calsidayrose, Flickr

Sometimes all you have time for is a quick getaway. Luckily for us Texans - there are several interesting attractions and destinations within a short drive of major Texas metro areas such as Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. In researching, I found some interesting places that I have never been! I'm gonna make my plans now.

 
longhorncaverns.com
1

Longhorn Caverns

Spelunking anyone?
 
 
Longhorn Caverns is a Hill Country wonder that have housed Comanche Indians, Confederate Soldiers and, perhaps, and outlaw or two. Today the site is a state park, offering a number of tours like; Wild Cave Tour, Geology Tour , Backbone Nature Trail Tour, Photography Tours and even a Paranormal Tour! Longhorn Caverns is found in Burnet, Texas. Tickets are available on-line or you can call Toll-Free - 1-877-441-CAVE.
 
Enchanted Rock.com
2

Enchanted Rock

Climbing the Rock!
 
 
Located just north of Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country, Enchanted Rock is one of the largest natural rock formations in the United States, with a dome that rises 425 feet above the ground (1825 feet above sea level). Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1970, Enchanted Rock is also part of the Texas State Parks System and attracts thousands of visitors annually.The park offers 7 miles of hiking trails, including the popular 6/10 mile Summit Trail which involves a 425-foot elevation gain hike to the top of Enchanted Rock. The 4-mile Loop Trail, a favorite among hikers and backpackers, winds around the base of Enchanted Rock. The Tonkawa Indians believed ghost fires flickered at the top, and they heard weird creaking and groaning, which geologists now say resulted from the rock's heating by day and contracting in the cool night.
 
3

Guadalupe River

Tubing the Guadalupe
 
 
You can't say you have enjoyed or experienced Texas until you have spent some time tubing on the beautiful, cool, and clear Guadalupe River. It doesn't get much better than toobing, kayaking, or rafting down the Guadalupe River with 1000's of your new found friends, on a hot day, with a tube full of cool beverages
 
krausesprings.net
4

Krause Springs

Swimming in the Springs!
 
 
Krause Springs is a well-known camping & swimming site located in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas. It is located in Spicewood, Texas approximately 30 miles west of Austin. Krause Springs has many natural sites to explore. There are 32 springs on the property, and several feed the manmade pool and the natural pool which flows into Lake Travis. It's a refreshing treat to swim in the Springs during the hot summers of Texas! If camping is in your plans, there is primitive tent camping as well as 24 RV sites with water and electricity available.
 
mercerarboretum.com
5

Mercer Arboretum & Botanic

Nature and Beauty
 
 
Located in Humble, a short drive from Houston, Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a 250 acre collection of native and cultivated plant life. Additionally, the center has an outdoor classroom, picnic area and miles of walking trails.
 
lisat, Flickr
6

Lakes Of East Texas

Fishing and Boating!
 
 
East Texas has "hands down" the prettiest lakes anywhere. Take your pick, big small or in between. Fishing and boating is phenomenal at Lake Fork, Lake Palestine, Gladewater, Caddo, Conroe, Gilmer, Hawkins, Holbrook, Jacksonville, Livingston, Lone Star, Martin Creek, Quitman, Sam Rayburn, Striker, Timpson Toledo Bend. Some lakes have cabins, RV sites, camping sites and more.
 
naturalbridge caverns.com
7

Natural Bridge Caverns

Exploring!
 
 
An underground wonder, Natural Bridge Caverns shows the family a side of the world they probably haven't seen. In addition to a variety of subterranean tours, Natural Bridge Caverns offers a host of above-ground educational activities for kids of all ages.
 
twpd.state.tx.us
8

East Texas State Parks

Camping Close to Home!
 
 
East Texas is full of beautiful State Parks, and they are close to home! Tyler State Park - Caddo Lake State Park - Daingerfield State Park - Lake Bob Sandlin State Park - Martin Creek Lake State Park - Atlanta State Park - Activites - camping, canoeing, fishing, nature trails, swimming, mountain biking, birding, hiking and more!
 

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