Posted in Texas Day Trips October 07, 2020 by Kristen Lawrence

These 14 Unique Day Trips In Texas Belong On Your State Bucket List

With Texas being the second largest state in the country and all, it sometimes seems overwhelming when you think about just how much there is to see here! Luckily, though, there are day trip destinations scattered throughout the Lone Star State that will satisfy any traveler’s need for adventure. From caves to theme parks to West Texas towns known for sightings of unexplained lights flashing in the night sky, these unique day trips in Texas belong on everyone’s bucket list.

1) Explore the Caverns of Sonora in Sonora, TX; it's about a 4 hour drive northwest of San Antonio, but it's totally worth it to explore the caves.

2) Enjoy a day at Moody Gardens in Galveston, just an hour drive from Houston, where you can see both aquatic and rainforest-dwelling animals, plus watch a 3D IMAX movie, ride a giant paddlewheel boat, and even cool off in a wave pool and lazy river.

3) Visit The Alamo in San Antonio, the site of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. After brushing up on history, grab a bite to eat at the world-famous riverwalk (just don't fall in the river. Yes, it's happened before).

4) Drive out to Marfa, TX, about 2.5 hours from both El Paso and Odessa, to witness the mysterious Marfa Lights at night. They even have an official viewing center since sightings of unidentified lights seem to be pretty common around here.

5) Surf or ride the sand dunes at Monahans Sandhills State Park just 45 minutes from Odessa and a little over an hour from Midland. Can you believe this place is in Texas?!

6) Tour the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, TX, where the popular Shiner beer was first created in 1909. Learn a little history and sample some beer (if you're 21, of course.)

7) Have some fun in the sun at Lake Sam Rayburn, about an hour and a half north of Beaumont

8) Take the scenic drive to Brenham, just under a 2 hour's drive from Houston. You'll get to see never-ending fields of bluebonnets, plus you can tour the Blue Bell Creamery while there, too.

9) Enjoy the scenic drive an hour west of Austin to the Blanco State Park for a day of swimming, hiking, tubing, or fishing.

10) Take a drive to the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation just east of Livingston, Texas, where these Indian tribes have occupied the area since the late 1700's before Texas even became a state. You can even join them for special events, like the annual Powwow, to learn more about their culture!

11) Drive through the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch about an hour northeast of San Antonio and watch as emus, giraffes, zebras, elands, and ostriches graze and play in a protected habitat. Keep your windows rolled down; a friendly zebra just might stick his head in for a picture (or some snacks).

12) Just a half mile up the road from the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, you can explore the caves of the Natural Bridge Caverns. They offer several tours, including a hidden passages and lantern tour. You can even do the ultimate adventure tour and go repelling and climbing through the caves! (reservations required for this tour)

13) Visit Space Center Houston about an hour southeast of the city to get a close up view of real spacecrafts and space suits, watch interactive movies about space exploration, and much more.

14) For all the thrill-seekers out there, spend the day riding stomach-churning, heart-pounding rollercoasters at Six Flags Fiesta Texas on the northern edge of San Antonio.

So, are you ready to gas up your car and hit the road yet? What are some more of your favorite unique day trips in Texas? Let us know in the comments below!

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Address: Sonora Cavern, San Antonio, TX 78254, USA

Address: Alamo, TX, USA

Address: Marfa, TX 79843, USA

Address: Monahans Sandhills State Park, Exit 86, 2500 I-20, Monahans, TX 79756, USA

Address: 603 E Brewery St, Shiner, TX 77984, USA

Address: Lake Sam Rayburn, Texas, USA

Address: Brenham, TX 77833, USA

Address: Blanco State Park, 101 Park Rd 23, Blanco, TX 78606, USA

Address: Alabama-Coushatta Reservation, Livingston-New Willard, TX 77351, USA

Address: Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266, USA

Address: Natural Bridge Caverns Road, Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX, USA

Address: Space Center Blvd, Houston, TX, USA

Address: Six Flags Fiesta Texas, 17000 W I-10, San Antonio, TX 78257, USA

Address: Moody Gardens Tram Route, Galveston, TX 77554, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

unique day trips in Texas

October 21, 2020

Jackie Ann

What are the best little known attractions in Texas?

In a state as large as Texas, you can bet the Lone Star State is just overflowing with lesser-known attractions that are just waiting for you. For swimming and diving, pay a visit to the Blue Lagoon in Huntsville. The crystal blue waters will positively enchant you, and the tree-lined scenery is simply stunning. For a scenic hike, head town to Southeast Texas where you’ll find Claiborne West Park. Located in Vidor, this picturesque little park features hiking trails that will lead you through the towering trees and delightful scenery.

What are the most picturesque hiking trails in Texas?

From the well-known to the hidden gems, Texas has hundreds of miles of picturesque hiking trails that are ideal for your next hiking adventure. The 12-mile South Rim Trail at Big Bend has enchanted hikers for years, but if 12 miles is a little too long for you, you can always enjoy the beautiful Hill Country State Natural Area trail, Spring Branch Loop which clocks in at a much more reasonable 5.6 miles and features a gorgeous overlook of the Texas Hill Country valley.

What places in Texas should I see before I die?

Texas is full of beautiful natural scenery, historic landmarks, and picturesque towns that all should be added to your bucket list. For nature lovers, a visit to Big Bend is an absolute must. This National Park features a unique topography, protects countless species of plants and animals, and has some of the most stunning canyon and cliff views in Texas. For history buffs, visit Alamo, Texas where you can visit this historic destination and learn more about this famous battle.

These 14 Unique Day Trips In Texas Belong On Your State Bucket List

unique day trips in Texas

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