places to visit in texas during covid

I’ve been exploring Texas during the pandemic, and I’ve found some amazing places that are perfect for social distancing. From the vast desert landscapes of Big Bend National Park to the pristine beaches of Padre Island National Seashore, there’s something for everyone in the Lone Star State.

Big Bend National Park

I spent a week hiking and camping in Big Bend National Park, and it was an incredible experience. The park is home to a diverse range of landscapes, from towering mountains to vast deserts. I hiked to the top of Emory Peak, the highest point in the park, and the views were breathtaking. I also spent a night camping in the Chisos Basin, and it was amazing to fall asleep under the stars.

a. Hiking Trails

There are over 150 miles of hiking trails in Big Bend National Park, ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks. I hiked the Lost Mine Peak Trail, a 4.8-mile loop trail that offers stunning views of the Chisos Mountains. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, and it’s a great option for hikers of all levels.

b. Scenic Drives

If you’re not up for hiking, you can still enjoy the beauty of Big Bend National Park by taking a scenic drive. The park has over 100 miles of paved roads, as well as a number of unpaved roads that are accessible to high-clearance vehicles. One of the most popular scenic drives is the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, a 30-mile loop that takes you through the heart of the park.
I highly recommend visiting Big Bend National Park if you’re looking for a place to get away from it all and experience the beauty of the Texas wilderness.

a. Hiking Trails

I’ve hiked many of the trails in Big Bend National Park, and they’re all amazing in their own way. But if I had to choose one favorite, it would be the Lost Mine Peak Trail. This 4.8-mile loop trail takes you through a variety of landscapes, from desert scrub to pine forest, and offers stunning views of the Chisos Mountains. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, and it’s a great option for hikers of all levels.

Here are a few other hiking trails that I highly recommend⁚

• South Rim Trail⁚ This 12-mile trail follows the rim of the Chisos Mountains and offers incredible views of the desert below.
• Boquillas Canyon Trail⁚ This 5-mile trail takes you through a narrow canyon and to a beautiful waterfall.
• Grapevine Hills Trail⁚ This 6-mile trail is a great option for a shorter hike, and it offers stunning views of the desert and the Chisos Mountains.

No matter what your fitness level or experience, you’re sure to find a hiking trail in Big Bend National Park that’s perfect for you. So get out there and explore the beauty of the Texas wilderness!

b. Scenic Drives

One of the best ways to experience the vastness and beauty of Big Bend National Park is to take a scenic drive. There are several different drives to choose from, but my favorite is the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. This 30-mile drive takes you through the heart of the park, past towering mountains, desert landscapes, and the Rio Grande.

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at several overlooks and trailheads. Be sure to stop at the Sotol Vista Overlook for stunning views of the Chisos Mountains. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike the short trail to the Santa Elena Canyon Overlook for even more incredible views.

Here are a few other scenic drives that I recommend⁚

• Old Ore Road⁚ This 13-mile drive takes you through the historic mining district of Terlingua.
• Persimmon Gap Road⁚ This 10-mile drive offers stunning views of the desert and the Chisos Mountains.
• Burro Mesa Road⁚ This 15-mile drive takes you to the top of Burro Mesa, where you’ll have panoramic views of the park.

No matter which scenic drive you choose, you’re sure to be amazed by the beauty of Big Bend National Park. So get behind the wheel and explore the Texas wilderness!

Padre Island National Seashore

Padre Island National Seashore is a 70-mile stretch of undeveloped barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a great place to get away from the crowds and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Texas coast.

I recently spent a few days camping on Padre Island, and I had an amazing time. I spent my days swimming in the warm Gulf waters, sunbathing on the pristine beaches, and fishing in the Laguna Madre. I also took a few hikes on the island’s many trails, and I was rewarded with stunning views of the Gulf and the surrounding marshes.

One of the best things about Padre Island is that it’s so undeveloped. There are no hotels or restaurants on the island, so you’ll need to bring your own food and supplies. But that’s part of what makes Padre Island so special. It’s a place where you can truly get away from it all and enjoy the beauty of nature.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate, Padre Island National Seashore is the perfect place for you. With its miles of pristine beaches, warm Gulf waters, and abundant wildlife, Padre Island is a true paradise.

Here are a few tips for planning your trip to Padre Island⁚

• Bring plenty of food and water, as there are no stores or restaurants on the island.
• Be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• If you’re planning on camping, make sure to reserve your campsite in advance.
• Be aware of the island’s tides. The tides can change quickly, so be sure to check the tide schedule before you go swimming or fishing.

a. Beaches

Padre Island National Seashore is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Texas. The beaches are wide and sandy, with crystal-clear waters and gentle waves. I spent hours swimming, sunbathing, and walking along the beach, and I loved every minute of it.

One of the best things about Padre Island’s beaches is that they’re so undeveloped. There are no high-rise hotels or condos, just miles of pristine coastline. This makes Padre Island a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Texas coast.
I also enjoyed the fact that Padre Island’s beaches are so clean. I didn’t see any trash or debris on the beach, and the water was crystal-clear. This made for a very pleasant and relaxing beach experience.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate, Padre Island National Seashore is the perfect place for you. With its miles of pristine beaches, warm Gulf waters, and abundant wildlife, Padre Island is a true paradise.

Here are a few tips for enjoying your time on Padre Island’s beaches⁚

• Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no stores or restaurants on the beach.
• Be aware of the island’s tides. The tides can change quickly, so be sure to check the tide schedule before you go swimming.
• Be respectful of the island’s wildlife. Padre Island is home to a variety of animals, including sea turtles, dolphins, and birds. Please do not disturb the wildlife, and be sure to clean up your trash.

b. Wildlife Viewing

Padre Island National Seashore is a haven for wildlife lovers. The island is home to a variety of animals, including sea turtles, dolphins, and birds. I was lucky enough to see all three of these animals during my visit to Padre Island.

I saw several sea turtles swimming in the Gulf of Mexico. The turtles were large and graceful, and it was amazing to see them in their natural habitat. I also saw a pod of dolphins playing in the waves. The dolphins were jumping and frolicking, and it was clear that they were having a great time.

In addition to sea turtles and dolphins, Padre Island is also home to a variety of birds. I saw pelicans, gulls, and egrets, just to name a few. The birds were everywhere, and it was fun to watch them flying and fishing.

If you’re interested in wildlife viewing, Padre Island National Seashore is a great place to visit. With its diverse array of animals, Padre Island is sure to provide you with a memorable wildlife experience.

Here are a few tips for wildlife viewing on Padre Island⁚

• Be patient. Wildlife can be elusive, so it’s important to be patient when you’re looking for animals.
• Be respectful. Wildlife is wild, so it’s important to respect the animals and their space.
• Bring binoculars. Binoculars will help you to see the animals up close without disturbing them.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Wildlife can be found anywhere on Padre Island, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a beautiful and rugged park located in West Texas. The park is home to the tallest peak in Texas, Guadalupe Peak, as well as a variety of other mountains, canyons, and desert landscapes.

I visited Guadalupe Mountains National Park in the spring, and I was amazed by the beauty of the park. The mountains were stunning, and the desert landscape was unlike anything I had ever seen before.

I hiked to the top of Guadalupe Peak, and the views from the summit were incredible. I could see for miles in every direction, and I felt like I was on top of the world.

In addition to hiking, there are a variety of other activities that you can enjoy in Guadalupe Mountains National Park, including camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a variety of animals, including black bears, mountain lions, and desert bighorn sheep.

If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all and experience the beauty of the Texas desert, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a great place to visit.

Here are a few tips for visiting Guadalupe Mountains National Park⁚

• Be prepared for the weather. The weather in Guadalupe Mountains National Park can change quickly, so be sure to pack for all types of weather.
• Bring plenty of water. The desert can be very dry, so it’s important to stay hydrated.
• Be aware of your surroundings. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.
• Follow the park rules and regulations. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a protected area, so it’s important to follow the rules and regulations.