On the southwest side of Texas along the southern border, Big Bend National Park provides a perfect chance for you to drive, hike, and enjoy beautiful scenic views. Big Bend is about a seven and a half-hour drive from Legacy but is a place to get away for a few days. Big Bend’s variety of activities allows for a great time for anyone.
The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a massive granite dome sitting just outside Fredericksburg, Texas. The rock provides a great way to get out and have a quick hiking day. With about 11 miles of hiking trails and multiple rock climbing options, there are many ways to climb the magical rock. At the top and around Enchanted Rock are great views and picnic spots for the whole family.
Austin and San Antonio are roughly an hour and a half drive away from each other, but the sister cities captivate Central Texas. The capital city of Texas is an art-filled city known for its live music and festivals. Austin also has trails and a river for outdoor lovers. San Antonio’s variety of things to do attracts visitors from all over the state. The Alamo museum provides an in-depth recap of the legendary 1836 battle. Six Flags Fiesta Texas is a highly rated amusement park that’s fun for the whole family. Perhaps the most recognized aspect of San Antonio is the River Walk. The River Walk contains a great variety of shops and restaurants to enjoy along with boat tours down the river.
Off the coast of the southern tip of Texas, the 3.7 square miles of South Padre Island’s beaches make for a great in-state vacation spot. Known for its sea turtle exhibits and fishing tours, there are chances to make memories for everyone. South Padre provides the typical beach activities such as jet skiing, laying in the sand, watching dolphins and having an overall great time.
Roughly 55 minutes from Waco and just over an hour away from Legacy, Lake Whitney State Park is one of the most popular lakes in Texas. Lake Whitney offers a wide variety of water activities such as fishing, swimming and boating. The 37 square mile lake is home to lots of wildlife from deer and snakes to armadillos and wild turkeys. Around the lake are many campsites and places to stay, along with hiking and biking trails. The park even offers a Junior Ranger program for kids.
Home to the Magnolia Silos and the Baylor Bears, Waco makes for a great day trip for the whole family. The Magnolia Silos are now the heart of Waco. Stop by the bakery for a tasty cupcake or the variety of stores if you want to do some shopping. Kids can enjoy games in the yard, and when you’re all done you can get a meal at the Magnolia Table. Waco is also home to many museums such as the Dr. Pepper Museum, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. For the animal lovers, the Cameron Zoo has a great variety of animals.
Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the nation. Located in the Texas panhandle and about 5 and a half-hour drive away, Palo Duro is full of history. Visitors can explore the canyon in a variety of ways. The park offers trails to walk, ride horses, mountain bike and drive through the canyon. There are campsites to stay at, and new to the park are glamping sites. The glamping sites are a luxury experience to the park, providing full electricity, air conditioning, and all the amenities you could ask for. Although Palo Duro Canyon may not have the activities other state parks do, the beauty of the canyon and colors of the sunsets more than make up for it.
Located about two hours northwest of Austin, Colorado Bend State Park is one of the best State Park getaway destinations in Texas. The beauty of the Texas Hill Country makes the more than 35 miles of hiking trails, caves, waterfalls, and the entire essence of the park spectacular. Colorado Bend also has great camping spots with easy access to the Colorado River to fish or swim. Typically, cave tours are available by reservation but are unavailable for the time being.
David Richardson • Dec 13, 2021 at 10:15 pm
I did not realize all of these were myths. Red Coach Buses are going to be my ride there, so hopefully there are less people to make fun of me!