Texas is such a diverse state. It has both deep South and West Coast charm. There are plenty of places to visit in Texas with scenery, like Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Antonio. We think that you should consider visiting Texas because it’s home to some of the most unique natural beauty in the world and there’s so much to see and do!
The scenery in Texas is just as varied as the state itself. You can see beaches, desert, pine trees, and much more. Every region offers its own scenic views, so you’ll never forget your visit to Texas. There are so many great places with scenery because of the state’s diverse landscape including rocky cliffs, beaches, plains, and forested hillsides. If you’re interested in visiting Texas for its gorgeous views, here are some of our favorite spots.
Enchanted Rock
Located deep in the Hill Country, Enchanted Rock has become a top destination for tourists and native Texans alike and for good reason. With a Fredericksburg address, this state park is a popular place for rock climbers. Standing about 425 feet tall, this pink granite rock formation offers the perfect opportunity for stargazing and hiking. It is an easy hike for most everyone and has a beautiful view at the top. Just beware: this state park has boomed in popularity over the past few years, and there is almost always a wait at the entrance, particularly during the summer and Spring Break.
Palo Duro Canyon
Located near Amarillo in the Panhandle, there is a reason this second-largest canyon in the United States was one of Georgia O’Keefe’s favorite choices for a painting. She even wrote one time that, “[The canyon] is a burning, seething cauldron filled with dramatic light and color.” The beauty of the canyons also inspired a symphony. They serve as the backdrop to the famous outdoor musical, “Texas” each summer, which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. Definitely add this to your list of places to visit in Texas if you haven’t already done so.
Brenham
When you hear “Brenham,” you most likely think ice cream. And it is true: Brenham serves as the headquarters to the world-famous Bluebell factory. And this charming town, situated just in between Austin and Houston offers some real Texas fun, as well as some breathtaking scenery. The countryside is bursting with wildflowers, including the famous Texas bluebonnet. In fact, Brenham is known as the heart of Bluebonnet country and is on the Bluebonnet Trail. This is also a popular spot for some brilliant wineries and is known as a prime stop on the Texas wine trail. There are also beautiful golf courses, dairy farms, and the historical state park, Washington-on-the-Brazos, which is, after all, the birthplace of Texas.
Balcones Canyonland
A lot of people do not think of the Balcones when they think of places to visit in Texas. But they should. This national wildlife refuge is nestled high into the hills of the Hill Country. With multiple bird sighting opportunities and miles of hiking trails, this is a quiet, beautiful retreat from the bustling metropolitan areas.
Davy Crockett National Forest
If you are traveling down Highway 69, you won’t be able to miss the gorgeous and scenic Davy Crockett National Forest. Known for its beautiful pine trees, this spot houses over 160,000 wooded acres including a couple of camp spots. With a beautiful lake and the Neches River serving as a border, this forest offers visitors the chance to hike and swim for days.
Big Ben National Park
Big Ben National Park is located in southwest Texas on the border of Mexico. The park is filled with rocky, hilly terrain and has plenty of scenic overlooks. Some of these overlooks offer views of the Chihuahuan desert to the south, the Rio Grande to the east, or into Mexico. A true highlight is Big Ben itself, a huge granite pillar that rises 1,000 feet from the ground.
The park features many species of wildlife including deer, rabbits, bobcats, coyotes, and chipmunks. Recreational opportunities include hiking trails, camping sites, picnic areas with tables and grills, jogging/walking trails, fishing spots on the San Jacinto River or Horsepen Creek, tree climbing activities for kids on Saturdays in summer months.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a geological jewel. It’s one of the most popular parks in Texas, sometimes attracting more than 200,000 visitors each year. The park protects an expanse of desert mountains that include the highest point in Texas at Guadalupe Peak, 8,749 feet above sea level.
The park is home to many different types of terrain and has a lot of natural beauty. There are also many scenic drives that will take you through the park. You can only visit the Guadalupe Mountains National Park if you have a four-wheel drive vehicle because most roads are gravel.
Franklin Mountains State Park
Franklin Mountains State Park is a natural park located in El Paso Texas. The nearly 106,000 acre span of land has over 100 miles of hiking and mountain bike trails, 10 designated campgrounds and picnic areas, and offers various recreational activities such as horseback riding and fishing. It also features the highest elevation point in Texas at 8,700 feet.
There are more than 27 miles of trails that lead to some incredible views. Paragraph: Palo Duro Canyon State Park Paragraph: Palo Duro Canyon State Park is one of the largest canyons in Texas, with an elevation ranging from 650-1100 feet. The canyon was formed by repeated flash floods on the Red River, which carved through limestone bedrock to create this canyon.
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Lost Maples State Natural Area is located in the Texas Hill Country near the city of Vanderpool. The state park is home to many different types of vegetation, including oak, cedar elm, sycamore, and more. You can find wildlife such as white-tailed deer, raccoons, coyotes, and other animals while exploring the park. There are also several trails that vary in length and difficulty level.
The Lost Maples State Natural Area is an amazing place to visit in the fall, where beautiful bright red leaves cover the ground. This state park has picnic tables, campgrounds, and cabins for guests to use. Visitors can hike on any of the trails. There are also seasonal campsites available for people who want to stay longer than a day.
Monahans Sandhills State Park
One of the best and most beautiful places in Texas is the Monahans Sandhills State Park. The sand hills are enormous sand dunes, some reaching heights of 400 feet! These sand hills are shaped by the wind, so every year they are different.
It has a mild climate and a scenic landscape. There are trees, rolling hills, and scenic vistas that make it one of the best places to visit in Texas. The park also has other activities such as hiking trails, camping, swimming, fishing, and horseback riding for visitors to enjoy.
The Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country is known for its beautiful natural views, incredible scenery, and year-round hiking. It’s also home to some of the largest urban parks in Texas, including Big Bend Ranch State Park and the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The scenery is so diverse that it draws visitors from all walks of life during any season.
There are many towns in the area with great views and attractions like Fredericksburg, Dripping Springs, and Wimberley. The area has beautiful vistas with lush green hillsides, winding rivers, and scenic drives. It’s situated at the eastern edge of the state.
This area offers an amazing variety of terrain, with elevations ranging from 400 feet below sea level to over 8600 feet. There are also many rivers and creeks that run throughout this area, making it a popular destination for those who love fishing or kayaking.
Caddo Lake
Caddo Lake is a great place to visit if you’re looking for scenery. It’s located in the northwest corner of Texas and is the home of several endangered species. The vegetation around the lake changes with the seasons, and you’ll find that many fauna and flora are only found in this area. Visitors interested in camping should note that there are a few places to stay along the shoreline.
The water of the lake is a greenish color due to the high concentration of suspended solids. It’s also an excellent place for birdwatching because of its varied habitats. People who visit are drawn to this lake for its beautiful scenery, fishing opportunities, and recreational activities. The lake also provides habitat for many species of animals, which makes it an excellent spot for bird watchers.
Devils River
The Devils River is one of the most beautiful places in Texas. It is a tributary that flows through Val Verde County and Presidio County, making it the longest tributary in Texas. It also has some of the most scenic spots including Barranca de la Gineta Falls and Penitentes Canyon.
The river is made up of limestone and has many different types of fossils and even some Indian artifacts that date back thousands of years. If you’re looking for peace and tranquility this might be just what you need. This beautiful river has been preserved by the state and offers plenty of outdoor opportunities for tourists.
The riverside campground has RV sites, tent camping, and primitive camping. There are also many boat ramps available on the river for boaters.
Medina River
The Medina River is one of the most scenic spots in Texas. A lot of people either take a boat ride on it or picnic on its banks, but you can also hike up the trails that follow it. The river has some really cool rock formations that are perfect for exploring!
This is a wonderful location to take your family on a day trip. The river connects two counties and has several deep pools for swimming. It’s a place you can forget what you’re going through for a while and enjoy the company of those around you.
The waterway begins in the Hill Country and empties into the Guadalupe River, which forms a county line between Bandera County and Comal County. At its widest point, the Medina River is about 600 feet across.
Balmorhea State Park
Balmorhea State Park is a beautiful location in the west of Texas. It’s name is derived from the Native American word for “clear water.” This park features picturesque canyons, clear-running streams, and ponds. There are also many recreational opportunities including hiking trails, fishing, swimming, and camping.
It’s name is derived from the Native American word for “clear water.” This park features picturesque canyons, clear-running streams, and ponds. There are also many recreational opportunities including hiking trails, fishing, swimming, and camping.
The park has a variety of landscapes, including mountains, canyons, desert, and springs. One popular attraction is Devil’s Sinkhole which is actually a collapsed surface caving system.
Blue Lagoon
One of the most beautiful spots in Texas is Blue Lagoon (also called Lake Houston). It’s the largest freshwater lake in Houston and is a popular spot for boating, waterskiing, and fishing. It’s also a designated birding site that’s home to many species, including pelicans, ibis, and herons.
The blue water and sandy beaches make this a great place to take a break from the stress of daily life. The lagoon also has hiking trails, camping sites, and picnic areas for families to enjoy. This place is a serene destination for those looking to get away from it all and enjoy some peace and quiet, and for those who want to bring their families along to spend quality time with one another. It has crystalline blue water that’s perfect for swimming, fishing, or kayaking.
Final Thoughts
Texas has some of the most scenic landscapes in the United States. The climate is perfect for all four seasons that produce a variety of beautiful colors and flowers. You can spend a week exploring the Lone Star state and never become bored.
Texas is a great place to visit because it is affordable, with plenty of things to do, and it features the best of both worlds: big cities and small towns, prairies and forests, open spaces and mountains.
