Least Expensive Summer Spots in Texas

Summer is the time for fun in the sun and making memories that will last forever. However, it can be hard to have a fun summer when some people can’t afford the big trip out of state or to an amusement park.

Therefore, San Angelo LIVE! looked into the more affordable fun places here in Texas for those San Angelo families wanting to take a nice, but inexpensive vacation before school is back in session next month.

New Braunfels, Texas

There is a river called the Comal that runs through New Braunfels. It has been modified for tourists to come and float down in tubes. There are a few fun shoots and slides that people can go through, but all in all, people can enjoy a lazy, relaxing float down the river.

Additionally, alcohol is allowed, but no glass bottles are permitted on the Comal River. Also, Styrofoam, or foam containers, and plastic containers under 5 fluid ounces or smaller are not allowed because the hazard to local wildlife.

Beyond those minor rules, there are a few big tube places in New Braunfels: Texas Tubes, Comal Rockin R, and Landa Falls.

Here is what families can expect to spend:

• Texas Tubes: $18 includes a tube and 1 shuttle ride back, and $25 for all day shuttle rides back. 
• Comal Rockin: $17 for tube rentals and $5 for an all day pass.
• Landa Falls: $20 for tubing and shuttles rides back are free with rental.

Dripping Springs, Texas

Hamilton Pool is a well-known treasure for Dripping Springs, Texas. Hamilton Pool is a historic swimming hole where Hamilton Creek spills out over limestone outcroppings to create a 50-foot waterfall, according to austintop50.com.

Hamilton Pool Preserve is a historic swimming hole, which was designated as a preserve by the Travis County Commissioner’s Court in 1990. The spring is located ¾ mile upstream from its convergence with the Pedernales River.

The preserve is home to many different species of birds and plants. Rare sights of wildlife are not uncommon at Hamilton Pool.

Fees are $26 per carload and reservations must be made ahead of time.

Spicewood, Texas

At the end of 404 Krause Springs Road in Spicewood, Texas, there is a beautiful spring that flows through the park.

Krause Springs has 32 springs on the property, and several of them feed into the man-made pool. The natural pool feeds into Lake Travis.

Overall, camping is a fun way to get out and appreciate the beautiful Texas nature, and Krause Springs has affordable campsites. Camping is $14 per adult and $6 per child.

Krause Springs is open for day guests from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The fee for Adults is $7, Children 4-11 years old are $5, and children under 4 years old are free. 

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park in Texas has national significance as the largest protected area of Chihuahuan Desert topography and ecology in the United States. It was established June 12,1944.

The Rio Grande wild and scenic river forms its southern boundary, and it’s the only park in the United States that contains a complete mountain range--the Chisos.

The BBNP is one of the largest outdoor parks in the United States, but relative to the size, the park doesn’t see as many annual visitations, which is why it appeals to some tourists. The park offers great solitude, peace, and quiet while surrounded by nature.

To visit the park on a walk in or bike in is $12. To come in a vehicle is $25. Also, to camp in BBNP is $14 per night per site.

Austin, Texas

Austin is the “Live Music Capital of the World,” and it got the name because of the countless voices that come out of the city on a beautiful summer night.

Every summer, Zilker Park is the spot to listen to live music. On July 13, Hayes Carll and Carson Mchone will be playing, and on August 3, Sweet Spirit and The Suffers will be playing.

The shows are free to the public, and it is BYOB. Bring some lawn chairs or a blanket and make it a relaxing night of music and fun.

There are different food tents and different sponsors surrounding the stage to show visitors who brings the free music and fun.