There are plenty of outdoor adventures around Dallas-Fort Worth, but when you wanna get away with the family, hit the road toward one of these natural wonders across the state.
Natural Bridge Caverns
About 25 miles northeast of downtown San Antonio is the biggest commercial cave system in the Lone Star State. Undeveloped areas of the cavern reach depths of 230 feet. You can venture 180 feet underground to witness the caverns’ massive rooms and stunning formations and sluice for gemstones.
Location: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Road, San Antonio
Contact: 210/651-6101
Learn more: naturalbridgecaverns.com
Big Bend National Park
Located in the southwestern part of the state along the Texas-Mexico border, Big Bend is the largest national park in Texas and the 15th largest in the country. At 1,252 square miles, it’s bigger than the state of Rhode Island. You won’t have to fight crowds if you want to experience its vast desert landscapes, mountain ranges and desert springs—Big Bend is so remote, it’s one of the least visited national parks.
Location: Multiple visitors centers
Contact: 432/477-2251
Learn more: nps.gov/bibe
RELATED: Family Travel Guide to Big Bend National Park
Padre Island National Seashore
Located off the coast of South Texas, about a 15-minute drive from downtown Corpus Christi, this 65.5-mile stretch of undeveloped coast is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world. The scenic sand dunes and warm ocean water is perfect for swimming and taking in wildlife, including nearly 400 species of birds and one of the world’s largest sea turtle populations.
Location: Malaquite Visitor Center, 20420 Park Road 22, Corpus Christi
Contact: 361/949-8068
Learn more: nps.gov/pais
RELATED: Take a Family Beach Trip to South Padre Island
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
The top of Texas, the Guadalupe Peak, reaches 8,751 feet here, at the highest peak in the Lone Star state. Located on the West Texas-New Mexico border, its summit is marked with a stainless-steel pyramid. But first, while you’re stopped at the visitors center, be sure to sign up the kids for the Junior Ranger program.
Location: Multiple visitors centers
Contact: 915/828-3251
Learn more: nps.gov/gumo
RELATED: 5 State Parks to Visit Within 5 Hours of Dallas-Fort Worth
