With air travel increasingly difficult, many travelers have started looking for destinations within easy reach of their homes. Although Texas is a huge state, one that can take days to cross, there are many “driving” destinations with easy access to major metropolitan areas in Texas.
Of course, each of the largest cities in Texas is a destination unto itself. However, for local residents looking for a quick weekend getaway, or out-of-town visitors looking for a day trip from their main vacation destination, the following are easy trips to interesting places.
Austin
- Canyon Lake – Due to its location on its namesake lake and the Guadalupe River, the City of Canyon Lake proclaims itself the “Water Recreation Capital of Texas” and offers visitors numerous opportunities for outdoor and aquatic recreation, as well as quick access to a number of Hill Country Attractions, towns and cities.
- Enchanted Rock – Located just north of Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country, Enchanted Rock is one of the largest natural rock formations in the United States, with a dome that rises 425 feet above the ground (1825 feet above ground level). sea). Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1970, Enchanted Rock is also part of the Texas State Park System and attracts thousands of visitors annually.
- Lost Maples – New Brits aren’t the only ones who enjoy watching the fall foliage change, Lost Maples Natural Area in Central Texas offers Texans and visitors to Texas a stunning color palette each fall.
- Luckenbach – Famous for a Willie Nelson song, the small Hill Country town of Luckenbach continues to symbolize all that Texas is to many. On your next trip to the Lone Star State, don’t miss out on the chance to go to the city where “Everybody’s Somebody.”
- Wimberley : Wimberley is a quaint little town in the Texas Hill Country, located an hour’s drive from Austin or San Antonio. Additionally, Wimberley is conveniently located to many Hill Country attractions and is home to an abundance of specialty shops and restaurants.
Dallas
- Big Thicket : Covering nearly 100,000 acres, Big Thicket National Preserve was the first reserve of its kind in the United States. The Big Thicket NP is home to a diverse group of plants and animals and is home to thousands of nature enthusiasts annually. While camping is allowed, there are no prepared campsites at Big Thicket, so be prepared to make your own.
- Lake Fork : Known as one of the best trophy lakes in the nation, Lake Fork draws anglers from across the United States and beyond. Each of these anglers knows that whenever they are fishing for Fork, they have a high chance of catching a true largemouth trophy.
- Lake Lewisville – A favorite spot for Dallas water sports enthusiasts, Lake Lewisville offers visitors a variety of activities, including fishing, swimming, waterskiing, water skiing, sailing, windsurfing, and more.
- Palestine : Known primarily for hosting the Texas State Railroad and hosting the Dogwood Trails Festival, Palestine is a charming southern town hidden deep in the Texas Piney Woods.
- Salado : Whether you want a romantic getaway or a quiet weekend alone, Salado is the perfect place. Offering excellent bed and breakfast inns, as well as quaint shops, dynamic water gardens, and carriage tours, Salado is sure to put your mind at ease.
Houston
- Brazosport Area – Not a city but a collection of communities, the Brazosport area offers visitors to the Texas coast much to see and do.
- Galveston Island – Galveston Island is truly a year round destination. With many world-class attractions, hotels and restaurants, and of course miles of sandy beaches, Galveston is a perfect vacation spot any month of the year, and is an hour’s drive from Houston.
- Kemah : Located in Galveston Bay outside of Houston, Kemah has the best boardwalk on the Texas coast, with several restaurants, bars, shops and hotels.
- Lake Conroe – The 21,000 acres of Lake Conroe are located a short drive from Houston. Its quick access to the fourth largest city in the country has made it one of the busiest lakes in the state when it comes to recreational boat traffic.
San antonio
- Bandera : Known as the “Cowboy Capital,” Bandera prides itself on its cowboy heritage. Today, visitors to this picturesque Hill Country community can expect a variety of shops and attractions, as well as festivals that take place throughout the year.
- Boerne – Home to the Cascade Caverns, a number of antique shops and restaurants and much more, the Texas Hill Country town of Boerne offers visitors many things to see and do while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere.
- Garner State Park – Located on the Frio River in Concan, Garner State Park is one of the most popular summer getaways in Texas. Whether swimming, fishing, rowing or tubing, most visitors to Garner find a way to get into the water. However, there are also “dry” activities such as miniature golf, bird watching, nature trails, hiking and much more.
- Lake Amistad : Located near the border town of Del Rio, Lake Amistad was formed when the Rio Grande was dammed in 1969. Its remote location is part of its charm, as are its vast, crystal clear waters. Massive Lake Amistad covers nearly 70,000 acres of land, which are shared between Mexico and the United States.
- New Braunfels – The same place where “floating the Guad” was invented, New Braunfels offers excellent access to the famous Guadalupe River in Texas. Floating tubes, kayaking, swimming, and fishing are just a few of the recreational opportunities available on this stretch of Guadeloupe.
- Rockport : Best known as a Texas Artists Mecca, Rockport is also home to the Maritime Museum, saltwater fishing, excellent bird watching, and many other activities.
