From Coast to Canyons: Unique Outdoor Adventures in Texas

Think the Lone Star State is all cowboys and tumbleweeds? Think again. Texas is an outdoor playground with everything from beaches and swamps to rugged canyons and vast deserts. It’s also one of the most affordable states to explore, with outdoor experiences that fit nearly every budget. Whether you crave a weekend hiking summit, a quiet paddle through cypress forests, or soaking in a dusty desert sunset, Texas serves up a landscape as vast as its spirit. I’ve explored the state extensively and here are some of my favorite unique outdoor adventures in Texas.

Fredericksburg and the Hill Country

The Texas Hill Country is filled with quaint towns with rich German heritage like Fredericksburg. Hike to the top of of the pink granite dome at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area for sweeping views. It’s also a Dark Sky Park and a stargazing session is phenomenal. Spend an afternoon wine tasting at the region’s more than 100 wineries. If you’re a history buff, wander around Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park to tour the former president’s beloved ranch and see the “Texas White House.” Fredericksburg’s German heritage shines during its year-round festivals and holiday events. Cozy inns make it easy to settle in for a weekend. A prime time to visit is late winter and early spring when bluebonnets blanket the Hill Country in brilliant color.

East Texas: From Sea to Swamp

East Texas offers unexpected wild beauty. Begin in Beaumont with a “sea-to-swamp” adventure. Walk along the shoreline of Sea Rim State Park or explore the quiet beaches of McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge, both part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. Don’t miss sunrise at Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands and Boardwalk, a haven for birdwatchers. Head inland to paddle through Big Thicket National Preserve on the Cooks Lake to Scatterman Paddle Trail with Big Thicket Outfitters. A few hours north, Caddo Lake dazzles with one of the largest bald cypress forests in the world—best seen on a boat tour with Mossy Brake Camp Caddo Lake Swamp Tours. Stay in a cabin on the lake or in nearby Jefferson, a historic East Texas gem.

The Panhandle: Canyon Country

The Texas Panhandle is home to the second longest canyon in the United States. Palo Duro Canyon State Park stretches 120 miles long. The Lighthouse Trail leads to the park’s most iconic rock formation is my favorite trail in the park. Palo Duro is just 25 minutes from Route 66 in Amarillo. As part of the Mother Road’s 100th anniversary, Amarillo is having a Route 66 Festival June 4-13, 2026.

West Texas: Desert Dreams

One of my favorite places on earth is West Texas, in particular Terlingua and the desert magic of Big Bend National Park. Road-trip from Marathon to Terlingua, stopping in Fort Davis for history and an unforgettable Star Party at McDonald Observatory. Cool off in the spring-fed pool at Balmorhea State Park, then spend a night in artsy Marfa where you might catch the mysterious Marfa Lights. Drive the scenic River Road to Terlingua to explore Big Bend’s rugged beauty by day and ghost-town charm by night.