Places To Visit In Texas In December

Texas is one of the largest U.S. states and is made up of seven distinct regions. Each region has a lot to offer travelers, including diverse environments, cool attractions and a variety of activities.

The Gulf Coast, which includes Galveston and Corpus Christi, has a massive 624 miles of coastline where visitors can swim, serve and fish throughout most of the year. Other regions include the South Texas Plains, Big Bend Country and the Panhandle Plains.

Texas is well known for rodeos, ranches, and big open country but there is so much more for a vacationing family or seasoned traveler to experience and enjoy. Close to 800 miles from top to bottom and as wide in some places, it is the second largest state in the USA. With such a huge terrain, Texas offers a long coastline, mountains, desert, and of course large dazzling cities all with their own mix of fun places to go.

There is something for everyone, the salty ocean air or a host of attractions that the great cities like Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, or Houston will have. A Lone Star vacation is a memorable experience in many ways. A visitor could lay on the beach, trek through beautiful foothills, explore an old wild west town and dine in a four-star restaurant in just a weekend.

There are world-class golf courses, guest ranches to ride some horses, and a big variety of activities for the ocean lover. The scenic beaches along the Texas Gulf Coast and the splendor of South Padre Island keep fishermen and beachcombers coming back year after year.

Forbidden Gardens

In 1997, Ira P.H. Poon built the Forbidden Gardens in Katy, Texas, in order to teach the public about Asian heritage. He especially wanted Asian people, who lived in Houston, to gain an insight about their own cultural background aside from the typical dragons and firecrackers that people associate with the culture. The site spans 40 acres and includes a courtyard, koi fish ponds, and arcades.

Guests can take in a true cultural experience while listening to soft Chinese music and experiencing the smell of incense. The most impressive sight at the Forbidden Gardens is the 40,000-square-foot model palaces and people, which are meant to look like the Temple of Heaven, The Calming of the Heart Lodge, and the Forbidden City of Beijing, China. The large pit that is set off to the side of the grounds, contains thousands of small soldiers, animals and dancers, that are reproduced to look like the Emperor Qin’s terra-cotta army.

Cascade Caverns

Cascade Caverns is a natural attraction located beneath the Texas Hill Country town of Boerne. The caverns are the only living cave in the state and include such sights as a waterfall running down the walls of the Cascade room and a variety of wildlife, like Leopard Frogs and salamanders.

The flashlight tour, held the first Friday night of each month, takes guests into the massive cave with no light sources other than a flashlight and allows them to see the wildlife that only comes out when it is dark, including blind salamanders. Day tours are also available and are run by trained guides who educate visitors on the formations and creatures that inhabit the caverns.

The Stockyards in Fort Worth

Located in the heart of Fort Worth, the Stockyards provides a blend of what Texas once was, and what the state currently is. The site consists of a visitor center and an entire district of town filled with historic buildings and Wild West activities.

Visitors can look forward to taking a walking tour, where a guide fills everyone in on Texan history, visiting the Cowboy Hall of Fame, containing exhibits of old wagons and famous cowboys, and take a trail ride. The Stockyard Convention and Visitors Bureau also provides visitors with a chance to catch 15 Texas Longhorns through the streets. The event happens twice a day and has been going on since 1860.

San Antonio

San Antonio offers attractions such as the Alamo, the San Antonio Botanical Garden and the picturesque Paseo Del Rio River Walk. SeaWorld is one Texas’ main attractions for tourists. The park encompasses a 250-acre plot of land, making it the largest of the three SeaWorld parks. The main attractions at SeaWorld are the whales, sea lions and dolphins. There are shows involving the animals as well as the opportunity to interact with them. Along with animal exhibits, the park also features nine water rides and three roller coasters. There are fourteen different locations to dine at within the park; offerings include ice cream and seafood.

The San Antonio River Walk, adorned with light displays and holiday events. Explore the streets, indulge in local cuisine, and feel the holiday spirit in every corner.

Houston Space Center

The Houston Space Center is the visitors center of the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. It provides visitors with a comprehensive history of human space travel. Behind the scenes tours of Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center leave from the Houston Space Center. Visitors can see the Mission Control Center and several other facilities used in launches. On display are several authentic spacecrafts used dating back to the US’s first manned space flight. The space center has a kids section with interactive exhibits.

Hermann Park

Hermann Park is a 445-acre urban park near downtown Houston. The park features a two-mile long trail to walk along. The park has numerous attractions for tourists including the Houston Zoo, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Hermann Park Golf Course and the Houston Garden Center. There is a train to ride through the park as well as pedal boats to rent. The park has a cafe to eat at near the entrance to the Houston Zoo. A fishing pier is available for children and the elderly to fish at.

Galveston Island

Galveston Island, located on the Gulf Coast, offers a different kind of winter charm. Despite the cold temperatures, the island comes alive with festive lights and holiday events. Moody Gardens, with its light show and winter-themed attractions, is a highlight. Explore the historic Strand District, indulge in local cuisine, and experience the magic of the Gulf Coast in December.

South Padre Island

For those seeking a winter retreat by the water, South Padre Island is the answer. Despite the cooler months, the Gulf Coast offers a mild climate, making it an excellent destination for beach lovers. South Padre Island National Seashore, with its pristine beaches and wild horses, provides a serene escape. The island’s festive lights, street vendors, and holiday events create a unique blend of relaxation and holiday cheer.

Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi is down the coast and offers a variety of scenic sunny ocean fun, situated on the Gulf Coast, is a haven for beach lovers even during the winter months. The city comes alive with holiday events, including a lighted boat parade and festive displays. Enjoy the unique charm of this coastal city, where the Texas winter takes on a different but equally enchanting form.

Big Bend National Park

Along the Rio Grande River is Big Bend National Park where mountain meets desert and hiking, camping and fishing come together to showcase the natural beauty that Texas has to offer.

For nature lovers, Big Bend National Park stands as a testament to the grandeur of West Texas. December marks an ideal time to explore its highest peaks and vast landscapes, with cooler temperatures making outdoor activities a joy. The park’s scenic drives and guided tours provide the perfect backdrop for a winter trip, allowing visitors to witness the beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert in a unique and serene setting.

Conclusion

All of the major cities in Texas offer lots of free things to do. Many museums and art exhibits cost little or nothing. The parks are large and scenic and perfect for a sunny afternoon picnic.

For fishermen and hunters alike Texas is a sportsman’s paradise. With countless lakes all over the state you can bring a boat and never run out of water to ski, fish and have fun in the sun.

The people are friendly and the food is a hearty and flavorful tribute to the spirit that is Texas. The Lone Star State is a big adventure and will keep visitors coming back year after year.