Ready to two-step through the tulips? Springtime in the state of Texas means pleasant weather, breezes of new beginnings, and wildflowers performing live shows along country roads and treasured trails. As folks turn out in droves to embrace this colorful season, we've rounded up the best things to do in spring in Texas to steer everyone in the right direction.  While it may be on-brand, enough with the ranching references and onto our list.

Flower Blooms In Texas

If there was an official color for springtime in Texas, it'd be bluebonnet blue, hands down. But much like a Lone Star sunset, expect to see all the dazzling colors of the spectrum this time of year. Take a little day trip or even a short drive to see the vast bluebonnet fields punctuated with fiery hues of Indian paintbrushes. Then there are the bold, deep magenta winecups and lemon-yellow black-eyed Susans. When the bluebonnets fade, those showy Indian blankets pop up like a fireworks finale. It's as if nobody told them it isn't even July just yet. Here are a few places to see some of the state's boldest blooms.

1. Official Bluebonnet City of Texas

Location: Ennis, Texas

Popularity: Very popular

Price: Free to follow the trails. Festival admission free for ages 12 and younger and $5 for everyone else.

Every spring, a blanket of blue covers the Texas Hill Country town of Ennis. The “Bluebonnet Capital of Texas” proudly shows off its many fields and roadsides flooded in a sea of the official state flower. For over 70 years, the town has made the entire month of April its official Bluebonnet Trails season. As the season nears, organizers release a map each year with 40 miles of the best bloom-spotting destinations. Ennis Garden Club members scout the sites to ensure the best of the best showcases of natural beauty. The season culminates with the three-day Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival the third weekend of the month.

2. Lone Star Flower Farm

Location: De Kalb, Texas

Popularity: Popular and busiest on weekends

Price: Admission is $5 per person and kids under age 4 are free. Each flower picked costs $2.50. Parking is free.

This northeast Texas flower farm usually opens in late May, welcoming guests to pick their favorite blooms from over 100,000 flowers. You simply grab a basket and shears from the field. Then carefully select the stunners you want to bring home. Bring your bouquet to the counter for careful wrapping and cashing out. The farm grows around 20 types of lilies, so this is more of an end-of-season tradition.

3. Red Poppy Capital

Location: Georgetown, Texas

Popularity: Most popular in late April for the annual Red Poppy Festival

Price: Free

Since a little after World War I in Georgetown, red poppies have been painting the town red every spring. Around 1990, townspeople figured they'd throw a big party and paint it a little more red themselves. And thus the three-day Red Poppy Festival began, drawing thousands of people the last weekend of April every year to one of the most charming small towns in Texas. The event features live music, an art show, a parade, and more. We doubt U.S. Army Corporal Henry Purl "Okra" Compton had any idea what he was starting when he brought home poppy seeds from Northern France. Thank goodness his mom planted them all those years ago! They quickly spread to earn the city its title of "Red Poppy Capital." The state legislature made it official the same year as the first festival.

Botanical Gardens In Texas

As you might guess, Texas botanical gardens boom with blooms this time of year. Each of these botanical gardens offers a unique experience, from peaceful walks through the state's many native plants to classes on conservation and horticulture. For every well-known destination, know there are scores more gorgeous gardens throughout the state. We chose three ranging from traditional to wild to whimsical for a sampling of what spring scenes you can experience unfolding across the state.

4. Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Location: Dallas, Texas

Popularity: Very popular in spring

Price: Admission varies widely depending on visitors' age and what time of year they visit. Spring rates range from $22 to $13 for non-members, plus a parking fee that is $15 onsite or $12 pre-purchased online. Members are always receive free parking and admission.

You can immerse yourself in every minute of spring flower season in the Dallas-Fort Worth region with Dallas Blooms, the largest annual floral festival in the Southwest. The event begins in late February and extends through the first week of April. You can follow the facility's bloom tracker on its website to see exactly which flowers are rotating out as others peak. The 66-acre urban oasis comprises almost 24 dozen named gardens and landscaped features. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

5. Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center

Location: Austin, Texas

Popularity: Popular, with reservations encouraged

Price: Admission is free for members, kids age 4 and younger, and UT Austin faculty, staff, and students with ID. Admission is $15 for ages 18 to 64, $10 for ages 65+, $13 for military with ID, and $8 for youth ages 5 to 17.

True to its name, Texas wildflowers take center stage at this botanical garden in the state capital. The center, named for late Texan and former First Lady of the U.S. Claudia Alta "Ladybird" Johnson, is dedicated to the conservation of native plants. People from all over the world visit to see the beautiful blooms and study the site's sustainable design and practices. Spring is an excellent time to watch the wildflowers begin to bloom for the warm weather seasons.

6. Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

Location: Orange, Texas

Popularity: Hidden gem

Price: Free

Explore a diverse collection of plants, whimsical sculptures, bird watching, and other fascinating wildlife at this 252-acre botanical garden and nature preserve in southeast Texas. This garden opened in 1946 after its founder, local philanthropist H.J. Lutcher Stark, developed it over four years. He is said to have been inspired by the utopian retreat "Shangri-La" described in the 1933 novel, Lost Horizon, by James Hilton. Lutcher's paradise closed in 1958 after a snowstorm destroyed many of his beloved plants. Fortunately, he left a foundation that helped revive the gardens, which finally reopened to the public in 2008. Today, you can experience many ecosystems at Shangri La, from formal botanical gardens and a deciduous forest to a cypress swamp and wetlands.

Parks To Visit In Texas This Spring

From thrilling waterparks to city and state parks that feature many recreation options all in one spot, Texas is packed with places where you can answer spring's call to the outdoors. We've chosen just a few of the many that are especially popular in spring, whether by its opening heralding the warm weather season or just a beautiful natural space that really explodes with color this time of year.

7. Schlitterbahn

Location: New Braunfels & Galveston, Texas

Popularity: Very Popular

Price: A regular daily ticket to the waterparks is $39.99 with several discounts available through season passes, bring-a-friend specials, group rates, and more. See the parks' websites for details.

The gateway from spring to summer fun flings open in mid-April with the opening of the spectacular waterpark at Schlitterbahn waterparks. There's one at New Braunfels and another at Galveston on Galveston Island. The parks both feature a range of thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools, plus tons of other family-friendly activities. A favorite at the Galveston park is the Soaring Eagle Zipline. Such great destinations for a spring break getaway. While the resorts are open year round, the waterparks are among the most popular family things to do in Texas in spring and throughout the summer.

8. Brackenridge Park

Location: San Antonio, Texas

Popularity: Popular

Price: Admission is free, and some attractions require tickets.

This sprawling 400-acre city park in San Antonio includes multiple attractions for endless family fun, especially in spring when the weather is so nice. The park is home to the San Antonio Zoo, a miniature train, and the Witte Museum. There's also an open-air amphitheater, ballparks, playgrounds and wildflower-lined nature trails. With a rich cultural history dating back to 1899, the park celebrates its 125th year in 2024.

9. Balmorhea State Park

Location: Toyahvale, Texas

Popularity: Popular

Price: Admission is $7 for ages 13 and older and free for ages 12 and younger.

Dive into spring with a snorkeling adventure in the West Texas desert at this unique park near Fort Stockton. A 1.3-acre spring-fed swimming pool is the world's largest. The San Solomon Springs sends 15 million gallons of water through the pool daily. It maintains a temperature of 72 to 76 degrees year-round and reaches 25 feet deep in areas. While this park is a bit out of the way for many, it's worth the road trip for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Spring Hikes In Texas

Spring is the perfect time to explore the vast variations of Lone Star State landscapes. Hiking is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Texas in spring because the weather is mild in most regions. On these hiking trails, you'll see some of the state's best natural assets without breaking a sweat – at least not as much as summertime!

10. Santa Elena Canyon Trail at Big Bend National Park

Location: Brewster County, Texas

Popularity: Popular

Price: A standard entrance pass to the park for a private vehicle is $30.

Get some of the best views to be had at this beloved national park on the relatively easy Santa Elena Canyon Trail. The short trail leads you to the base of the canyon, where you'll be surrounded by 1,500-foot looming limestone walls. The sandy path leads you to dip your toes in the Rio Grande. Even the journey getting there is beautiful in itself along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. This is also a popular spot to kayak if that’s more your speed.

11. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Location: Fredericksburg, Texas

Popularity: Very popular

Price: The day-use fee is $8 for ages 13 and older. Admission is free for ages 12 and younger.

See spring wildflowers contrast against the sparkling pink granite of Enchanted Rock on the 1.3-mile moderate summit trail. While this Central Texas treasure is a favorite in all seasons, the combination of colors makes springtime extra special. Look for tiny freshwater shrimp on the vernal pools where water has collected in the rock and created microhabitats. The park calls them "fairy shrimp," because this rock is enchanted, after all. There are 11 miles total of trails to explore here. You can make a night or two of it and enjoy some spring stargazing, too. The park has a handful of walk-in campsites with water and several hike-in primitive spots.

12. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Location: Canyon, Texas

Popularity: Very popular

Price: The day-use fee is $8 for ages 13 and older. Admission is free for ages 12 and younger.

Spring in Texas is the most colorful season, making it the ideal time to hike at what may be its most colorful park. The Panhandle's marvelous Palo Duro Canyon is just 30 miles southeast of Amarillo and yet like another world. Called the Grand Canyon of Texas, Palo Duro is 120 miles long, 20 miles wide, and over 800 feet deep. The park covers about 29,000 acres with over 30 miles of trails to explore.

Spring Picnic Spots In Texas

Mild temps and plenty of sunshine mean you should gather your crew, pack your provisions and throw down a blanket for prime al fresco dining. These are just a few excellent picnic spots in Texas where you'll more than enjoy your meal. It's the optimal time to take a big bite out of spring with lush, green city vistas and tranquil oceanfront sunsets.

13. Hermann Park

Location: Houston, Texas

Popularity: Very popular

Price: Free

This 445-acre municipal park is truly in the center of it all in Houston, close to downtown, the city's museum district, Rice University, and Texas Medical Center. The central location makes it perfect for friends to meet up and enjoy a picnic in the beautiful spring weather surrounded by lush grass and seasonal blooms. While Hermann Park has designated picnic spaces with BBQ grills for small groups to gather, it's doubtful anyone would bat an eye if you laid out a blanket almost anywhere you please. There are so many outdoor activities you can do here. Rent a pedal boat to glide across the 8-acre McGovern Lake, play a round on the golf course, visit the McGovern Centennial Gardens, or visit the Houston Zoo. It's a great place to enjoy a late afternoon before checking out the city's nightlife.

14. Covert Park at Mount Bonnell

Location: Austin,Texas

Popularity: Very Popular, Hidden Gem, Busy on weekends.

Price: Free

Picnic atop a perch that's the highest spot in Austin at this gem of a park overlooking the Colorado River. Not only can you relax while watching boats zoom up and down the waters but you'll get stellar skyline views for your al fresco adventure. Just a word to the wise: Don't pack your basket too heavily because you'll have to climb 102 stairs up 200 feet to reach this peak. But with that in mind, it may erase any regrets if you brought along a decadent dessert.

15. Padre Island National Seashore – Malaquite Beach & Visitor Center

Location: Corpus Christi, Texas

Popularity: Popular

Price: A private vehicle standard entrance pass to the Padre Island National Seashore is $25.

If you think spring, then break, then beach ... but maybe not South Padre Island, head to Malaquite Beach. There's a nice visitor center with a park store and exhibit area about the park's plants, animals, and history. Outside, you'll find a large picnic area on a deck with nice water views. A wheelchair-accessible ramp leads from the deck down to the beach, and there's a beach wheelchair available at no charge. Several picnic tables await near the water's edge, as well.

From the vibrant wildflowers blooming across the Hill Country to flower-powered music festivals and big, lush city parks, Texas is truly sublime in the spring with so many fun things. If you're setting out to explore these yourself, be sure to check out our road trip essentials packing list ahead of time.

Do you agree these are some of the best things to do in spring in Texas? We'd love to hear your top picks! From the woodlands to wineries to farmers markets, we know there's more to explore.