I’ve Lived in Texas All My Life, and These Are My Favorite Hidden Gems in the State

From remote beaches to rugged desert drives, these are some of the most beautiful places in Texas.

Texas is vast — it's the largest of the contiguous U.S. states — and with its size comes a diverse array of landscapes, from the West Texas desert to the East Texas Piney Woods. It’s not often you’ll find beaches, forests, bayous, rolling plains, rugged deserts, and canyons all in one state, but that’s exactly what you get in the Lone Star State.

I’ve lived in Texas all my life and taken many road trips across my home state. Of course, the big tourist attractions like the Alamo and San Antonio River Walk are worth visiting, but there are also beautiful, off-the-beaten-path discoveries, where travelers can find solace in the quiet and beauty in the wide-open spaces.

Here are some of my favorite hidden gems in Texas for your next adventure.

Big Bend Hot Spring

Most people head to Big Bend National Park to explore rugged West Texas and enjoy hiking, camping, stargazing, bird-watching, and paddling down the Rio Grande. But what many miss out on is the Big Bend Hot Spring, full of mineral salts to help soothe tired muscles and heal ailments. You can access the spring via Hot Springs Road, where a trail leads to the water, inviting visitors to take a dip and relax after a day of hiking.

Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern

Built in 1926, the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is a former reservoir in Houston that held up to 15 million gallons of drinking water at a time. It operated for decades, but an irreparable leak was found, and the reservoir was decommissioned in 2007. In 2010, Buffalo Bayou Park began work to restore the site, and today, the 87,500-square-foot cistern is a beautiful public space used for art installations, performances, and tours. It has a 17-second echo, a ground-level passageway, and an ADA-compliant walkway.

Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

More than 25,000 acres in central Texas are dedicated to the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, which was established to protect the nesting grounds of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo. Here, you can destress from daily life by hiking 10 miles of trails, bird-watching for rare species, visiting the observation deck for beautiful views, and reconnecting with nature at a slower pace.

Bracken Cave Preserve

On the outskirts of San Antonio, Bracken Cave Preserve is home to the largest bat colony in the world, with more than 15 million Mexican free-tailed bats calling the spot its summer home. From May through September, visitors can see millions of bats emerge as they head out to hunt for insects. It’s an incredible sight, as millions of tiny black specks fly out of the cave like a tornado. The bats winter in Mexico, Central America, and South America, then make their way to Texas in March and April to deliver their babies. The offspring take flight with their moms in the summer months, creating the nightly spectacle. Advanced reservations are required.

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Caddo Lake

Towering cypress trees covered in Spanish moss, dense bayous and backwaters, and a maze of ponds and sloughs make Caddo Lake a top-tier destination for paddling. The lake has one of the largest collections of flooded cypress forests in the country, and more than 50 miles of paddling trails to explore. You could spend all day on the water, as the trails here are easily accessible and markers help keep you on the right path. Wander through the flooded trees for a much-needed escape from reality — and cell service.

Boca Chica Beach

The Texas coast is full of beautiful beaches, but if you’re looking for a place to get away from the crowds, Boca Chica Beach at the tip of the state is worth the drive. This sandy stretch sees less traffic than other Texas beaches due to its remote location and lack of facilities (bring your own food and supplies). What it lacks in amenities, though, it makes up for in beauty, with mangrove marshes, tidal flats, and clear-green water you won’t find elsewhere in Texas. The critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle nests here in the spring and summer months, and ospreys, hawks, and other birds are frequently seen as well. The beach is open from sunrise to sunset daily.

Pinto Canyon Road

Way out in far West Texas, Pinto Canyon Road brings desert isolation for those seeking a quiet drive. It links the small towns of Marfa and Ruidosa, and its unpaved stretches take you through the Chihuahuan Desert, past canyons, an old silver mine, and stunning views. Make sure the gas tank is full, as there are no fuel stations, and bring water, food, and supplies in case of an emergency.

San José Island

Not far from Corpus Christi, San José Island is a great place to unwind. The barrier island, which can only be reached by ferry from neighboring Port Aransas, is privately owned, but access is permitted on the beach below the high tide line. Spend the day enjoying excellent fishing, shelling, and birding, and see if you can find beautiful shells like shark eyes, lightning whelks, sand dollars, starfish, and angel wings. There are 21 miles of beach to explore here, and once you’ve had your fun, restaurants, bars, and more fun await in nearby beach towns.

Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site

Near El Paso, more than 3,000 prehistoric pictographs can be seen on the rocks at Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site. The symbols, which represent animals, deities, European settlers, and dancing figures, were left by ancient Texans to express origin stories and ancient narratives. You can see these images during a self-guided visit, or schedule a guided tour. Aside from pictographs, Hueco Tanks is great for rock climbing, hiking, bird-watching, and camping.

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