Last month, we explained how all the factors were in place for a promising bluebonnet season - and boy, is it living up to the expectations. We're taking y'all on a road trip to the eight best places in Texas to see the vibrant, beautiful blooms this season. Grab the kids and a camera, pile everyone into the car, and enjoy springtime the only way we know how here in the Lone Star State.
The entire trip takes about 14 hours, and exact directions can be found here.
1. Ennis
Ennis is the "Official Bluebonnet City Of Texas," and it’s easy to understand why. Over 40 miles of trails weave through the town, drawing tourists from all over the globe each year. Next month, the annual Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival features guided tours of all the best blooms, live music, food, and so much more. The flowers typically peak around the third week of April, so try to plan your trip accordingly. This is one sight everyone needs to experience firsthand - after all, Ennis is the 16th most pinned travel location on earth!
2. Brenham
We all know and love this tiny Texas town for being home to the best ice cream on earth, but it has so much more to offer. Plenty of bluebonnets have already been spotted all over Brenham, suggesting a very promising season ahead. This red barn has become an iconic setting for springtime family photos, always boasting a plethora of awe-inspiring blooms. This season, Highway 290 and FM 360 are your best bets for sightseeing. While the former has better windshield views, the latter is more suitable for stopping to snap a few shots.
3. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (Austin)
Next up, we’re headed to the Capitol City. There are countless opportunities to spot bluebonnets in Austin, but Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is arguably the best. Rather than driving all over town on a goose chase, you can rest assured the turnout here will always be substantial. And if your eyes are getting tired of seeing nothing but blue, several other wildflowers bloom abundantly as well and keep things refreshing. Daisies, lilies, paintbrushes, and many more varieties grow side-by-side, creating an endless sea of color guaranteed to leave you absolutely awestruck.
4. Spicewood
Spicewood is one of the most photographed cities in Texas during springtime, with Muleshoe Bend getting completely overrun with bluebonnets every year. Given the above-average rainfall this region received last October, we can’t wait to see what it looks like in a few weeks’ time!
5. Burnet
Like Ennis, Burnet also hosts a Bluebonnet Festival each year on the second week of April. Over 30,000 people gather annually to enjoy live music, a carnival, food, shopping, and of course, the breathtaking wildflowers. There's even a house in town with a giant bluebonnet sculpture out front, serving as a popular photo-op for tourists.
6. Marble Falls
Nicknamed the "Bluebonnet House," this well-known building has been the subject of many springtime photoshoots. Every year, the field around it erupts in a blaze of blue that begs travelers to stop and take a look. The house is conveniently located right off Highway 281, so missing it is next to impossible!
7. Fredericksburg
Willow City Loop is arguably the most famous bluebonnet trail in Texas, and it's located right here in Fredericksburg. It has more bluebonnets in one place than almost any other spot in Texas, with eye-popping blooms extending endlessly into the distance. To get here, head north on State Route 16 for ~13 miles until you reach Willow City, and then go east on Ranch Road 1323 for three miles until you see the sign for Willow City Loop.
8. Big Bend National Park
Most people don't associate West Texas with wildflowers, but it's actually one of the best places to see them! People are calling this year's turnout a "superbloom" due to the unprecedented amount of bluebonnets. Their eye-popping vibrancy brings life to the otherwise dull, arid desert landscape, and you'll be enchanted at first glance. We recommend driving down Ranch Road 170 for the most spectacular views.
How many of these places have you been to? Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know!
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