With summer just around the corner, now’s the time to plan some outdoor adventures. Most of us have been cooped up inside more than usual. But with Texas reopening and vaccines being administered, there are a lot of safe options to spend your summer safely outdoors.
A lot of us are in need of vitamin D and satisfying our wanderlust. There is plenty to explore right in your own city or all over Texas.
Of course, don’t forget to lather up plenty of sunscreen, especially with this Texas sun. Sunscreen should be worn daily, not just at the beach or pool, and reapplied every two hours. Dermatologists recommend at least SPF 30.
Here are some cool things to do and places to visit. Before packing up your bag and heading out to these spots, be sure to call ahead or check their website. Some places might have certain restrictions in place or require a reservation.
Visit a National or State Park
Texas is filled with beautiful parks, both National and State. Big Bend National Park is a must-visit with its incredible views. There are over 80 outstanding State Parks all over Texas! Palo Duro Canyon, the Grand Canyon of Texas, is stunning. Colorado Bend is another favorite.
Float the River
A summer tradition in Texas is floating one of its many rivers. Packing up your bags full of sunscreen, water, and snacks then loading up your tubes in the car. Don’t forget the carabiners and rope so you won’t lose your group! Some of the favorite rivers to float are the Comal, Guadalupe, and the Frio. Some of the State Parks mentioned above allow tubes on their rivers.
Visit the Zoo or Botanical Gardens
Texas has some amazing zoos and gardens, and during the summer many of them have special events and unique experiences. The Fort Worth Zoo is nationally ranked and the Dallas Zoo is the largest and oldest zoo in Texas. The Shangri La, San Antonio, and Clark Botanical Gardens are some of the most remarkable displays of greenery and flowers.
Zilker Botanical Garden
Moody Gardens
Herman Park Zoo
Have a Picnic
Picnics are highly underrated. Who doesn’t love to eat and drink with friends and beautiful scenery? A lot of local parks allow picnics as well as some of the gardens and zoos mentioned above. Upgrade your picnic game with this backpack that has everything you need, even a wine bottle holder. You don’t need to travel far either, enjoy a picnic in your own backyard.
Go to a Baseball Game
Texas has two MLB teams, the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros, and at least 10 minor league teams throughout Texas. Some of these stadiums do have regulations in place so be sure to check their website. Attending a baseball game is fun for the entire family and a great way to spend the day.
Visit a Museum or Two
Texas offers a wide variety of museums and art galleries all throughout the state. There is even an annual membership that allows you to visit over 10 Texas museums for free. As well as a national membership that allows you to visit over 50 museums just in Texas and over 1,000 museums across the country. Houston Museum of Natural Science, Dallas Museum of Art, and The Alamo are some of the favorites.
Go to a Winery
Some might be surprised to know that Texas has hundreds of wineries. Texas is actually one of the top states that produce wine. Make a day trip with some friends and discover a winery near you. Always plan ahead and choose a designated driver before you get there.
Go to the Lake or Beach
Texas has hundreds of lakes and a few beaches for you to cool down at this summer. Although a few might be closed due to the pandemic. Check their website or social media accounts.
Have Fun in your Backyard
You don’t need to travel far to have a good time. Try something new out in your backyard. Plant a new garden. Have a movie night. Host an outdoor yoga event. Camp out with your kids in the backyard. Try something new.
Visit a Unique Landmark
Summertime in Texas is a perfect time to visit some of these landmarks and check off some spots for your Texas bucket list. A lot of these outdoor sites are some really cool destinations.
Austin has the Hamilton Pool, Jacob’s Well, the Westcave Discovery Center, and so many more awesome outdoor adventures. The famous Riverwalk and Mission San José are in San Antonio. There’s the Natural Bridge Caverns and Caverns of Sonora that are astonishing. And the list goes on!
Enchanted Rock (Fredericksburg)
Umbrella Alley (Baytown)
McKittrick Canyon (West Texas)
Hamilton Pool (Austin)
Fort Worth Stockyards
San Antonio Riverwalk
West Cave Discovery (Austin)
Natural Bridge Caverns (San Antonio)
Texas is so unique and has so much to offer! Of course, this list of activities is not exhaustive, there are just too many cool things Texas has going on.
This summer should be filled with new outdoor adventures. Too many of us have been stuck at home these past few months and deserve to treat ourselves. Thankfully it has become safer to rediscover the great outdoors.
Remember to double-check their websites to check their hours and restrictions. Many places still require a mask. Pack your water and suncreen.
Have fun this summer!
