11 Epic Adventures Every Texan Must Take Before They Die
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Katie Lawrence
Author
We’ve got a lot of incredible places to explore in Texas. From breathtaking national parks to fields full of vibrant bluebonnets, there’s always something just waiting to be explored in the Lone Star State. The following are 11 epic adventures everyone in Texas should take before they die—and they’ll give you a new appreciation for our state.
The world's first rodeo is held annually in Pecos in late June. Bull riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, and everything in between has been taking place since 1883. It's been voted one of the five best outdoor rodeos in the entire country, so you definitely won't want to miss out! Tickets should start going on sale in early May on this website.
It's the height of bluebonnet season, and they're blooming like crazy all over Texas. Check out our previous article to see where all the best spots are this year. Those family pictures aren't gonna take themselves!
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From Cadillac Ranch to a giant pair of legs to a transparent bathroom stall, we definitely have our fair share of strange roadside attractions in the Lone Star State. A lot of them are along Route 66, so you could even make a summer day trip out of it! Here's a list of the most noteworthy ones.
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If you've ever met a Texan who isn't weirdly obsessed with Buc-ee's, you probably shouldn't trust them. It's not just a gas station, it's basically a complete grocery store with a gift shop, restaurant, bakery, and the cleanest bathrooms on the planet (no, that isn't an exaggeration.) Any true Texan will tell you that one of the best parts of road trips is stopping off here on the way, and truer words have never been spoken.
The River Walk might be one of the most "touristy" places in the state, but it's not a trap in any way, shape, or form. There's no better way to experience the lively, authentic Mexican culture of San Antonio than to fully immerse yourself in it. Restaurants and shops abound, and you can even get chauffeured in a gondola if you don't feel like walking the entire stretch. Interested in learning more about this historic, iconic destination? We'll bet you didn't know these 15 fun facts about the River Walk.
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One of our favorite things about Texas is all the little towns where life is still slow-paced and everyone knows each other. Main streets are lined with charming antique shops and family-owned cafes, and the Southern hospitality is so thick you could cut it with a knife. These are some of the tiniest, most quaint towns in the state.
Although Austin's Congress Avenue bridge is by far the most famous location for seeing bats during the summer, there are actually several other places like Bracken Bat Cave in San Antonio and Old Tunnel State Park in Fredericksburg. Regardless of where you go, summer just wouldn't be the same without watching these majestic creatures take flight.
If there's one thing we do better than any other state, it's swimming holes. Hamilton Pool, Jacob's Well, and Krause Springs are just a few of the many crystal-clear bodies of water to make a splash in during the summer months. Here's a list of all the best ones to dive into across the state - it'll start warming up before we know it, so you'd better start planning!
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Our national parks are some of the most beautiful places in the state. There are only two: Big Bend and the Guadalupe Mountains, but what they lack in number is made up tenfold in grandeur. The towering peaks and mystical desert vibes make these destinations absolutely unforgettable places to vacation at.
Given the sheer size of our state, it would make sense that a lot of uncharted territory exists. If you've never driven out into the middle of nowhere, hopped in the truck bed, and spent the night watching the Milky Way band slowly make its way across the sky, you haven't lived yet.
Texas is chock full of caves - around 2,000 to be exact, and who knows how many more there are that just haven't been discovered yet? Going underground is such a unique and educational experience (not to mention it's absolutely gorgeous!). These are some of the most breathtaking caverns in Texas.
How many of these epic adventures have you taken? What else should be added to the list? Let us know!
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