25 Beautiful Places in Texas That Prove the Lone Star State Is America’s Best Kept Secret

Texas isn’t just about cowboy hats and BBQ (although, let’s be honest, those are pretty fantastic too). From east to west, this vast, diverse state is packed with quirky roadside masterpieces, desert canyons, and cenote-like swimming holes.

As someone who van lifed for two amazing years and has road-tripped to almost 40 states, I’ve spent months driving across this massive state. While many people are familiar with popular destinations like the Alamo and Big Bend National Park, I also stumbled upon some lesser-known beauties that will make you fall head over heels for Texas.

We’ve chatted with locals, driven to many of these places ourselves, and sifted through forums and travel sites. Here are 25 of the most beautiful places in Texas that will have you routing your next road trip.

1. Hamilton Pool Preserve, Dripping Springs

Hamilton Pool Preserve is a natural swimming hole that transports you to the like of the cenotes of Mexico. Located just 23 miles west of Austin, this spot is a quick getaway from city life.

The pool was created when the dome of an underground river collapsed. There’s even a hidden gem waterfall cascading into the oasis. The short hike down to the pool winds through lush vegetation and limestone outcrops. It’s the perfect summer escape as the emerald-green water is cool year-round, but you’ll need a permit to go.

2. Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir of Houston, Stafford

When you stand in front of Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Houston, you would never guess that you’re in America. This Hindu temple complex combines traditional Indian architecture with modern craftsmanship.

Completed in 2004, the mandir is made of Italian marble and Turkish limestone, intricately carved and assembled by hand. Take off your shoes and walk through to learn about Hindu culture, spirituality, and the significance of the temple’s design.

Photography is allowed only in certain areas.

3. Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park, Houston

One of my favorite spots in Houston, Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park, is an urban oasis of architectural beauty in the shape of a 64-foot semi-circular waterfall. Located in the Uptown District, the water wall recirculates 11,000 gallons of water per minute, spraying mist to cool you down on hot days. Although it’s just a park next to the Galleria shopping mall, this city waterfall is one for the Instagram feed.

4. Big Bend National Park, Brewster County

Big Bend National Park is a massive playground that spans over 800,000 acres, making it one of the largest national parks in the United States. It’s so big and remote you’ll want to give this park three days of your time.

One must-see spot is the Santa Elena Canyon, where 1,500-foot cliffs tower above the Rio Grande River. You can even take a white water rafting trip straight through thrilling rapids. For some of the best stargazing in the country, head to the Chisos Basin. Near the Rio Grande Village, you can soak in some hot springs, then take the international crossing into Mexico for lunch.

5. Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Canyon

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, often called the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” is the second-largest canyon in the United States. It stretches roughly 120 miles long and up to 20 miles wide, with so many trails for hiking and mountain biking.

Every summer, you can catch the outdoor musical drama “Texas,” which tells the history of the Panhandle. The park is also a great spot for camping, with options ranging from primitive sites to cabins.

6. Caddo Lake, Karnack

Caddo Lake is a unique and enchanting destination featuring a maze of bayous, sloughs, and ponds. It’s Texas’ largest natural freshwater lake, bordered by one of the largest cypress forests in the world.

Kayaking or canoeing through the Spanish moss-draped trees is like stepping into another world. Paddle through river paths over many species of fish, birds, and even alligators. For a bit of local lore, visit the ghost town of Uncertain on the edge of the lake.

7. Newman’s Castle, Bellville

You’d never guess that there would be a medieval-style fortress in Texas, would you? Newman’s Castle in Bellville is a whimsical castle built by hand by local entrepreneur Mike Newman. This fairytale-like hidden gem comes complete with a moat, working drawbridge, and towers. You can take a guided tour to explore the castle’s interior, including the grand hall, dungeon, and chapel.

8. Painted Churches Of Texas, Schulenburg

The Painted Churches of Texas are a collection of beautifully decorated historic churches. Built by Czech and German immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these churches look like the inside of an easter egg with intricate murals, stenciling, and pastel colors.

A self-guided tour through the area allows you to visit several of these architectural marvels, such as St. Mary’s Church in High Hill and St. John the Baptist Church in Ammannsville. Each church has its unique, detailed stained glass windows and ornate altars. Some do require you to call ahead to let them know you want to visit.

9. Pedernales Falls State Park, Johnson City

Pedernales Falls State Park is named after the impressive Pedernales Falls, where the river cascades over massive limestone slabs. Swimming, tubing, and fishing in the Pedernales River are popular activities. You can hike down to the falls for a closer look or go for a more challenging Wolf Mountain Trail for hill country views.

10. Finding the Largest Bluebonnet Fields

Take some time in March and April to find the largest bluebonnet fields in Texas, the official state flower. In springtime, these flowers cover vast fields with their iconic blue petals.

Some of the best spots to see these blooms include Ennis, known for its Bluebonnet Trails and Festival, and the Willow City Loop near Fredericksburg. The fields around Brenham and Chappell Hill are also spectacular.

11. Jacob’s Well, Wimberley

Jacob’s Well in Wimberley is a crystal-clear natural spring that leads into an underwater cave system. The well is a popular spot for swimming and diving, as the water remains a refreshing 68 degrees year-round.

The spring’s mouth is four feet wide and plunges down to depths of over 120 feet. Experienced divers can even make the plunge beneath.

Reservations are required to swim in Jacob’s Well.

12. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Fredericksburg

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is famous for its massive pink granite dome. The rock, visible for miles, is one of the largest batholiths in the United States.

Hiking to the summit is a must-do for sweeping views of the Texas Hill Country. The area also features nearly 11 miles of hiking trails, including the Loop Trail that circumnavigates the rock. Rock climbing is also popular here.

Native American legends add an air of mystery to the site, believed to be haunted due to the rock’s eerie creaking sounds.

13. South Padre Island, South Padre Island

South Padre Island is a tropical paradise located on the southern tip of Texas. Famous for its beautiful sandy beaches that stretch for miles, it’s a hotspot for water activities like kiteboarding, parasailing, and jet skiing.

The island’s Laguna Madre Nature Trail delivers excellent birdwatching, with over 300 species recorded. You can also try horseback riding along the beach or take a dolphin-watching tour. Every summer, South Padre hosts a variety of events, including Sandcastle Days, where artists create incredible sand sculptures.

14. Marfa, Presidio County

Marfa is a funky small art town that seems to be accidentally misplaced in the middle of a remote Texas desert. Known for its contemporary art scene and mysterious lights, the town gained fame thanks to artist Donald Judd, who transformed old buildings into art spaces.

Today, you can visit the Chinati Foundation to see large-scale installations by Judd and other artists. Marfa’s enigmatic lights have baffled visitors for decades; head to the Marfa Lights Viewing Area at dusk for your chance to spot them. In an otherwise food desert, you can surprisingly find absolutely delicious farm-to-table restaurants and hipster boutiques here.

15. Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Salt Flat

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the four highest peaks in Texas, including Guadalupe Peak, which stands at 8,749 feet. This park has over 80 miles of trails leading through rugged mountains, canyons, and desert terrain.

A popular hike is the trek to Guadalupe Peak where you can see into New Mexico. Another favorite is McKittrick Canyon, renowned for its colorful fall foliage. There’s the historic Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach station to explore.

16. San Antonio Riverwalk, San Antonio

The San Antonio Riverwalk is a network of walkways and bridges along the San Antonio River that is teeming with lively shops and restaurants. Looping 15 miles, the Riverwalk is a great place for a leisurely stroll or a boat tour.

Take a detour to explore the Alamo, one of Texas’s most famous historical landmarks, just steps away from the river. In the winter, Christmas carolers glide by on boats chanting sounds of noel and performances are held in Arneson River Theatre. The river comes alive during events like Fiesta San Antonio, a 10 day celebration with parades and food.

17. Lost Maples State Natural Area, Vanderpool

Lost Maples State Natural Area has spectacular fall foliage canopying across its maple trees. The popular East Trail takes you through scenic vistas along the Sabinal River. Birdwatchers flock here to see the endangered golden-cheeked warbler, among other species. In spring, the wildflowers add a splash of color to the landscape.

18. Water Garden in Fort Worth, Fort Worth

Aside from the stockyards, the Water Garden was one place I made sure to hop around in Fort Worth. This interactive park designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson has three distinct water pools: the aerating, quiet, and active pools.

The active pool is particularly striking, with water cascading 38 feet down terraced steps into a central plaza. You can walk down into the pool for a sensory experience. Open year-round, the innovative design is a refreshing green space in the middle of Fort Worth’s downtown.

19. Natural Bridge Caverns, San Antonio

Discovered in the 1960s, Natural Bridge Caverns near San Antonio is the largest commercial caves in Texas. Guided tours take you deep into the cave system and point out impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones.

On the Adventure Tour, you’ll even need helmets and headlamps as you navigate undeveloped sections of the cave. Above ground, there’s a zipline course, a maze, and gem and fossil mining for kids.

20. Monahans Sandhills State Park, Monahans

Out in West Texas, Monahans Sandhills State Park is as close to a desert-like experience as you can find in Texas with its vast stretches of rolling sand dunes. Some dunes reach heights of up to 70 feet.

Visitors can rent sand disks from the park office to go sand surfing or sledding down the dunes. The park also has several trails for hiking and horseback riding across the sandy landscape.

21. Caprock Canyons State Park, Quitaque

Caprock Canyons State Park is a hidden gem of red rock formations and roaming bison herds. Aside from its many hiking trails, one of the highlights is the Caprock Canyons Trailway. The park is home to the official Texas State Bison Herd, and nearby, you can go fishing and swimming at Lake Theo.

22. Texas Hill Country

The Texas Hill Country is a region full of rolling hills, cute towns, and beautiful rivers. However, most people go for sipping some vino in the areas many wineries set amidst wildflower fields.

This is a big area to cover. Fredericksburg is a favorite town to visit, which has deep German heritage roots and an epic Oktoberfest come autumn. Enchanted Rock is a must-see, with its massive granite dome and excellent hiking trails. The area is also famous for tubing through spring-fed rivers like the Guadalupe and Frio.

23. McKinney Falls State Park, Austin

McKinney Falls State Park is the perfect Austin day trip escape with beautiful waterfalls and scenic trails. The park is located at the confluence of Onion Creek and Williamson Creek, where limestone ledges create elegent waterfalls. Go swimming and fishing in the cool waters below the falls. Then take the popular Homestead Trail to the ruins of Thomas McKinney’s homestead.

24. Krause Springs, Spicewood

Krause Springs is a private swimming hole with 32 springs that feed into both a man-made pool and a natural swimming area. The springs maintain a cool temperature even during the hot summer months, so you can always beat the summer heat.

On-site, you can also enjoy well-manicured gardens and a butterfly sanctuary. A small waterfall adds to the idyllic setting, and the massive cypress trees provide plenty of shade.

25. Garner State Park, Concan

Along the Frio River, Garner State Park is a beloved nature destination with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, tubing, and kayaking. During the summer, evening dances at the park’s pavilion are a long-standing tradition.

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.