Texas, the Lone Star State, is a vast and incredibly diverse destination, offering a kaleidoscope of landscapes, cultures, and experiences waiting to be discovered. From the rugged beauty of the Hill Country to the sandy shores of the Gulf Coast, and the vibrant energy of its major cities, Texas truly has something for every type of traveler. As a native Texan and a passionate explorer of my home state, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing many of its hidden gems and popular attractions firsthand.
My mission is to help you navigate this expansive state and find the perfect texas vacation spots that match your interests, whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, historical insights, or simply a relaxing getaway. Let’s embark on a journey to explore some of the most captivating destinations Texas has to offer.
If you’re still deciding [where to go in texas for vacation], the options can feel limitless. To make planning easier, I’ve broken down some standout destinations by region, sharing insights based on personal visits and extensive knowledge of the state. These are places that offer memorable experiences, often combining elements of natural beauty, local culture, and unique recreational opportunities.
Exploring the Heart of Texas: Hill Country Vacation Spots
The Texas Hill Country is renowned for its rolling hills, spring-fed rivers, charming small towns, and burgeoning wine scene. It’s a region that perfectly blends outdoor recreation with laid-back Southern hospitality, making it a favorite among texas vacation spots.
Mayan Dude Ranch | Bandera, TX
Located in Bandera, the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” the Mayan Dude Ranch offers a truly authentic Texas experience. This family-owned, all-inclusive ranch on the Nueces River has been welcoming guests since 1951. It’s an excellent value, covering lodging, meals, drinks, and a wide array of activities. My family found endless entertainment here, from horseback riding and fossil hikes to swimming in the river and pool, plus evening activities like trick rope shows and stargazing. A unique highlight is the presence of twenty dinosaur tracks on the property, offering a tangible connection to ancient history right under your feet.
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Enjoying the scenic Frio River at Mo-Ranch
Mo-Ranch | Hunt, TX
Nestled deep within the Hill Country, Mo-Ranch is a beautiful property open to the public, offering a serene escape. Having visited since childhood, I have many fond memories of this place. It’s a perfect spot to disconnect (cell service is limited!) and enjoy nature. Activities focus on the outdoors, including swimming in the river, enjoying the famous “mo-slide,” hiking, disc golf, canoeing, and various sports courts. With lodging options ranging from hotel rooms and cabins to campgrounds, it caters to different preferences. We often rent a cabin, bringing our own food to truly relax and enjoy the laid-back vibe.
The famous “mo-slide” at Mo-Ranch, a fun water activity in the Texas Hill Country
Jellystone Hill Country | Canyon Lake, TX
For a vacation packed with kid-focused fun and water park action, Jellystone Hill Country near Canyon Lake is a fantastic choice. While we’ve only visited the Canyon Lake location, known for its water park and activities, the Kerrville location is rumored to be even larger and situated right on the Guadalupe River, perfect for tubing. It’s popular for RVs and campers, but cabins are also available. The proximity to charming towns like Wimberley and Gruene allows for easy dinner excursions or exploring local culture.
Water slides at Jellystone Hill Country, a fun texas vacation spot with a waterpark
Enjoying waterpark activities at Jellystone Hill Country
River Bluff Cabins | Leakey, TX
Located near Garner State Park along the picturesque Frio River, River Bluff Cabins offers a classic, no-frills Texas river vacation spot. While the cabins can be pricey, you’re paying for the prime river access – stepping right into perfect swimming and lounging areas. Guests need to bring their own food as there’s no on-site dining, but each cabin has a full kitchen. Kid-friendly amenities include a splash pad, pool, and sports courts. Its proximity to Garner State Park is a major plus, allowing easy access to hiking and the iconic Garner dance. This is a spot focused purely on enjoying the beautiful river environment and simple family fun.
Horseshoe Bay Resort | Marble Falls, TX
For a more luxurious Hill Country escape that still feels welcoming to families, Horseshoe Bay Resort on Lake LBJ is a top contender among texas vacation spots. This property offers a wide range of amenities including multiple pools (one heated), hot tubs, a beach area on the lake, poolside service, tennis and pickleball courts, three golf courses (including a putting course), and several on-site restaurants. Lake activities like jet skiing and pontoon boat rentals are readily available. They also boast a robust activity program and a kids’ club, making it easy for parents to relax. Visiting during the holidays is especially magical with their numerous seasonal events.
Beautiful lakeside setting at Horseshoe Bay Resort
Kids enjoying s’mores at Horseshoe Bay Resort
Cypress Falls Lodge | Wimberley, TX
Rich with history, Cypress Falls Lodge in Wimberley dates back to 1949. While the rooms are basic, the location is superb, especially during the summer. It features a pool, a fun tavern, and an on-site cafe. Guests get access to the Cypress Falls Swimming Hole, just a short walk away, perfect for tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming. A bar overlooking the swimming hole adds to the relaxed atmosphere. Plus, you’re only five minutes from the charming town of Wimberley, known for its unique shops, restaurants, wineries, and other swimming holes.
The historic Cypress Falls Lodge in Wimberley, a classic texas vacation spot by the river
San Antonio Area: Resorts and Retreats for Your Texas Vacation Spots Adventure
The San Antonio area offers a blend of historic charm, cultural attractions, and sprawling resorts, providing a variety of appealing texas vacation spots. While the city itself boasts the iconic Riverwalk and the Alamo, the surrounding Hill Country is home to resorts designed for relaxation and fun.
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
Set on 600 acres of picturesque hills, this JW Marriott is a luxury resort offering a wealth of amenities. Known for its impressive nine-acre water park featuring a lazy river, slides, and a beach, it’s a paradise for water lovers. With multiple restaurants, bars, and a luxury spa, you truly don’t need to leave the property. Their seasonal and holiday activities are particularly special, offering unique experiences like petting zoos, visits with Santa, and festive light shows, even when it’s too cold for the water park. Its location also provides easy access to nearby attractions like Natural Bridge Caverns and theme parks.
Exterior view of the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa | San Antonio, TX
Though I haven’t personally stayed here, the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa comes highly recommended. Located just 20 minutes from downtown San Antonio’s Riverwalk, this secluded resort offers a blend of extensive amenities and authentic Texas hospitality. Highlights include a five-acre water park with a FlowRider wave machine, nature trails perfect for exploring, complimentary bicycles, sports courts, nightly s’mores, and an arcade. With six on-site restaurants and poolside service, it provides a comfortable and engaging retreat experience.
Aerial view of the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa waterpark
Water slides at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa
Tapatio Springs Resort | Boerne, TX
Just north of San Antonio in Boerne, Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort offers a mix of golf, relaxation, and Texas charm, partly owned by country music legend George Strait! I’ve enjoyed visiting this resort multiple times. While not as exclusively kid-centric as some others, it provides ample space for children to play, an acclaimed golf course, separate kids’ and adult pools, hiking trails, and a spa. The restaurant and bar patio offers stunning Hill Country views, often accompanied by live music, capturing the local vibe. It’s also a short drive to the lovely town of Boerne, known for its shopping and dining.
Pool area at Tapatio Springs Resort
Camp Fimfo | New Braunfels, TX
Created by the same team behind Jellystone, Camp Fimfo in New Braunfels is another excellent camping resort on the Guadalupe River. It offers a wide array of amenities beyond traditional camping, including a water playground, mini-golf, gem mining, scheduled activities, hot tubs, waterslides, and sports courts. With options for RVs, tents, or cabin rentals, it caters to different styles of travelers. Its location on the Guadalupe River makes it ideal for a tubing adventure, a quintessential Texas summer activity.
Water park fun at Camp Fimfo in New Braunfels, a great camping resort destination
Coastal Charm: Port Aransas & Gulf Coast Texas Vacation Spots
The Texas Gulf Coast offers numerous beach destinations, but Port Aransas stands out as having the most authentic “beachy” town vibe, with great options for shopping, dining, and enjoying the coastal lifestyle.
Colorful beach homes at Cinnamon Shore in Port Aransas
Cinnamon Shore | Port Aransas, TX
Cinnamon Shore is a large, meticulously maintained beach community in Port Aransas known for its picturesque, colorful vacation homes. It offers a premium beach vacation experience with abundant amenities: two restaurants, a poolside bar, coffee and ice cream shops, three large pools, a pirate ship playscape, and a variety of scheduled activities (live music, movies, sandcastle lessons, s’mores). For additional cost, you can enjoy fishing tours, bike rentals, bonfires, kite surfing, parasailing, and shrimp boils.
The vacation rentals are individually owned and beautifully decorated, many featuring full kitchens and BBQ pits. While you can walk to the beach and pools, renting a buggy is highly recommended for convenience, especially with gear. Splurging on beach chairs and umbrellas set up by staff is absolutely worth it for a hassle-free beach day.
Poolside relaxation at Cinnamon Shore, a top texas vacation spot on the coast
A beach buggy awaits guests at Cinnamon Shore
Palmilla Beach Resort | Port Aransas, TX
Palmilla Beach is a luxury beach community in Port Aransas that offers a similar upscale experience to Cinnamon Shore but on a slightly smaller scale. It features beautifully decorated, individually owned vacation rentals. The resort boasts a large pool (with a second one under construction), cabanas, poolside/beach service, two on-site restaurants, and Texas’s only True Links style golf course. Activities include pool movie nights and fitness classes. A pier provides direct beach access, though a beach buggy is still recommended for covering the resort’s grounds. Palmilla is a serene and luxurious option among texas vacation spots on the coast.
Luxury pool area at Palmilla Beach Resort, a relaxing texas vacation spot
Kids enjoying popsicles by the pool at Palmilla Beach Resort
Gulf coast beach access from the pier at Palmilla Beach Resort
Port Royal Ocean Resort | Port Aransas, TX
Set on 25 acres, Port Royal Ocean Resort boasts the largest lagoon pool in Texas. Its pier provides easy walking access to the beach, making a buggy rental less essential here. The individually owned condos are more affordable than those at Cinnamon Shore or Palmilla and are undergoing updates, though some may be older. Family-friendly activities abound, including water slides, sand and water volleyball, sandcastle lessons, dive-in movies, and aqua Zumba. Dining options include a swim-up cabana bar, food truck, and restaurant.
The Mayan Princess | Port Aransas, TX
Consisting of 60 individually owned condos, The Mayan Princess is another Port Aransas option just steps from the beach, eliminating the need for a beach buggy. Offering 1, 2, or 3-bedroom beachfront condos with large patios or balconies, guests enjoy beautiful views of the three lagoon pools and the Gulf of Mexico. Condos are equipped with full kitchens and laundry. While an older property, updates are ongoing. It’s the furthest option from downtown Port A (about 10 miles), offering a quieter, no-frills resort experience focused on easy beach access.
Exterior view of The Mayan Princess condos overlooking pools and the Gulf
Austin & Beyond: Exploring Texas Vacation Spots in Central Texas
The area surrounding Austin is a hotspot for diverse texas vacation spots, from luxurious resorts tucked into the hills to massive entertainment complexes and charming nearby towns.
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa | Bastrop, TX
Located on 405 acres along the Lower Colorado River near Bastrop, Hyatt Lost Pines is a resort known for its authentic Texas feel. Though it’s been on my bucket list for years, friends’ experiences highlight unique activities like horseback riding, shotgun trap shooting, and archery, alongside a waterpark with a lazy river, an award-winning golf course, and family fishing. The resort also offers a high-end spa, nightly s’mores, and special holiday events that look magical. Just outside the resort, you can find ziplining, explore the quaint town of Bastrop, or take a UTV tour, adding more options to your texas vacation spots itinerary.
Water slide fun at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa | Austin, TX
Secluded in the rolling hills outside Austin, the recently renovated Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa is a large retreat focused on luxury and golf. It features four acclaimed golf courses, a spa, and seven unique dining venues. While it has one main pool, it offers activities like tennis and golf lessons for kids and engaging seasonal events, including poolside crafts, live music, and even bringing in snow during Christmas – a fun novelty in Texas! It’s an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation, golf, and a touch of luxury among texas vacation spots.
The golf course at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Lakeway Resort & Spa | Lakeway, TX
Overlooking beautiful Lake Travis, Lakeway Resort & Spa holds a special place in my heart (it’s where my parents honeymooned!). Located about 25 miles from downtown Austin, it offers a relaxing escape with a dedicated kids’ pool featuring an adventure slide and splash pad, heated during winter weekends. Family activities include outdoor movies and evening s’mores. Guests also have access to the Lakeway marina for boat rentals and lake adventures. The resort features a spa and a Southern-inspired restaurant and bar, providing a comfortable and scenic option among central texas vacation spots.
Pool overlooking Lake Travis at Lakeway Resort & Spa
Kalahari Resort | Round Rock, TX
Just north of Austin in Round Rock sits Kalahari Resort, home to the largest indoor waterpark in America. This massive property is a destination in itself – once you arrive, you don’t need to leave! Beyond the 223,000 sq. ft. indoor waterpark with 20 pools and 30 slides, it boasts 20 dining options (including five signature restaurants and a piano bar), an 80,000 sq. ft. adventure park (Tom Foolery’s), retail space, and a full spa. Waterpark admission is included with your stay, making it a fantastic winter vacation option when outdoor activities are limited. While pricey, the sheer volume of entertainment ensures a memorable trip; my kids are constantly asking to go back!
Exterior view of the vast Kalahari Resort in Round Rock
Tom Foolery’s Adventure Park at Kalahari Resort
Indoor waterpark fun at Kalahari Resort, one of the top texas vacation spots for families
Georgetown, TX
I couldn’t write about central Texas vacation spots without mentioning my hometown, Georgetown. While lacking large resorts (the Sheraton offers a full-service hotel with amenities like a pool and bike rentals), Georgetown is a charming town perfect for a quaint family getaway. Its historic downtown square is one of the most beautiful in Texas. The town offers fantastic outdoor activities, including kayaking, nearby Natural Bridge Caverns, extensive hike and bike trails (like those in Rivery Park with its playscape), and swimming at the Blue Hole right in the city center.
Sweet Eats Farm is a favorite year-round destination, particularly in October for its pumpkin patch. The Christmas lights on the square are breathtaking, and events like the Christmas Parade and the Annual Poppy Fest (spring) showcase the town’s vibrant community spirit. For the foodies, my Instagram account, Georgetown Bites, highlights all the best local dining spots, reflecting how integral food is to experiencing a culture.
Playing at the Blue Hole swimming spot in Georgetown
Sweet Eats Farm, a popular family destination near Georgetown
Houston & Galveston Area: Urban Escapes and Coastal Getaways
The region around Houston offers a mix of bustling city life, nearby nature retreats, and coastal fun on Galveston Island. Finding [where to go in houston texas] and the surrounding areas provides a diverse range of options for texas vacation spots.
The Woodlands Resort | The Woodlands, TX
Located just 30 minutes from downtown Houston, The Woodlands Resort is a large and impressive property. While I haven’t stayed here yet, it features two championship golf courses, a lazy river and waterpark, whirlpools, numerous tennis courts (indoor and outdoor), hiking trails, bike rentals, a spa, an arcade, three restaurants, and unique offerings like goat yoga. It promises a comprehensive resort experience not far from the amenities of a major city.
The San Luis Resort | Galveston, TX
Situated on Galveston Island, The San Luis Resort is a 32-acre beachfront hotel and spa. It’s a great option for a coastal texas vacation spot, boasting multiple pools, private cabanas, poolside service, and several on-site restaurants. Its location makes it easy to enjoy the beach or explore Galveston’s historic downtown area, known for its beautiful architecture and unique shops.
Margaritaville Lake Resort | Lake Conroe, TX
An hour north of Houston on Lake Conroe, Margaritaville Lake Resort offers a vibrant, themed vacation experience with a waterfront setting. Its amenities include a 3.5-acre waterpark with multiple pools, waterslides, a lazy river, and a private beach. Lake Conroe provides opportunities for various water rentals like pedal boats, party barges, jet skis, and kayaks. The resort also has an 18-hole golf course, sports courts, multiple restaurants and bars, and a monthly calendar of activities. With both traditional rooms and larger cottages available, it seems like a lively destination for a Texas lake getaway.
Waterpark and lake view at Margaritaville Lake Resort on Lake Conroe
Dallas-Fort Worth: Grand Resorts and City Stays
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, or DFW, offers a range of large-scale resort experiences within reach of two major Texas cities.
Gaylord Texan | Grapevine, TX
Located on Lake Grapevine near the DFW airport, the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center is a massive property known for its comprehensive amenities. It features a ten-acre outdoor water park, an indoor pool, and impressive four-and-a-half acres of indoor garden atriums. With four award-winning restaurants, various bars, and a spa, it caters to diverse interests. The resort excels in hosting family-friendly activities and truly spectacular holiday events, including snow tubing and ice sculpture experiences, making the Christmas decorations alone worth a visit.
Great Wolf Lodge | Grapevine, TX
Also in Grapevine, Great Wolf Lodge is explicitly designed for families, centered around its 80,000 sq. ft. indoor water park. Similar to Kalahari, it’s a destination where you can easily spend days without leaving the property. Beyond the water park, it offers kid-friendly activities, a kids’ spa, character meals, various dining options, and spacious suites. Adult amenities like a “wine down” service are also available. Seasonal holiday events around Halloween and Christmas add extra thematic fun. It’s definitely on my Texas bucket list for its reputation as a top family water park destination.
Kids playing at the Great Wolf Lodge indoor waterpark
For those looking for city-focused stays in the DFW area, Hotel Drover in Fort Worth offers a beautiful Western-themed experience, and the Hilton Anatole in Dallas is known for its impressive pools and family amenities, providing additional options for urban-centric texas vacation spots.
The JadeWaters pool area at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas
From the rolling hills and winding rivers to the sun-drenched coast and bustling metropolises, the range of texas vacation spots is truly incredible. Whether you’re planning a family adventure, a romantic getaway, or a solo exploration, Texas has a destination that will capture your heart and create lasting memories. Start planning your Texas adventure today and experience the unique spirit of the Lone Star State!