The Real Reason People Skip Midland-Odessa for Vacations

When people think of vacationing, do they ever consider vacationing in Midland-Odessa?  If the notion of vacationing in the Permian Basin does come up in conversation, it is more than likely a hard pass.

When people consider where to go for a few days to get away from the hustle and bustle of life, the 4-3-2 isn't on many people's top destination list.

Why?

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Reasons Why People Don't Vacation in Midland-Odessa

There are numerous reasons why our region is often overlooked as a vacation destination.  Let's explore some of the reasons.

1.) No Major Attractions

We have very few things to do here, but no major attractions. We don't have an amusement park, water park, state park, or even a zoo.  (Well, that will change in 2026 when the new zoo is completed)

2.) Dirt, Sand, and More Dirt

Our region features abundant earth, and not the kind you'd find at a picturesque beach. Instead, we're surrounded by brown and red dirt that permeates everything. With infrequent rainfall and strong winds, dust is a constant presence.

3.) Lack of Water

As sad as it is to say, we have no water.  No lakes, no rivers, and no beaches.  The closest body of water is two or more hours away.  You could pretend the desert is a beach, but it simply wouldn't be the same.

4.) Lack of Scenery

Our region, unfortunately, lacks scenic beauty, with the landscape primarily consisting of mesquite bushes and pump jacks. While we have few trees and abundant dirt, we are fortunate to witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.

5.) The Weather

The summer heat in our region is intense, often exceeding 100 degrees. The conditions are particularly uncomfortable when the wind picks up, making it feel like being in a literal oven.

Read More:  Texas Has Some of The Funniest Town Names in America 

Sadly, a combination of the things on this list contributes to the lack of people who want to come to the Permian Basin for a nice vacation getaway.

Even residents who have PTO or vacation time coming up want to go elsewhere, so it isn't hard to see why.