TOP 10 Secret Wonder Places in Texas

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Tanya Byelova
March 18, 2022

Everything is bigger in Texas, they say. When you explore everything the state offers, it's simple to see why the Lone Star State is so popular with visitors. Texas is full of stunning landscapes, significant historical sites, fascinating museums, immaculate city parks, suburban shopping meccas, scrumptious BBQ, and much more.

Texas also has plenty of mystics, old and unpopular places.

Let's discover 10 Secret Wonder Places in Texas.

1. Utopia

Utopia is the beautiful, aptly named town of the Sabinal River. There is beautiful nature and true Texas' spirit. Utopia River Park offers access to the river with a rope swing and looks like so much fun!

There is actually no phone service in this town, which makes it a great option if you really look for peace and queit. And it's located super close to Garner State Park.

2. Garner State Park

Garner State Park is not close to Houston, but it's worth every bit of the 4.5-hour drive. It's under 3 hours from Austin and only an hour and a half from San Antonio.

Garner State Park is full of incredible views and trails. You can hike the Crystal Cave Trail, a steep, rocky trail that involves lots of scrambling over rocks to get to a beautiful cave where the walls seem to sparkle with crystals.

There are a lot of activities, especially in summer. You can swim, float, and sunbathe there. Or explore one of the great trails.

3. Lake Conroe

Lake Conroe is a great place to unwind or go on an adventurous adventure. If you want to perform some motorized water activities without having to go far from Houston, Lake Conroe is a terrific option. There is everything: a boathouse, a swimming beach, and lakeside dining. Don't have access to a boat? Don't worry, Lake Conroe offers a range of boat rental and guiding services.

If you have kids and want family rest, you can go to the Margaritaville lake resort and have a nice time there. Make a point of ending the evening at one of the lakefront eating establishments. There is everything: a boathouse, a swimming beach, and lakeside dining.

4. Gorman Falls

Gorman Falls is awe-inspiring. The pictures don't do it justice. It is twenty times prettier than it appears in photos.

Gorman Falls is 70 feet tall and is one of Texas' most beautiful waterfalls. It is located in Colorado Bend State Park. It's so unusual that tourists frequently say that it doesn't appear as it belongs in Texas and that it belongs in a tropical environment like Hawaii or Costa Rica.

To put it another way, it's an extraordinary place–which is why trekking to Gorman Falls is the most popular activity in Colorado Bend State Park! The climb down to the falls, however, is challenging. If you don't mind carrying 30 gallons of water, don't do it in the summer. Do this hike in the winter or autumn when the temperature isn't pretty hot.

5. Hamilton Pool

Hamilton Pool is a hidden pearl of Texas State and one of the most breathtaking views in the state. It is a part of a designated natural preservation area.

The pool was once hidden in an underground limestone grotto. It has now broken free from the dome and entered a cavernous region. A 50-foot waterfall plunges into the pool from the overhang's lip, freshening its contents and providing visitors with a delightfully cold surprise.

This is the attraction that you should not miss, especially if you're looking for lovely spots in Texas!

6. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

The Palo Duro Canyon is commonly referred to as the Grand Canyon of Texas.

The Palo Duro Canyon is the second-longest and second-largest canyon in America, with a 120-mile length that rises 3,463 feet above sea level and drops 800 feet.

It was formed by the Prairie Dog Town fork of the Red River and was named for the surrounding mesquite and juniper trees and the Spanish word for "hardwood."

It's a unique instagrammable spot.

7. Mustang Island

Mustang Island State Park, located on this 18-mile-long barrier island 28 miles southeast of Corpus Christi, is a popular spot for mountain biking, kayaking, and swimming.

It used to be home to wild horses but is now famed for its miles of beaches and outdoor activities. Outside of the park, visitors can enjoy water sports such as kiteboarding, wakeboarding, surfing, and snorkeling at North Packery Beach.

There is a small village called Port Aransas. It's a beautiful instagrammable spot and a good place for sunbathing, parasailing, fishing, or splashing around at the beach.

8. Boca Chica Beach

Boca Chica Beach may not be as well-known as other Texas beaches, but it's a great place to unwind. Spend most of your time at Boca Chica's 8-mile-long length of sand, but bring your own equipment because water sports rentals like surfboards, snorkeling gear, and kiteboards are not available on-site.

Save time for wildlife viewing as well, as the area is a sanctuary for various bird and sea turtle species. Arrive in the spring or summer to catch a glimpse of a highly endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle laying eggs on the beach.

9. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

These gardens are part of one of the best botanical gardens in the country. The Dallas Arboretum, which is beautifully spread out over 66 acres, should be on your list of "things to do" while in the city. The gardens are easily accessible from downtown and are located on the beaches of White Rock Lake.

It was built in 1984 and has continually showcased, preserved, and educated visitors on Texas' natural life and history. There are 16 gardens, including a children's garden with over 150 engaging and instructive activities and two historic structures. One of the park's signature gardens, the Woman's Garden features an infinity pool, aquatic plants, fountains, and sculptures. The six-and-a-half-acre Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden showcases approximately 2,000 azaleas.

There is also an 8-acre museum with 17 galleries that showcase antiques, demonstrations, games, and more.

Alfresco dining with views of the gardens and downtown Dallas is available at the on-site Café on the Green or the Lula Mae Slaughter Dining Terrace.

10. Frontiers of Flight Museum

The Museum was created in 1988. The Frontiers of Flight Museum is the foremost aerospace museum in Dallas and worldwide.

There are 13 galleries to explore, each of which covers a distinct area of aviation history. A full-sized replica of the Wright flyer, a restored Apollo 7 Command module, a Stearman PT-17 Kaydet Biplane, and parts of the renowned Hindenburg airship are among the greatest items and displays at the Frontiers of Flight Museum.