Summer Activities in Texas
Explore top attractions and activities in Texas this summer with our curated guide to wonderful experiences suitable for families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. Enjoy refreshing water parks, thrilling rides, and outdoor adventures that showcase the beauty and excitement of the Lone Star State.
Summer is the most popular season to visit Texas since there is so much to see and do. While visiting the Lone Star State this summer, don’t miss visiting some of these attractions and taking part in some of Texas’ best summer vacation activities.
Get Soaked at Schlitterbahn
Get wet at one of the top waterparks in the country. Schlitterbahn has locations in New Braunfels, Galveston, Corpus Christi, and South Padre Island. The parks also feature restaurants, evening entertainment, and other amenities, including hotel/resort accommodations. Consequently, Schlitterbahn is a great place to spend a day or an all-inclusive vacation getaway.
Visit SeaWorld Texas
Marine life shows and displays, adventure camps, thrilling rides, a water park, and more await you at SeaWorld San Antonio. Families will have no trouble filling an entire summer day with fun-filled activities at SeaWorld, regardless of whether they choose to get wet or stay dry.
Tube the Guadalupe
Floating down the Guadalupe River in an inner tube is definitely a “Texas thing.” If you happen to be visiting the Hill Country, you won’t want to miss out on this unique experience. Moreover, since the Guadalupe, like other Hill Country Rivers, runs clear and cold, it is a great way to beat the sweltering summer Texas heat while taking in some of the state’s best natural scenery.
Have Fun at Fiesta Texas
San Antonio’s Six Flags Fiesta Texas offers the only “floorless” roller coaster in the southwest, plus over 100 rides, shows, a water park, and more. Therefore, whether thrill-seeking or looking to get wet, Six Flags offers plenty of great ways to spend a summer day in the Alamo City.
Windsurf South Padre
With miles of shallow, calm water in the Lower Laguna Madre and strong winds coming off the Gulf of Mexico, South Padre Island is a windsurfer’s dream. While the winds may be light at times in August, early summer typically offers ideal windsurfing conditions. Consequently, during late summer, conditions are once again often favorable as early season fronts begin to push through.
Swim at Barton Springs
Located in Austin’s famed Zilker Park, Barton Springs was formed when Barton Creek was dammed. Since its inception, Barton Springs has become one of the most popular swimming holes in the state. Not only does swimming at Barton Springs allow visitors to cool off and beat the Texas summer heat, but it also enables them to experience a treasured Texas summer tradition in the Hill Country Region.
Take Part in an Outdoor Adventure
Located in the scenic Texas Hill Country, Lake Buchanan Adventures offers a wide variety of activities, including kayaking, hiking, camping, and more, tailored to excite outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
Bass Fishing
Black bass are considered the most popular freshwater gamefish in the nation. Moreover, Texas is one of the top states known for producing trophy largemouths. Each of Texas’ seven geographical regions is home to numerous big bass lakes, featuring a variety of unique habitats and scenery.
Camp and Hike in Big Bend Park
Designated as an International Biosphere Reserve, Big Bend offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities in a primitive setting. Backpacking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, hiking, nature watching, and camping—if it can be done outdoors, it can be done in Big Bend.
Saltwater Fishing
Saltwater fishing in Texas is as good as anywhere along the U.S. coastline. More and more anglers have been discovering this in recent years and taking advantage of the Lone Star State’s world-class saltwater fishery.