Interested in a staycation this year, but want to avoid the crowds found in Texas’ major cities? We have 21 ideas for you to take advantage of in 2022 that are off the beaten path and that offer tons of fun. No matter how you like to spend your leisure time, we can assure you that we have something on our list that will appeal to you.
1. Hike 3 miles over rough and rocky terrain to see the fabulous 70-foot spring-fed Gorman Falls waterfall in Colorado Bend State Park.
2. Attend Spring Break at Lago Mar from March 12 through March 28 at the state’s largest Crystal Clear Lagoon – located right in the neighborhood for our Empire homeowners living in Lago Mar.
3. Ride a seated zip line roller coaster at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio that will have you soaring 150 feet high on a track of more than 1,500 feet.
4. Take the kids to see real dinosaur footprints at Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose.
5. If you’re staying overnight in Glen Rose, spend the evening in a Santa Fe railcar at the Country Woods Inn.
6. Head east this Spring Break and take a paddle around the towering bald cypress trees found in Caddo Lake State Park — just watch out for alligators. For those that don’t have their own canoe, rentals are available on site.
7. Spend the night in an officer’s quarters at Presidio La Bahia in Goliad – a historic fort in one of Texas’ oldest towns.
8. From April through to October, pick your own apples at Love Creek Orchards in Medina – the “Apple Capital of Texas.”
9. Take the wine train in Grapevine if you’re interested in sampling Texas wines, noshing on hors d’oeuvres and listening to live jazz all ride long.
10. See if you spy any paranormal activity at one of Texas’ oldest and most luxurious hotels — the Hotel Galvez & Spa. If that doesn’t appeal to you, no need to fret — Galveston offers plenty to do.
11. Visit the quaint and artsy town of Marfa and see if you can spot the mysterious Marfa Lights.
12. Climb 1,823 feet to the summit of Enchanted Rock for views that will take your breath away. Make a day of it by rock climbing and exploring the park’s trails that span 11 miles. For those who have already checked that off their bucket list, visit some of Austin’s other natural wonders that will take your fitness game to the next level.
13. Listen to live music at Gruene Hall in New Braunfels— the oldest dance hall in Texas. If you’re lucky, you might even see a familiar face up on stage.
14. Mark Ennis as a destination to visit this April. With more than 40 miles of mapped driving bluebonnet trails, it’s the “Official Bluebonnet City of Texas.” We can assure you, you won’t want to miss out on seeing these spectacular views.
15. Stay in an Irish castle and hike with llamas at ShangriLlama located in Royse City. (No, we’re really not making this stuff up.)
16. If you’re just as big a “foodie” as we are, head to Snow’s BBQ in Lexington to sample some of the state’s best BBQ. Looking for another incentive? You may even have an opportunity to meet the legendary Tootsie Tomanetz, featured on Chef’s Table: BBQ.
17. Skip the overcrowded Spring Break tubing destinations of the Comal and Guadalupe rivers. Instead, head to Blanco River for a day filled with beautiful scenery and relaxation. If this is a place you frequent often, check out Blanco Vista – a community that will transform Blanco River into your home.
18. Feed a giraffe or camel at Franklin Drive-Thru Safari – located two hours from Austin and Houston, TX. Make sure to stop in the Baby Room for an overdose of cuteness.
19. While you’re out tasting wines in Texas Wine Country, stop by Chocolates El Rey for a structured tasting of white to dark chocolates. Your taste buds will be thanking you after your visit.
20. A Spring Break destination for the entire family: shop, dine, explore natural caverns and more in Boerne – the town that was ranked the 25th happiest in the nation by “House Beautiful.”
21. Take your accommodations to new heights (literally), by staying in a treehouse at Cypress Valley in Spicewood. Sleep in the trees and watch for shooting stars as you take part in this overnight experience that is unlike any other.
If you’ve worked up an appetite, be sure to explore the best spots for Texas BBQ just minutes from home.
Images courtesy of: Texas Parks & Wildlife (Colorado Bend, Dinosaur Valley, Caddo Lake, Enchanted Rock, Blanco River); Culture Map Houston (Lagoon); Six Flags Fiesta Texas (Zip Line); Glamping.com (Railcar); Roadesque (Presidio La Bahia); Wikipedia (Train); Agoda (Hotel Galvez); BBC (Marfa); Travel Texas (Gruene Hall); Irving Texas (Bluebonnet Trails); D Magazine (Llama); Texas Monthly (Snow’s BBQ); City of Boerne (Town of Boerne); House Beautiful (Cypress Valley).