From the mountains of West Texas to the rolling terrain of the Hill Country and the beaches of the Gulf Coast, Texas is packed with scenery that makes a splash on Instagram.
To help you plot a photo-worthy trip, we’ve picked some of the best places in the state to snap a pic and post.
Balmorhea State Park
For the ultimate “I-swam-in-a-desert-oasis” shot, get your friends to photograph you bouncing off the diving board into the V-shaped, spring-fed pool at Balmorhea State Park, a 46-acre oasis in the foothills of the Davis Mountains. The water glitters in shades of greens and blues, a contrast against the khaki-colored background of the Chihuahuan Desert. Water temperatures hover between 72 and 75 degrees year-round.
Colorado Bend State Park
One of the prettiest waterfalls in Texas spills down travertine formations and through a thicket of lush greenery along the Colorado River above Lake Buchanan. Gorman Falls drops about 70 feet top to bottom and makes an excellent backdrop for a picture. Take a dip in the water to get in some swimming, or if you’re into spelunking Colorado Bend State Park has more than 400 caves to explore with experienced guides to show the way.
Blanco State Park
For the perfect image with a frothy curtain of water spilling over your shoulders, beeline it to Blanco. The Blanco River runs like an emerald ribbon through Blanco State Park; when the water is running it creates seasonal waterfalls and the natural shower looks great through a camera lens. When you’ve had your fill of swimming, hiking, or fishing at the park, wind down with a tasting and beautiful sunset view at a nearby Hill Country winery.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
There are countless Instagrammable shots to be had at this Texas Hill Country park. Make the hike to the top of the iconic pink granite dome for a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. Then, head back down and take the 4.5-mile Loop Trail that leads to the backside of the batholith to witness it in all its glory. From the Moss Lake primitive camping area, you can snap a spectacular sunset shot of the massive rock with a cool pool of water at its feet.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Here at Dinosaur Valley State Park, you can walk in the footsteps of the dinosaurs — literally. While you explore, check out the pizza-sized tracks made by a lumbering sauropod 113 million years ago in Paluxy Creek, among other interesting fossils. Don’t forget to pose with the faux dinosaurs prowling next to the Visitors Center, too. A 70-foot, bright green Apatosaurus stretches its long neck skyward, and you can almost hear the 45-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex roar.
Garner State Park
Generations of campers have made the half-mile, steep and rocky climb up Old Baldy at Garner State Park. From the top, the park spreads out beneath you, and in the summer, you can spot people floating on tubes and lolling in the Frio River. Snap a selfie that includes the whole scene — and when the sun sets on summer nights, stick around for the jukebox dance held on the patio outside the concession building.
Big Bend National Park
Already have that iconic shot of the sun sinking into a notch in the Chisos Mountains? Head instead to Santa Elena Canyon Trail near Terlingua, which winds through the canyon along the Rio Grande River. Hike between the towering cliffsides and up to an elevated lookout before descending to the river’s edge. The trail ends where the rock wall meets the water, one of the narrowest spots in the canyon and great photo to capture.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Watch for collared lizards and road runners when you make the 5.6-mile round-trip hike to the Lighthouse formation at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. The 300-foot pinnacle looks out over a sea of striped red rock and endless vistas of rugged beauty. The perfect backdrop for Instagram. Plan your visit during the summer months and experience TEXAS Outdoor Musical. Singing, dancing, and fireworks, oh my!
Goose Island State Park
For photographic proof that everything’s bigger in Texas, head for Goose Island State Park. Horticulturists don’t know exactly how old the so-called Big Tree is, but it’s been around for centuries. The tree’s trunk measures more than 35 feet around, and its crown spreads 89 feet overhead. It’s one of the largest live oaks in the nation.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
You’ll gain 3,000 feet in elevation on your way to the top of Guadalupe Peak. The trail starts steep, switching back up the slope the first mile of the breathtaking 8.4-mile round-trip hike. When you reach the stainless-steel pyramid at the summit, at 8,751 feet above sea level, you’ll have reached the the highest point in Texas. Take it all in, with both camera lens and your own eyes — all of Texas seems to unfold beneath you here.
