Cheap Places to Visit in Texas

Texas is a state with a lot to offer visitors, but it can also be an expensive place to travel. However, there are a number of cheap places to visit in Texas, if you know where to look. Here are five of the best⁚

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is a vast and beautiful park located in West Texas. It’s home to a variety of landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and rivers. There are plenty of things to do in Big Bend, including hiking, biking, camping, and fishing. And the best part is, it’s one of the most affordable national parks to visit, with an entrance fee of just $30 per vehicle.

Here are some tips for saving money on your trip to Big Bend⁚

• Visit during the off-season (October-April). The weather is still mild during these months, but there are fewer crowds and lower prices.
• Camp instead of staying in a hotel. There are several campgrounds in Big Bend, with sites starting at just $10 per night.
• Bring your own food and drinks. There are a few restaurants in Big Bend, but they can be expensive. Save money by packing your own food and drinks.
• Take advantage of the free activities. There are plenty of free things to do in Big Bend, including hiking, biking, and swimming. Take advantage of these free activities to save money on your trip.

Cost⁚

The cost of visiting Big Bend National Park is very affordable. The entrance fee is just $30 per vehicle, and there are several ways to save money on your trip. Here are some tips⁚

• Visit during the off-season (October-April). The weather is still mild during these months, but there are fewer crowds and lower prices.
• Camp instead of staying in a hotel. There are several campgrounds in Big Bend, with sites starting at just $10 per night.
• Bring your own food and drinks. There are a few restaurants in Big Bend, but they can be expensive. Save money by packing your own food and drinks.
• Take advantage of the free activities. There are plenty of free things to do in Big Bend, including hiking, biking, and swimming. Take advantage of these free activities to save money on your trip.

With a little planning, you can easily have a budget-friendly trip to Big Bend National Park.

What to do⁚

There are plenty of things to do in Big Bend National Park, both free and paid. Here are a few of the most popular activities⁚

• Hiking⁚ Big Bend is a hiker’s paradise, with over 150 miles of trails to explore. There are trails for all levels of hikers, from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking trips.
• Biking⁚ There are also several mountain biking trails in Big Bend, ranging from easy to difficult. You can bring your own bike or rent one from one of the park’s concessionaires.
• Scenic Drives⁚ Big Bend is home to some of the most scenic drives in Texas. The most popular drive is the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, which takes you through the heart of the park.
• Wildlife Viewing⁚ Big Bend is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and javelinas. You can often see wildlife along the park’s roads and trails.
• Stargazing⁚ Big Bend is one of the best places in Texas for stargazing. The park has very little light pollution, so you can see the stars clearly on a clear night.

With so much to see and do, you’re sure to have a memorable trip to Big Bend National Park.

Padre Island National Seashore

Padre Island National Seashore is a 70-mile long barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico. It is the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world, and it is a popular destination for beachgoers, birdwatchers, and fishermen.

Padre Island is a great place to visit on a budget. There is no entrance fee to the park, and there are plenty of free activities to enjoy, such as⁚

• Swimming⁚ Padre Island has some of the best beaches in Texas. The water is clear and warm, and the sand is soft and white.
• Sunbathing⁚ Padre Island is also a great place to sunbathe. There are plenty of spots to find a secluded spot to relax and soak up the sun.
• Fishing⁚ Padre Island is a great place to fish. You can fish from the beach, the jetties, or the piers. There are a variety of fish to be caught, including redfish, trout, and flounder.
• Birdwatching⁚ Padre Island is a great place to birdwatch. The park is home to over 350 species of birds, including migratory birds, shorebirds, and seabirds.
• Camping⁚ There are several campgrounds on Padre Island, where you can camp for a small fee; Camping is a great way to save money on your trip to Padre Island.

Padre Island National Seashore is a great place to visit for a relaxing and affordable beach vacation.

Cost⁚

One of the best things about visiting Texas is that it is a relatively affordable state to travel in. There are a number of free and cheap activities to enjoy, and even the most popular attractions are reasonably priced.

Here is a breakdown of the costs associated with visiting the five places listed in this article⁚

• Big Bend National Park⁚ Entrance fee is $30 per vehicle. There are also fees for camping and other activities.
• Padre Island National Seashore⁚ No entrance fee. There are fees for camping and other activities.
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park⁚ Entrance fee is $15 per vehicle. There are also fees for camping and other activities.
• Palo Duro Canyon State Park⁚ Entrance fee is $5 per person. There are also fees for camping and other activities.
• Big Thicket National Preserve⁚ No entrance fee. There are fees for camping and other activities.

As you can see, the entrance fees to these parks are very reasonable. And, there are plenty of free activities to enjoy, such as hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing.

If you are on a tight budget, there are a few things you can do to save money on your trip to Texas. First, consider visiting during the off-season. Second, look for discounts on entrance fees and other activities. Third, pack your own food and drinks to avoid paying high prices at restaurants.

With a little planning, you can easily have a fun and affordable vacation in Texas.

What to do⁚

There are endless things to do in Texas, but here are a few ideas for cheap activities⁚

• Visit the Alamo⁚ This historic mission is free to enter, and you can learn about the famous battle that took place here.
• Go hiking or biking in Big Bend National Park⁚ This park has over 1,200 miles of trails, so you’re sure to find something that suits your fitness level.
• Swim in the Gulf of Mexico at Padre Island National Seashore⁚ This beach is over 100 miles long, so you’re sure to find a spot to yourself.
• Visit the Fort Worth Stockyards⁚ This historic district is home to rodeos, cattle drives, and other Western-themed attractions.
• Explore the Big Thicket National Preserve⁚ This preserve is home to a variety of plant and animal life, and there are many hiking trails to choose from.

These are just a few ideas for cheap activities in Texas. With a little planning, you can easily have a fun and affordable vacation in the Lone Star State.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Cost⁚ Entrance fee is $10 per vehicle, or $5 per person on foot or bicycle.

What to do⁚ Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with over 80 miles of trails to choose from. The park is also home to the tallest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and desert.

In addition to hiking, there are a number of other activities to enjoy in the park, including camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a variety of animals, including black bears, mountain lions, and desert bighorn sheep.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a great place to visit for a cheap and scenic getaway. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild.