Outdoors

Experience the great outdoors with Choice Hotels. Our Texas hotels are conveniently located near a number of picturesque gardens, stunning parks, and astounding wildlife. Take a look at the scenery and greenery that Texas offers.

In the Big Bend Region

Guadalupe Mountains National Park
US 62
Pine Spings, TX  
915-828-3251

Sprawling over 86,416 acres, this park is one of the largest recreational parklands in the state. It also contains the highest point in Texas - Guadalupe Peak rises majestically at almost 9,000 feet high. Amble through the park’s various wild areas, which include rugged wooded lands and dramatic desert landscapes.

Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park Area
US 385
432-477-2666

Guests seeking to commune with the forces of nature will want to stop off at Big Bend National Park, which comprises a staggering 801,000 acres of beautiful desert landscape. A diversity of flora and fauna includes coyotes, cacti, and the cohabitation of many Mexican-American plants such as junipers and sallow trees. The park experiences dramatic temperature changes, and only the most resilient species of plants and animals have adapted to its climate.

Monahans Sandhills State Park
IH 20, Exit 86
Monahans, TX  
432-943-2092

You might come here to experience the bleating rays of the Texas sun; you might come to wander around the sand dunes in search for other signs of life. But the reason you’ll be coming back next time is the collection of massive sand dunes which grace the area with their gargantuan presence; natives, in their foolish pride, have taken to the practice of climbing up the dunes and sliding down.

In the South Texas Plains Region

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Road
San Antonio, TX   78266
830-438-7400

An African safari awaits visitors to Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, where Texas has put its spin on the subcontinent’s rolling plains and exotic animals. Hundreds of acres of picturesque ranchland provide viewing opportunities during which guests may spot more than 50 exotic species of animals in their natural environments.

Lake Casa Blanca International State Park
5102 Bob Bullock Loop
Laredo, TX   78044

This 371-acre park is located near the eastern city limits of the principality of Laredo. Recreation here abounds, and the aquatically minded will revel in the fact that boating, swimming, and fishing are among the most popular activities at the park. Hiking through beautiful wooded areas also draws many visitors to the park, which is renowned for its largemouth bass fishing and its stunning diversity of bird and animal life.

Choke Canyon Reservoir
Located midway between San Antonio and Corpus Christi, this 25,733-acre reservoir glistens next to the waters of the Frio River and is heavily stocked with largemouth, striped and Florida bass, crappie, sunfish, and channel and blue catfish. The ultimate angler experience resides at the reservoir, but a score of winding hiking trails provide a tranquil, if non-aquatic, diversion which all will enjoy.

In the Gulf Coast Region

Matagorda County Birding Nature Center
Highway 35
Bay City, TX  
979-245-3336

Spanning over 34 acres on the Colorado River, this is the perfect location for bird- and butterfly-watchers to take in their favorite denizens in an all-too-rich environment. Observe the many species of winged creatures which make their way through the center’s air from an observation platform, or lose yourself on one of many nature trails which will pit you head-to-head with the great outdoors.

Arkansas National Wildlife Refuge
SR 35
Rockport-Fulton, TX   78382
361-286-3559

You’ll never forget your experience at the Arkansas National Wildlife Refuge, which is world-famous as a principal wintering ground for near-extinct species such as the whooping crane which make their home here. The wildlife here is so abundant and diverse that the park is frequently at the center of public attention, and includes alligators, deer, javelina, and even raccoons.

Bird Garden & Wetlands Pond
35 N
Rockport-Fulton, TX  

This homage to nature started out as a community project to promote the understanding of functions and values of plants. The garden aims to interpret vegetation as a natural resource worthy of protection and survival, promoting the development of low-cost, low-maintenance landscapes which provide food for aviary life.

In the Piney Woods Region

Davey Dogwood Park
Palestine, TX  
903-723-3014

More than 200 acres sprawl across this land, containing picturesque landscapes of a rare diversity. From rolling hills which span over miles to clear flowing streams which bubble their way past the bends and angles of the forests and meadows, you’ll want to head here to re-commune with the serenity of nature.

Kirby State Forest
US 287
Woodville, TX   75979

Experience a side of Texas that is seldom discussed and is usually relegated to the back of travel books. You’ll have a story for the family when you come back with an experience in the wooded pine forests of Texas, which lay in stark contrast to the highly publicized red-rock formations and desert lands which comprise the majority of the state.

Tyler State Park
789 Park Road 16
Tyler, TX   75706
800-792-1112

Some of the most gorgeous wildflowers can be found in full bloom at this sprawling state park in the spring and summertime. Frolic with the flowers, or enjoy many recreational activities ranging from picnicking to fishing, swimming and boating. If you prefer, pack a bag of trail mix and simply enjoy the park’s endless miles of hiking trails, which wind past streams, hills and flowers.

In the Prairies & Lakes Region

Engeling Wildlife Management Area
Palestine, TX  
903-928-2251

This expanse sprawls over 11,000 acres and is dedicated to the preservation of the natural habitats of Texas. Come here to see an astounding display of wildlife which ranges from deer and foxes to wolves, alligators and even coyotes.

East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society
Patterson Road
Athens, TX   75751
903-675-5630

100 acres of beautiful arboretum is what you’ll find on a visit to the East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society. Hiking trails wind through the land at this park, and you’ll want to head down to the bluebird trail to see some of nature’s most impressively colored denizens. Wetlands are impounded by beaver dams into intermittent seasonal marshes at this impressive collection of Texas’ best.

Cedar Hill State Park
Cedar Hill, TX  
800-792-1112

This large expanse will provide guests with ample outdoors recreation in a beautiful setting, 1,850 acres of parkland lie on the east shore of Joe Pool Lake. Enjoy the pristine waters of this freshwater body through swimming and fishing activities, or just enjoy the gorgeous woods which make this site such a popular escape for Dallas/Fort Worth residents.

In the Panhandle Region

Palo Duro Canyon State Park
11450 Park Road 5
Canyon, TX   79015
512-389-8900

This is one of the state’s largest state parks, and at 18,483 acres we’re willing to bet you’ll be kept busy for a day exploring the grounds here. See the lands that have been carved by the Red River, including beautiful spires and pinnacles which remain some of geology’s most impressive feats.

Abilene State Park
150 Park Road
Abilene, TX   79562
800-792-1112

This 621-acre park is situated near Lake Abilene, and as such contains recreational activities which are as diverse as any outdoors attraction. Fans of all things aquatic will want to check out the natural swimming opportunities which present themselves on the lake’s bed, and appetites will be eagerly quenched during a pristine picnic in the shade of some 4,000 native pecan trees.

Lone Star Hiking Trail
Cleveland, TX  
936-344-6205

Some of the most glorious trappings of the natural world can be found alongside the Lone Star Hiking Trail, which gets its name from the state’s very own motto. Begin your hike in Cleveland, and, if you’ve a spectacular mind for endurance and a well-stocked backpack, continue along its entirety down 140 miles which wind through forest, creeks, and more.

In the Hill Country Region

Inks Lake State Park
3630 Park Road
Burnet, TX   78611
800-792-1112

One of the most surprising things about Inks Lake State Park is its absolute abundance of activities. A recreational setting like no other, the park is well-known by natives for its ability to cool off guests during the hot summer months. As such, activities like boating, swimming, golfing, and fishing will keep you enthralled for hours.

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
Park Road 52
Stonewall, TX   78671
830-868-7128

The LBJ Ranch rests along the banks of the Pedernales River. It is here where Hereford cattle, white-tailed deer, and turkey can be found roaming in ample amounts. Wildflowers are in full bloom during the beautiful spring and summer months at the ranch. Come and see why a great president and his time-honored first lady chose this locale as their getaway from the perils of politics.

Cabela’s
At Interchange of I-35 & Loop 4
Buda, TX  
800-237-4444

Cabela’s is more than just a store - it’s truly a superstore, which can be utilized for any outdoors need you might have. Need the perfect bait and gear for your fly fishing experience? Shoes which comfortably support your heel while gripping the mountainside with craftily manufactured expertise? Whatever the problem, the 185,000 square feet in this outdoors shopping heaven are sure to contain the solution.

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