Alone time and getting out in nature are both cornerstones of health, and luckily, Texas is full of places where you can do both at once. In no particular order, here are the seven most peaceful places to visit in the Lone Star State when you just need to escape reality for a bit.

  1. Fort Worth Water Gardens (Fort Worth)

TripAdvisor/wireless_in_CA In the heart of downtown Fort Worth lies a peaceful respite from the daily grind. You’ll find not only a tranquil oasis, but an impressive architectural feat, as well, in the Fort Worth Water Gardens. It’s the perfect place to meditate, self-reflect, or take a relaxing stroll and marvel at the plethora of water features. Address: 1502 Commerce Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102. Hours are 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday-Saturday.

  1. Big Bend National Park

Flickr/Jonathan Cutrer There aren’t enough positive words in existence to thoroughly describe the vast, mountainous expanse that is Big Bend National Park. The West Texas desert has a certain mystique that one must experience firsthand to fully comprehend, and it’s impossible to feel anything but pure bliss while you’re here. More information here.

  1. Caddo Lake (Uncertain)

Flickr/stokes rx Caddo Lake might be located in a town called Uncertain, but its striking beauty is for sure. Tucked away near the Texas-Louisiana border, this 26,000-acre reservoir is the largest cypress forest on earth. It has almost a haunting energy, with Spanish moss hanging from the trees as it sways back and forth like the leaves of a weeping willow. Paddle along and transcend your worries in this magical landscape. Address: 245 Park Road 2, Karnack, TX 75661. Hours are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. Learn more by clicking here.

  1. Spa Castle Texas (Carrollton)

Facebook/TX Spa Castle Escape from it all at Spa Castle Texas, a luxury retreat not far from Dallas. Pamper yourself with myriad high-end treatments like hydrotherapy, sauna, and traditional Asian and European bathing houses, in addition to a fitness center, swim-up bar, and more. Address: 1020 Raiford Road, Carrollton, TX 75007. Temporary hours are 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. daily. More information here.

  1. Palo Duro Canyon State Park (Canyon)

Flickr/Tony Hisgett The second-largest canyon in the nation, Palo Duro is a true feat of nature. Its famous red sandstone bluffs offer a stark contrast to the lush greenery flourishing upon them, and visitors can enjoy more than 30 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. Perhaps the secret to inner peace has been hiding in the Texas Panhandle all along. Address: 11450 Park Road 5, Canyon, TX 79015. Gate hours are 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 7:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Learn more by clicking here.

  1. Gorman Falls (Bend)

Flickr/Randall Chancellor If you’ve been longing to visit the jungle, it’s actually closer than you may have thought. Gorman Falls, located in Colorado Bend State Park, is a 70-foot-tall natural wonder surrounded by tropical vegetation. A visit here immediately drops you into a contemplative state and makes everything feel alright in the world. Park hours are 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily. More information here.

  1. Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge (Marble Falls)

Flickr/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Matthew High The views at Balcones Canyonlands can only be described as “otherworldly.” Nearly seven miles of trails wind through the park, with scenic overlooks and bird blinds offering second-to-none views of the flora, fauna, and topography. Hours vary depending on what section of the refuge you’d like to visit. Learn more by clicking here.

How many of these peaceful places in Texas have you visited? Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and check out our previous article to learn more about Caddo Lake.

TripAdvisor/wireless_in_CA

In the heart of downtown Fort Worth lies a peaceful respite from the daily grind. You’ll find not only a tranquil oasis, but an impressive architectural feat, as well, in the Fort Worth Water Gardens. It’s the perfect place to meditate, self-reflect, or take a relaxing stroll and marvel at the plethora of water features. Address: 1502 Commerce Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102. Hours are 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday-Saturday.

Flickr/Jonathan Cutrer

There aren’t enough positive words in existence to thoroughly describe the vast, mountainous expanse that is Big Bend National Park. The West Texas desert has a certain mystique that one must experience firsthand to fully comprehend, and it’s impossible to feel anything but pure bliss while you’re here. More information here.

Flickr/stokes rx

Caddo Lake might be located in a town called Uncertain, but its striking beauty is for sure. Tucked away near the Texas-Louisiana border, this 26,000-acre reservoir is the largest cypress forest on earth. It has almost a haunting energy, with Spanish moss hanging from the trees as it sways back and forth like the leaves of a weeping willow. Paddle along and transcend your worries in this magical landscape. Address: 245 Park Road 2, Karnack, TX 75661. Hours are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. Learn more by clicking here.

Facebook/TX Spa Castle

Escape from it all at Spa Castle Texas, a luxury retreat not far from Dallas. Pamper yourself with myriad high-end treatments like hydrotherapy, sauna, and traditional Asian and European bathing houses, in addition to a fitness center, swim-up bar, and more. Address: 1020 Raiford Road, Carrollton, TX 75007. Temporary hours are 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. daily. More information here.

Flickr/Tony Hisgett

The second-largest canyon in the nation, Palo Duro is a true feat of nature. Its famous red sandstone bluffs offer a stark contrast to the lush greenery flourishing upon them, and visitors can enjoy more than 30 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. Perhaps the secret to inner peace has been hiding in the Texas Panhandle all along. Address: 11450 Park Road 5, Canyon, TX 79015. Gate hours are 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 7:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Learn more by clicking here.

Flickr/Randall Chancellor

If you’ve been longing to visit the jungle, it’s actually closer than you may have thought. Gorman Falls, located in Colorado Bend State Park, is a 70-foot-tall natural wonder surrounded by tropical vegetation. A visit here immediately drops you into a contemplative state and makes everything feel alright in the world. Park hours are 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily. More information here.

Flickr/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Matthew High

The views at Balcones Canyonlands can only be described as “otherworldly.” Nearly seven miles of trails wind through the park, with scenic overlooks and bird blinds offering second-to-none views of the flora, fauna, and topography. Hours vary depending on what section of the refuge you’d like to visit. Learn more by clicking here.

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Address: Big Bend National Park, TX, USAAddress: Caddo Lake State Park, 245 Park Rd 2, Karnack, TX 75661, USAAddress: Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015, USAAddress: Colorado Bend State Park, 2236 Park Hill Dr, Bend, TX 76824, USAAddress: 1502 Commerce St, Fort Worth, TX 76102, USAAddress: 1020 Raiford Rd, Carrollton, TX 75007, USAAddress: Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, 24518 Ranch Rd 1431, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA