Spring in Texas is a beautiful thing. Landscapes blanketed in beautiful bluebonnet blooms and mild temperatures during spring draw Texans out of their winter hibernation. Take advantage of all spring has to offer in the Lone Star State when you do these top things to do in Texas in the spring.
See the Wildflowers
What Is It? One of the major perks of being in Texas during the springtime is catching sight of the native wildflowers, such as bluebonnets, Indian blankets, and the Indian paintbrush.
Why Do It? Peak bloom typically occurs in March, but some years the flowers can be seen as early as late February and as late as May. There are numerous places to view wildflowers in Texas, from along major highways like State Highway 290 or at farms and gardens like Wildseed Farms and Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. A visit to Burnet, Texas, known as the “Bluebonnet Capital of Texas,” is a great spring destination.
Good to Know: True Texans embrace bluebonnet season by taking bluebonnet pictures instead of picking this blue-colored state flower.
Go Camping
What Is It? Texas has a number of great camping spots, from state parks to national parks.
Why Do It? The hot weather in the summer and the cold and wet weather in the winter make camping difficult. To enjoy camping in the Lone Star State, opt to pitch your tent during the springtime. One of the most popular places to camp in Texas is at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Every Texan should visit this central Texas gem at least once.
Good to Know: Other popular parks for camping are Big Bend National Park and Garner State Park.
Enjoy Spring Break
What Is It? Texans take spring break seriously, and there are plenty of destinations in this state to enjoy it.
Why Do It? Since the Texas weather is usually nice during the month of March, many people travel to the coast or the hill country here. A popular spring break spot for college-aged locals is South Padre.
Good to Know: The Austin-based festival, SXSW, is commonly held during mid-March, which draws a number of spring breakers too.
Visit a Botanical Garden
What Is It? When spring has sprung in Texas, it only makes sense to visit a botanical garden when all the flowers are in bloom.
Why Do It? Zilker Botanical Garden in Austin, Texas’ state capital city, is a popular garden in the Lone Star State that offers affordable admission rates.
Good to Know: Most of Texas’ major cities have a botanical garden.
Go Birdwatching
What Is It? For those interested in birdwatching, spring in Texas is a prime time to see unique bird species due to the spring bird migration.
Why Do It? Bird species flock north when the weather starts to warm in the springtime. The state of Texas is a popular resting place for migrating birds during this season. There are a number of great places to view the wide variety of bird species here.
Good to Know: One popular place among birders is The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center.
Visit Notable Outdoor Landmarks
What Is It? Spring is one of the best times to soak up the outdoors in Texas.
Why Do It? Take advantage of the weather before the heat of summer hits by visiting some Texas outdoor landmarks. There are plenty of historic landmarks to add to your bucket list, like the Alamo in San Antonio or the ship Elissa in Galveston, Texas.
Good to Know: One notable landmark worth your time is the San Jacinto Monument, which is the world’s tallest monument column.
Shop for Antiques
What Is It? There are a number of Texas towns that are well known for antique shopping.
Why Do It? The largest antique fair in Texas is actually held every spring in Round Top, Texas. You don’t have to attend an antique fair to shop for antiques though.
Good to Know: There are a number of great antique shops scattered throughout the state, especially in the Hill Country towns of Wimberley, Fredericksburg, and Austin.
Pick Fruit
What Is It? When the weather is warm and the days grow long, farms across Texas are able to produce fresh fruit ready for picking from March to May.
Why Do It? Peaches, strawberries, and blackberries are popular fruits to pick on Texas farms in the spring. There are a number of “U-Pick” farms located across the state.
Good to Know: A popular U-pick farm in Texas is Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
What Is It? Mexican culture is alive in Texas. One way to embrace Latino heritage this spring is by celebrating Cinco de Mayo.
Why Do It? This Mexican holiday, which occurs on the 5th of May, is celebrated to commemorate Mexico’s victory over the French army in 1862. All across the state, there are a number of festivals held around Cinco de Mayo.
Good to Know: The biggest Cinco de Mayo festival in Texas is held in Houston every year.
Eat Crawfish
What Is It? Texans, especially Houstonians in particular, look forward to spring because it’s crawfish season.
Why Do It? Commonly referred to as “crawdads” or “mudbugs,” these freshwater crustaceans are a popular springtime meal for south Texas locals and Louisianians alike. Restaurants and bars regularly host crawfish boils. Pay by the pound, there is no shame in getting your hands dirty and sucking the heads when chowing down on crawfish in Texas.
Good to Know: The season is so celebrated that there is even the Texas Crawfish and Music Festival hosted every April in Spring, Texas.
