Art at the Bosque. Photo Credit: Visit San Angelo
Get the gang going with these things to do outside in San Angelo, Texas.
Step out into the beauty of West Texas in the city of San Angelo! Get ready for outdoor adventures in the gorgeous cactus-ridden countryside off the beaten path. The town boasts memories of our country’s rich Old West history and bright, fun flavors of present-day pop culture. Whether you’re looking for a solo travel experience or a family-filled adventure, there are many things to do outside in San Angelo, Texas.
This sponsored post includes lodging, food, and compensation for the travel blogger. These opinions are honest and based upon the individual blogger’s experience.
Related: San Angelo – A City With Public Art Everywhere
Things To Do Outside In San Angelo, Texas
Enjoy the city’s natural beauty and see why San Angelo has been a Top 10 True Western Town since 2019. Things to do in San Angelo, TX, include many activities outdoors.
Visit The San Angelo State Park
San Angelo State Park is most famous for its bison and Official Texas State Longhorn herds. Though not especially an early riser, I jumped out of bed to anticipate my bison and longhorn tour at San Angelo State Park. The drive to the park from my hotel in San Angelo took only about fifteen minutes!
Seeing these gorgeous beasts from days gone by, as it were, close up was a dream! The tour took me to where the bison and longhorn feed in the mornings, and I had the opportunity to watch them eat, interact, and take care of their young. My tour guide was fantastic and filled our time with exciting information about the animals. It was a great morning!
With over 50 miles of some of the best trails in the area, San Angelo State Park is the perfect place to hike or bike. If your family loves dinosaurs like ours, you won’t want to miss the two-mile Dinosaur Trail, where you can see fossilized tracks of creatures that predate dinosaurs!
Spend the day hiking and fishing or camp for the week in your choice of water and electricity, primitive drive-up, or backpack sites, or if you’d rather, reserve a log cabin. There is so much to do outside at San Angelo State Park!
Concho Riverwalk and bridge. Photo Credit: Visit San Angelo
Fort Concho National Historic Landmark
History, where it happened, is what you’ll find at Fort Concho. Visiting historical sites is always on my list when I travel, and I knew I had to see Fort Concho. You’ll find a museum and gift shop on the property, but most are enjoyed outdoors, with some buildings open for browsing.
The Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, established along the Concho River banks in 1867, includes most of the old army post and twenty-four original and restored buildings. If you love history, you won’t want to miss stopping by the landmark.
International Waterlily Collection
One of the world’s leading waterlily collections is at Civic League Park in San Angelo, Texas! The International Waterlily Collection was designated by the International Waterlily & Water Gardening Society as the premier collection of water lilies! It is a sight to behold. We enjoyed watching the bees and dragonflies dart in and around the beautiful waterlilies. The multi-pool display is the personal collection of Ken Landon, and I was surprised to find out the park only showcases a small percent of his work.
It is open to the public and has active flowering displays from April to October every year.
Stroll Concho Riverwalk
My daughter and I strolled the Concho Riverwalk with drinks in hand. We encountered multiple gardens and parks along the path. It is a beautiful place to talk, get some exercise, fish, walk the dog, or have a picnic. We enjoyed watching the ducks, who were not at all afraid of us! Everyone we passed nodded or greeted us. When we asked locals questions, they were always friendly and helpful. We fell in love with the people of San Angelo!
Outdoor Pop Art. Photo Credit: Visit San Angelo
Enjoy The Outdoor Art Scene
Throughout the city of San Angelo, you will find outdoor art that will turn your head and sometimes take your breath away. Here is just some of the art you will find in San Angelo:
San Angelo Sheep Statues
All over the city of San Angelo are fiberglass statues of sheep. Local artists decorate the sheep statues to pay tribute to San Angelo’s history as a wool marketing center. Have fun finding over 100 sheep! We certainly enjoyed every sheep encounter.
Historic Murals of San Angelo
There are 15 historical murals to discover in San Angelo. Each one brings to life on the city walls of San Angelo an aspect of the west Texas frontier life. The murals around San Angelo inspire us to learn more about the hard-working people before us.
Paintbrush Alley
Paintbrush Alley is hidden downtown in the alleyway behind Firestone on West Concho Avenue and Texas Theater on West Twohig Avenue! Colorful murals portray Texas culture in the 1956 motion picture Giant theme. The Western drama, which depicted life in West Texas, featured Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean. You will encounter each of these stars in the murals of Paintbrush Alley!
Pop Art Museum
Pop Art Museum was a former downtown bowling alley from the 1950s turned art masterpiece! It’s located at 125 West Twohig Ave. Over 30 local artists came together to create this highly Instagrammable, pop-inspired space filled with unique artistry with eye-catching “Pop.”
Enjoy Exploring Outside In San Angelo!
There is so much to explore outside in San Angelo. The city drew me into the Old West! Whether I was encountering bison and longhorn at San Angelo State Park or wandering around downtown, hints of life as it used to be in West Texas were showcased all around the city. It was the perfect setting for a girl trip with my daughter to take in the fresh, sunny air of the great outdoors!
Whatever the occasion may be, I know you will fall in love with San Angelo. For more inspiration on how to spend your time in San Angelo, click over to Discover San Angelo!
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