You could spend a whole lifetime in Texas and not see half the state. (It’s truly mind-boggling how big our state really is!) Sure, we all know about the Palo Duro, the Big Bend, Enchanted Rock, and tubing the Guadalupe, Comal or Frio, but have you ever thought to visit the lesser-known hidden gems in Texas? From beautiful state parks in Texas to hidden waterfalls in Texas, the Lone Star State harbors plenty of secrets that are sure to satisfy your inner explorer!
- Historic Ott Hotel - Liberty
Vastine Bondurant/Pinterest This lesser-known haunted hotel opened way back in 1928 to accommodate all the salesmen traveling from coast to coast. While part of the building has been converted into apartments, there are still a handful of guest rooms available if you’re brave enough to stay overnight, that is. Guests have reported many bumps in the night as well as strange, shadowy figures, lights going on and off without explanation, and much more. We might consider staying here… as long as someone will come with us! For more information, call (936) 336-3832. Ott Hotel & Apartments, 305 Travis St, Liberty, TX 77575, USA
- Willow City Loop - Fredericksburg
Theodore Scott/Flickr If you drive along this 20 mile stretch of road in the springtime, you’ll get to see an endless field of bluebonnets and other wildflowers, plus the rolling hills of the hill country. Texas has plenty of roads to travel for a nice Sunday drive, but many people don’t know about this one. To find it, take Highway 16 to Farm Road 1323 to Willow City; this is where the picturesque scenery of Willow City Loop begins. For more information, click here. Willow City Loop, Texas, USA
- Medina River - Bandera
Billy Hathom/Wikimedia When it has water, the Medina River is one of the most beautiful rivers in Texas, and it doesn’t attract the crowds that the Guadalupe and Comal do. Lined by giant cypress trees, the Medina offers plenty of shade and a nice place to go kayaking or just relax along the riverbanks. Check the water levels before you head out there, though; if it hasn’t rained in a while, the river will be pretty dry in some spots. For more information, click here. Medina River, Medina, TX 78055, USA
- Lost Maples State Natural Area - Vanderpool
Adam Baker/Flickr Named after the bigtooth maples blanketing the land, this area is a must-see around fall, when the leaves begin to change colors. You’ll also get to see steep canyons, grasslands, clear streams, and wooded slopes that make up a portion of the Edwards Plateau. The vibrant colors of the fall foliage can draw a crowd, but it’s still one of the less-traveled state natural areas in Texas. For more information, click here. Lost Maples State Natural Area, 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885, USA
- Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend State Park - Bend
Tnkntx/Flickr Reaching Gorman Falls requires a 1.5-mile trek through some rough terrain. However, the effort is well worth it, as you’ll be rewarded with a close-up view of Gorman Falls, a secluded waterfall right in the heart of the hill country. For more information, click here. Colorado Bend State Park, 2236 Park Hill Dr, Bend, TX 76824, USA
- Topaz Hunting in Mason County
http://www.masontexastopaz.com/ Topaz is the state gem of Texas, so this naturally deserves a spot on the list. There are many ranches in Mason County where you can search for topaz. For more information, click here. Mason County, TX, USA
- Cave at Enchanted Rock - Fredericksburg
https://inbetweenblog.wordpress.com So we know we said we wouldn’t mention Enchanted Rock, but there’s a hidden cave at the back side of the rock that you definitely have to see if you visit. It’s pretty small and slippery, so make sure to bring shoes with good traction, flashlights, and plenty of water. There’s no guided tour, though, so it’s pretty much a “venture at your own risk” kind of thing. For more information, click here. Enchanted Rock, Texas 78643, USA
- Brinks Crossing - Center Point
Charlie Llewellin/Flickr Tired of the overcrowded swimming holes in the summer? No worries; head out to Brinks Crossing, where the Guadalupe River crosses Center Point River Road. It’s one of the best hidden gems in Texas, so don’t tell too many people about it! For more information, click here. Guadalupe River, Texas, USA
- Inner Space Cavern - Georgetown
Lars Plougmann/Flickr These caverns weren’t discovered until 1963, and aren’t as crowded as the Natural Bridge Caverns or Longhorn Caverns. They offer a hidden passages tour, which takes you into newly discovered areas of the caverns, but be sure to make reservations well in advance. For more information, click here. Inner Space Cavern, 4200 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Georgetown, TX 78626, USA
- International Waterlily Collection - San Angelo
Facebook Head out to the Civic League Park in San Angelo from the months of April to October for a beautiful display of waterlilies that you have to see to believe. This is truly a hidden oasis and one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Texas. For more information, click here. International Waterlily Collection, 2 S Park St, San Angelo, TX 76901, USA
- Casa Neverlandia - Austin
Facebook This totally ecofriendly bungalow hidden in the heart of downtown Austin will ignite your childhood imagination and make you feel like you just entered the home of Dr. Seuss. It’s quirky, it’s artsy..it’s Austin in a nutshell. For more information, click here. Neverland Design Fine Art Studio and Casa Neverlandia Art House, 305 W Milton St, Austin, TX 78704, USA
- South Llano River State Park - Junction
Nicolas Henderson/Flickr If you want spectacular views of the hill country without too many people taking away from the ambiance, this is the place to be. They offer tubing down the Llano River, hiking trails, camping, canoeing, swimming, and more. For more information, click here. South Llano River, Texas 78880, USA
So, did you know about these hidden gems in Texas? Don’t you think they’d make for perfect Texas day trips? Know of another secret spot worth seeking out? Tell us!
Vastine Bondurant/Pinterest
This lesser-known haunted hotel opened way back in 1928 to accommodate all the salesmen traveling from coast to coast. While part of the building has been converted into apartments, there are still a handful of guest rooms available if you’re brave enough to stay overnight, that is. Guests have reported many bumps in the night as well as strange, shadowy figures, lights going on and off without explanation, and much more. We might consider staying here… as long as someone will come with us! For more information, call (936) 336-3832.
Ott Hotel & Apartments, 305 Travis St, Liberty, TX 77575, USA
Theodore Scott/Flickr
If you drive along this 20 mile stretch of road in the springtime, you’ll get to see an endless field of bluebonnets and other wildflowers, plus the rolling hills of the hill country. Texas has plenty of roads to travel for a nice Sunday drive, but many people don’t know about this one. To find it, take Highway 16 to Farm Road 1323 to Willow City; this is where the picturesque scenery of Willow City Loop begins. For more information, click here.
Willow City Loop, Texas, USA
Billy Hathom/Wikimedia
When it has water, the Medina River is one of the most beautiful rivers in Texas, and it doesn’t attract the crowds that the Guadalupe and Comal do. Lined by giant cypress trees, the Medina offers plenty of shade and a nice place to go kayaking or just relax along the riverbanks. Check the water levels before you head out there, though; if it hasn’t rained in a while, the river will be pretty dry in some spots. For more information, click here.
Medina River, Medina, TX 78055, USA
Adam Baker/Flickr
Named after the bigtooth maples blanketing the land, this area is a must-see around fall, when the leaves begin to change colors. You’ll also get to see steep canyons, grasslands, clear streams, and wooded slopes that make up a portion of the Edwards Plateau. The vibrant colors of the fall foliage can draw a crowd, but it’s still one of the less-traveled state natural areas in Texas. For more information, click here.
Lost Maples State Natural Area, 37221 RM 187, Vanderpool, TX 78885, USA
Tnkntx/Flickr
Reaching Gorman Falls requires a 1.5-mile trek through some rough terrain. However, the effort is well worth it, as you’ll be rewarded with a close-up view of Gorman Falls, a secluded waterfall right in the heart of the hill country. For more information, click here.
Colorado Bend State Park, 2236 Park Hill Dr, Bend, TX 76824, USA
http://www.masontexastopaz.com/
Topaz is the state gem of Texas, so this naturally deserves a spot on the list. There are many ranches in Mason County where you can search for topaz. For more information, click here.
Mason County, TX, USA
https://inbetweenblog.wordpress.com
So we know we said we wouldn’t mention Enchanted Rock, but there’s a hidden cave at the back side of the rock that you definitely have to see if you visit. It’s pretty small and slippery, so make sure to bring shoes with good traction, flashlights, and plenty of water. There’s no guided tour, though, so it’s pretty much a “venture at your own risk” kind of thing. For more information, click here.
Enchanted Rock, Texas 78643, USA
Charlie Llewellin/Flickr
Tired of the overcrowded swimming holes in the summer? No worries; head out to Brinks Crossing, where the Guadalupe River crosses Center Point River Road. It’s one of the best hidden gems in Texas, so don’t tell too many people about it! For more information, click here.
Guadalupe River, Texas, USA
Lars Plougmann/Flickr
These caverns weren’t discovered until 1963, and aren’t as crowded as the Natural Bridge Caverns or Longhorn Caverns. They offer a hidden passages tour, which takes you into newly discovered areas of the caverns, but be sure to make reservations well in advance. For more information, click here.
Inner Space Cavern, 4200 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Georgetown, TX 78626, USA
Head out to the Civic League Park in San Angelo from the months of April to October for a beautiful display of waterlilies that you have to see to believe. This is truly a hidden oasis and one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Texas. For more information, click here.
International Waterlily Collection, 2 S Park St, San Angelo, TX 76901, USA
This totally ecofriendly bungalow hidden in the heart of downtown Austin will ignite your childhood imagination and make you feel like you just entered the home of Dr. Seuss. It’s quirky, it’s artsy..it’s Austin in a nutshell. For more information, click here.
Neverland Design Fine Art Studio and Casa Neverlandia Art House, 305 W Milton St, Austin, TX 78704, USA
Nicolas Henderson/Flickr
If you want spectacular views of the hill country without too many people taking away from the ambiance, this is the place to be. They offer tubing down the Llano River, hiking trails, camping, canoeing, swimming, and more. For more information, click here.
South Llano River, Texas 78880, USA
These are just a few of the hidden gems in Texas; click here to read about others that most people don’t know exist.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Gems In Texas September 01, 2021 Daniella DiRienzo What are some beautiful state parks in Texas? The state parks in Texas are brimming with beauty. One of the most beautiful state parks in Texas is definitely Big Bend Ranch. Not only stunning, it’s huge! At 300,000 acres, it’s the largest state park in Texas. The expansive park is brimming with perks – in addition to its incredible beauty, of course. Some of the most popular things to do in the park are hiking, biking, and horseback riding, all of which provide the perfect opportunity to explore the park’s high-desert terrain. And since the park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, it’s a great visit day and night. Are there any hidden waterfalls in Texas? When seeking hidden waterfalls in Texas, Boykin Springs is a must-visit. It’s tucked away in Angelina National Forest in Zavalla. Don’t let its forest locale deter you. The Sawmill Hiking Trail leads straight to Boykin Springs. Simply follow the 2 ¾-mile trail through the forest and you’ll run right into the cascading waterfall. The trek doesn’t end there, though. If you continue on the trail, you’ll see the Aldridge Sawmill Historic site, an abandoned town from the early 1900s. What are some fun Texas day trips? No list of fun Texas day trips would be complete without a mention of Dinosaur Valley State Park. Located near Glen Rose, the 1,500-acre park boasts tons of perks, but the highlight is definitely the massive fossilized dinosaur footprints and life-size dinosaur models. A great visit for all ages, kids and adults alike enjoy searching for the dinosaur tracks. And though the dinosaur-related amenities are what bring people to the park, there’s lots more to enjoy, including fishing, biking, hiking, camping, and swimming.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Gems In Texas
September 01, 2021
Daniella DiRienzo
What are some beautiful state parks in Texas? The state parks in Texas are brimming with beauty. One of the most beautiful state parks in Texas is definitely Big Bend Ranch. Not only stunning, it’s huge! At 300,000 acres, it’s the largest state park in Texas. The expansive park is brimming with perks – in addition to its incredible beauty, of course. Some of the most popular things to do in the park are hiking, biking, and horseback riding, all of which provide the perfect opportunity to explore the park’s high-desert terrain. And since the park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, it’s a great visit day and night. Are there any hidden waterfalls in Texas? When seeking hidden waterfalls in Texas, Boykin Springs is a must-visit. It’s tucked away in Angelina National Forest in Zavalla. Don’t let its forest locale deter you. The Sawmill Hiking Trail leads straight to Boykin Springs. Simply follow the 2 ¾-mile trail through the forest and you’ll run right into the cascading waterfall. The trek doesn’t end there, though. If you continue on the trail, you’ll see the Aldridge Sawmill Historic site, an abandoned town from the early 1900s. What are some fun Texas day trips? No list of fun Texas day trips would be complete without a mention of Dinosaur Valley State Park. Located near Glen Rose, the 1,500-acre park boasts tons of perks, but the highlight is definitely the massive fossilized dinosaur footprints and life-size dinosaur models. A great visit for all ages, kids and adults alike enjoy searching for the dinosaur tracks. And though the dinosaur-related amenities are what bring people to the park, there’s lots more to enjoy, including fishing, biking, hiking, camping, and swimming.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The state parks in Texas are brimming with beauty. One of the most beautiful state parks in Texas is definitely Big Bend Ranch. Not only stunning, it’s huge! At 300,000 acres, it’s the largest state park in Texas. The expansive park is brimming with perks – in addition to its incredible beauty, of course. Some of the most popular things to do in the park are hiking, biking, and horseback riding, all of which provide the perfect opportunity to explore the park’s high-desert terrain. And since the park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, it’s a great visit day and night.
Are there any hidden waterfalls in Texas?
When seeking hidden waterfalls in Texas, Boykin Springs is a must-visit. It’s tucked away in Angelina National Forest in Zavalla. Don’t let its forest locale deter you. The Sawmill Hiking Trail leads straight to Boykin Springs. Simply follow the 2 ¾-mile trail through the forest and you’ll run right into the cascading waterfall. The trek doesn’t end there, though. If you continue on the trail, you’ll see the Aldridge Sawmill Historic site, an abandoned town from the early 1900s.
What are some fun Texas day trips?
No list of fun Texas day trips would be complete without a mention of Dinosaur Valley State Park. Located near Glen Rose, the 1,500-acre park boasts tons of perks, but the highlight is definitely the massive fossilized dinosaur footprints and life-size dinosaur models. A great visit for all ages, kids and adults alike enjoy searching for the dinosaur tracks. And though the dinosaur-related amenities are what bring people to the park, there’s lots more to enjoy, including fishing, biking, hiking, camping, and swimming.
