Are you spending some vacation time in Texas and are looking for different outdoor activities to do? Do you reside in Texas but are always on the hunt for new outdoor adventures? Texas is the second-largest state in the country and there’s an endless amount of fun outdoor activities to take part in.
There’s always something new to try and the weather is beautiful more often than not, so why not head outside and explore the nature around you? If you’re not sure where to begin, then grab a pen and paper and start creating a bucket list of things to do in Texas! We’re here to help you build that list.
Below, you’ll find seven of the best outdoor activities in Texas to add to your list! Continue reading below to get some ideas flowing.
1. Discover Nature Trails Via Horseback
What better way to discover some of Texas’ most amazing nature trails than on horseback? Located in the Texas Hill Country is Southern Trails. You can ride horseback while following one of the experienced guides through the trails.
There are a few different horseback riding options as well. You can take a 60-minute ranch ride or you can schedule a little dude ride, which is for families with children age 10 and younger. For this option, you’ll experience a 20-minute brushing session, a 20-minute arena ride, and then a 20-minute trail ride.
It’s perfect for the little ones! You also have the option of riding on the Victory Cheval Estate trail as well, which will bring you through lots of beautiful scenery and teach you a bit of Texas history as well.
2. Explore Big Bend National Park
While in Texas, you can’t leave before stopping by Big Bend National Park. At the park, you can indulge in a few different outdoor activities, such as hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, boating camping, nature watching, and more! If you’re looking for a place to spend your entire day exploring the big outdoors, then this is your place.
If you do plan to camp there, then make sure to call ahead of time to make reservations as spots fill up quickly. Don’t forget to bring your camera either as you’ll want to snap pictures of all the wildlife, of course!
3. Soak Up the Sun at Padre Island National Seashore
Are you looking for a way to sit back and relax while exploring the state? Why not soak up some sun at Padre Island National Seashore? Here, you can find around 75 miles of beach.
Be sure to bring your lunch to eat at one of the picnic tables with your family. Aside from enjoying the soft sands, you can also consider camping while on this seashore. There are several campsites where you can rough it in the great outdoors.
Toilets, showers for rinsing off, and picnic tables are all included.
4. Go Kayaking in Devil’s River
Looking for ways to get your daily workout in while discovering everything Texas has to offer? Hop in a kayak and travel down Devil’s River! Devil’s River State Natural Area is located north of Del Rio.
It’s a very remote setting but offers a variety of outdoor activities. Kayaking is just one of those many activities but will allow you to explore all the wildlife surrounding the river. Plus, kayaking is great exercise!
Want to still explore the river via water but want to dial it down a bit? Try canoeing! You can also swim, hike, and mountain bike while there, so be sure to bring all your equipment.
After you’re done exploring the area and are ready to take a break, grab your fishing pole and see what you can catch.
5. Experience the Second Largest Canyon in the US
You’ve heard of the Grand Canyon, but have you heard of Palo Duro Canyon? It’s not as big as the Grand Canyon, but it’s the second-largest canyon in the United States. It’s 800 feet deep and 120 miles long.
If you’re looking for an awesome place to mountain bike, then you have to visit this canyon. It’s a popular destination for mountain bikers and explorers alike. You can also take part in horseback riding, hiking, mountain climbing, and camping as well.
6. Swim in a Spring at Jacob’s Well
If you’re looking for something to help satisfy the daredevil in you, then you’ll want to take a dip in Jacob’s Well. Jacob’s Well is a 30 ft deep cave that’s about 12 feet wide. The cave branches off into several silted chambers, the deepest reaching up to 120 feet!
Thankfully, there are sections that are shallow and the spring makes for a wonderful family outing. You will need to call ahead of time and make reservations, however. The park gets full quickly, so be sure to plan well in advance.
7. Slide Down Sand Dunes at Monahans Sandhill State Park
The final Texas destination on our list is Monahans Sandhill State Park. This park is located directly outside of Odessa. Here, you won’t find endless nature trails of lush greenery.
Instead, you’ll find hills and waves of desert sands. There’s aren’t any hiking trails to explore, but you can still plan to spend your entire day here at the sand dunes. You can rent a bar of wax or saucers from the park and have fun sliding down the dunes!
Which Texas Outdoor Activities Will You Try?
Who knew Texas was filled with so many fun outdoor activities to explore? Now you know and can go down this list visiting each destination listed above. Outdoor activities are a wonderful way to spend any day and Texas has a never-ending list of them.
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