Summer in Texas isn’t just about scorching heat and crowded water parks. It’s also a season of wide skies, open roads, and the perfect excuse to rediscover the state’s diverse and often overlooked treasures. With a focus on health, nature, and inspiration, you can find new ways to reduce stress and freely explore another side of summer fun in the Lone Star State. Start planning your itinerary with the following ideas.
Rejuvenate at a Wellness Retreat
This time of year is a perfect time to recharge and reinforce your dedication to mental and emotional health. Many retreat options in the state blend comfort, nature, and fitness. For example, Deer Lake Lodge near Montgomery offers many types of nutrition and wellness programs in peaceful surroundings just an hour outside of Houston.
Or consider Retreat Ranch in Marble Falls, which hosts yoga weekends, wellness workshops, and has even converted vintage trailers and yurts for overnight stays—giving you comfort with a touch of adventure.
Cool Off in Hidden Natural Springs
While Barton Springs in Austin gets most of the attention, Texas is full of lesser-known natural springs that offer peaceful and refreshing escapes from the heat. Try Krause Springs in Spicewood, a family-owned property with a beautiful swimming hole shaded by cypress trees and surrounded by lush greenery. The water remains a cool 68 degrees, perfect for a hot day.
Or head west to Chinati Hot Springs, nestled in the remote Big Bend region. While the desert sun blazes overhead, the therapeutic mineral waters offer healing and serenity. It’s more retreat than recreation, ideal for those looking to disconnect and reset.
Explore Quiet Museums and Cultural Corners
In the Panhandle, the American Windmill Museum in Lubbock is surprisingly fascinating—a massive indoor and outdoor collection dedicated to one of the original green energy technologies. It’s quirky, informative, and a great reminder that innovation has deep roots.
For something more contemplative, visit the Bywaters Collection at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, which showcases works by Texas regionalist artists who captured life in the state during the early 20th century.
Discover Underground Worlds
One of the coolest ways—literally and figuratively—to beat the Texas heat is by heading underground. Natural Bridge Caverns near San Antonio offers guided tours through awe-inspiring limestone formations, with temperatures staying around 70 degrees year-round. Nearby, the Cave Without a Name in Boerne lives up to its poetic title with its cathedral-like chambers and natural acoustics that sometimes host underground concerts.
Exploring caves is not just adventurous—it’s physically engaging, mentally stimulating, and a unique way to connect with the deep natural history of the state.
Celebrate Heritage and Community
The Laredo International Sister Cities Festival is a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange and community spirit. This free event features live music, traditional dance performances, international cuisine, and artisan vendors, offering attendees a chance to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of cultures that Laredo’s sister cities represent. It’s an excellent opportunity for families to enjoy diverse cultural experiences in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Or consider the Kerrville Folk Festival, a legendary music gathering that’s more about storytelling, songwriting, and soulful community than loud crowds. Attendees often camp and share meals, with activities like yoga, song circles, and even writing workshops that make it a more immersive experience than a typical festival.
Follow the Stars
With some of the darkest skies in the continental U.S., summer in Texas is prime time for stargazing. McDonald Observatory near Fort Davis hosts star parties that blend science with awe. For a DIY version, head to Enchanted Rock near Fredericksburg on a moonless night and witness the Milky Way arching overhead.
Step Into the Past
Visit Fort Davis National Historic Site, a well-preserved 19th-century frontier military post nestled in the Davis Mountains. The site offers ranger-led programs, hiking trails, and living history demonstrations. The surrounding landscape adds a dramatic backdrop to the story of the Buffalo Soldiers and westward expansion.
For a deeply moving and often overlooked piece of history, head to Freedmen’s Town Historic District in Houston. Once home to formerly enslaved people after emancipation, the area features brick streets laid by hand, historic churches, and cultural centers preserving the legacy of Black Texans.
Another idea for healthy summer fun that might surprise you is the Texas Forestry Museum in Lufkin. It’s a fascinating look at the role forests played in the state’s industry and daily life, with walking trails and interactive exhibits that make it fun for kids and adults alike.
Paddle the Unexpected
Most people think of kayaking the San Marcos or Guadalupe Rivers, but Texas also has quiet paddling trails like Caddo Lake, where bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss create an otherworldly experience. It’s humid, yes—but incredibly serene and wild.
The Devils River is another gem. It’s one of the most pristine waterways in the country, but requires preparation and permits. It’s ideal for more experienced paddlers looking for a multi-day journey into rugged solitude.
Great Oaks Can Help You Make the Most of Life
This summer, skip the crowds. Go where the wildflowers bloom, where the earth is cool and quiet, and where your sense of wonder can roam free. Learning how much joy there is in life is one of the primary benefits of a healthy recovery.
As a premier addiction rehabilitation and dual diagnosis treatment center, Great Oaks Recovery Center, outside of Houston, Texas, provides you with evidence-based practices combined with holistic wellness techniques to help you manage your condition more effectively. Our detailed continuing care program helps you foster a better idea of what a rich life of wellness truly means to you and, more importantly, how you can maintain it effectively. Ask a member of our admissions team about how we can help you do it.
