There's No Better Place To Spend Your Summer Than These 7 Hidden Texas Spots

This secret oasis is tucked away on a private ranch in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Only accessible to overnight guests, Blue Hole is never crowded, so you'll get to enjoy the blissful feeling that only time alone in nature can bring. The water is a brilliant turquoise, and much like in a tropical island paradise, you can see straight through to the bottom. Also on the property are both Jeep and hiking trails, abundant wildlife, and rolling hills covered in lush greenery.

Address: 971 Kent Creek Road, Leakey, TX 78873. More information here.

While most people visit Galveston strictly for the beach, there's a hidden gem on the west side of the island equally worthy of a visit. Galveston Island State Park parallels both the bay and the beach, offering an array of activities for every nature lover. Four miles of hike and bike trails wind through the coastal landscape, and you can also swim, fish, picnic, camp, birdwatch, geocache, or just kick back and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Please note: the beach side of the park is closed until 2022 for renovations.

Address: 14901 FM 3005, Galveston, TX 77554. More information here.

Just before crossing the state line into Louisiana, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is the perfect pit stop to stretch your legs and do a little sightseeing. Straddling the waters of Adams Bayou, the 250-acre space features winding paths through breathtaking blooms that change with the seasons, as well as a variety of bird species and an environmental education center.

Address: 2111 West Park Avenue, Orange, TX 77630. Hours are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, and admission is free. More information here.

Bordering Christmas Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway, Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge is a 44,000-acre conservation area along the Texas coast, just east of Angleton and Lake Jackson. Not far from greater Houston, this little-known oasis feels like a whole different world, with freshwater marshes, ponds, prairies, and forest terrain where all sorts of wildlife make their homes. Both scenic drives and footpaths meander through the refuge, and boats are also allowed on Nicks, Salt, and Lost Lakes.

Address: 24907 FM 2004 Road, Lake Jackson, TX 77566. More information here.

Nestled in the small southeast Texas town of Vidor, Claiborne West is a quiet little park ideal for a family outing. Situated on over 450 acres, it's a living memorial to Claiborne West, who helped secure Texas' independence from Mexico. A wildlife and bird sanctuary, the park features two playgrounds, picnic tables, a pond stocked with Rainbow Trout in January and February, an Amphitheater, five miles of walking trails, and camping (both primitive and cabins). You'll also find a tennis court, softball field, disc golf course, horseshoe and washer court, and a mountain bike trail.

Address: 14810 IH10, Vidor, TX 77662. More information here.

The definition of a hidden gem, Blue Lagoon is a pristine body of water hiding in the dense forest landscape of East Texas. Primarily used for scuba training and certification, the lagoon is also open to non-divers from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday, Thursday, and Friday, and 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Only certified divers can make reservations, so if you don't have a license, you'll want to arrive early for the best chance of being granted entry.

Address: 649 Pinedale Road, Huntsville, TX 77320. More information here.

Located in Val Verde County on the outskirts of Del Rio, the San Felipe Springs are the fourth-largest set of springs in Texas. There are more than 10 springs overall, extending for over a mile along San Felipe Creek on the grounds of the San Felipe Country Club and the areas to the north of it. Various swimming holes, such as the ones at Horseshoe Park and Lions Park, are ideal for splashing the day away underneath the summer sun! More information here.