Winter vacations in Texas and surroundings.
Discover the best winter day trips from Dallas, winter weekend getaways in and around Texas and the best winter road trips from Texas to warm up the season!
Looking for amazing things to do to enjoy your weekend in Dallas? We have 52 pretty cool ideas to share! Click and discover.
Social distancing-approved Christmas events in Dallas and surroundings and inspiring activities to try at-home.
Create your own Christmas Bucket List 2020 and enjoy Holiday season to the fullest!
15 outdoor and drive-thru events to get into the Holiday spirits in Dallas and surroundings.
10 delightful Christmas activities to try at home and bring Christmas joy every day in December.
Dallas Holiday season has just started and Christmas events are popping up everywhere!
Time to enjoy the best time of the year – but with safety in mind.
Discover in our Christmas Bucket List 2020 all safe and sound Holiday-themed things to do in Dallas and surroundings, and amazing activities to try at home to bring some much-needed Christmas cheer.
Ready to jump on the Christmas train?
Check our posts, select your favorite activities and events, and create your very own Christmas Bucket List 2020.
Check our ‘Things to do in Dallas’ page.
There you will find tons of ideas, including social-distancing approved outdoor things to do.
Discover 60 outdoor things to do in Dallas and surroundings. 14 State Parks less than 1h30 from the city. 52 fun things to do in Dallas to keep you entertained all year long. DFW must-sees and hidden gems. And more.
All you need to know to make the most of your Christmas staycation in Dallas and have a blast through the end of the year!
Here you will find tons of fun ideas on how to enjoy Holiday season in Dallas and surroundings.
Now it is your turn: use them to guide you through the season and take Holiday fun to a whole new level!
And don’t forget to come back here and share your experiences.
Do you know of any other social distancing-approved Christmas events or at-home fun Holiday activities not mentioned in these posts? What are your favorite Christmas traditions?
Leave a comment below and help to spread Christmas joy!
From the most beloved Christmas traditions to winter-themed cozy activities, here are some delightful ideas to enjoy Holiday season safely at home.
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.”
– Clark More
‘Tis the season to build everlasting memories. And 2020 calls for an especially good one!
Opportunities to celebrate Christmas at home are endless, really. But here I share with you some of my favorite Holiday-themed activities to try this year.
From America’s most beloved Christmas traditions to winter-inspired inviting activities to enjoy with friends and family, discover 10 fun ideas to celebrate Holiday season at home.
Dig into this post, make your own Christmas bucket list and dive into the Christmas spirit from the comfort of your own living room!
Looking for safe and sound things to do outside as well? Check this post for social distancing approved Christmas things to do in Dallas and surroundings.
Advent calendars are a great Christmas tradition and a sure way to make the Christmas joy present every day throughout December. You can make your own, or choose a beautiful reusable one to be added to your annual Christmas decor.
Here are some of my favorite options. You can personalize them all, adding daily Christmas-themed small gifts, actions and activities, and bring Holiday joy to every single day of the month!
Kids go crazy with this one! (me too, I confess)
This is a fun way to spend a cold December afternoon doing something different and that screams Christmas to me.
If you are (really) talented in the kitchen, you can dive head first into this one and make your own gingerbread houses and cookies.
As cooking skills are not exactly one of my strengths, I usually (ok, always) go for the pre-made kits. These are my favorites:
Making s’mores under the stars wintertime is a must. Pair it with Christmas songs (and a good glass of wine, I won’t tell anyone) and you have the best Holiday activity ever!
No firepit? No problem? This inexpensive portable firepit will do the trick. I’ve had it for about a year know and it more than does the job – great memories are being made around it!
I also recommend you getting extendable marshmallow sticks. I didn’t even know they existed until recently (shame on me) and they were a game changer in my s’mores skills 
.
If all you want for Christmas is to stay cozy and warm INSIDE the house, lit your firepit and make some s’mores in the comfort of your living room.
Go mess free with this electric s’mores maker from Nostalgia.
I also prefer to use ceramic logs indoors. They give you the look and the heat without the toxic fumes and are my newest Holiday season inversion – I would say it is a pretty good one!
Because IMHO 2020 simply asks for that!
But no need to go bankrupt to do so. Being creative and doing a lot of research, you can find inexpensive ways to give your home a Holiday facelift on a budget.
You can find a lot of cool basic stuff on discount stores. For more elaborated – and usually expensive – items, Amazon offers some excellent Christmas decor deals.
Here are some of my favorite findings for this season:
This is another winter favorite: fondue. If you have never tried it, it is time to fix this huge anomaly lol.
Here you can find some simple recipes (WARNING: don’t click on them if you are hungry 
. Just did. Big big mistake):
Classic Swiss Cheese Fondue Recipe
Coq Au Vin Meat Fondue Recipe
Chocolate Fondue Recipe
You can go mess-free and try an electric fondue set. What is a great option specially if you have little ones around. You cannot go wrong with this one from Cuisinart, I’ve actually worked with this brand eaons ago and it is super high quality:
But I really LOVE the traditional fondue sets. I love the cast iron look and there is something mesmerizing about the flame under the pan, it brings me some very good old memories:
Tip: we are in the era of small gatherings. But if you have more people coming, you can always buy inexpensive extra fondue forks to increase the capacity of your fondue set:
Invest in good wine tumblers for the perfect fondue and wine gathering. If you know a little about wine, Riedel is a brand that needs no introduction:
This is one of my favorite American Christmas traditions. And one that I really make a point in doing every single year for my kiddos.
Because well, you are only a kid once, and the look in their faces when they wake up and see something silly “the Elf” did the night before truly pays off EVERY effort (yes, I eventually always run out of creative ideas and get sick of the poor little Elf by the end of the season lol).
You find the original Elf on the Self in many retail stores, and it comes with a book telling his whole story, prefect to read to the kids and get them into the fairytale vibe.
It usually sells out virtually every year before Christmas. So, if you cannot find it around, you mind consider this kit from Amazon that comes with some cute extras and, at least in the day I wrote this post, was the only one still available for next day delivery:
If the Elf on the Shelf tradition is something new to you, here is the whole story and how it works.
Here is the deal: Santa will need to know WHAT you want for Christmas to decide wether you deserve it or not according to the Elf reports…
And then he will need a PLACE to leave these presents on Christmas night!
Keep the magic going by writing Christmas letters with the little ones and leaving them by the Elf – without touching him or he will loose his magic – to be delivered to Santa.
Then get yourself some beautiful stockings and stocking holders to complete your already awesome Christmas decor.
Watching Rudolph in your jammies, eating popcorn and drinking hot cocoa, is a must during Holiday season. And probably one of the easiest ways around to get into the Christmas spirits.
For all-time classics, make sure to include Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964), A Christmas Carol (1938), It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), and Miracle on 34th Street (1947) in your list.
For the “new-classics”, A Christmas Story (1983), Home Alone (1990), The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), and Elf (2003) are musts.
I also absolutely love the much more recent Klaus (2019) and The Christmas Chronicles 1(2018) and 2 (2020).
And new titles abound and will be available in every stream platform starting right now!
Have little ones who love to hear a story before going to bed? Transform it into a Christmas activity reading Holiday-inspired tales, sure to bring Christmas joy every night in December.
This is an easy yet meaningful Christmas activity, and a great way of assuring sweet dreams and keeping the spirits high from sunrise to dawn.
You can get one book with several short stories like this one:
Or invest in a small Christmas library. Here are some of the recommended Holiday-themed books to consider:
This year things are a little different. But it doesn’t mean we cannot have fun and a heartwarming Holiday Season. It is actually quite the opposite: we need that now more than ever!
Being creative it is still absolutely possible to have the time of your life while keeping safe, by engaging in fun Christmas activities at home or in outdoor social-distancing approved activities.
Here you found 10 cheerful ideas on how to enjoy Christmas Season in your house and have a blast in the upcoming weeks.
Choose your favorites and go create memories with your loved ones to be cherished forever!
Do you have a favorite Christmas tradition not mentioned here? Share your fun ideas in the comments section below.
Discover 18 social distance approved Christmas things to do in Dallas Fort Worth in 2020 and warm up to the season.
“Peace on earth will come to stay,
When we live Christmas every day.”― Helen Steiner Rice
The best time of the year is just around the corner. Time to put our Santa’s hats on and do some serious work to build everlasting and forever cherished memories!
This year has been a little “different” – to say the least – and the new normal requires a lot of creativity to enjoy Christmas season safely.
Luckily, Dallas offers super cool Holiday-themed outdoor attractions and social distance-friendly events. And knowing where to go you can still have the time of your life while keeping safe.
Ready for some – much-needed – Holiday cheer?
In this post you will find 18 ideas on how to safely enjoy Christmas in Dallas.
Superb drive-thru experiences to admire the best Christmas Lights Displays in Dallas Fort Worth. Cozy and heartwarming outdoor events. The best neighborhoods to drive around and see the Christmas lights for free. Drive-in theaters featuring Christmas movies. And even Christmas tree farms to choose and cut your own pine tree.
Chose below your favorites and have a holly jolly Christmas! 
Dallas traditional drive-thru Christmas Lights Displays are trendier than ever. Guaranteed to wow you and 100% social distancing-approved, they are a sure way of getting into the Christmas vibe while keeping safe.
Dallas Zoo Lights, Gift of Lights, Radiance Christmas Lights, Prairie Lights and Magic of Lights are this year top pics.
Check their website below for detailed info to plan your visit and buy tickets online in advance (most places require that as part of the safety measures implemented to avoid the spread of COVID-19).
Take with you some inexpensive Magic Christmas Glasses for cool 3D effects while seeing the Christmas lights. I discovered those in a Thanksgiving trip to Arizona last year and fell in love with them!
Here are details on the 5 most amazing drive-thru Christmas Lights Displays to experience this Holiday season in Dallas Fort Worth:
When
Nov. 20th – Jan 3rd, 2021 │36 select nights: 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Where
Dallas Zoo – 650 S. R. L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75203
Prices
USD 65.00 per car (members USD 50.00 per car)
When
Nov 26th – Jan 3rd, 2021 │ Friday & Saturday: 6pm-10pm / Sunday – Thursday 6pm-9pm
Where
Texas Motor Speedway – 3545 Lone Star Cir, Fort Worth, TX 76177
Prices
USD 30.00 to USD 60.00 per vehicle
When
Nov 11th – Jan 3rd, 2021 │ Every night from 5:30 pm (closes at 10pm or 11pm depending on the day, check their calendar)
Where
Dr. Pepper Ballpark – 7300 Roughriders Trail, Frisco, TX 75034
Locations also in Decatur and Weatherford, about one hour away from Dallas.
Prices
Regular Admission: USD 30.00 per vehicle/ VIP Admission: USD 50 per vehicle (includes hot chocolate, dedicated VIP line and magic glasses for kids).
When
Thanksgiving Night through New Year’s Eve 2020 │ Every night: 6pm-10pm
Where
Lynn Creek Park – 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
Prices
USD 30.00 and up per vehicle/ Fast Pass: USD 99 and up per vehicle
When
Nov 20th – Jan 2nd, 2021 │ 6pm – 10pm (closed on Dec. 31st)
Where
Little Elm Park – 701 West Eldorado Parkway, Little Elm, TX
Prices
USD 26.00 to USD 100.00 per vehicle
Looking for something more active but still safe? Put your fancy winter coat on, grab a hot chocolate and walk-through Dallas most beautiful outdoor light displays!
Considered one of the best Christmas events in Texas, the Holiday at the Arboretum is a must-visit in Dallas. Beautiful Holiday-themed gazebos, an adorable Christmas Village and tons of lights transform the already gorgeous botanical garden into a Holiday wonderland and one of the most popular Christmas attractions in DFW.
The traditional Lone Star Christmas at Gaylord Texan features for the first time a 100% outdoor attraction, especially designed with social distance in mind. The Yuletide Bright is a light and lantern walkthrough event, that will take you through 50,000 square feet of pure Christmas magic!
And finally, for an outstanding free and pet-friendly alternative, try the famous Vitruvian Lights, a beautiful Christmas Lights display at Vitruvian Park, perfect for a winter leisure walk.
Be prepared for awesome photo-ops and create instant memories with family and friends.
👇👇👇
Here you find detailed information on the best outdoor Christmas events in Dallas to check on this Holiday season:
When
Daytime:
Nov. 7th – Dec. 31th, 2020 (Christmas Village opens on Nov. 27th) │ 9am – 5pm
12 Days of Christmas at Night:
Nov 11-25: Wed–Sun 6–9pm │ Nov 27-Dec 30: Sun–Wed 6–9pm; Thu–Sat 6–10pm
Where
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens – 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218
Prices
Daytime admission: USD 12.00 to USD 17.00 per person (members free)
Night admission: USD 10.00 to USD 25.00 per person
When
Nov. 13th – Jan. 3rd, 2021
Where
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center – 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, Texas 76051
Prices
$15.00 per Adult/ $10.00 per Child (4-11)
When
Nov. 27th – Jan. 3rd, 2021│ At night
Where
Vitruvian Park in Addison – 3875 Ponte Ave, Addison, TX 75001
FREE EVENT
Most neighborhoods and home owners in Texas do an outstanding job decorating their houses and great Christmas lights displays can be found in virtually any neighborhood in Dallas and surroundings.
But if you want to go big, choose traditional Dallas locations, known for presenting jaw-dropping Christmas light displays year after year.
The best part? These are totally free Christmas lights displays! Simply choose the closest to you, grab your hot cocoa and go enjoy.
👇👇👇
Here are some of the best Dallas neighborhoods to drive during Holiday season for Christmas lights:
The most traditional and impressive neighborhood Christmas lights displays in Dallas.
Drive the area within Armstrong Pkwy, Preston Rd, Mockingbird Ln and surroundings to admire the awe-inspiring Christmas decor. Or go fancy and take a carriage ride.
Beautiful lights, among the best in the Dallas area. Interlochen neighborhood homeowners do an outstanding job decorating their homes and keeping alive the Christmas magic.
Start your driving tour at 2001 Westwood Drive, in Arlington and just follow the flow. Prepare for some traffic, especially on weekends.
In Northwest Plano between Preston Rd. and Coit Rd, Deerfield is another neighborhood offering a gorgeous Christmas light display.
A popular destination during the Holidays and free Christmas attraction in the Dallas surroundings, Deerfield can also be experienced through carriage tours. For more info check the Deerfield Homeowners Association page.
If you’ve never watched a movie from the trunk of your car, ’tis the season’ to finally fix it!
Enjoying a movie outdoors under the stars in a local drive-in theater is an amazing experience year-round. But Christmas makes it even more special.
Head to the nearest drive-in movie theater to enjoy a Christmas movie. Use blankets and some pillows to turn your trunk into the coziest movie theater ever.
👇👇👇
Order popcorn and some treats and voila: you have the most amazing Christmas activity and a memory to treasure forever.
Here are some of the coolest drive-in theaters in DFW to try this Holiday season.
Where
2999 N Carroll Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
Prices
USD 28.00 to USD 35.00 per car
Where
223 NE 4th Street, Fort Worth, TX 76164
Prices
$8 Adults (age 12+)/ $5 Kids (5 – 11)/ Ages 4 & under are Free
It doesn’t matter if you are creating a new Holiday tradition or keeping one alive: cutting your own Christmas tree as a family is a neat experience and a sure way to bring Christmas bliss to you and your loved ones life.
Several Christmas tree farms in Dallas Fort Worth and surroundings offers this opportunity. Here you find some recommendations to try right after Thanksgiving.
Handsaw, assistance, hayrides to and from the field and tree wrap are usually provided without extra cost. Some of these places offer fun activities for the family besides the Christmas tree experience itself, click on the links for more information. And bring money! – some places will only take cash and check.
Plan ahead and make it a family Christmas day: have your ornaments ready for when you get back home carrying your beautiful pine tree, and spent the rest of the day decorating, it listening to Christmas carols and drinking hot cocoa.
This are the recommended Christmas tree farms in the Dallas surroundings to go cut your own pine tree:
Where
10706 CR-350, Terrell, Texas 75161
When
Saturdays and Sundays – from Friday, Nov 27 through Dec 13th, 2020
Prices
$7.75 per foot
Where
601 Harvey Ln., Denison, Texas – 75020
When
From Nov 27, 2020
Weekdays 3pm-5pm (except the first day, open from 10 am-5pm)/ Sat 10am-5pm/ Sun 1pm-5pm
Prices
$8.00 per foot according to size and shape
Where
11051 Co Rd 2312, Terrell, TX 75160
When
Open from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday after Thanksgiving and before Christmas
Prices
$8.00 per foot
Where
3900 Upper Denton Rd, Weatherford, TX 76085
When
Open from November 28th, 9-4 on Saturdays and 1-4 on Sundays
Prices
Varies per type of tree. Check their website for more info.
Where
5054 US-69, Greenville, TX 75402
When
Closed Thanksgiving Day
Open Saturday and Sunday, November 21-22, 2020 10AM – 7PM
Open Mon – Fri 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM/ Sat – Sun 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Prices
From $ 44.00 for a 6ft Scotch Pine Tree. Check their website for other varieties and sizes prices.
In this post I shared with you 18 places to enjoy Christmas season in Dallas and surroundings while keeping safe.
Holiday-themed things to do in DFW and its suburbs, including the best Christmas Lights Displays – paid and free, Christmas tree farms, and open-air drive-in theaters to watch Christmas movies without leaving your car.
I hope it helps you to have the time of your life in the upcoming weeks and create some much-needed good memories for 2020.
Merry Christmas and may 2021 bring us renewed hope and faith!
Note: My posts may contain affiliate links. Buying through them won’t cost you a penny more, but will help the Dallas Wanderer to remain a free travel and leisure ideas resource. Thank you!
Discover the closest Texas State Parks to Dallas for hiking, camping and everything in between!
“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.”
― Henry David Thoreau
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Texas is home to over 80 State Parks!
Amazing natural preserves with unique landscapes and features, perfect to enjoy the outdoors and contemplate nature and wildlife.
Texas State Parks are protected areas managed by the government, with controlled access, and feel safe, clean, and well-maintained. They are my first choice whenever I feel like getting a breath of fresh air and using my hiking boots!
At Texas State Parks you can hike, camp, stargaze, fish, swim. And engage in more specific activities, such as rock climbing, paddling, cycling and even horseback riding.
Each Texas State Park offers a distinctive set of activities, and the best way to discover your favorite ones is by simply start exploring them!
No need to travel far to enjoy Texas nature. The Dallas surroundings are home to 14 of the Texas State Parks, only a short drive away from the city.
Here I share with you all the State Parks within a 1h30 driving distance from Dallas. I’ve included the relative location to Dallas, as well as the driving distance, so you can find the ones closest to you and start exploring from there.
While each Texas State Park near Dallas has its own beauty and offers something different, I do have my favorites! So, if you’re looking for specific recommendations on the best State Parks in Dallas and surroundings, look for the ones marked with 
throughout this article. Or check the recommended ones (and the reasons why) at the end of it.
I’ve also included some insider tips below, so you can make the most of your visits and hopefully avoid some headaches – such as being turned away by lack of reservations 
, yep, you need them.
Read this post, click on the links to see what each State Park near Dallas offers, choose your favorites, and go enjoy the outdoors!
Check this post, with 60 fun outdoor activities in Dallas and surroundings!
Ray Roberts Lake State Park (1h00)
Eisenhower State Park (1h15)
Bonham State Park (1h15)
📍Cedar Hill State Park (0h25)
📍Purtis Creek State Park (1h00)
📍Cleburne State Park (1h10)
📍Lake Whitney State Park (1h15)
📍Dinosaur Valley State Park (1h20)
📍Fort Parker State Park (1h25)
📍Fairfield Lake State Park (1h25)
Lake Mineral Wells State Park (1h15)
Fort Richardson State Park (1h30)
Lake Tawakoni State Park (1h00)
Tyler State Park (1h30)
Reservations to visit the Texas State Parks are required and should be made in advance through their online reservation system.
For the most sought-after State Parks in Texas, reservations need to be made weeks in advance for day passes. And months in advance for camping spots.
Getting last-minute reservations to visit Texas State Parks can be trick but is not impossible. Leave the “location” field blank in the Texas State Parks reservation system and search to see all State Parks with available passes for the date you wish to visit.
While you probably won’t find spots available in the most popular parks this way, you can end up scoring a last-minute reservation in a hidden gem soon to become your favorite camping or hiking spot in Texas! (I discovered some of my favorite State Parks around this way).
Trails, swimming areas and other State Parks facilities can close unexpectedly due to weather increment, water levels or other reasons. Other more specific limitations can be found – dinosaur footprints are not always visible at Dinosaur Valley, for example (it depends on the water levels).
It’s always a clever idea to check on current conditions before hitting the road to avoid disappointments. Along this post you find the links to each State Park website. Click on it and check the alerts in effect (at the top of the page) prior to your visit.
If you are planning to visit State Parks frequently, getting a Texas State Park Pass just makes sense.
For USD 70.00 you (and whoever is in the car with you) gets free entrance in all Texas State Parks for one year. And you also get camping and State Park stores discounts.
Try Texas State Parks!
You have 14 options to choose from up to 1h30 driving from Dallas. Each one of them with its own set of features and activities, and special in their own way.
Here we listed all of them, with the distances from the city and relative location to DFW. Use the links along to post to check what each of these amazing Texas State Parks offer and start exploring!
Yes, they are all very cool and worth the drive. But I do have my favorite State Parks near Dallas lol! They are marked with starts along the post, but for a quick glimpse these are the ones I would highly recommend you visit and why:
Eisenhower State Park
Has a stunning lake beach (really, impressive) and an amazing camping area overlooking lake Texoma.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Real dinosaur footprints along the riverbed! Oh, and a gorgeous crystal-clear river framed by sandy beaches. And a great trail system as well.
Lake Whitney State Park
Crystal-clear lake, with beautiful beach areas. The lake bottom is made of limestone, what prevents it from being muddy as other lakes – under the right weather conditions, of course.
Lake Mineral Wells State Parks
Top-rated trails, rock climbing and unique Penitentiary Hollow rock formation.
Tyler State Park
Tall pine trees! It’s a landscape you wouldn’t expect to find in Texas, specially so close to Dallas. The fall foliage reflecting in the lake there is beautiful. Shady trails and water activities, such as swimming and paddling, make Tyler a local favorite under the Texas heat as well.
Enjoy nature to the fullest without going too far! In this post you discovered the 14 best places in the Dallas surroundings to do that.
Now go check them out and get back here to let me know how it was.
Have you been to any of these State Parks before? Has any of them surprised you? What are your favorite places to go for hiking, camping, swimming and other outdoor activities near Dallas?
Leave a comment below.
Out of ordinary things to do in Dallas and surroundings to include in your bucket list. Discover surprising hidden-gems you wouldn’t expect to find in Texas!
Discover the best things to do this fall in and near Dallas-Fort Worth, and the top autumn road travel destinations in Texas and neighboring states.
Embark on a weekend adventure through unbelievably beautiful spots only 2h30 from Dallas.
Fall in Texas is simply amazing!
Think mild temperatures. Tons of outdoor travel destinations. Beautiful fall foliage as well. It is hands down one of the best times of the year to explore the Lone Star State and its neighbors.
Fall also brings Thanksgiving break. Therefore, the opportunity to explore even further.
This is your chance to hit the dreaming road travel destinations you can reach driving from Dallas, such as the Grand Canyon and Colorado’s ski resorts, for example.
Dallas itself also presents us with amazing opportunities to enjoy autumn.
Fun things to do in DFW and surroundings abound from September through early December and knowing where to go you can have a blast even without actually traveling during fall.
Looking for ideas on how to make the most of fall season in Dallas and surroundings? We got you covered!
Dig into our fall related posts above. Discover the best places to visit and top things to do this season and enjoy fall in Texas to the fullest.
Do you have an awesome recommendation or a cool fall experience to share? Leave a comment below then. I’ll love to hear from you and uncover new places.
10 kid-friendly family travel destinations to visit in Texas and surroundings, perfect for all ages!
Have the time of your life this summer in one of the most beautiful portions of the Texas Gulf Coast
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Ask any Texan about the best beaches to visit in the state and they will not hesitate in pointing out South Padre Island.
South Padre Island is a popular beach travel destination year-round, and especially during the excruciating Texas summer months – ocean breeze, water, and few clothes on are hands down one of the best ways to beat the Texas heat!
And the place lives up to all the hype about it: there you can expect to find white sand beaches, dunes, wildlife, beach vibe and great weather.
But which are the best beaches to hit in South Padre Island? What to do there besides hanging out on the beach? Which are the main local attractions you can’t miss and that will make you experience the best of this amazing portion of the Texas Gulf Coast?
Find here 10 amazing things to do in South Padre Island and hit the road to uncover one of the best beaches to visit in Texas within a reasonable distance from Dallas – 8h30 driving from the city.
If you’re looking for a beach closer to Dallas, check this blog post as well, covering the best beaches to visit in the Port Aransas and Corpus Christi surroundings.
Check our ideas below, make your reservations and embark on an amazing trip through the Texas Coast!
So, you’re here for the beach, right? And Isla Blanca Park happens to be one of the best places to bury your feet on the sand in the heart of South Padre Island, near hotels, condos, and eateries.
Beach Access # 16, at Isla Blanca Park, is a top-rated beach access in South Padre Island and a safe bet if you’re looking for your perfect spot under the sun without driving any further. Expect a clean beach with soft sand, easily accessible through a beautiful wooden walkaway.
Isla Blanca Park has a small public parking, as well as abounding public street park. Go there early in the morning to watch the sunrise.
Looking for something more private and scenic? Drive about 7 miles/ 15 minutes east and spend the day at Edwin K. Atwood Park instead.
It’s a scenic beachfront park with several amenities – such as beachfront covered pavilion, picnic tables and restrooms – and 20 miles of undeveloped and drivable beaches.
For the utmost adventure, drive on the beach (4-wheel drive recommended) and find your own private slice of paradise.
Sea Turtle Inc. is on your way to Edwin K. Atwood Park and combining them both is an outstanding way to spend your day in South Padre Island (keep reading for more info on that).
Continue driving east on Ocean Boulevard for about 6 miles past Edwin K. Atwood Park and you’ll reach one of the most beautiful – and maybe least visited – areas in South Padre Island.
The South Padre Sand Dunes are a must-visit protected area, with gorgeous dunes and a peaceful beach.
Its entrance marks the end of the road. You’re not allowed to drive on the dunes, so plan to hike them (bring plenty water!) and then set up your tent by the beach to enjoy solitude and stunning views.
the South Padre Sand Dunes are near South Padre Island Adventure Park, where you can experience horseback riding on the beach (more info in the next topics).
Sea Turtle Inc. is a conservation center and animal protection organization.
They perform an amazing job rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured sea turtles and they work can be seen firsthand – including the beautiful turtles they care for – at their rehabilitation center.
Visiting the center is an educative and inspiring experience. Witnessing their hatchling releases – currently suspended due to COVID-19 – an unforgettable moment. A must-stop in a summer trip from Dallas to South Padre Island.
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is right next door and visiting them both together is highly recommended (see next topics).
Looking for once in lifetime experiences? Try horseback riding on the beach at South Padre Island.
Horseback riding with dunes and the ocean as a backdrop is a hard to beat summer activity, and a sure way to build everlasting memories.
South Padre Island Adventure Park, near the South Padre Island Sand Dunes, is one of the providers offering this type of adventure on the Texas Coast.
Make sure to schedule your horseback riding tour to the end of the day and top off the already amazing experience with a stunning sunset over the dunes.
Dolphins in Texas? You bet! And you can spot them right at the South Padre Island.
There are several operators offering Dolphin Watching tours in the area, at different times of the day.
Fins to Feathers is a great option and operates with small groups. The Original Dolphin Watch offers one of the most popular dolphin tours in South Padre Island.
Dolphin Docks is another interesting alternative. It departs from Port Isabel and you can take advantage of your day trip there to visit the Lighthouse (next topic) to cross both activities off your bucket list in a single day.
Make sure to bring your camera and if possible, schedule the sunset tour, for amazing photo ops.
Port Isabel is right across the bridge from South Padre Island and a beautiful place for an afternoon stroll.
Head there to explore Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site, the only lighthouse in the Texas Coast open to the public. If you’re into historic spots and amazing views, you’ll love it.
The idyllic lighthouse offers great photo ops, has an informative visitors’ center telling its history and is surrounded by cute shops and restaurants. Make sure to climb the stairs to the top for amazing views of the bridge connecting the continent to South Padre Island.
Dolphin Docks is only a few steps from there and offers Dolphin Watching tours. Combining both activities can be a great way to spend an afternoon in the South Padre Island surroundings.
**NOTE:
Port Isabel Lighthouse Historic Site is currently closed due to COVID-19 as per Jul 21, 2020.
Check their website before heading there for current status.
South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is an amazing spot for a leisure nature walk and spot birds, turtles, and alligators!
Learn about nature. Stroll through their amazing suspended wooden boardwalk to breath in the beautiful wetland surroundings. Climb up the tower for stunning views. Feed gators and tortoises.
The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is right next door from Sea Turtle Inc., so take advantage of your visit to the area to check on both places.
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is a local gem almost untouched by man.
Things to do in this nature preserve include hiking, cycling, and fishing. The area is known for coyotes, falcons, and ocelots. Alligators, deer, roadrunners, and other birds can also be spotted.
The pavilion offers amazing bay views from the top.
It’s the place to be if you love nature, wildlife, solitude, and photography.
A visit to the beach is not complete without enjoying a delicious meal or some drinks overlooking the ocean.
South Padre Island offers a handful selection of waterfront restaurants, both overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and beautiful Laguna Madre.
To watch the sunset over Laguna Madre, head to Lobo Del Mar Cafe, Laguna BOB or Long Board Bar and Grill. For amazing ocean views, Clayton’s Beach Bar and WannaWanna are your best bet.
South Padre Island, 8h30 driving from Dallas, is an amazing beach destination in Texas and a sure way to get your deserved beach fix without leaving the state.
One of the best beaches to visit driving from Dallas, South Padre Island is home to amazing white sand beaches, nature preserves, dolphins, turtles and more.
In this post you discovered the 10 top things to do on a trip to South Padre Island, including the best beaches to visit, top local attractions and a handful of waterfront restaurants to include in your itinerary.
Read it through, select your favorite attractions and make your reservations to enjoy the best the Texas Gulf Coast has to offer.
Have you been to South Padre Island? Do you know of any other local attractions that should be included in a travel itinerary to South Padre Island? Leave a comment below!
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