As the open road and great outdoors beckon, it's good to know that some of the best destinations in Texas can be experienced for free! Here are a few of our favorite places for road trips with the best opportunities for East Texas nature.
Beautiful Texas Flowers
Some of East Texas' most historic missions are working cultural centers, and many have beautiful, natural grounds to explore. Mission Dolores in San Augustine was full of these beautiful yellow flowers when we visited.
A Relaxing Texas Beach
This beautiful dog knows that the beaches of the Bolivar Peninsula can be less crowded and more relaxing than it's busy neighbor, Galveston. Especially if you go during an off-season, when it's warm enough to dip your paws in the water, but not so hot that you burn them on the sand.
An Amazing Texas Lake
There's a reason that Caddo Lake, in East Texas is so popular! These beautiful, ancient bald cypress trees can be at least 3,500 years old, and can grow to heights of up to 150 feet with a diameter of 17 feet. Set in among huge lily pads and surrounded by forested landscape, it transports you to a place you thought could only exist in the imagination.
A Creative and Cool Texas Sculpture Garden
If you want a lot of art and a little shade when exploring Texas' nature in the summer, the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden and Mast Arboretum in Nacogdoches is a year-round treat. With its heavily-treed, winding paths that pass changing sculpture exhibitions, visiting here combines art and nature to offer the best of two worlds.
Many of these Texas road trip destinations can be found on our East Texas interactive map!
Photos by James Khattak