5 Places in Texas you DO want to mess with!
By: Genesis Moreno
With such diverse vegetation, it’s no wonder the Lone Star State is one of the most popular summer destinations! Beaches, hiking trails, canyons, lakes, waterfalls, and caves just scratch the surface on Texas’s diverse geology. Whether you’re looking for a family-fun pack or a second honeymoon, this list has a little bit of everything to get your summer wheels rolling:
1. It’s Bat Country!
Crawling into a cramped hole in the earth may not be for everyone, but if you’re up for some cave exploring, Texas is the place to be! Take a tour, snap some photos, and explore the depths of earth with a handy flashlight. Don’t know where to go?
Here’s a few to get you started:
– Cascade Caverns (Kendall County, Texas)
– Natural Bridge Caverns (Comal County, Texas)
– Wonder Cave (San Marcos, Texas)
2. Say Yes to Getting Lost in The Woods!
The name says it all- Lost Maples. This quintessential oasis is an all-in-one family hotspot! With 10 miles of hiking trails and an incredible peak view, you can do whatever you’re up for! Take a hike, star-gaze, go for a swim, go fishing, set-up camp in the woods or on any of the 30 campsites with water and electricity. Whatever you do, make it your own!
3. Hidden Gem: Boca Chica Beach!
Driving south towards the Rio Grande Border, you’ll zoom by signs to beach fronts like Corpus Christi and South Padre Island, but have you ever heard of Boca Chica? Tucked a couple miles down the South Padre strip, you can find a quieter beach spot with less crowds, cleaner beaches, and picnic tables (Shhhh, don’t tell anyone I told you).
4. Boo! The Ghost Town of Terlingua
In West Texas near Big Bend National Park, ghost towns come to life. Back in the 1800’s, Terlingua was a booming town attracting miners after the discovery of cinnabar—a bright red mineral used to extract mercury. When mining companies went bankrupt, Terlingua disappeared like dust in the wind. Nowadays, it’s a popular tourist attraction for backpackers and young folk.
Source: Randall Metting
5. The Big Bend Ultimate Experience
Along the Texas-Mexico border, you can find the perfect hideout away from the city’s hustle and bustle. With over 1,200 miles of land to explore, Big Bend is the largest established national park encompassing the Chihuahuan Desert, the Chisos Mountains, the Rio Grande river, and the Boquillas Canyons. Learn about dinosaur fossils, Native American History, diverse geology and ecosystems, and enjoy the outdoors!
Don’t Believe the drive out there is worth it? Check out Melanie Mendez’s post, San Antonio’s favorite blogger, for a first-hand experience.
Source: Deb S Nelson Photography
Bask in the sun, roll out a sleeping bag, forget about your phone, pack a good read, and refuel with nature. There’s nothing quite like a good time-traveling to simpler times.
