Friday is summer solstice, marking the official start to the season of summer.
That also means it will be the longest day of the year, and there’s no better way to spend those extra daylight hours than participating in some quintessential Texas activities.
Whether you’re a native Texan or just passing through, here’s a list of things to do that scream “Texas.”
How many can you check off before the sun sets?
When is Summer Solstice 2025?
The summer solstice falls on June 20. The summer solstice marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Meanwhile, the Southern Hemisphere will greet winter with its winter solstice.
“The Northern Hemisphere’s tilt toward the Sun is greatest on this day,” according to NASA. “This means the Sun travels its longest, highest arc across the sky all year for those north of the equator.”
During the summer solstice, the tilt brings the Earth’s northernmost point closer to the sun, resulting in more sunlight. The solstice itself only lasts moments, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
The summer solstice also marks the start of the Pagan holiday, Litha, also known as Midsummer, according to the Boston Public Library. The holiday celebrates the beginning of summer and is celebrated with hilltop bonfires and dancing.
When is sunset in Texas?
Sunset times vary across the state. From East Texas to West Texas, it ranges between 8:29 p.m. and 9:01 p.m.
Classic things to do in Texas
While we recognize some of these are more plausible than others, this is truly only a compilation of classic Texas activities. Remember, the goal is to cram in as many as possible on the longest day of the year.
The Big Texan signs can be seen from the highway.
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Visit the Alamo in San Antonio
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Eat a kolache from West, Texas
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Eat at the Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo
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Watch a cattle drive at the Fort Worth Stockyards
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Visit the Texas Capitol in Austin
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Go two-stepping at Billy Bob’s Texas
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Enjoy a meal along the River Walk in San Antonio
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Explore Big Bend National Park
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Visit the Magnolia Market in Waco
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Float a river in Central Texas
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Go wine tasting in Fredericksburg
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Watch bats fly out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin
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Order a Shiner Bock on draft
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Visit the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas
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Take a scenic drive through Hill Country
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Savor a late-night Whataburger
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Visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
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Go stargazing at the McDonald Observatory
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Visit the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas
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Visit the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library in College Station
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Drink a Dr Pepper — or maybe two
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Drink a marg on the patio of Joe T. Garcia’s in Fort Worth
(We would have added Whataburger to the list, but we all know it tastes best after sunset.)
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Summer Solstice is Friday. How many Texas-branded tasks can you fit in
Read the full article here
