Top Texas Outdoor Activities

Look out for the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that thrive along the coast of South Padre Island on a wildlife boat tour from Sea Ranch Marina. Cruise past the US Coast Guard Station, Boca Chica Beach, and other local attractions with a comfortable seat on a wildlife-watching boat. The vessel is equipped with a wildlife-safe viewing net so you can see South Padre sea life up close.

Glimpse the vibrant underwater world off the coast of Corpus Christi with this unique clear kayak tour that uses underwater LED lights to highlight the local marine life. Paddle by moonlight, spotting blue crab, redfish, stingrays, and more as you glide through the shallows. Take in views of the twinkling coastal lights from the water and learn about the area’s history and ecosystem from your guide.

Sail along the waters near Port Aransas during the golden hour on this private cruise. Climb aboard your private vessel with your friends and/or family and sail out along the jetties or ship channels in search of wild dolphins. Just before the sun sets, head to Lydia Ann Lighthouse to watch the sun dip below the horizon.

Take an off-road adventure in the Red Sands area of eastern El Paso with this tour. A professional guide will take you and your party out on a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) tour, riding in a separate buggy so that you can enjoy the thrill of commanding your own vehicle, and will be on hand to provide support and instruction so that you can make the most of your time, safely.

Embark on a 45-minute adventure aboard a comfortable boat from Pier 21, Galveston. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and families, this tour offers an excellent opportunity to observe dolphins in their natural habitat. With all seats providing great views, you can relax and enjoy the experience without the need to rush on board. The knowledgeable captain navigates to prime dolphin-watching spots, ensuring an engaging and memorable outing. Whether you're short on time or seeking a quick escape, this tour delivers an unforgettable glimpse into Galveston's marine life.

Eighty feet below the surface in Texas Hill Country lies the Cave Without a Name, an extraordinary underground world of stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones, cave drapery, and other terrestrial formations formed over thousands of years. Come early, pack a picnic, and enjoy on-site amenities such as a hiking trail, gift shop, and a gemstone/fossil sluice.

If you want to see the hordes of bats that fly through Austin each night but don’t want to do so from the Congress Avenue Bridge, book this Downtown Austin Sunset and Bats Kayak Tour that lets you view the bats and the beautiful sunset from the water. A guide leads you and others out in your kayaks and knows the best areas to stop for viewing. Plus, all necessary equipment is provided for you.

Tours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday begin at 7905 Old San Antonio Road. If you bought a Fri–Sun ticket, register at The Boil Shack. Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in. Tours Monday–Thursday start at Grapetown Vineyard, 8142 Old San Antonio Road. The Boil Shack offers a Sports Bar, Dance Hall & Live Music. It’s connected to the main farm. Register here, get wristbands and directions. Our veteran-owned farm invites you for an intimate Hill Country experience. Enjoy scenic views and award-winning wines on our family farm. Grapetown Vineyard has Fredericksburg’s only winery & giraffe encounter, full bar, and unique experiences. Enjoy a relaxing tram ride over 85 beautiful acres of Texas Hill Country!

Get into your two person lighted kayak and follow your guide along the Texas coast of Little Bay in Rockport, Texas. You can choose the lighting setting you want to create the mood, then kayak away and see all the creatures living in the water below. Learn about the local history from your guide, and enjoy the small group (15 max) experience.

Tours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday begin at 7905 Old San Antonio Road. If you bought a Fri-Sun ticket, register at The Boil Shack & Petting Zoo. Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in. Tours Monday - Thursday start at Grapetown Vineyard 8142 Old San Antonio Road The Boil Shack offers a Petting Zoo, Sports Bar, Dance Hall & Live Music. It’s connected to the main farm. Register here, get wristbands, directions, and feed goats, alpacas & more. Our Veteran Owned Animal Sanctuary invites you for an intimate Hill Country experience. Enjoy scenic views, award-winning wines, and exotic animals on our family farm. Grapetown Vineyard has Fredericksburg’s only winery & giraffe encounter, full bar, and sanctuary. Home to giraffes, lemurs, zebras, kangaroos, ostriches, camels, bison, capybaras, mini cows, antelope, deer, pygmy goats & more. Visit the petting zoo, feed animals, take photos with a giraffe & enjoy a relaxing tram ride over 85 beautiful acres of Texas Hill Country!

Check out the glowing waters of the Lighthouse Lakes in Port Aransas on this small group kayak tour. Your kayaks will be equipped with LED lights which will cause the waters around you to illuminate. Besides a kayak tour on the water, your guide will also tell you about the landmarks you pass along the way.

A parasailing trip over South Padre Island is a popular choice for adventurous travelers. Once in the air, take in sweeping views of the island and surrounding natural landscape rarely seen by visitors or locals alike. Your guide ensures a smooth takeoff and landing, as well as tips on what wildlife you may be able to spot, from bottlenose dolphins to osprey hawks.

Our self-guided adventure park is a wonderful experience for people looking for a rush, or even guests who simply want to enjoy the outdoors. Because we have different levels of height and difficulty, guests are able to do as little or as much as they like (height, age, and weight restrictions apply). Even though we are located in Dallas, you will feel like you are away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Saddle up for a true Western experience on this sunset horseback ride down a trail leading you to a warm campfire. This outdoor adventure in Waco gets you beautiful views of Central Texas during your trail ride. Once you reach the scenic overlook, enjoy some s’mores and cowboy-themed games by the campfire and take some time to soak in the scenery.

Experience the waters around South Padre Island and try your luck spotting dolphins in Laguna Madre Bay on this group cruise. Let your captain show you some of the best places in the area for watching these animals in their natural habitat, and watch the sunset over the bay before a fireworks show to round things off with a bang.

Share the Gulf of Mexico waters with bottlenose dolphins, pelicans, and more on a private boat tour from South Padre Island. The private 6-passenger vessel makes for an ideal outing for families or friend groups without the worry of crowds. Between wildlife encounters, learn the storied past of the area, such as the history of the native Karankawa tribe, local shipwrecks, and more.

Cover more ground during this Austin Small-Group E-Bike Tour than if you booked a walking tour of the city. This bike tour provides you with an e-bike and helmet so you can explore Austin’s most popular attractions and sights as you pass by them with a guide leading the way. Plus, your guide tells you about the city and ideas that go far beyond just the normal tourist path.

Boat rides can be packed with people trying to see the sights from the water. Choose this alternative South Padre Island Jet Ski Experience and see the same views without being pushed around by the crowd. This Jet Ski experience allows you to ride by yourself or with just one other as you explore the waters of Laguna Madre.

Going to South Padre Island and not going in the water is like visiting New York City without visiting a museum. This South Padre Island Banana Boat Experience lets you take up to six people on an unpowered, inflatable recreational banana boat. Enjoy cruising the waters on the boat, taking in sights and having fun. Life jackets are provided for a safe day on the water.

Spend a day in the great outdoors and experience the Chihuahua Desert during this canyon float tour. Paddle along the Rio Grande River, which straddles the US-Mexico border, in a kayak, canoe, or rafts—dependent on the water level—and take in the desert scenery. Learn about the area’s geology from your guide, take a dip in the river, and enjoy a picnic over the course of the day.

Book with Team Barefoot for a 5-star parasailing adventure! As a family-owned and operated business, we guarantee a personal, fun, and safe experience you won’t forget!

Set sail for a day of bay fishing on the Danny B, a 50 ft. party boat with room for up to 43 anglers. Cast your line into the waters of South Padre Island, where you can catch species like whiting, sand trout, black drum, and shark. This experience not only offers fishing but also provides opportunities for dolphin watching and enjoying the stunning Texas coast. With fishing gear included and a knowledgeable crew ready to assist, this adventure is perfect for both seasoned fishermen and beginners alike.

Set sail at one of the best times of day—sunset—on a South Padre Island cruise aboard a comfortable private 6 passenger boat. Enjoy beautiful views of the skyline as you make your way along the Texas Gulf Coast, and keep an eye out for bottle nose dolphins, seabirds, and other wildlife. This private yacht charter is ideal for couples, family, friends, or those celebrating a special occasion.