As a lifelong Texan, I’ve spent over 35 years exploring the incredible landscapes and vibrant cities of this vast state. Now, as a mom of three, my focus is finding amazing destinations the whole family will love. If you’re wondering where to go in Texas for vacation, look no further. I’ve gathered some of our absolute favorite spots, from the rolling Hill Country to the sunny Gulf Coast, sharing personal insights to help you plan your perfect Texas getaway. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or unique local experiences, Texas has something special waiting for you.
Explore the Texas Hill Country for Vacation
The Hill Country offers picturesque landscapes, charming small towns, and outdoor adventures, making it a fantastic region for finding where to go in Texas for vacation.
Mayan Dude Ranch | Bandera, TX
Located in Bandera, the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” Mayan Dude Ranch has been family-owned and operated since 1951. Situated on the Nueces River, my family and I had one of our best vacations here. It’s surprisingly affordable and all-inclusive! Activities, food, and drinks are covered. Our kids were busy all day with horseback riding, fossil hikes, sports, swimming (pool & river), and evening entertainment like trick rope shows, two-step lessons, magic shows, and stargazing. A truly unique feature? Twenty dinosaur tracks on the property, including a T-Rex track, that you can actually touch!
Kids exploring at Mayan Dude Ranch, a family-friendly place where to go in Texas for vacation
Family fun by the river at Mayan Dude Ranch, a scenic place where to go in Texas for vacation
Mo-Ranch | Hunt, TX
Deep in the Texas Hill Country, Mo-Ranch is a Presbyterian-owned property open to the public. If I had to describe “God’s Country,” this would be it. Growing up, I spent time here, and it brings back such fond memories. We spend most of our time at the river, the pool, hiking the trails, and letting the kids explore. Lodging options include a hotel, cabins, and campgrounds. We usually rent a large cabin and cook our own meals. You won’t find pool service, but you will find the famous mo-slide and a very laid-back vibe. Amenities include disc golf, canoeing, sand volleyball, tennis, basketball, and a playground. The lack of cell service is actually a plus for truly disconnecting.
Water fun on the river at Mo-Ranch, a peaceful spot where to go in Texas for vacation
Kids playing in the river at Mo-Ranch, offering classic Texas Hill Country experiences where to go in Texas for vacation
Jellystone Hill Country | Canyon Lake & Kerrville, TX
We’ve had a blast at the Jellystone Canyon Lake location and heard the Guadalupe location in Kerrville is even bigger. This is a popular spot for RVs and campers, but cabins are also available. You’ll find tons of kid activities, amazing waterparks, and the Kerrville location is right on the Guadalupe River. The Canyon Lake location is close enough to explore Wimberley and Gruene for dining.
Kids enjoying a water slide at Jellystone Hill Country, featuring exciting parks where to go in Texas for vacation
River Bluff Cabins | Leakey, TX
Near Garner State Park along the Frio River, River Bluff Cabins is a very family-friendly, no-frills vacation spot. While the cabins can be pricey, you’re paying for the premium river access. Just steps away is a perfect area for swimming and relaxing in the river, with both shallow spots for adults and deeper areas for kids, all within sight. Each cabin has a full kitchen, so you’ll need to bring your own food as there’s none on site. They offer great kid amenities including a splash pad, pool, outdoor volleyball, basketball, and a playscape. It’s also just a few minutes from Garner State Park, famous for its hiking and iconic Garner dance.
Kids playing at the splash pad at River Bluff Cabins, offering river access and amenities where to go in Texas for vacation
Horseshoe Bay Resort | Marble Falls, TX
Horseshoe Bay Resort is a luxurious property on Lake LBJ that still feels relaxed enough for my energetic kids. It has everything families could want! They boast a robust activity program and a kid’s club with evening babysitting options. Amenities include multiple pools (one heated), large hot tubs, a beach area on the lake, poolside food/drink service, tennis and pickleball courts, three golf courses (including a putting course), nightly s’mores, and multiple onsite restaurants. They also offer numerous lake activities like sunset cruises and boat rentals. You can choose traditional rooms or larger, dog-friendly condos. It’s also a wonderful place to visit during Christmas for their holiday events.
Pool area at Horseshoe Bay Resort, a luxurious option where to go in Texas for vacation
Beach area by the lake at Horseshoe Bay Resort, offering lakeside relaxation where to go in Texas for vacation
Cypress Falls Lodge | Wimberley, TX
Dating back to 1949, Cypress Falls Lodge has a rich history in Wimberley. The rooms are basic, but the location is perfect for summer fun! It features a pool, a lively tavern that welcomes kids and dogs, and an onsite cafe. Staying here gives you access to the nearby Cypress Falls Swimming Hole for tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming. There’s a great bar overlooking the swimming hole where you can order food. You’re also just five minutes from downtown Wimberley, a charming town with shops, restaurants, wineries, and other swimming spots.
Cypress Falls Lodge swimming hole, a historic and fun place where to go in Texas for vacation
Discover the San Antonio Area for Vacation Fun
The San Antonio area combines rich history with modern attractions and resorts, offering diverse options for where to go in Texas for vacation.
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
Nestled among 600 acres of oak-covered hills, this 4-star luxury resort is fantastic. I visited during Christmas and it was magical. They have a nine-acre water park with a huge lazy river, slides, and a beach area. Cabanas and poolside service are available – my two favorite words! With six restaurants, great bars, and a luxury spa, it’s a place you truly don’t have to leave. The breakfast buffet was probably the best I’ve ever had. They offer kids’ activities year-round, but holidays are extra special with petting zoos, Santa visits, crafting, holiday movies, light shows, and nightly s’mores. It’s also close to popular San Antonio attractions like Natural Bridge Caverns, Six Flags, and Sea World.
Large lazy river at JW Marriott San Antonio, a luxury resort where to go in Texas for vacation
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa | San Antonio, TX
Located just 20 minutes from downtown San Antonio’s famous Riverwalk, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa is a secluded resort known for its extensive amenities, charming atmosphere, and authentic Texas hospitality. I haven’t visited yet, but I’ve heard fantastic things! They boast a 5-acre water park with a FlowRider wave machine, nature trails, complimentary bicycles, tennis and sand volleyball courts, nightly s’mores, a video arcade, and a playground. With six onsite restaurants and poolside service, it sounds like a perfect getaway.
Aerial view of the water features at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort, a top contender where to go in Texas for vacation
Waterslide at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort, one of many family attractions where to go in Texas for vacation
Tapatio Springs Resort | Boerne, TX
Just north of San Antonio in Boerne, you’ll find Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort. I might be a bit biased since it’s partly owned by my favorite country singer, George Strait! I’ve had great experiences here. While not as focused on kids as the resorts above, it offers plenty of space to run around, an award-winning golf course, two pools (one for kids, one adult-only), hiking trails, and a spa. Their restaurant and bar patio boasts amazing views of the golf course and hill country, often with live music. It’s a short drive to the charming town of Boerne, known for its shopping and restaurants.
Golf course view from Tapatio Springs Resort, a beautiful setting where to go in Texas for vacation
Kids playing at Tapatio Springs Resort, offering family-friendly amenities where to go in Texas for vacation
Camp Fimfo | New Braunfels, TX
From the owners of Jellystone, Camp Fimfo is another excellent family resort situated on the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels. It’s a pricier camping resort but comes with dozens of amenities: a water playground, mini-golf, gem mining, scheduled kids activities, hot tubs, water slides, basketball, pickleball, and more! Its location is perfect for tubing with the family. You can bring your RV, tent, or rent a cabin.
Coastal Getaways: Where to Go in Texas for Vacation by the Beach
The Texas Gulf Coast offers several beach destinations. While Corpus Christi, Rockport, and South Padre Island have their appeal, Port Aransas is my top pick for its “beachy” town feel and great options for shopping, dining, and relaxation, making it an ideal spot when considering where to go in Texas for vacation near the coast.
Cinnamon Shore | Port Aransas, TX
Cinnamon Shore is a large, vibrant beach community in Port Aransas featuring picturesque pastel beach homes. I grew up vacationing in Port A, but Cinnamon Shore absolutely blew me away. The grounds are beautifully maintained, and they offer an array of family-friendly amenities: two restaurants, a poolside bar and food service, a coffee and ice cream shop, three large pools, a pirate ship playscape, and free onsite activities changing weekly (live music, movies on the lawn, sandcastle lessons, s’mores). For an extra cost, you can enjoy guided fishing tours, bike rentals, beach bonfires, kite surfing lessons, yoga, parasailing, skydiving, and shrimp boils.
