Natural Bridge Caverns
Located just outside of San Antonio, Natural Bridge Caverns is a tourist hotspot. It’s one of the largest caverns in Texas and was formed around 20 million years ago from faults and underground water, which carved out the passages visitors see today. You’ll marvel at the numerous layers of limestone that encompass this natural beauty.
There are plenty of onsite activities as well, including Discovery and Adventure tours, an open-air maze, mining for gems and fossils, ziplining, and the opportunity to see the world’s largest bat flight. Book a school or group tour, visit the gift shop, and pick up a souvenir photo to commemorate your visit.
Caddo Lake State Park
Nestled in Karnack, Texas, is Caddo Lake State Park, where you’ll find beautiful cypress trees, Spanish moss, and a slew of waterways. The lake itself is home to more than 70 fish species and is one of the few natural lakes in the state. It reaches a depth of around eight to 10 feet and is perfect for fishing.
This park encompasses 26,810 acres and offers activities such as paddling, hiking, picnicking, and boating. If you’re looking to stay the night, you can also take advantage of the 46 campsites and historic cabins available.
Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore is considered the world’s largest undeveloped barrier island and spans 70 miles along the Texas coastline, separating the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre. Located on North Padre Island, about 25 miles southeast of Corpus Christi, this seashore is a safe haven for the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle and almost 400 bird species. The brilliant blue waters and serene environment make it perfect for a summer getaway.
Hueco Tanks State Park
Located just over 30 miles north of El Paso, Hueco Tanks State Park offered sanctuary for ancient Native Americans who survived the dry temperatures of the land by collecting the rainwater nestled in the basins, or “huecos.” Today you can explore boulders adorned with pictographs dating back thousands of years and learn more about the park’s history with a trip to the interpretive center.
Visitors can explore all that this 860.3-acre area has to offer by hiking, rock climbing, and bird watching as well as taking advantage of the self-guided tours, 20 campsites, and gift shop.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
The Hamilton Pool Preserve dates back thousands of years and was formed when the upper surface of an underground river collapsed. It can be found in Dripping Springs, Texas, and offers tourists a gorgeous pool with a shaded area, a 50-foot waterfall that cascades down into the canyon, and a glimpse at the Golden-Cheeked Warbler, wildflowers, and rare plant species native to the area. If you don’t feel like swimming, you can enjoy a nice picnic or strap on your boots and go for a hike.
With so much to explore across Texas, which natural attraction will you visit first?
Image via Pixabay.com
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