Texas is home to an impressive collection of boardwalks that offer a variety of experiences along its scenic Gulf Coast and inland lakes. Visitors can find sandy beaches, bustling piers, and boardwalks perfect for activities like fishing, surfing, and kayaking, with famous destinations including Galveston Island, South Padre Island, and Port Aransas. These areas are rich in opportunities to spot local wildlife, from sea turtles to dolphins, and are ideal for birding or simply enjoying a family day with picnics and playgrounds.
Spanning notable points such as Mustang Island State Park, Rockport Beach, Crystal Beach, and Surfside Beach, Texas boardwalks provide access to fishing spots, seafood eateries, and landmarks along the coastline. Whether exploring Padre Island National Seashore or taking a ferry to Bolivar Peninsula, there’s something for everyone—sunbathing, beachcombing, snorkeling, crabbing, or building family memories in the state’s iconic outdoor settings.
1. Floating Trail at Lake Weatherford
The Boardwalk at Lake Weatherford provides a nearly mile-long floating pathway, measuring 4,313 feet in length. The boardwalk connects East Lake Drive and West Lake Drive, stretching over the water with a level surface that is wheelchair accessible.
Visitors encounter vibrant lily pads, trees, and a variety of wildlife along the route. Benches are spaced throughout for relaxation and birdwatching, making it an inviting space for nature enthusiasts.
- Hours: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Accessibility: Suitable for wheelchairs
- Location: Just outside Fort Worth
- Activities: Birdwatching, nature walks, wildlife observation
2. Lady Bird Lake’s Lakeside Walkway
The lakeside walkway at Lady Bird Lake stretches over 7,250 feet, providing uninterrupted views of the downtown skyline. Along the route, visitors will find the “Belting It Out” art display, which features 36 bronze belt sculptures engraved with lyrics from renowned Texas musicians.
This walkway caters to a wide range of activities:
- Cycling
- Jogging
- Casual walking
- Birdwatching
Frequent benches and scenic spots encourage people to pause and appreciate the surrounding nature. Bird enthusiasts may notice wildlife such as the snowy egret or the great blue heron. Operating hours extend from early morning to midnight.
3. Kemah Waterfront Amusements
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Kemah Boardwalk sits on the edge of Galveston Bay and offers a mix of attractions across its 60-acre site. Visitors find a variety of amusement rides, with highlights including the Boardwalk Bullet roller coaster and a classic Ferris wheel. Families can also enjoy carnival games, shops, and waterfront dining.
Popular Activities:
- High-speed boat excursions
- Live music events and seasonal festivals
- Waterfront restaurants and casual eateries
- Retail shopping
Kemah Boardwalk remains open year-round and does not charge an admission fee.
4. Cattail Marsh
Cattail Marsh stretches across 900 acres in Beaumont, Texas, close to the Louisiana line. It provides over eight miles of flat, accessible trails suitable for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Enthusiasts may spot more than 280 species of birds as well as native alligators.
The boardwalk extends into the wetlands and includes a viewing platform. Open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., the site invites peaceful exploration.
- Wildlife: 280+ bird species, alligators
- Trails: 8+ miles
- Boardwalk: Yes, extends into wetlands
Originally, this area was developed as part of the city’s wastewater treatment facility.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 900 acres |
| Trails | 8+ miles |
| Wildlife | 250+ bird species, alligators |
| Boardwalk | Yes, extends into wetlands |
| Hours | 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
Originally, this area was developed as a part of the city’s wastewater treatment system, adding a unique aspect to its story.
5. Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
Nestled near Austwell along the Texas Gulf Coast, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge offers a notable boardwalk that winds through tidal flats, oak woodlands, and marshes. The refuge is renowned for its birdwatching opportunities, especially in winter when visitors may spot the endangered whooping crane.
Birdwatchers can observe more than 400 species. Observation towers overlook San Antonio Bay, providing excellent wildlife viewing and photography.
- Established: 1937
- Key Species: Whooping cranes, spoonbills, pelicans
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
6. Leonabelle Turnbull Birdwatching Destination
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Located in Port Aransas, visitors can stroll a 700-foot boardwalk through vibrant wetlands. From shaded observation towers, guests might spot ducks, pelicans, herons, and the well-known alligator “Boots.” The center also includes a pollinator garden.
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Trail: Great Texas Birding Trail site
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Programs: Free guided bird walks on Wednesdays
7. Granite Park’s Boardwalk
Located where the Dallas North Tollway meets Sam Rayburn Tollway, Granite Park’s Boardwalk offers a 30,000-square-foot area for dining and entertainment. Guests find seven diverse restaurants, such as The Biscuit Bar and Chip’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers, all set alongside a peaceful waterfront.
Amenities include fire pits, string lights, and Adirondack chairs, giving the space a relaxing, resort-like ambiance.
Key features include:
- Live music
- Community gatherings
- A special passport program for earning rewards at various eateries
The setting encourages both leisure and socializing.
8. Boardwalk Trail at Lake Livingston State Park
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Located in East Texas, the Pineywoods Boardwalk at Lake Livingston State Park forms part of a 0.9-mile loop. Located just 75 minutes from Houston, it features scenic views across Lake Livingston.
Highlights include:
- Butterfly garden with seasonal blooms
- Bird blind for quiet nature observation
- Shaded picnic spots for brief rests
Lake Livingston, entirely within Texas, is the state’s second largest lake at 93,000 acres. The boardwalk’s wooden trail allows hikers to enjoy both forested habitat and open water scenes without hassle from muddy ground or dense undergrowth.
9. River Legacy Park Elevated Walkway
River Legacy Park in Arlington offers an elevated walkway that winds through a vibrant 1,300-acre setting along the Trinity River. Nature enthusiasts can spot various wildlife such as herons, egrets, turtles, and sometimes bobcats from the boardwalk.
The area provides scenic overlooks of the bottomland forest, wetlands, and open prairie, making it a favorite for both birdwatchers and photographers.
Park Features:
- Trails: 8+ miles paved
- Highlights: Devil’s Cigar fungus (rare species)
- Hours: 5am – 10pm
A rare highlight in the park is the Devil’s Cigar fungus, a species found only in a few areas of Texas. The boardwalk’s tranquil setting and amenities make it an inviting stop for visitors of all ages.
10. I-20 Wildlife Preserve Walkway
Nestled in Midland, the I-20 Wildlife Preserve Walkway gives visitors access to 100 acres of urban playa habitat. The elevated paths wind through wetlands and butterfly gardens, providing a unique vantage point for observing local flora and fauna.
Bird enthusiasts can make use of strategically placed blinds and the Hawk Observation Tower, a spot designed for viewing raptors and panoramic scenery. The site is open throughout the year, inviting people to enjoy hiking, nature walks, and wildlife watching.
Key Features:
- 100-acre urban preserve
- Boardwalks through wetlands
- Hawk Observation Tower
- Butterfly gardens
- Excellent birdwatching opportunities
11. Laguna Madre Nature Trail
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The Laguna Madre Nature Trail in South Padre Island stretches 1,500 feet and traverses four acres of marshland. Walking the pathway, visitors frequently spot over 300 bird species, including warblers and herons, as well as butterflies, turtles, and on occasion, alligators.
The entrance sits next to the notable Whaling Wall mural at the Convention Center. The boardwalk serves as an excellent vantage point for observing the rare hypersaline Laguna Madre, which is one of just six such lagoons worldwide.
- Species Count: 300+ bird species
- Nearby: Birding and Nature Center with a five-story tower
12. Sabine Woods Birdwatching Boardwalk
Nestled close to Port Arthur, the Sabine Woods Birdwatching Boardwalk offers visitors a peaceful haven amid expansive oak trees along a chenier ridge. Covering 27 acres, this sanctuary is known for attracting a wide range of migratory songbirds such as warblers, vireos, and thrushes during the peak migration seasons.
Key Features:
- Operator: Texas Ornithological Society
- Type: High-value stopover habitat
Many bird enthusiasts consider it a prime spot for observing migration in both spring and fall, making it a favorite destination for spotting rare and vibrant species.
13. Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge Boardwalk
Located close to Alamo in South Texas, the boardwalk at Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge lets visitors explore one of the region’s most varied environments. This area blends influences from subtropical wetlands, the Chihuahuan Desert, the Gulf Coast, and the Great Plains.
Birdwatchers may spot green jays, chachalacas, and great kiskadees along the walk. The route is popular among butterfly enthusiasts as well, as species like the zebra longwing and Mexican bluewing can often be seen.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Bird Species | Nearly 400 species |
| Butterfly Species | Almost half of North America’s species |
| Hours | Open from sunrise to sunset |
14. Cibolo Nature Center Boardwalk
The Cibolo Nature Center Boardwalk in Boerne provides a peaceful half-mile path designed to be accessible for wheelchairs. Visitors can enjoy views of wetlands alive with turtles, frogs, and several bird species. Cibolo Creek runs nearby, adding to the tranquil setting of the boardwalk.
Located within a 160-acre nature preserve, the area contains a mix of five unique ecosystems. The boardwalk is open daily from 8 am until dusk, offering an ideal opportunity for experiencing local wildlife and natural scenery.
15. Lake Waco Wetlands Elevated Walkway
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Located near Waco in the China Spring area, the Lake Waco Wetlands Elevated Walkway passes through marshes and wooded environments rich with local wildlife. Visitors often observe birds, turtles, and sometimes even small alligators from the safety of the walkway.
Features include:
- A raised path through flourishing wetland habitats
- Opportunities for wildlife observation
- Access to a Research and Education Center with interactive water and ecosystem exhibits
This area was developed to provide a home for native species affected by changes to Lake Waco’s water level.
