Great Day Trips in Texas

Great Day Trips in Texas

In a state as big as Texas, there’s a lot to do and see as well as amazing diversity in day trip possibilities.

Here are some day trip suggestions that emphasize the variety of getaway experiences in Texas:

New Braunfels

It’s a slice of Germany in Texas. Situated 40 miles north of Austin, New Braunfels was founded in 1845 by a group of German craftsmen and farmers. Every year around the first week of November, New Braunfels hosts Wurstfest, a huge event along the banks of the Comal River in Landa Park. The 10-day celebration pays tribute to German heritage through beer, food, music and dance. The fun really never stops in New Braunfels. During the rest of the year, you can dine at local beer gardens, dance to German music and enjoy the nearby rivers and lakes and Schlitterbahn Water Park.

Hill Country

A wonderful part of Texas between Austin and San Antonio, this region is dominated by rugged, rolling hills, beautiful lakes and rivers, and engaging towns like New Braunfels, Bandera, Fredericksburg and Kerrville. Outdoor activities such as tubing down rivers, motorcycling on country roads and rock climbing are popular pastimes. For wine lovers, Texas Hill Country is home to 27 wineries. Many of them host tastings, seminars, demonstrations and tours.

South Padre Island

Just 30 miles north of Mexico, this 34-mile-long barrier island is the beach of choice for many Texans and visitors. The “Life’s a Beach” lifestyle engulfs the island with activities such as sunbathing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, parasailing and fishing. Ecotourism opportunities include dolphin boat trips, bird watching and sea turtle excursions. Some visitors add a little sizzle to their getaway with a quick visit to Matamoros, the Mexican border town located just 30 minutes away.

The Alamo

Yes, you should remember the Alamo when planning a day trip in Texas. One of America’s most treasured historic landmarks, the Alamo was the site of a phenomenal 13-day siege fought by men like Davey Crockett, Jim Bowie and William Travis during the Texas Revolution. You’ll see the restored 18th century church, Long Barracks, a beautiful garden, Crockett’s buckskin vest and a documentary about the fort. A good way to enhance your visit is the Riverwalk, the enchanting avenue brimming with shops and restaurants that connects many of San Antonio’s museums and historic districts.

Huntsville State Park

One of Texas’ great state parks, the 2,080-acre Huntsville State Park, located six miles southeast of Huntsville, is nirvana for outdoor enthusiasts. For boaters, rentals for paddleboats, canoes and flat-bottoms without motors are available. Bikers and hikers have access to more than 19 miles of trails. Anglers can drop a line from several fishing piers. Campers have facilities such as tent campsites with water and electricity, screened shelters and a group picnic pavilion that can accommodate 75 people. There are also guided horseback trail rides. Attractions in nearby Huntsville include General Sam Houston’s Steamboat House, Sam Houston Memorial Museum and a Prison Museum