Guide to The Best Day Trips from Lubbock, TX

Lubbock, TX, is known as the "hub city" since it's an economic, educational, and healthcare hub. With a population of 266,000 and the presence of Texas Tech University, there's no shortage of things to do in Lubbock. You can explore the Buddy Holly Center, learn more about ranching at the National Ranching Heritage Center, visit the American Windmill Museum, or lose yourself at the Lubbock Memorial Arboretum. Sometimes, you just need to get away from the city by taking a day trip. Fortunately, there are a number of interesting destinations that are not too far from Lubbock, such as the Alan Henry Reservoir and Palo Duro Canyon State Park. In addition to fishing and hiking, you can explore one-of-a-kind museums and visit ancient caverns.

Reddy Vineyards

Whether you're a wine connoisseur or just like sitting outside with a glass of red, you can schedule a trip to Reddy Vineyards, located 35 miles southeast of Lubbock, TX. The wines grown here have won several awards; the 2023 TNT Tempranillo was voted Best in Class at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc got the Gold at the Texsom awards. The Reddy wines are grown to showcase the terroir (the environmental conditions) of the Texas high plains.

You can opt for their members' lounge and get a private wine tasting or schedule a general tasting during regular business hours. They encourage groups of six or more to book ahead of time. You'll enjoy the feeling of being outdoors as well as the fantastic wines you'll get to taste here.

Alan Henry Reservoir

For an easy day trip, the Alan Henry Reservoir is located 45 miles south of Lubbock, TX. If you're fond of fishing, you can catch a largemouth bass or spotted bass here. You can also go boating on the lake or hike the trails around it. If you want to stay longer than a day, there are camping facilities. There's also the Sam Wahl Recreation Area with a four-lane boat ramp and a fishing pier.

This is a great place to get away, and it is close to Lubbock. Even if you don't care for fishing or hiking, you'll still enjoy the scenic views, the greenery, and the fresh air at Alan Henry Reservoir.

Palo Duro Canyon National Park

The Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the country; it's also known as the Grand Canyon of Texas. It has incredible views, and it's only 2 hours northeast of Lubbock, making it perfect for a day trip.

There are several things to do at the Palo Duro Canyon. You can explore the canyon on foot, on a mountain bike, or on horseback. There are 30 miles of trails in and around the canyon. If you stay at the canyon overnight, there are camping sites, cabins, and glamping facilities with air-conditioning, refrigerators, microwaves, and fire pits.

Amarillo

About two hours north of Lubbock is the town of Amarillo, which makes for a great day trip. Amarillo is only 16 miles away from Palo Duro Canyon, so you could do both on the same day. But if you want to spend the entire day at Amarillo, there's plenty to do there.

Firstly, you'll want to check out Cadillac Ranch; this is a must-see installation that consists of 10 Cadillacs half-buried in a field. There's also the Helium Time Column Monument, commemorating that Amarillo was the biggest producer of helium in the 20s and 30s. There's also the American Quarter Horse Museum and the Big Texan Steak Ranch, which has a 72-ounce steak challenge to visit for the full Amarillo experience. There's the Amarillo Symphony Orchestra, the Lone Star Ballet, and the Amarillo Opera for a day celebrating the arts. There's really no shortage of things to do in Amarillo, TX.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a 3.5-hour drive away from Lubbock, TX, but you will be rewarded for the long drive by the unique, stunning caverns. There are 119 caves, all formed millions of years ago when sulfuric acid dissolved the limestone.

There's one main chamber called the Big Room; it's 4000 feet long, 625 feet wide, and 255 feet high! Additionally, you can explore the Visitor Center, which has several exhibits and a gift shop. There are also some hiking trails on the surface. For a really unique experience, you can go with a ranger to see the Bat Flight program, the Night Sky program, or the Dawn of the Bats program. Don't forget to book all tickets to the park online in advance.

Monahans Sandhills State Park

About 170 miles from Lubbock is Monahans Sandhills State Park, which is a completely arid desert environment full of sandhills. Exploring these sandhills, which keep shifting depending on the weather conditions, can be fun.

You can rent sand disks and slide down the hills or explore the area on foot or on horseback. There are no trails here, so you have to be mindful of the direction in which you're moving. There's also a visitor center to learn more about this unique ecosystem. And if you decide to stay overnight, there are camping facilities with water and electricity.

Your Home Base in Lubbock

If you're thinking about moving to Lubbock, TX, there's no better place to live than Hunter's Way Apartments. This apartment complex will give you access to dining, shopping, and parks close by. At the same time, it's a place where you can unwind and relax after a long day.

There are a number of community amenities, such as a swimming pool, a BBQ/picnic area, and a fitness center. Plus, each apartment is aesthetically appealing and functional, with hardwood floors, a patio, air-conditioning, and large closets.

Contact us today to learn more about living in this beautiful, conveniently--designed community with plenty of amenities.