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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 10, 2023
How long is the drive from Round Rock to Port Aransas?
The direct drive from Round Rock to Port Aransas is 263 mi (423 km), and should have a drive time of 4 hrs 1 min in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Round Rock to Port Aransas, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with San Antonio, Austin, Corpus Christi, New Braunfels, Rockport, and San Marcos, as well as top places to visit like Hamilton Pool Preserve and Pedernales Falls State Park, or the ever-popular Krause Springs.
The top cities between Round Rock and Port Aransas are San Antonio, Austin, Corpus Christi, New Braunfels, Rockport, and San Marcos. San Antonio is the most popular city on the route. It's 2 hours from Round Rock and 3 hours from Port Aransas.
Austin, the capital of Texas, is a vibrant city with a diverse live-music scene and plenty of outdoor activities. The city is home to the University of Texas and offers numerous parks and lakes for hiking, biking, swimming, and boating. Additionally, visitors can enjoy art installations at Wonderspaces or explore the thriving craft beer scene with new breweries constantly emerging. Whether you're into music, art, or beer tasting, Austin has something for everyone to enjoy.
44% as popular as San Antonio
2 minutes off the main route, 8% of way to Port Aransas
2
San Marcos
San Marcos is a city and the county seat of Hays County, Texas, United States. The city is a part of the Greater Austin Metropolitan Area. San Marcos's limits extend into Caldwell and Guadalupe counties, as well. San Marcos is on the Interstate 35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio. Wikipedia.
2% as popular as San Antonio
3 minutes off the main route, 19% of way to Port Aransas
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New Braunfels is a Texan city situated near San Antonio. The region is renowned for the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, which flow by scenic parks such as Landa and Cypress Bend. The Gruene Historic District safeguards original German structures from the 19th century, including the iconic Gruene Hall. Additionally, Natural Bridge Caverns lie to its west, offering subterranean limestone caves with walkways for exploring.
6% as popular as San Antonio
3 minutes off the main route, 25% of way to Port Aransas
San Antonio, located in south-central Texas, is a city steeped in colonial history. The Alamo, an 18th-century Spanish mission turned museum, commemorates the famous 1836 battle for Texan independence. The River Walk, a scenic pedestrian promenade along the San Antonio River, is a major attraction with its charming cafes and shops. HemisFair Park's Tower of the Americas offers stunning views of the city.
Most popular city on this route
4 minutes off the main route, 36% of way to Port Aransas
Corpus Christi, a charming Texas city nestled along the Gulf of Mexico, boasts picturesque beaches sheltered by Padre and Mustang islands. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Padre Island National Seashore, home to diverse bird species and endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. Meanwhile, the harborfront Texas State Aquarium offers interactive exhibits and a shark display. History buffs can visit the USS Lexington, a WWII aircraft carrier turned naval aviation museum.
11% as popular as San Antonio
1 minute off the main route, 83% of way to Port Aransas
I'll never travel to Port Aransas without this trip planner again
Rockport, a charming coastal city in Texas, boasts the picturesque Rockport Beach, known for its fishing piers and diverse bird species. The Texas Maritime Museum offers insights into Gulf Coast history, featuring exhibits on shipbuilding, oil exploration, and piracy. Visitors can also explore the ever-changing local art displays and sculpture garden at the Rockport Center for the Arts. Additionally, history enthusiasts can tour the beautifully restored Fulton Mansion from the 19th century with its lush gardens and educational center.
2% as popular as San Antonio
10 minutes off the main route, 87% of way to Port Aransas
Best stops along Round Rock to Port Aransas drive
The top stops along the way from Round Rock to Port Aransas (with short detours) are Texas Capitol, Mission San Jose Catholic Church, and USS Lexington. Other popular stops include Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels, Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge Observation Deck, and Padre Island National Seashore.
1
Krause Springs
Campground
Nature & Parks
Forested park & campground with 32 natural springs, swimming holes, waterfalls, pool, trails & more.
I always meant to come review after the whirlwind of planning for our wedding. Finally doing it. This is a breathtaking, family friendly location. The owners welcomed myself, photographer/ hairdresser, and sister for my bridal pictures. They allowed me to use an air-conditioned room set up with family portraits and heirlooms in which to get ready, without us even asking. A wonderful day and gorgeous landscape of the waterfall and gardens.
Sara Grahmann — Google review
To say I had garden envy is a complete understatement. Everything here looked so lush and vibrant. The staff tending to the plants were super friendly and willing to share knowledge on the plants and property. Everything is very well kept and you can tell the staff take huge pride over their facility. My husband and 5 year old are avid spring swimmers and jumped right in. Rope swing was a hit. My 16yr old and myself enjoyed sunning on the surrounding rocks and watching the wildlife. The pool was gorgeous and it was so cool to watch the water flow into the pool, out again, down the water fall and into the spring pool. I definitely recommend this spot to anyone thinking of visiting.
Icewolf Lee — Google review
Great private camping site, inside a ranch, with access to a pool where 20+ natural springs converge and spill down to a swimming hole in the creek below.
The swimming hole is over 6 ft deep in some areas and even has a small cave and swing rope.
There are not as many restrictions on where to set your tent or your fire pit, as in a regular public park.
There is water and electricity at the 24 RV spots with picnic tables and grills ( on the top level), but not at the more primitive tents sites which are spread out on the 2nd and 1st levels in elevation.
The 3 restrooms are clean, but no hot water in the showers.
No dogs or glass containers allowed.
Dan — Google review
Beautiful spot for a refreshing day trip or camping. Both natural and more manicured areas to enjoy. My husband and I went on Labor Day, and it wasn't too crowded in the morning, but the place definitely got busier after lunch. Water was cool and clean (though a bit murky in the main pool just from getting stirred up by swimmers). Recommend arriving early to avoid the biggest crowds!
Adrienne Daeger — Google review
Don't shy away from the garden! The spring area is absolutely beautiful with tons of things to explore. Take your time to walk down the path to the second waterfall. It's gorgeous. The garden area is one of the most peaceful places I've ever been. You can sit in the hamock at the end of the garden and enjoy the giant wind chimes!
Masud Abdullah — Google review
From the moment we stepped foot in Krause Springs we were amazed by the beauty of its garden-a true oasis. The true jewel was the spring itself. Though not as expansive as we initially thought it would be its remarkable beauty made up for it. It’s a place where you can disconnect from the hustle of your daily life and reconnect with nature! Krause Springs is a must visit for anyone seeking a peaceful escape.
Javier Gomez — Google review
This is an absolute gem of a swim spot! From the moment I arrived, the staff greeted me with warmth and friendliness, instantly making me feel welcome. The swimming experience was nothing short of fantastic, with water that was perfect for a refreshing dip. The ambiance and vibes at Krause Springs are simply unbeatable; it's a serene oasis where you can relax and unwind. If I could, I would give them 10 stars for their exceptional service, incredible swimming opportunities, and the overall amazing atmosphere. It's a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a memorable and enjoyable swim experience. Highly recommended!
destiny wegwerth — Google review
What a lovely place. Absolutely spectacular. Was blown away by all the features of the place. the pools, the river, the garden. We were lucky enough that our vans were able to make it done to the river side camping area. if you have a vehicle that can do it. its a great spot down there. had a really great time. definitely worth every penny. look forward to hopefully coming back.
Blues & Corduroys — Google review
If you want a truly quiet and relaxing time camping and rving this place is the best bang for your buck with the springs near by.
The facilities were nice (rv area) and the lawns were kept maintained.
You can bring your mountain bikes and ride along the rocks and have a good time or go near by to Pedernales state park.
My only complaint is that Gates close at 8pm and I’m young and like to go see night life especially if there are strict rules already about quiet hours. I think this could be managed better for paying customers, in addition to better reservation point of sale. The park has a website but cannot reserve which is a crutch especially when Terri does not trust the mail so if you’re traveling far you’re really banking on first come first serve.
We came days before it is closed for the season and it was beautiful weather for tent camping and fire
Sir Review Alot — Google review
What's not to love! We went on memorial day weekend so of course it was busy but still very enjoyable! We camped for 2 nights and loved it all! I would recommend water shoes, there's rocks, tree roots and lots of mud on the bottom. The waterfall is beyond beautiful and there's a cave right behind it you can go in. The rope swing is really cool and don't forget to jump off the ledge into the water, it's exilerating. We can't wait to be back!
Aarynn Davis — Google review
Magical place for old and young. For the brave ones try the liane swing over the natural pool! Bring your own food, they only sell some soft drinks.
Matthias Yeah — Google review
This place was an incredible idea and our family had tons of fun. I’m knocking 2 stars off because the water was very murky (which I know is not the parks fault, but it could help others. It felt pretty gross). We stayed in the natural pool 90% of the time, which was freezing. I removed another star because the person at the front was very rude when I asked an honest question. Nice employees would make for a better experience. Also, the bathrooms were very dirty. One bathroom didn’t even have a stall door.
Joscelin Reyes — Google review
I couldn’t find many reviews or pics of the RV hookups so this is dedicated to the 24 they have. Not on pads but many well shaded under legacy trees. Easy access to the pools but tucked away in the back of the property. Grills and fire pits at each with steel picnic tables. VERY well maintained. Short walk to to toilet/showers.
30 and 50 amp hooks with the usual 110 outlets. Solid and worked great. Water has good pressure and tastes great.
Hookups are in far back of each spot so bring extensions; my 50 foot hose JUST made my connections at the front of our rig.
Also know the sites are pretty tight to each other. Fine on a quiet weekday but might be a little close for your tastes on weekends.
Overall a beautiful camp, especially this close to ATX.
Chris Wooster — Google review
I saw a tic toc video about this place at 10pm on a Friday night. I book a RV space right then on the spot and woke up the next morning and drove down from Dallas. I have a 25 ft Regency Coach (small C class RV size) that I was able to enter the property with ease. If you have a 45 ft A class it will be tight. There are not a ton of spaces maybe 24 in total is my guess. And they’re all grass pads with electric and water hook up only. The sewer dump in next to the public restroom and there will be a line if you’re not an early riser. Was it worth it, yes. The cost for a space was reasonable. The ride down from Dallas was priceless during the spring bluebonnet season!!!! The hills and winding roads or so picturesque it’s unreal. Crossing over the Colorado River at Lake Marble Falls was heavenly. I didn’t have time to stop there but I’m going back for Marble Falls. Now back to the campsite. It is a privately owned property and decently kept. A little too tall grass under one of the fifth wheels next to me. That makes me nervous about what’s crawling at the foot of my steps when coming and going. There was no trash in the grounds it was very clean for a semi full park. More dry tent campers than RVs. The best experiences included THE AMAZING HUDGE FIVE FOOT WIND CHIMES hanging in the trees in a garden near the entry. It created the most amazing sound garden experience I’ve ever had. I am master gardener and I’m investing in buying these for my home today! The water falls, ponds and trees are heaven!!! It’s worth at least one night. I don’t see me staying there for days at a time but that’s just me. A wanderer. Only 4 stars because of grass pads and no full hookups for RV. The staff was nice and if I could rate the beauty of the nature likes and falls I’d give it a FIVE separately.
Deborah Hall (PlantingLifeMatters) — Google review
Awesome place! Very relaxing with a nice swim area, pool, and a LOVELY garden next to the entrance! Highly recommend to anybody. Small piece of paradise in Texas.
Johnny Hernandez — Google review
Perhaps it was the wrong time of the season to come but water was dark and looks too dirty, our daughters wouldnt come in to swim o tried to get them in the pool area and still no.
Place is not that big and much to do.
Staff was really friendly helpful.
Many nice places to park was available. We had a roof top tent camping sites had tables . Bathroom has no hot water and low water pressure.
Pack plenty of food and water because they do. Not have any restaurants inside
Daniel Tran — Google review
Just magical. We went on a Wednesday and it was basically empty. We enjoyed swimming, walking around the property, taking photos by the waterfall, and especially laying in the garden hammock and listening to the wind chimes. Definitely check this gem out!
Taylor Tatum — Google review
best place i’ve been!!!! the butterfly garden was STUNNING amidst the hot texas weather, it was such a beautiful oasis. the waterfall was the star of the place and the water was so refreshing! the rope swing was a huge hit as well! there is SO much camping space with picnic tables at each place. everywhere is a easy walking distance from the water. 10/10 place, i wish i didn’t have to leave!
Emma “Em” Bowman — Google review
Had a great time here during my birthday week! Not too crowded when I went . The garden was so peaceful and lovely, the pool was dope and the mini waterfall and natural pond that you can swim in was the best! Felt like a hidden gem!
A scenic natural swimming pool in a canyon below a 50-ft waterfall, surrounded by a grotto.
Heads up. The path underneath the cliff overhang is closed. Nonetheless a beautiful natural area. We mostly hiked towards the river. About an hour there and back.
Natasha Blackmore — Google review
Reservations are needed and an additional payment once in the park per a person. Only cash in person. Beautiful. Nice hike. The hike itself is short and easy-medium. Nice park staff and clean park area. Bathrooms were closed but they did have portable bathrooms (I did not use them).
Kimberly Orellana — Google review
No permit to go on the trail inside the cave. You can stay just in front of the cave. In the past was allowed.
Take care with snakes. We saw a poison one. Omg!!. It's usual on the trail. Specially close the pool. So, several rules to entry and you can go inside the cave. I don't recommend it so much.
Clenia Luna — Google review
Its a very pretty natural pool with clear blue water. Reservation is required to visit this place which is $12 per car. Apart from that, we need to be paying $8 fee per person for entry at the preserve entrance.
It was a short hike of 15-20 mins to the pool. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed in the pool due to fallen rocks and bacteria. Apart from that, you can take another long hike which will lead to the river.
But, we felt like entry was pricier for this place. It can be made lesser since swimming & walking around the pool is restricted now.
But, the water was definitely beautiful. Check the picture.
Srividhya Venkatramani — Google review
I am sad to leave this review, but we were extremely disappointed by Hamilton Pool Preserve. We visited from out of state on 5/29/23 with reservations. The pool was closed to swimming and rightfully so, because it looked like a dirty pond, nothing like the pictures I had seen. There is no waterfall whatsoever. The hiking pathway that goes around the perimeter of the pool is closed with no apparent plans for repair. I would recommend against stopping here in summer
Ellie McGriff — Google review
So much fun! Reservations required! Bring cash, you’ll pay the ranger at the gate. Short but steep walk down to the pool, do your best to pack light. Toddlers will likely need to be carried some on the way down, more on the way back up to the parking lot.
Elisa Valdez — Google review
After a long time being in Austin, I finally visited this place. It was beautiful. The water is very pretty and there were some fishes swimming close to the shore that was a good sight to look at. The grotto area hike and swimming is closed as of now. But there was hike to the river which was a good workout. The beach near the river is nice and the water is shallow and clear. Overall a good visit.
Vijaylakshmi Rana — Google review
It is a short hike to the pool. View of the pool is very beautiful. It is quite relaxing to just hang out there. Unfortunatly, at the moment walking behind the pool and swimming are not allowed due to the risk of rocks falling. But it is still a great day activity. Landscape is stunning. The color of the water is very impressive. I highly recommend a visit. And don't stay just in the pool, it is also worth walking to the other side where you will have a 0.75 mile hike by the creek to get to the river. The walk is also great and with wonderful views of the creek. You can also find fish swimming at the creek. At the river, you can swim. The only negative point about it is the price. Apart from a 8 dollars fee per person to be paid in cash when you get there, there is a 12 dollars fee to make the reservation (I guess for the car parking). A bit pricey in my opinion. Specially because you cannot stay the entire day there. You get either the morning ticket (from 8:30am to 12:30pm) or the afternoon ticket (from 1:30pm to 5:30pm).
Bernardo Engelke — Google review
4.6
(1953)
•
4.5
(736)
24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, USA
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2
Rooms and guests
Rooms
1
Adults
2
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0
3
Pedernales Falls State Park
State park
Nature & Parks
5,200-acre park with hiking & horseback riding trails, campsites, river swimming & scenic vistas.
My daughter and I loved this park. Her favorite to date! We spent a couple of hours as it was getting dark soon and we’re already planning our next trip and making sure we have at least half a day to truly enjoy it. So much to see and it’s beautiful! The park personnel was also friendly and just great! Hill country must see.
Melissa Mendez — Google review
Perfect for the family! There hasn't been much rain lately, so the falls were pretty dry. Also, the Blue-Green Algae was abundant and you couldn't get in the water. However, it was still a lovely site to see. Nice shaded picnic area and lots of trails if you need to get a good hike in. It is only $6 for adults and if the kiddos are under 12 they are free! We went on a weekday so it was less crowded than weekends. I would suggest buying passes online prior to visiting.
Manda B — Google review
We had a blast checking out this state park. The flowers were in full bloom and the water was chilly but not freezing. If you’re packing a lot of stuff be prepared to carry it a good ways as there’s a pretty good distance walk from the parking lot to the steps then to the river. There’s a good bit of steps to take but it was worth the walk. We had a great time at the park all day.
Clinton Moon — Google review
A well maintained park with large camp sites, covered table and fire pit. My pad was long and level, quite secluded. Showers were clean with lots of hot water. The park has many miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. They have a nice bird blind maintained by an on-site volunteer. While I did have TV reception cell service with T-moble was mostly non existent, at least where I parked. It's a little off the beaten path but that makes it quiet and very dark at night. I'd go back.
Tim Flagg — Google review
Great hiking on rocks with small water springs all around. We also took the trail you have to cross the river (take shoes off) and went up the hill to see the overlook. Well worth it but there’s no bathrooms and a few small benches for a quick rest, so be prepared.
Amy — Google review
This is a great park with many trails passing through woods, fields and of course the river area. Can be crowded. Swimming is allowed down river and I hear lovely though personally I have not done it. Been here many times and I recommend outside if peak summer because you can bake like a potato. Best advice if you are interested in river is to time a trip after seasonal rain.
Jason Oneal — Google review
This is really a beautiful place. Picturesque waterfall. It is big enough to walk or bike, you will need a few days to see all its trails. During this dry season the river is very shallow and calm, unlike last year's same dates, but anyway we had a lot of fun.
And, of course, fruitful wildlife! Raccoons, armadillos, deer, many different kinds of colorful birds and fish. the bird blind is well designed. And in the star theater we saw a stunning sunset.
Anastasia Cherkasova — Google review
We’ve been here several times and always enjoy it. There are many trails and camping. The falls are interesting to explore and there’s a swimming area a bit down the river. It’s a beautiful park with a ton of variety. Definitely get your park pass in advance, especially in the summer, as entry is limited and can fill quickly. The drive to the park is also pretty.
Sabrina K — Google review
Turned out to be my best sunset in nature during the trip. I was very pleased to get to camp here and scope out the falls before returning the next day for the sunset. It turned out to be the perfect evening with the overcast. I had a nice and tranquil time in the swimming area as well. The river water was nice and warm even in early summer.
Michael James — Google review
I've enjoyed visiting Pedernales for many years. Nowadays it can get very crowded as the sprawl from Austin gets closer and the secret of the park's beauty becomes known to more people. Be sure to use the Texas State Parks website to schedule your visit, especially if you're planning an overnight stay. Lots of campsites with varying amenities to suit everyone. Most areas are dog friendly and there is a bird blind where, if you're quiet, you can watch a variety of birds.
Amanda Rogers — Google review
This is a super nice park! To be honest, the walk to the river wasn’t very impress, so it made it so much more mouth-dropping when it first comes into sight! It’s beautiful—the water is stunning, and the rocks in the riverbed are a delight to climb on and explore! Overall, I would highly recommend; it’s definitely worth the drive!
The restrooms are also pretty good for a park bathroom; it’s nicely air-conditioned and it’s kept clean!
Eliana Pyle — Google review
While I was there I honestly could not wait to plan a return trip back. It was amazing. I did not wanna leave. The one the water was low so we were able to crawl all over the rocks and explore. It was clean. The sky was big and beautiful. And the parking area was relatively close to the falls, so if you aren’t a hiker and need a more level trail it is not a difficult path to an amazing view. We did take one trail from the Falls back to the parking but I can’t remember the name of it. It was more difficult than I expected with bigger rocks and steeper hills, but it followed the Pedernales river and had beautiful sites. After exploring the Falls we went to go check out the swimming area and it was definitely not what I expected. The stair workout to get down there and back out is a serious work out. So many steps to climb. We were only there for a day pass and didn’t take time to check out any camping spots. The falls are definitely what you were there to see, but beware swimming is prohibited on the falls section.
Jenny Murray — Google review
Took the family here for a day trip to hike and see the falls. We had a blast, it's so pretty and serene. Very quiet. Some trails were very easy, even partly paved, others more strenuous but my 3 year old did it. Even though we are in a drought, the water was still moving nicely, we even jumped in for a dip at the end of our hike. We will definitely be back.
Airwrecka Chat — Google review
I had a great time hiking the trail and across the rocks to see all of the waterfalls. The rangers working at the park were all very friendly and helpful in giving advice on an annual park pass and on how best to see all of the falls.
It was raining lightly when I went, so there were some pretty slick spots to navigate, but it was a great experience. The falls were all running heavily because of the recent rains, and it was gorgeous.
Shawn Partner — Google review
Visiting Pedernales falls state park for the first time for stories in the stars stargazing night. It’s a fantastic place for stargazing around Austin. Rangers was pretty impressive with story telling where they have brought telescope to look for stars and galaxy in sky. At star theater, there were rocks you can just sit or lay down to see beautiful dark night sky with full of stars and moon moving between the clouds with clear view. At first, I feel disappointed at first with cloudy sky and later it was cleared off. Had a amazing experience definitely worth a visit.
Vinay Chitneni — Google review
This park is not for the weak. It is a major hike down, then back up, to access the swimming area. The Falls area is almost as tough. Beautiful area, great birding opportunities with the dual blinds. I need to go back for the night sky views.
Stephanie Hall — Google review
It's one of my favorite state parks in Texas. The water is absolutely gorgeous. The terrain is incrediblely unique due to the river bed erosion. Lots of challenging hikes, so bring a good pair of shoes. One negative thing that I will say is that so many people wrote all over the stones. Almost every inche is covered in graffiti.. Please leave no trace people..
Anna Moss — Google review
Fantastic state park. We stayed for the night camping, and the tent sites are top tier. Showers are clean and have warm water. You cannot miss going to the actual falls area, its incredible with lots of area to explore especially if you dont mind climbing and hiking
Nathaniel Bilby — Google review
We visited on 12/17/23 and were pleasantly surprised. There were no waterfalls, but the pools of water were absolutely gorgeous! Crystal clear water, rocks to climb (most not too dangerous), small caves, butterflies, etc. Very peaceful! $6/pp or $70 for an annual pass. We drove by the camping area to check it out, and it looked nice and clean with a shelter spot with a picnic table, power, and water spicket. Merchandise such as t-shirts and beverages available at the check-in headquarters. Both men that waited on us at the drive-thru station and in the headquarters were very polite. Also, dog friendly, but must be on a leash!
Mari Kocur — Google review
This was an awesome state park with so many hiking trails. Trammells crossing was great you have to cross the river early on in the trail, you will 100% get wet crossing here, so have a plan, I removed my shoes before crossing and put them back on other people had large plastic bags. The trail was pretty legit I’d recommend the extra spur on the south side, one a the best parts of the trail and the river overlook on the north is one a the best views in the park.
The wolf mountain loop was nice with solid views all around, it connects with a number of other trails, I ended up taking on the Jones spring trail, and hiked back to the parking lot using part of the juniper ridge trail which was really awesome, one of my favorites.
The falls area was fun to explore I walked the west falls area and explored the rocks and lower falls areas.
It was winter time so I didn’t do much swimming but it looked like a great park for it. It rained a lot and the trails can get slick so bring good hiking shoes.
The electric camping area I stayed at was great the spots area reasonably spaced out, bathrooms with showers are available.
This was a great park and experience highly recommend.
charles compton — Google review
This is a nice place for a day outing. You can enter the park with a 6 USD/ person fee, as well as season pass and camping facilities are available. There are several spots inside the park to drive to, out of those the overlook and the swimming area are most interesting. From the overlook the cascades of the fall are visible and the water color is pretty neat. It's good for a little walk toward the cascades and the rocks too. Just as a note, no drones are allowed for photography purposes.
RAHUL BASU — Google review
Perfect for adults and kids. Don't forget to peer into the small pools, as many of them hold tadpoles, frogs, and tiny fish. It's a quick hike down to the falls and pools. You can spend a lot of time exploring. I recommend going early, as there is little to no shade.
Janet Evans — Google review
Amazing hiking experience! The views are stunning and there are a lot of hiking trail options available. Ranging from short to long hikes, or easy to hard. The people in the office are extremely friendly and very helpful since it was our first time in this park!
Angel Beltran — Google review
Awesome place with plenty to see and do. You can camp, swim, bike, hike, this place is great for families. We tried the primitive camping this last time we went, don’t recommend if you have younger children; the view and experience was well worth it.
Marylin — Google review
Secluded state park in the hill country. Camping sites with electricity and water. Good distance between most sites. We had a site on the outside rim that was very deep. Our only complaint was the parking blocks placed on the sides of the site for parking the trailer. One was located just below our steps creating a tripping hazard, and could not adjust the trailer location at this site for it not to be in the way. I have camped and nearly 10 Texas state parks in the last couple of years and these are unnecessary. On the plus, great trails for hiking.
The Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library is a museum, exhibition space and research centre on the University of Texas campus in Austin, Texas which contains many priceless objects relating to LBJs life and legacy as the 36th president of the United States.
Beautiful space and with scheduled ticket times it’s actually BETTER with the process of pacing and spacing that has developed from pandemic constraints.
You’ll learn about LBJ *and* Lady Bird. There was a temporary exhibit upstairs as well, featuring Mohammad Ali. I’d probably suggest you give yourself 90 minutes and my thinking is that children under 8 or 9 might not find enough engaging materials... but !hey! treat yourself to a date with your partner, gather some friends and make it part of a cultural/history exploration day, or for my true Presidential Library Fans... go alone!
A few interesting products in the gift shop...
Amber T — Google review
Very enjoyable afternoon learning about LBJ and Lady Bird. It was nice to spend an afternoon in the air conditioning rather than out in the heat of the day. I wish they would have had easier access to bathroom, had to trek my little one up and down the stairs three times. Highly recommend. Also we just happened to go on a Tuesday and got 50% off admission.
Jacob Kizer — Google review
I recently explored the LBJ Presidential Library after it has an extensive renovation but this visit was to see the Music America: Iconic Objects from America's Music History temporary exhibit. They have a dedicated parking lot but it was full and decided to park in the next one dedicated to the University of Texas. It was a Saturday so I am sure they did not mind. The building itself is very impressive and always enjoy visiting this place ever since my parents brought me here when I was a small child.
On this day there was a lot of of people visiting where I believe may have been eclipse tourists in town finding things to do in Austin while they wait for Monday. The Music America exhibit was definitely soothing to see and recommend it. The rest of the museum takes you back in time when Lyndon Baines Johnson was president and ran the show in times when a lot was happing in America. They have lots of timelines with historical events.
Make sure to ride the elevator to the 10th floor where find a replica of the Oval Office, Lady Bird's office and collection. The grounds are also spectacular with nice views of the UT campus and Tower.
Paul Delacruz — Google review
Very impressed. The Lady Bird section was wonderful, did not know she funded his first campaigns and took over his congressional office when he was serving overseas, or that she was a journalist who bought a radio station, or all her contributions including towards Head Start. He was ok too. The display on Gulf of Tonkin was incomplete, at best. But his accomplishments are many, from Civil Rights to Medicare and Medicaid. Also, the pop culture references were fun. Highly recommend if you find presidential and American history interesting.
Seth Newman — Google review
If you are in Austin, this is one landmark you should not miss...whether or not you were a fan of LBJ, you will be impressed by the legislation that was passed during his term as President. Unlike most other Presidents, he was able to work across the aisle so that Republicans and Democrats could agree on laws that would make life better for Americans.
Margaret Miller — Google review
A comprehensive museum about LBJ’s life and his term as President. There were some interactive exhibits about the Vietnam war too. My favorite was the Oval Office at the top floor. One of the guides told us that Lady Bird Johnson worked in this very museum well into her 90s.
Glenvicia Sim — Google review
What a wonderful place, learned so much about that period of US history and LBJ and his wife’s accomplishments, which took place before I was born. Really enjoyed my visit.
Marisa — Google review
A fitting and beautiful tribute to LBJ. Situated nicely on the campus of UT, parking is easy to find, and admission is affordable.
Experience the highs and lows of LBJ's Presidency, life in politics, and personal life. Truly worth your time.
John Polizzi — Google review
As a museum lover, I truly enjoyed the LBJ Presidential Library. The exhibits and tributes to Lady Bird with the walk through the times of LBJ, it was all very well put together. The building itself is massive when you walk up to it and is a grand sight. I recommend this experience while in Austin.
The K Green Show — Google review
Great museum. I really enjoyed all the exhibits. I definitely recommend for history buffs. There is only one request — please add President Obama and First Lady Michelle’s picture to the “Past/Former President exhibit. It’s been past two years, so the pictures should be there by now. Hopefully, by my next visit I will see them. 😊
Dana Thomas — Google review
I'm a big fan of museums. I'm also working to visit all of the Presidential Museums. So, of course I stopped by the LBJ Presidential Library before heading home to Colorado after working in Austin for a few days.
Parking was a bit confusing and I don't know if I was supposed to pay or not. But, I parked out front and had no issues. Didn't pay and still don't know if that's correct...
The admission is $13, but you need to purchase online in advance. I showed up without a ticket and was turned away at the door. It wasn't a busy place so I was able to log in on my phone and easily get a ticket.
The building outside is depressing and boring. Inside is fairly basic, but all in all, it is a fitting and solid tribute to the President.
A guide greeted me right after I walked in. She is a pleasant, smiling promoter of the museum and all things President Johnson. Very knowledgeable and kind. She offered to take several pictures and told me stories as I walked around. Left me to myself after awhile, but was a positive impression and her kindness is appreciated.
I love to see the Oval Office, the history behind our presidents, and all of the challenges the world presented at the time.
Overall a good presidential museum, a pleasant tour, and fun visit for me.
There's a decent, but small gift shop as you leave.
Timothy Mullins — Google review
LBJ library is definitely worth a visit. I knew nothing about LBJ before going. I thought it's just a library and I didn't expect to be paying for it. It's a presidential library (archival for LBJ era and it's by appointment) and a museum (documenting LBJ time plus music in America). We went on Tuesday (50%, $8 per person)
Museum is floors 3, 4, and 10. Archival library (by appointment) are floors 5,6,7, and 8.
Floor 3 (entry floor) is history of music in America. It's lovely and enjoyable. In addition, there is a few minutes film about LBJ (a must see) and a timeline of LBJ and lady bird life's.
Floor 4 is my favorite. It's about politics during LBJ time. Imagine a president comes after Kennedy's assassination and in the middle of cold war with Soviet union and the rise of communism. Internally, there is the civil right movement, poverty, and illiteracy. Also, the space race, Vietnam war, Israel-Arab conflict, etc. You will learn about the thousands of bills signed during LBJ era.
Floor 10, is a replica of the ovel office, the lady bird office, and their belongings. It's a light floor.
Bathrooms are in 2nd and 10th floors
GPS will take you to UT parking which requires permit. The next lot is FREE AND it's dedicated for library visitors. Don't park on the street it's not free!
Victor — Google review
We always enjoy the presidential libraries. There is so much history and it's like stepping back in time. Really enjoyed it and may go back the next time we are in Austin.
Eric H — Google review
What an amazing tour, it's truly a time machine into the past. Having only been a child during his Presidency, the Library shed a lot of light into Johnson's work and dedication. While it's a bit dated, and should be, it's very informative along with a very well kept animatronic LBJ. The staff is very kind, exceedingly helpful making the tour even more delightful. Highly recommend a look if one is in Austin Texas.
Christopher Bayer — Google review
Very interesting museum that provides a good overview of the times and issues facing the United States in the sixties. Both LBJ's civil rights success and his Vietnam failure are both presented with reasonable objectivity. It was an unexpected treat to be able to listen to many of LBJ's phone conversations with historical figures of the time, like Martin Luther King, Herbert Humphrey, Edgar Hoover and many more.
Bits — Google review
We were very impressed with this museum. It is very detailed oriented and very well presented. The only upset is that there’s a wall of portraits of all the US presidents and first ladies except for President Trump and first lady, Melania. No matter what our opinions are, we cannot rewrite history. His portrait along with his wife’s portrait must be put up on that wall.
Lizette P. Benitez — Google review
Very nice presidential library. There is a lot of good civil rights memorabilia and stories mixed in with the times.
Garry Kepes — Google review
I had zero expectations going into visiting this museum. I was blown away by how well it was laid out. I learned a great deal about LBJ that I had no idea about. Great museum.
Bullock Texas State History Museum is a museum that focuses on the history of Texas. It has exhibits that cover different periods in Texas' history, as well as two theaters with IMAX screens. The museum is located just a few blocks from the State Capitol and is perfect for kids who want to learn more about the history of their state.
I learned about TX history. It's fun knowing everything you can read here. There is a parking fee of $10 for a day if you plan to bring your car.
Jonah May Go — Google review
Great place to get out of the heat. Some dated items, it's it's museum!
Great gift shop with a very nice staff. The museum itself is laid out very nicely start at the top or start at the bottom. Loads of fun for the kids as well as adults. Parking is available nearby and an easy walk.
The first Sunday of every month the museum is free for all!
George Sidener — Google review
The trip was my family's first time there. It's such a large, well ran, and Beautiful Museum. Kudos to the administration! From the curator, to antiquities, to marketing. They were personable and well versed. Wow, the gift shop even had copies of his biography: Jewel of the South, a civil rights biography of Rev. Dr. L.E. Bennett.
The reason for our trip was to see the new exhibit on my Father, Rev. Dr. L.E. Bennett. It honored his life in civil rights in San Antonio, Texas, and how he integrated Southwestern Bell/ AT&T in the early 60s. My 88 year-old Mother loved it and talked to Dad's photo. That touched my heart.
Thank you for collecting, recording, and safeguarding Texas History.
Sharon Bennett — Google review
I visited for the first time and delved into Texas history, meticulously documented across various levels. As a visitor, I found the museum less captivating, given that much of the information could be accessed online. I prefer historical sites with tangible evidence like scriptures or ancient ruins. Luckily, a sunken boat from 18th century, belonging to the Spanish explorer who discovered Texas, added depth to the narrative. It's fascinating to trace Texas's journey from Mexican territory to a U.S. state. Allowing about 3 hours for a thorough exploration, the $15 entry fee felt fair.
Andrew Goh — Google review
Very clean and informative. Really enjoyed the layout and presentation. If you are traveling here without a car though I highly recommend getting a ride with how much of a detour I had to take to get here with the amount of construction.
Sarah sharpley — Google review
A great hands-on experience of Texas history! Lots of great displays and video, as well as interactive video games. The first time I attended was with a group of 80 or so students, which was probably too many for the space. This time I went with a group that was small enough we could read and discuss the information in the various exhibits. It was cool to see so many of the things we had read and studied about
Amber Gabriel — Google review
No visit to Austin is complete without a stop at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. We visited on a Friday during the summer and there were no crowds.
Laid out well, with interesting exhibits. The La Belle ship and Goddess of Liberty were two of our favorites. Several videos to take a rest while walking around four stories.
Texas theatre and IMAX inside. We didn’t have time to take in a show, but there were several playing at convenient times.
We grabbed a snack at the cafe and relaxed before heading back out into the heat!
Cheryl Pratt — Google review
The museum was an amazing tour. I had been there years ago with my now 21 year old son when they had a tour day when he was in first grade. Now we toured the museum with my daughter son-in-law and my granddaughters it was amazing. I hope to see that in time they will appreciate these type of outings and attend these facilities frequently.
Thank you for such an amazing day at the museum so peaceful and very clean. Downside is the garage parking fee $15 be ready to pay that!
Claudia Andrew Hernandez — Google review
It’s a great place to be! My favorite was the first floor, seeing the ship and reading all the information was so amazing and inspiring. The rest of it is simply beautiful and full of details. I especially loved the small films you can watch. I had my one year daughter and her stroller with me and I was worried when I got in, but the staff are super nice and encouraging, I used the elevators and the spaces were perfect to walk around with the stroller comfortably.
The bathrooms were on spot, the tickets were affordable and the atmosphere was comfortable.
I felt that the museum presents different and wide collections of things and information from all over texas. It is a great place for family and kids. It was a great experience overall.
Siddiqah Alhaj Saleh — Google review
great historical museum. it's a bit hokey and kid-oriented but nevertheless really a terrific museum. as of this writing, fabulous exhibition of Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art.
Irma Zandl — Google review
Lots of interesting exhibitions, well organized, really inspiring of Texas history and cowboys. I really enjoyed the short films of Texas history, such a beautiful and well made firm, the rattlesnake story was funny and the surprise part got me jump out of the chair! Amazing 3D technique and projector. love the storyline.
Angie Ng — Google review
Beautiful museum. The exhibits are engaging for both adults and kids and show different facets of Texas. We especially loved the 3D movie , was very informative and interesting. The museum is designed in a modern and inviting way. A fun trip and unique experience. (Pay what you wish if you ask at ticket counter :) great gift shop too.
Kristina B — Google review
It's free on the 1st Sunday of every month.
This is a must-visit if you're interested in the history of Texas or looking to get away from the heat. The Museum is rich in Texan history. Three floors were worth of Texan history, starting almost 13,000 years ago to today. The parking is located under the structure and closes at midnight.
Janet Madrigal-Duchesne — Google review
A wonderful museum filled with Texas history. The best part was seeing the hull of La Salle’s ship the La Belle. It’s incredible.
It has interactive features throughout the museum. Take your time, watch the short videos, and disk it all in.
Merideth Oliver — Google review
Went to watch an Imax documentary. It was amazing! Explored a bit but they were setting up for an event so didn't stay. Definitely want to come back to see more.
Susan Letter — Google review
This museum is absolutely fantastic! It's like stepping back in time and learning all about the amazing history of our state. And don't even get me started on the cafe - the food is delicious! Plus, the walking path outside is perfect for a leisurely stroll after exploring the exhibits. It's definitely a must-visit for families looking for a fun and educational day out!
Destiny Cavazos — Google review
Beautiful architecture. You can see Texas from its pre-history to present day. You will discover the history of the ship La Belle and you can see part of the wreckage and its artifacts recovered and preserved. In the museum shop, you will find a lot of books of every part of Texas history, gadgets and curiosity. Worth a visit.
Giuseppe Giovenzana — Google review
Today my daughter had a field trip here. Everyone greeted us and was very kind. This place is amazing especially the Shark Exhibit. My daughter favorite part was the movie we watched about Texas History the seats even moved with the movie. I won’t tell you what part. 🤭 the have a Cafe for those eating there. They have elevators for those who prefer not to climb the stairs. We went up to the third floor. Here is just a few pictures. Enjoy
Erica Marie — Google review
Worth a visit. I've been several times and always learn a little bit more about Texas history. The top floor seems to be a rotating exhibition, it's been different every time, but always interesting. Kids enjoy the museum too, although I admit they get a little bored after an hour or two. We like to go when they have family friendly events, where they do interactive "extras" from time to time. The current (Jan 2024) shark exhibit is pretty cool, and I enjoyed reading about Bobbie Nelson and her piano shown on the top floor. Parking garage is $15.
Rachael Becker — Google review
Great museum! It took us about 2 hours without watching a show in either theater. There wasn't a line, but we went on the Saturday before NYE, and we got there when they opened. It was busier later when we left.
So much history covered in 3 stories. Well laid out and the staff were all very nice. Parking was $15. We were going to walk to the capital and take advantage of already having paid for parking, but there's construction, and it would have taken longer than we had time for. Beautiful courtyard area and plenty of pictures opportunities. Definitely recommend!
Rebecca Caday — Google review
Loved the museum a lot to learn about the history of Texas. Would recommend this place if you enjoy history or would like for your young ones to learn about Texas.
Joshua Salazar — Google review
Excellent exhibits, layout and the accompanying information to each exhibit was succinct and paints a good picture of the era.
A well thought out museum where you flow easily through time especially in the colonial history (first/ground floor) and lone star history (second floor).
Their sharks section, which seemed out of place (I guess the place is aimed at families with little children), has a few noteworthy fossil reproductions, including a couple which are 250-150 million years old.
The ancient history + colonizers section had interesting exhibits about the French and Spanish expeditions to colonize north America.
Second floor was all about the lone star state, and about the wars between the Mexicans, US colonizers, and Native Americans. It also had exhibits talking about immigrants such as the Chinese who built railroads and ran businesses, and about the history of slavery and racism.
Third floor was all about culture, farming, animal husbandry, oil and gas, and NASA's presence and missions from the state.
Overall a great experience.
Can be covered in 1.5 hours if you read quickly.
Recommend 2.5 hours if you want to take your time.
Anurag — Google review
Very nice museum to give you a thorough understanding about Texas State from beginning. Their Shark section and small movie clips are amazing, my kids enjoyed a lot. First Sunday of every month is free and luckily we went on the same day.
The impressive Capitol building in Austin was completed in 1888 and is a nationally recognized historical landmark. The dome is made of red granite from Granite Mountain near Marble Falls, Texas, and the walls are decorated with handrails and brass chandeliers spelling out TEXAS. The building houses the offices and chambers of the Texas State Legislature as well as the Governor's office.
Beautiful historical building. The Renaissance-style architecture of the Texas State Capitol reveals how diverse the State of Texas has always been, with unique food, cultures, and people! I went with my family on a Saturday evening, yet the Capitol was as calm as ever. The Capitol grounds are a splendid picnic spot, dotted with fountains and sculptures of Texas revolutionaries. Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting Austin!
Arathi Shah — Google review
Very nice visit at the Texas Capitol. I arrived just in time for the start of a (free) guided tour inside the building. The guide was very competent as he explained the history of the Capitol (and, consequently, of Texas itself). We were able to enter the Senate and, after the guided tour, to roam around freely to see every detail that we might have missed. I recommend the visit if you are in Austin!
Matteo Drago — Google review
As a professional photographer I've shot weddings and elopements at the Capitol building many times and I can say it's a perfect location for a small wedding. The beautifully well-maintained grounds combined with classic architecture provides the perfect backdrop for couples portraits. Free parking on Sundays is a plus!
Morgan Brown — Google review
It has beautiful walking trails amongst tall trees, there is a parking garage nearby and the inside is magnificent! Stunning motifs, architecture and paintings. A must see if you are a resident, but also a nice tourist spot, they have tours from the visitor center in the white building next door and two gift shops one inside the capital and one inside the visitor center.
Vanessa Campbell — Google review
Just Amazing.
If you want to know about Texas History or just want to take in everything Texan, this is the right spot for you. It’s the embodiment of everything Texan. Right from the entrance to the Gift shop, everything is so beautifully designed.
The staff and government officials are amazing and courteous to answer all the questions I had. They even let you go into the state house and senate which is great!
JAY JASTI — Google review
I highly recommend visiting the Texas State Capitol building in Austin. Built in 1885 by architect Elijah E. Myers, it's an impressive structure and the 6th tallest state capitol building. The surrounding area is adorned with beautiful statues and monuments, perfect for exploration.
The capitol tour is free. The sad part is every time I went to visit the Texas capitol building, either it was after hours or the building was closed for renovation or Covid; so I couldn't get the chance to do the capitol tours.
Another thing I want to mention is if you want to take pictures standing in front of the capitol building from the front lawn, the building is almost covered with trees, and only the top part is shown from the lawn. Consider photographing from the corners for a full building view. And now since the construction is going on, it is difficult to capture the perfect photo.
There's a nearby parking lot offering free parking for 2 hours on weekdays, but be aware of charges on weekends or special events. You can also do street parking. Overall, a must-visit in Austin!
Tasnim Ara Islam — Google review
Visiting Austin from UK, we took a look around and loved walking around and seeing the history of this place. It's on a few floors, being able to see from the ground floor up and also looking down from upper galleries, different wings with different rooms all off the main dome central, which is the main beauty of this place, however the large grand side rooms are where the history is made. Everything from the brass elevator doors, to the beautiful inscribed hinges of the large doors is wonderful to admire. Well worth a good 1-2hr visit here.
Tristan Cairns — Google review
It was marvellous! It was a great visit and it was very educational. Very well maintained, and every corner speaks history. You should visit it If you are in Austin. You will learn a lot about so many events through out the paintings, guide tour and information boards.
Shereen Hijazi — Google review
I give the Texas State Capital building in Austin five stars. Texas taxpayers spent a LOT of money on this building, and it turned out so classy. The finest materials were used and it looks like the designers spent thousands of hours getting every little detail perfect. I highly recommend stopping here to see for yourself.
Jess Easley — Google review
Beautiful capital building. There are also nice monuments in the surrounding yard. Nice place to see if you’re visiting Austin. Warning: it can get very hot during the summer.
Christopher Chamberland — Google review
Interesting and beautiful working building which houses Texas law makers. You are able to visit the building but I guess there could be restrictions at some dates, tours are taking place all the time which you can easily join and last about 20 to 30 minutes.
Mark Isherwood — Google review
The Texas Capitol in Austin is super cool! It's like a giant castle with a huge dome on top. Inside, there are big rooms where important people make decisions for the state. They even have tours where they show you around and tell you fun facts. It's definitely worth checking out if you're ever in Austin!
Dailo Arts दैलो आर्टस् — Google review
Unfortunately lot of construction work going on when I was there night to again.
Huge park area in front of the building with historic information. The congress Avenue is exactly opposite to the building and looks fantastic from the street.
Vijay devara — Google review
The architecture is absolutely stunning. It is also nice to watch the meetings in the house and senate live. Do not forget to take a look at the gift store underground, they have some pretty Christmas ornaments.
Raony França — Google review
Visitor friendly amenities, with a 30-minute free guided tour of the building is the highlight! My guide, Austin (!) was cheerful, friendly & enthusiastic throughout the tour.... we saw the senate & house chambers, all the governors/ presidents of this great state, as well as the architectural marvel that this building is... with it's dome being taller than the US capitol in DC! The lone star at the top of the dome is 218 feet high from ground! Impressive all around! And very very historic too!!!
Akhil Pall — Google review
Texas Capitol allows you to enter inside the building with strict security check up. Inside the building, we can see all the governors photos up to the date. Further, we can see the actual assembly hall and speaker of the house chair as well. I heard if you visit in meetings hours you can actually see the ongoing meeting.
Netra Prasad Neupane — Google review
A very beautiful building! We have visited several times, and each time we find a new nuance. It is so pivotal to have young children visit this place! Remember, everything is bigger in Texas, referencing that this is the largest state capital building in the US. You simply must visit our state capital in Texas!
Yvonne J — Google review
Looks cool from the outside, but that's about it. Inside is genuinely ugly, and there's nothing to do in there except look at the beige walls or struggle to hear the tour guide due to the ridiculous amount of echo.
Error 404 — Google review
Beautiful architecture and local guide was explaining the history.. All age groups will enjoy this place.
The Driskill is an 1886 luxury hotel in downtown Austin with high-end quarters and a renowned grill. It also has a bar with live music.
We recently stayed here for our wedding weekend and enjoyed the service we received. We were accommodated for a check in 2 hours early so we could change in our hotel room before our courthouse ceremony, and we were greeted in our hotel room with chocolate covered strawberries and Topo Chico. The reception desk was friendly and the valets were great. Jay carried a carload of wedding stuff up to our room and was professional and helpful. The Driskill Bar was the perfect place for our after party and we had plenty of guests stay there too. The only downside was that they weren’t able to give us a wedding room block, but luckily since it has a great location, there were plenty of other options for people. Recommend! We can’t wait to stay in our room for future anniversaries :)
Maya Vashee — Google review
From the moment we arrived we felt like royalty. The staff went above and beyond in all circumstances. The hotel itself is a sight to behold including the bar which was packed every night we were there, it also happens to be a quiet spot to catch up on work in the morning. Katie at the front desk was exceptional along with David in valet. We look forward to returning next year, thank you again!
David Smith — Google review
The hotel was very nice! The staff was friendly and helpful. Everything was clean and unique. My room (546) had another room next door. There was a foyer outside the two rooms with a security lock. My neighbors could have locked us in. Seemed a little weird, but my neighbors behaved. The guys at the concierge station, (Jay, Kaos, and Texan) were very helpful and friendly. Also the attendants at the front desk were helpful and efficient.
The room was very large and luxurious, but the mirror on the wall where the beds were seemed to be ambiguously placed. Not a bad thing just kind of odd.
Also the view was of the building next door. If I opened the window, I could have touched it.
Kathleen Rohmer — Google review
Interesting place! The food at the hotel was great - the burger was exceptional! It looked so simple yet the flavours brought back something I haven’t experienced in a long time. Flavours that makes you feel home.
Just because of this, I was super satisfied.
Additionally, the server was super friendly and on top of it.
A little background music going on in the lounge - great vibes for friends and dates.
JiShun Zhou — Google review
The valet guys were the most helpful and attentive I have ever seen. We utilized close to 10 different gentlemen for bags and retrieving/ leaving our vehicle throughout the trip and each one was super polite and helpful and always asking if we needed anything else. The rooms were nice but the walls were thin so we could hear the party next door throughout the night.
Katherine VanBeek — Google review
We stayed at the Driscoll and they were so accommodating. Stephen was our porter and was friendly and helped us get all our stuff out safely. I was in a wheel chair and even the hotel changed our room to an ADA room. Clean, friendly staff in the cafe and front desk as well. We will be back. The cafe has delicious croissants and quiche. Absolutely worth it and made our trip that much better. We were treated well by everyone at the hotel and the place is gorgeous!
Christine — Google review
Before finalizing any trip, I do a quick check on a few sites, including HoteIDuIIy.cᴏm My last trip was surprisingly affordable after that bit of research. Gorgeous hotel with soaring high ceilings, an art gallery feel in every corridor, and some parts of the building dating back to the 1880s. Amazing charm and architectural details! Peacefully quiet room even though the downtown city block is very walkable and bustling. And the service was top notch - two people personally reached out to me by text message before I got there to confirm my reservation had everything I needed. Bravo!
Kevin Gardin — Google review
Did not stay at the hotel but we spent about an hour at the bar. This is definitely a 5 star hotel. The furniture throughout was nice and the bar had a great atmosphere. They have a small stage in the bar, a classic Country and Western band was playing. The band was good and they were quiet enough that everyone could still carry on a conversation. We had a good time.
L V — Google review
The hotel was great! Quiet despite being right on 6th street. The whole staff were super friendly and helpful -- what you think of when you think hospitality. We stayed in a renovated room so got the modern comforts along with the historic charm.
Tendai C — Google review
This was an absolute fantastic stay!
Between the location, the ambiance, history of the hotel and grand accommodations I will stay here every time I visit Austin.
Raymundo was especially helpful, he went out of his way to make sure we had the best stay.
Truly loved staying here and felt more than welcome! Driskill is a must!
Heather Rose Flueckiger — Google review
Literally the best hotel I've ever stayed at. The staff was exceptionally helpful and the hotel itself was incredibly gorgeous and clean. The guided tour was a fun perk, and the bakery was fantastic. Our room was tiny, but we were forewarned and the original stained glass in the bathroom was a real treat as was the floor to ceiling tiled shower. Spooky, old fashioned, and just plain nostalgic.
Sarah Boivin — Google review
Our stay was awesome this weekend. Rosy, Consuelo, Elina, Stephen, Joseph and Jay were rock stars and made the experience memorable. They all took the time to help us and made us feel welcome. Excellent customer service and look forward to our next stay there. The food at the 1886 Cafe & Bakery was great too.
Joseph Ybarra — Google review
Loved our stay! Thanks Matt for hauling up our plethora of luggage and sharing about the hotel tour. Maddie was great on the hotel knowledge tour, the rooms were all amazing and full of history. Food and drinks were phenomenal and the secret mezzanine balcony nightcap spot that Stephen shared made us feel very exclusive. We also had such a great checkout and loading experience with Stephen and crew on our way out. He remembered our family and gave us such a personalized experience. We will absolutely be back thanks to the family friendly experience this team gave us!
Becky Layson — Google review
Staying at the Driskill was fantastic. Valet service, front desk staff, and room service was excellent. Loved the fresh smell inside especially with the Christmas tree in the main lobby. King room with balcony came as advertised with no let downs. After a night out on 6th street we were able to bring our pizza in from the street & grab a couple Dr. Peppers for fancy cuisine in the Mezzanine. Only gripe is that check in is at 4pm and the historic tour is at 4pm. Changing either time so they do not overlap would have been icing on the cake. I hope I can attend the tour another time.
Kyle Ritter — Google review
We only popped in, just to have a look around at the end of a fabulous walking tour of Austin and it was amazing, gorgeous decor, superb atmosphere and lovely staff.
We then decided to get something to eat in the restaurant and had what can only be described as the best cinnamon roll we have ever tasted… and it was the size of a small loaf!
Definitely going to pop back next time we are in Austin, see you soon.
Clive Hodghton — Google review
Excellent hotel in downtown Austin. Incredibly helpful and accommodating staff. Beautiful lobby and rooms were clean and comfortable. Lots of character! Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a nice place to stay in Austin!
Allison Papinsick — Google review
The hotel is well located, within walking distance to many great restaurants and bars. Interior is old but well maintained, very classy. The cafe in the lobby, we didn’t realize that local people would come to this place to have brunch on Sundays until we see taking off. Also the bar at the hotel is really good as well. Glad we took advantage of them during our stay. The staff were super friendly. David and Luke at the front entrance valet are genuinely friendly and went above and beyond helping us to get in and out of hotel with tons of luggage
Henry Cai — Google review
Amazing piece of living history. The hotel is not really my style but I do have to say it is an amazing place. History screams out every place you look. Me and my wife will be returning soon. The staff was great. Very friendly. It is only a few blocks from the capital. And being right on 6th street is nice. If you are staying in downtown Austin, this is the only place to stay. Trust me.
Earl Zeller — Google review
Remember to use HotelTully.ᴄᴏm when booking a place. This website will compare countless hotel sites and normally will have rooms much cheaper than others! Thank me later on! This hotel is one of the highest rated in the area. I've been coming here for years. If you choose this place you won't be disappointed.
The valet was amazing! Hayden, David and Texan were the biggest help when we needed to get multiple things out of our car and they were all so quick to help! Very kind, professional and personable. Highly recommend using valet here!
Richard Humble — Google review
Had a great stay. Staff were amazing. Matt, Joseph and Aidan Gibson were quick with retrieving our car and providing helpful insights of what to do in the extreme heat on a Saturday.
Overall loved our stay, we knew there were drawbacks for staying downtown but they were all minor compared to the beautiful Landmark suite, history and staff wanting to ensure our stay was perfect.
Susan p — Google review
Upon arriving we were greeted by Paul Mercer, valet, who graciously helped us.
The hotel is charming and all of the staff were very accommodating.
Love the turn down service.
Cafe and bar are great places to eat and drink.
Stephen, valet, did an amazing job of bring our bags down upon Checkout.
Highly recommended!!
Daniel Ratliff — Google review
Excellent service. Kindness and positive vibes from the moment your enter the space and the door opens. Lobby service was undeniably top notch. Katie at the front desk went out of her way to be extra helpful. We were fortunate enough to have Joseph help with our bags upon both arrival and departure. Natalia in valet had a beautifully infectious smile and laugh that radiated good vibes all around. The restaurant was superb and Steven graced us with his charm as he helped us upon our departure. 10/10 will stay again. Made our quick weekend trip getaway the best it could possibly be.
Amanda Shackelford — Google review
The Driskill is an amazing place in history. The hotel has historical tours and the main foyer is magnificent. The rooms are nice and elegant.
The staff is very friendly and welcoming.
The hotel is also a great place for your company to have their seminars.
I will definitely stay here again.
Chuck Force — Google review
Everything about the driskill exceeded all our expectations. The only thing to note is it is not very modern, if that's what you like. They have kept it original, even in the rooms.
There are real books on every floor, the historic side is just gorgeous, and the valet is top-notch superb.
Jennifer Barron — Google review
My husband and I brought relatives from out of town to visit the wonderful stained glass in the hallways and enjoy the "cowboy" atmosphere of their bar. We all had a terrific time and took some great photographs.
Catherine — Google review
So many things went wrong within the hour we were at thos hotel.
Valet rushing me when I was trying to gather my things to get out which I ended up dropping my phone and busting the screen. I should of said back up and give me some time but I didn't.
Then there was an issue with my reservation. I requested a disability room because for one I am disabled and secondly at every other hotel they are usually on the first floor or near the elevator. Neither was the case for my disabled room that just had bathtub railing in. I had to take TWO elevators to the 4th floor and down a hall to get to my room. Immediately going down the hall I could smell air freshener trying to cover up the moldy smell but what caused us to leave is the chemical smell in the room. It was so strong just after 10 minutes in the room I was starting to taste it and feel nauseous and sick.
Front desk could careless. The bellhop said wow I can smell it too. I felt poisoned and we had a baby with us. It took hours after leaving for my head to clear up and to feel better.
They said they would refund everything but yep you guessed it. I have t received it yet. They said I would get a email and nope no email yet
Over $400 for a night and $55 for valet is ridiculous to or this hotel. I will be calling the health department about the chemical poisoning I experienced. Well we all experienced.
Larinda Essary — Google review
This place put my family in the Urgent clinic do to chemical poisoning. Waiting on blood work to see if it shows up.
The room had the strongest chemical smell and made us all sick. My disabled grandmother was affected the most. She was throwing up from only 15 minutes in the room.
Staff didn't offer another room to see if it was just our room or offer anything so we checked out and left but they still charged us for the room but said we no showed. We were a walk in and had no reservation. So that makes no sense. We were only there 30 minutes total.
Jasper Loki — Google review
Decent hotel full of history & ghost stories. Rooms are a little old but still decent. We were there during the cold snap and the general temperature of the rooms was a little cold. Check-in was seamless & the staff was generally quite nice. Location is great , close to a lot of the downtown vibrant hot spot. Nice place overall.
Julien Tizorin — Google review
There was only one confusing situation about the hotel. We love history and knew that someone wrote a book about the Driskill history and ghosts. We saw her on TV and that's why we stayed at the Driskill. On Google maps it says the offices for Bad Wolf Ghost Tours is inside the Driskill. The staff said that was not correct. Contacted them, and they were from San Antonio. There were several tours but none of them were local or the one with the guide who wrote the book. Confusing for guests who want to learn real history.
J Marie ZP — Google review
This place is top notch, but the rooms are a little quirky, but still nice. After a Red eye flight we arrived at 6am, it was a little bit early, the door was locked, but we managed to get inside
Our room wasn't ready? Ha ha, but they did get us in at 11. We had a great breakfast with cocktails.
Steve M — Google review
We enjoyed our stay in this historic hotel. The history (& ghost stories) made this a memorable experience. Very much enjoyed the 1886 cafe. Adding photos of our wonderful suite!
Char Charmander — Google review
Yesterday, I enjoyed the most magical experience! I was meeting a friend for lunch at the Driskill and arrived early to tour the hotel. Everyone was helpful and courteous. The entire hotel is glorious, and I can't wait to come back to dine and for events. We ate at 1886, and Madison was an incredible ambassador for the elegance of this establishment. Her level of care and attention was extraordinary, and her enthusiasm for the Driskill helped me fall in love with the place. We enjoyed dining in the lobby area among the art and beauty. Finally, my husband is a chef, and great food is our passion. Never have I tasted such glorious jam or an omelette so divine! Several years ago, we watched "The Hundred-Foot Journey" movie. Helen Mirren's character asked the aspiring chef to cook her an omelette. I did not fully understand then--but I certainly do now after eating the Lady Bird Omelet at 1886! I am counting the moments to return for sunrise breakfast and high tea. Thank you for an afternoon I will cherish.
The Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge Observation Deck in Austin offers a unique family outing to witness an extraordinary natural phenomenon. The bridge is home to over 1.5 million bats, creating the largest urban bat colony in the world. From July to August, visitors can watch as the bats emerge at dusk to feed on millions of air-born insects, creating a spectacular sight as they take flight into the evening sky.
Considering the current south shore plant/tree overgrowth (April 2024) I think THIS is the best place to stand when waiting for the bats to come out from under the bridge. Yes the bats begin to emerge on the south side first, but you don't need to see the *first* bats to see an impressive display. As it turns out, we didn't see a large group of bats this evening (it rained and was generally too cool), but we did see (and hear) some bats, and the trip to the bridge was worthwhile. We waited from 30 minutes before until about 50 minutes after sunset, then left. Austin has a lovely skyline! We walked here from our hotel near the convention center, along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. It was a very pleasant walk with lots of tree cover.
Emily Goodin — Google review
Nice meeting spot, and iconic location of the largest Mexican free tail bat colony in North America. See them fly at dusk at the southeast end of the bridge, below looking up when nightly guides of kayak and boat tours shine their red lights to see the flying bats. Check out "Austin bat refuge" online for nightly bat forecast.
Mimi Snook — Google review
Elvira Alanis — Google review
The Ann Richard bridge, also known as the bat bridge in Austin Texas, is a great place to people and bar watch. When you walk under during the day you can hear them chirping, and then they take off in the evening. Cool painting by the observation deck.
Adam Riemer — Google review
Fun little place to see the Congress Bridge from below. You can definitely tell bats live there by the interesting smell as you approach.
Melissa Previte — Google review
Walked from hotel and got to watch the bats fly at dusk! Incredible experience.
Zach Ayers — Google review
Only a view bats in the evenig
Angela R — Google review
Watching the bats by the evening is a must-do in town
Blanco State Park is a vibrant destination spanning 106 acres, perfect for water activities like swimming, boating or kayaking on the Blanco river. It's also great for hiking and camping with spacious campsites and clean restrooms. The park is well-maintained and boasts pristine waters free of pollution, where you can observe fish and snakes swim beneath the surface. While located close to town, once inside the park it feels far removed from civilization.
Smallest state park I have been to so far, but one of the cleanest and it is a very well kept park. Beautiful water, no pollution...you can see the fish and snakes swimming below the surface in the Blanco river.
Jackie Keefer — Google review
This state park is right in town, so you will get road noise. The RV sites have parking curbs that can make bigger rigs backing in a little hairy. The curbs also pose a trip hazard. RV sites have coveted picnic tables and fire rings. Some sites have 50 amp and sewer, all have water and at least 30 amp. Otherwise it is a nice place to stay. Clean restrooms well situated. Swimming area. Fishing. Shade and plenty of picnic areas.
Wendy Burk — Google review
We had a great time. The water was low. I recommend wearing water shoes as the bottom will cut your feet. The table was near where we parked and shaded. The restrooms were very clean!
M Tate — Google review
The park is clean, the camp sites are spread out and each one has a covered table. The ones inside the circle are full hookups and the ones on the outside are electric. The walking trails are nice and it’s a great biking spot. You’re close enough to the city so if you don’t feel like cooking you can walk into town and grab something but far enough yo enjoy the dark sky.
🛜 You do have wifi and for us that’s huge since myself, our daughter and my husband are remote. It’s a great weekend getaway.
ᗪᗩYᑎᗩ — Google review
Visited October 22 - 24, 2021
A small park with the Blanco river flowing through the middle. Looks like a great spot to kayak or canoe. Unfortunately we were unable to bring our kayaks, so we are going to have to visit another time.
Plenty of space at campsites. And bathrooms were clean without any smell.
ssmith5359 — Google review
Great little state park nestled against the Blanco River in downtown Blanco. We spent 1.5 days in the park and surrounding area.
The Park was clean, well maintained and offered basic amenities (public restrooms, dump station, park sponsored activities, kayak rentals, playground (small), pavilion). The campsites were easy ingress/egress. Level pads that made RV setup simple. Our sight had TONS of extra room around it and offered lots of shade from afternoon sun. Mature cypress, oak and sycamore trees line the river bank and campground making it a beautiful representation of Central Texas flora.
We visited during the summer drought of 2022 so the river was low, no flow over the main spillway. There was still a decent amount of water that was enjoyable to swim/float in around the spillway. So in spite of low water, we enjoyed the river nonetheless.
There are a lot of other state parks and national historic sites within easy driving distance which makes this a great spot to base out of to explore the area. We ventured to the LBJ Ranch and spent a full day touring the park and facilities. There were at least three other State Parks and points of interest that we didn't have time to see but would be worth a return trip to visit.
You can hear the noises of the city - it is a small city noise, but still noticeable. That is my only complaint, I prefer a bit more remote geography when I am camping.
Andy Wheatley — Google review
We love Blanco State Park’s riverside setting and small size. Also convenient for walking to the town square. We use the park as base for visiting friends and family in the Austin area, 60-90 minutes away.
John Sniffen — Google review
This is cool place for a day trip, this is mostly located around the Blanco river. There's a small and nice trail beside the river, whereas they created a dam/pool near to the entrance. There're arrangements of fishing and camping inside. The park is nice and clean and there's a nice viewpoint at the end of the trail. The restrooms are neat and well maintained. The entry fee is 5USD/person a day. Whereas, this is not a naturally wondering special place, it's good place to have fun and little activities on a given day.
RAHUL BASU — Google review
We had a great time here. The only thing that is a little strange is its really close to town, but when you are in the state park it feels like you are far out of town! Lots of nice tent camping spots.
Jennifer Arthurs — Google review
Small, but beautiful state Park. We had a good day hiking the two short but pretty trails they had as well as enjoyed the swimming holes. The park was clean and the camping areas looked nice as well.
Mr. V.O — Google review
The rangers are extremely friendly and lent us a pump to blow up our inflatable kayaks as we only had hand pumps.
The area is beautiful. Plenty of parking, bathrooms, picnic tables. Getting the kayaks onto the river was a little difficult and the water smelled pretty bad in many spots. We had a good time though and stayed all day.
Gillian Kadhim — Google review
Clean very pretty park! Water was too low to swim. But was able to fish and did see some kayaks paddling. Cute town to explore!
Katie Copeland — Google review
This is a very small state park. Nonetheless, the camping makes you feel like you’re part of the great outdoors. Blanco State Park is very clean with magnificent trees lining the river. Adjacent to the park is the city of Blanco, which has great eateries and unique shopping nearby. I enjoyed my stay very much. I recommend it.
Jay Zee — Google review
Nice small campground, good shade, clean restrooms/showers, close walk into town to an excellent restaurant, Redbud Cafe. Didn’t get to experience the dark sky city as it was cloudy and rainy. Watch the inside spots as a few of them flooded during heavy rains.
Jim Chambers — Google review
For $5 per adult, you can pick where to park and stay as long as you want. Don't forget your free kid's nature journal! There are two dams you can walk across if you want to walk the trail, which is an easy path, less than a half mile walk all the way around. We turned to left after entering and parked at the very end. We had a covered picnic table with a coal grill (didn't use it). We could fish from the bank or the damn, and walk down behind the damn to explore (the algae is slippery). There was an enclosed bathroom in excellent condition not far, and a great area for playing. If you turn to the right it's better for water access, but the river is really rocky. It's been awhile since I've been to that side.
veronica nerone — Google review
One of the smallest state parks, located a rock throw away from downtown Blanco. Good for short walks and lots of fishing/ camping. Walking across the dams is pretty cool.
Rick McConnaha — Google review
I have a state park pass. I have been checking out the campsite areas. This is a very nicely laid out but small campsite area. The problem I had with this park is that US 281 is around 2 blocks, approximately of this major road. I would prefer a more isolated campsite area.
I visited the park 2,12, 2024
Walter Awe — Google review
This campground ⛺ is quiet and next to the river, you can access in the river directly from the campsite. But just a few picnic tables and grills along with the river, you have better to bring your own. Shower room only available to campers. The river is not crystal clear but if you don't have better choices, I think you may take a chance on it. The river is good 👍 for tubing and swimming 🥽🏊. $25 for overnight campsite. Entry fee is $5 per person. Campfire 🔥🪵🪓 is allowed. Dog 🐕 friendly campground. Weekends are always fully booked.
A popular swimming spot, this creek features an artesian spring & underwater caves.
Beautiful is all I can say. This park is small but well worth a visit. The well is the star attraction but the hiking paths are good and the bird watching stand is new. The only negative is that there are restrictions if you wish to swim in it, but that is understandable, it’s small. The swimming restrictions are seasonal and by reservation only. Pets are not allowed at the well or the trail leading to it.
elinkjoe — Google review
Very well marked for the trail, it was about 1/4 mile walk to the area from the parking lot, there are several ways to get there, do need a permit to swim, but swimming is only allowed between April and September. Access to the park was free, the park is very well kept and has a very cute playing area. The well itself was not like pictures we have seen, but impressive nonetheless.
Patricia Flores — Google review
We had a great time at Jacob's Well. The water is low so there is no swimming, but we had fun anyway. It's a short hike to the well, there is a bit of a descent to get there but the path is easy to follow. We enjoyed learning about different ways to conserve water while gardening and watched the video of the well exploration at the visitor center. The staff were very nice and willing to answer any questions we had about the area. There is a small play area for kids as well. Overall, we had a fun trip and felt it was worth the visit even though the water is low.
Jessica Washburn — Google review
Nice trail beautiful well 30 feet deep as per the park ranger. Never seen this type of natural well. Nice people jumping in. Swimming and diving with prior reservation only.open 9 am to 6 pm
Gauhar Ali — Google review
Visited on Labor Day.
This would typically be a very cool hike except it was 100° in the shade! The entire drive to get there we kept discussing how the river was dried up. Should have been a clue. What we saw vs the pictures on Google was a drastic difference.
The hike is 1/4 mile -sounded easy except the heat! I truly wish the conditions of the well were posted at the entrance of the park. The rocks made for some nice pictures but the short hike was not worth what was waiting at the end.
Wear non skid shoes! The rocks are smooth and slick with dust and there’s a ton of gravel sized rocks along the path that will make sandals incredibly uncomfortable. It’s only 1/4 miles (1/2 mile) round trip and only took a few mins to get to the end but TAKE WATER in this crazy heat. You will need it.
LeeAnna McDaniel — Google review
This was a nice stop while we were traveling through. It was fairly easy to find. There was ample parking and no cost to get in. The trail to the well is well marked abs a pretty easy walk. There was a park ranger at the well, which explained the history of the well and what it was used for.
Jonathan Clark — Google review
We were here during winter time when swimming is not allowed. So this review is only regarding the non swimming visit which is free for all. Just note that reservations and fees are required for entering the water when it's allowed.
Parking was easily available - there are about 3 parking lots. Parking lot B has picnic tables and those portable rest rooms. Parking lot C has pavilions available. The well is accessible by walk about 5 mins from any parking lot. Nice scenic area to spend couple of hours easily. Will visit another time for swimming.
Sudheer Bhat — Google review
Very nice hiking trails. Lots to see and walk, not just the well. The well is very beautiful and clear with fish swimming inside. Trails are easy to navigate with clear signage on the route you need to take. The have an indoor nature center with some things to see as well as a a video of a dive exploring the underwater well to watch. There are multiple things for kids to do as well. They even have a large loose parts play area to build things.
Clever Country — Google review
Nice little day trip. Quick walk was with mild terrain. This time of year the water level was low. Fish where trapped so you got a good view of them. The well has a nice blueish green color. plenty to explore and to walk around and sew. Some trails would not suitable for those with limited mobility.
Hungry Sparrow — Google review
I have to be honest and say I would skip this site next time I am in the area. The water levels were so low there wasn't much to look at. But for me, even if they were higher it would not made for the kind of spot I would want to spend time at again. With that said, I was glad to get to see it when no one else was interested in going due to the water levels.
Michael James — Google review
Jacob's Well is a stunning spot in Texas. This serene and tranquil location is set among huge boulders and a dry creek bed surrounded by lush greenery. However, it is recommended to visit during cooler months to avoid the harsh heat. The water is unfortunately low and not suitable for swimming. Still, the area is home to a beautiful sight of the natural landscape with its serene atmosphere. It is a short walk from the parking lot, making it a great place to take a stroll or picnic and enjoy nature and a peaceful setting.
Stephanie Veatch — Google review
The well itself was pretty amazing, but I was surprised at how many trails and points of interest were there, such as the nature center and gardens and several fun things for young children.
Brandi Simpson — Google review
Jacob's Well Natural Area is a beautiful facility with great views and well kept trails. We found the actual area of the water levels to be low and it took away from the beauty of what we had seen in photos beforehand. There are 3 large parking spots with plenty of parking space. FYI: Parking lot C is the closest to the actual Jacob's Well area for those that may have limitations on walking. There are very clean "portapotties" on site as well as hand washing stations. Parking lot A is for vehicles with RVs although there are no hook ups from what I could see. Although we were a bit disappointed that the Jacob's Well area water level was low, I still highly recommend this place for a visit.
Santos Garza — Google review
The nature trail was amazing. Was within 10 feet of a deer and her fawn. The rangers were very knowledgeable and helpful during the trail walk.
CHRIS PICOU — Google review
Water was really low when we were there but the area was very nice to visit because it had other interesting things see and learn from. Good hiking areas and bathrooms.
Daniel Tran — Google review
Loved this spot. I would highly recommend checking it out when available. Plan ahead to see how to pick up tickets.
Matthew McGuire — Google review
Sadly, Jacobs Well is dried up. Hopefully, nature brings it back. It's still a nice hike spot where you can now walk the river bed and get up close to the lil cave areas the water made on the sides of the limestone.
**Update** Jacob's Well changes. So look for current reviews or call the park for updates if it's filled up or empty.
HndsDwnThBest — Google review
Awesome awesome. Very knowledgeable park ranger on site to answer any questions. Cool place
The Cave Without A Name is a picturesque cavern that has been open to the public since 1939. It offers guided tours of unique geological formations, as well as occasional live concerts. The cave has multiple rooms, each more stunning than the last. Visitors can enjoy a tour with knowledgeable guides like Catherine, who is both a biology college student and an expert on the cave's features. She even uses black light flashlights to highlight the colors beneath the surface of this fascinating natural wonder.
Great outing! Easy access cave with many rooms , one more beautiful than the other. We highly recommend the guided your -ask for the tour with Catherine as your guide— she is a biology college student and loves the cave and what she does. She even took a black light flashlight to show the different colors under black light - is a great idea and a different take on caves. Not one of the massive caves, but absolutely worth it!
Patricia Rosario — Google review
Finally got out to this privately-owned cave and it was very much worth it. Our guide was a VERY enthusiastic young lady and she did a great job. These caverns are worth your time to reserve a spot to tour. They hold monthly concerts and host weddings in the caverns, too, so pretty fascinating. Great story behind the discovery of the cave itself as well. Really enjoyed it.
Matt — Google review
Absolutely amazing cave tour! So glad we picked this one. We only had time to do one cave in the area and after a little research this one sounded good and much less crowded and touristy. Mike led our tour and he was friendly, interesting and informative. Everyone in our party really enjoyed it! The Cave has so many features- solitary tricolor bats, drapery and bacon, clear pools, it is utterly lovely. Highly recommend! Afterwards we had a Moroccan geode cut at the gift shop and the kids panned for gemstones. Great experience! Good to reserve your time ahead and wear comfortable and safe footwear for all the steps.
AshN Aug — Google review
This was a great experience. The cave itself was fun to tour and very educational in learning about the different rock formations in it. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and very enthusiastic about their jobs. The entrance fee was around $21 and they offer an active duty, veteran and retired discount.👍
They have a gift shop inside as well as clean restrooms outside. The staff are very friendly and ready to answer any questions.
This is definitely worth a drive to go check out and have fun exploring.😁
Henry A. Rodriguez — Google review
Sunday, March 10, 2024 my wife and I went to see the cave with no name. Alex was our tour guide. He would start explaining how this cave was discovered. He also explained the rules while touring the cave too. He would explain to us every detail of the cave like the formation and discoveries that have been found. He showed great knowledge and experience. The cave is beautiful. It's something you do not want to miss. Great for families and friends. I recommend it.
George Thomas Rey — Google review
First time visiting and first time ever visiting a cave. It was such a wonderful experience! I forgot the guy’s name that was our tour guide but he was so nice and very informative. He mentioned he’s a senior in high school! Kudos to you for all that you shared with us!
I brought a jacket because it was communicated it would be about 66 degrees down there and I get cold easily. But it really doesn’t feel like 66. It was quite humid. I say that say you probably don’t need a jacket. Def wear walking shoes and bring a water bottle if you tend to get thirsty easily.
The duration of the tour was nice, walking and listening to the history of the cave and stopping for pictures!
Highly recommend checking this place out!
Krystle Berrout — Google review
Great tour from Natalie. She was able to answer all the group’s questions. She really knew the history. Our family (including the teens) enjoyed it. It is a small cave, which is ideal for people not really into caves but has some unique features that were great for people that explore caves often.
There are 2 marked trails to explore while you wait on your tour to start. We did the short easy yellow trail in the afternoon heat and it was all shaded and not uncomfortable despite the heat.
Katherine was great in the gift shop. So nice and kind.
If you are looking for something to do other than ride a horse, plan this into your trip!
Can’t wait to visit again when they have a concert down there. The acoustics are suppose to be phenomenal!
*There are lots of steps, but that was expected.
S Hettinger — Google review
Nice cave and close to San Antonio, TX. We went on the trials before the tour. The tour person did a good explanation about the caves. There is a small shop beside the caves. Be prepared to walk up the steps after the tour. A good place to visit if you are looking for something to do.
VRus Escape Reality — Google review
Great Experience! Our tour guide Cole was awesome. He made it informative and interesting even for our 7 year old. The cave was full of amazing formations and features. I highly recommend it. They also have a gift shop and you can purchase a Geode and they will cut it for you which was a big hit with our son.
Lisa Allen — Google review
What an out of this world experience! Our guide was so knowledgeable and friendly. Shared so much information and had great stories about the cave. The cave itself is beautiful with so much to see and admire. Our favorite part of the tour was when our guide turned off all the lights in the cave and we sat in complete darkness. Wow!
E. Garza — Google review
Absolutely stunning cave here at The Cave With No Name. The tour was fun and educational. Our guide was knowledgeable, personable and all around great. I can’t remember her name unfortunately, but she was great! Drove a few hours out of our way to visit, but it was definitely worth the trip. Would highly recommended!
Edward Donnelly — Google review
This is an incredible tour. The cave was so beautiful. Alex was friendly and so informative. We had lots of questions and he answered them all. He is very knowledgeable. Highly recommend this tour. Don’t miss this one. It’s a gem !!
heather asaro — Google review
Caroline was a fantastic guide and did a great job of explaining formations and the history behind this cave. Her black-light demonstration was especially fun. Cave Without A Name is a good choice for first time cavern visitors and those with younger children. There is an 8 story climb out of the cave but not much walking or navigating tricky terrain when in the cave.
Nichole Crites — Google review
A nice tour of the cave with lots of stories and history. Caroline was a great guide. It's more like an underground museum than a cave adventure, so don't expect to become an active spelunker in this tour. Also, good to know your physical abilities. going down into the caves and walking around was fine, but climbing eight vertical stories of stairs to get out is a CHORE! Highly recommend for the young or fit, though.
W David MacKenzie — Google review
Our guide Natalie was such a sweet girl. She told us she started in high-school and is continuing through college. She was extremely knowledgeable about everything asked. I am extremely happy we got her to lead our tour.
The cave itself was amazing anf very impressive. Very well preserved even through the construction process. Its definitely worth a visit.
jeremiah clifford — Google review
We love it. Nice place for our 5th wheels to park and enjoy quiet camp ground. Close to nice, clean , cool bathroom facility. Nice quick walk to office and the cave entrance… the best is the concert in 8 stories down in the cave .. highly recommend !!!!
Pisamai Cowan — Google review
Amazing cave and guided tour. Went at 3pm on a Thursday with my boys. Called ahead to make reservations. Tour lasts 60 min. So many amazing cave formations! Loved the cave bacon and eggs, alien, and nativity. Saw a few bats. Even had a few minutes with all the light off. It was a nice escape to 66 degrees on a 100 degree day.
Christine — Google review
Excellent! I've been in alot of caverns in my life. The tour is very beautiful and awesome down below. The guide said maybe once a month they have a 200 person concert down there. That would be so cool! In the pic with the flashlight showing, the cavern goes on another 2 miles, but the tour does not extend there. You will have to go down about 8 stories of stairs so not wheelchair accessible. The guide was very knowledgeable and nice. Also a nice gift shop there too! 🚻🚭
John Long — Google review
This was a different kind of tour for us, it felt like a stroll back in time, the guide was a former visitor that came back to tell all the little stories that went into bringing this cave into the spotlight. Though not as well known as Natural Bridge, it is still enjoyable and definitely cooler. They often have weddings and musical concerts in the main cavern.
Joe Young — Google review
We called ahead to reserve a tour for our time of arrival. Tours happen every hour. We checked in at the gift shop and looked around at all the wonderful gems and trinkets you can find there.
Our tour guide Amy was great! She was everything you want when you take a guided tour. Knowledgeable, thorough, and fun. She walked us through the history of the cave and pointed out a bunch of notable aspects of this quarter mile 8 store deep cave system.
Well worth the roughly 40 min drive from San Antonio.
Andrea K — Google review
Gorgeous Cave Without a Name speaks for herself.
The property feels so inviting and I was excited to discover purple dalmatian jasper in the gift shop! We had a short wait time and only 6 people on our tour. We saw a salamander on one of the steps!
Our tour guide was lovely and so knowledgeable. As for the guide's name... My hubby heard Andy and I heard Candy... So thank you (C)Andy!
We watched the dive video later and somewhat fulfilled my longing to explore deeper in the beautiful cave.
Katherine Harper — Google review
For starters, I tent camped at cave without a name and had an amazing experience tent camping. All of the campsites are essentially brand new, nice and level. All electric. All water but no sewer. Mike, who checked me in when I got there in the evening for my tent was absolutely amazing and Steven who squeezed me in a group when he didn't have to the next day because I didn't realize you needed reservations was phenomenal. The older gentleman that cut my big geode in half. I don't remember his name but he was fantastic to talk with and everybody was entertained by him. Speaking about everybody else. Everybody was so friendly staff. The customers. Everybody. There is something about cave without a name that seems to draw. Very good people. And I will be back to camp and visit the cave and bring friends so they can experience that same level of greatness that I got to experience. I am just posting a couple of random photos when I was down in the cave.
Chris Muncy — Google review
We took this tour with Caver Mike - he was great! So many stories, answered all questions, his passion was quietly obvious. The cave was beautiful - would love to attend a concert there with the acoustics. Good walkways & stairs have rails on both sides. The “hike” back up 8 flights was CHALLENGING but worth the effort! Bought some things in the gift shop, too. Great experience.
Martha Skinner — Google review
We had a very good time, the tour is very informative and the guides are knowledgeable. There are 160 odd steps down and then up, just a heads up but worth every step.
Edward Wright — Google review
I've been to quite a few caves and this cave was definitely one of the good ones I've been to. I enjoyed the drive out as well. We had so much fun and staff was super nice. We didn't reserve any tickets, but we came on a weekday and there were still quite a few people there and would recommend getting them on weekends etc
Lush park showcasing a forested swimming area with rope swings plus a basketball court & trails.
Blue Hole Regional Park! It’s great, amazing, beautiful and free. The cost is $12, but I think that’s to swim, but I was able to go through and walk around. There are some small inclines, but tennis shoes are good. No need for hiking boots, unless you want the support. Use your judgement. It’s very kid friendly and the park is huge. There is also basketball courts, volleyball and pavilions!
Kimberly Feathers — Google review
I was speechless at the beauty of this swimming hole. DEFINITELY the most beautiful place I've ever swam. The water temperature was delicious... such a nice break from the Texas heat. The swimming area is mostly shaded and the water is clear. They have 2 rope swings that add to the magic of this timeless gem! My only complaint was we couldn't reserve a longer time slot. I WILL DEFINITELY VISIT AGAIN. Sooner than later I hope.
Peaceful.
Serene.
Family friendly.
Heaven on Earth.
Carrie Reinoso — Google review
The amount of enjoyable water spots in the Austin area is overwhelming. This was in my top 5. Locals really seem to know how to enjoy it all day by bringing tubes to relax on as well. As for me- I enjoyed the cool swim on a less busy day. There are good spots to soak up in the sun or relax in the shade on the grass as well. They even rent umbrella areas and eating areas for the perfect no-hassle picnic. The fact that you can bring in food here unlike some of the other spots is a nice luxury. The ropes make it fun for kids and adults alike as well.
Michael James — Google review
Blue Hole is a lovely park bordering Cypress Creek. It has all the features of a traditional park such as fields, and courts, but it sets itself apart with the creek swimming area. In the summer months the water is crisp and blue and beautiful. Life jackets are available for kids and those who can't swim. The earlier you arrive, the better!
Michael Barton — Google review
Simply put? Heaven on earth! My 1st time here and I will definitely be going back! Not only was the ambiance so relaxing but the joy in everyone’s heart evident throughout. All you could hear, besides the birds and crickets was laughter. People of all ages and nationalities peacefully together enjoying this magical place. If I could bottle and sell the feeling evoked, there would be peace throughout the world! Pictures do not do this place justice. Go and refresh your mind, soul and heart!
Helene M — Google review
We recently visited Blue Hole Regional Park and had an incredible time! The water here is unbelievably clear and clean, making it perfect for swimming and other water activities. We spent hours enjoying the pristine waters, and it was truly refreshing. The park itself is well-maintained, with clean facilities and friendly staff. We had so much fun during our visit, and I highly recommend Blue Hole Regional Park to anyone seeking a beautiful and enjoyable outdoor experience.
Jon Bantay Jr — Google review
Morning hike at Wimberley Blue Hole Regional Park was incredibly refreshing! 🌿 The cool weather and crisp air, along with a nature walk, were just what we needed! 💙
Sharmila Sengupta — Google review
Beautiful park. You have to make reservations and they let you stay in the park for 4 hours. The cypress trees are gorgeous. The water was very cold, though! The steps to get into the water can be slippery. Bring a towel or blanket to lay in the sun after getting out of the water. No glass bottles allowed but we brought a small cooler with canned water and cokes and snacks. Enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
Leslie — Google review
Great place to walk! Different nature trails to follow and a playground. Restrooms are out of order so we didn't stay as long as planned. Pet friendly with pet stations to grab a bag and disposal bins. Ample parking available. Picnic tables are available too.
gbauman1971 — Google review
It's a well maintained swimming👙 park. Picnic 🧺 area is on the other side of swimming area. The picnic area is open to the public, there are picnic tables and 🔥grills, no reservation needed. But the swimming 🏊 area you need to book the tickets online in advance. You need to check ✅ in on schedule to access in swimming area. No early check in allowed. They have free life jackets supplies for adults and kids. You can bring your own tubes and 🏖️ umbrella here but check there website for size limits or reserve there 🏖️ umbrella and picnic table.
Shirley — Google review
First time swimming at the Blue Hole and my little family of three had a great time. The water was nice and cold, plenty of room to swim, and loved the extra add on of reserving an umbrella. The website was easy to use and the staff was great the day we visited. I would highly recommend. Very family friendly.
Chelsea V — Google review
Very beautiful!! Refreshing cold water that originates from Jacob's Well and a nearby creek.
You need reservations to swim. There is limited parking close to the swimming hole entrance so I had to hike a bit to reach the entrance. But it wasn't too bad.
Staff is very friendly and helpful.
Dusty M. Coleman — Google review
Absolutely beautiful. The nature park was wonderful; one of the nicest I've seen.
Amanda Miller — Google review
Beautiful! Lots of trials. No swimming at this time of year and I’m not sure why. Could be water is low.
Daegan Phoenix — Google review
Great spot to spend the day with family and/or friends. It’s about 1 hour from Austin (on a Sunday in our experience).
If you are planning a visit, make sure to make reservations since they cap their visits into 2 groups (half days) with a fee of $12 per person.
I believe it would be fairly priced at the $8 range but understand the reasoning. Ultimately the place is never overcrowded due to the limits ever set and this is a good thing (in comparison to Barton Springs, which gets excessive number of people during the hot summer days).
Will definitely come back and take advantage of all the beautiful surroundings.
Tejas Rodeo Company and Tejas Steakhouse and Saloon is a seasonal venue that offers an authentic Texan experience with its rodeo action, live music, and delicious barbecue. Visitors can enjoy watching professional cowboys and cowgirls compete in various events like bull riding and barrel racing while indulging in Texan favorites such as Cowboy Steak Nachos. The venue also features a live-music stage, a steakhouse, a bar, lodging options, and special events for visitors to enjoy.
AWESOME !!! We loved it !! the entertainment was great atmosphere was nice get there early to have time to explore tables foods before show the dancing and music to top it off !!!
anna diaz — Google review
This capped off our Texas trip, was really fun. Definitely a family event. I know it may be some small details or not being from the area. I would say 2 things to improve guest experience.
#1 maybe with your ticket reservation and or under the FAQs make a what to expect page. Explain that March nights get cold quick at times and that last 8 to 9 hour on metal seats is a killer. A heads up email to bring a blanket or a extra layer would be great (we had blankets and dressed appropriately, I just noticed people and families tapping out every 5 minutes as the night went on.
#2 I know it may be atmosphere for the seating, however making some sort of lane to walk up and down for people trying to get to a seat or leave would be nice. I did see some older people struggling trying to weave through the crowd. And yes everyone helped and was polite but little tweaks can improve the flow.
Was a fun end to a great week in Texas
George Morash — Google review
Never been to a rodeo before! It was so fun. I loved the mutton busting, it was funny and cute. It was all really exciting. I also loved when the longhorns came into the arena. So cool to see. Then topping off the night was the band and the dancing afterwards. I highly recommend this if you think you would like to see a rodeo.
Jan Rubis — Google review
Very well organised overall and we were given wristbands. Quite a small Rodeo overall, main arena for the Rodeo, a restaurant, a few stalls and then dancing and dining area but quite nicely done and quaint. Had a wander around, great for people watching as locals or tourists all in their cowboy hats and boots and double denim. The Rodeo itself was roughly 2 hours. They had various events, bull riding, barrel racing, lassooing, mutton busting for the kids. Lots of talking in between by the host, too much, and also advertising was a bit full on.
After the rodeo finished the live music started, nice country music and people were dancing.
Overall definitely an experience that was good to do as a tourist and the food from the stalls was good vs the quite pricey saloon restaurant.
HR V — Google review
Fun! Went with my 10 year old granddaughter, and she enjoyed herself too. Enough traditional events to keep things moving; music and fair-style food along with some vendors and a great steak house. Not too big to get lost, and not too small to be bored. Very traditional rodeo.
Shelly Bays-Costa — Google review
Fun place! Enjoyed our first rodeo! Definitely recommend if you're staying near San Antonio. The staff was nice, parking and admission was organized. They also offer military admission discount! It does get crowded so I'd suggest getting there and sitting at the seats 30mins prior to the 7p show time. Also bring mosquito spray and a cushion as the bleachers are a little uncomfortable for a 2 hr show. The saloon had such good food as well!
April M — Google review
What a great show! First rodeo! Really great venue, covered arena, clean bathrooms, good bars. I would do this weekly if I lived here. So much fun! Wish the intro video was louder, missed that whole thing. But great athletes, fun entertainment. Loved it!
Sheila Hagerty — Google review
This was one of the highlights of my trip to Texas. We ate at the steak house first (need reservations) and the food was great and the beers were cold! We loved the rodeo and the great patriot and feeling of family at this place. There was a live band and dancing after the rodeo which was icing on the cake. Do not miss stopping here for a fantastic evening.
Kerry Gaus — Google review
We had so much fun, this was our first time to the Tejas rodeo! They had good food and drinks, good music and dancing after the rodeo, it was a blast!
Tommynancy Chase — Google review
We headed here for the Rodeo because it was one of the options on the San Antonio Go City pass and we thought our kids would like it. We are so glad we went because it was a fun night and the kids fell in love with the rodeo. If you get the Go City Pass, the Rodeo is one of the best "non-premium" options on there and the process is quite simple. We emailed the company (from their website) and they quickly got us set up "on the list" to get into the rodeo on our chosen night. You pull up to parking, give your name, and are good to go. We got there a little over 1 hour early to see the couple places selling things, check out the mechanical bull (has an extra cost), and hope we could sign up our youngest for Mutton Bustin. Unfortunately he was too big for the Mutton Bustin, but we did get great seats and took turns as a family holding our seats while the others went and explored. Around 6:30 all of the best seats were taken and some people were frustrated by this, but when the events kick off at 7 you need to get there early for the best seats. Were seats available still, yes, but don't expect to get the center area or the fans blowing on you when you show up late.
The rodeo was lots of fun for the whole family despite going during the July Texas heat. Each event was competitive and exciting, but know that it is not the same level as an arena PBR event, or even a good county fair/ yearly rodeo event. They put on a good entertaining show and your family will have fun! After the rodeo there is a live band and a large dance floor. It is very hard to get a good table or seat if you do not get out of the rodeo early, but there is space on the dance floor.
Overall this is a great event for the whole family.
Dathan Boden — Google review
Wow, this place is an absolute win! The rodeo runs from March through November. Great showmanship and of course, a good rodeo starts with a tribute to the flag! The anthem always gets me, but the flag paraded on horseback -- can't get any better than that!!! Great place for family friendly fun! My 4 year old goddaughter had the time of her life! There's multiple restrooms and concessions. The music and dancing at the end was fantastic for all ages!
Danielle Janice de Asis-Pinon — Google review
We really enjoyed the rodeo itself. We were in section 201 B8 & B9, which were metal bleachers without backs. It was hard to tell from the website seating chart where the best place would be to sit. We should have gone with the PADDED folding chairs. We would have preferred to sit across from where the bulls & horses exited stalls; but we inaccurately assumed that they would exit from the end of the arena.
On another note, steak dinner before the rodeo was OUTSTANDING! The food tasted excellent and was nice and hot. Our server provided friendly, excellent service. The decor was quite interesting as well.
The band was good but we didn't stay long. There were lots of high school/ college-aged kids on the dance floor.
This place is definately out in the boondocks but we found the entire establishment to be well organized and friendly.
Angie Harden — Google review
The location is without a navigation system not easy to find. Its in the north of San Antonio.
But what a great show!
Lots of fun and delicious food. We had a very tasty burger and fish and chips.
Its an event for the whole family
I would visit it again if I have the chance!
Joa — Google review
The family had a great time and the food was good too!
Michael Young — Google review
Great bar! Friendly staff and patrons! A little far out but worth the drive! Definitely will be back!
Reese — Google review
Very well organized Rodeo with many disciplines. We have been going here for many many years. The only downside is the ridiculous price. We used to be able to have a great evening for around 20 dollars. Unfortunately the same seats we used to have are now 60 $ plus tax!!!!!!!? This means we will not be coming a lot any more. We just can't afford it.
The biggest Premium outlet in Texas! It was everything you need to shop. Most of the big brands are located here with big spaces to showcase all their items.
There is a big parking area so even if it gets busy you will have a space to park.
I would advise to go there on weekdays as it gets too crowded on weekends to enjoy.
Salman Bin Habib — Google review
I love shopping at the Kate Spade and Lulu stores! I also enjoy driving around to see if any store catches my eye. Very nice outlet mall where you can find great deals. I had snacks and water in my car so that I could drop off stuff and take a mini break before driving to other stores. I did stop at restrooms every now and then, and had to look at a map and then drive to them.
Hailyn Bella — Google review
Really nice big Outlet with high end Shops.
Prada, Gucci, Versace, Coach, etc.
And I hope you don’t have to use the restrooms!
THEY ARE DISGUSTING.
At least the 3 that I inspected during my review.
The Lawns and Grounds need attention.
Management needs to walk the place and see the flaws……..
Thomas Anthony — Google review
This place has everything for everyone to shop from! Lovely place! There's lots of food, snack, n drink choices and places to sit n take a break as well! ...EVEN a extra large chess game in the courtyard to play! 🥰👍👍
Tanya — Google review
Beautiful shopping center with nice stores. I do wish the outside vendors were held to higher expectations and the indoor food court was definitely lacking. You would expect more for the type of stores around.
Caitlyn Liddell — Google review
Love this place! They have all the stores the I love, I come 3 times per year to get all the things the I need, the prices on the high end store are AMAZING!!!
Pd. The new store of niche perfume is really good 👍 , the got all the Valentino collection
Macarena Fuentes — Google review
Some deals. At this outlet most things are priced pretty close to retail. After 3 trips over 2 years I finally found a deal at the under armor store. The Coach store was out of a variety of mens accessories 12/28. The bathrooms at the food court are horrible. Most truck stops have better bathrooms. Whats up with that. Not good !!!
Donovan E — Google review
A very very big premium outlets with lots and lots of brands so you can be pretty much guaranteed that you will be spoilt for choices. I don't think I want to start writing down the name of shops as it is gonna be a long long list! ;)
Parking spots are easily available if you go early. But since the area is so big, be prepared to spend easily the whole day if you are a tourist and you have a lot of stuff to buy.
I recall seeing a few pop up stalls selling food and drinks but I don't think there is a food court around nearby. And the washroom looks pretty old and not clean so that is the only reason why I deducted one star.
Otherwise I usually drops by at least once whenever I am in town.
Kevin Yeoh — Google review
Plenty of walking around and a lot of outlets to see. The parking wasn't great they could add a bit more parking to the area of even a parking garage. I did not see any public restrooms that were available in the area that we were walking in where all the clothing was. Not a lot of food stands but, the food stands that were there did smell great as we passed it by.
SGP — Google review
My family and I love shopping here!! It has many stores and restaurants to choose from. My kids love coming to spend thier birthday money here. Also the bathrooms have always been very clean and well stocked every time I've used them. Good way to get your exercise in too.
Marisia Delgado — Google review
It is really huge outlet.
A real premium outlet!
Spent lots of money but it wasn't waisting!
JW Min — Google review
Very large outlet. Almost all well known brands are there. I been here in a cold rainy day and walk around shops but I recommend to drive between quarters as parking are available and easy to find. Not all shops with outlet price and no discounts. So expect to pay full price.
Hussein Al Ghafri — Google review
Good outlet just a lot of walking and i. The summer bring water and prepare to walk or repark car. Went today and the high was 112 being all cement and not much shade besides the walkway outside the buildings
TxSushilover — Google review
I'm not sure how the ratings are so high. It's not worth the 6 hour drive we made. There are no phenomenal prices. Everything is the same as the sale prices you can find at home in the normal store. This is truly a normal shopping center. There are plenty of stores in one place though so I gave 2 stars.
Oli's Mom — Google review
Visited the outlet after many years and was impressed with the variety of brands available.
Due to Black Friday the parking was hard to find. Has huge parking lot. Tanger outlets are right next to it.
Varsha Vilankar — Google review
The place is like heaven for shopping,You will almost all brands outlet here. They have good deals during festive time. During holiday season some outlets have long queue to enter to it,Going early in morning on those days will help avoid queues.
Ample car parking available.Also have play areas for kids and clean washrooms.
If you are travelling from other states I think you can also claim back the Tax amount spent on purchases.
arvind chawke — Google review
So many great stores here…..Abercrombie and Fitch, Coach, Aeropastel, Klarin, Pottery Barn, Nike, Converse, Lu Lu Lemon, New Balance, Francesca’s, Gap, Guess, and SOOOO many more! You definitely need a couple days to shop this whole outlet center! There are some great deals to be had also. My daughter and I had a great time exploring all of the great outlet stores!
Theresa Goodwin — Google review
This places USED to have great deals. Their prices are not at all outlet prices. I have found much better deals at retail outlets like Macys and Dillards with much less of a hassle. False advertising. With the 50-70% off you will still be paying a high price not at all outlet price. Now, it’s just hype-beware.
juan lozano — Google review
They have most stores you would expect from a Simons Premium Outlet. I love the architecture, “castle” vibes. Huge! Wear comfy shoes, you will walk a lot. Lots of parking “free” (at least when we went, which was on a Friday), we had to re-park since the place is too huge and did not want to walk so much. Also, Decent prices, not a lot of sales going on when I went though. This only get 3 stars mainly because I was so disappointed from the lack of food choices. You would think, the biggest outlet in Texas would have variety of food choices but boy you’re so wrong. There is a food court, yes. But there are literally only 3 stores open and the food was horrible, seriously. So bring your own snacks if you plan to spend a whole day here, dont even waste your money buying food from the foodcourt because it’s not worth it. You will have fun shopping though.
Shari Carter — Google review
If you’re looking for a good deal on shoes, this is a good place to stop
David Buttross — Google review
What can I say this place is a shopping paradise and a non-shoppers nightmare. Parking can be crazy on the weekends as the place fills up fast. There’s pretty much every store here with decent bargains if you look around. We come once or twice a year and always leave feeling we got some good deals.
Gruene Historic District, established in the mid-1840s by German settlers, flourished with numerous buildings. However, a string of disasters led to its decline around 1922, causing many businesses to close their doors.
4.5
(1001)
New Braunfels, TX 78130, USA
I'll never travel to Port Aransas without this trip planner again
The Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels Texas is a park with a variety of rides and pools. It's owned by a family and has been recognized as one of the best waterparks in the world for the last 15 years.
We had a great time. We bought the Premium meal plan which allows you to eat/snack every 90 minutes and get a drink every 15 minutes. It is well worth the price. Also, we got the Blast Passes so that we could reduce the time spent waiting in lines. Even with passes, you can't see everything in a day. I ended up losing my sunglasses, so if you wear glasses, make sure to wear the glasses string to keep them on your head!!!!!!!!!!!!
Emily Fulton — Google review
Still the hotest coolest time in Texas. Haven't been to the original in probably 10 years. So long that my son barely remembers and asked if we could visit. A lot has changed - digital codes to access the lockers instead of a key on a wristband, Google and Apple Pay instead of a wristband of plastic "splash cash" to buy food and drinks. Yet, much remains the same - free parking, the ability to bring in your own cooler of food and drinks, and more water rides and play areas than you can shake a stick at. I've read recent reviews complaining about rides and unfriendly staff this summer and lamenting the new ownership. This was not our experience. There were a few things that weren't operating, which was annoying in cases. However, our experience with the staff was as friendly as it has always been. It's still a great place to spend cooling off during the hot Summer days.
Edward Klein — Google review
Note: we are Season ticket holders.
This water park is a great experience for me and my family. We have children ages: 18, 16, 13, 6 & 2. There are a lot of shaded areas, lockers, picnic tables, tubes, soda/icee locations, restaurants, etc.
As a season ticket holder you can bring in a cooler (27” x 16”) which is great. You can bring in your own personal bottle and you can fill it up with water.
I’ve found the staff to be friendly despite being in the hot Texas sun all day.
If you want close free parking come early.
I look forward to going back!
Sherman On — Google review
First time here. Lines were kinda long for rides but moved steady. Drinks were good and cold. The lazy river with the tubes was awesome and only 3 ft deep however the waves are forceful to propel us forward but can take a small child fast from his family so be careful with small children. I'm planning another trip already because I want to definitely go back.
Aishia R — Google review
Beautiful place along the Comal River. Rides for all ages and pools to hang out in if you don’t like lines. It was clean and had plenty of tables. Although many of kids employed around the park seemed clueless, there were lifeguards everywhere and they appeared to be well trained and friendly.
Cynthia Fowler — Google review
So much fun for all ages. I’m pregnant so couldn’t ride too many rides but we still had fun. The Kristal River was awesome. Kids loved the Falls and the kiddie area in the original park.
Rachel Sanches — Google review
Seems very disorganized. Got there right as they opened but in order to get the blast pass that was paid for online, you have to go to the main entrance and wait in line to receive the wrist bands (for us it took almost 30 minutes of waiting) which seems so counterproductive. The blast pass is like a reservation and you can only make one reservation for a ride at a time. I get that it’s probably meant to not abuse the privilege but we were only able to utilize it on 4 rides the entire day. There needs to be so much more signage around the parks in general, it’s so easy to not know what you’re doing or where you’re going unless you are a seasoned member. Also, asking for directions or how to get somewhere you could get 4 different answers from 4 different employees. Just disorganized. Also, we brought several beach towels, there’s really no need if it’s hot outside. We dried off before we even made it to the shuttle because it was so hot. Also, water shoes/socks are a must! If you have older kids make sure you’re starting at the right park, we started at the wrong park which seemed to be geared more toward younger kids.
J G — Google review
Loved this place. After hearing about the best barbecue being in Texas....I tried a few places that were no better than new York. This place was amazing though..... delicious mesquite flavored food.....great sides...super friendly staff. I loved your food and would recommend it to anyone.
Teddy Benitez — Google review
It was a lot of fun. However the blast pass needs huge improvements. The wait times are not consistent with actual wait times. It showed 150min wait on the watch, while there was only 45min wait. But other than that, it was a lot of fun.
Fahri Yaras — Google review
Nice facility. Great rides.
Entry fees are a bit outrageous 2 adults. 1x16 yo, 1x15 yo, 1x13 yo, 1x11 yo. $575. Never again!
And. Do NOT get your food or refreshments at the Lagoon Grill. Extensive, unwarranted wait.
Otherwise. Super Nice water park.
Thomas Hurley — Google review
Great time for the family. Love the free parking and bring your own food and drinks option available. Highly recommend to wear water shoes . Plenty natural shades in picnic areas.They force you to get off at the end, which is reasonable. Line for this was about 30 minutes. Line to get into the wave pool area was longer (can't just walk into the wave pool area anymore). No line to get into the lazy river in the kids area.
Kristina B — Google review
We started this trip with an excited experience but turned out with little disappointment.
Trust me its not to ruin your holiday mood but to consider these points to make your trip planning better.
And these points mainly applicable if you visiting on a weekend/holiday where heavy crowd is expected.
Visited on a weekend morning. Arrived around 10am but it was around crowded that time with all parking slots filled up.
Now we had to book in premium parking
Secondly no shade for entrance crowd for security clearance, lot of people with kids are standing under hot sun. Wish management does something for crowd management or atleast an shade.
Secondly every ride gets super busy/crowded and wait time gets multi folded. As well interacted with multiple people, at max you can do 3/4 rides in a park out of 2 parks
Its better you get 2 day pass if plan to visit both the parks.
Better suggested to visit on weekday or non crowded days for better enjoyment, a personal suggestion
Deepak — Google review
I went on a Saturday with my family. Very beautiful, clean and family friendly water park. Water tube rides aka lazy rivers had different themed courses and thrill levels. Water slides were enjoyable. There were long lines but they were fast moving. Every ride we went were worth the wait and money. We were able enjoy it more than once. Definitely recommend. ❤️
Sabari Karthik Saravanan — Google review
Thank you Schlitterbahn for the best summer! Buying a season pass was well worth it. I was there all summer having a blast. The negative is a blast pass is a must if you wanna have fun. The lines are too long!
Steph Kurdi — Google review
By far our favorite visit this summer!! A little disappointed with the lack of organization trying to buy the meal passes for the day. It took an hour and repeated visits to get our correct meals. It was 107 degrees the day we would hear a lot of people had the same issue with being able to refill their drink cups. It is so important to stay hydrated with this heat. There should be more stations available to accommodate. Two people passed out from dehydration. That being said, we had a blast. We loved both parks and all of the fun rides. We took the tram to the original park and fell in love with the wave pool. It was a BLAST!!!! We hope to be able to go again!
Melissa — Google review
We had so much fun! I grew up in San Antonio, but live near Dallas. It was so exciting to bring my kids back and to see all that has changed since I was last here in the late '90's. We stayed ALL day and could've spent a few more days. The Falls was, by far, everyone's favorite ride, but the classic, Raging River, was still amazing. We can't wait to come back!
Landa Park is a popular urban oasis in the heart of New Braunfels, Texas.
Always love this park. It's a perfect place to get out and enjoy nature, visit a 300+ year old tree, take a train ride with the kids, picnic with family and friends. Also great for weddings and celebrations at the gazebo. I've been coming here for over 40 years (since I was a little kid). It's changed some, but only to bring enjoyment to more people. The city has done a good job keeping this park beautiful and for the people.
Laura — Google review
Beautiful park... you gotta go see Founder's Oak. There are places to picnic, places to hike, a mini train to ride for children, paddle boats, and plenty of beautiful nature to see. If you are bored then maybe you're boring!
No... come on... I didn't mean that to be mean! You just gotta look a little closer at the beauty!
Keep the place clean and have fun!
eddie gramma — Google review
Very family friendly park. There are activities for folks of all ages and age appropiate playgrounds. Great in the morning if you are looking for a low impact cardio.
Ana Bruja - Khayos — Google review
This park pleasantly surprised. Initially hailing from a place of remarkable beauty and awe, I was astounded upon arriving at this park with my family. The weather was ideal, with an unblemished sky. The ducks were inviting and friendly. I highly recommend this park to anyone seeking to enjoy the outdoors without venturing too far. The water is shallow, and the variety of trees is magnificent. We will undoubtedly return.
Mr Sosa — Google review
This park is phenomenal. I went with youth from my church in North Texas, partnering with a local church, Epic Life New Braunfels. We did several hours of service work in the park. We really loved the music features in the park as well as the historical features. I was stunned at how many people were in the park in the afternoon. It was great to see so many people there enjoying the park.
Jimmie Mathews — Google review
Great park. Perfect for picnics, birthday parties, and chilling out with family and friends. Huge playground, wading pool, and nice hiking trail, Panther Canyon Trail, at the far side park adjacent to wading pool. We hope you enjoy the park as much as we did.
Jim Fiore — Google review
What a fabulous park! I highly recommend this place. The trees are gorgeous and big. The springs are interesting. You can swim or fish, picnic or hike.
Michelle McDonald Vlastnik — Google review
Great park. Well maintained and clean. We stayed around the playground area for the most part and the equipment was really nice and clean. There are several separate areas of swings, small children (3-5 years old) play structures, larger children structures, etc. Most of them have the nice rubber floor that kids won’t hurt themselves on.
The play structures are all in very shaded areas which makes playing there very pleasant. Great place to bring kids of all ages.
Kelly Finnegan — Google review
We went as a day trip during spring break. The kids had so much fun and all the activities were very inexpensive. Great spot to take the kids for putt putt golf, a train ride, paddle boating, and to play at the park. We even saw several deer roaming free on the golf course while we were driving around.
Laynee Hernandez — Google review
Wonderful park! I have visited it often. It does get quite busy on weekends, so I prefer to go during weekdays. Has a nice trail to walk too, although the last portion can be a little unclear if you don’t already know the correct path.
Ashley Pech — Google review
Landa Park has long been one of my favorite parks. This park is huge. You can see the river in several different spots, including where it springs up from underground. You can rent paddle boats and ride a small train. You can rent picnic tables. Or simply walk around or hike some of the trails. Its a beautiful place to exist in nature. You will probably see deer. Check out the tiny salt pepper historic mine as well. There are bathrooms thankfully.
Nicoleigh DeArman — Google review
It's a great place for a family picnic. The setting is fantastic, the tables were clean, the ablutions were good. The train ride was fun, and we even managed to catch a fish 😁
Robert Sean McMurtrie — Google review
So beautiful. If I hadn't just got my MBB procedure, it would have been much more enjoyable. I plan on going back once I am in complete healing. There is so much to see.
Ona Gonyon — Google review
Love, love, love Landa park. ❤️ Plenty of parking. Restrooms are clean. Lots of shade to sit or stroll. Bike and pet friendly. Playground for children. Picnic areas (most) need to be rented in advance.
Irma Sandate — Google review
One of the beautiful landmarks in Texas especially close to the birth place of Comal river. They have toy train,duck pond and short walking area along the river.
Suggested time is to visit during evenings/weekends.HappyVisiting
Deepak — Google review
This park is amazing, full of beautiful trees with one amazing old oak tree that if it could talk would definitely tell you the whole history of the area. They have picnic tables with grills all over the park, all under a canopy of tree shade. There is a train that you can hop on for a small fee that goes all around the whole park. They have paddle boats, bountiful walking trails, and hiking trails. The park is nature at its finest. The park is definitely one of the crown jewels of New Braunfels. It is maintained immaculately, clean everywhere you look at. The hiking trail is really fun about 2 miles round trip with lots of sub trails that you can venture off of the main trail. Very serene and peaceful is the only way to describe this park. It should be a must see for anyone visiting the New Braunfels area.
Marco Chapa — Google review
New Braunfels TX has no shortness of parks and water activities
Landa parks has something for everyone even a miniature train that you can ride around the park.
It has wonderful paved and unpaved trails. It has beautiful places to photo. Walking along the many parts that have water and the bridges that connect this well laid out park is wonderful.
When the weather is warm I really suggest a picnic lunch near any of the many spots. Many spots have ducks floating around.
It was not busy when we went there but understand it can get a little crowded during holidays.
My GPS kept leading us in the wrong direction so watch for the clear marked signs on the posts or use the map on your phone or the old fashion paper map.
We spent several hours walking the easy trails. New Braunfels has done a great job keeping this park up. Dog are permitted if on a lease.
One thing to be aware of is the parking fees so check ahead as they do not all take money. When we went in December I called to find out they do not charge in the winter months but unless you want to electronic pay give the park a call.
I hope you give this park a visit we certainly want to return.
Hats off to all the workers that keep this park in top shelf condition
Walter Dean — Google review
Beautiful park and lots of things to do with family. My kids didn't want to leave since they were having so much fun in the playgrounds. Perfect for walking and enjoying the nice view, nature and weather. I loved it. We saw lots of deers in the area too, what a wonderful day!
Damaris Crespo — Google review
Beautiful park anytime of year. Great for families and any events.
Kim Garza — Google review
A new found place to hang out. I love this park though a bit quiete a ways from home but I still love coming here. See you next time, Landa Park.☺️
Myrna Birk — Google review
Gorgeous and fun!
So much to do with kids. We went for a walk, trem ride, many playgrounds, amazing views… This is a must go!!!
Hubby, kids, dog and I had lots of fun.
The Mission Concepción is a Spanish Colonial landmark and America's oldest unrestored stone church. The church was founded in 1731 and played an important role in the Texas Revolution. Today, the chapel is home to a number of restored frescoes.
For history & architecture fans this is a great venue to add to your travel plans while in San Antonio. This Mission is one of four that are managed and secured by the National Park Service. Since we toured on a Sunday morning — we were able to walk inside the sanctuary after morning mass. Great photo ops for period photographers. Parking can be limited during prime times. National Park Service brochures are available that describe the various Missions and their history. If we come back I would love to visit all the local Missions.
Steve Dycus — Google review
✝️ Beautiful Historic & Religious Site - a Photographer’s Palace ✝️
I visited all four missions, but this one was one of my favorites. It’s not too small, not too big, very peaceful, and a marvel to behold. The sanctuary provides a lovely array of architecture and religious artifacts. I’ve done my best to do them justice with my camera, but as with all beautiful things, seeing in person is a must.
There are bathrooms on-site, and because of the size of this mission, it’s easier to walk.
I love hearing the sparrows flutter about the towers and nest in the crevices. It lends a true tranquility to this mission. I could happily sit here for hours just enjoying the nature sounds away from civilization (and thanks to numerous benches onsite, you’re able to do exactly that!). I visited close to Christmas, and enjoyed the Advent-themed decorum inside the sanctuary otherwise not present (see pics).
If you can only visit a couple of the missions, this is one of two I’d most highly recommend.
Casey Covel — Google review
I enjoyed visiting this mission. It's still an active church along with a historical site. It is beautifully conserved and you can almost feel all the history on the walls. It was well worth a stop.
David Repassy — Google review
Such a beautiful piece of history and so much more interesting than you would imagine. Super friendly park ranger have is the lowdown when we arrived and have the kids an adventure map activity that earned them a badge. Gorgeous original al fresco paintings still in place on the walls. This is a must visit site for sure.
Mike Vollmer — Google review
San Antonio is grounded by the 300+ years the missions have existed. They provide a solid foundation from which San Antonio meets the present needs of its community neighborhoods. By keeping the missions relevant with a host of services provided to the community, San Antonio honors its past. Which provides the city a statewide distinction - taking its past history with the neighborhoods into the city's future is a defining characteristic unique to San Antonio. No other Texas city can claim the same number of active missions.
Donze Lopez — Google review
It is a quiet and contemplative historical site. Brings your thoughts back to the settlers of years past. The physical, and mental toughness they possessed are mind boggling. The tours of the 5 missions is a must. Reflections into the past is both humbling, and sobering. A very positive day.
Maria Ho — Google review
Highly Recommend! Always visit San Antonio but this time focused on learning more about the Missions. A little bit of a drive just outside of downtown you'll find Mission Concepción, a must visit. Although its is aging and crumbling it is still well preserved with a lot of detail and beauty just as it was build years ago. Plenty of parking available on site with sitting areas, restrooms and information stand. Trail leading off Mission provides for a nice stroll through some historical sites.
Jaime A. — Google review
If you're into pre-Texas history. The old misson trail provides you with some insight life and times of early mission. Some of the photos are not from this particular mission, but I wanted you to see what you're missing if you don't go to each of them. The aqueduct was pretty cool.
Caution: During the summer months, when visiting the mission, please drink plenty of water. Stay on the paths and off of any structures.
John Gosselin — Google review
A very cool place with a lot of history to be learned. It's worth a stop if you are into history. The sanctuary is still being used for church services which adds more intrigue.
Christian Jones Lucas — Google review
Lots of amazing history and very interesting facts about architecture and peoples. I would 10/10 recommend talking with the volunteers and tour guides while you visit. They have a lot of knowledge about the history that you will not read on the signs while walking around the grounds. After spending some time here your mind will begin to think and wander about life in the past and it is a very cool experience.
Parley Bates — Google review
I went here at 08:45 on a Saturday morning and there was no one here. I had the grounds all to myself. There was no charge to wander the site or enter into any of the chapel or sanctuary areas. There are boxes set up for donations but nothing obligatory. The grounds were well kept and the site was well preserved. I stayed for about 30 minutes and had a delightful morning as I continued down the Mission Trail.
Tyler Harris — Google review
Made a quick stop here for about 15 or 20 minutes as a visitor center was closed (close to 5pm) and the site is a smaller mission. Not disappointing though!
Marc Shoemaker — Google review
This along with Mission San Jose are the two of the 4 missions closest to the heart of downtown, and I hear the two most worth visiting. Both were magnificent, but this one was smaller of the two and would be my second choice. If you were to visit one I’d suggest San Jose mission which had a visitor center on site.
Sam — Google review
Some of the best preserved interior work I have seen outside of the San Jose Mission. The stenciling, ornamentation, and the broader complex were really becoming. The interpretation was fairly in depth and explanatory. Would be a shame not to visit.
Vito S. Bortolotti — Google review
Amazing church! Takes about 10 mins to walk through. Incredible seeing how it was built. Amazes me that something so old is still standing today.
Dave Cipriani — Google review
This beautiful mission that’s a must see if you’re in San Antonio. The tour is self guided, but nearly all area accessible. Much of the buildings and grounds are still intact and are well-maintained. There is a docking station for electric bicycles. We rode the bicycles from Mission San Jose to Mission Concepción. Several of the rooms have still have brightly painted frescoes!
Cameron Wiegartz — Google review
Oldest original stone church in North America. Everything is original and over 300 years old. The paintings, the benches you sit on, simply everything. Very impressive.
Diddy Lange — Google review
Great place to explore some history and learn more about the region of San Antonio. Very cool buildings to walk around and see. Our tour guide was amazing at answering questions and giving information.
Kyle Johnson — Google review
This is a must see for anyone who loves history. Loved the wall art that has been restored and all the stone walls. Plus the Church remains in active use, when I went a quinceañera was being celebrated. So you can also see how the Mission has remained relevant to the community over the centuries.
It’s also a nice walk from downtown to Mission. I just did the walk back to downtown, and you can reach the river walk in about 5 minutes and take it all the way.
Conor Gallogly — Google review
WOW, just awesome to visit The Mission Concepcion! I went on a Sunday afternoon and it was so wonderful. The stories and walking tour on my phone was so informative and helpful. I loved the church and the courtyard of very old beautiful trees. I enjoyed the entire experience of The Mission Concepcion
General Dexter — Google review
We went on a Friday around 11, not very busy. The whole family enjoyed it. Ages 11 - 46. Beautiful place!!
The San Antonio River Walk is a 15 mile long trail system with beautiful sights and sounds. It is home to many restaurants, bars, and other amenities for visitors.
Beautiful little walk with a lot of history and restaurants
paul pizzo — Google review
Great food! Amazing music, fun with the family
Eliana Sanchez — Google review
It's beautiful at night with the lights and restaurant atmosphere BUT the homelessness and barrage of beggars is just making it the worst place to visit for tourism, it doesn't matter the time of year, day of the week or hour of the day, it is beggar city, if you like to people watch you can see several intoxicated drunken arrests bring made. I wouldn't go back and see it again, a large group of my family went last week an had the same experience as we did and we went a few years ago. If you go, go at night during the lights, daytime it's not esthetically appealing at all.
San Jose is a beautiful, historic Mission founded in 1720 that is home to the Church of Saint Joseph. The grounds are peaceful and full of charming original structures, some of which have been restored over the years. Many visitors come to see the church's rose window, one of San Antonio's most beloved architectural ornaments.
Excellent experience. Love history and places to visit. Free to visit all three Missions, few minutes apart. Incredible to see the conservation of church and fort. Nice to walk and enjoy history. All employees we're so nice and helpful. Love Texas and all residents. So happy to visit new places...a lot of pictures good memories and very nice people. Love Texas!
Liliana S — Google review
✝️ A Must-see Mission ✝️
If you only visit two of the four Missions, I recommend this one (San Jose) and Mission Concepción. Mission San Jose is the largest of the four, with the outer wall intact, a mill, a sanctuary, and many museum-like displays that depict daily life in the Mission.
The open-air interior imbues a sense of tranquility. I found myself happily strolling the grounds without true aim, simply taking in the architecture, nature, and atmosphere. The multi-colored stone arches, rugged wooden crosses, and vibrant greenery create a lovely palette of contrasts photographers will love. Many a memorable backdrop may be found here.
At an easy-going pace, you can spend an hour or two at this Mission alone. The wide-open interior is perfect for children or dogs that want to roam the grounds. History buffs will love seeing the inside of the Indian Quarters and the Convent. There's a little something for everyone, whether it's history, religion, nature, or photography.
Casey Covel — Google review
Absolute must see! Amazing history, hundreds of years old structures, nice visitor center and souvenir shop. My kids were amazed at how the ancient thick stone walls helped ease the 100 degree temperature. The rangers were so helpful- my children enjoyed earning their Jr Ranger badges. We came near closing time and back the next day. Beautiful church architecture and history
AshN Aug — Google review
Loved reading the history. We homeschool our children and this was a great learning experience. Kids got to learn about their heritage and how the world was before technology. Can wait to visit the other sites.
Lluvia Guedry — Google review
The San Jose Mission holds a special place in my heart as one of the most cherished destinations in San Antonio. Stepping onto its grounds, you're immediately whisked away to a different era, enveloped in an atmosphere of tranquility and beauty that stands in stark contrast to the contemporary world outside its walls. It's truly a serene oasis that offers a unique glimpse into the past.
Albert Ramirez — Google review
One of the prettiest missions we have been to.
Kids loved doing the ranger badge activity.
The grounds are well kept and structures are beautiful to look out.
Definitely glad we came here.
Want to come back when kids are older and do the trail bike rides.
James Gray — Google review
Such a beautiful place!
When I first went there, a lot of people were wondering if I went to Spain or Mexico. When I said I went to Texas they did not believe it. I’ve only seen pictures of it on tour guides but definitely more beautiful in person
We went there on a weekday in the morning so it wasn’t too busy. It takes you around maybe 15-30 minutes to walk through
Would recommend dropping by this historic site.
Angelica B — Google review
Visiting this church was very informative and educational. So much history that has occurred on the very land we get to roam free on. This church is in Pristine condition. It is still as it was before. They still hold mass on Sunday. How amazing is that?! The park rangers were wonderful and so patient with the children. The kids are able to become an “honorary park ranger “ if they complete an activity book learning about the church.
I am excited to visit the rest of the missions located along the river.
florinda Saenz — Google review
My favorite after visiting all of the missions. This mission was under renovation during the visit but the architecture was captivating regardless. I always saw this mission in various photos with its arches and understand why after visiting. Stunning. As an added bonus, the visitor center was second only to the Alamo although this mission felt less “touristy”. Well maintained grounds and friendly staff.
Wendi the Wanderer — Google review
Very nice grounds and church. Kind of funny that these historic grounds are surrounded by a Pizza Hut, auto shop, and various other businesses. Once you’re inside though, can’t even see these distractions. It’s free to enter, which was a pleasant surprise. The mission does “ask” for only a dollar to enter the church.
Brian W. — Google review
Highly Recommend! Beautiful area and church, well preserved and maintained. Allow for a bit of walking through the grounds but all very nice to check out. Plan a visit to Mission San Jose and the other San Antonio Missions.
James A. — Google review
It's such a beautiful place to visit. It doesn't matter how many times you've seen it. It never gets tiring. Fall weather made it even more perfect to walk around and enjoy history. We made it just in time before the bus load of tourists pulled up. Go early if you want to take pictures before the crowd comes in.
LeTTy Who — Google review
Within Mission San Jose, this church stands as its defining feature. Constructed simultaneously with the mission, it remains an integral part of its history. Among the all four nearby missions, our tour guide believed this one was the most successful in establishing a stronghold for Spanish colonizers.
Hessam Noori — Google review
If you have time to visit one of the missions in San Antonio, Mission San Jose should be on your list. We were lucky enough to take a tour with a park ranger, who told us about the history of this mission and pointed out some of the features like the frescos. Of course the the church is beautiful too.
William Sharlow — Google review
Our third stop here was especially exciting as they had a larger visitor Center that featured a 22 minute long film to watch the history of this area and the Mission San Jose Church. This Mission had a more complete version of the Mission itself. It appeared to be the largest of the four in the area. Church was wonderful to see as well.
Marc Shoemaker — Google review
So beautiful! Just to realize the age and architecture... Uhhhh. Amazing! I actually went there to prey. I was taken a back just to be there again
Albert Fernandez — Google review
Mission San Jose boasts breathtaking architecture. The self-guided tour, a symphony of sights and sounds, The grounds unfold with a gift shop and a stained glass workshop, adorned by information signs unraveling snippets of history. Abundant photo opportunities grace every corner, enticing exploration. The expansive trail, a canvas of history, beckons me, though venturing alone feels daunting. The bike trail awaits,
Guided tours offered at a 948-acre park with 4 1700s colonial missions, a visitor center & trails.
Beautiful missions. Wonderful piece of history. Have been there for 300 years and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site as of 2015. These are ALL *still* active Catholic Parishes, so respect that, please. We loved Espada the most and they have a neat little gift shop that supports the Parish.
Mark Flesher — Google review
I have visited the Missions twice, a few years back (just getting around to reviewing).
I saw the 4 Missions in 1 day (I drove to them all in one day) and then saw the Alamo the next day. Each one was more unique and beautiful than the next and I couldn't possibly pick a favorite! The history and the architecture and the beautiful paintings on the walls are nothing less than magnificent!
These historical place have been so well-preserved by the National Park Service and I was so glad that I visited them. The next time I found myself in San Antonio, I even took a friend to see all of them.
Don't miss out of these beautiful, historic places that wonderful San Antonio has to offer. (I am going to dig up my photos and post one from each different Mission.)
tc zig — Google review
We went on a UNESCO tour through Viator to all the missions, and it was fantastic! The sites are beautiful; the history of each is unique and interesting; and the guides are wonderful. While I enjoyed the Alamo, it was super crowded. The other missions were well spread out and never felt overrun with people.
Natalie Nielsen — Google review
There is so much history to explore at the various missions. The architecture is astounding and it’s fun to just take your time exploring and learning about the history of San Antonio and the surrounding area. The parks are kept clean and tidy making it a great place for all.
Jason Baum — Google review
Beautiful historical site where you can travel through time, just a few minutes away from Downtown San Antonio. My favorite place was Mission San José, due to its unique architecture and solemn atmosphere. A place you should definitely visit with your family and/or significant others. Remember to stop by the gift shop for a keepsake of your visit to this beautiful piece of history. Would absolutely recommend to anyone visiting San Antonio for the first time. PS: bring lots of water, sunblock and some shade if you’re planning on visiting during summer time.
Cesar Rondon — Google review
When you're in San Antonio don't stop at just the Alamo you've got to check out these other missions in the area as well! Gorgeous Spanish architecture plenty of history and some of the missions still even hold mass. There's five total missions and I would highly recommend you check them all out!
Cody Tekip — Google review
What great Texas history. Also the only world UNESCO heritage site in the state of Texas. They must visit. If you do one of the guided tours with the national Park guide it’s worth it. They also have free Wi-Fi and QR codes to give you the history of the place.
Greg Alford — Google review
An exceptional tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in San Antonio, Texas. The 5 missions starting with the Alamo to the Mission Espada were each a work of art with their different architectural influences and all built before 1740. We drove the 8 miles and utilized the placards provided at each church except for the audio tour at the Alamo.
N and C Farrell — Google review
Really cool place to visit. I enjoyed learning about the different missions and the culture at each one. Each mission was beautiful in its own way. I loved the architecture and the simplicity of the design. The park rangers were knowledgeable and kind. Don’t skip this park! It’s way better than the Alamo!
Micaela Rodríguez — Google review
One of the few national historical parks that has free admission. Beautiful mission church. Interesting piece of Texas history. Make sure you take advantage of the (free) ranger guided tour.
David Brown — Google review
Wow. Free. No appt. Must see. Glad I went on a weekday so it wasn’t so crowded. You can bike ride but it’ll be most of your day & in the heat it can be a lot. I recommend driving & enjoying your day. 4 missions each 5-10 minutes apart. Pictures are from 3/4 missions.
N Paulic — Google review
The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park consists of a string of missions in southern San Antonio. Its amazing how good a condition the missions are in, considering their age and history. Its well worth a visit and a walk round each one. We did all the missions in a few hours. Each is unique in its own way and its interesting to compare them. There are also other areas alongside them, such as the aqueduct and the Missions County Park, where you can walk along the river.
All I can say is it’s well worth a visit.
Andy Smith — Google review
Very interesting series of old Spanish missions in San Antonio. The are interesting, but do get repetitive with each additional site. They are a must do in the area though if you want to experience the history of the area.
Kenton Thompson — Google review
This was a pretty neat part of history to learn about. It's an historical park that is open to public to walk through and learn a bit of history. I loved how we were able to walk in some areas and see how they lived and what they lived in as well as learning about the battles they went through. If your observant enough you will see names and dates in some of the bricks throughout the whole structure on the areas that were never finished being built. If your a big fan of history this is definitely a spot you don't want to pass up on. It is a great experience for your children to be a part of.
Stephanie Moore — Google review
First of the four mission parks that we explored today. Very interesting history about the early missions work in this area despite the heat. All the parks are free to go to you and have helpful rangers to answer questions.
Marc Shoemaker — Google review
We visited two of the sites and they were quite different: Missions Concepcion and San Jose. The latter gave a great feel for what life there was like. Helpful guides at both, a small museum and gift shop at Mission San Jose. A couple miles from town center
Good — Google review
One of the best tours I have experienced in my life! Alex 6, the tour guide was amazing and taught us about the history of 4 San Antonio Missions (Conception, San Jose, San Juan & San Espada). I wholeheartedly recommend the tour!!!
Talisha — Google review
The San Jose mission was a really cool thing to see. Lots of History there. The old church which is still in use today. The grounds were very very muddy after heavy rain. So make sure you stay on the path. We had a tour guide but we would have been just fine reading the signs ourselves so we kind of went out on our own. Really unique, well maintained grounds. This is a national historic site in national Park so be sure to get your stamp.
Kimber Beck — Google review
We explored 4 out of 5 missions (we've been to the Alamo before) with our children. There are plenty of trails if you decide to walk, run, or bike around this area. We learned quite a bit about these missions we did not know about (we are not local). I highly recommend you visit all of them. Kid friendly activity especially since you can ask for the Junior Ranger activities so that they can be sworn in as Junior Rangers. We had a fun time.
Natalie Rivera — Google review
Today we visited almost all the different Missions along the River, so you will see all we visited in the pictures. They are all very absolutely beautiful and you need to get a guide to do a tour!
Royal Mangalitsa — Google review
Beautiful places, it's amazing how they r all different. I loved to learn all the history behind the missions and stories of people that built and loved here
Kaja SWIEB — Google review
We visited all 4 missions in the park unit. Each was unique & beautiful. We wanted to walk but ran out of time so drove to each one. I hope to return someday & walk them all. The park is dog friendly & our pup loves earning B.A.R.K. Ranger badges. She enjoyed all the grounds with us. Be sure to get your badge from the visitor center!
Meli Killian — Google review
Incredible piece of Spanish architecture here in America. The staff was incredible, sharing great excitement with our children. We were there near closing time and the staff was kind to all even though they needed to close the gates. A huge thanks to Ranger Gewalt for helping our children get their Junior Ranger badges in the 1.5 hrs we were there.
Quinton Hamp — Google review
Been to SA many times but never once to the Mission's. So much rich history in Texas and San Antonio is a great place to start. It was a great family experience and I would highly recommend, if you like learning about the history of Texas
Rockport Beach Park is a family-friendly destination with calm waters, a playground, and a pavilion. The sandy beach is perfect for younger children since there are very few waves or currents. There are plenty of picnic tables throughout the park along with restrooms and showers that are always kept clean. Although seagulls abound, dogs or other pets aren't allowed.
Great park! They have a sandy beach with very few waves and current. It's great for smaller kids. There are many covered picnic tables throughout as well as restrooms, showers, and all the seagulls you'd like to feed. It is $10 for the day or $40 for an annual pass.
Anthony Little — Google review
Great place to bring your kids and family. There is a cost to enter the park for $10 but its well worthy. There are many gazebos where you can bbq, and as well as kids playing areas . There are two set of volleyball nets. The bathroom has a nice shower area at the pavilion. There is an area at the end where is very calm. The place is not deep at all, so it's very safe for kids.
Jaddiel Perez — Google review
This is a lovely place. Plenty of free water-side parking and benches and areas to walk on the sand. There is a wonderful walking and fishing pier (free). You can pay to get into the park proper, not sure how much, but cheap enough. Inside the park are bbq areas, gazebos, picnic areas, and bathrooms. There’s a sectioned off area of bay, that is calm and shallow for little ones to swim.
Robin Quattlebaum — Google review
Had a great time with my family. There is a small part of the beach that allows for dogs too.
The water was warm and clean. A person can wade out for about 150 yards at least. So if you're looking for shallow water it's great.
Paul Maletsky — Google review
Great area to take the family. I loved that the children were able to walk in the ocean. The amenities are convenient to wash the sand off before getting in the vehicle.
william cardozo — Google review
This was my first time here. I've always didn't pay, but never stopped until this past weekend. Best decision ever. Exceptionally clean beach, not over crowded, and perfectly safe swim area for toddlers and younger kids. First time I've been to the beach and I didn't have to worry about my kids, and was able to thoroughly enjoy myself. There is also a playground, a small bar with a stage for love bands, good clean restrooms and showers, picnic tables and tiki covers.
Tara Knowles — Google review
I was lucky to be there just before spring break. Almost deserted but what a great place to hang out. Lots of sand and water. Birds everywhere and the Laughing Gulls were so noisy. It was great. Only $10 for a day pass and cheap considering the experience.
Dave Shultz — Google review
NO DOGS/ PETS. Clean, clean , clean. Looks similar to the Galveston beaches, just much cleaners. No dogs allowed, sorry Fido. Great free 'Palapa-umbrellas'. Lots of parking. Nice folks working the gate. Lots of folks celebrating the New Year!!
Mary Jane Hancock — Google review
I really liked the Rockport Beach. I have been to Florida beaches a lot and they are beautiful, but you can't compare Texas beaches to Florida beaches, geologically they were made differently. People were talking so much about the jellyfish at Rockport. They were not a problem unless you went clear out close to the drop-off. The water was clean and warm. It is very shallow for quite a ways which is great for the kiddos and parents to feel safer. 😀 We parked by the shower and toilet buildings which were great. They even have an outdoor shaded patio upstairs on the second building you can reserve and an inside room you can reserve as well for parties, receptions etc. The only issue we had was stepping on a fire ant nest at the edge of the parking lot and getting stung. We really had a good time otherwise. I think people just like to find something negative. It's a great Texas beach.
Roberta Melone — Google review
Perfect spot for families with small kids, very shallow Waters and the Beach is real clean, is only $10/car for the whole day. And the best of all it has restrooms 🚽 and shower 🚿 No Pets allowed 🚫
Oscar Jimenez — Google review
Great location for a relaxing day at the beach. Clean beach sandbars go really far out so you can go pretty far before the water gets too deep. The cabanas provide shade so all you need is a chair and a towel to stake out your spot. Usually not too busy. Day pass is $10/car or $40 for the year pass.
Lacey T — Google review
Beautiful beach. Warm water. The sun in October feels amazing. Very clean. Nice people all around. Go wade in the water and enjoy. BBQ pits available.
Amber Such — Google review
Beautiful beach area with restrooms, showers (necessary for the amount of sand I carried into the changing room), well-kept shade huts, and good parking areas.
The only complaint was the amount of plastic bottle caps and cigarette butts on the beach. Not really fault of the beach care takers, but humans are pigs!
Sally Dulinsky — Google review
Nice clean beach with picnic tables with shade, jungle gyms for the kids, swim beach, and a dock that you can walk out on and fish.
Jimmy Kurz — Google review
Great beach! Shallow entry great for kids and grandkids. You can walk out 100byeards and still be at your knees or hips. This beach can get crowded, but ways enjoyable. $10 per day or $40 yearly pass.
Carl Weaver — Google review
Nice clean beach not sure what was with all the dead jellyfish but still worth a visit
Cody Long — Google review
The Best ! Clean, no pets on the beach or in the water ! 😀 Love the tiki huts on the beach to sit under, perfect. Lots of play areas for children, perfect for families. Pavillion for bathroom as well as some Port A potties. Also a Salt Water pool at the end. So great!
This was such a fun place to go and my kids loved it!
Jenni Chastain — Google review
First of all they have a very nice greeter there. Secondly its FREE. Third the place has interactive stuff that is a fun way for kids to learn. Lastly its not huge so you don't have to spend forever. Great staff great litke fun place. Highly reccomend
Jonathan Gerhardt — Google review
Went today.. this place has no HRs saying anything. Called and it doesn’t even go to a voicemail. So disappointed my family was looking forward to this but I guess they don’t want our business! Very low prospect and I am so angry we couldn’t go in!
masha kevie — Google review
This place is a wonderful gem in Rockport. Very educational, informative volunteers and interactive exhibits for kids of all age groups. Free/donation entry. My husband and I had fun going together and we love bringing our friends and their kids too.
Oh, and movie nights!
Jennifer Wind — Google review
Me and my friends went on a cold day during spring break and loved it! It's small but full of fun things and plenty of fish, fossils and information to look at!! There is this really trippy purple fish and he's so cool!! Worth the visit! Staff is very nice and it's free!!!!!! Love it! And the fish!! Great for all ages! We are in high school and it was very entertaining:)
Margaret Marable — Google review
This small local aquarium is free and SO worth seeing. Staffed by local volunteers, this gem has wonderful tanks filled with mostly local fish, has a great shell collection, and plenty of information on the area waters. Come in, spend some time, and make a donation! The fish will thank you!
Casey T (OK2BU) — Google review
Relaxed, fun place. Admission is free/by donation.Staff was very helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. Kids had a great time. It is a small, non-profit; expect to spend no more than 30-45 minutes here.
Crystal Bradley — Google review
This place is not huge, but it is amazing for its smaller size. They really can pack a lot of aquatic animals into one admission free trip to this place. They also have a little house looking building where you go to learn more about certain mammals. I do recommend this place to people of all ages.
Cole Cieslewicz — Google review
Small place but it's free, you can give a tip when you go in which was great, especially since I have 5 kids. They had different fish and other ocean life and some activities for the kids. And a small gift shop with reasonable prices. Great place to stop by if you get a chance
The USS Lexington Museum is a colossal military museum in Corpus Christi Bay that was converted from a retired training vessel. The museum has five self-guided tours around the ship that explore its eleven decks and 1,000 square feet of space. The tour includes the flight deck, focsle, gallery deck, hangar deck, and lower deck.
Pleasant surprise! I have driven by this place many times but I'm glad i finally got to see it! Be prepared to spend a good amount of time here I thought 1.5 hours would be enough to check it all out and it was nowhere near enough. I'd say have at least 3+ hours in mind. It's an amazing place to experience and the tours of each area are well organized and paths planned out! Some stair climbing should be expected. Worth checking out and experiencing a piece of WWII History!
Mike J — Google review
Beautiful museum and great place to learn for both adults and kids. They do have 2 simulator rides which cost $5 each. They are not the best, but great for kids. The 3D movie was good also and that is included with the price of the entry ticket. Overall great place to visit with the family. Great views from the deck. There is a restaurant which has decent food, but had a wait. The gift shop is a great place to visit too.
Kishen Padiyar — Google review
Our family is a big fan of WWII history, it's veterans, and artifacts. We spent pretty much all day here with our two boys (13 & 10) and they loved crawling around in the belly of this awesome beast. This is my wife and my second time visiting it with the first time being in the early 2000's. That being said, I'm not sure how much longer it's going to be able to withstand the salt water which seems to be doing a number on it's outer structure. If you are a fan of old WWII era machines then you should definitely add the Lexington as a must see before it's too late.
Chad S — Google review
Excellent historical museum! You are taken back in history the moment you enter! Be ready to walk and climb stairs. See how sailors lived and work in a floating city. How Incredible the work that had to be performed daily. For history buffs, I would recommend giving yourself at least three hours to tour the ship, see videos, and read the displays. The care that was taken to bring this ship back to life is quite amazing as well. I highly recommend the visit. Thank you!
Victor Diaz — Google review
We visited the USS Lexington on our trip to Corpus. This is a fantastic piece of American history. The huge ship is a head to toe museum.
There is a LOT of walking and stairs. you will need to be able to climb steep stairs/ladders if you want to go down into the ship.
To see the flight deck and airplanes there is an elevator or stairs.
Down below deck are four floors of displays and a first hand look at life on deck.
There is a small restaurant and a shop; as well as an extra feature of an escape room.
There is plenty of (paid) parking and a tram that will take you from the street all the way up the ramp to the entrance.
For US history fans, airplane/ship enthusiasts, or looking for a neat way to spend a few hours, this is the place to check out.
Emily P (Traveling Texan) — Google review
The fact that it is a U.S. Navy ship that not only was successful in WW2 and served our country for decades is awesome, but the presentation is outstanding. The aircraft are accessible and have informational boards with great statistics on them. Down below there are displays of Navy equipment and personnel with more information panels. The room with the models was overwhelming with the number of them from planes, boats, submarines, to ships representing the U.S., Germany and Japan. Obviously the curators of the ship care about it and are very knowledgeable. They also serve food on board, so don't worry about spending hours there like I did. I found parking in a lot between the entrance and the aquarium that nobody else seemed to use. Behind the sign for parking you just slip your money in the appropriate slot.
Charles Foreman — Google review
Awesome experience. No tour guides to make you move at a certain pace, which I loved. I was able to walk as slow as I could handle to take it all in. I walked for 4 hours and still feel like I went too fast. There are full sized aircraft, wax figurines doing all sorts of tasks from dental work to serving meals. This thing is MASSIVE. I truly think it'd take 2 or 3 trips to see every nook and cranny. They have tons of memorabilia from previous commanders, other ships, and displays of battles and damage. I literally can't say enough about this, it's purely incredible. They have food and drinks available for reasonable costs (far less than a baseball game or concert), and when you have to hit the head, you use the actual ship bathrooms - which I found added to the experience. When we were here they were repainting one of the planes right on the ship! They had deployed a polyurethane tent around it with clear windows so we could see in too. I don't even remember how much it cost because it didn't matter, it was worth it!
Cody LaBorence — Google review
The USS Lexington is a beautiful historical place to visit that has a pivotal place in U.S. history. There is so much history here to read and to tour. Although we didn't tour the ship, we still found time to visit here and snap a few pics outside. I highly recommend this place to visit when you're in the Corpus Christi area.
Santos Garza — Google review
I went to the Lexington as a kid and remember having a blast. I wanted to pass that fun on to my kids and they did have a blast. It really is like stepping into history. Just about everything is interactive and hands on. My only “complaint” is some times the lower deck tour is a little confusing, but it’s still a good time!
James Hooten — Google review
I recently had the opportunity to visit the USS Lexington, WWII marvel in Corpus Christi, and it was an absolutely incredible experience. As a history enthusiast, I was in awe of the rich historical significance of this place. The ship is a fascinating time capsule from World War II, and I couldn't get enough of exploring its details.
I highly recommend spending at least 4 hours here to fully immerse yourself in the history and the stories behind the artifacts. The 3D movie is a must-see, and I was fortunate to catch it during its limited run. It added another layer of depth to the experience.
The dedication and preservation efforts put into this place are commendable. It's not just a museum; it's a journey through time. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for an educational and captivating outing, the WWII marvel in Corpus Christi is a must-visit. I can't recommend it enough!
pradeep malireddy — Google review
Do not underestimate this amazing ship! We went thinking we would only spend about an hour here and stayed for 4!!! We didn’t even get to see the entire ship! Definitely wish I had two days to visit this museum. So much history within its walls! I learned so much from going here! Definitely worth the trip. It’s not even expensive. There is a lot of walking and stairs but again, it’s well worth it! They do have stroller and wheelchair access as well. The gift shop is big with lots of options and the food court sells decent food. There’s a long ramp to the ship but they offer a free rides up and down the ramp. They have a parking lot and it’s only $5 but show up early. The parking lot was full by noon on a Friday! Besides that you have to meter park.
Ashley Haughton — Google review
This is an amazing piece of history. It's absolutely surreal to walk where our soldiers lived and worked to defend our country. There are many exhibits and stations to see and learn all about its history.
The ship is kept in beautiful condition, and all the staff we interacted with were friendly and knowledgeable. There's a long ramp up to the ship, but they have a shuttle to drive people up and down if you prefer that. It's really neat to go up and down the ladders to tour the different areas of the ship, but again, they have an elevator option up to the landing deck for those who may have a difficult time with the ladders. The entry price is very reasonable, we paid $18.95 each, and there's no time limit outside of museum hours. They show movies, and for an additional charge, they also offer escape rooms and simulators.
I highly recommend visiting the museum while here in Corpus Christi.
djgirl 21 — Google review
A wonderful experience to spend a few hours for only $20! Did 2 different self guided tours down below the ship and was amazed how mazelike the place is. I'm just so shocked how anyone can navigate such a large ship without signs or directories. The flight deck was the jewel of the visit. Getting to see an airplane up close in addition to having access to a beautiful sea sight is uncanny. The gift shop had some really good finds that won't break the back. After 2 or so hours going up and down stairs my hips and thighs were killing me. Great place to educate and learn while getting your steps in.
Christopher Sanchez — Google review
This far exceeded our expectations! We spent 5 hours there and still didn't get to see everything. An amazing firsthand experience of what life on a carrier is like and all the battles involving them. This is a must do if your in the area! It's family friendly and there is easy parking across the street. We ate at the mess hall also.. food was good and not outrageously priced. We would love to visit again sometime.
Bethanyk — Google review
Excellent family activity on the water. Tour the boat at your own pace and enjoy the history each area has to offer. The ship was well preserved and clean! It’s a fun and interactive way for children and adults to learn a small bit of military/American history. The AC is a nice way to cool off from the heat of the summer. I highly recommend checking it out when visiting Corpus Christi!
Olivia Guerrero — Google review
It was a very windy day so being outside on the deck was challenging. Once inside we saw everything! It is a must see for anyone that appreciates what the men and women have done for our country. Every tour on the ship could stand alone by itself for a history lesson. Plan on soaking in the vast information and spending 3 or more hours. We took 6 hours and loved every minute. Thank you to all that served on this magnificent vessel.
Dan Blodgett — Google review
This place was very cool. I thought my kids (8,10,16) would be bored but they loved it! There was so much to see and read I could just never take it all in. The staff were all friendly and helpful. I definitely recommend making a stop here if you are visiting Corpus Christi! Fun for the whole family. But beware, it is a LOT of walking and steep stairs.
Sher — Google review
I so wish I had had four days to really explore this amazing aircraft carrier! There are quite a few self-guided tours you can embark on yourself, plus just randomly exploring in lots of areas of the ship. Me and my grandson took one of the long lower deck self-guided tours where you climb down several levels and see the engine room, dining area, bunk area, dentists office and sick bay, and quite a few other things. It was awesome. I'm 69, so climbing up and down the steep stairs was a little dicey, but not super tough. I truly enjoyed it. Then we had a quick lunch at the snack bar onboard in the hangar deck. After that, my grandson and I climbed up to the flight deck to check out all the old planes placed all around the deck. Such great information on signs next to each airplane. Beautiful external preservation. And there was so much more to see, but after more than two hours of walking everywhere in and on the ship, we had to go home and my trip from Kansas was too short to allow another visit to see more of the ship. Hopefully, I'll get to come back some day and explore more of it.
What I'm kicking myself over is that I lived in San Antonio for many years and made quite a few trips to Corpus Christi for fun and to see my son when he was in college in Corpus! I always saw the ship in the distance, but never looked into how to get on board... I should have come here 20 years ago...
Dave M — Google review
Great tour! As expected it’s huge, and it has a great history. Start with the 3D movie and go from there. Going up is a lot of very steep steps but worth it. Doing down steep as well. Landing level has cool planes including (my wife’s favorite) the actual plane from Top Gun. Took a few hours to see everything.
Paul Aughey — Google review
What a cool experience! Did you know they have the fighter jet on there from the movie top gun! You get to walk the halls of the lower decks and sit in the captains chair how cool is that! I have to say it is 100% worth it to go and it isn’t very expensive either. They do have a cafe there and we did eat at it but it isn’t the best I’ve had to say the least but it helped in a pinch. They have a gift shop too so that’s fun to go get a memory from there.
The best part of the whole experience was meeting the volunteers that worked there. If you’re willing to take the time and just ask questions and listen to their stories, this is the last generation that will be able to one on one in person, hear the stories from the people that experienced all of this wonderful history firsthand. Two of the gentlemen were aboard the ship when it was active and what stories they could tell. We met a man named Bill and talk to him for so long, and I believe it was very impactful. Very interesting. I asked him how it felt serving in Vietnam, and if he was scared. His response was it was a job and we were tougher back then and boy was he right.
cindy harrison — Google review
I've been a History WWII buff for years, and it was such a thrill to be able to spend the night on the 'Blue Ghost' (as a chaperone to my daughter's high school band). Noel and Chris were awesome, friendly hosts that added tons of fun to our stay. You have to go and listen to Noel's ghost story! We were allowed to roam the ship on self guided tours. The hosts helped police the kids with a little PT punishment. The ship is huge, so be prepared to be exhausted after all the climbing and roaming. If you get to camp on the Lex, the breakfasts and dinners aren't bad. They don't serve sodas, so if you want one, bring your own from one of the vending machines on ship. Otherwise, they have a decent snack bar if you're a day visitor. The gift shop was full of nifty items and gift ideas from dog tags, key chains, and books to USS Lexington t-shirts. For aviation fans, there are several WW2 to more modern aircraft on board on the flight deck and hanger. There is a flight simulator and a flight type ride for $5 and $20, respectively. Overall, it was a really fun experience!
Jeff Wilson — Google review
Was super cool to visit this while on our trip from Denver to Corpus Christi. The self guided tours are perfect and there is so much to see. Loved the fact you could still see the captains quarters, where the ropes were kept and the different planes that used that carrier in its prime. The gift shop had tons to choose from. Picked up a few coins while we were there. It's absolutely beautiful at night all lit up as well. Got engaged right next to it with its illuminating blue lights in the background!
Lynsey Van Harte — Google review
This place is awesome! There is tons to see and it is great for families. Though bring your own food and just hide it in a bag. It’s not right to force families to pay for your overpriced, overrated food. $4.75 for a hot dog?!?! Are you out of your mind?!?! I dropped a star because you can’t bring outside food or drinks which essentially forces you to buy there food. My recommendation is bring a drink or sandwich and sneak it in your bag. There are a lot of places you could take a swig of a drink or a bite and no one would notice know the difference. Overall, a good experience and a lot of fun!
Ernie Tidball — Google review
This is an awesome museum. We originally planned to be there for just a couple of hours but were there for 4 and could have spent at least a couple more hours. We didn’t realize there was a snack bar there or we probably would have stayed longer. We parked at the beach and had to use an app to pay the parking meter. There is a parking lot close by that you can pay $5 for all day. That would be better. There are a lot of videos through out the ship that tell different historical events. You can watch a 3D movie- it’s cold in the theater so be prepared. Lots of photo opportunities for the kids. Volunteers and workers there all very nice. I think there is a shuttle that will take you up the ramp to the entrance. We were not offered a ride.
Sawimonu J — Google review
Excellent place to visit! Plan for several hours if you want to see everything. It is HUGE! The film that runs every hour on the hour is very good. The Pearl Harbor exhibit has a great short history experience. Lots to explore throughout the ship...a bit of information overload. I bet you could spend days here and still find new things. The lower levels definitely have an odor that seemed to bother some, but it was worth it to see all of the cool things there. Overall an amazing place, with good workers and volunteers to help even more with the experience.
Jen Roufs — Google review
My recent visit to the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay in Corpus Christi, Texas, was an experience I will never forget. Stepping aboard this iconic aircraft carrier felt like stepping back in time, immersing myself in the rich history and heroic legacy of the United States Navy.
In addition to its rich history, the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay offers stunning panoramic views of Corpus Christi Bay and the surrounding coastline.
Overall, my visit to the USS Lexington was nothing short of extraordinary. From its impressive exhibits to its breathtaking views, this historic aircraft carrier offers a captivating glimpse into the past while honoring the brave men and women who served our country with courage and dedication. Whether you're a history buff, a military enthusiast, or simply curious about life aboard a naval vessel, the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay is a must-see destination in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Derrick Frohne — Google review
Visiting the USS Lexington was an awe-inspiring experience, immersing me in its rich history and remarkable legacy. Stepping aboard, I felt the weight of its importance and the bravery of those who served during World War II and beyond. The museum's exhibits vividly portray life on the carrier and its pivotal role in naval warfare.
Exploring the decks, I marveled at the ingenuity of naval aviation and the dedication of the sailors who manned this floating fortress. Standing on the flight deck, I imagined the thunderous roar of aircraft taking off into the fray.
The panoramic views of Corpus Christi Bay from the flight deck were breathtaking, serving as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made to safeguard our freedoms.
The staff's passion for sharing the ship's heritage enhanced the experience, providing valuable insights and anecdotes.
I highly recommend a visit to the USS Lexington for anyone interested in military history. It's a captivating journey through time that leaves a lasting impression. Attached are some photos capturing the essence of this historic vessel.
Maleen Karunathilaka — Google review
Very reasonable for what they are doing there. Everyone should take the time to see this and truly learn what it was like for our sailors surviving and dying aboard these amazing WWII vessels.
They also do their best for disabled There is a tram to take you up to the ship and the have wheelchairs available. They just can’t go on most of the tours. There is tons of ladders / stairs to climb up and down.
Peggy Hartwig — Google review
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4.5
(3471)
2914 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, USA
The Harbor Bridge in Corpus Christi, constructed in 1959, serves as a vital link between the city and its port, facilitating the daily transportation of around 30,000 vehicles. This through-arch bridge is not only an essential infrastructure but also a notable tourist attraction due to its significance and charming southern-style architecture. Spanning 620 feet in length, this steel structure stands as an iconic symbol of connectivity for the city.
4.5
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Corpus Christi, TX, USA
I'll never travel to Port Aransas without this trip planner again
The Texas State Aquarium is a marine life-rich attraction on the harborside of Corpus Christi. The not-for-profit institution boasts six hectares of exhibition space and daily dive shows.
We got there around noon and the line seemed long but, it was moving pretty quick. It was great. Honestly we went at the end of March the weather was beautiful, the people were nice, restrooms are clean, didn't buy any food. All the aquariums were clean, there were plenty of fish to see. The line at the little Starbucks was kinda long but the drinks were good just like pretty much any Starbucks. We had a blast. My family loved it. If you haven't been, I highly recommend it.
robert gracia — Google review
My sister used her membership and invited my son and I to come out and enjoy the new HEB Splash Pad. The kids had so much fun. Not a whole lot of seating so we got here as soon as they opened at 10am. There was a line to get into the water part, but since we got there early we found a really nice spot. My only complaint is that there isn't much cover so you need to be there before it opens at 11am. Fun for the whole family!!!
Laynee Hernandez — Google review
A really nice aquarium with indoor and outdoor exhibits as well as a really great splash pad. There are good food options inside as well as a nice dining area where you can look out over the Gulf and see dolphins as well as pelicans diving for fish.
There are also 4D films included in the entrance fee which is great. We watched a :15 BBC film about sharks and they were also offering Happy Feet during our visit.
$40/person seemed a little steep but they do rescue so that does help to supplement that worthy activity.
Exhibits are new & well kept, gift shop is really nice, workers are helpful & kind. Worth a visit + students can get a slight discount with id.
Amy Jones — Google review
We did the shark encounter this weekend for my son's birthday. It was SO AWESOME. Absolutely worth the money. There were 6 sharks, 2 eels, and 2 rays. We got to see all of them up close. Our helpers, Abbey and Amberleigh were FANTASTIC - they were so helpful, knowledgeable, and so enthusiastic about the program. They made sure we had the best time and indulged our curiosities. We will absolutely come back and do this again. Every other employee that we encountered was helpful and courteous. The HEB splash pad was fun and Shoreline Grill had some delicious food.
chanele dedrick — Google review
We hadn't been here since the new expansion. Wow it was definitely worth it! As always very clean and well organized and everyone is super helpful and friendly. The animals are always well looked after and cared for. We love the work they do here and how they inspire people one of whom was our oldest who is now a marine biologist! Thank you guys, Keep up your good work!
Brittany D — Google review
This is one of the best aquariums I've ever been to. They have huge displays and many interactive stations for real life participation. I've taken large groups of high schoolers there and they are extremely accommodating and helpful! The staff there are very knowledgeable and friendly.
Amanda Chow — Google review
Fabulous views of the waterfront, great food options—from sit-down cafe upstairs to quick-service in the main lobby, and a well-planned layout. The elevators are plentiful. Generally a loud place, but they have made efforts to accommodate for sensory differences; their website or front desk provide info on sensory kits. They also have a scavenger hunt list for $5 that my middle schooler appreciated. I definitely recommend wearing Loops if you are sensitive to screaming children and loud crowds! The waterfront area is a relaxing reprieve replete with swinging benches, as is the nearby underground portion of the dolphin exhibit.
Matt and Mandy Sargent — Google review
it has definitely been a few years since I have been back there. They have definitely added some more attractions, but have taken one or two out to trade in the new ones but definitely had no complaints. I had a blast and will definitely be going back here very soon!
Lizzy — Google review
This is an awesome aquarium! It's arranged and set up very well. They have so many up close viewing areas and good information as you go. The otter and dolphin exhibits are really cool. Plan on spending most the day here. It's family friendly and the parking was super easy and convenient. Food is kind of pricey as you would expect. They also have a starbucks in the lobby. This was definitely worth the price of admission and we loves every second!
Bethanyk — Google review
We enjoyed the dolphins show at 3 pm (two performances a day, another at 11 am). The salads at Shoreline Grill was great. The facility could accommodate special events and was designed for multiple purposes (including the splash park, which was not used when we visited). The 4D movie was nice (surprised to be the only viewers during the show). The whole experience was well worth the entrance fee. Highly recommend!
Pin Wu — Google review
I will start off by saying this was the coolest aquarium. I've ever been to! Everything was super clean, the service was good, they had plenty of wildlife to look at, the shows were Amazing. The only downfall is that everything is pretty expensive, but overall, it is still 5 stars because of the quality of the visit. we'll definitely go back if I'm in the area.
Ryan Adams — Google review
Absolutely Amazing!! Plenty of things to explore, everything was visible, and All of the animals were very well kept. Be sure to go before 1230p.m. if you want to enjoy the Dolphin show. Miss Claudia is a great attendant! Plenty of air conditioned areas. Everything was handicap friendly. They even had the option to swim with sharks (for an add charge)! There was food and drink stands. WORTH IT!
Castro Julian — Google review
Excellent. Not too too big, and easy to see in a half day. Dolphin show was fantastic but if you sit on the splash side prepare to get WET! The shark tanks (two of them!) Were a big hit with the family.
Jordan Hodges — Google review
INCREDIBLE!! If you haven’t been in a few years, you will be absolutely shocked (in a good way) by all the upgrades to the facility and new exhibits. I have not been since 2016 (I’ve been coming since my first birthday before that and I’m 31, the age of Shadow the Dolphin) andspi came with my mom and toddler today. We were able to enjoy four full hours here with no crowd. The facility is spotless and all the animals look so healthy and well cared for. There’s a new rooftop exhibit that has amazing botanical features. Just go check it out!!!
J BB — Google review
Such a beautiful place! The price is a little high compared to other aquariums I’ve been to, but I appreciate everything they’re doing to help the planet. I highly recommend a visit. Very educational and interesting, with so much to see.
Marissa Kohlrenken — Google review
Fairly large aquarium with plenty of animals to see. There are a lot of touching stations too. You can touch stingrays, crabs, jelly fish. They also offer animal encounters. We had 4 in our group participate in Snorkeling with sharks. They enjoyed it and said it was cool to see sharks up that close.
The otters are fun to watch run around and play, they have a slide.
Lots of parking available but you have to pay. There is a splash pad for kids.
Restaurants and snack bars are on the grounds but beware they are expensive. The gift shop is also very expensive.
We tried to watch the dolphin show but it fills up so early we never got a seat.
I recommend buying your tickets online so you don't have to wait in the ticket line.
Stephanie Barron — Google review
Admission is pricey but it's an awesome aquarium and worth it, especially when the splash pad is open -So make sure to pack a towel and swimsuit. My kids love to end their visit here. They've also got plenty of outdoor tables to sit and eat.
My 6 year old always loves catching the quick 4D movie. It's educational & always changing.
The newer addition has a great shark tank and a big dome where birds can fly around. It can get pretty steamy in there, so worth checking out before the day gets to hot.
Renae Smith Trevino — Google review
What a beautiful place to be. Gorgeous aquarium with emphasis on teaching. This is such a wonderful spot to visit for both young and old. The tanks are impeccable and gorgeous and the dolphin show was an absolute BLAST!
The flamingo feeding was super fun and definitely recommend paying a little extra for the fun experience.
Felicia M — Google review
We visited with 4 kids. 8,5,3,3. There was something for everyone. The dolphin show was really fun. All of the areas had great displays with awesome features for the kids to see. The big aquarium was amazing. The kids loved seeing the sharks swimming around. The new splashpad was amazing. The kids really enjoyed the slides and the giant tree. Everything was super clean and the staff was great. Will be back next year.
Rory Oldham — Google review
My family and I had a blast. I do recommend buying tickets in advance to avoid the long lines to buy tickets. My group was over 10+ people. When I went up to pay, I was advised that for future reference for a large group of 10 or more, you can book in advance to get a group discount. Anyone having family vacations, I recommend calling to book your group to take advantage of the group discounts. After looking at what they have to offer as well as the dolphin show, you can cool down at the small water park they have in the lower level. Make sure to come early to take advantage of everything they have to offer. Bring extra clothes and towels!
Lily Olivas — Google review
We love going to Aquariums when we travel and this one was a treat. It started from out front at the blowhole and continued through all the exhibits. Be sure to view all those outside too!
The Dolphin habitat and show are wonderful. If you have the time, once you have seen the performance from above ground with the humans, I can suggest watching the dolphin show from the lower viewing room. It will give you a better perspective of these incredible creatures!
Easily the best Aquarium in Texas and probably in the top 5 we have been to.
Michael Monroe — Google review
It was absolutely outstanding! I cannot describe how amazing this trip was for my family and our birthday girl. The staff was so friendly, the 4D theater was so fun, and all of the animals were so beautiful.
Adam Storer — Google review
I thought this was the biggest aquarium since it's called Texas State Aquarium but there wasn't much. I do like that you can help feed the stingrays (extra payment) and there were feeding plus informative programmings.
It's best to purchase the tickets online if you go during the weekend because it got pretty busy. If you buy the ticket online, it was a faster entry process.
KR Nguyen — Google review
Aquarium is okay. Coming from Denver, I figured it would be bigger. Only thing that stuck out to me were the dolphins. The facility itself is clean and separated into different areas of the world. Prices are a bit steep for what it is. We had no idea about needing a token to get out of the parking lot and no one when we checked in mentioned it either or asked. Thank God we had our truck so we could just go up and over the grassy curb to get out and we weren't the only ones who had to. More information would've been nice. Didn't get to check out the rehabilitation center next door but that's okay. Sorry to say but I prefer our Denver Aquarium to this. More to see, more to interact with and it is lots cheaper. Glad the TX State Aquarium does so much for the animals though at least.
Lynsey Van Harte — Google review
We purchased six tickets online for $200 and also pre-paid $5 for parking, which made the entry process much faster without any waiting in lines. We highly recommend buying tickets online before visiting. Although we expected it to be a bit bigger for the price, our kids really enjoyed their time there. The food was a bit overpriced but was delicious. Ultimately, seeing our children happy made the experience worthwhile. Thank you for providing a great experience.
Desiree Quinonez — Google review
This place is great! Lots of amazing creatures to see and several great things for kids to do. The workers were all outstanding and they seem to care greatly for the animals. Bonus, there is a splash pad for when it gets hot...bring your swimsuits and towels. Do NOT miss the dolphin show, but make sure you get there really early if you want a place to sit! The 4D theater was very cool as well.
Jen Roufs — Google review
Came here for the first time with my kiddies. The admissions fee is pretty expensive. This aquarium is supposed to be the largest in all of Texas, but it honestly felt a lot smaller than I expected. They have a little water play area for the kids. They have 3 floors of adventure, but not all the floors aren’t as big as you think. It does get pretty crowded. A lot of hands on activities for the kids which is pretty cool. Overall, it is an awesome aquarium, but I feel that the admission fee is too steep to be worth going to a place that takes approximately an hour to walk.
The staff are friendly and helpful. The parking lot is large and you have to pay. I didn’t use their parking since we stayed in a hotel nearby.
K. T. — Google review
Was a very cool experience. They have really changed alot since the last time I was there. They have a ton of educational exhibits. You can also visit the rescue center which is really something else to be able to see. I would recommend buy tickets online to avoid a wait. Also make sure you get a parking token so you can get out of the parking lot when you leave.
ShovelheadTed ! — Google review
Just a very cool place. I wish our grandchildren would have been with us. They would have loved being able to touch various sea creatures. I have a new respect for sharks. TSA is tracking a number of them. It was fun to see a video of placing the tracking device and going to a sidebar and tracking some of the sharks.
Greg Weyandt — Google review
We got to the aquarium early enough to beat the crowds. The dolphin show was awesome, as always! The Shoreline Grill is where we had lunch. The grill had good portion sizes and tasted good. The prices are a little higher than a fast food place. The bathrooms were reasonably clean and were fully stocked with paper towels! The girls spent time touching the stingrays in the outside tank. We then went thru the Gulf of Mexico side of the aquarium, then the Caribbean side where touching the small sharks was a big hit! The gift shop has the usual souvenir items, but the prices ranged from reasonable to outrageous.
Jeff Wilson — Google review
4.6
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4.0
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2710 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, USA
The Charlie's Pasture South Trail is a vast nature preserve spanning over 1200 acres, offering a breathtaking view of bird-filled marshes and salt flats on the east side of Port Aransas. It is an ideal location for shorebirds, herons, ibis, spoonbills and various types of plovers such as Snowy, Piping and Wilson's Plover.
Needs a new fishing pier, the old 1's gone.
Brandon Hild — Google review
I didn't know what a salt flat was before going and was honestly disappointed. It was flat with no shade (it was over 100) and no wildlife. It is a natural area and is kept clean so they've made very few changes in order to keep it that way.
Brooke Zanolini — Google review
The mosquitoes were RUTHLESS for those naive enough to forget bug spray.
Great path to the tower. Any photographer or bird lover will love the intimate wildlife experience as the trail goes right through the wetlands.
The tower allows an incredible view to scan all of the birds. My third walk to the tower was rewarded with a sight of 3 GORGEOUS American Flamingos blown from the Yucatan Penninsula months ago from a hurricane.
Andrew Markel — Google review
No walk ways no way to get to the water nothing like it shows. Very disappointing. Dont waste your time like we did if your looking for a trail....
Kara Estes — Google review
Beautiful and peaceful
Niki Peterson — Google review
Wonderful new boardwalks, lots of birds.
Cindy Cseri — Google review
Well done trails. Very clean. Nice assortment of waterfowl plus others. We thought it was a really neat place and are glad it’s being preserved. We will certainly be back but will bring bug spray next time.
Lisa Reed — Google review
Bring bug spray! The mosquitoes are awful. Definitely no birds here. Only saw flamingos, red wing black birds, 4 kinds of heron, and osprey. It's not worth your time. Also no trail at all, had to hike up hill through mud both ways. 😉😉
Sarah Morningstar — Google review
If you want a beautiful backdrop for a moment like this, then head to Charlies Pasture! It is a nature reserve, and bike/hike trail as well. The fishing is great,and youll have plenty of wonderful memories.
Stephanie Tovar — Google review
Very nice trail, easy to walk. Lots of birds to view.
Robin Gowin — Google review
This is a small area but it's a nice place to visit if you happen to be in Port Aransas. It's got a great view of the shipping lane and the work that goes on in this area.
Richard Bland — Google review
Trail is open.
All the way to Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center. 1.5 miles one way.
Bruce Pauley — Google review
4.1
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4.5
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Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
28
King Ranch Visitor Center
Visitor center
The man behind the King Ranch is truly a rags to riches real world success story. Richard King parlayed a keen wit and strong work ethic into an early riverboat navigation career, which lead to his assisting in the supply chain for the Spanish-American War, then a land grant which was the start of ranch which would become an empire, now the largest ranch in the entire US. The Visitor Center is small, but serves as the check-in point for the main ranch bus tour ($20). Reserve your tickets at least 3-5 days in advance or they may be sold out. Also see the museum ($10) and Saddle Shop in town. Make a day of it & eat in one of the charming local restaurants.
Fritz Feltner — Google review
This interesting tour covers the gambit from Texas history, ranching practices, wildlife management and so much more. You'll see all kinds of flora and fauna, you'll see historic structures and implements, you'll see beautiful cattle and horses, and an array of creatures in their natural habitat. This tour packs it into 90 minutes which goes by in a flash.
Jeff Vaughan — Google review
Awesome history here! I definitely suggest the bus tour, it is very well worth it! The story of the King Ranch and it's descendants is very cool!
Chris Da Mech — Google review
Ranch Hand Breakfast is an annual weekend event for the ranch and city in a festival mode. The breakfast is chuck wagon fare as billed and served out doors at the ranch. It is a very well attended event when it is not raining. We had more than a 90 minute que to achieve event free parking. It was worth the wait. Breakfast was served 7 ro 11 am. Plan for an early arrival. They do stop serving at 11 am.
The calf roping occurs earlier in the morning. We missed it. The car show and street fair in downtown Kingsville was good.
The excessive volume of the event stage was likely an OSHA violation. The noise of the car speakers at the adjacent car show exacerbated the need for hearing protection and regulation to safe levels at this event.
There is ranch rodeo on Sunday of the Ranch Saturday Breakfast. We hope to do that next year. We may arrive by RV on Friday of the event weekend next year for the entire festival.
Dan Hogan — Google review
Staff in the visitor center was very friendly.
I did the daily tour which is 1.5 hours long. They take you in a small bus around a little section of the property, and you learn about the history of Richard King who is the founder of King Ranch. You also get to see some of the wildlife. We saw a roadrunner, longhorns, Santa Gertrudis, quarter horses, javelina, deer, peacocks, and several other birds.
A — Google review
If all you ever saw was the inside of a city, I could probably see how this tour would interest you. The only interesting thing I saw was a close-up picture to a long horn (picture below).
Our guide was a wealth of knowledge about the place, but, and this is a big but, was a terrible driver.
Interesting history thought.
Bryan Knox, Child of God — Google review
This is the largest ranch in the US so we wanted to visit it. Ranch tours are offered so we booked online $20/adult, discounts for seniors, military, children. The tour starts at the visitor center where you can watch a video, then get on a small bus. Our tour guide, Janelle was awesome, told us interesting stories about Capt. King and family and the quarter horses, longhorns and San Gertrudis cattle which we drove by. We saw many wild animals, deer, roadrunners, havelina, caracara, turkeys. The only stop was a visit to the weaver’s cottage that had a cattle brand exhibit, loom, spinning wheel, all the other buildings: bunkhouse, barn, mansion we drove by making it a bit difficult to get photos. What makes this tour worth it is the tour guide. Don’t expect a working ranch tour but the history is interesting. Lasted 2hrs.
DRV — Google review
A bit expensive to ride in an ill-cooled 'short-bus'.
Grounds are wonderful, the guide did a good job to tell the story, but unfortunately, they need to upgrade the PA system to a modern and foolproof model.
Only the first few rows managed to understand the guide.
Not sure what is the purpose of signing all those waivers, since you can step out of the 'short-bus' only once.
We were not expecting a petting zoo, but simply an opportunity to see some livestock and horses more upclose.
Stephane Potvin — Google review
Great tour guide but worst tour ever. Difficult to take pictures from inside a crowded bus. We were not allowed outside the bus because of the possibility of being bitten by a rattlesnake. The view of the main house was anti-climactic. The bus drove by what looked like the back of the house, which meant that people on the opposite side of the bus couldn’t even take a quick picture of it. No stops to see inside a barn or bunkhouse. Primarily just stops to look at cattle of different breeds and a few horses in fields. Definitely not worth the money.
And don’t get me started about the visitor center. No photography allowed. The one person at the front stopped my wife and told her no photos. It’s the only interaction we had with the staff there. Interesting museum but to charge an entrance fee and not allow personal photos is ridiculous.
Steve Hanley — Google review
We were on one of the naturalist tours at the ranch on a June morning, the naturalists were great! They pointed out a number of birds, alligators, rabbits, and a coyote. Since it was a hot day, even in the mornings, the animals were already seeking shady spots, so other times of the year may provide a greater number of animal sightings.
As someone mentioned in another review, if you're on a tour bus and not sitting on the left side or front seats, you won't see most of the pointed out birds or the alligators (the ponds and stream is on the left.) You won't see the Roadrunners in front of the bus at all. You probably will see the St. Gertrudis cattle and a few birds, though, and the incredible views across all the acreage of the ranch.
You aren't allowed to visit the King home but will be able to see a few peacocks, perhaps as you drive by. You can go to the gift shop, of course, and pick up a nice tee.
If you can go to the Cowboy BBQ - the food is fantastic, sooo good (tenderist brisket and tasty potato salad). It was catered by AAA Barbeque (I heard they'll be opening up their own restaurant, so check them out!) .
Carolyn R — Google review
I absolutely loved the ranch! I would come back again and do the other tours also. I wish I had been able to see a real cowboy, but I was told it's was Saturday. Guess cowboys get the weekend off. Who knew. Lol. Beautiful cattle and horses, and graasy fields and buildings. The tour guide was full of interesting stories.
cara coggeshall — Google review
This place is amazing. This is the gold standard in ranching history. Hundreds of thousands of acres of cattle and equine stars. I have a mare from their bloodline (Peppy San Rio from Peppy San Badger) and it was nice to see her heritage. The ladies in the visitor center were very nice and friendly. Highly recommend taking the tour!
The Malaquite Beach Pavilion is a great place to camp and spend your vacation near the water. The site features well-maintained bathhouses, restrooms, and clean white sand beaches with crystal clear waters.
Beautiful beach. Water was clear and the beach was free of seaweed etc.
Ended up collecting a full bag of trash left behind from visitors, unfortunately… Keep in mind to “take back more than you bring”…
Anna Gusan — Google review
Beautiful beach. It was a bit chilly for swimming in March, but great for sand castles! And far enough away that most cell service was gone so it was a wonderful chance to totally disconnect for a while.
Justin Clerc — Google review
Beautiful beach!!! This beach has private parking including disability areas and ramps, very clean restrooms, and private showers as well! Perfect for a relaxing day at the beach. Also note that the entrance fee was free for us because we got there a little after 6pm which was even a better trip! The fee is not as hefty as South Padre Island who no longer has private showers!!!
Janet Pescador — Google review
Rip tides kept us from camping on the shore but the Malaquite Beach tent camping is the next best thing! Our family has been visiting this shore line for almost 30 years now and we were a bit disappointed but in some ways it was even better. Self check in was a breeze and the camp coordinator (Blaze) was very kind and accommodating. The restrooms/showers are a welcomed break from the sand and are promptly cleaned every morning. We all had a wonderful time and will definitely be back again. Many thanks to all the Padre Island National Seashore staff and employees. They go above and beyond to keep everyone safe while still providing a quality experience for us all. 🙏🙏🙏
Jacob Cabrera — Google review
Very enjoyable place. Clean, accesible, we had a blast
LeTTy Who — Google review
Amazing beach... a perfect spot for a nice walk, meditate, relax or just enjoy nature around. Please remember to take the trash with you and even take other's if you see it!
Sally Molina — Google review
Disgusting beach. Trash everywhere on the shore. It was like i was walking on a 3rd world countries beach. Broken glass everywhere. I picked up 15 straws in 200 yards of walking. Lets not forget the dog poop everywhere. People here have 0 respect for their own beaches.
Chaa Braa — Google review
Great, clean beach... no crowds.
Mark Hotle — Google review
Natural area. Never know what can wash up on the beach.
Mrs. G — Google review
Nice clean beach (for the Texas Gulf Coast), tar was minimal. Doesn't have the crowds found closer to Corpus Christi. However, we found no facilities at all, not even trash cans.
Christopher Todd — Google review
Quite a quiet place. The water is clean and safe for children. There aren't any insects either. We love going here as a family.
Mrs. Goldenstone — Google review
Beautiful beach, you can walk for miles. Clean and lots of parking. There is a dog wash/ pet washing station and a sky observation station.
Stephanie Barron — Google review
The place is good and clean, travelled when the water was bit cold so felt the beach bit empty and laid back. Won't says it's family friendly as did not see and facilities nearby. Visit this if you want raw nature
Ayush singhaniya — Google review
Pros
Quiet place.
You don't have those obnoxious cars with loud music.
Cons
No beverage near to drink, the sand has lots of natural wood trash that the Gulf push out.
Arias V — Google review
It's a really nice clean beach area. Not overcrowded every time I've been there, and we'll worth the drive to get there!
Lee Laizure — Google review
The picnic tables placed apart from each other were a nice addition. We enjoyed being able to sit and not drag our chairs and blankets down with us. The beach was clean and water just the right temp.
Padre Island National Seashore is a stunning, pristine stretch of barrier island that lies between the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre in Texas. It is home to a large variety of wildlife, including rare raptors, and is a popular spot for camping and fishing.
The North Beach had well packed sand and was very easy to drive on. There are plenty of camping spots available along the beach in January. #vanlife friendly. Free. Watch out for the coyotes that roam the beach at night and make sure you do not leave your pets outside unattended.
R. Fitz — Google review
Nice quiet location. Clean beach. The gift shop is small but there was a nice selection of postcards and magnets. The people working in the shop were extremely friendly and had helpful information for us. The seagulls on the beach appeared to be more cautious around people than at other local locations. The young man in the booth at the entrance was always very personable! Nice group of employees overall.
Frank Ragsdale — Google review
What a good time here! Prior military gets free admission! You don’t have to have four-wheel-drive for the first part of the park. It has a place to park where you can go and pedestrian the Beach. Keep on going and you’ll find an access road to the beach were four-wheel-drive. Vehicles with high clearance are recommended. It really depends on the time of the year. Sometimes you’ll go down there and it’s super loose sand and I would say yeah you better have a four-wheel-drive but other times of the year it’s hard packed and you could take a Toyota Tercel down that beach. The beach goes for about 60 miles very private very remote and relaxing.
Tristan — Google review
Beautiful and isolated just what I like! We loved this trip and plan to camp here at some point. The water was very clear and looked blue in the distance which is something I'm not used to here in Texas lol. There weren't many whole shells that we found but we were only here for a day trip. A lot of debris washed up from storms and trash from bad campers. Be sure to bring good shoes and a lot of water!
Michelle — Google review
We love to come here and walk the beach. This time the sand was firm so we drove a few miles south, parked, and then walked 10 miles on the beach. What a great experience. Very quiet for an early November Saturday.
Nice picnic area by the windsurfing.
Friendly staff in the visitor center.
One surprise was solid-identification twice for a Common Black Hawk which is supposedly extremely rare in this area.
Phil R — Google review
Best place to disconnect and isolate, with 50 plus miles of beach to drive on ; 4x4 with clearance only after a few miles. Dark sky at night with no moon if you camp. Don't underestimate how much water you might need in the summer, especially if drinking adult Bev's. Good vibes stay safe
Beto — Google review
One of the most peaceful beaches I've been too, plenty of space to camp.
They have the beach patrol that come and drive by ever so often to check on the marine life such as turtles.
At night when the moon goes down there's nothing but stars in the sky, it's so clear you can see the ISS pass by and shooting stars.
You might have visitors (coyotes) if you stay over night and cook as long as your in a tent, or camper you'll be fine.
It's nature so if your not used to it, don't go but it's beautiful, peaceful, quiet and perfect for enjoying it with family and friends.
No service, just sand, wind and waves. 🤙🏾
Carla Megan Gonzalez — Google review
I'm a truck driver dropped my trailer at the visiting center and camped on the beach here had the best time its very clean. We drove 3 or 4 miles down the beach backed up to the sand. You can drive down 40 miles but it's to sandy for a semi a car can probably make it.
Dave Smith — Google review
A beautiful spot. Busy on a Saturday morning but we were able to find an empty area to sit. Spent the whole day there, beautiful view. Lovely water.
Did see lots of Blue Buttons and Man-o-wars, but no one got stung.
No one left any trash behind during our visit so that's always nice to see. Everyone around us was friendly and no one was blasting loud music, wonderful experience.
The showers in the visitor center were closed but there are some in the parking lot too so no issues
$10 to get in unless you have the year pass or free for military.
Check their schedule too, sometimes you can come watch a turtle hatchling release
Brittany — Google review
So glad we visited! There is tons of shaded seating areas near the visitors center and a water bottle refill station inside. The beach was great, the sand is soft fine and soft. We saw one Portuguese Man of War that had washed onto shore, so watch out for those! But there is a sting treatment kit in the visitors center if anything happens
Brock Hardcastle — Google review
Don't let the negative comments discourage you from coming to this place. The ones that are complaining about this place, are the ones not prepared to take on nature and not doing their part and helping clean up the beach and/or cleaning after themselves. The ones crying about the conditions of this beach are softer than the sand itself. Boom roasted.
If come prepared you will enjoy your time here. Tread lightly and help preserve the beach.
Sebastian Alvarez — Google review
It's beautiful here. You can drive on the beach and find your own perfect spot, away from other people. We made it all the way up to Big Shell, and when we were driving back, we saw a baby fawn drowning in the water. We brought it back to the park rangers after we looked for mom and didn't see signs of her anywhere. Since the rescue (separate from the park) didn't want the fawn, they supposedly drove it back to where we saved it from. That was a bummer to learn, but everyone will justify what they believe, and it will depend mostly on how much you value the life of an animal. So if you find an animal in distress, unless it's a sea turtle, I'm not sure that the park can or will help you.
We found some pretty cool shells, and there was some flagged dead stuff along the way. Like a small shark.
I love that this is protected land it's not very common to see that anymore. But with that being said, be careful how far you go and what you're driving, because if you get stuck, there is no one around to help you out, and there is no cell phone tower so no reception! Totally worth the drive.
Toula F — Google review
It is absolutely beautiful there!
We did camping on the beach and it is such an unforgettable memory.
It's so nice to fall asleep with the sound of waves and wake up, and the first thing you see is the ocean spreading in front of you.