South Padre Island beach
(BPT) – Summer has arrived in Texas, which means it’s time for a vacation. From soaking up the sun on the Texas coast to diving into the cool clear waters of a swimming hole, from outdoor adventures to amusement park thrills, there is no shortage of fun in the Lone Star State. Thanks to recent rain, lakes are full and landscapes are green and lush, perfect for your summer escape.
Looking for an ocean breeze? Head to the Texas Gulf Coast. Take advantage of one of the top kitesurfing spots in Corpus Christi, or charter a fishing expedition in Port Aransas, a coastal hotspot north of Corpus Christi. Also near Corpus and North Padre Island is the Padre Island National Seashore, where visitors can stroll along 70 miles of coastline from Corpus Christi to the Port Mansfield Cut, the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world.
In the coastal town of Galveston, enjoy sunny beaches, exciting rides on the historic Pleasure Pier and explore the Historic Strand District. Further south at South Padre Island, a wide array of activities awaits. Enjoy a variety of accommodations along the beach and Laguna Madre, take a surfing or sandcastle-sculpting lesson, parasail 700 feet above clear blue water or go on a dolphin excursion.
For swimming hole enthusiasts, there has never been a better time to explore Texas’ natural waters, as recent rain has made the swimming holes fuller and more beautiful than ever. The world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool, Balmorhea State Park, is a West Texas paradise with clear waters and warm temperatures year-round.
Just southwest of Austin in the small town of Wimberley is Blue Hole Regional Park, a local favorite. Blue Hole is a winding river with a gorgeous hue thanks to the natural springs that provide its water. Another of the most popular swimming holes, Hamilton Pool, lies just west of Austin and its 50-foot waterfall pouring over a fern-cloaked grotto sets the perfect vibe for a summer day.
Whether you are looking for relaxation, beautiful surroundings, family fun or hair-raising thrills, the trip of a lifetime awaits you in the Lone Star State. To explore the many great travel experiences in Texas, visit www.traveltex.com and find us on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.
And don’t forget your summer reading! Whether you’re relaxing in the beaches of South Padre Island or lounging by the spring-fed swimming pool at Balmorhea State Park, a good read is a must-have.
If you love mystery and plans to bring only one book, “The Blackhouse
The Blackhouse: The Lewis Trilogy
From acclaimed author and dramatist Peter May comes the Barry award-winning The Blackhouse, the first book in the Lewis Trilogy–a riveting mystery series set on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides.
When a grisly murder occurs on the Isle of Lewis that bears similarities to a brutal killing on the mainland, Edinburgh detective and native islander Fin Macleod is dispatched to the Outer Hebrides to investigate, embarking at the same time on a voyage into his own troubled past.
As Fin reconnects with the people and places of his tortured childhood, the desolate but beautiful island and its ancient customs once again begin to assert their grip on his psyche. Every step toward solving the case brings Fin closer to a dangerous confrontation with the dark events of the past that shaped–and nearly destroyed–his life.
