A significant trading post for cowboys in the late 19th century, Fort Worth is a modern city today that has still kept its heritage intact. With world-class museums, manicured landscapes, and celebrated restaurants, the city offers its visitors a lot to explore. However, if the city chaos gets too much for you and you wish to take a quick break from all the glitz and glamor, we have put together a list of the top 7 weekend destinations from Fort Worth for you to enjoy.
Big Bend National Park
Considered one of the most fascinating attractions in Texas, Big Bend National Park offers an interesting combination of several natural features such as mountains, rivers, and deserts. Adventure enthusiasts can hike up and down the legendary 1.7-mile Santa Elena Canyon and then soak in the natural hot springs to soothe the sore muscles. And, if this is not enough, you could hop on a boat to Mexico for lunch.
Best Time to Visit: The seasons of spring and fall are the best time to visit the national park as the temperature is perfect for hiking as well as camping under the stars.
How to Reach: The most recommended option for travel between the two locations is by car. This would take slightly over 7 hours and cost between $40 to $65.
Caverns of Sonora
Recognized in the world as one of the most gorgeous show caves ever, the Caverns of Sonora is an award-winning, highly proclaimed attraction whose beauty can’t be exaggerated, even by Texans. Marking halfway between San Antonio and Big Bend National Park, the Caverns offer thousands of acres of limestone caves. Featuring a stunning array of calcite crystal formations, especially helictites, Caverns of Sonora is a National Natural Landmark. Some of the most popular sites to see here are the Cave Bacon and the Snake Pit.
Best Time to Visit: The Caves can be visited throughout the year as the weather remains constant no matter when you visit.
How to Reach: The most convenient method of transportation between the two places is by self-driven car. The drive takes around six and a half hours and costs between $32 to $46.
Caddo Lake
Bald cypress trees covered with Spanish moss loom over the maze of bayous, sloughs, and ponds at Caddo Lake. At Caddo Lake State Park, you can fish, paddle, hike, picnic, camp, or stay in a cabin, look for a geocache, and go boating. Spread across 26,810-acre, Caddo Lake harbors more than 70 species of fish and doesn’t even require you to have a fishing license to fish here. You can also rent a canoe or a kayak to explore the twists and turns of the lake.
Best Time to Visit: High season at Caddo Lake is considered to the months from March to November, but you are best off coming at the beginning or end of those dates for the mildest weather.
How to Reach: You could either drive up to Caddo Lake from San Antonio and spend 7 hours and $39 to $57 in fuel, or take a bus or train to Marshall and get a taxi for the remaining 30 km.
Houston
If you are looking for culture, spectacular dining, shopping, amazing attractions, and fun experiences, you’ll have no dearth of things to do in Houston. The fourth-largest city in the United States, Houston is home to the famous Space Center Houston, celebrated chefs, stimulating museums, and picturesque green spaces, complete with a bayou running through the heart of the city. Depending on your travel dates, you could even be able to enjoy Houston’s signature event, the Livestock Show and Rodeo. Find the top weekend destinations from Houston.
Best Time to Visit: The months between February and April and the fall months of September to November are considered to be the best times to visit Houston. The weather is pleasant during these months and there are plenty of festivals to enjoy.
How to Reach: A direct bus between the two cities takes around three and a half hours and costs between $16 to $40.
New Orleans
New Orleans is one of America’s most unique cities, with a vibe you simply can’t resist. Globally recognized for its intoxicating jazz music, Cajun cuisine, and outrageous Mardi Gras celebrations, the city is a melting pot of cultures with a multiplicity that can be seen in every nook and corner. Most of the action in the city is found around the French Quarter, with the infamous Bourbon Street as its beating heart. Hop on a historic streetcar to explore the Garden District.
Best Time to Visit: The most recommended time to visit New Orleans is between February to May when the weather is comfortably pleasant, and the celebrations are in full swing. If you’re not interested in Mardi Gras, December or January are quieter and cheaper.
How to Reach: You could either take a direct flight between the two cities or catch a bus from San Antonio to Houston and change for New Orleans.
Galveston Island
Less than an hour from Houston, the historic downtown of Galveston, along with its stunning beaches, is one of the most favorable weekend destinations for visitors. The town is home to astonishing beaches known for their turquoise waters such as Stewart Beach. If you prefer spending time amidst nature, enjoy kayaking through the bayou and birdwatching at Galveston Island State Park. History lovers should miss the opportunity to stroll along with the Strand Historic District which is dotted with Victorian-era buildings, most of which survived the Great Storm of 1900.
Best Time to Visit: The most favorable time to visit Galveston Island is either between October to November or March to May.
How to Reach: You could easily rent a car or drive your own to Galveston Island. The drive only takes under 5 hours and costs approximately $29 to $42 in fuel.
Corpus Christie
Slowly gaining popularity, Corpus Christie is now one of the most famous spots for visiting seeking sometime in the sun. The landscape here is filled with miles and miles of sandy beaches, diverse flora and fauna, and so much more. Some of the most famous attractions to enjoy here include the Padres Island National Seashore which is known as the world’s longest undeveloped barrier island, the WWII famed gigantic aircraft carrier popularly known as The Blue Ghost, and the Texas State Aquarium that has displays of the rich marine life found in the Gulf of Mexico.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Corpus Christi is between September and October when the tourists have left and the temperatures are a bit more pleasant than the scorching summer season.
How to Reach: If you don’t wish to drive from Fort Worth to Corpus Christie, you could take a bus to Dallas and then change over to Corpus Christi. The journey will take around 12 hours and cost between $56 to $85.