Summer is here, people! In Texas it’s the time of year when you worship air conditioning, opt for frozen margaritas, and gently hint to your one friend with a lake house that you want to use their boat.
It’s also the time of year for tubing in Texas. Throughout the Lone Star State wind a variety of meandering lazy rivers, ideal for leisurely floating. Read on to discover the best lazy rivers in Texas and where to go tubing in the Lonestar State.
1. Marriot Marquis Texas, Houston
Here in Houston you can find one of the most unique lazy rivers in the state. In fact, it’s a lazy river of the state. Swim over to Downtown’s Marriot Marquis to float along the iconic Texas border. This pool, however, is not ordinarily open to the public. In order to float this Texas lazy river, you need a wristband. For those not staying at the hotel, you can cop a day pass for $50.
2. San Marcos River, San Marcos
Located half-an-hour or so south of Austin, the college-town of San Marcos is home to an abundance of natural beauty. Surrounding green spaces, wooded areas, and swimming holes, make the town an oasis for outdoors types. Added to that, the spring-fed San Marcos River is a go-to for summertime tubing.
A company by the name of Paddle SMTX offers a slightly different way of navigating the river. Using LED lights fixed to the translucent kayaks, patrons can glide through the San Marcos River under the stars and watch as the river comes to life:
3. Brazos River, New Braunfels
Meandering through canyons, grasslands, and scenic natural areas, the Brazos River in Central Texas offers a relaxing float short of crowds. Adjacent to Possum Kingdom State Park, here visitors can hike, bike, swim, and set up camp in a scenic remote setting.
4. Riders Field, Frisco
Riders Field is home to one of the most unique stadium experiences in the world. Located above the right-field wall is a 35,000-gallon lazy river longer than an Olympic-sized pool. Accessible to any ticket holder – Thursdays, however are for those only 21 and over – the lazy river at Riders Field allows attendees to watch a Frisco RoughRiders game while enjoying cool waters with sweeping, 270-degree views of the ballpark.
Beverages are available for purchase at the nearby cabana. Floats provided. On Sundays, the lazy river is open to ticket-holding fans of all-ages. Interested parties can also rent out the river on select dates. Lazy river passes start at $25.
5. Waco Surf, Waco
The summertime destination’s main attraction, debatably, is its lazy river – the longest lazy river in Texas and also the world. Measuring in at precisely 5,280 feet long, the lazy river offers tubers a mile-long glide down pitch blue water.
There are no restrictions for the lazy river other than that children under 52″ must wear a life jacket. Tubes are provided. Visitors can bring coolers with food and drinks, just no glass, charcoal grills, or weapons. Food and drink options are also available on site.
6. Guadalupe River, Canyon Lake
Flowing from Kerrville into Canyon Lake, the Guadalupe River is a local favorite for floating. The crystal-clear river features a variety of different floating routes through Texas Hill Country. Additionally, there a number of different tube providers making the lazy river in Texas experience all the more accessible.
The most popular route is the Horseshoe Loop. Alcohol and open containers are allowed without any restrictions on cooler size. Glass and styrofoam, however, are not permitted.
7. The Comal River, New Braunfels
At three-miles long and a cool 70-72-degree temperature year-round, the spring-fed Comal River in New Braunfels provides a scenic, three-hour float. Tube gently along crystal clear waters amidst a scenic landscape with occasional strong currents. Easy float for families.
8. Frio River, Garner State Park
If you’re looking for where to go tubing in Texas in a lush, scenic setting, consider: Frio River. With some 1,774 acres equipped with 16 miles of breathtaking hill country scenery, Frio River in Garner State Park features persimmon, mesquite, cypress, and oak trees flash makes for a leisurely float as tranquil as it is scenic.
9. Blanco River, Blanco
Located in South Texas, the Blanco River (accessible inside the Blanco State Park) is something of a hidden gem. Embedded in pristine natural beauty, Blanco is an ideal Texas Hill Country setting in which to tube, fish, swim, hike, and picnic with the whole family.
10. Pedernales River, Johnson City
The Texas Hill Country park is gorgeous territory where visitors can hike, camp, swim, raft, float, fish, and more, with a view. While the river is susceptible to a little turbulence, it’s most times easy breezy. Pedernales Falls is also proximate to Hamilton Pool, if you should desire to make a road trip out of it!
11. Hurricane Harbor Splashtown, Houston
For many, Splash Town is essentially synonymous when it comes to Houston waterparks. Functional since 1984, the 48-acre waterpark is packed to the gills with towering slides, lazy rivers, adrenaline-inducing rides, and wavy attractions for the whole family to enjoy. One-day tickets start at $29.99.