Are you ready for a fun adventure through Texas?
Our great state is full of surprises and some of the best ones can be found on our amazing boardwalks!
Whether you’re looking to stroll along the coast, explore nature or find a cool spot for family fun, Texas has it all.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the top boardwalks in Texas.
From stunning views to exciting wildlife, each spot has something special waiting for you.
You won’t want to miss these amazing spots!
1. The Boardwalk at Lake Weatherford
The Boardwalk at Lake Weatherford, located just outside of Dallas, is home to the longest floating boardwalk in the United States.
It stretches an incredible 4,313 feet across the lake!
As you stroll along this flat, wheelchair-accessible path, you’ll be surrounded by lily pads, trees and the beautiful sights of the lake’s ecosystem.
The boardwalk connects East Lake Drive to West Lake Drive and offers stunning views and a peaceful escape into nature.
It’s a perfect spot for birdwatching, spotting wildlife and enjoying the serene water.
Open from 6am to 10pm, this boardwalk promises a fun adventure for everyone.
2. The Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake
The Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake is a stunning 7,250-foot trail in Austin that offers breathtaking views of the city skyline.
As you walk along, you’ll see a beautiful art installation called “Belting It Out” by Ken Little, which includes 36 cast bronze belts displaying lyrics from songs by famous Texas musicians.
The boardwalk is perfect for biking, running or just a leisurely stroll, with plenty of spots to sit and take in the scenery.
It’s a popular spot for birdwatching and you might even spot a snowy egret or great blue heron.
Open from 5am to midnight, this boardwalk is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Austin.
3. Kemah Boardwalk
Kemah Boardwalk, located just 30 miles south of downtown Houston, is a vibrant 60-acre theme park overlooking the scenic Galveston Bay.
You can enjoy thrilling amusement rides like the Boardwalk Bullet roller coaster, eat a delicious meal at a waterfront restaurant or shop at one of the many retail stores.
The boardwalk is open daily and also hosts exciting live concerts, festivals and seaside shows throughout the year.
Fun fact: you can even take a high-speed boat ride on “The Beast” which reaches speeds up to 40 mph!
With no entrance fee, Kemah Boardwalk is the perfect spot for family fun and unforgettable memories.
4. Cattail Marsh
Cattail Marsh, located in Beaumont near the Louisiana border, is a stunning 900-acre wetland paradise.
You can explore over eight miles of trails that are perfect for hiking, biking and birdwatching, with more than 250 bird species and even alligators to spot!
The marsh features a beautiful new boardwalk that lets you walk right into the heart of the wetlands, surrounded by tall cattails swaying in the breeze.
Open from 6am to 9pm, it’s a fantastic place to connect with nature and enjoy the serene landscape.
Fun fact: Cattail Marsh was originally part of Beaumont’s innovative wastewater treatment system!
5. Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
The boardwalk at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, located along the Texas Gulf Coast near Austwell, offers a unique adventure through diverse habitats.
As you stroll along the boardwalk, you’ll be surrounded by freshwater sloughs, tidal flats and ancient oak trees.
You’ll also get the chance to spot the endangered whooping cranes during their migration season.
The boardwalk leads to several observation towers that provide panoramic views of San Antonio Bay, perfect for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
Open from sunrise to sunset, this refuge is home to over 400 species of birds including herons, egrets and roseate spoonbills.
Fun fact: the refuge was established in 1937 to protect migratory birds and is a crucial wintering ground for the rare whooping crane!
6. Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
The boardwalk at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center in Port Aransas, is a birdwatcher’s dream come true.
This 700-foot boardwalk takes you through lush wetlands where you can spot ducks, pelicans, herons and even a resident alligator named “Boots.”
The boardwalk features shaded observation towers that offer panoramic views of the marsh and the chance to see the flaming pink Roseate Spoonbills.
Open daily, the center also has pollinator gardens and educational signs to make your visit even more enjoyable.
Fun fact: it’s also part of the Great Texas Birding Trail and offers free guided bird walks every Wednesday!
7. The Boardwalk at Granite Park
The Boardwalk at Granite Park in Plano is a 30,000-square-foot dining and entertainment area located at the southeast corner of Dallas North Tollway and Sam Rayburn Tollway.
With seven unique restaurants, including The Biscuit Bar and Chip’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers, it’s a food lover’s paradise with beautiful waterfront views.
The boardwalk features Adirondack chairs, string lights and fire pits, creating a cozy, beach-like atmosphere perfect for relaxing.
You can also enjoy live music, community events and even a fun passport program to win prizes by dining at different spots.
8. Lake Livingston State Park Boardwalk
The boardwalk at Lake Livingston State Park is a delightful 0.9-mile loop that takes you through one of the state’s largest and most scenic lakes.
It is also known as the Pineywoods Boardwalk and is located in East Texas, just over an hour from Houston.
As you stroll along, you’ll pass through a vibrant butterfly garden, a bird blind perfect for spotting local wildlife and shaded picnic areas ideal for a relaxing break.
The boardwalk provides stunning views of the 93,000-acre Lake Livingston, which is 31 miles long and 9 miles wide.
Fun fact: Lake Livingston is the second largest lake located wholly in Texas, making this boardwalk a must-visit for breathtaking water views and serene natural beauty!
9. River Legacy Parks Boardwalk
The boardwalk at River Legacy Parks in Arlington is the perfect place to relax as it winds through a lush 1,300-acre urban oasis along the Trinity River.
As you walk, you’ll see a diverse array of wildlife including herons, egrets, turtles and even the occasional bobcat!
The boardwalk offers stunning views of the bottomland forest, wetlands and prairie, making it a perfect spot for birdwatching and photography.
Open from 5am to 10pm, the park also features over 8 miles of paved trails, picnic areas and a custom playground for family fun.
Fun fact: River Legacy Parks is home to the rare Devil’s Cigar fungus which is found only in parts of Texas!
10. I-20 Wildlife Preserve Boardwalk
The I-20 Wildlife Preserve Boardwalk in Midland is a hidden gem where you can explore a beautiful 100-acre urban playa lake.
As you walk along the wooden boardwalks, you’ll be surrounded by lush wetlands, butterfly gardens and bird blinds perfect for spotting herons and hawks.
The preserve also features an aerial observation deck, known as the Hawk Observation Tower, that offers breathtaking views of the entire area.
Open year-round, this peaceful haven is ideal for birdwatching, hiking and connecting with nature.
The I-20 Wildlife Preserve is actually one of the few urban playas in Texas, making it super unique.
11. Laguna Madre Nature Trail
The Laguna Madre Nature Trail in South Padre Island is a 1,500-foot boardwalk that takes you through four acres of vibrant marshland.
As you walk, you’ll be amazed by over 300 species of birds, including colorful warblers and majestic herons, along with butterflies, turtles and even alligators!
The trail starts near the eye-catching Whaling Wall mural at the South Padre Island Convention Center.
It offers stunning views of the unique hypersaline lagoon, known as Laguna Madre, one of only six in the world.
You can extend your adventure by visiting the nearby South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, which features a five-story viewing tower and guided birding tours!
12. Sabine Woods Bird Sanctuary Boardwalk
The Sabine Woods Bird Sanctuary Boardwalk, located near Port Arthur, is a hidden gem for bird lovers, located along a beautiful chenier ridge known for its large oaks.
As you walk through the 27-acre sanctuary, you’ll be surrounded by majestic oak trees and the vibrant sights and sounds of migratory songbirds like warblers, vireos and thrushes.
This boardwalk is especially magical during the spring and fall migrations when thousands of birds stop to rest and refuel.
Sabine Woods is actually a world-famous birding hotspot and attracts enthusiasts from all over.
13. Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
The boardwalk at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, located near Alamo in South Texas, offers an enchanting walk through one of the most diverse habitats in the country.
As you stroll along, you’ll encounter vibrant green jays, chachalacas and the striking great kiskadees.
This refuge sits at the crossroads of subtropical wetlands, Chihuahuan Desert, Gulf Coast and Great Plains, providing a unique habitat.
Open from sunrise to sunset, the boardwalk also offers views of rare butterflies, like the zebra longwing and Mexican bluewing, fluttering through the air.
Fun fact: Santa Ana is home to nearly 400 bird species and almost half of all butterfly species found in North America!
14. Cibolo Nature Center Boardwalk
The boardwalk at Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne offers a serene half-mile trail through lush marshlands.
This wheelchair-accessible boardwalk winds through lush wetlands, where you can spot turtles, frogs and a variety of bird species.
Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, the center also features Cibolo Creek which adds to the serene atmosphere.
Open from 8am to dusk, it’s a wonderful place to explore and connect with nature.
The Cibolo Nature Center itself spans over 160 acres and includes five distinct ecosystems.
15. Lake Waco Wetlands Boardwalk
The Lake Waco Wetlands Boardwalk, located in China Spring near Waco, is a fantastic trail that will surround you in beautiful marshes and forests.
As you stroll along the boardwalk, you can spot a range of wildlife including birds, turtles and even small alligators in their natural habitats.
The Lake Waco Wetlands were established to mitigate habitat loss due to the raising of Lake Waco by seven feet in 2000.
It features interactive exhibits at the Research and Education Center that teach you about water quality and ecosystems.
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