Tyler, Texas, United States
It’s the season of summer vacations and time to plan a trip. If you’re looking for a great place to visit with easy accessibility to day trips and something fun for the whole family, look no further than Tyler, Texas.
Start your getaway by booking lodging in a great East Texas accommodation like the Rose Cottage, which is conveniently located within walking distance of Tyler’s historic district and downtown square. The downtown offers a ton of free, cheap, and fun things to do in Tyler, as well as great places to eat.
While in Tyler, there are a few “must-see” local attractions such as the famous Tyler Rose Garden and Museum, the Azalea Trail (especially if you visit in the spring), and, especially if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, the hiking trails through the forests and piney woods surrounding Tyler.
Once you’ve enjoyed the best that Tyler has to offer, you can start exploring some of the awesome day trips easily available from where you’re staying.
Do you enjoy summertime water activities? Then look no further than Lake Palestine to experience all the aquatic recreation you want. This beautiful 18-mile-long body of water is located only 15 minutes from Tyler and has options for enjoying boating, fishing, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and more.
If you’re into fishing, plan your trip to East Texas around one of the fishing tournaments held at Lake Palestine throughout the summer.
Nothing says “summer” like a wonderful day at the lake. Don’t have a boat? No problem. There are rentals available for you and your family to enjoy.
Do you like shopping? Do you like supporting local arts and craftspeople? The ultimate shopping experience is just a short drive from Tyler and offers fun for the whole family. The First Monday in Canton Trade Days is 450 acres of vendors, live music, and great local food and drinks.
This amazing shopping extravaganza has been around since 1850 and continues to grow. The name came from the original First Monday in Canton days, so make sure you check their website and calendar for which days it will be open during your visit. First Monday is such an event it’s worth planning your trip around.
If you want to keep the shopping theme going, just a short drive from Tyler, you’ll find the Gladewater Antique Shops. Gladewater features an antique mall and many local stores presenting an enormous selection of antiques and other items. This wonderful little town is known as “The
Antique Capitol of East Texas.” Whether you’re an antique dealer, enthusiast, or just looking to enjoy some shopping for the day, Gladewater is a great place to visit.
If you’re looking for a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy, book your tickets on the Texas State Railroad at Rusk. This 50-mile round-trip adventure in East Texas is not to be missed. The round-trip train ride between Palestine and Rusk is four hours long and gives you unique views of the beautiful landscape and piney woods this part of Texas is famous for.
Whether you’re traveling with kids and want something fun for everyone, are a group traveling together, or are a couple on a romantic getaway, the train ride provides something for everyone. Beautifully appointed individual cars are available for rent, and you’ll have options for snacks, ice cream, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase. Take a step back in time and enjoy a train ride you won’t forget.
What’s more fun to experience with the family than a trip to the zoo? Not just any zoo, the Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari in Jacksonville, Texas. This amazing wild animal park is home to over two dozen species of exotic and endangered species. You can enjoy this 300-acre preserve from the comfort of your own vehicle and see a wide range of animal species from across the globe.
If you’re interested in animals, you can enjoy the Caldwell Zoo during your visit, which is also a short drive from Tyler.
Tyler, Texas, is a wonderful place to visit for many reasons, but especially because there’s so much to do! Here’s a list of a few other things you and your family might enjoy:
- The Discovery Science Place is a great place to visit to both educate and entertain your kids.
- The Tyler Museum of Art
- The Tyler State Park
- Plan your visit around the East Texas State Fair
Summer days fly by quickly. Take advantage of the time and make wonderful, lifetime memories with a visit to East Texas. Enjoy everything from an old-fashioned train ride to observing exotic animals at the Safari Park to shopping adventures for art and antiques in Caldwell and Gladewater.
