Spring in Texas means that wildflower season is here. Many Texans can’t wait for spring to see the state wildflower in bloom, the Texas bluebonnet. Although the bluebonnet is an iconic Texas wildflower and undoubtedly the most popular one, there are plenty of other incredible native wildflowers that bloom during this season, too, such as Indian blankets, Indian paintbrushes, and Blackfoot daisies, to name a few.
Spring wildflowers in Texas, especially bluebonnets, typically start to show up as early as February, while March and April are peak months for the colorful flora. Pack a picnic and your camera and head to these top places in Texas to view wildflowers this spring.
Marble Falls
Marble Falls, a central Texas town located northwest of Austin, is a great spot to visit to view Texas wildflowers this spring. Now there are a number of captivating areas to explore in this charming Texas town. If you’re interested in a scenic drive, head to Highway 281 toward the town of Burnet. If you’re looking for the perfect picnic or camping spot, Turkey Bend Recreation Area is the spot for you. Lastly, the Bluebonnet House is perfect for, well, viewing bluebonnets. This house, known as one of the most photographed houses in the Lone Star State, sits within a field of bluebonnets. If you’re looking for a picturesque place for a photo shoot, the Bluebonnet House may just be the perfect spot in Marble Falls for that. After a beautiful day searching for bluebonnet fields, head to the Bluebonnet Cafe in Marble Falls for a hearty meal and a delicious piece of pie.
Burnet
Burnet, only 15 minutes from Marble Falls, is also a well-known wildflower hotspot. This small town is actually recognized by the Texas Legislature as the “Bluebonnet Capital of Texas.” Many wildflower lovers travel to Burnet for the Bluebonnet Festival, which typically occurs in April. Now, there are plenty of options in Burnet for those wanting to see wildflower blooms. Take a scenic drive on Highway 29 toward Mason, or really any road leading to Burnet is sure to boast views of fields full of spring wildflowers. However, Inks Lake State Park has also grown as a popular spot to not only swim but also view wildflowers both in the spring and summer.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is located in Austin, Texas. This center is home to over 650 native plants. Full of curated gardens, walking trails, and a cafe, this wildflower hotspot is a great place to spend a day with the family. Named after a former first lady, the wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson, this center strives to instill her ideals of preserving plants and landscapes. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center also doubles as a research facility for the University of Texas at Austin.
Ennis
The town of Ennis is home to the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails, which are open during the month of April. These mapped driving trails are the oldest bluebonnet trails in the Lone Star State. Ennis is located south of Dallas, making it an ideal place to visit for Dallas residents hoping to spot wildflowers. Enjoy 40 miles of road complete with blooming and colorful Texas wildflowers when you visit this small Texas town.
Fredericksburg
For those wanting to view spring wildflowers in Fredericksburg, take a drive on the ranch road known as Willow City Loop or visit Wildseed Farms. Since the 13-mile drive of Willow City Loop is a popular wildflower attraction during spring, choose to take the drive during the weekdays to find a more isolated road. Alternatively, Wildseed Farms is also a hotbed for wildflowers of all kinds since this 200-acre farm is a working wildflower farm. Spring, summer, and fall blooms are all impressive here. You’ll find the perfect floral backdrop at Wildseed Farms.
Brenham
If you’ve ever driven from Austin to Houston, or vice versa, then you’ve passed through Brenham. In the spring, Brenham boasts some incredible views of wildflowers, which can be ideally viewed along Highway 290. If you’re unsure if wildflowers are in bloom here, check out the Wildflower Watch site on the city of Brenham’s website, which has a wildflower map where wildflower lovers can learn the best spots to view wildflowers in Brenham during that time. If you’re looking for a lengthy yet scenic drive, hit up Washington County’s Bluebonnet Trail, which will lead you past scenic fields of flowers in the towns of Brenham, Chappell Hill, Washington, Independence, and Burton.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is a beautiful place, no matter what time of year. However, during the spring months of late February through early March, you’ll be granted unique bluebonnet and cactus blooms. Now the bluebonnets found in this desert-like environment are a different species from the ones found in Central Texas. Big Bend bluebonnets are typically taller and more sparsely located, yet are just as beautiful as their Central Texas counterparts. Bluebonnets aren’t the only wildflowers found here during spring. Enjoy cactus blooms, too, along with other wildflowers like ocotillo. Santa Elena Canyon is a great spot to view spring flowers inside the park. However, Highway 118, which runs from Alpine to Terlingua, makes for an incredible scenic wildflower drive during the spring. Visiting Big Bend for wildflowers is perfect for flower lovers who can’t wait for wildflower season in Central Texas since wildflowers bloom here earlier than wildflowers in the Hill Country.
