Spring in Texas brings a burst of vibrant energy and endless opportunities for adventure. As wildflowers bloom across the landscape and temperatures warm up, the Lone Star State transforms into a playground for both locals and visitors alike.
From outdoor activities to cultural experiences, Texas offers a diverse array of springtime attractions that cater to all interests and ages. Whether seeking natural wonders, thrilling rodeo events, or urban explorations, the state’s vast expanse provides numerous options for memorable spring outings. This article highlights six super things to do in Texas during the spring season of 2021, showcasing the best the state has to offer during this rejuvenating time of year.
1) Visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin offers a spectacular display of native Texas plants in spring. This 284-acre state botanic garden and arboretum houses over 10,000 species, making it North America’s most diverse collection of Texas flora.
Founded in 1982 by Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes, the center showcases the beauty of native plants. Visitors can explore various gardens and trails, enjoying the vibrant colors and fragrances of blooming wildflowers.
The center’s gardens reflect Lady Bird Johnson’s vision for beautifying Austin and preserving native landscapes. With 970 species of native Texas plants, the Wildflower Center provides an educational and visually stunning experience.
Spring is an ideal time to visit, as many wildflowers reach peak bloom. The center’s knowledgeable staff and informative exhibits offer insights into Texas ecology and plant life.
For those seeking a unique holiday experience, the center hosts “Luminations” in early December. This event features choirs, decorated trees, and illuminated garden paths.
2) Explore the Texas Hill Country Wine Trail
The Texas Hill Country Wine Trail offers a delightful spring experience for wine enthusiasts. This picturesque region boasts over 100 wineries, rivaling traditional wine-producing areas.
Fredericksburg serves as an ideal base for exploring the trail. Visitors can embark on scenic drives along Highway 290, stopping at various wineries to sample local vintages.
The area’s warm climate and rolling hills create perfect conditions for grape cultivation. Wineries offer tastings of diverse wines, from crisp whites to bold reds.
Many vineyards provide stunning views of the Hill Country landscape. Some feature modern tasting rooms and welcoming centers, enhancing the wine-tasting experience.
Spring is an excellent time to visit, as the weather is mild and the countryside blooms with wildflowers. Visitors can enjoy outdoor seating areas and picnic spots at many wineries.
The Texas Hill Country Wine Trail combines natural beauty, local flavors, and warm hospitality. It’s a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique wine experience in the heart of Texas.
3) Attend the South by Southwest Festival
South by Southwest (SXSW) is an iconic annual festival held in Austin, Texas. The event showcases a unique blend of technology, music, film, food, health, and culture.
SXSW typically takes place in March and attracts visitors from around the world. The festival features thought-provoking panels, live music performances, movie premieres, and product launches.
Attendees can explore a wide range of activities catering to diverse interests and backgrounds. The music portion of SXSW is particularly notable, featuring hundreds of performers, many of whom are up-and-coming indie artists.
In addition to music, SXSW offers interactive components, film screenings, and opportunities for networking. The festival has grown significantly since its inception in 1987, becoming a major cultural event with a substantial economic impact on Austin.
SXSW creates a vibrant atmosphere throughout the city, with numerous venues hosting events and performances. Visitors can experience the energy of Austin while engaging with cutting-edge ideas and entertainment.
4) Hike the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area offers a unique hiking experience in the heart of Texas Hill Country. The park’s centerpiece is a massive pink granite dome that rises 425 feet above the surrounding landscape.
Visitors can explore 8.4 miles of hiking trails, with the Summit Trail being the most popular. This short but challenging hike leads to the top of the dome, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country.
The park also features diverse rock formations and natural areas to explore. Hikers can discover exfoliation features on Little Rock or venture into small caves scattered throughout the park.
For those interested in nature, the park provides opportunities for bird watching and studying local flora and fauna. Interpretive exhibits offer insights into the area’s geology and history.
Rock climbing is another popular activity at Enchanted Rock, with various routes available for different skill levels. The park’s unique geological features make it a draw for climbers from across the state.
Enchanted Rock also offers camping facilities for those who want to extend their visit and experience the park’s renowned stargazing opportunities.
5) Experience the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden offers a stunning spring destination for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts. Spanning 66 acres along the shores of White Rock Lake, this world-renowned arboretum showcases 11 meticulously maintained gardens.
Spring visitors can witness the breathtaking Dallas Blooms event, featuring over 100 varieties of flowers in full bloom. The vibrant colors and fragrances create a sensory experience unlike any other in Texas.
Music lovers can enjoy local performances during the Thursday concert series. These events provide a unique opportunity to relax amidst the lush greenery while listening to talented musicians.
The arboretum’s seasonal displays ensure there’s always something new to see. Visitors can explore themed gardens, admire carefully curated plant collections, and learn about horticulture through interactive exhibits.
For those seeking a peaceful retreat, the Dallas Arboretum offers serene walking paths and quiet spots for reflection. The picturesque setting also provides numerous photo opportunities, making it a favorite among photographers and social media enthusiasts.
6) Take a scenic drive through the Bluebonnets
Spring in Texas brings a spectacular display of wildflowers, with bluebonnets stealing the show. These vibrant blue flowers blanket fields and roadsides across the state, creating picturesque landscapes.
The Texas Hill Country is a prime destination for bluebonnet viewing. Drivers can explore scenic routes through charming small towns and rolling hills covered in these iconic blooms.
Highway 29 offers a particularly stunning drive, passing through Burnet, the “Bluebonnet Capital of Texas.” Visitors can stop to admire the giant bluebonnet sculpture in town, perfect for photos.
Pedernales Falls State Park provides another excellent spot for bluebonnet sightings. The park’s hiking trails offer views of waterfalls and rapids alongside patches of wildflowers.
For those seeking a unique experience, a float trip down the Pedernales River allows travelers to enjoy the bluebonnets from a different perspective. The river banks come alive with colorful blooms in spring.
Timing is crucial for bluebonnet viewing. Late March to mid-April typically offers the best displays, though exact dates can vary based on weather conditions.
Exploring Texas Wildflowers
Texas bursts into vibrant color each spring as wildflowers bloom across the state. Scenic drives and hiking trails offer breathtaking views of bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and other native species from March through May.
Best Viewing Locations
The Texas Hill Country provides prime wildflower viewing opportunities. Ennis, known as the “Bluebonnet City,” boasts 40 miles of mapped driving trails through flower-filled fields.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin showcases native plants in cultivated gardens. Visitors can stroll walking paths and learn about Texas flora.
Willow City Loop near Fredericksburg offers a 13-mile scenic drive through rugged terrain blanketed in wildflowers. This rural route passes creeks and pastures teeming with colorful blooms.
Wildflower Species to Look For
Bluebonnets, the state flower of Texas, carpet hillsides and roadsides with vibrant blue petals. These iconic flowers typically peak in early April.
Indian paintbrushes add splashes of red and orange to wildflower meadows. Their bright bracts resemble small paintbrushes dipped in paint.
Texas lantana produces clusters of small flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and pink. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in sunny areas.
Black-eyed Susans feature golden petals surrounding dark brown centers. These cheerful flowers bloom from late spring into summer.
Spring Festivals in Texas
Texas bursts with vibrant celebrations during springtime. From cultural festivities to music and art events, the Lone Star State offers diverse experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Cultural Festivities
The Bluebonnet Festival in Burnet showcases Texas pride each April. Known as the “Bluebonnet Capital of the World,” Burnet welcomes around 30,000 attendees annually. Visitors enjoy art exhibits, live music performances, and unique events like Wiener Dog races.
Small towns across Texas host their own spring festivals. These events often feature local cuisine, historical reenactments, and traditional crafts. Many celebrate the blooming of wildflowers, particularly the iconic bluebonnets that carpet the Texas countryside.
Rodeos remain a quintessential Texas experience in spring. These events combine thrilling competitions with cultural exhibitions, giving visitors a taste of authentic cowboy culture.
Music and Art Events
Austin’s South by Southwest (SXSW) festival draws global attention each March. This multi-day event showcases emerging talent in music, film, and technology. Attendees can discover new artists, attend film premieres, and participate in interactive media experiences.
The Dallas Arboretum hosts its annual Food & Wine Festival in spring. Visitors savor culinary creations from top Dallas chefs while enjoying the garden’s stunning floral displays. The event typically features wine tastings and live entertainment.
Art fairs pop up across Texas cities during spring. These outdoor exhibitions display works from local and national artists, often accompanied by live performances and food vendors. Many offer interactive workshops for aspiring artists of all ages.
