By Kristen Lawrence|Updated on May 20, 2021(Originally published May 15, 2021)
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Kristen Lawrence
Author
Texas staff writer for Only in Your State, blogger for Power of Positivity, and freelance health, wellness, and travel writer. I spend any chance I get traveling, enjoying nature, trying out new recipes, and meditating. I love sharing smiles, good food, and great conversation :)
Ah, Texas. Our home is a very special place, and we can’t help but feel thankful to live in a state with an abundance of beautiful places to explore. Narrowing it down to 13 places wasn’t an easy task, but we’ve devised something of a Texas bucket list that includes some of the most jaw-dropping sites in the Lone Star State. So gas up your car and hit the road, because there’s a lot of ground to cover!
Located along the U.S.-Mexico border, Big Bend National Park belongs at the top of your Texas bucket list. The park encompasses over 800,000 acres and features the striking Chisos Mountain Range. Curious to learn more about this desert beauty? Read what makes Big Bend National Park such a must-see destination.
Did you know that Texas is home to the second-largest canyon in the U.S.? Second only to the Grand Canyon, Palo Duro Canyon is a sight to behold. With over 30 miles of trails, you can enjoy this massive landmark from multiple perspectives. Have you ever seen the Grand Canyon of Texas?
Hamilton Pool is a luxurious waterfall swimming pool sourced from Hamilton Creek. Truly, it's one of the most magnificent sights to behold in the Lone Star State. And the best part of all? It's the perfect place to take a dip and swim around! When it comes to beautiful waterfall swimming holes in Texas, it doesn't get much better than Hamilton Pool.
Not far from Austin, Jacob's Well is one of the most iconic swimming holes in the state. This natural spring features crystal-clear water, beautiful limestone, and an undeniable intrigue. Underneath the surface of the water, an intricate cavern system lurks. In fact, one of the cave chambers is 200 feet deep! Learn more about this fascinating — and somewhat terrifying — Texas swimming hole.
The Texas Hill Country is positively filled with natural wonders to discover. At the top of the list is Pedernales Falls State Park. Some of the rocks here date back over 300 million years! Learn more about the fascinating discoveries that await you at Pedernales Falls State Park.
An emerald waterfall hike near Austin, Gorman Falls certainly belongs on your Texas bucket list. It's located inside Colorado Bend State Park and can be accessed via a beautiful 3-mile trek.
The namesake of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Enchanted Rock measures 1,800 feet and is an awe-inspiring natural wonder. Given that it's located in a remote part of Texas, the park features some of the best opportunities for star gazing around. Learn more about why you'll want to make a visit to Enchanted Rock.
There's no denying the allure of Lost Maples State Natural Area in Texas, especially during the fall. Visit this destination and you'll find over ten miles of hiking trails to choose from, each offering spectacular scenery.
Texas is the proud home of several beautiful rivers, and the Comal River might just be the most beautiful of them all. A beautiful shade of blue, it's a must-see. Plus, the water remains between 70 - 72 degrees all year long. It's one of the most popular river floats in Texas.
Located in Guadalupe Mountain National Park, Guadalupe Peak is an epic destination. If you're feeling especially adventurous, you might consider trekking to the top. You should know, though, that it's one of the most challenging hikes in the state. Plus, Guadalupe Peak is the highest point in Texas.
Characterized by beautiful hills and lovely water, Garner State Park is an outdoor adventure just waiting to happen. In the distance, you'll see Mount Baldy and its reflection in the water. Couldn't you spend all day at this beautiful Texas state park?
There are many caves and caverns to explore in Texas, but perhaps one of the most interesting is Cave Without A Name. If you decide to visit, you'll take 126 steps below the surface of the earth to an otherworldly landscape. And just wait until you see all the unique rock formations below! Here's more on why you should plan a trip to Cave Without A Name.
A lovable west Texas town with no shortage of allure, many folks agree that there is a lot to be entertained by in Marfa. The town is characterized by fascinating art exhibits, small-town intrigues, and sprawling landscapes. And have you heard about the mysterious Marfa lights?
What other places would you add to this Texas bucket list? We’d love to know! Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below. For related content, you’ll love learning about the most beautiful natural wonders in Texas.
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Texas Bucket List
Beth C. |May 20, 2021
Does Texas have any natural wonders?
Yes! In the article above, we highlighted destinations that belong on your Texas bucket list. However, there are even more places that deserve a spot on your radar. Some of the most stunning natural wonders in Texas include Palo Duro Canyon, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Big Thicket National Preserve, Devil's River State Natural Area, and Caddo Lake. Learn more about these must-see natural wonders in Texas.