With the weather warming up, all I want to do is spend my days outside by the water, and I know many of y'all feel the same way. Lucky for us, even though we don't have tons of beaches, Texas has more rivers running through it than you might think. The towns they run through have a certain unmistakable vibe that keeps tourists coming back from far and wide. Here are six of them that you can't pass up this season:
1. New Braunfels
New Braunfels is probably one of the most popular river towns in the state. Both the Comal and Guadalupe rivers run through it, and there are countless tube rental shops to help facilitate your adventure. The town itself is adorable - the quaint, German vibe makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and the historic district of Gruene is home to the oldest dance hall in Texas as well as the most popular restaurant in the town, the Gristmill, that overlooks the Guadalupe River. The #1 waterpark in the nation, Schlitterbahn (the original), is located here as well. You'll never be short of things to do in New Braunfels.
2. Concan
Concan is home to Garner Sate Park, the most popular camping destination in Texas. It's directly on the Frio River and offers hiking, boating, tubing and even miniature golf. Every evening, visitors young and old gather together to dance to oldies blasting from a jukebox. This is a town worth the trip for sure.
3. Wimberley
Wimberley is a sleepy little town Southwest of Austin. It's pretty sparsely populated, so there's lots of wide open space where Mother Nature can flourish undisturbed and the Blanco River can flow freely. There are lots of annual festivals, most of them art-centered, and plenty of little shops to occupy your day. And if you're feeling brave, the town is also home to Jacob's Well, a natural swimming hole that extends 200+ feet deep into the earth.
4. San Marcos
Some may not think San Marcos charming since it's a college town, but I beg to differ. It has plenty of redeeming qualities - a cute downtown square, nature and wildlife tours, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, and the most famed attraction, renting an inner tube from the Lions Club and floating the day away. I have to say, the San Marcos River is one of the most relaxing floats I've taken - probably because there's actually a current to carry you along instead of having to fiercely paddle the whole way.
5. Llano
Llano is such an underrated town (I mean, just look at those wildflowers). It has a gorgeous downtown square, the Llano River that visitors can fish and kayak in, and the legendary Cooper's Pit BBQ that you absolutely can't miss out on.
6. Blanco
Blanco is known as the "Gateway to the Texas hill country." It has plenty of attractions for nature lovers such as Blanco State Park and various water sports on the Blanco River itself. The town has several historic buildings - the Old Blanco County Jail and Courthouse, to name a couple. There's also an annual Lavender Festival and classic car show, both of which are popular among tourists.
Have you ever visited one of these river towns? Which one is your favorite, and what do you like to do there?
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