure you take a detour to check out Yellow House Canyon.
While the canyon is relatively narrow and shallow in the city of Lubbock, once on this rural and desolate road, it widens and deepens dramatically, making for truly jaw-dropping views.
Extending far as the eye can see across the plains of West Texas, Yellow House Canyon is unbeknownst to many people.
The steel home is the work of sculptor Robert Bruno, who wasn't able to complete it before his death in 2008. After being left to decay in the elements for quite some time, the home is now being restored to serve as a vacation rental. Visit the official Robert Bruno Steel House VRBO Facebook page for updates regarding the construction process.
Have you ever seen Yellow House Canyon in person? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don't forget to check out our previous article for a Lubbock restaurant, 50th Street Caboose, that just might have the biggest menu in Texas. Either dine-in or opt for pickup or delivery via Grubhub if you prefer dining at home.
