Have you ever had one of those days when things seemed to be far more challenging than they needed to be? All you really wanted was a little bit of peace and calm. While it’s not always expected, it would be nice to be filled with a sense of serenity, but that doesn’t continually happen for many of us.
In the great comedy sitcom of the 1990’s, Seinfeld, the show featured an episode called The Serenity Now with George Costanza’s dad, played by the great Jerry Stiller, screaming the phrase “Serenity Now” from the top of his lungs every time he became upset. The serenity never seemed to arrive, despite his angry screams of desperation, but it did provide a great deal of laughter for the rest of us.
My Serenity Spots in Tyler
Since I work in Tyler, I have several options when I need to become calm, cool, and collected including Caldwell Zoo, Tyler State Park, and the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden.
Top 10 Serene Locations in Texas
When I need a bigger break from life, I enjoy traveling to places in the Lone Star State that fill me with a sense of serenity. Since Texas is such a large state, I decided to share some of my favorite locations, so that you can choose the place closest to you to seek out refuge. Of course, you could also go on a road trip and experience them all, if you’d like. Talk about becoming zen.
These are my top 10 spots in Texas for serenity. While they are numbered, they are not ranked in order of preference. I love them all!
1. Caddo Lake State Park near Karnack
Since moving to east Texas in early 2023, I’ve taken road trips throughout the northern portion of the Texas Forest Trail Region. Caddo Lake State Park, aside from being one of my favorite Texas State Parks, absolutely fits the bill for serene places in Texas. You can choose to kayak on the waters or sit along the shore and take it all in. Either way, Caddo Lake, which shares its waters with both Texas and Louisiana, offers calm, mystery, and stunning beauty year round.
2. Big Bend National Park in Brewster County
Anyone following the How Big is Texas blog for any time at all will know I’m a huge fan of Big Bend National Park in the Texas Mountain Trail Region. In fact, I’ve written about it many times, including when my husband and I camped in Alpine and drove south on a day trip to explore the park. Since the invention of cell phones, as humans we have been plugged in 24/7. What I like about Big Bend is there are areas in the park when you might want to plug in but you wont be able to because you don’t always have a signal. You are suddenly forced to actually pay full attention to your surroundings, and, oh, what surroundings they are. I waited a long time to visit this incredible place. I didn’t go until I was 50. If you haven’t visited, and a great many have not, I recommend the windshield time it will take many of you to get to the park located in the largest county in Texas, Brewster County. You won’t be disappointed and serenity is almost guaranteed.
3. Palo Duro Canyon State Park near Amarillo
My first visit to Palo Duro Canyon State Park occurred when I was 12 years old and I went to see the Texas Outdoor Musical, which takes place in an amphitheater at the bottom of the canyon. Unlike the Grand Canyon, the largest canyon in the United States, at Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest, visitors have the ability to drive down into it. Located in the Texas Plains Trail Region, the serenity of this beautiful park fills you with a peace you won’t get in a large city surrounded by cars on the interstate.
4. The International Waterlily Collection in San Angelo
Prior to moving to east Texas, I lived in San Angelo in west central Texas. The area is not necessarily known for water even though the Concho River runs through the middle of the city. San Angelo has a small attraction in a peaceful setting near the river in town. The International Waterlily Collection in the Texas Forts Trail Region was my go-to place when I needed a break from work. For me, there’s something about the combination of beautiful flowers, dragonflies flitting around, and water that calms me. Depending on the time of day you visit, you might see different types of lilies blooming, including the Official Texas Waterlily, Nymphaea Texas Dawn.
5. Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site near Comstock
Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site provides a sense of serenity to many and has for centuries. However, getting down into the canyon is not for the faint of heart. I went with a group around 10 years ago, when my worn-out knees were younger and I could handle the rocky trail a bit easier. Found in the Texas Pecos Trail Region, the park is known for its ancient rock art, which can be seen on the aforementioned rocky hike into the canyon on the Fate Bell Shelter tour. Once you finally make it and get over the idea of having to return back up the trail from whence you came, you can reflect on the rugged beauty of the landscape and understand why an ancient civilization chose to be in this region of the great state of Texas.
6. Mustang Island near Corpus Christi and Port Aransas
While both Corpus Christi and Port Aransas seem to claim Mustang Island, I see it as its own little slice of paradise in the Texas Tropical Trail Region along the Gulf Coast. I love the Texas beaches at Bolivar Peninsula, Galveston, and South Padre Island, but Mustang Island is my absolute favorite. Years ago, my husband and I visited in our RV during Thanksgiving, where we camped at an RV park located about 100 yards from the water. The rest of our family members had other plans and we ended up enjoying Thanksgiving dinner at the RV park alongside several campers from northern states and even some Canadians. It has had my heart since. Calm gulf waves, sandy beaches, and sunrises welcoming a new day offer up a whole other level of serenity.
7. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa near Bastrop
Years ago, I worked for an organization that hosted an annual event in the Texas Brazos Trail Region at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa near Bastrop. Located down a long and winding road surrounded by a canopy of trees, even the drive helps you to become calm, as the speed limit is well under 20 miles per hour. Grab an inner tube and float along the lazy river, relax at any number of strategically-placed rocking chairs around the property, or step into the night outside your hotel room and star gaze in the evening. Though the property is located not far from Austin, you’ll feel like you’re far away from civilization in this incredible and serene resort setting.
8. Mission San Jose in San Antonio
As a proud Texan, when I visit San Antonio, I try to always make it a goal to pay my respects at The Alamo, located near the beautiful Riverwalk. If I want to still embrace the remarkable history of the city without the droves of others taking it in, I drive myself to my favorite mission in town, Mission San Jose. Located in the Texas Independence Trail Region and one of the five missions, including The Alamo, that were named to the Unesco World Heritage list, Mission San Jose offers an idea of what the area would have looked like in the late 1700’s. Visiting the inside of the chapel, whether you are Catholic or not, is a beautiful experience. Roaming the grounds and taking in the rich history can fill you with an unexpected calm.
9. Fort Worth Botanic Gardens
In the early 1990’s, I worked at a hotel in downtown Fort Worth. Occasionally, I found the need to take myself away from the hustle and bustle of downtown and the many hotel guests we hosted and find a place to enjoy my lunch uninterrupted. My favorite getaway was the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens. The gardens have changed quite a bit since I lived in the area, now offering gorgeous trails and numerous locations to sit and enjoy the solitude of the birds chirping, a slight breeze, and a massive shade tree to sit under while you take it all in. Though I am a country girl at heart, I enjoy the gardens in Fort Worth in the Texas Lakes Trail Region, especially after spending any time sitting on the interstate with other frustrated passengers all seeking Serenity NOW!
10. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area near Fredericksburg
I’ve visited Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in the Texas Hill Country Trail Region near Fredericksburg several times. My first visit was years ago with my husband during the month of August, the hottest time of the year, when we decided to climb this giant pink granite dome without taking water along with us. While it wasn’t one of our brightest decisions, somehow we survived to tell the tale. This beautiful phenomenon will fool you as you begin the climb to the top. When you think you’ve conquered her, she shows you another bend that requires more climbing until you reach the summit. The reward you receive from the incredible views of the Hill Country of Texas are absolutely worth it. And, yes, a calm will come over you as you drink in the majesty of the miles of Texas scenery you can see.
Whenever you need serenity, I hope you’ll consider some of these options. If not, pick your favorite Texas location, take a breath, and think to yourself, “Serenity NOW!”
My Serenity Hangout
While I do love a great road trip or even an escape during my lunch hour at work, I enjoy spending as many mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends hanging out at the Official International World Headquarters of How Big Is Texas, located in my backyard. When you’re surrounded by all things Texas and you’re a fifth generation Native Texan, serenity surrounds you and your troubles tend to disappear.
Until next time…from Texas…safe travels!