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travel texas things to do places to visit in texas waterparks in texas amusement parks in texas aquifers in texas caverns texas hotsprings

Texas Visitor Centers serve as invaluable resources for travelers seeking information about attractions, activities, accommodations, and local events throughout the state. Here are some reasons why they are a good resource:

Local Expertise: Visitor center staff are typically locals or individuals well-versed in the area's attractions and amenities. They can provide insider tips, recommendations, and personalized suggestions based on visitors' interests and preferences.

Comprehensive Information: Visitor centers offer comprehensive information about a wide range of attractions and activities available in the region. Whether visitors are interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or culinary delights, they can find relevant information at these centers.

Maps and Brochures: Visitor centers provide maps, brochures, and other informational materials that help visitors navigate the area more easily. These resources often include detailed maps of attractions, hiking trails, scenic drives, and other points of interest.

Event Listings: Visitor centers keep visitors informed about local events, festivals, and special activities happening in the area. Whether it's a music concert, food festival, or art exhibition, visitors can learn about upcoming events and plan their itinerary accordingly.

Accommodation Assistance: Visitor center staff can assist travelers in finding suitable accommodations based on their preferences and budget. They can provide information about nearby hotels, motels, campgrounds, and vacation rentals, as well as make reservations on behalf of visitors if needed.

Safety and Travel Tips: Visitor centers offer valuable safety information and travel tips to ensure visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. They can provide guidance on weather conditions, wildlife encounters, hiking trails, and other important considerations for outdoor activities.

Accessibility: Visitor centers are often conveniently located at key entry points, such as highway rest areas or popular tourist destinations, making them easily accessible to travelers. Visitors can stop by these centers during their journey to gather information and plan their next steps.

Texas Visitor Centers play a crucial role in enhancing the travel experience by providing valuable information, assistance, and resources to visitors exploring the Lone Star State.

Whether travelers are embarking on a road trip, planning a weekend getaway, or seeking local insights, visitor centers serve as trusted guides for discovering all that Texas has to offer.

things to do in texas travel destinations

Travel Texas

Planning your summer travels? Looking for a weekend getaway, a day trip, or just somewhere to escape? Texas has something for everyone. Literally. The Mini Guide to Texas Travel Destinations: From Amusement Parks to Zoos is now available on Amazon and is the perfect pocket guide for planning your adventures. This 6x9 travel companion is perfect for tracking where you've been and where you are headed. All of this information has been combined into one handy book!

Texas Visitor Information Centers

​Amarillo Visitor Center

Aransas Pass Visitor Center 

Athens Visitor Center 

Austin Visitor Center 

Beaumont Visitor Center 

Brazos Port Visitor Center 

Bryan College Station 

Buda Chamber of Commerce 

Cedar Park Chamber

Conroe Visitor Center 

Corpus Christi 

Corsicana Visitor Center 

Dallas Visitor Center

Del Rio Chamber of Commerce 

Denison Visitor Center 

Denton Visitor Center 

El Paso Visitor Center 

Ennis Visitor Center 

Fort Davis Visitor Center 

Fort Worth 

Fredericksburg 

Gainesville Visitor Center 

Galveston Visitor Center 

Georgetown Visitors Bureau 

Glen Rose Visitor Center 

Rockdale Chamber of Commerce 

Rockport Texas Visitor Center 

Round Rock Visitor Center 

San Angelo Visitor Center 

San Antonio Visitor Center 

San Marcos Visitor Center 

Sherman Visitor Center

Houston Visitor Center 

Huntsville 

Hutto Chamber of Commerce 

Killeen Visitor Center 

Kingsville Visitor Center 

Laredo Visitor Center 

Leander Chamber of Commerce 

Lockhart Chamber of Commerce 

Longview Visitor Center 

Lubbock Visitor Center 

Lufkin Visitor Center 

Marfa Visitor Center 

Marshall Visitor Center 

Midland Visitor Center 

McKinney Visitor Center

Nacogdoches Visitor Center

New Braunfels Visitor Center 

Orange Visitor Center 

Pampa City Website 

Paris Visitor Center 

Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce 

Port Aransas Visitor Center 

Port Arthur Visitor Center 

Princeton Visitor Center 

South Padre Island Visitor Center 

Taylor Chamber of Commerce 

Temple Visitors Center

Texarkana Visitor Center 

Victoria Visitor Center 

Waco Visitors Center 

Wichita Falls Visitor Center 

AMUSEMENT PARKS IN TEXAS

AMUSEMENT PARKS IN TEXAS

Six Flag Fiesta Texas - San Antonio

17000 W IH 10

San Antonio, TX 78257

(210) 697-5050

Morgan's Wonderland

5223 David Edwards Dr

San Antonio, TX 78233

(210) 495-5888

Grand Texas

23065 TX-242

New Caney, TX 77357

Zero Gravity Thrill Amusement Park

11131 Malibu Dr

Dallas, TX 75229

Houston Funplex

13700 Beechnut St

Houston, TX 77083

(281) 530-7777

Downtown Aquarium

410 Bagby St

Houston, TX 77002

(713) 223-3474

Texas State Aquarium

2710 N Shoreline Blvd,

Corpus Christi, TX 78402

Six Flags Over Texas - Arlington

2201 E Road to Six Flags St

Arlington, TX 76010

(817) 640-8900

ZDT's Amusement Park

301 W Kingsbury St

Seguin, TX 78155

(830) 386-0151

Galveston Island Historic Pier

2501 Seawall Blvd

Galveston, TX 77550

(855) 789-7437

Wonderland Amusement Park

2601 Dumas Dr

Amarillo, TX 79107

Typhoon Texas

555 Katy Fort Bend Rd

Katy, TX 77494

(832) 426-7071

Moody Gardens

1 Hope Blvd

Galveston, TX 77554

(409) 683-4200

Gator Bayou Adventure Park

23211 TX-242

New Caney, TX 77357

(832) 509-1556

Kalahari Indoor Waterpark

3001 Kalahari Blvd

Round Rock, TX 78665

1-877-352-1319

Morgan's Inspiration Island

5223 David Edwards Dr

San Antonio, TX 78233

(210) 495-5888

Six Flags Over Texas - Arlington

2201 E Road to Six Flags St

Arlington, TX 76010

(817) 640-8900

​​

ZDT's Amusement Park

301 W Kingsbury St

Seguin, TX 78155

(830) 386-0151

​​

Galveston Island Historic Pier

2501 Seawall Blvd

Galveston, TX 77550

(855) 789-7437

​​

Wonderland Amusement Park

2601 Dumas Dr

Amarillo, TX 79107

​​

Typhoon Texas

555 Katy Fort Bend Rd

Katy, TX 77494

(832) 426-7071

​​

Moody Gardens

1 Hope Blvd

Galveston, TX 77554

(409) 683-4200

​​

Gator Bayou Adventure Park

23211 TX-242

New Caney, TX 77357

(832) 509-1556

Adventure Landing Dallas

17717 Coit Rd

Dallas, TX 75252

(972) 248-4653

Wonder World Cave

and Adventure Park

1000 Prospect St

San Marcos, TX 78666

(512) 392-3760

Yesterland Farm

15410 I-20

Canton, TX 75103

(903) 567-2255

Rainforest Pyramid

1 Hope Blvd

Galveston, TX 77554

(409) 683-4200

White Water Bay (Texas)

17000 W IH 10

San Antonio, TX 78256

Aquatica San Antonio

10500 Sea World Dr

San Antonio, TX 78251

(210) 520-4732

Boomers! Houston

17190 TX-249

Houston, TX 77064

(281) 894-9791

Beach Park At Isla Blanca

33261 State Park Rd 100

South Padre Island, TX 78597

(956) 772-7873

Austin’s Park N Pizza

16231 N Interstate Hwy 35

Pflugerville, TX 78660

(512) 670-9600

AQUARIUMS IN TEXAS

AQUARIUMS IN TEXAS

Texas is home to several aquariums that offer visitors the opportunity to explore marine life and ecosystems from around the world. Here are some notable aquariums in Texas:

 

Texas State Aquarium - The Texas State Aquarium, located in Corpus Christi, stands as a premier destination for marine education, conservation, and entertainment. Spanning over 6 acres along the scenic Gulf of Mexico shoreline, it offers visitors an immersive experience into the diverse ecosystems of the Gulf Coast and beyond. With exhibits showcasing everything from playful dolphins and majestic sea turtles to colorful reef fish and mesmerizing jellyfish, the aquarium provides an engaging and educational journey for visitors of all ages. Address: 2710 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402

Dallas World Aquarium - Situated in downtown Dallas, the Dallas World Aquarium is a unique combination of an aquarium and a rainforest exhibit. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems, including the Orinoco Rainforest, Mundo Maya exhibit, and aquatic habitats featuring exotic fish, birds, and reptiles. Address: 1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202

Houston Aquarium - The Houston Aquarium is located in downtown Houston and offers visitors the chance to explore underwater environments from around the world. Highlights include the Shark Voyage, Stingray Reef, and interactive touch pools where guests can interact with marine life. Address: 410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002

Austin Aquarium - Located in Austin, this aquarium features a variety of exhibits showcasing marine life from different regions, including the Caribbean, Pacific Ocean, and Indian Ocean. Visitors can enjoy interactive experiences such as feeding stingrays and encountering reptiles and exotic birds.

Address: 13530 N Hwy 183 #101, Austin, TX 78750

Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid - Situated in Galveston, Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid is part of the larger Moody Gardens complex. It features exhibits showcasing marine life from the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, Caribbean, and Pacific Ocean, as well as interactive displays and educational programs. Address: 1 Hope Blvd Galveston, TX 77554

SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium - Located in Grapevine, this aquarium holds over 30 displays and more than 5,000 sea creatures, it offers visitors a fascinating journey through various marine ecosystems. From colorful tropical fish to majestic sharks and graceful rays, SEA LIFE Grapevine provides educational and interactive experiences for all ages. Visitors can explore themed zones, including interactive rock pools, a 360-degree ocean tunnel, and educational talks and feeding demonstrations. It's not just an aquarium; it's a place where visitors can discover, learn, and appreciate the wonders of the ocean.

Address: 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy Grapevine, TX 76051

These are some of the prominent aquariums in Texas where visitors can immerse themselves in the wonders of the underwater world and learn about marine conservation and biodiversity.

AQUIFERS IN TEXAS

AQUIFERS IN TEXAS

Texas is home to several aquifers, which are underground layers of permeable rock, sediment, or soil that contain water and are capable of supplying wells and springs. Some of the major aquifers in Texas include:

 

Edwards Aquifer: Situated primarily in the central and southern parts of Texas, the Edwards Aquifer is one of the most significant and heavily utilized aquifers in the state. It supplies water to numerous cities, including San Antonio, and supports a variety of ecosystems, including several endangered species.

 

Gulf Coast Aquifer: Found along the Texas Gulf Coast, the Gulf Coast Aquifer is an important source of groundwater for agricultural, industrial, and municipal use. It supplies water to cities such as Houston and Corpus Christi, as well as supporting wetlands and coastal ecosystems.

Ogallala Aquifer: Also known as the High Plains Aquifer, the Ogallala Aquifer is one of the largest aquifers in the United States. It spans across several states, including the western portion of Texas. The aquifer is vital for agriculture in the region, providing water for irrigation to support crops such as cotton, corn, and wheat.

Trinity Aquifer: Covering parts of central and eastern Texas, the Trinity Aquifer is composed of multiple layers and provides water for agricultural, municipal, and industrial purposes. It serves as a major source of groundwater for communities in the region.

Brazos River Alluvium Aquifer: Located in the Brazos River basin in central Texas, the Brazos River Alluvium Aquifer consists of sand and gravel deposits that contain groundwater. It plays a crucial role in providing water for agricultural irrigation and municipal supply in the region.

Hueco Bolson Aquifer: Situated in far West Texas near El Paso, the Hueco Bolson Aquifer is an important source of groundwater for the area. It supplies water for agriculture, municipal use, and supports unique desert ecosystems.

 

These are some of the major aquifers in Texas that play a vital role in supplying water for various purposes and supporting ecosystems across the state. And beautiful places to visit.

CAVERNS IN TEXAS

CAVERNS IN TEXAS

Visiting caverns in Texas provides a unique opportunity to witness the geological processes that have shaped our planet over millennia. It offers a chance to marvel at the beauty and intricacy of nature's creations, from delicate formations resembling draperies to massive columns reaching towards the ceiling.

 

Beyond their geological significance, caverns also hold cultural and historical importance. Many cavern systems have been used by humans for shelter, storage, and ceremonial purposes throughout history. Exploring these underground passages offers a glimpse into the lives of early inhabitants and the ways they interacted with their environment.

Moreover, cavern tours often include educational components, with knowledgeable guides providing insights into cave formation, geology, and the delicate ecosystems that exist within. Visitors can learn about the importance of conservation efforts to preserve these natural treasures for future generations.

Overall, visiting caverns in Texas is a truly immersive and educational experience, offering a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural world. It's an opportunity to step into another world, hidden beneath the surface, and emerge with a deeper understanding of the Earth's geological history.

 

Inner Space Cavern - Perhaps one of the most famous Texas caverns, Inner Space is situated near Georgetown, Inner Space Cavern offers guided tours that take visitors through a maze of limestone passages adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique formations. The cavern also features ancient fossils and evidence of prehistoric life.

Longhorn Cavern State Park - Nestled in the Texas Hill Country near Burnet, Longhorn Cavern State Park offers guided tours of its limestone caverns. Visitors can marvel at the cavern's unique features, including underground chambers, geological formations, and tales of colorful history.

 

Cascade Caverns - Situated near Boerne, Cascade Caverns offers guided tours that showcase its stunning formations, including delicate stalactites, flowstones, and columns. Visitors can explore the caverns' natural beauty and learn about their formation and history.

 

Cave Without a Name - Located near Boerne, Cave Without a Name is known for its breathtaking formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and rimstone dams. Guided tours provide visitors with the opportunity to admire the cavern's natural wonders.

 

Cave of the Winds at Mo Ranch - Nestled in the Texas Hill Country near Hunt, Mo Ranch offers guided tours of the Cave of the Winds, a subterranean limestone cave with beautiful formations and underground streams. Visitors can explore the cave's natural wonders while learning about its geology and ecology.

Robber Baron Cave - Located in San Antonio, Robber Baron Cave offers guided tours of its historic underground passages, which were once used as a hideout by outlaws and later served as a speakeasy during Prohibition. Visitors can learn about the cave's colorful history and explore its intriguing features.

 

 

Natural Bridge Caverns - Located near San Antonio, Natural Bridge Caverns is one of the largest commercial caverns in Texas. Visitors can embark on guided tours to explore the stunning formations, underground chambers, and natural bridges within the caverns.

 

Caverns of Sonora - Located near Sonora in the Texas Hill Country, the Caverns of Sonora are renowned for their exquisite calcite crystal formations, including rare helictites and other intricate structures. Guided tours provide insights into the geological wonders found within the caverns.

HOTSPRINGS IN TEXAS

HOTSPRINGS IN TEXAS

While Texas isn't as famous for its hot springs as some other states, there are a few locations where you can find natural hot springs or heated pools. Here are some of them:

Big Bend Hot Springs: Located within Big Bend National Park, these hot springs are accessible via a hike along the Rio Grande. Visitors can soak in the warm waters while enjoying views of the surrounding desert landscape.

Chinati Hot Springs: Situated near Ruidosa in West Texas, Chinati Hot Springs offers rustic accommodations and access to natural hot spring pools. Visitors can relax in the mineral-rich waters surrounded by the region's rugged beauty.

Langford Hot Springs: Located in Big Bend National Park, Langford Hot Springs offers a primitive soaking experience along the Rio Grande. Accessible via a short hike, these hot springs provide a tranquil spot to unwind after exploring the park's rugged terrain.

Balmorhea State Park: While not a natural hot spring, Balmorhea State Park features a large swimming pool fed by San Solomon Springs. The water is naturally heated and maintains a constant temperature year-round, providing visitors with a unique swimming experience in the desert oasis of West Texas.

Alibates Hot Springs: Found in Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument near Amarillo, these hot springs are known for their historic significance. While the hot springs themselves are not open to the public for soaking, visitors can learn about their importance to indigenous peoples and early settlers in the area.

These are some of the notable hot springs and heated pools in Texas where visitors can enjoy soaking in warm waters and experiencing the state's natural beauty.

WATER PARKS IN TEXAS

WATER PARKS IN TEXAS

Texas is home to a diverse array of water parks, offering fun and excitement for visitors of all ages. From thrilling water slides to lazy rivers and wave pools, these parks provide refreshing escapes from the Lone Star State's summer heat.

Big Rivers Waterpark

23101 TX-242

New Caney, TX 77357

(832) 509-1556

Lubbock Water Rampage

6602 Marsha Sharp Fwy

Lubbock, TX 79407

(806) 771-5953

Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine

100 Great Wolf Dr

Grapevine, TX 76051

(800) 693-9653

Hurricane Harbor Arlington

1800 E Lamar Blvd

Arlington, TX 76006

(817) 640-8900

Hawaiian Falls Roanoke

290 W Byron Nelson Blvd

Roanoke, TX 76262

(817) 853-0099

Hawaiian Falls Garland

4550 N Garland Ave

Garland, TX 75040

(972) 675-8888

Pease Splash Pad

1600 Parkway

Austin, TX 78703

(512) 974-9331

Bahama Beach Waterpark

1895 Campfire Cir

Dallas, TX 75232

(214) 671-0820

Rock'N River Water Park

3300 E Palm Valley Blvd

Round Rock, TX 78665

(512) 218-5540

Beachside Billy’s Resort

& Waterpark

16107 FM2769

Leander, TX 78641

(512) 258-5110

Summer Fun Water Park

1410 Waco Rd

Belton, TX 76513

(254) 935-3774

Splashway Water Park

5211 Main St

Sheridan, TX 77475

(979) 234-7718

Schlitterbahn Waterpark

New Braunfels

400 N Liberty Ave

New Braunfels, TX 78130

Schlitterbahn Waterpark

Galveston

2026 Lockheed Rd

Galveston, TX 77554

Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark

2970 Epic Place

Grand Prairie, TX 75052

(972) 337-3131

Splashtown San Antonio

3600, I-35

San Antonio, TX 78219

(210) 227-1400

Bedford Splash

2817 R.D. Hurt Pkwy

Bedford, TX 76021

(817) 952-2323

Wet 'N' Wild Waterworld

8804 S Desert Blvd

Anthony, TX 79821

(915) 886-2222

Waterpark at the Villages

18270 Singing Wood Ln

Flint, TX 75762,

(903) 534-6016

Typhoon Texas Austin

18500 TX-130 Service Rd

Pflugerville, TX 78660

(512) 212-7792

The Quarry Splash Pad

3005 Co Rd 175

Leander, TX 78641

(512) 943-1920

NRH2O Family Water Park

9001 Boulevard 26

North Richland Hills, TX 76180

(817) 427-6500

Image by Renan Florindo

FIND MORE TEXAS TRAVEL SPOTS

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