Staples TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Staples, Texas.
1. Skydive Spaceland San Marcos
THRILLING AERIAL ADVENTURE
Skydive Spaceland San Marcos offers adrenaline-pumping skydiving experiences for both beginners and experienced jumpers. Visitors can enjoy tandem jumps with experienced instructors while taking in breathtaking aerial views of the Texas landscape. This highly-rated attraction is perfect for thrill-seekers looking to cross skydiving off their bucket list.
2. Janda Exotics Animal Ranch
UNIQUE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Janda Exotics Animal Ranch provides visitors with an up-close experience with exotic animals in a ranch setting. Guests can interact with and learn about unique wildlife species through guided tours and feeding opportunities. This family-friendly attraction offers educational experiences for animal lovers of all ages.
3. Don's Fish Camp
RIVER TUBING ADVENTURE
Don's Fish Camp is a popular spot for tubing adventures on the San Marcos River. Visitors can rent tubes and equipment for a relaxing float down the crystal-clear waters. The camp offers a perfect summer escape with beautiful natural scenery and refreshing river activities.
4. Amigos Beach
RIVERSIDE RECREATION SPOT
Amigos Beach provides a fantastic access point for floating the San Marcos River in Fentress. Open seven days a week during summer months, this riverside recreation area offers a perfect escape from the Texas heat. Visitors appreciate the accessibility and services provided for a day of water fun.
5. Son's Blue River Camp
SCENIC RIVER CAMPING
Son's Blue River Camp offers camping opportunities along the gorgeous San Marcos River. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the river while staying at this peaceful campsite. The camp provides a perfect base for water activities and relaxation in nature.
6. The Best Dam Spot
PREMIER RIVERSIDE CAMPING
The Best Dam Spot is a highly-rated camping area in Staples with amazing views and access to the San Marcos River. This family-friendly destination offers activities like fishing, paddling, and swimming in a beautiful natural setting. Guests consistently praise the clean facilities and well-maintained property managed by welcoming hosts.
7. Lockhart State Park
HISTORIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Lockhart State Park offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, swimming, and golfing. The park features a historic golf course built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Nature enthusiasts can explore scenic trails while enjoying the diverse wildlife and natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country.
8. Palmetto State Park
TROPICAL TEXAS WILDERNESS
Palmetto State Park is known for its unique ecosystem featuring dwarf palmetto plants that create a tropical atmosphere in Central Texas. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, a scenic oxbow lake perfect for fishing and paddling, and refreshing swimming spots. The park's diverse habitats support abundant wildlife viewing opportunities in a compact but fascinating natural area.
9. Blue Hole Regional Park
PRISTINE SWIMMING DESTINATION
Blue Hole Regional Park features a pristine natural swimming hole surrounded by ancient cypress trees and grassy areas for picnicking. The crystal-clear waters of Cypress Creek provide a refreshing escape during hot Texas summers. This beloved local treasure requires reservations during peak season due to its popularity and offers hiking trails and recreation areas beyond the swimming hole.
10. McKinney Falls State Park
URBAN WILDERNESS ESCAPE
McKinney Falls State Park offers an urban wilderness escape with stunning limestone waterfalls where Onion and Williamson creeks meet. Visitors can enjoy swimming in natural pools, hiking on scenic trails, and camping under the stars just minutes from downtown Austin. The park preserves both natural beauty and historical sites including the remains of Thomas F. McKinney's homestead and mill.
11. Bastrop State Park
HISTORIC FOREST RETREAT
Bastrop State Park showcases the unique Lost Pines ecosystem, a region of loblolly pines isolated from the East Texas Piney Woods. The park features historic Civilian Conservation Corps structures and is recovering beautifully from devastating wildfires in 2011. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, swimming, and scenic drives through this resilient natural area.
12. Guadalupe River State Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION PARADISE
Guadalupe River State Park offers four miles of river frontage for swimming, fishing, tubing, and canoeing adventures. The park's diverse landscape features limestone cliffs, scenic overlooks, and hiking trails through Texas Hill Country terrain. Nature enthusiasts can explore the adjacent Honey Creek State Natural Area on guided tours to discover pristine springs and diverse wildlife.
13. Black's Barbecue
LEGENDARY TEXAS SMOKEHOUSE
Black's Barbecue is one of the oldest continuously family-owned barbecue restaurants in Texas, serving authentic smoked meats since 1932. Their legendary brisket, sausage, and ribs are prepared using time-honored techniques and seasoned oak wood for smoking. Visitors experience a true Texas tradition with cafeteria-style service in a rustic setting adorned with decades of memorabilia.
14. Texas Old Town
RUSTIC WEDDING VENUE
Texas Old Town offers a picturesque venue featuring four distinct event halls set amid 70 acres of beautiful Hill Country landscape. The rustic stone and timber buildings provide an authentic Texas backdrop for weddings and special events. Visitors appreciate the venue's blend of natural beauty and carefully designed facilities that capture the essence of historic Texas.
15. Middleton Brewing
CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Middleton Brewing creates artisanal craft beers with a focus on Belgian-style ales and Texas-inspired brews. The brewery's taproom offers spectacular Hill Country views from its outdoor patio and beer garden. Visitors can enjoy flights of house-made beers while relaxing in a friendly atmosphere that often features live music and food trucks.