Planning a vacation in Texas offers an incredibly diverse range of experiences, reflecting the vastness and unique character of the Lone Star State. From rolling hills and serene rivers to sun-drenched beaches and vibrant urban centers, Texas presents endless possibilities for travelers. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures, relaxing retreats, or cultural immersion, finding the perfect spot for your next vacation in Texas is an exciting journey in itself. This guide, drawing on years of exploring this incredible state, highlights some top destinations and resorts, perfect for creating unforgettable memories on your next trip.
Exploring the Texas Hill Country for Your Vacation
The Texas Hill Country, with its picturesque landscapes, spring-fed rivers, and charming small towns, is a perennial favorite for a vacation in Texas. It offers a blend of outdoor activities, unique culture, and tranquil escapes.
Mayan Dude Ranch: A Classic Cowboy Vacation in Texas
Located in Bandera, known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” the Mayan Dude Ranch provides an authentic ranch experience. This family-owned, all-inclusive property sits on the beautiful Nueces River. A stay here is a deep dive into Western lifestyle, offering activities like horseback riding, fossil hikes, archery, and evening entertainment including trick rope shows and two-step lessons. A unique feature is the presence of twenty dinosaur tracks on the property, a fascinating historical touch. The all-inclusive model makes it a straightforward and value-packed option for a lively family vacation in Texas.
Family horseback riding at Mayan Dude Ranch during a Texas vacation
Mo-Ranch: Rustic Charm and Nature Escapes
Deep within the Hill Country in Hunt, Mo-Ranch offers a serene retreat owned by the Presbyterian church but open to the public. Known for its natural beauty along the Guadalupe River, it feels like a piece of “God’s Country.” The focus here is on embracing nature – swimming in the river, hiking trails, and simply enjoying the outdoors. With various lodging options from hotel rooms to cabins and campgrounds, it caters to different preferences. It’s a place to truly disconnect, providing a relaxed and natural setting for your vacation in Texas. Amenities include disc golf, canoeing, and sports courts.
Jellystone Hill Country: Waterpark Fun and Campground Adventures
Jellystone Park locations, like the one near Canyon Lake, are popular choices for RVers and campers, though cabins are also available. They are packed with kid-friendly activities and impressive waterparks. The Canyon Lake location offers easy access to charming nearby towns like Wimberley and Gruene for dining and exploration, adding a touch of local culture to your stay. For families specifically looking for family vacations in texas centered around water slides and organized fun, Jellystone is a prime contender. The Kerrville location on the Guadalupe River is also highly recommended.
River Bluff Cabins: Relaxing by the Frio River
Situated near Garner State Park in Leakey, River Bluff Cabins provides a straightforward, family-focused spot right on the Frio River. While the cabins might be basic, the draw is the premium river access, perfect for swimming and relaxing right outside your door. It’s a place where adults can unwind in the shallow water while keeping an eye on kids playing in deeper areas. Full kitchens in each cabin mean you can bring your own food, making it a more relaxed, self-sufficient vacation in Texas. Amenities like a splash pad, pool, and sports courts keep kids entertained. Its proximity to Garner State Park also offers opportunities for hiking and joining the park’s iconic evening dance.
River access and cabins at River Bluff Cabins, a simple Texas vacation spot
Horseshoe Bay Resort: Luxury Lakeside Retreat
For a more upscale vacation in Texas that still welcomes families, Horseshoe Bay Resort on Lake LBJ near Marble Falls is an excellent choice. This luxurious property offers numerous amenities including multiple pools (one heated), hot tubs, a beach area on the lake, poolside service, tennis, pickleball, and three golf courses. The resort provides a robust activity program and a kids’ club, offering parents a chance to relax. Lake activities like jet skiing and pontoon boating add to the fun. It’s particularly magical during the Christmas season with special holiday events, making it a versatile option among texas vacation spots.
Cypress Falls Lodge: Historic Charm and Swimming Holes
With a history dating back to 1949, Cypress Falls Lodge in Wimberley offers a no-frills, historic stay with unbeatable access to summer fun. The simple rooms are offset by the perfect location near the Cypress Falls Swimming Hole. Guests have direct access to the swimming hole for tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming. An on-site tavern and cafe provide convenience, and the bar overlooking the swimming hole is a great spot to relax. Being just minutes from downtown Wimberley, a town known for its unique shops, eateries, wineries, and swimming spots, adds cultural and culinary exploration opportunities to your vacation in Texas.
Historic Cypress Falls Lodge building in Wimberley, Texas
Coastal Bliss: Planning a Beach Vacation in Texas
The Texas Gulf Coast offers a different kind of vacation in Texas, centered around sun, sand, and surf. Among the various coastal towns, Port Aransas stands out for its “beachy” town feel, offering great options for shopping, dining, and seaside activities.
Cinnamon Shore: Upscale Beach Community Experience
Cinnamon Shore in Port Aransas is a meticulously designed beach community featuring picturesque vacation homes. This upscale destination provides an array of family-friendly amenities, including multiple pools, restaurants, a coffee and ice cream shop, and a pirate ship playscape. Free on-site activities like live music, movies on the lawn, and sandcastle lessons add to the fun. Renting a beach buggy is recommended to navigate the community and easily access the beach, making for a convenient and luxurious beach vacation in Texas. Optional activities like guided fishing tours and kite surfing lessons cater to various interests.
Palmilla Beach Resort: Luxury Golf and Beach Getaway
Another luxurious beach community in Port Aransas, Palmilla Beach Resort, offers beautiful vacation rentals and a focus on golf with Texas’ only True Links style course. It features a large resort pool (with another under construction), cabanas, and poolside/beach food and drink service. While slightly smaller than Cinnamon Shore, it provides similar upscale beach vacation experiences. Family activities like pool movie nights and fitness classes are offered, and a pier provides direct beach access. For those considering where to go in texas for vacation with a blend of beach relaxation and golf, Palmilla is a compelling option. Renting a beach buggy is also advisable here.
Port Royal Ocean Resort: The Largest Lagoon Pool
Port Royal Ocean Resort boasts the largest lagoon pool in Texas, set within a 25-acre beachfront enclave in Port Aransas. The individually owned condos are generally more affordable than those at Cinnamon Shore or Palmilla, although some may be slightly dated. Its close proximity to most amenities and a pier providing easy beach access means a beach buggy rental isn’t strictly necessary here. Activities include water slides, sand/water volleyball, sandcastle lessons, and dive-in movies, making it a fun-filled choice for a vacation in texas. Dining options include a swim-up cabana bar, food truck, and restaurant.
Port Royal Ocean Resort’s large lagoon pool in Port Aransas, Texas
The Mayan Princess: Classic Beachfront Condos
The Mayan Princess offers 60 individually owned beachfront condos in Port Aransas, just steps from the beach. These condos, available in 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms, feature full kitchens and balconies/patios with views of the lagoon pools and the Gulf. While an older property, updates are ongoing. It’s a no-frills option compared to some larger resorts, valued for its smaller size and easy walk to the beach. Located about 10 miles from downtown Port Aransas, it offers a slightly more secluded beachfront vacation in Texas.
View of the pool area and ocean from The Mayan Princess condos in Port Aransas, Texas
Urban Adventures & Resort Getaways Near Major Cities
Beyond the Hill Country and the coast, Texas’ major metropolitan areas and their surroundings offer fantastic options for a vacation in Texas, combining city attractions with resort relaxation.
San Antonio Area: History, Culture, and Resorts
San Antonio is rich in history and culture, famous for the Alamo and the Riverwalk. The surrounding area boasts several resorts perfect for balancing historical exploration with family fun.
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
This luxurious 4-star resort is set on 600 acres and offers a massive nine-acre water park with a lazy river and slides, making it ideal for a water-focused vacation in Texas. It features six on-site restaurants, bars, a luxury spa, and year-round kids’ activities. During holidays, the resort transforms with special events like petting zoos, Santa visits, and light shows, adding a festive touch. Its proximity to attractions like Natural Bridge Caverns, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and Sea World allows for easy day trips exploring more of the region.
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa
Located just 20 minutes from the San Antonio Riverwalk, this resort offers a secluded feel with expansive amenities on 300 acres. Known for its authentic Texas hospitality, it features a 5-acre water park with a FlowRider wave machine, nature trails, complimentary bicycles, and sports courts. Nightly s’mores and a video arcade add to the family fun. With six on-site restaurants and poolside service, it provides a comfortable and activity-rich base for a vacation in Texas.
Aerial view of the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa waterpark in San Antonio, Texas
Tapatio Springs Resort: Golf and Hill Country Views
North of San Antonio in Boerne, Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort offers an award-winning golf course and stunning Hill Country views. Partially owned by country music star George Strait, it has a relaxed vibe with plenty of space for kids to roam. Amenities include two pools (one adult-only), hiking trails, and a spa. The restaurant patio overlooking the golf course often features live music, adding to the ambiance. A short drive away is the charming town of Boerne, perfect for exploring local shops and restaurants during your vacation in texas.
Camp Fimfo: River Fun and Camping Resort
From the same owners as Jellystone, Camp Fimfo in New Braunfels is a premium camping resort located directly on the Guadalupe River. It’s packed with amenities like a water playground, mini-golf, water slides, hot tubs, basketball, and pickleball. It’s an ideal location for tubing on the river. Guests can bring an RV, tent, or rent a cabin, offering flexibility for your vacation in texas. It’s a pricier option but provides a wide range of scheduled activities and water fun.
Austin Area: Live Music, Nature, and Family Fun
Austin, known for its vibrant live music scene and outdoor lifestyle, and its surroundings offer resorts that blend relaxation with access to unique experiences.
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa
Spread across 405 acres along the Lower Colorado River near Bastrop, Hyatt Lost Pines offers an authentic Texas resort experience. While on the pricier side, it’s a bucket-list destination for many, featuring activities like horseback riding, shotgun trap shooting, an 18-hole golf course, family fishing, and archery. The waterpark includes a lazy river, and there’s a high-end spa for relaxation. The resort hosts holiday events, adding a magical touch to a Christmas vacation in texas. Nearby attractions like zip-lining and the town of Bastrop offer further exploration.
Lazy river and waterslide at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort, Bastrop, Texas
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Secluded in the Austin Hill Country on 4,000 acres, the recently renovated Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa is a luxurious retreat. It features a pool, four award-winning golf courses, a spa, and seven distinct dining options. The resort is family-friendly, offering tennis and golf lessons for kids and seasonal events like poolside crafts, live music, nature walks, and even manufactured snow during Christmas. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing yet activity-filled vacation in texas.
Aerial view of Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa golf course and grounds near Austin, Texas
Lakeway Resort & Spa: Lakeside Relaxation
Overlooking Lake Travis, Lakeway Resort & Spa is a beautiful property with personal history for many Texans. Located 25 miles from downtown Austin, Lakeway itself offers plenty to do. The resort features a dedicated kids’ pool with an adventure slide and splash pad, heated during winter weekends. Family activities include outdoor movies and evening s’mores. Access to the Lakeway marina allows for boat rentals, perfect for enjoying the lake. With a spa and a Southern-style restaurant, it offers a mix of relaxation and activity for your vacation in Texas. For those considering where can i go on a mini vacation in texas near Austin, Lakeway is a great choice.
Pool area overlooking Lake Travis at Lakeway Resort & Spa, Texas
Kalahari Resort: America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark
Located in Round Rock, just outside Austin, Kalahari Resort boasts the largest indoor waterpark in America. This massive property is a destination in itself, offering 20 onsite dining options, a 223,000 sq ft indoor waterpark with 30 slides and 20 pools, and an 80,000 sq ft adventure park called Tom Foolery’s. There’s also retail space and a full spa. While pricey, it’s an excellent option for a winter vacation in Texas, offering guaranteed indoor fun regardless of the weather. Waterpark admission is included with your stay.
Indoor waterpark with large slides at Kalahari Resort, Round Rock, Texas
Georgetown: A Charming Small Town Option for a Vacation in Texas
Georgetown, just north of Austin, offers a quaint small-town feel perfect for a relaxed getaway. While lacking a large resort, it provides charming lodging options like the Sheraton Hotel (full-service with pool) and unique rentals like The Georgetown Peach cottage. The town square is historic and beautiful, especially when lit up for Christmas. Outdoor activities abound in the surrounding area, including kayaking, visiting Natural Bridge Caverns, exploring hike and bike trails, swimming at Blue Hole, and enjoying seasonal events at Sweet Eats Farm. Georgetown’s growing food scene also offers culinary exploration during your vacation in Texas. For those looking for where to go this weekend in texas for a charming small-town experience, Georgetown is ideal.
Historic downtown square of Georgetown, Texas, a charming vacation spot
Houston/Galveston: Coastal Cities and Bay Area Resorts
The Houston and Galveston areas offer a mix of big-city attractions, coastal experiences, and resort getaways.
The Woodlands Resort
Located 30 minutes north of downtown Houston, The Woodlands Resort is a large property featuring champion golf courses, a Lazy River & Waterpark, tennis courts, hiking trails, and bike rentals. It’s on my list to visit, promising a wide array of activities from relaxing at the spa to active pursuits like goat yoga or exploring trails. With multiple on-site restaurants and luxury cabanas, it provides a comprehensive resort experience for a vacation in Texas near a major city.
Waterpark area with lazy river at The Woodlands Resort, Texas
The San Luis Resort
Set on 32 beachfront acres on Galveston Island, The San Luis Resort offers lavish accommodations, multiple pools, private cabanas, and poolside service. It’s an excellent location for combining beach time with exploring Galveston’s historic downtown area. The resort provides a luxurious base for a coastal vacation in texas, with several on-site restaurants and a spa.
