Did you know there are nearly half a million alligators living in the state of Texas? Alligators thrive in swamplands and marshes, which are prevalent throughout the southeastern part of the state. If you’re a photographer or wildlife lover, you might be wondering where to see alligators in Texas. Here’s a list of the five of the best places to see these crocodilians in the state.
Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States and is commonly referred to as the Grand Canyon of Texas. The canyon stretches approximately 120 miles long and has an average width of 6 miles. Visitors can access the canyon by visiting Palo Duro Canyon State Park, which is 30 minutes from downtown Amarillo, TX.
Huntsville State Park is located an hour north of downtown Houston, TX. The park encompasses more than 2,000 acres and is mostly covered in a dense forest of pine trees. Visitors can enjoy an array of activities, including camping, fishing, kayaking, swimming, and wildlife photography.
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is located in Los Fresnos, Texas, which is about 30 minutes from South Padre Island. The wildlife refuge is famous because it is one of the last designated conservation areas for the ocelot in the United States. Although ocelots frequent the park, visitors rarely have the chance to see these little leopards.
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve is located 10 minutes from downtown Austin, Texas. This nature preserve consists of 21 acres and includes a historic cottage, water lily ponds, and beautiful gardens. Do to its natural beauty, the park is often used to celebrate special events, such as weddings and business conferences.
The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is located in Austwell, Texas and encompasses more than a hundred thousand acres. This sanctuary is a safe haven for innumerable species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and other animals. The national wildlife refuge is a crucial component to the American wildlife conservation movement and the survival of the endangered whooping crane.
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best kept secrets in Texas. This wildlife refuge is tucked away in the city of Alamo, near the border of Mexico and the United States. In fact, the Rio Grande runs along the southern border of the sanctuary.
Galveston Island is located on the Texas Gulf Coast, approximately fifty miles from downtown Houston. The island is famous for many reasons, including deep sea fishing, Moody Gardens, historic architecture, and the infinite seawall. However, photographers and wildlife lovers visit this coastal city to see the birds of Galveston Island.
The Texas City Dike is a 5.3-mile-long fishing pier that stretches out into Galveston Bay. Due to its length, it’s commonly referred to as the world’s longest man-made fishing pier. As its name suggests, the fishing pier is located in Texas City. The dike resides in Galveston County about 15 minutes east of I-45 North FWY.
Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge is an extraordinary place for wildlife photography in Texas. This hidden gem is located an hour from downtown Houston, near the city of Lake Jackson. Due to its close proximity to the Gulf Coast, the refuge is famous for having more water than land. Therefore, it provides a unique habitat for numerous types of wildlife.
