Known affectionately as the Lone Star State, Texas is the second biggest state of America.
With some of the US’s most beautiful natural areas, it is understandable why it is a tourist hotspot.
In this guide, we introduce the best places to kayak around San Antonio, Austin and Dallas. A series of fun-filled attractions are also included.
1. Perfect For The Summer – Frio River
The first entry on our top nine list is Frio River, which is located just over an hour outside of the incredibly popular city of San Antonio.
Due to the unique placement of the river, it is fed by an underground spring.
This ensures that the water in the river is constantly cold in temperature, which makes it a very popular choice for visitors in the summer months who are looking for a place to cool down.
Its crystal clear waters provide the ideal kayaking conditions for those either looking for a relaxing experience, or for those that do not have a lot of experience kayaking.
If you are looking to travel to Frio River to avoid the crowds, then definitely make the journey during the fall.
2. There Is Something For Everyone At Guadalupe River
Located under an hour from the bustling city center of San Antonio, Guadalupe River hosts a variety of water conditions that will appeal to anyone, whether you are a kayaking novice or a professional.
Guadalupe River starts with calm waters, perfect for those trying the sport for the first time.
But the river soon descends into class 3 rapids, which you will then be able to tackle once you have learned the craft of kayaking and gotten enough experience.
Wish to try additional activities during your visit to the Guadalupe River? Well, tubing and fishing are also very popular activities on the river.
3. The Perfect Spot For Young Adults – San Marcos River
Our final recommendation of where to kayak in Texas surrounding San Antonio is the San Marcos River.
This particular natural landmark is overly popular with individuals around the age of typical college students.
Its emerald green waters and lush landscape make San Marcos River a stunning location to go kayaking whilst you are in Texas.
Due to the wildly diverse ecosystems surrounding the river, San Marcos is also incredibly popular with those looking to take in the local wildlife of The Lone Star State, with fishing being a particularly popular pastime.
i. The Historical City Of San Antonio Is A Must-Visit Destination
Combining many historical landmarks with standard tourist favorite attractions is what makes the city of San Antonio one of the most visited cities in all of Texas (and often being crowned the most visited city in Texas many times).
The Alamo, which dates back to the 1800s as a Spanish mission and fortress, is a popular museum to visit for lovers of history and culture.
And the San Antonio River Walk is the beating heart of the city with many delicious restaurants, shops and hotels dotted along the colorful front.
ii. Be Sure To Sample The Tex-Mex Food In San Antonio
You will not get a better opportunity than visiting San Antonio to sample some of the very best Tex-Mex food in the world.
Visiting the favorite restaurant of the locals, Panchito’s, which has been family-run for over 30 years, is a must, and they also serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
If you are looking for a place to have a very special meal, then look no further than Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine, which serves award-winning dishes.
We recommend taking a seat out on the patio and enjoy some delicious food to close out your trip to San Antonio.
4. Visit Texas’ Longest River – Colorado River
Of course, a kayaking expedition in Texas would not be complete without visiting its longest river, the Colorado River.
Perhaps one of the most appropriate features about the river is that it lacks any form of rapid, as the river is known for its particularly calm waters.
This allows one of Texas’ most popular natural wonders to be accessible to all types of kayakers, from the novices to the most experienced members of the community.
For those travelers intending to bring their children on their adventure to Texas, kayaking on the Colorado River is fun for all the family.
5. Lady Bird Lake Is A Great Day Out
For those that didn’t plan to go kayaking while you are in Texas, and are looking for the perfect location where you can spontaneously turn up to and kayak, then look no further than Lady Bird Lake.
The previous entry in our list, Colorado Lake, actually passes through Lady Bird Lake.
So, whilst you are discovering the wonders of Austin, you can head down to Lady Bird Lake, rent a kayak and take in the views of Austin from the water.
i. Visit One Of The Music Capitals In The World
Austin is one of the most important cities in the world in terms of music, and as such, most of its attractions revolve around music.
After a relaxing or fun-filled day kayaking, you can head to Austin’s Sixth Street. Most consider this street to be the beating heart of the city, with many of the most popular bars, clubs and music venues being located here.
If you are a huge lover of music, then why not try to plan your kayaking trip to coincide with the Austin City Limits Music Festival?
Many of the world’s biggest artists play this festival every year and it is rather well known and respected across the whole of the United States.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a different form of art to take in whilst visiting Austin, then you should definitely head towards the Blanton Museum of Art. Not only does it hold the largest collection of Latin American Art, but there are also beautiful pieces of art from all over the world.
ii. Explore The Wide Variety Of Food Trucks In Austin
Austin is particular well-known for its large variety of food trucks that sell some of the most affordable dishes within the city.
Many of Austin’s most popular and established restaurants actually started off as food trucks, before branching out into permanent residences.
You can sample many of the city’s most popular dishes by using food trucks, from Caribbean food at Kreyol Korner Caribbean Cuisine, seafood at Krab Kingz, and BBQ food at Kerlin BBQ.
6. Explore Texas On The Brazos River
The first entry of the best places to kayak in Dallas Texas is the Brazos River.
Similar to the Colorado River, the Brazos River is also one of the longest rivers in Texas.
If you are looking for an extended kayaking adventure, then the Brazos Rivers runs throughout the whole of the state as it concludes in the Gulf of Mexico.
The river passes between Austin and Dallas (although Dallas is the closest major city to the start of the river, which is why it is included in this section of our guide).
Whilst being known for its relatively calm waters, the river is also renowned for swelling due to storm conditions or dam releases, which can often create wilder rapids.
7. White Rock Lake Is Ideal For Beginners
There might not be a better place to learn how to kayak in all of Texas than White Rock Lake near the city of Dallas.
Combining the calm waters, relaxing atmosphere and the lacking presence of motorized vehicles, you won’t find a place better equipped to help you learn how to kayak than here.
There is even a kayak rental business located at the lake where you can pick up the necessary equipment if you do not have any yourself.
An added bonus of White Rock Lake is that there are plenty of picnic locations available around the lake, providing you with the most perfect background for your lunch.
8. You Must Visit The Popular Lake Arlington
If you are a kayaking enthusiast, then you may have already heard of Lake Arlington, as it is included as part of the Texas Paddling Trails.
With its vast open waters, Lake Arlington will satisfy a variety of different kayaking enthusiasts.
It must be noted, however, that if you are planning to bring your own kayak to Lake Arlington, then you must purchase a permit to allow you to do so.
9. Embrace Nature At Caddo Lake
The final recommendation in our guide is Caddo Lake on the Texas/Louisiana border.
The lake is just over a three-hour drive away from Dallas, but the breathtaking scenery and vast wildlife at Caddo Lake make the journey worthwhile.
This beautiful location is considered to be one of the most naturally stunning locations throughout all of Texas, and it is much more than a kayaking destination.
From exploring the diverse environments, kayaking in the stunning crystal clear waters and discovering the vast species that call this magnificent area home (including alligators), there is never a dull moment at Caddo Lake.
i. Visit The Home Of The Dallas Cowboys
When you are visiting Dallas, you should definitely try to visit the AT&T Stadium either for a game or a tour.
Of course, another particularly famous moment in Dallas’ history is the assassination of John. F Kennedy.
Many tourists visiting the city will opt to travel to the site of his murder to pay their respects, or to visit one of the many museums that acknowledge the day, including JFK Memorial Site Dallas, the Sixth Floor Museum or JFK Tribute at Fort Worth.
ii. Discover Dallas’ Pecan Pie
As you can already guess, Dallas is well known for its Tex-Mex and BBQ food restaurants.
But, if we were to recommend one dish that you must try whilst in the city of Dallas, then it must be their beloved Pecan Pie.
We have three places where you should head to, and sample the famous pie for yourself.
Many people consider Emporium Pies to have the very best Pecan Pie in the city, but Bird Bakery and Bread Winners Cafe & Bakery are also two other strong contenders.
Conclusion
After revealing the nine best places to kayak in Texas, we really encourage you to get back to nature and explore these beautiful locations.
With these locations being near Austin, Dallas or San Antonio, you can combine your kayaking with the exploration of Texas’s most popular cities.
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