Hidden Gem Destinations in Texas
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Road trips are the definition of fun. Whenever I look out of my window and glance upon the cold and dreary weather as of late, I start daydreaming about sunny days on the road. As I wake up from this fantasy, I can’t help but list down the places that I want to travel to. I’m the type of person who likes to stray off the beaten path as they would say.
Rather than visiting tourist traps, my family and I like to venture to places where you can have genuine experiences. Experiences that aren’t boxed up or neatly packaged with a price tag. Luckily, Texas has its hidden gems that promise you fun and adventure without pressuring your wallet too much.
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Though there are countless incredible destinations that can be visited in Texas, I’m going to let you know about a select few of my favorites in a three-part series—one of which will surely be the next stop on your travels. Here are the first four Texas jewels that you should visit on your next road trip.
Blue Lagoon
Be sure to bring your swimming shorts and an extra bag of clothes to change into, as the Blue Lagoon in Huntsville, Texas is sure to amaze you. This swimming hole offers swimmers and bathers clear waters surrounded by limestone rocks and towering pine trees. When I visited this hidden Texas destination, I couldn’t help but instantly spring into this glistening lagoon. If you’re interested in learning how to scuba dive, make sure to get hold of lessons, as the fish and underwater fauna here are a must-see.
Once you’re done taking a dip and stretching out those muscles swimming, Herb & Beet is a great place to stuff your hungry belly. The restaurant offers a casual experience for people who are looking for a great farm-to-table experience. Each item they offer on their menu uses high-quality ingredients that have been sourced from local producers in the area. After tiring myself out in the crystal blue waters of the Blue Lagoon, my famished self ordered their Southwestern steak salad and chicken tortilla soup–a perfect end to a perfect day.
Marfa, Texas
A small desert town in West Texas, Marfa is a great place to let your inner conspiracy theorist take over. This town is famously known as a place of supernatural and extraterrestrial intrigue due to its so-called Marfa Lights. You can see this mind-boggling phenomenon from a viewing platform that was set up in town for curious UFO enthusiasts and first-time witnesses alike. If that’s not enough, get acquainted with the locals of Marfa by viewing indigenous art installations that were set up in an old army base by the Chinati Foundation.
If you’re up for some out-of-this-world coffee, you can also check out Big Bend Coffee Roasters. These local artisan coffee roasters are a must-visit—they offer 100% organic, fair trade, and kosher certified coffee sourced from over 13 countries.
Hueco Tanks State Park
Hueco Tanks State Park is perfect for both historical and outdoors enthusiasts or those who are a bit of both. Located in the low mountains of El Paso, Texas, this site features rock formations and water-filled depressions that are a great place to sit back and contemplate. If you’re up for a hike, Huaco Tanks is crisscrossed with scenic hiking trails that are frequented by birdwatchers and bouldering lovers. As you hike this 860-acre park, you may also come across rock images and handprints that were left behind by Native Americans, offering a window into past events that unfolded in this magical location.
After a hot day of trekking through Hueco Tanks, a refreshing beer and BBQ is certainly in order. And what better place to get some of the finest brews in El Paso than at the El Paso Brewing Co. Founded on friendship, this brewery serves up a wide selection of beers, with eight year-round brews and a few seasonal tipples that are all must-tries.
Boca Chica Beach
If you’re up for some alone time and the quiet solitude of the Gulf of Mexico seems like an appealing destination, then Boca Chica Beach is right up your alley. This stretch of sand in Brownsville, Texas offers visitors the true experience of a natural beach. You will find nothing but a haven of peace and quiet as you walk these soft white sands. Of course, you may find the occasional visitor but for me, this place is the best spot for a bit of contemplative soul-searching. This beach is just on the southern tip of the state, with this great coastline stretching across the border to Mexico. What’s more, as you drive down to the beach, you’ll also get to catch a glimpse of the SpaceX launch site. Pretty cool, right?
Soul-searching and walking along Boca Chica Beach drives up quite an appetite, and what better way to enjoy Tex-Mex delicacies than at Terras. This restaurant serves up affordable Mexican cuisine-inspired dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients. I’d recommend their blackened short ribs as a flavorful treat after a long beach walk.
These spots offer the best of Texas without the hassle of going to those overly-frequented touristy places. Now that I’m on the road, be sure to look out for parts two and three of this continuing blog series, which will surely give you some inspiration when visiting off-the-beaten-path destinations in Texas.
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