Well, it’s officially spring, so you know what that means – it’s officially summer in Texas! Seriously, though, the temperatures are only going up from here, and our minds are already on where we’re spending our summer vacation. I know how hard the decision can be since there are so many enticing places in Texas, so I helped you out a bit by putting together a few ideas. Here are 15 things you seriously need to consider doing this summer:
- Splash and soak the day away at the #1 waterpark in America!
Flickr/4elevenpix Schlitterbahn New Braunfels has been voted above all other waterparks in the country time and time again for a reason. With over 60 rides from thrilling speed slides to long, themed river rides that take you on journeys through the treacherous Congo or the castle of a ferocious dragon, there’s something for the whole family. Not to mention it’s surrounded by gorgeous hill country scenery and plenty of trees to provide shade on hot Texas summer days!
- And while you’re in San Antonio, don’t miss out on the opportunity to stroll down the gorgeous River Walk.
Flickr/dcwriterdawn Shop, eat at a historic restaurant, maybe take a romantic gondola ride with your special someone…the options are endless, and the authentic, lively Mexican culture will invigorate your spirit and make your experience unforgettable.
- Pay Shamu a visit - while you still can.
Flickr/guest_family Since SeaWorld just announced that this generation of captive orcas will be its last, you’d better hurry out there this summer to see the talented animals perform their incredible flippin’ and flyin’ tricks before it’s too late!
- It just wouldn’t be summer in Texas without tubing.
Flickr/paddymurphy Beer in hand, music blasting, and friends surrounding you as you leisurely float the day away…it doesn’t get much better than that.
- Find the thrill-seeker in you at Fiesta Texas (because it wouldn’t be a bucket list without a few death-defying stunts, right?).
Flickr/brentschmidt Amusements parks are a classic summer activity everywhere, and Texas is no exception. Not everyone considers having your life flash before your eyes on a terrifying roller coaster “fun,” but it’s definitely something you have to do in your time on this earth.
- Cool off by taking a dip in arguably the most beautiful place in Texas - Hamilton Pool.
Flickr/darrellrhodesmiller This mystical grotto will whisk you away to a fantasy land and make for the experience of a lifetime.
- Jacob’s Well is another swimming hole that your summer just wouldn’t be complete without.
Flickr/paddymurphy It’s part of an intricate underground cave system extending more than 200 feet into the earth…are you scared yet?
- Take a road trip out to Big Bend for some hiking and camping with the whole family.
Flickr/photo_art When a sunrise like this greets you as you unzip your tent in the morning, you’ll be blown away by the incredible beauty that is the Lone Star State.
- And while you’re out there in the desolate West Texas mountains, do some stargazing.
Flickr/neko43 That cluster of stars on the left is the band of our Milky Way galaxy. How neat is that?
- Swim in a natural spring-fed pool! This one is the famous Barton Springs pool in Austin.
Flickr/jrandallc
- But there’s also a lesser-known (and much bigger) one in Balmorhea State Park in Toyahvale - it’s the WORLD’S largest spring-fed swimming pool!
Flickr/Angi English It’s pretty awesome to feel limestone on your feet and see fish darting about in a swimming pool. Not an everyday occurrence for sure.
- Go underground at Natural Bridge Caverns in New Braunfels.
Flickr/bendini Sometimes we need a break from the oppressive Texas heat, and what better place to go to cool off than a beautiful cavern system full of rock formations and rooms the size of football fields? It’s a win-win situation.
- Slip-n-slide throughout your ENTIRE CITY! More on this epic attraction here.
slidethecity.com
- Take a dip in a less crowded (but no less beautiful) swimming hole. This is Krause Springs in Spicewood.
Facebook/KrauseSprings
- Marvel at the most breathtaking waterfall you’ve ever seen.
Flickr/fiftypercentchanceofrain It might take a little hike to get to Gorman Falls in Bend, Texas, but once this view unfolds before your eyes, it’ll be all worth it.
So…where are you headed to first?
Flickr/4elevenpix
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels has been voted above all other waterparks in the country time and time again for a reason. With over 60 rides from thrilling speed slides to long, themed river rides that take you on journeys through the treacherous Congo or the castle of a ferocious dragon, there’s something for the whole family. Not to mention it’s surrounded by gorgeous hill country scenery and plenty of trees to provide shade on hot Texas summer days!
Flickr/dcwriterdawn
Shop, eat at a historic restaurant, maybe take a romantic gondola ride with your special someone…the options are endless, and the authentic, lively Mexican culture will invigorate your spirit and make your experience unforgettable.
Flickr/guest_family
Since SeaWorld just announced that this generation of captive orcas will be its last, you’d better hurry out there this summer to see the talented animals perform their incredible flippin’ and flyin’ tricks before it’s too late!
Flickr/paddymurphy
Beer in hand, music blasting, and friends surrounding you as you leisurely float the day away…it doesn’t get much better than that.
Flickr/brentschmidt
Amusements parks are a classic summer activity everywhere, and Texas is no exception. Not everyone considers having your life flash before your eyes on a terrifying roller coaster “fun,” but it’s definitely something you have to do in your time on this earth.
Flickr/darrellrhodesmiller
This mystical grotto will whisk you away to a fantasy land and make for the experience of a lifetime.
It’s part of an intricate underground cave system extending more than 200 feet into the earth…are you scared yet?
Flickr/photo_art
When a sunrise like this greets you as you unzip your tent in the morning, you’ll be blown away by the incredible beauty that is the Lone Star State.
Flickr/neko43
That cluster of stars on the left is the band of our Milky Way galaxy. How neat is that?
Flickr/jrandallc
Flickr/Angi English
It’s pretty awesome to feel limestone on your feet and see fish darting about in a swimming pool. Not an everyday occurrence for sure.
Flickr/bendini
Sometimes we need a break from the oppressive Texas heat, and what better place to go to cool off than a beautiful cavern system full of rock formations and rooms the size of football fields? It’s a win-win situation.
slidethecity.com
Facebook/KrauseSprings
Flickr/fiftypercentchanceofrain
It might take a little hike to get to Gorman Falls in Bend, Texas, but once this view unfolds before your eyes, it’ll be all worth it.
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