Professional Daytripper Knowledge
Getting wet and wild in the Lone Star State: Texas' best summer vacation escapes
Lake Somerville
Luling
The Cliffhanger Speed Slide at Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark
Surfside
When we need advice on where to go for a weekend away or something fun to do that's typically Texan, we turn to Chet Garner, producer, creator and host of PBS' The Daytripper.
Last summer, Garner gave us his top 10 spots for a Texas daycation. This year, the heat got us to thinking about swimming holes, quiet beaches and where to find a solid afternoon of good fishin'.
So without further ado, here are our top 10 places to get wet:
Galveston - "Go hop in the Gulf of Mexico!" Garner says. Not a fan of the not-so-white sand on the main strip? Hit the state park.
Schlitterbahn Galveston is always an option, and Moody Gardens offers a white sand beach for those who titter over tar balls.
Village Creek State Park in Beaumont - If it's white sand you're after, Village Creek is a good place to start. The water is brown, yes, (everything within driving distance from Houston will have brown water, Garner reminds us) but it's got gorgeous sand bars.
Huntsville State Park - Take a dip in Lake Raven or do some serious bass fishing at Huntsville State Park.
Luling - Swing into the San Marcos river in Luling, Texas. There's a swimming hole at the old Zeedler Mill that boasts the ultimate summer accessory: A perfect rope tree.
Smith Lake - Located in VIdor, Texas, near the Louisiana border, Smith Lake is a big kid's dream with a 100-foot zip line that takes you straight into the water.
Lake Conroe - It's more for boating and water sports than for swimming, but Lake Conroe and Lake Houston are both good spots to stick your legs through your life jacket and float around with a cold one.
Columbus paddling trail - The Colorado River goes through Columbus, Texas, and there's a paddling trail there where adventurous daytrippers can rent a kayak or canoe.Garner says the river is forgiving and flat, so first-timers are welcome.
Crystal Beach - Although Crystal Beach is still recovering from Hurricane Ike, Garner says this gem on the Bolivar Peninsula is a great spot to camp out and get some beach time in.
Surfside beach - Surfside, located in Freeport, Texas, has been a family-friendly favorite for summer vacations for years. Visit Fort Velasco, take a walk out to the end of the mile-long jetty or just chill on the beach.
Lake Somerville - Head to Lake Somerville outside of Brenham and make it a two-part trip for some Blue Bell ice cream.
The Daytripper airs Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. on PBS. New episodes begin this June.
Watch Chet take the plunge in Luling, Texas
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