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 Walk, jog, swim, hike and bike |
200 S Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78703 +1 512 499 6700 |
This creek winds through Central and South Austin, featuring beautiful hiking and bike trails as well as many choice swimming holes. The natural surroundings have been left to flourish as only the Texas countryside can. One of the more popular areas is at the far north end of the park—the Scottish Woods Trails, a rocky path leading to a gorgeous private swimming hole at the base of a small waterfall. Barton Creek Greenbelt runs west and north from Zilker Park for nearly eight miles. Contact the Austin Parks and Recreation Department for a map of the greenbelt and access areas. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kristina Buentello |
 Photo: Rob Porta |
 Photo: Karsten Sethre  |
 Photo: nandocabanmendez.com |
Ima Hogg's historic mansion |
1 Westcott St Houston, TX 77007 +1 713 639 7750 http://www.mfah.org/bayoubend/... spesin@mfah.org |
This 28-room mansion is the former home of Ima Hogg, a famous philanthropist. Visitors can wander through 14 acres of woodlands and formal gardens, or check out the house that contains 4,800 various works of art. This art represents the American style from colonial to mid-nineteenth century. The house is a lovely lifestyle museum of that century. One warning though—children under 10 can wander the gardens but are not allowed in the house. Garden tours: USD3 Adult, Free for Children under 11. House tours: USD10 Adult; USD8.50 Seniors over 54; USD5 Children 10-18. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Erin L. Wolfe |
 Photo: BeyondLost |
 Photo: E.R. Wampler |
 Photo: Opera Vista |
 Photo: B L Michener |
Animal preserve and petting zoo |
5050 FM Rd 517 Alvin, TX 77511 +1 281 337 6376 http://www.bayouwildlifepark.c... |
This 86-acre park is a prairie preserve that includes a petting zoo and a barnyard that kids can romp through. To a kid, there is nothing quite like the squeal of a piglet or the honk of a goose. Do not be surprised to hear a few delighted squeals coming from the children, as well. The guided tram tour offers an opportunity to see the countryside and different species of wildlife in their natural habitat. It is also a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic lunch on a sunny afternoon. See their website for further information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Cassandra Bailey |
 Photo: Beth Baker |
 Photo: Thomas Hull |
 Photo: Annabel Trudeau |
Alligators and other wildlife |
21901 FM 762 Needville, TX 77461 +1 979 553 3400 http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/pa... |
Welcome to the river bottomlands where you will find almost 5000 acres of nature at its best. Explore miles of hiking trails, wooded oak paths, lakes and wildlife. Do not forget to stop at the Nature Center, and definitely keep your eyes open for a genuine alligator. You can spend a full day enjoying the picnic grounds, fishing pier and wild game viewing towers. Tent and RV sites with full hook-ups are available for the true outdoors enthusiasts who want to spend the night. If you are a star watcher, George Observatory is open on Saturday nights. Park Fee: USD3 Adults; USD2 Seniors; Free Children under 12. Observatory and camping fees are additional. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ronald E Odom |
 Photo: Chung Hu |
 Photo: edwardg76 |
 Photo: texasaggies03 |
 Photo: Julia Terrell |
 Photo: Rebecca Latson |
 Photo: Jonathan Dzoba |
 Photo: White Goatee |
 Photo: fivetwotexanlady |
 Photo: Franco Scinicariello |
 Photo: ShauLin Hon |
 Photo: taylor8681 |
 Photo: mattbdiehl |
 Photo: arsheffield |
 Photo: Beautiful Fairy |
 Photo: David Green |
 Photo: Mel Mashman |
 Photo: Anush Alfred |
Fisherman's paradise |
12991 Bernheart Rd San Antonio, TX 78263 +1 210 635 8640 |
Calaveras Lake, along with its sister lake, Brauning Lake, is among the prime fishing spots in the San Antonio area. Water temperatures vary little throughout the year, so fishing is good pretty much year round. The lake is rich with bass, crappie, catfish, shad and drum. However, fishing isn't all that Calaveras has to offer. The 146-acre park is also a popular destination for boating, water skiing, canoeing, camping, picnicking and bird watching. Bird watchers can see such diverse species as the curve-billed and long-billed thrashers, white-wing doves, cactus wrens and many others. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: immense |
Life on Galveston Bay |
1 Hope Blvd (Moody Gardens) Galveston, TX 77554 +1 409 740 7797 / +1 888 740 7797 |
If you want to enjoy an adventure on the sea, capture the thrill enjoyed for centuries by steamboat passengers. This contemporary multi-decked, paddlewheeled floating museum offers a great way to sightsee and tour Galveston Bay. The sights look entirely different from the boat than from the shoreline. The boat launches from Moody Gardens in Galveston. Call for information about special offers on the Saturday evening dinner/dance and charter parties. This adventure is enjoyed by visitors both young and old, so come on down and let the Captain take the helm for a change. Admission: $6 Tours; $15-$28 Dinner Cruise Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Clickr_Clickr |
Watch the birdies |
440 Wilchester Houston, TX 77079 +1 713 464 4900 http://www.houstonaudubon.org/... |
Sit under the trees for shelter while admiring the spring migrants, such as singing hummingbirds and colorful warblers, and listening for the faint whisper of the rolling creek. Edith Moore herself lived on this land for 43 years. In 1978 she deeded a small section to the Houston Audubon Society for use as a nature preserve for birds. Her husband even built the little log cabin that was renovated to house the headquarters, bookstore, and gift shop of the Audubon Society. Admission: Free; small charge for group tours; donations are appreciated. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul Mitchum |
Sculptured gardens with sightseeing and photo options galore |
1502 Commerce Street (at Houston Street) Fort Worth, TX 76102 +1 817 871 5700 http://www.fortworth.com/01vis... |
Fort Worth's Water Gardens is a spectacular man-made creation. A crown jewel of Fort Worth, it is often used as a site for business, professional, wedding and tourist pictures. Architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee were appointed by the Amon G. Carter Foundation to create this masterpiece in the late 1960s. Covering over four blocks of downtown space, the Water Gardens offer outstanding sightseeing opportunities. More than 500 types of plants and trees adorn this 4.3-acre park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Kay |
 Photo: Andrea Boettcher |
 Photo: Josh Chappell |
 Photo: Jim Brown |
 Photo: Twila Mitchell |
 Photo: Kelly Lee Wilson |
 Photo: Brian Bergman |
Beauty and the beach |
14901 FM 3005 Road (at Thirteen Mile Road) Galveston, TX 77554 +1 409 737 1222 |
Galveston visitors looking for a place to enjoy nature, swimming, walking trails, fishing or just surf and sun usually find their way to this park. Covering about 2000 acres, the park reaches from the west island bay to the Gulf of Mexico. It is a family paradise with picnic grounds, observation towers, bird watching and full camping facilities. Evening outdoor entertainment is offered during the summer months, and reservations are advised for overnight ventures. Located on the west side of Galveston, it is easy to spot. Bring along the family and have some fun in the sun. Admission: Adults and Children 13+: USD3 Children 12 and under are free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tombaatar |
 Photo: Van Sutherland |
 Photo: Robert Smith |
 Photo: Pamela Long |
Home on the Ranch and Range |
10215 FM 762 Rd (off Hwy 59 S) Richmond, TX 77469 +1 281 343 0218 / +1 281 545 9212 http://www.georgeranch.org kstevenson@georgeranch.org |
Visit this 480-acre park and see how things are done the cowboy way on a large cattle ranch. It is like taking a trip back in time to experience first-hand ranch living. You can watch the wranglers ride, rope, and cook their food. Add some elegance to the tour by visiting the lovely Victorian-furnished home. If the kids are along, they will adore the enormous 1930s tree house. This is a living museum where you will learn about the commitment of the pioneers and black cowboys throughout history. The history of four generations of the George family is documented and available for viewing. Admission: $9 Adults; $8 Seniors (62+); $5 Student (5-15); 4 and younger free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sail away with my moments... |
Postcard-Quality Views |
3350 Park Rd 31 Spring Branch, TX 78070 +1 830 438 2656 http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/pa... |
The cool, clear waters of the Guadalupe River are the primary attraction at this 1,938-acre park, located 30 miles north of San Antonio and 13 miles east of Boerne, Texas. Park guests can choose from a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, tubing, canoeing, fishing, bicycling (only in designated areas), picnicking, camping, and bird and wildlife watching. The park also boasts over three miles of hiking trails that parallel the river and connect to the many campsites. Among the wildlife that can be spotted at any time are raccoons, armadillos, white-tailed deer, squirrels and a diverse range of birds and fish. Admission is $4 per person per day. Primitive campsites are available from $12 per night, and RV sites with water and electricity start at $15 per night. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: sganguly |
 Photo: Devin Kani |
 Photo: James McDaniel |
 Photo: Chad Bachmeyer |
 Photo: Karen |
 Photo: CW Williams |
 Photo: Jeremy Beebe |
 Photo: Shawn Kelley |
 Photo: William S. Averill |
 Photo: David Hensley |
Natural pool |
24300 Hamilton Pool Road Dripping Springs, TX 78640 +1 512 264 2740 http://www.lcra.org/lands/trav... |
As part of the Pedernales River and Hamilton Creek, this old-fashioned swimming hole is perfect for the nature lover in all of us. A shaded walk through the canyon opens to the limestone outcroppings that create a 50-foot waterfall landing in the pool. A picnic on the banks of the pool, a swim in the cool water or a quick hike through the canyon will wash away city-accumulated stress. The trail to the pool is fairly short (1/4 of a mile) but does include a series of rock steps. Good hiking shoes are recommended. Visitors with physical disabilities should call ahead to pre-arrange assistance. Parking is limited, and the pool is very popular so go early and stay late. Drinking water and other concessions are not available. Guided tours are available. Entrance Fees: Day Use: $5 per vehicle Pedestrian/Bicyclist: $2 Lone Star Pass: Free to persons over 62 and disabled veterans. Directions: Take Highway 71 west through the town of Bee Cave and turn left onto FM 3238 (Hamilton Pool Road). Travel 13 miles to the Preserve entrance, which will be on your right. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Helen Gomes |
 Photo: bruce c eichman |
 Photo: Michael Ronsonette |
 Photo: Travis Bedard |
 Photo: Ashley Wallingford |
 Photo: Colleen Kilduff |
 Photo: scragtop88 |
Tour the Hill Country by train |
Hwy 183 and FM 1431 Cedar Park, TX 78613 +1 512 477 8468 http://www.austinsteamtrain.org/ info@austinsteamtrain.org |
For an enjoyable afternoon, take a scenic journey on this Central Texas vintage steam train. Traveling deep through the Hill Country, this excursion is a must-see for any train buff. Wander through small Texas towns and view the beauty of an era gone by, all while enjoying a relaxing trip in an old-time rail car. Visit the Web site for a schedule of departure times. Prices vary based on seating. Rates: Adult: Coach $25, Lounge $40 Senior: Coach $22, Lounge $36 Child: Coach $15, Lounge $24 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nathan Regener |
A Different Kind of Camping Experience |
10600 Bandera Creek Rd Bandera, TX 78003 +1 830 796 4413 |
Bandera, Texas, known as "The Cowboy Capital of the World," is home to the mammoth, 5,369-acre Hill Country State Natural Area. This park is Texas' largest state park open to equestrians. This park isn't for everyone, though. It is totally undeveloped, it lacks paved roads, and it doesn't have potable water or restrooms. Those who do chose to brave the outdoors without all of the modern day amenities, however, are treated to over 36 miles of mixed-use trails ideal for horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, primitive camping and off-road bicycling. Swimming and fishing opportunities are also plentiful in the area's spring-fed West Verde Creek. Anglers are pleased with the amount of catfish, perch, and largemouth bass that are available. To get there, take Highway 16 to Bandera, Texas, proceed south on Texas Highway 173 for one mile, then follow FM 1077 for 10 miles to the park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Teresa Nguyen |
 Photo: Joy Braswell/HDQH |
 Photo: Guy Rubio |
 Photo: daun defrance |
 Photo: San Antonio Texas |
Green acres and interesting wildlife |
4501 Woodway Drive Houston, TX 77024 +1 713 681 8433 http://www.houstonarboretum.org/ arbor@houstonarboretum.org |
With over five miles of winding nature trails and more than 150 acres of woodlands, this park is beautifully landscaped and covered with local native plants. Outdoor lovers certainly will not be disappointed, and indoor lovers will also marvel at Botanical Hall and the gift shop. A special feature for children is the Discovery Room with its 25-foot learning tree and pondering pond. Challenge young ones to spot the turtles and crawfish in the water. Classes are available for both adults and children. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Al Herrmann |
 Photo: Peter Chung |
 Photo: Jason |
 Photo: Deb Kennedy |
 Photo: john austin |
Not-to-be-missed fall attraction |
37221 FM 187 Vanderpool, TX 78885 +1 830 966 3413 / +1 800 792 1112 |
Located approximately 75 miles northeast of San Antonio, this is one of the best spots in all of Texas to view fall foliage. Situated along the Sabinal River in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, the park is a spectacular mixture of limestone cliffs, dense woodlands, deep canyons and numerous crystal clear streams. Designated as a National Natural Landmark, it is home to the state's largest stand of bigtooth maples east of the Guadalupe Mountains. During the fall, the park attracts thousands of visitors who come to view the dazzling display of colors. To be sure, the main draw of the park is the changing of the leaves from mid-October to mid-November, but the park is also popular throughout the rest of the year for camping, fishing and wildlife observation. It also offers over 10 miles of hiking and backpacking trails; however, some of the trails are quite steep, and may not be for everyone. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Hannah Beck |
 Photo: James Gamez, Jr |
 Photo: botello |
Secluded and scenic |
1601 Quinlan Park Road Austin, TX 78732 http://wildtexas.com/texas-par... |
This wonderful day-use park is located at the upper end of Lake Austin. Visitors enjoy the waterfront, as well as 5.8 acres of land in this secluded park. The lake is great for windsurfing, waterskiing and fishing. Picnic facilities with barbecue grills add to the wonderful natural surroundings of this little getaway. Directions: Take Mopac (Loop 1) to FM 2222. Go west on 2222 to RR 620, take RR 620 south for 2.1 miles to Ouinlan Park Road. After taking a left onto Quinlan Park Road, drive for 5.5 miles and you will reach the park Entrance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dan Price |
Incredible view |
3800 Mount Bonnell Road Austin, TX 78702 +1 512 499 6700 |
One of Austin's oldest tourist attractions, Mount Bonnell is also one of the highest points in the city—there is an incredible view of Lake Austin and the downtown skyline right by the picnic tables. Legend has it that the 99 steps to the top hold enchanting qualities: if a couple climbs the mount once, they fall in love; twice, and they become engaged; three times, and they are destined to be married. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Eric Nielsen |
 Photo: David Hopkins |
 Photo: sathyan.ram |
 Photo: c5 |
 Photo: Ian Ryan |
The Old Port & the Sea |
123 Rosenberg Drive Galveston, TX 77550 +1 409 765 9321 / +1 281 286 2484 http://www.portofgalveston.com |
Everyone is interested in finding out how this popular coastal city got its start. The port was once the state's major transport center, shipping a multitude of goods in and out from around the world. Today it still has the reputation of having the quickest access to open-sea lanes. All the facilities are under the same command center, and no public funds are needed to stay in operation. Other attractions include Fisherman's Wharf, several seaside restaurants and exciting charter boats. You are also welcome to just sit back and enjoy the ocean breeze. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michel Cahier |
 Photo: Melanie Jones |
 Photo: lidia77 |
Opportunities for hiking, biking and inline skating |
701 Northwest Green Oaks Boulevard (at Cooper Street) Arlington, TX 76006 +1 817 459 5474 |
Located just north of Six Flags on Green Oaks Boulevard in Arlington, this park offers something for everyone. There are areas for hiking, biking and inline skating, as four miles of paved trails wind in and out of the playground and greenbelt areas of this 958-acre park. Eventually, Arlington hopes to connect this park to Dallas and Fort Worth via the Trinity River trail. Each Saturday, the park sponsors a guided trail hike. There is no charge for entrance to the park.The River Legacy Living Science Center gives presentations of nature to promote ecological appreciation. The charge for admission to the Science Center is $2 for adults and $1 for children ages 3-8; children ages two and younger get in free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: tanukisan |
 Photo: Greg Holland |
Riding or walking through the glen |
394 FM 1375 West New Waverly, TX 77358 +1 409 344 6205 http://www.nps.gov |
Robin Hood and his merry men would be mighty proud of Texas. There are four major national forests flourishing across the state. This one is the largest with close to 17,000 wooded acres, and it is only about a 90-minute drive outside of the city. Spanning across three counties, it features numerous lakes, hiking trails, magnolias, birds, wildlife and lots of recreation facilities. Outdoor types can fish, hike, bike or just enjoy the call of the wild. Solitude and adventure go hand in hand in the pine-filled woods. Admission: Free for day trips. Call for current camping fees. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kim A. Lytle |
 Photo: Shane Rhodes |
 Photo: melangezaal |
 Photo: Aninda Bhattacharya |
 Photo: Cathy Murphy |
 Photo: memnoch003 |
Fishing & Heavy Artillery |
Seawolf Parkway & 51st Street Galveston, TX 77550 +1 409 797 5114 http://www.galveston.com/seawo... |
You will not see wolves in this park, but you will see many interesting things in a beautiful Bay setting. Both large ships and pleasure boats enter and leave the Port of Galveston through this island basin, and you can watch it all from a three-story pavilion in the park. Beyond the beauty of the sea, the main attractions are the displays of military vessels. Take a peek at the World War II submarine, Cavalla, or the destroyer, USS Stewart, among others. Tours are available on request. Kids will enjoy the fishing pier and playground. See website for admission prices and more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: the_elite_freak |
 Photo: Mike |
 Photo: Joseph Bibby |
Adventurous Activity and Hangout Location |
1039 PR 438 Whitewright, TX 75491 +1 800 759 3483 / +1 903 364 5103 http://www.skydivedallas.com |
Skydive Dallas is the place to put all fears aside and see North Texas from 13,500 feet as you freefall at 120 mph. Do a tandem jump ($209 or $299 with video), or take the 7-hour course and make a solo jump ($309 or $399 with video). Add a DVD for $20. Eat at "The Dive", a café style eatery, with daily specials, as well as a regular menu. Buy a souvenir shirt at the Gear Store. Stay after "sunset load", and hang out with the regulars for a beer. Skydive Dallas always welcomes newcomers. Discounts may apply for large groups. - Robin Vela Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mighty_acorn |
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