Texas is famous for its big personality, big skies, and sprawling geography – which makes it the perfect place for day trips. You don’t have to go far to see the grandiose sights of Texas. Try some of these favorite locations near Midland.
Caverns of Sonora
Just over two and half hours will bring you to this beautiful, limestone-rich ranch country. Relax in nature, pan for gemstones, hike, camp, and don’t forget to visit the internationally-recognized caves – one of the most beautiful geographic features of Texas. You can book different tours here, from those that focus on photography opportunities to the Discovery Challenge Tour, all of which will afford you the opportunity of taking in one of the most beautiful sights in the state.
Monahans Sandhills State Park
Imagine a place where the landscape looks different every time you see it. Hills and valleys disappear and are remade somewhere else. This state park, often referred to as “an ocean of sand,” performs this magic on a regular basis. You can hike or horseback ride through the park, or better yet, “surf” using park-provided sand discs. And best of all, this location is less than an hour away, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy yourself.
Abilene
A hot spot in West Texas for art and culture, Abilene is a wonderful destination for a day trip. It’s famous for its fully-restored, 1930s-era Paramount Theater, which is open to the public for self-guided tours. The historic downtown area offers walking tours, a great way to get to know the city and get your steps in after a couple hours in the car. And don’t forget the unique shopping, concerts, and dining experiences.
Big Bend National Park
It’s a bit of a drive, at just over four hours, but it’s worth it. This in-between place, where river and mountain meet desert, is overflowing with diversity. You’ll get to see hundreds of species of plants and wildlife. You’ll also be able to connect with the history of the land, which recorded fossils and bones going back to prehistoric times. It’s easy to see why this park calls itself “Texas’ gift to the nation.”
And if you have more than just a day for your road trip, check out Texas Highway’s list of the seven best road trips across the state.