With Texas being the second largest state in the country and all, it sometimes seems overwhelming when you think about just how much there is to see here! Luckily, though, there are day trip destinations scattered throughout the Lone Star State that will satisfy any traveler's need for adventure. From caves to theme parks to West Texas towns known for sightings of unexplained lights flashing in the night sky, these unique day trips in Texas belong on everyone's bucket list.
1. Explore the Caverns of Sonora in Sonora, TX.
These unique caves in Texas are about a 4 hour drive northwest of San Antonio, but it's totally worth the extra drive to explore them. Learn more by checking out the Sonora Caverns on their website or Facebook page.
2. Enjoy a day at Moody Gardens in Galveston.
A visit to Moody Gardens is one of the coolest day trips in Texas, especially if you're traveling with the whole family! Just an hour drive from Houston, here you can see both aquatic and rainforest-dwelling animals, plus watch a 3D IMAX movie, ride a giant paddlewheel boat, and even cool off in a wave pool and lazy river.
3. Visit the Alamo in San Antonio, the site of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836.
No day trip in Texas (or San Antonio in particular) would be complete without at least considering a trip to the Alamo! After brushing up on your Alamo history, grab a bite to eat at the world-famous Riverwalk (just don't fall in the river. Yes, it's happened before!)
4. Drive out to Marfa, TX, about 2.5 hours from both El Paso and Odessa, to witness the mysterious Marfa Lights at night.
This eerie Texas day trip is one for the books! The city of Marfa even has an official viewing center since sightings of unidentified lights seem to be pretty common around here.
5. Surf or ride the sand dunes at Monahans Sandhills State Park just 45 minutes from Odessa and a little over an hour from Midland.
For a unique day trip from Midland, TX, the epic sand dunes at Monahans Sandhills State Park are worth grabbing a board to surf down, slide down, and relive your childhood sandbox days. Can you believe this place is in Texas?!
6. Tour the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, TX, where the popular Shiner beer was first created in 1909.
Talk about hidden gems! Learn a little history and sample some beer (if you're 21, of course) at this unique Texas brewery. Afterwards, be sure to give it a follow on Facebook!
7. Have some fun in the sun at Lake Sam Rayburn, about an hour and a half north of Beaumont
While not the only family-friendly lake in Texas, Lake Sam is a fun and expansive reservoir that's the perfect place to splash, lounge, fish, and cool off.
8. Take the scenic route to Brenham, just under a 2 hour's drive from Houston. You'll get to see never-ending fields of bluebonnets, plus you can tour the Blue Bell Creamery while there, too.
The Blue Bell Creamery is renowned for their ice cream... "the best ice cream in the country"! Your tastebuds won't regret this one. But there are so many other reasons to love this charming small town!
9. Enjoy the scenic drive an hour west of Austin to the Blanco State Park for a day of swimming, hiking, tubing, or fishing.
Blanco State Park doesn't get the accolades it should... but a visit to this state park is one of the easiest ways to reconnect with nature and enjoy all of the scenic beauty that TX has to offer! Day trips in Texas don't get much easier than packing up the car and heading to a state park.
10. Take a drive to the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation just east of Livingston, Texas, where these Indian tribes have occupied the area since the late 1700's before Texas even became a state.
You can even join the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation for special events, like the annual Powwow, to learn more about their culture!
11. Drive through the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch about an hour northeast of San Antonio and watch as emus, giraffes, zebras, elands, and ostriches graze and play in a protected habitat. Keep your windows rolled down; a friendly zebra just might stick his head in for a picture!
The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a truly unique day trip from Abilene, TX that the whole family will love. See and experience hundreds of animals in a spacious, naturally-recreated habitat from the safety of your car. Be sure to share your photos with us!
12. Explore the caves of the Natural Bridge Caverns.
Just a half mile up the road from the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, this fantastic natural wonder awaits. Natural Bridge Caverns offers several tours, including a hidden passages and lantern tour. You can even do the ultimate adventure tour and go rappelling and climbing through the caves!
13. Visit Space Center Houston about an hour southeast of the city to get a close up view of real spacecrafts and space suits, watch interactive movies about space exploration, and much more.
Space Center Houston is well worth a visit anytime, but this is an especially fun day trip in Texas that the whole family can enjoy during those hot summer months!
14. For all the thrill-seekers out there, spend the day riding stomach-churning, heart-pounding rollercoasters at Six Flags Fiesta Texas on the northern edge of San Antonio.
Is there anything more exciting than roller coasters, zippers, and that amusement park adrenaline rush? We didn't think so! Six Flags in Fiesta is a classic getaway for all ages that offers endless opportunities to make lifelong memories.
So, are you ready to gas up your car and hit the road yet? What are some more of your favorite day trips in Texas? Let us know in the comments below!
Got a few extra days to spare? Extend that vacay and dive into some of the best Texas road trips across the state!
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