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21 Hidden Gems In Texas That Only Locals Know About

Have you ever wondered what secret treasures Texas holds? 

Sure, everyone knows about the Alamo and the bustling cities but there’s so much more waiting to be discovered. 

In this article, we’re diving into some of the best-kept secrets of the Lone Star State. 

From secluded swimming holes to hidden state parks, these are the spots that only locals know about. 

So get ready because we’re about to explore the side of Texas that tourists never see. 

Let’s go!

1. Tonkawa Falls

Rockin’Rita / Flickr

Tonkawa Falls is a scenic waterfall located in Crawford, just a short drive from Waco. 

This beautiful spot is located in Tonkawa Falls City Park and is the perfect place for swimming, picnicking and enjoying nature. 

The park is known for its clear blue-green pool created by the falls that is surrounded by grassy and shaded areas ideal for a relaxing day out. 

You can expect to see people cliff jumping as it’s a popular spot for locals to cool off and have some fun.

2. Son’s Island

Son’s Island is a hidden gem located in Seguin, just a short drive from New Braunfels. 

This tropical paradise on Lake Placid offers a variety of fun activities like kayaking, paddleboarding and lounging in Hawaiian-style cabanas. 

You can enjoy a private cabana equipped with hammocks, BBQ pits, and docks for swimming and fishing. 

It’s the perfect spot for a day of relaxation and adventure!

3. Marfa Lights

Adam Bartlett / Flickr

The Marfa Lights are mysterious glowing orbs that appear in the desert near Marfa which is a small town in the high desert of far West Texas. 

Located between the Davis Mountains and Big Bend National Park, Marfa is about three hours from El Paso. 

These lights, often described as basketball-sized and varying in color, have puzzled people for over a century, with theories ranging from UFOs to atmospheric phenomena. 

You can enjoy the spectacle from the Marfa Lights Viewing Area.

4. Hueco Tanks State Park

Diann Bayes / Flickr

Hueco Tanks State Park is located in El Paso, just over 30 miles northeast of the city. 

This park is famous for its unique rock formations which create natural basins or ‘huecos’ that collect rainwater, making it an oasis in the desert. 

You can enjoy activities like hiking, bird watching and world-class rock climbing, as well as exploring ancient pictographs left by Native Americans thousands of years ago. 

5. Monahans Sandhills State Park

Trevor Huxham / Flickr

Monahans Sandhills State Park is located in Monahans which is about 30 miles west of Odessa in West Texas. 

This unique park features nearly 4,000 acres of rolling sand dunes, some reaching up to 70 feet high, creating a playground for activities like sandboarding, hiking and horseback riding. 

You can rent sand disks to surf the dunes or explore the area on foot to enjoy the ever-changing landscape sculpted by the wind. 

6. Longhorn Cave State Park

Steve FUNG / Flickr

Longhorn Cavern State Park is located in Burnet which is about 90 minutes northwest of Austin. 

This park is famous for its stunning limestone cave which was formed by an ancient underground river.

You can actually explore the cave through a guided tour. 

Steve FUNG / Flickr

The cavern features unique rock formations and a fascinating history which includes tales of outlaws and Confederate soldiers. 

Above ground, you can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas and historic buildings constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

7. Stonehenge II

Lara Eakins / Flickr

Stonehenge II is a quirky art installation located in Ingram, near Kerrville. 

This fun replica of England’s Stonehenge is about 60% of the size of the original and was created by Al Shepperd and Doug Hill. 

You can explore the site for yourself, which also features two large Easter Island head statues, making it pretty unique.

8. Caddo Lake

Louis Vest / Flickr

Caddo Lake is a beautiful and mysterious lake located near Karnack which is close to the Louisiana border. 

Known for its enchanting bald cypress trees draped with Spanish moss, the lake offers a unique bayou experience unlike any other in Texas. 

You can enjoy activities such as fishing, kayaking and wildlife watching, with the chance to spot alligators, river otters and a variety of birds. 

The lake’s eerie, misty atmosphere and winding waterways make it a perfect spot for adventure.

9. Blue Lagoon

Janine Curry, Ph.D. / Flickr

Blue Lagoon is a stunning swimming and scuba diving spot located in Huntsville, about 70 miles north of Houston. 

This former limestone quarry is now filled with crystal-clear, spring-fed water that looks almost too beautiful to be real. 

You can enjoy a refreshing swim, practice scuba diving or simply relax by the water’s edge in this picturesque natural setting. 

It’s a perfect place for a fun day trip!

10. Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center

Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is located in Round Mountain, about 30 miles west of Austin. 

This 76-acre nature preserve is known for its stunning limestone canyon, lush plant life and a breathtaking 40-foot waterfall that cascades into an emerald pool. 

You can join a guided tour through the canyon to explore the unique geological formations and diverse ecosystems. 

It’s a magical place for anyone who loves nature.

11. Waco Mammoth Site

rbairdpccam / Flickr

The Waco Mammoth National Monument is located in Waco, near the Bosque River. 

This fascinating site is home to the largest known concentration of Columbian mammoth fossils,  meaning it offers a unique glimpse into the Ice Age. 

You can enjoy guided tours to see the fossils up close, learn about the mammoths’ history and explore the surrounding wooded parkland. 

12. Luckenbach

Mobilus In Mobili / Flickr

Luckenbach is a charming, unincorporated community located about 13 miles from Fredericksburg in the heart of Texas Hill Country. 

Known for its laid-back vibe and musical heritage, this tiny town is famous for its historic dance hall, general store and bar where live country music plays daily. 

Diann Bayes / Flickr

You can sit back and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere under 500-year-old oak trees with impromptu jam sessions and friendly locals. 

Made famous by Waylon Jennings’ song “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love),” it’s a place where “everybody’s somebody” and the spirit of Texas is alive and well.

13. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple

Thomas Hawk / Flickr

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is located in Stafford, just outside of Houston. 

This stunning Hindu temple is made from Turkish limestone and Italian marble, with over 33,000 intricately carved pieces assembled like a giant 3D puzzle. 

Expect to be amazed by the temple’s breathtaking architecture and serene atmosphere.

14. Boca Chica Beach

Alexander Hatley / Flickr

Boca Chica Beach is a serene and picturesque beach located about 20 miles east of Brownsville. 

This beautiful stretch of sand is where the Rio Grande meets the Gulf of Mexico so you’ll get a unique view of the river’s end. 

j-No / Flickr

Known for its tranquil environment and abundant wildlife, it’s a perfect spot for birdwatching, fishing and beachcombing. 

As there are no businesses or facilities on-site, you should come prepared with your own supplies.

15. Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters / Flickr

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is located in Los Fresnos which is about 25 miles east of Harlingen. 

This expansive refuge covers over 120,000 acres and is one of the most biologically diverse areas in North America. 

Expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, including the endangered ocelot, aplomado falcons and nearly half of all bird species found in the continental United States. 

With over 60 miles of trails for hiking and biking, it’s the perfect place to explore and enjoy the great outdoors.

16. Galveston Island State Park

Dan Thibodeaux / Flickr

Galveston Island State Park is located on the western end of Galveston Island, just a short drive from the city of Galveston. 

This beautiful park offers a variety of activities including swimming, fishing, bird watching, hiking and camping.

You can explore over 2,000 acres of diverse habitats, from beaches and dunes to wetlands and prairies, and enjoy the park’s scenic trails and observation towers. 

With its stunning Gulf Coast views and abundant wildlife, Galveston Island State Park is fun for all the family.

17. Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

Diann Bayes / Flickr

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is located in Orange which is near the Louisiana border. 

This 252-acre paradise features beautifully landscaped gardens, serene walking trails and a variety of native plants and wildlife. 

You could spend hours exploring the lush botanical gardens, taking a boat tour on Adams Bayou and observing birds from a state-of-the-art bird blind. 

18. Bracken Cave Preserve

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Headquarters / Flickr

Bracken Cave Preserve is located near San Antonio and is home to the largest colony of bats in the world, with over 15 million Mexican free-tailed bats. 

Each summer evening, you can witness an awe-inspiring spectacle as millions of bats emerge from the cave, creating a swirling “batnado” in the sky. 

The preserve is managed by Bat Conservation International and requires reservations for guided tours to protect the sensitive habitat. 

It offers a thrilling experience and a unique opportunity to see one of nature’s most incredible displays up close.

19. Fort Worth Water Gardens

Brandi Korte / Flickr

The Fort Worth Water Gardens is a stunning urban park located in downtown Fort Worth, next to the Fort Worth Convention Center. 

Designed by architect Philip Johnson, this 4.3-acre oasis features three unique water pools: the serene Quiet Pool, the playful Aerating Pool and the dramatic Active Pool with cascading waterfalls. 

You can explore the park’s terraced walkways, enjoy the soothing sounds of water and marvel at the architectural beauty of the gardens. 

It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful escape!

20. Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is located in Austin, just off Loop 360 in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. 

This 227-acre preserve offers nearly three miles of scenic hiking trails that wind through lush woodlands and along Bee Creek. 

Expect to see diverse wildlife, including the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler and enjoy stunning views from various overlooks. 

21. Regency Suspension Bridge

cmh2315fl / Flickr

The Regency Suspension Bridge, also known as the “Swinging Bridge,” is located near the small community of Regency which lies between Mills and San Saba counties. 

This historic one-lane suspension bridge spans the Colorado River and was built in 1939, making it the last suspension bridge in Texas still open to car traffic. 

You can expect a thrilling experience as you drive or walk across its wooden deck, feeling the bridge sway gently beneath you. 

Surrounded by scenic countryside, it’s a perfect spot for a unique adventure and a step back in time.


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Tom Jackson

Tom was born in San Antonio but spent most of his childhood in Dallas, he has lived in several cities across Texas and joined the team in 2024 to create travel guides on Texas.

Learn more about the Traveller's Elixir Team.

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