Clear skies and the plentiful sun of summertime beckons you to get out and explore every corner of the Lone Star State. Think: Peaceful river floats, stretching out on sun-soaked coastal beaches and wandering through the lush landscapes of Hill Country. For fun at a little faster pace, venture into our energetic city centers for lively music festivals and nostalgic midway fun at state fairs. Embrace the warm Texas nights and vivid sunsets as you create lasting memories this summer.

You will want to take advantage of every minute of the longer, sunny days, balmy afternoons, and vivid sunsets unique to the Lone Star State. To help you do that, we've compiled a list of handpicked destinations and events of things to do in Texas in the summer. These places and events truly capture the state's summertime spirit.

Best Summer Vacation Destinations In Texas

These are just a few remarkable summer vacation destinations in Texas, each with its own distinct combination of culture, natural wonders, and experiences. From a beachy island hideaway to a majestic national park to one of our liveliest large cities, these places span the wide range of options you have when planning amazing summer adventures in the Lone Star State.

1. Galveston, TX

Location: Galveston, TX

Popularity: Popular

Need To Know: Galveston's historic downtown is known as The Strand and was called "The Wall Street of the South" during the late 1800s.

Galveston Island has a special blend of beach vibes, historic charm, and family-focused attractions. Its architecturally rich downtown is lined with Victorian-era buildings filled with shops and restaurants. Top attractions include the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and Moody Gardens, which has an aquarium, rainforest habitats, and a discovery museum. The beaches have all the splashy summer fun you'd expect – swimming, fishing, and water sports galore. Nature enthusiasts flock to Galveston Island State Park for birdwatching, hiking, and fishing.

2. Big Bend National Park, Brewster County, TX

Location: Big Bend National Park, TX

Popularity: Very Popular

Need To Know: Temperatures can soar from late morning into the early evening during the summer, especially in the desert areas. Stick to the mountain regions and near the river, stay hydrated, and wear sunscreen.

Despite the high temperatures in the desert areas of Big Bend National Park, the park's Chisos Mountains offer a cooler retreat and overall fewer crowds in the summer, which is also a good time to observe the park's ecosystems of native plants and wildlife, including migratory birds. Meanwhile, the Rio Grande is refreshing for water-based activities, including kayaking and rafting. And the biggest highlight happens overhead at Big Bend this time of year. The park has some of the darkest skies in the entire country, making it the best place for stargazing and marveling over the Milky Way.

3. Austin, TX

Location: Austin, TX

Popularity: Very Popular

Need To Know: Known as "The Live Music Capital of the World," you will not be left wanting if you love hitting the town for shows. There are many every night, all over town.

The state's capital city teems with youthful energy, culture, food, history, and outdoor adventures. Stroll the scenic trails around Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park, home to the famous Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool that's a top spot to chill with friends in the summer. While there's no shortage of things to do in town, Austin is also close to many of the state's favorite watering holes and waterfalls that will transport you to an island state of mind.

Best Beaches, Lakes & Rivers To Visit In Texas This Summer

Nothing beats the heat like wading through ocean waves, a cool float down an easy river, and feeling the spray of a paddle as you cut across a glassy lake. The Lone Star State has many different types of aquatic destinations to suit every interest, from world-class fishing to high-speed boating to joyful swimming holes. Here are our picks for three vastly different settings.

4. Padre Island National Seashore, Corpus Christi, TX

Location: Corpus Christi, TX

Popularity: Very Popular

Need To Know: Padre Island National Seashore is the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world.

The opportunities are unlimited for beachcombing, birdwatching, and stargazing to your heart's delight at Padre Island National Seashore. Over 70 miles of preserved coastline is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife conservation enthusiasts. Naturally, you can relax on the beach, enjoy watersports, fish, or camp. You can also learn all about the park's efforts to protect endangered sea turtles and other wildlife.

5. Comal River, New Braunfels, TX

Location: New Braunfels, TX

Popularity: Very Popular

Need To Know: The Comal River is one of the shortest navigable rivers in the country.

River tubing is a quintessential Texas summer experience. With its gentle currents and cool, crystalline water, the Comal River is the perfect place for it. Take a leisurely float with family and friends after renting a tube from a local outfitter. Parks and other amenities line the riverbanks, offering the chance to hop out along your journey for a picnic or sunbathing.

6. Caddo Lake State Park, Karnack, TX

Location: Karnack, TX

Popularity: Very Popular

Need To Know: Caddo Lake is the largest natural lake in all of Texas.

Whether you venture onto the water or stay ashore, Caddo Lake State Park offers a unique experience for all ages during the summer. You can paddle the park's bayous and swamps via marked water trails or drop a line from the park's fishing piers. If you prefer to stay on land, there are hiking trails for exploring the park's beautiful hardwood forests. If you're visiting with kids, swing by the park's headquarters and pick up Junior Ranger explorer packs filled with tools and an activity journal for exploring the park to its fullest.

Parks To Visit In Texas This Summer

A summer walk in the park can mean many different things here in Texas. You could be walking up to a waterpark thrill ride on which you experience zero gravity before being launched into a landing pool. Or it could be a lakeside hike surrounded by wildflowers. Or perhaps there's not much walking at all but instead gliding along one of the clearest, cleanest rivers in the nation. Take a look at our picks that showcase the remarkable variety of park experiences Texans enjoy in the summertime.

7. Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington, TX

Location: Arlington, TX

Popularity: Very Popular

Ride world-class rollercoasters, cool off on waterpark rides, and enjoy live music productions at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, which offers fun activities for every member of the family. Explore the park's 10 themed areas, six of which represent the countries that have historically flown their flags over Texas. There are dining and shopping options galore throughout the park, and watch the calendar for special events and character meet-and-greets.

8. Garner State Park, Concan, TX

Location: Concan, TX

Popularity: Very Popular

Garner State Park is a Texas Hill Country treasure, and things are almost always hopping there in the summertime, whether it's the busy campgrounds or nightly dances under twinkling lights. The sparkling, spring-fed Frio River is the main attraction for swimming, tubing, paddle sports, and fishing. The park also has hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, allowing visitors to explore unique geological features and wildlife. Amenities include picnic areas, mini-golf, and nightly dances during spring and summer. The park's rich history dates back to the 1930s when it was built to provide work during the Depression.

9. Inks Lake State Park, Burnet, TX

Location: Burnet, TX

Popularity: Very Popular

Another Hill Country hotspot for cool summer fun is Inks Lake State Park. Swim, fish, or paddle the lake's waters or stay on land for trailblazing. You'll see a striking selection of brilliantly colored wildflowers on your hike, along with unique geological features, and wildlife. People love to camp here too, so reservations are recommended during the peak seasons of spring and summer.

Best Free Summer Activities

With a wealth of ways to get out and enjoy summer to its fullest in Texas, nothing beats finding budget-friendly options that allow you to get more bang for your buck. Most communities have free public trails and picnic areas, and some have free museums and other attractions that do not charge admission fees. if you do a little digging, you can usually find special free and heavily discounted days at places that normally charge a fee. We've highlighted just a few options we know about for free things to do in Texas in summer. Let us know others you may have discovered!

10. San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio, TX

Location: San Antonio, TX

Popularity: Very Popular

Need To Know: The San Antonio River Walk is 15 miles long, with about 5 miles within downtown San Antonio.

Go on a cultural adventure with a stroll along the San Antonio River Walk, which is lined with shops, dining, entertainment, and public art installations through the heart of one of the state's most vibrant cities. While dining, shopping, and boat tours aren't free, access to the area is completely free of charge as it the district's summertime concert series, "River Walk Live!" at the historic Arneson River Theatre. Since you'll save on entertainment, pack snacks or spend a little for a delicious dinner. You'll find plenty of places to pull up a seat!

11. Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth, TX

Location: Fort Worth, TX

Popularity: Very popular among art enthusiasts

Need To Know: The permanent collection showcases works by Monet, Picasso, and Michelangelo.

The permanent collection galleries at Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth are always free to explore, and the works you'll find within them are incredible. Notable pieces include "The Cardsharps" by Caravaggio, Monet's "Weeping Willow," and Piet Mondrian's "Abstraction," just to name very few. The museum collection also includes pieces that range from delicate Asian ceramics to bold, pre-Columbian artifacts. You'll get exposure to broad sources of inspiration and creative consideration. Even the museum's architecture is something to behold. Architect Louis I. Kahn designed the primary building that opened in 1972. A separate building designed by Kahn protégée Renzo Piano expanded the museum and opened to the public in 2013.

12. Buddy Holly Center, Lubbock, TX

Location: Lubbock, TX

Popularity: Popular among music enthusiasts

Need To Know: The Buddy Holly Center offers free admission every first Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Music fans will love visiting the Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock. The center is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the rock 'n' roll pioneer, Buddy Holly, and houses a permanent exhibition showcasing Holly's life, music, and influence. Other exhibits give a glimpse into West Texas music history as a whole. While admission is charged normally, it's waived during First Friday events every month. Beyond the exhibits, the center also hosts community events, educational programs, and more..

Best Summer Events And Festivals In Texas

Truth be told, many of the state's largest and most popular events and festivals happen in spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate. Definitely scope out cities throughout Texas for some of the most epic Fourth of July fireworks you've ever seen in your entire life. But when it comes to state, national, and cultural pride, we found a few standout places that are not afraid of the heat for the sake of a good party.

13. Texas Outdoor Musical at Palo Duro Canyon, Canyon, TX

Location: Canyon, TX

Popularity: Popular

Need To Know: Performances take place at the Pioneer Amphitheater from June through August.

The Texas Outdoor Musical is a seasonal, family-friendly performance held in Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

Summer is the season for diving into the Lone Star State's storied past, and there are few better ways to do it than seeing the Texas Outdoor Musical at Palo Duro Canyon. Set against the gorgeous canyon backdrop, the musical brings to life the stories and struggles of early settlers in the Texas Panhandle. Over 60 actors, singers, and dancers lend their talents to the long-running production. During the summer performance season, visitors can experience this epic tale every Tuesday through Sunday.

14. Houston Pride Month, Houston, TX

Location: Houston, TX

Popularity: Very popular

Need To Know: Pride Month in Houston is the biggest Pride celebration in Texas and the entire Southwest and is the city's second-largest event overall.

Throughout June, Houston hosts an array of events, festivals, and gatherings aimed at promoting unity, acceptance, and self-expression as part of its annual Pride Month. The vibrant celebration of the city's diverse LGBTQ+ community encompasses many events, including the Pride Houston 365 Festival and Parade. Houston's New Faces of Pride organization offers special events like fitness classes, parties, and family-friendly gatherings.

15. Freedom Over Texas Fourth of July Celebration, Houston, TX

Location: Houston, TX

Popularity: Very Popular

Need To Know: This event donates a portion of proceeds to the Houston Food Bank.

Houston's official Fourth of July celebration, Freedom Over Texas, is held annually at the city's Eleanor Tinsley Park, where thousands of attendees enjoy the energetic atmosphere and a star-studded musical lineup. Nationally known and local artists usually fill out the bill, performing throughout the afternoon and evening until the big show lights up the vast Texas sky. Besides the music and fireworks, count on plenty of family-friendly activities and vendors for a day full of fun.

No doubt the best things to do in Texas in the summer are as vast as the Lone Star State, and we are sure you have others to add. We'd love to hear your picks and whether you've experienced any of these wonderful places and events. If you're planning a road trip to any of these spots, make the most of it with our Road Trip Essentials Guide.