Exploring Texas by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
Riding the rails through Texas offers a window into the vastness and diversity of the Lone Star State, and one of the most captivating ways to do this is aboard the Texas State Railroad. Located about 90 miles east of Dallas near Palestine, this historic rail line winds through the piney woods of East Texas on a scenic 25-mile round-trip journey. The train departs from Rusk, chugging past towering pines, gentle rivers, and wooden trestles that echo the state’s logging heritage. What sets this excursion apart is the authentic steam engine experience, with vintage passenger cars that hark back to the early 20th century. Riding the Texas State Railroad in the fall is especially magical when the foliage shifts to fiery reds and golds, making the views outside your window as rich as the history inside the cars.
For a very different vantage point of Texas’s natural beauty, head to the Texas Hill Country and the shores of Lake Travis near Austin. Just a 30-minute drive northwest from downtown Austin, this reservoir on the Colorado River invites boaters to explore over 60 miles of shoreline marked by cliffs, coves, and hidden beaches. Launching from the marina at Pace Bend Park, visitors can navigate the lake’s twisting channels, spot native birds like herons and ospreys, and even anchor off small islands for a picnic or swim. Lake Travis stands out among Texas lakes for its clear, spring-fed waters and dramatic limestone bluffs that catch the sun’s golden light late in the day. Early summer mornings bring calm waters perfect for paddleboarding or kayaking, while warm evenings invite sunset cruises that paint the sky with vibrant pinks and purples over the water.
Floating above the wide open spaces of Central Texas, the town of Fredericksburg offers one of the best settings in the state for a hot air balloon adventure. Nestled about 70 miles west of Austin in the heart of the Hill Country, the rolling vineyards and wildflower-speckled meadows create a breathtaking panorama from the sky. Balloon operators launch in the early dawn hours, when winds are calm and the light softens the landscape below. As you drift silently above the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area—nearby and visible on clear days—you get a unique view of this massive pink granite dome that rises 425 feet above the terrain. The peaceful ascent over vineyards and orchards not only highlights the region’s natural charm but also its thriving wine culture, visible in the patchwork of neat rows below. Springtime elevates the experience further, with bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush blooming in the fields and adding bursts of color to the view.
Down in the Rio Grande Valley near the southern tip of Texas, the city of San Antonio offers a historic riverfront that’s perfect for a leisurely boat tour. The famed San Antonio River Walk stretches through the heart of the city, about 80 miles southwest of Austin, transforming an urban waterway into a lush, pedestrian-friendly oasis lined with cafes, galleries, and historic sites. Taking a river barge ride allows visitors to glide past centuries-old Spanish colonial architecture and colorful bridges, learning stories about missions and battles as local guides steer through the calm waters. This setting is unique in Texas for blending urban vibrancy with natural tranquility in a way that feels both festive and intimate. Early evenings are especially appealing, when the lights along the River Walk sparkle and the air buzzes with the tunes of mariachi bands performing nearby.
For an authentic taste of Texas rail travel combined with small-town charm, the Grapevine Vintage Railroad offers a nostalgic trip from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Departing from Grapevine, about 25 minutes northwest of Dallas, the vintage train chugs along a 21-mile route to the historic town of Fort Worth. Along the way, passengers enjoy views of the rolling prairies and the occasional glimpse of cattle grazing in open fields, a reminder of the state’s ranching roots. The train itself is a restored 1920s-era steam locomotive with elegant passenger cars that evoke the golden age of rail travel. The journey captures a sense of Texas hospitality and history, making it a favorite for families and history buffs alike. Weekend trips in the spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for gazing out the windows, while themed excursions throughout the year provide festive alternatives.
On the Gulf Coast, Galveston Island presents a different maritime adventure with its harbor cruises and bay tours. Located about 50 miles southeast of Houston, Galveston’s waterways reveal both natural beauty and a rich history as a major port city. Cruises from the historic Strand District navigate past old piers, large cargo ships, and the shimmering expanse of Galveston Bay, where visitors can spot dolphins playing near the boat or birds nesting on the jetties. What makes Galveston distinctive is its blend of coastal ecology and Victorian architecture, with the cruise offering a perspective on how the sea shaped the city’s culture and commerce. Late afternoon trips highlight the shimmering reflections on the water as the sun sets, providing a peaceful counterpoint to the island’s bustling tourism scene.
Venturing west to Big Bend National Park, the Rio Grande itself becomes a dramatic backdrop for a river trip that’s equal parts adventure and awe. About 400 miles southwest of San Antonio, this remote stretch of Southwest Texas offers guided rafting and canoeing excursions along the winding river that carves through deep canyons and desert landscapes. Launch points like the Santa Elena Canyon provide access to some of the park’s most iconic views, where vertical cliffs rise nearly 1,500 feet above the water. Floating quietly through this rugged terrain is a rare chance to connect with the natural world and witness wildlife like peregrine falcons and bighorn sheep in a nearly untouched environment. Spring and early fall are ideal times to visit, avoiding the scorching summer heat and allowing travelers to enjoy cooler breezes and blooming desert flora.