Uncovering Texas' Top 12 Stunning National Parks
Texans are renowned for their state pride, and it's effortless to understand why. Apart from the bustling metropolises and quaint small towns, there's an abundance of unexplored territory—and endless opportunities for thrill-seeking. Nestled within the vast state borders, you'll discover mountains, canyons, deserts, prairies, islands, hot springs, and storied rivers** such as the Rio Grande and Guadalupe. Although Texas only has two national parks to its name, the state boasts an impressive assortment of national historical parks, national recreation areas, national monuments, and even a national seashore worth visiting.
Below are twelve remarkable national parks and sites in Texas that should be added to your itinerary.
01 of 12## Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Salt Flat, Texas
A hidden gem situated on the northwestern end of the state, near New Mexico, this park is home to the highest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, which stands at over 8,500 feet elevation. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is recognized for its bright-white Salt Basin Dunes, lush grasslands, and fossilized mountains. For popular half-day treks, consider the Smith Spring Trail (approximately two miles round-trip), Devil’s Hall Trail (around 4 miles round-trip), or McKittrick Canyon Trail (between 5 and 7 miles round-trip). Horseback riding is also permissible within the park.
The park is approximately a two-hour journey from El Paso and around eight hours from both Austin and Dallas. You may also cross borders into New Mexico to visit Carlsbad Caverns, roughly 30 miles away.
nps.gov/gumo; 400 Pine Canyon, Salt Flat, TX 79847
02 of 12## Big Bend National Park
Spreading across over 800,000 acres, Big Bend encompasses the Chisos Mountains, 2 million acres of the Chihuahuan Desert, and nearly 200 miles of the Rio Grande. Located in far West Texas, on the southernmost edge of the state, it is the eighth-largest national park in the continental U.S., but it sees only about half a million annual visitors, making it one of the most sparsely visited parks in the system. For easy access, reserve accommodations in either Terlingua, which is situated nearest to popular Big Bend sight Santa Elena Canyon, or Marathon, which is located near the northern end of the park.
Big Bend National Park is more than 400 miles away from Austin or San Antonio, as well as a three-hour drive from the nearest Midland airport. For those making the trip, anticipate tranquility, serenity, and awe-inspiring stargazing. It has been recognized as having some of the darkest skies for gazing at the stars after a day of exploration. Additionally, you can book various kayaking tours—choose from single-day or multi-day excursions—with a guide from Big Bend Boating and Hiking.
nps.gov/bibe; Panther Junction Visitor Center, 1 Panther Junction, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
03 of 12## San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
San Antonio, Texas
A UNESCO World Heritage Site (and the only one in Texas), this site preserves four of the five Spanish frontier missions in San Antonio. The park's boundaries can be explored via walking or biking along the city's established Mission Trail. Daily ranger programs take place at Mission San José.
nps.gov/saan; multiple locations; San Antonio, TX 78214
04 of 12## Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
Fritch, Texas
This area can be found within the arid plains of the Texas Panhandle, approximately 30 miles north of Amarillo, Texas. Its main attraction is the 10,000-acre Lake Meredith, which serves as a reservoir. Visitors enjoy access to the lake either via personal watercraft or by renting a boat from the park’s rental vendor.
nps.gov/lamr; 419 E Broadway St, Fritch, TX 79036
05 of 12## Padre Island National Seashore
Corpus Christi, Texas
Situated on Padre Island—the barrier between the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre Bay—this national park comprises the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world. Its coastline spans over 60 miles and houses the endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle and more than 380 bird species.
nps.gov/pais; 20420 Park Road 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
06 of 12## Waco Mammoth National Monument
Waco, Texas
This monument rests within 108 acres of wooded parkland that contains fossil remains representing the nation’s first and only recorded evidence of a nursery herd of Ice Age Columbian mammoths. Roam the area to discover the site where these giants roamed thousands of years ago in present-day Texas. Visit the Dig Shelter to view the mammoth bones by signing up for a tour at the welcome center.
nps.gov/waco; 6220 Steinbeck Bend Drive, Waco, TX 76708
07 of 12## Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
Stonall, Texas
Created in tribute to the 36th U.S. President, Lyndon B. Johnson, situated around his hometown of Johnson City in Texas Hill Country, this park showcases a recreation area filled with blooming wildflowers in the spring, along with Johnson's residence, famously known as the "Texas White House." Visitors can explore the ranch at their leisure in their own vehicles, and make stops at the President's birthplace and Johnson family cemetery.
You can find more information on this park at nps.gov/lyjo, located at 199 State Park Road 52, Stonall, TX 78671.
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Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
Based in Brownsville, Texas
Dating back to early May 1846, this site witnessed a confrontation between United States and Mexican troops, marking the initial skirmish of a two-year-long conflict. This significant location during the U.S.-Mexican War was designated as a national historical park in 1992. Begin your visit at the visitor center to explore exhibits, artifacts, and a 15-minute educational video.
For additional information, visit the park's website at nps.gov/paal, located at 7200 Paredes Line Rd, Brownsville, TX 78526.
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Fort Davis National Historic Site
Located in Fort Davis, Texas
Functioning as a strategic post from 1854 to 1891, Fort Davis in West Texas safeguarded travelers, freight wagons, and mail coaches on the Trans-Pecos segment of the San Antonio-El Paso Road and the Chihuahua Trail. Begin your journey by watching a 15-minute video on the fort's history. During various times of the year, volunteers dressed in period attire breathe life into the fort's history through workshops and presentations in its furnished buildings.
For details, check out the park's website at nps.gov/foda, located at 1504 State St, Fort Davis, TX 79734.
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Amistad National Recreation Area
Situated near the Texas-Mexico border, this recreation area features the Amistad Reservoir where the Rio Grande, Devils River, and Pecos River converge. The recreation area in Del Rio is popular for water-based activities such as swimming and boating.
Discover more information at the park's website at nps.gov/amis, located at 10477 Highway 90 West, Del Rio, TX 78840.
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Big Thicket National Preserve
Positioned in Kountze, Texas
This national preserve in southeastern Texas is home to diverse life due to its unique location where multiple habitats converge. Traverse hiking trails through nine distinct ecosystems, ranging from cypress-lined bays to longleaf pine forests. Cycling is permitted on certain trails, and there are multiple boat launches for paddlers, along with guided canoe programs.
Learn more at the park's website at nps.gov/bith, located at 6102 FM 420, Kountze, TX 77625.
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Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
Situated in the Fritch, Texas, Panhandle, this monument commemorates the area where Native Americans once extracted the Alibates flint from the red bluffs of the High Plains. Embark on a guided tour led by a ranger to learn about this special type of flint, and explore nearby petroglyphs at the Antelope Creek Village site.
Discover more information at the monument's website at nps.gov/alfl, located at 37084 Alibates Road, Fritch, TX 79036.
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- The Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located in Salt Flat, Texas, offers a variety of activities for thrill-seekers, including popular half-day treks like the Smith Spring Trail and horseback riding. (SouthernLiving, Texas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park)
- Big Bend National Park, situated in far West Texas, is known for its tranquility, serenity, and stargazing opportunities, with popular sights such as Santa Elena Canyon and kayaking excursions available. (Texas, Big Bend National Park, activities and entertainment, Culture and Lifestyle)
