Texas is vast and its state park system diverse. If you’re looking for a fun place for a weekend getaway around the Lone Star State, here are a few of my favorites:
1. Garner State Park
One of the favorite parks of Texans and tourists is Garner. Located in Uvalde County, about 1-1/2 hours west of San Antonio, this scenic park has many activities for everyone. Spend your lazy day tubing down the clear Frio River, hiking, or just relaxing in the shade. There are majestic trees everywhere, such as Mesquite, Texas Madrone, Cedar Elm, and Pecan. It is one of the best places in Texas for tent camping, with cabins and spaces for RVs also available. Wildlife is abundant, and there is a Garner Grill that serves meals.
2. Enchanted Rock
Located just north of Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country, this colossal pink granite dome is enchanting. There’s plenty of hiking, with almost 11 miles in the park. Rock climbing, picnicking, bird watching, and camping are also very popular. Lay awake at night under the stars and try to count them. You’ll be amazed at the clear and luminous sky. There is a park store open for gifts, as well as Sweet Marley’s, with food and drinks. The popular tourist town of Fredericksburg is nearby for great shopping and restaurants.
3. Caddo Lake
This lake is one of the few natural lakes, located in Eastern Texas near the Texas/Louisiana border. You’ll see some of the most beautiful bald cypress trees you’ve ever seen. It’s a great place to fish with over 71 species or watch the birds with nearly 240 different kinds. Bring your kayak or canoe and explore the beauty of the bayous and sloughs. It’s a great park for camping or cruise the lake on the Paddlewheel Steamboat. Be careful; you might see an alligator. Guests enjoy the River Bend Restaurant.
4. Padre Island
Padre Island is truly a Texas treasure. The white sandy beaches and the bright, blue-green Gulf of Mexico waters attract visitors from all over. This barrier island lies south of Corpus Christi and north of Brownsville and is the most extensive undeveloped area in the world. With over 380 species of birds, this is a bird lover’s paradise. Bring your camping gear and observe baby sea turtles released onto the beach. The nearby city of Padre Island offers restaurants and dolphin tours.
5. Palo Duro
Located just south of Amarillo in the Panhandle of Texas, Palo Duro is known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas.” This massive 20,000-acre park is 120 miles in length, and 800 feet deep. Many from all over the state and America come to this park for mountain biking. Mountain climbing, hiking, and camping are all popular things to do here. The park offers guided horseback riding and wagon ride tours. Bring your binoculars. You might get a glimpse of a Texas Horned Lizard, Barbary Sheep, a diamondback rattlesnake, or a Palo Duro Mouse. Amarillo is nearby with great restaurants and historical museums.