When it comes to hidden gems in Texas, you could spend eternity exploring our great state and still not discover them all. That being said, it doesn’t hurt to try! We’ve compiled a list of 12 hidden gems for you to visit this year – one for each month – so you can experience the best of Texas in every season.
- January - Cattail Falls (Big Bend National Park)
AllTrails/Steve Perkins Start the year off on a high note by visiting one of the highest waterfalls in Texas. The remote and little-known Cattail Falls is accessible via a 6-mile hiking trail, and January is the perfect time to visit because Big Bend has generally mild winters. Cattail Falls, Texas 79834, USA
- February - Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site (Washington)
Wikimedia Commons/Noconatom Fall in love with the Lone Star State all over again when you visit “The Birthplace of Texas.” The Texas Declaration of Independence was signed here in 1836, marking Texas’ independence from Mexico. Located along the Brazos River, the park is beloved by both history buffs and nature lovers. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, 23400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880, USA
- March - Davey Dogwood Park (Palestine)
Facebook/Visit Palestine, Texas Fairies do exist, and they live at Davey Dogwood Park in Palestine. The annual Fairy Garden Trail is lined with whimsical scenes constructed by local businesses and organizations, and taking a stroll through the park will leave you feeling enchanted. Davey Dogwood Park, 4205 N Link St, Palestine, TX 75803, USA
- April - Willow City Loop (Fredericksburg)
TripAdvisor/162barbarai This 13-mile scenic drive just outside of Fredericksburg is one of the best places to see spring wildflowers in Texas - including our state flower, the bluebonnet. Bring your camera! Willow City Loop, Texas, USA
- May - Big Thicket National Preserve (Kountze)
Wikimedia Commons/William L. Farr Did you know one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world is hiding right here in Texas? In the Big Thicket National Preserve, which encompasses a wide region of Southwest Texas, you can see pine forests, cacti, and even mushrooms and lichens that also live in the Arctic! May is an ideal time to explore the area, as the heat of summer in this part of Texas can be quite brutal. Big Thicket National Preserve, FM 420, Kountze, TX 77625, USA
- June - Medina River (Bandera)
Flickr/Dave Hensley Instead of feeling like a sardine on the Comal this summer, why not take the path less traveled by and tube the Medina instead? This beautiful, tree-lined river is located near the small town of Bandera (AKA the “Cowboy Capital of the World”), boasting crystal-clear waters and a mild current. Medina River, Medina, TX 78055, USA
- July - Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site (Comstock)
Texas Parks & Wildlife Experience breathtaking nature and ancient history at Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site. This unique place offers unparalleled hiking, biking, and camping opportunities, plus the chance to see petroglyphs left behind by the region’s earliest residents. Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site, US-90, Comstock, TX 78837, USA
- August - Balmorhea State Park (Toyahvale)
Texas Parks & Wildlife Beat the summer heat by swimming in the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool at Balmorhea State Park. This historic destination has been around since the Great Depression era, and people still travel from all over Texas to take a dip. Balmorhea State Park, 9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, TX 79786, USA
- September - Love Creek Orchards/The Apple Store (Medina)
TripAdvisor/Management Kick off fall in the best way possible: with a big slice of homemade apple pie (and other apple-centric treats) from Love Creek Orchards. Afterward, head to the nearby Lost Maples State Natural Area to see some of the most awe-inspiring autumn foliage in Texas. Love Creek Orchards/The Apple Store, 14024 TX-16 N, Medina, TX 78055, USA
- October - National Museum of Funeral History (Houston)
Facebook/National Museum of Funeral History What better way to celebrate spooky season than by visiting the National Museum of Funeral History? Located in Houston, this hidden gem houses the largest collection of funeral artifacts in the U.S. You can even see a mummy! National Museum of Funeral History, 415 Barren Springs Dr, Houston, TX 77090, USA
- November - Fort Worth Botanic Garden (Fort Worth)
Facebook/Fort Worth Botanic Garden You don’t have to travel to New England to go leaf-peeping. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden - which also happens to be the oldest major botanic garden in Texas - offers some of the best fall foliage in the Lone Star State. Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Piney Park (Marshall)
Facebook/Piney Park Regular Christmas light displays are great and all, but have you ever experienced a Christmas light maze before? If not, Piney Park belongs on your holiday season bucket list this year. This unique farm comes alive during the Christmas season, and this particular attraction is hard to find elsewhere. While you’re in Marshall, don’t forget to check out their annual Wonderland of Lights event! Piney Park, 600 Martin Lake Rd, Marshall, TX 75672, USA
How many of these hidden gems in Texas have you visited? Which ones are still on your bucket list? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
AllTrails/Steve Perkins
Start the year off on a high note by visiting one of the highest waterfalls in Texas. The remote and little-known Cattail Falls is accessible via a 6-mile hiking trail, and January is the perfect time to visit because Big Bend has generally mild winters.
Cattail Falls, Texas 79834, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Noconatom
Fall in love with the Lone Star State all over again when you visit “The Birthplace of Texas.” The Texas Declaration of Independence was signed here in 1836, marking Texas’ independence from Mexico. Located along the Brazos River, the park is beloved by both history buffs and nature lovers.
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, 23400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Facebook/Visit Palestine, Texas
Fairies do exist, and they live at Davey Dogwood Park in Palestine. The annual Fairy Garden Trail is lined with whimsical scenes constructed by local businesses and organizations, and taking a stroll through the park will leave you feeling enchanted.
Davey Dogwood Park, 4205 N Link St, Palestine, TX 75803, USA
TripAdvisor/162barbarai
This 13-mile scenic drive just outside of Fredericksburg is one of the best places to see spring wildflowers in Texas - including our state flower, the bluebonnet. Bring your camera!
Willow City Loop, Texas, USA
Wikimedia Commons/William L. Farr
Did you know one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world is hiding right here in Texas? In the Big Thicket National Preserve, which encompasses a wide region of Southwest Texas, you can see pine forests, cacti, and even mushrooms and lichens that also live in the Arctic! May is an ideal time to explore the area, as the heat of summer in this part of Texas can be quite brutal.
Big Thicket National Preserve, FM 420, Kountze, TX 77625, USA
Flickr/Dave Hensley
Instead of feeling like a sardine on the Comal this summer, why not take the path less traveled by and tube the Medina instead? This beautiful, tree-lined river is located near the small town of Bandera (AKA the “Cowboy Capital of the World”), boasting crystal-clear waters and a mild current.
Medina River, Medina, TX 78055, USA
Texas Parks & Wildlife
Experience breathtaking nature and ancient history at Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site. This unique place offers unparalleled hiking, biking, and camping opportunities, plus the chance to see petroglyphs left behind by the region’s earliest residents.
Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site, US-90, Comstock, TX 78837, USA
Beat the summer heat by swimming in the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool at Balmorhea State Park. This historic destination has been around since the Great Depression era, and people still travel from all over Texas to take a dip.
Balmorhea State Park, 9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, TX 79786, USA
TripAdvisor/Management
Kick off fall in the best way possible: with a big slice of homemade apple pie (and other apple-centric treats) from Love Creek Orchards. Afterward, head to the nearby Lost Maples State Natural Area to see some of the most awe-inspiring autumn foliage in Texas.
Love Creek Orchards/The Apple Store, 14024 TX-16 N, Medina, TX 78055, USA
Facebook/National Museum of Funeral History
What better way to celebrate spooky season than by visiting the National Museum of Funeral History? Located in Houston, this hidden gem houses the largest collection of funeral artifacts in the U.S. You can even see a mummy!
National Museum of Funeral History, 415 Barren Springs Dr, Houston, TX 77090, USA
Facebook/Fort Worth Botanic Garden
You don’t have to travel to New England to go leaf-peeping. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden - which also happens to be the oldest major botanic garden in Texas - offers some of the best fall foliage in the Lone Star State.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
Facebook/Piney Park
Regular Christmas light displays are great and all, but have you ever experienced a Christmas light maze before? If not, Piney Park belongs on your holiday season bucket list this year. This unique farm comes alive during the Christmas season, and this particular attraction is hard to find elsewhere. While you’re in Marshall, don’t forget to check out their annual Wonderland of Lights event!
Piney Park, 600 Martin Lake Rd, Marshall, TX 75672, USA
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