12 Awesome Places to See Bluebonnets In Texas (+ FAQ!)

Bluebonnets in Texas are one of my favorite sites. The minute Texas bluebonnets start to appear; we Texans know that spring has officially sprung.

Bluebonnet season in Texas equates to warmer temperatures and the start of the beautiful Texas wildflowers.

These unique Texas beauties cover the fields and roadside throughout the Lone Star State and draw visitors from far and wide.

As the official state flower, the Texas bluebonnets hold a special place in most Texan’s hearts, with most people having a family photo or two taken amongst the blue wildflowers.

Bluebonnets in Texas have a short blooming season, so if you want to see them, you must plan accordingly. Luckily, that is where we come in.

Having lived our entire lives in Texas, and we still call it home today, we know about Texas bluebonnets.

Let us fill you in on all you need to know about visiting Texas during bluebonnet season!

This guide will tell you exactly when and where to see Texas bluebonnets and let you in on some tips and tricks to ensure you have the best visit possible!

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.  By purchasing through these links, we get a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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What Month Do Bluebonnets Bloom in Texas?

Determining when bluebonnets in Texas will bloom is a science, as several factors determine the blooming season for Texas bluebonnets.

If the winter was mild and there was a good amount of rain, the Texas bluebonnet season generally begins in late February or early March.

Since many people are not from Texas and are probably unaware of the winter weather, I usually tell people that you can bank on the Texas bluebonnet season in late March and early April, with optimal viewing season being early to mid-April.

The farther south you go, the earlier the bluebonnets bloom since the south has warmer temperatures.

How Long Are Bluebonnets in Bloom in Texas?

Texas bluebonnets have a short-lived blooming season. Once the bluebonnets in Texas bloom, they generally last about 4-6 weeks.

This means that you have to time your visit just right if you are hoping to plan your visit to see the blooming wildflowers.

In addition to bluebonnets, Texas has numerous other wildflowers. Other Texas wildflowers include Indian paintbrushes, Mexican hats, Winecup, Firewheel, and more.

I must admit, one of my favorite sites is seeing a field of Texas bluebonnets mixed in with other colorful Texas wildflowers.

Can You Pick Texas Bluebonnets?

Bluebonnets are the state flower of Texas. There is no law against picking bluebonnets, but it is considered extremely rude. If locals see you picking bluebonnets, you can expect they will say something to you and ask you to stop.

For bluebonnets to reproduce year after year, they must complete their maturation cycle, which happens six to eight weeks after they flower.

Therefore, if you pick bluebonnets, they are not reaching maturation and thus will not seed the following year’s crop.

Not only that, but you remove them from their environment, meaning that others will not be able to enjoy them.

So, long answer short, you CAN pick bluebonnets, but YOU SHOULDN’T!

Best Places To See Bluebonnets in Texas

Keep in mind that you have to time your visit to the bluebonnet fields just right since so many factors affect the blooming season of the bluebonnets.

You can usually expect to see bluebonnets blooming in the southern half of the Texas Hill Country in mid-to-late March.

You can expect to see blooms in the northern cities in mid to late April.

Keep this information in mind when planning to visit the Texas bluebonnet fields.

1. Ennis Bluebonnet Trails

Ennis is one of the perfect small Texas towns that is fun to visit any time of year, especially in the spring.

Spring in Ennis, Texas, means that it is time for the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails!

Dubbed the “Official Bluebonnet City of Texas,” Ennis has a big reputation to live up to, and let me assure you, they deliver!

Their official bluebonnet trail website, hosted by the Ennis Garden Club, keeps you up to date on when the flowers are blooming.

This is extremely helpful when planning your trip to see the Texas bluebonnets!

You can generally plan to hit the Ennis Bluebonnet Trail in April to see the gorgeous blue flowers at their peak.

Plan your trip just right, and you can also enjoy the annual Ennis Bluebonnet Festival, which takes place each April.

The Ennis Bluebonnet Festival takes place in downtown Ennis and is home to carnival-style food, rides, and some great bluebonnet gifts.

While at the Ennis Bluebonnet Festival, you can also grab a map of the 4-mile Ennis Bluebonnet Trail.

This trail is the oldest bluebonnet trail in the state, and is considered one of the best bluebonnet driving trails in Texas, so don’t miss it!

2. Marble Falls

Another fabulous place to see bluebonnets in Texas is the lakeside town of Marble Falls thanks to the popular Highland Lakes Bluebonnet Trail found in this area.

The area surrounding Marble Falls contains gorgeous Texas Hill Country land with fields of bluebonnets in the spring surrounding the Colorado River.

Make your first stop at the Marble Falls Visitor Center and grab a Highland Lakes Bluebonnet Trail map.

Before heading out of town to see the bluebonnet fields, be sure to grab a bite to eat at he famous Bluebonnet Cafe!

The Highland Lakes Bluebonnet Trail is a self-guided trail that winds you through the Texas Hill Country that surrounds the Colorado River.

The trail highlights all of fabulous places to see bluebonnets in the Marble Falls area.

Be sure and drive out of Marble Falls on Highway 281 to see the beautiful bluebonnet house. The bluebonnet house is located right on the highway and always has a gorgeous bluebonnet field in front of it.

Fun fact, the bluebonnet house is one of the most photographed bluebonnet areas in Texas!

Other Texas bluebonnet fields not to miss in Marble Falls include Turkey Bend Recreation Area and Muleshoe Bend.

3. Glen Rose

The small town of Glen Rose is an easy drive from Dallas or Fort Worth and provides visitors with load of activities to enjoy.

One of the biggest attractions in Glen Rose is Dinosaur Valley State Park thanks to the dinosaur tracks that are frozen in time in the Paluxy River.

After checking out the dinosaur tracks, be sure that you take time to look for the primary wildflower that blooms here, the Texas bluebonnets.

Bluebonnets in Texas can be found throughout this great town, so take time to explore the back roads before heading to the small downtown area for some food and shopping.

4. Fredericksburg

The charming German town of Fredericksburg is one of our favorite Texas places! Of course, this is especially true when it’s time to see bluebonnets in Texas!

Begin your visit to Fredericksburg by visiting Enchanted Rock State Park. Enchanted Rock is a large pink granite boulder that is a popular state park near San Antonio.

Not only is it fun to hike Enchanted Rock, but it is also a great place to see bluebonnets in Texas.

When you have finished hiking Enchanted Rock, drive the beautiful Willow City Loop. You will find Willow City Loop just off Highway 16, outside Fredericksburg.

Willow City Loop is one of my favorite drives during bluebonnet season.

While driving Willow City Loop, keep your eyes on the fields around you.

You are sure to see bluebonnet fields everywhere!

Please note, Willow City Loop is extremely crowded during wildflower season, so drive carefully and respectfully.

Also, the land surrounding Willow City Loop is private property, so observe the bluebonnet fields from your car. Please don’t trespass on private property.

After seeing the bluebonnets in Texas, don’t forget to visit the other attractions in and near Fredericksburg as well.

This area boasts Johnson State Park, Luckenbach, fabulous wineries, breweries, the Garrison Brothers Bourbon Distillery, and, of course, some great shops in and around town.

5. Burnet

According to the Texas legislature, Burnet is the official “Bluebonnet Capital of Texas!”

With a title like that, you know that you are going to see some gorgeous fields of bluebonnets in Texas while visiting.

Located in the fabulous Texas Hill Country, Burnet (pronounced burn-it) is home to an annual bluebonnet festival that takes place the second weekend in April.

During your time in the bluebonnet capital, be sure to stop by the Burnet Visitor’s Center, located on Highway 29, and take a picture with their eight-foot-tall bluebonnet sculptures.

After touring the downtown Burnet area, drive to Inks Lake State Park to see why this area is considered the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas!

6. Kingsland

Kingsland, Texas is another great Texas town nestled on the banks of the Colorado River and Lake LBJ.

Despite it’s small size, Kingsland is big on charm and boasts a city slogan, “where the rivers flow and bluebonnets grow.”

One of our favorite places to see the native Texas plants in Kingsland is the abandoned railroad tracks.

There is just something about the simplicity of these tracks surrounded by bluebonnet fields that screams Texas to me!

Honestly, just drive around Kingsland and you are sure to see some gorgeous fields covered in bluebonnets.

Just remember to be respectful of people’s private property.

Kingland is such a great town in the Hill Country, and is definitely worth visiting!

7. Llano

Llano (pronounced LAH-no) is truly one of the little hidden gems in the Lone Star State and a great little weekend getaway!

During your time in Llano you can visit the 1927 single-screen theatre, check out a vintage record store, or just enjoy visiting the boutique shops around town.

When you’re ready to see the Texas state flower, then head out on Highway 29. It doesn’t matter if you travel east or west on Highway 29, you are bound to see bluebonnet fields.

In addition to Highway 29, you can also find the beautiful blue flowers growing northwest of town off of Highway 71.

The fields off of Highway 29 are often covered with other wildflowers, like the Indian paintbrushes, in combination with the bluebonnets, making them especially beautiful and colorful.

8. Lake Mineral Wells State Park

Lake Mineral Wells State Park is a great place to spend a day outdoors, especially when the official state flower is in bloom!

Bluebonnets grow throughout the state park during the spring months, making it a great time to explore all that Lake Mineral Wells State Park has to offer.

While you can find Texas bluebonnets here in the springtime, you can enjoy rock climbing, hiking, or picnicking at the North Texas state park any time of year.

9. Brenham

During the spring months, bluebonnets line the hillsides in Washington County, and especially the town of Brenham.

Visiting the small town of Brenham in mid April is ideal if you want to be in the heart of the season when the flowers bloom.

You can see a field full of blue bluebonnets behind the Wal Mart in town and behind the Home Depot on Wood Ridge Boulevard.

Each of these fields are perfect for bluebonnet photos!

While you are in Washington County, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in Texas’ favorite ice cream, Blue Bell.

Blue Bell Ice Cream has been produced in Washington County for years and has been a personal favorite for my entire life!

10. San Antonio Botanical Garden

Head to the San Antonio Botanical Garden to explore their 11-acre Native Texas area.

This area of the botanical garden is dedicated to displaying the beauty of the natural plants in Texas, including the Texas bluebonnet.

There is an entry fee for the San Antonio Botanical Garden, so be sure to make the most out of your visit by exploring the other attractions here.

In addition to the bluebonnet flowers, the garden has a numerous other gardens and a fabulous conservatory for you to enjoy.

11. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

You will find the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in south Austin, not far from downtown Austin.

Take time to view the bluebonnets while in this Central Texas town while learning all about the center’s conservation and preservation endeavors and seeing all of the other wildflowers on site.

While there is an admission fee to visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the money does go to a good cause.

The proceeds from the center are used to help preserve Texas’ native plants.

12. Big Bend National Park

While West Texas might not be the first place that comes to mind when we are talking about bluebonnets, I assure you that you can find Texas bluebonnets in this area.

Not only can you find them here, but there is a special breed of Texas bluebonnet that can only be found in the area of Big Bend National Park.

It is so distinct to this area that they even call it the Big Bend bluebonnet!

This breed of bluebonnet grows much taller than the traditional bluebonnets that you wil see when visiting Texas bluebonnet fields in other areas of the state like south Texas, Central Texas, or the Texas Hill Country.

If you’re lucky you might even see theses special bluebonnets growing with an Indian paintbrush or two. That makes for a gorgeous picture!

Of course, you will want to explore the area while you are here, so be sure to check out the small towns of Terlingua and Alpine, and take River Road to search for the elusive Chisos bluebonnets as well.

Tips For Visiting The Texas Bluebonnet Fields

Be Respectful and Nice

No matter how crowded it is on the Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail, I love the fact that overall, people are respectful and courteous to one another.

Keep in mind that bluebonnet season in Texas is a big deal. People come to the state just to see the fields of flowers during the spring months, and most everyone wants a photo in them.

While that is great, my advise is to always be mindful of the area that you are in.

Don’t ever stop on major highways, and always ensure you have a safe place to park and get off of the road before you begin snapping photos of the flowers.

Also, be respectful of people’s private property.

Most land owners don’t mind you viewing their fields of bluebonnets from the road, but they definitely don’t want you destroying their fields by walking over them.

If you do receive permission to be on someone’s private property while the bluebonnets are in bloom, then be respectful and don’t destroy them by stepping on them or sitting on them.

Be Prepared

Texas weather is often unpredictable; so much so that I refer to Texas as the bipolar state when it comes to weather conditions.

When you combine that with the fact that many of the places to see bluebonnets is very spread out, I would advise preparing like you would for any Texas road trip.

You know, pack some snacks, take plenty of water, and always bring sunscreen.

I would also advise throwing a towel or blanket into the car for you to sit on for your bluebonnet photos!

Wear Closed Toe Shoes

If you do find the perfect area to take pictures in, be sure you protect yourself by wearing closed toe shoes. The area that bluebonnets generally grow in often has high grass and uneven terrain.

The last thing you want to do is injure yourself while grabbing the perfect family photo.

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About The Author

Michelle Snell is a travel writer, history buff, wine lover, and enthusiast of different cultures. Michelle enjoys bringing places to life through her informative writing style on her blogs, That Texas Couple and Totally Texas Travel.  Her practical tips and suggestions help make travel dreams a reality while immersing her readers in the history, culture, and food of a region.  She is happiest sipping wine in Italy or chilling on a beach with her husband, Marty.