Central Texas
Courtesy Texas Historical Commission
French Legation
Adults $7 • Special rates for seniors, veterans, children/families, first responders, teachers
In 1836, Texas gained independence from Mexico. Three years later, France was the first European nation to recognize Texas as an independent nation. Alphonse Dubois de Saligny was appointed the French Chargé d’Affaires to the Republic of Texas and made his way to Austin, where he oversaw the ratification of the treaty between the two nations and the construction of the French Legation, a home and outpost for French diplomacy with the new Republic of Texas. Today this site tells the story of Texas’ settlement and the growth of one of Austin’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Mais oui!
Selfie Instructions
Snap a selfie on the porch of the French Legation museum in front of its French doors.
Chase Fountain | TPWD
San Marcos River
Hundreds of springs bubble up at the headwaters of the San Marcos River, located in the heart of the city. The river maintains a constant temperature of 72 degrees, making it a year-round favorite for anglers and paddlers. It’s also a summer favorite for tubers and the brave paddlers of the Texas Water Safari.
Selfie Instructions
Snap a selfie from the pedestrian bridge over the river in San Marcos Plaza Park.
Sonja Sommerfeld | TPWD
Gillespie County Country Schools
Step back in time and experience a different kind of “summer school” when you tour any of the 17 one-room schoolhouses in and around Fredericksburg. These historic buildings provide excellent opportunities for birding, as well as picturesque backdrops for selfies!
Selfie Instructions
Snap a selfie in front of or inside any of the Gillespie County Country Schools. Find the full list at historicschools.org.
Joseph Richards
San Antonio Zoo
3903 N. St. Mary’s St. | SAN ANTONIO
Visit sazoo.org for ticket prices
In addition to being home to exotic mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds, the San Antonio Zoo is also home to the Texas Horned Lizard Reintroduction Project, which seeks to restore the state reptile of Texas to its former abundance.
Selfie Instructions
Snap a selfie in front of the Congo Falls sign at the new Congo Falls gorilla exhibit in the San Antonio Zoo.
Sonja Sommerfeld | TPWD
Palmetto State Park
Adults $3 • Children 12 and under free
Visit the tropical side of Texas at Palmetto State Park. Situated along the flowing San Marcos River, the park contains abundant water sources that make it a haven for animals and plants, including the park's namesake dwarf palmettos and other tropical vegetation. It's also a great place to swim, fish, hike, bike or just study nature.
Selfie Instructions
Snap a selfie in front of the CCC-built pavilion.
Courtesy TSNHM
Texas Science & Natural History Museum
Adults $10 • Youth 5–17 $6 • Children 4 and under free
Discover life in ancient Texas—stand beneath a pterosaur, touch a meteorite, and explore millions of years of natural history.
Selfie Instructions
Snap a selfie with the 33-foot tyrannosaur in the museum’s Great Hall.
Regional Sponsors
Texas Historical Commission, Visit San Marcos, Gillespie County Country Schools, Discover Gonzales, San Antonio Zoo, Texas Science & Natural History Museum
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