Every year, Texas gets over 72 million visitors, and most of the state, apart from the three largest cities, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas are on the “green” travel list.
The vast Texas landscape will never feel crowded – perfect for a ranch vacation.
Texas is the biggest producer of cattle in America, and ranches are a way of life.
On a guest ranch (often known as a dude ranch), you can learn more about the cowboy way of life and have a unique vacation in a safe environment, out in the beauty of nature.
Simple Ranch Life
According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, there are almost a quarter of a million ranches and farms in Texas, covering an impressive 127 million acres.
The options for Texas land for sale are diverse, and the land is plentiful.
If you’re inspired by your vacation, you might even want to relocate, to enjoy a simple life without the hustle and bustle or the need to be constantly online.
The focus of ranch life is on caring for the animals and enjoying the landscape in a way that is natural and sustainable.
A ranch vacation can give you a taste for this, showing you a different way of life – a very exciting alternative to a 9-5 office job.
Daily Activities
On your ranch vacation, one of the most enjoyable activities is spending time looking after and riding the horses.
Horseback is the ideal way to explore the Texan countryside, especially early morning and at sunset, when the weather is cooler.
Many ranches also offer hiking, swimming, and fishing.
You can lodge in a bunkhouse with other guests if you’re looking for a rustic experience, or many guest lodges have private accommodation with their own bathrooms.
Dining at a guest ranch is often communal – just think of delicious Texas barbecue and plenty of fresh produce for breakfast.
Where to Go
Bandera, the “cowboy capital of the world,” is a popular area in Texas for a ranch experience.
The Dixie Dude Ranch is great for an authentic county vacation with family and friends.
The Mayan Ranch, less than 50 miles NW of San Antonio is also popular, and a typical day will include a hearty cookout breakfast, followed by trail rides around the 348 acres ranch.
West 1077 Guest Ranch is known for being extremely peaceful, with a distinct lack of tourism.
It’s a great place if you want to study wildlife when out on your daily rides.
A ranch vacation in Texas can really open up your eyes to a different lifestyle.
There are plenty of options in the Lone Star State, and you can really enjoy a landscape that will take your breath away.
Texas Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Texas Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
