Top Texas Nature and Wildlife Tours

Visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science to see the largest dinosaur hall in North America, check out the extensive collection of rare gems, and stop into your choice of permanent exhibits.

Skip searching for best things to do in Austin, and let real locals show you the best of the city's rich culture and history, with a little bit of that famous Central Texas Hill Country. This signature Austin tour covers 30 miles, 50+ points of interest, in 90 minutes (1.5 hours). You'll get to see iconic places such as the Texas Capitol, as well important cultural areas like the Six Square District in East Austin. Sit back and relax in the comfort of a Mercedes-Benz sprinter van as you explore the city and head into hill country. Even lifelong Texans can't believe these rolling hills and greenery are in their own state! Read the What to Expect section below to learn about the places you'll pass by as your Austinite guide gives you anecdotes and ideas for how to enjoy the rest of your trip in this counterculture capital. For those who want to get out and explore, consider the 2.5-hour version of this tour with stops along the way!

Maximize your time in the spectacular city of Houston with an indispensable Houston Mobile Ticket. Your mobile ticket includes free admission to five of the city’s premier attractions, including the Downtown Aquarium, the Space Center Houston, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Enjoy free entry to two additional attractions of your choice and choose from a variety including the Museum of Fine Arts, home to more than 60,000 artworks, or the Houston Zoo; Kemah Boardwalk All-Day Ride Pass or the Children's Museum of Houston.

Hear the historical tales of murder and mayhem that helped make Austin weird on this haunted history tour of Texas's capital city. Join an acclaimed storyteller and a small group for a walking tour through Austin's supernatural nooks and creepy crannies, including a tour of the famous Driskill Hotel.

Combine two great tours, plus admission to an iconic landmark, for a comprehensive look at the city of San Antonio. First, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the San Antonio River. Then explore the most popular sites in San Antonio on a hop-on hop-off, double-decker bus tour. Select a pass, then board at any of the 19 stops to get to know the city in custom fashion with live, onboard commentary. Finally, enjoy a spectacular view of Alamo City from the top of the Tower of the Americas.

Get ready for a spooky night full of ghosts and things that go bump in the night. Professional paranormal investigators will lead you on a walking tour of San Antonio’s most haunted spots, while you learn the tragic stories of spirits unable to find their eternal rest.  Learn why San Antonio is considered one of the most haunted cities in all of America…if you’re brave enough, that is.

Enjoy a one and a half hour South Padre Island Dolphin Watch aboard the newly renovated Murphy's Law and see Atlantic Bottle-nose Dolphins in their natural habitat. During the tour, listen to the interesting and informative narration on the diverse marine life that lives within the waters surrounding South Padre Island. Keep an eye out for a 'pod', which may consist of 10 to 30 dolphins. The guided tour will also include the southernmost U.S. Coast Guard Station, Boca Chica Beach, the current location of Space X, and the South Padre Island Jetties...entryway to the Brownsville Ship Channel where one of the largest Shrimp Fleet calls home. Then end it with a unique view of a beautiful south Texas sunset right there on the water!

There's a lot of strange history that's happened here in the streets of San Antonio, and over the course of this San Antonio ghost tour, hear the haunted, paranormal tales of notorious Texas events. The tour begins and ends at The Alamo, where you meet your guides who are carrying lanterns and dressed in historic costumes. Walk the streets of the city's Old Town and learn its fascinating past, which is vividly and masterfully brought to life by the informative and passionate guides.

Due to added safety precautions, you will need a timed ticket to enter and can reserve your time after you book, using the instructions on your ticket. The award-winning Space Center Houston is one of Houston’s most popular family attractions and takes visitors behind-the-scenes of the NASA Johnson Space Center. Filled with interactive exhibitions, multi-media displays, cutting-edge technology, and fascinating space artifacts, there’s something to amaze and entertain all ages.

Take a break from the urban bustle to experience the history and hospitality of Texas Hill Country on this full-day tour from San Antonio. Travel through a serene heartland landscape of vineyards, lavender fields, and peach orchards, stopping to taste the local bounty at a winery and explore the area’s German heritage in the town of Fredericksburg. Learn about the life of one of the area’s most famous former residents with a visit to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s boyhood home, his LBJ Ranch and the so-called ‘Texas White House.’

When visiting the Houston Museum of Natural Science, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of the butterflies and insects at the Cockrell Butterfly Center and Brown Hall of Entomology. The entrance ticket admits you to both exhibits where you can see both live and preserved specimens, and learn about them with interactive games and displays. Explore a rain forest environment with a 3-floor butterfly habitat, get a close look at a range of insects, and visit a play area for kids.

Families and even couples can sometimes have a hard time finding activities everyone can enjoy. This Waco Horseback Riding Experience on a Texas Ranch is something everyone will love. You’ll ride horseback through the ranchlands with some authentic cowboys, while taking in beautiful views of the farmlands, the surrounding area, and the Brazos River.

Watch for the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that thrive along the coast of South Padre Island on a 1.5-hour wildlife boat tour from Sea Ranch Marina. Cruise past the U.S. Coast Guard Station and Boca Chica Beach, with a comfortable seat on a wildlife-watching boat that’s equipped with a wildlife-safe viewing net so you can see South Padre sea life up close.

Visit the San Antonio Zoo to see more than 3,000 animals from around the globe. Check out the largest collection of birds in the world; large animals including tigers, hippos, zebras, and elephants; a number of different monkeys; and daily talks by the experts. Ride a train around the beautifully landscaped grounds, or let the kids take a spin on the carousel, which features colorful native Texas animals.

Eighty feet below the surface in Texas Hill Country lies the Cave Without a Name, an extraordinary underground world of stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones, cave drapery, and other terrestrial formations formed over thousands of years. Come early, pack a picnic, and enjoy on-site amenities such as a hiking trail, gift shop, and a gemstone/fossil sluice.

Discover an incredible underwater world with a ticket to SEA LIFE Aquarium Dallas, where more than 5,000 sea creatures reside. See a horseshoe crab, marvel at translucent jellyfish and stroll beneath sharks in a transparent sea tunnel. Various talks and feedings take place throughout the day, or take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn about conservation and animal rescue efforts. There's something for the entire family to enjoy.

Discover the vibrant city of Dallas and gain free entry to a range of top attractions with a Dallas CityPASS. Every Mobile ticket includes free entry to the intriguing Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck, and is valid for 9 days, allowing you to explore the city at your convenience. Plus choose admission to 2 of the following attractions: The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, Dallas Zoo, or George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum Your mobile ticket includes: - Perot Museum of Nature and Science - Reunion Tower GeO-Deck Plus your choice of admission to 2 of the following attractions: - The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza - Dallas Zoo - George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum

Sand sculpting on South Padre Island is an art form. Learn tips and tricks for building sandcastles like a pro during a hands-on sandcastle lesson—a great choice for families with kids. This activity takes place on the beach most convenient to your location. Plus, choose from a 1- or 2-hour lesson and multiple times to best suit your schedule. Sand sculpting tools are provided and can be used throughout your stay.

Set sail at one of the best times of day—sunset—on a South Padre Island cruise aboard a comfortable 26-foot (8-meter) leisure catamaran. Enjoy beautiful views of the skyline as you make your way along the Texas Gulf Coast, and keep an eye out for bottle nose dolphins, seabirds, and other wildlife. With space for up to six passengers, this private yacht charter is ideal for couples or those celebrating a special occasion.

Set your own pace as you go sightseeing with the San Antonio Explorer Pass by Go City, valid for 60 days after your first use. Select two, three, four, or five top attractions, tours, or activities and get incredible savings of up to 45 percent compared to buying individual tickets. Enjoy the freedom to choose and visit popular sites such as the Texas Ranger Museum, San Antonio River Cruise, or Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Please note: Enjoy the extra flexibility in case your travel plans need to change: All passes are valid for two years from purchase date and only become activated with your first attraction visit. After activation your pass will be valid for 60 days and/or the remaining number of attraction choices purchased.

We begin your adventure by fitting you with the helmet, saddle and your mount. A short lesson will ensure you are comfortable with you horse and off we go on your trail ride along the shores of Canyon Lake or the scenic trails at the ranch. Options can include swimming, lunch/snack and sailing.

Sail out to sea for fantastic views of Port Aransas, and make yourself a drink or two while you're at it, with this party cruise. You'll have about two hours to explore the waters with a professional captain to lead the way. You'll also be able to bring a cooler full of drinks (alcoholic or not) on board and there's a bathroom in the boat for your convenience.

Avoid traffic and swap busy city sightseeing tours for something a bit more peaceful—a relaxing sunset cruise on Lake Austin. This tour showcases views of Mount Bonnell, Mr “Alright, Alright, Alright’s” Lake House, and a place nicknamed “Little Venice” with luxurious mansions. Other highlights include live music from the Ski Shore Cafe and panoramic sunset views.

Be transported to an underwater world as you explore SEA LIFE San Antonio. Walk through the underwater ocean tunnel and come face-to-face with sharks, rays, sea turtles, and several fish species. Enjoy an immersive experience at the touch pool where you can see starfish, sea anemones, hermit crabs, and more. There are over 20 exhibits for children and adults to enjoy.