Here's The Best Place To Explore In Each Of Texas' Seven Different Regions
By Katie Lawrence|Published March 04, 2020
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Did you know Texas has seven different natural regions? Each area offers vastly different landscapes — it’s almost like seven completely autonomous states, but you can visit them all without leaving the one place we call home.
Big Bend Country is by far the least-trafficked region, a fact which only amplifies its almost palpable magic. Along with Guadalupe Mountains National Park, this vast expanse encompasses over 800,000 acres of remote desert landscape. Towering canyons, ancient rock formations, old forts and mining camps, quintessential ghost towns, striking panoramic views, and the highest point in Texas are just a few of the attributes this incredible area has to offer.
Heading east, we arrive at arguably the most frequented vacation spot in Texas: the Hill Country. From undulating hills to rushing rivers, charming wineries to dude ranches, and our state capital to small towns that are no more than a blip on the map, it doesn't get much more diverse than this region. Take a hike, tube the Comal, drive through fields of endless wildflowers, and eat delicious barbecue for a simply unforgettable trip. Oh, and make sure Enchanted Rock gets a spot on your itinerary; this massive pink blob is one of the top 10 campsites in America!
Stretching from San Antonio all the way down to the Rio Grande, the South Texas Plains also impart plenty of bio and eco diversity. Whether touring King Ranch, the largest ranch in the country, or observing over 300 bird species in the swamplands of Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, there's never a dull moment in this often overlooked neck of the woods. And although not necessarily an outdoor attraction, the Alamo and other missions that played such integral roles in Texas history should always be part of a visit to the Plains.
In the northwestern corner of Texas, you'll find the second-largest canyon in the U.S. Second in size only to the Grand Canyon itself, Palo Duro Canyon spans 30,000 acres and boasts over 30 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Notable cities in the Panhandle Plains region include Lubbock, Amarillo, and Abilene.
Extending from Galveston to South Padre Island, the Texas coastline is over 600 miles long. It features large cities like Houston and Galveston, in addition to small beach towns that impart undeniable charm. Go swimming, build sandcastles, visit Space Center Houston, discover a vast array of wildlife, and have an overall fun-filled family adventure.
Lush greenery defines the Piney Woods, a region stretching all the way up East Texas. Four national forests draw hikers from all over the country, and Big Thicket National Preserve boasts one of the most diverse landscapes and wildlife populations in the world. Springtime brings eye-popping azalea and rhododendron displays, and the largest rose garden in the U.S. resides here. Pictured here is Caddo Lake, a hauntingly beautiful bog of cypress trees perfect for kayaking, fishing, and nature photography.
Last but not least, we head to the Prairies & Lakes Region. The DFW Metroplex dominates the area, with small antique towns and abundant nature sprinkled throughout. Dinosaur Valley State Park is also located here, with real, larger-than-life tracks buried under the Paluxy River.
