These things to do in East Texas in spring may surprise you.
While you might think the best place for a road trip in spring would be the Hill Country because of its beautiful scenic views, wineries, etc. But you may not know that some of the best places to explore Texas are in the eastern part of the state. You can’t beat the piney woods and the natural beauty of pine trees that practically reach the sky. I think you’ll like these things to do in East Texas.
Don’t forget the Texas bluebonnets and other wildflowers will be scattered all around East Texas in springtime. Also, whenever possible – take backroads for scenic views. That’s my motto!
Related: 2022 Spring Break Ideas In Texas(Opens in a new browser tab)
Tyler State Park. Photo Credit: Visit Tyler
Things To Do In East Texas In Spring
The Piney Woods Region and Prairies and Lakes Region share some major East Texas Cities. Nonetheless, East Texas is East Texas, and rightful so. I say anything east of Dallas is East Texas to me.
Did you know the oldest town in Texas is Nacogdoches, which happens to be in East Texas? They have great food and unique specialty shops. It may be worth a stop to say you’ve been to the oldest town in Texas!
When in small towns, think about going by the visitor center first to pick up brochures, and to find out when their farmers market is held, ask about historic sites and special events. These are some of the things I like to do.
Check out the East Texas vacation spots below for the whole family to enjoy!
Related: Small-Town Romantic Getaways in Texas(Opens in a new browser tab)
Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham, TX
Enjoy Ice Cream At Blue Bell Creamery
Brenham, TX is a quaint small town with a lovely historic downtown and home to Blue Bell Ice Cream. You can get a scoop of your favorite Blue Bell ice cream here – it costs only $1 a scoop – even! But don’t leave until you visit the information center, which takes you on a journey from the beginning of Blue Bell. Then walk around outside and get a photo by the old ice cream truck.
Travel Pro Tip: The Blue Bell Creamery is not open on weekends.
If you’re into Texas History and historic homes and have a little extra time, you may want to venture out to the other cities that make up where Texas began many years ago (Burton, Chappell Hill, Independence, and Washington). Each town has its unique niche.
There is much more information about Brenham here in an article I wrote last year – Best Things To Do In Charming Brenham, TX.
Tyler State Park. Photo Credit: Visit Tyler
Visit The Tyler Rose Garden
You could spend a full weekend in Tyler, Texas, and still not see everything. Tyler houses the Tyler Rose Garden, the largest rose garden globally, and is known as the Rose Capital of the World. Admission is free.
The Tyler Rose Museum, Tyler State Park, Texas State Railroad, and Texas Rose Horse Park are other things to do and see. And a family favorite is the Caldwell Zoo.
A fun road trip would be Tyler, Longview, and Marshall. Add Athens at the beginning and Louisiana at the end for a nice vacation the whole family will enjoy. Or in reverse order depending on where you start. Check out Visit Tyler when you get the chance.
Stop In Athens
In Athens, two popular things to do are the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center and the East Texas Arboretum. If you go out a little further, there is a winery called Tara Vineyards & Winery. It’s really lovely out there, and you can sit outside or inside by the fire on a cold day. Lake Athens also offers tons of outdoor activities.
Brody and I are getting ready to zipline at New York Zip Line Course in LaRue, TX.
New York Texas Zipline Adventures
Located between Athens and Tyler in LaRue, TX, is the NY Texas Zipline. Brody and I have zipped there twice. The first time we zipped the 6-line course. We splurged for the 9-line course the second time—worth every penny. The last line was over a pond and so surreal.
Examine These East Texas Tiny Cabins
Escape to the outdoors and stay in a tiny cabin nestled in the tall pine trees of East Texas. In the small town of Navasota, TX, deep in the woods, you’ll find tiny cabins for rent in East Texas. They are equipped with everything you need to enjoy your camping experience. Pets are welcome.
Cypress Trees and a Blue Heron on Caddo Lake
Caddo Lake Adventure Tours
Caddo Lake spans the Texas-Louisiana border and is known for its tall creepy cypress trees that dominate the shallow, murky waters. Visitors come to Caddo Lake for its beauty, the stories, and the adventures. I went there for the stories and an adventure tour. We used Caddo Lake Bayou Tours, and let me tell you – our tour guide told some wild stories. And, if you’re lucky, you may see the eyes of an alligator – but not likely. That’s what our tour guide told us.
Big Thicket Natural Preserve
In Kountze, TX, where the Big Thicket Natural Preserve is located, you can hike, tent camp and canoe, and learn about the history. Hunting is allowed as well, but be sure to read about that on the website.
Ride The Train In Palestine
The Texas State Railroad in the piney woods of Palestine, Texas, offers train rides through the piney woods of East Texas. Enjoy the ride, plus food, drinks, and more. Depending on which train ride you experience, you’ll be in for a treat. Palestine also offers a wonderful Azalea trail in the springtime. Be sure to read about that on their website. Read what one of our travel bloggers had to say about Palestine when she took her girls there a couple of years ago – 7 Reasons to Visit Palestine.
Dangerfield State Park
I have not been here, but I want to go. I’ve heard that this state park is the best park for fall foliage. But I’m betting it’s beautiful in the spring as well. Camping, hiking, and picnicking are all available out there.
Stroll The Town Of Jefferson
Jefferson is one of Texas’s most historical tourist destinations. And is known for having over 135 recognized historic structures, including historic bed and breakfast accommodations, charming restaurants, and historic downtown. Whether you’re interested in history, attractions, food, or shopping, the city of Jefferson has something unique to offer everyone who visits. Book a B&B and enjoy your time. There are riding tours, walking tours, ghost tours, etc. See what else I had to say about visiting Jefferson here. And, if you like to horseback ride, Marshall, the next town over, offers it.
There are way more things to do in East Texas than just this list. I’m sure you’ll find great things to do there. Let me know if I can help in any way.
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