Texas is a vast and incredibly diverse state, offering an incredible array of experiences for every type of traveler. From rugged ranches in the heart of the Hill Country to vibrant coastal communities and bustling metropolitan areas, planning a trip can feel overwhelming with so many exciting travel ideas texas presents.
As a travel expert who appreciates the intersection of adventure, culture, history, and relaxation, I’ve explored some of the Lone Star State’s most captivating destinations. This guide delves into specific locations, highlighting unique attractions and experiences perfect for your next Texas adventure, whether you’re seeking outdoor fun, luxury resort amenities, or a taste of authentic Texas charm.
Texas Hill Country Travel Ideas
The Texas Hill Country is renowned for its scenic beauty, rolling landscapes, charming small towns, and vibrant cultural scene, including wineries, distilleries, and live music. It’s a prime destination for those seeking outdoor activities coupled with unique local flavors.
Mayan Dude Ranch | Bandera, TX
Immerse yourself in genuine cowboy culture in Bandera, the “Cowboy Capital of the World.” The Mayan Dude Ranch, family-owned since 1951, offers an all-inclusive escape on the Nueces River. It’s one of the most authentic travel ideas texas offers for a Western experience. Guests enjoy activities like horseback riding, fossil hunts (including dinosaur tracks!), swimming in the river or pool, and nightly entertainment like trick rope shows and two-step lessons. The daily rate covers all activities, food, and drinks, making it a straightforward, value-packed vacation.
Horseback riding at Mayan Dude Ranch, Texas Hill Country
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Dinosaur tracks at Mayan Dude Ranch, Bandera Texas
Mo-Ranch | Hunt, TX
Deep within the serene Texas Hill Country lies Mo-Ranch, a stunning property on the Guadalupe River open to the public. Often described as a slice of “God’s Country,” this spot offers a truly laid-back vibe focused on connecting with nature. Activities center around the river and pool, hiking trails, disc golf, canoeing, and various sports courts. Lodging options range from hotels to cabins and campgrounds. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect, as cell service is often limited, allowing for a peaceful retreat.
Jellystone Hill Country | Canyon Lake & Kerrville, TX
For families seeking fun-filled water activities, Jellystone Park offers robust water parks and kid-friendly programs. The Canyon Lake location provides easy access to charming nearby towns like Wimberley and Gruene, where you can explore local shops and restaurants. The Kerrville location on the Guadalupe River offers even more space and riverside fun. These parks are popular for RVs and campers but also offer cabin rentals, providing flexible travel ideas texas style for enjoying the outdoors.
River Bluff Cabins | Leakey, TX
Located near Garner State Park along the Frio River, River Bluff Cabins offer premium access to popular river spots. This is a no-frills vacation focused on outdoor enjoyment. While cabins can be pricey, the direct river access for swimming and relaxation makes it a worthwhile expense for many. Guests can enjoy the river, as well as on-site amenities like a splash pad, pool, and sports courts. Its proximity to Garner State Park means hiking and the iconic Garner dance are just minutes away, offering classic Texas experiences. The lack of on-site dining means you’ll bring your own food, adding to the relaxed, self-sufficient vibe.
Relaxing by the Frio River at River Bluff Cabins near Garner State Park
Horseshoe Bay Resort | Marble Falls, TX
For a more luxurious Hill Country escape, Horseshoe Bay Resort on Lake LBJ offers extensive amenities while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere. This resort provides a wide range of activities including multiple pools (one heated), hot tubs, a beach area, tennis, pickleball, and three golf courses, including a competitive putting course. They have a robust activity program, a kids’ club, numerous on-site restaurants, and offer nightly s’mores. Lake activities like sunset cruises and boat rentals are available. They also host special holiday events, making it a year-round destination for families looking for upscale travel ideas texas.
Cypress Falls Lodge | Wimberley, TX
With a history dating back to 1949, Cypress Falls Lodge in Wimberley is a classic spot for enjoying the river. While the rooms are basic, the location is perfect for summertime fun. The lodge offers a pool, a lively tavern (kid and dog-friendly), and an on-site cafe. Guests have access to the Cypress Falls Swimming Hole nearby, ideal for tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming. A bar overlooks the swimming hole, allowing you to enjoy food and drinks with a view. Located just minutes from downtown Wimberley, you can easily explore this charming town’s shops, eateries, wineries, and other swimming spots.
Cypress Falls Lodge pool in Wimberley, Texas
San Antonio Area Travel Ideas
The San Antonio area offers a rich blend of history, culture, and modern attractions. Known for the iconic Riverwalk and its historical missions, it also features resorts nestled in the scenic surrounding hills. Exploring travel ideas texas in this region means experiencing a unique mix of urban excitement and hill country tranquility.
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
Set on 600 acres of picturesque oak-covered hills, this luxury resort offers a comprehensive escape. Its nine-acre water park, complete with a lazy river and slides, is a major draw. With cabana rentals and poolside service, relaxation is easy. The resort boasts six restaurants, multiple bars, and a luxury spa. While known for its excellent water features, this JW Marriott shines during holidays with special kid-friendly activities like petting zoos, character visits, and light shows, making it a perfect place to stay for exploring attraction in texas nearby, including Natural Bridge Caverns, Six Flags, and SeaWorld. The resort also offers a fantastic breakfast buffet, providing a taste of the culinary offerings even within the resort itself.
Lazy river at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa | San Antonio, TX
Just 20 minutes from downtown San Antonio’s Riverwalk, this resort offers a secluded yet activity-rich experience embodying authentic Texas hospitality. Highlights include a 5-acre water park with a FlowRider wave machine, nature trails, complimentary bicycles, sports courts, and nightly s’mores. With six on-site restaurants and poolside service, guests have plenty of dining options without leaving the property. It’s a comfortable base for exploring the rich history and culinary scene of San Antonio. If you’re wondering what to eat in san antonio texas, you’ll find options both within the resort and a short drive away in the city known for its Tex-Mex delights.
Aerial view of Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort water features
Tapatio Springs Resort | Boerne, TX
Located north of San Antonio in the charming town of Boerne, Tapatio Springs offers golf, relaxation, and hill country views. Co-owned by country music legend George Strait, it adds a touch of Texas star power. The resort features an award-winning golf course, two pools (one adult-only), hiking trails, and a spa. The restaurant and bar patio provides stunning views and often hosts live music, reflecting the region’s musical heritage. Boerne itself is a picturesque town worth exploring for its unique shops and dining, making this resort a blend of leisure and local culture in your travel ideas texas.
Golf course view at Tapatio Springs Resort in Boerne, Texas
Camp Fimfo | New Braunfels, TX
From the creators of Jellystone Parks, Camp Fimfo in New Braunfels is a higher-end camping resort situated directly on the Guadalupe River. This spot is perfect for tubing adventures and offers a wealth of amenities including a water playground, mini-golf, gem mining, scheduled kids’ activities, hot tubs, water slides, and various sports courts. Guests can bring their RVs, tents, or rent cabins. It’s a dynamic option among travel ideas texas that combines the camping experience with resort-level fun, especially popular for river enthusiasts.
Coastal Texas Travel Ideas (Port Aransas Focus)
The Texas Gulf Coast offers various destinations, but Port Aransas stands out as a quintessential beach town with a lively atmosphere. While Corpus Christi, Rockport, and South Padre Island have their appeal, Port Aransas offers a fantastic blend of beautiful beaches, local culture, shopping, and dining, making it a top contender for coastal travel ideas texas.
A beach buggy parked on the sand in Port Aransas, Texas
Cinnamon Shore | Port Aransas, TX
Cinnamon Shore is a meticulously designed beach community offering a picturesque coastal experience. Known for its colorful homes, it provides extensive family amenities including two restaurants, poolside bars, a coffee and ice cream shop, three large pools, and a pirate ship playscape. A standout is the packed calendar of free on-site activities like live music, outdoor movies, sandcastle lessons, and s’mores.
For added cost, you can enjoy guided fishing, bike rentals, bonfires, and water sports lessons. The individually owned vacation rentals are beautifully decorated and come with full kitchens. Renting a beach buggy is highly recommended for easily navigating the community and carrying gear to the beach or pools. Services like daily beach chair and umbrella setup add to the luxurious feel, making it a top choice for upscale beach travel ideas texas.
Colorful beach houses at Cinnamon Shore, Port Aransas
Aerial view of the pools at Cinnamon Shore resort
Palmilla Beach Resort | Port Aransas, TX
Similar in concept to Cinnamon Shore but smaller, Palmilla Beach Resort offers a luxurious beach community experience. It features Texas’s only True Links style golf course, a large resort pool (with a second under construction), cabanas, and two restaurants ranging from casual to formal. Family-friendly activities like pool movie nights and fitness classes are offered. Poolside and beach food/drink service is available. A pier provides direct beach access, though a buggy rental is still recommended for convenience. It’s a slightly more golf-centric but equally upscale option among coastal travel ideas texas.
Port Royal Ocean Resort | Port Aransas, TX
Built around the largest lagoon pool in Texas, Port Royal Ocean Resort is a 25-acre beachfront property offering a slightly more budget-friendly option compared to its luxury neighbors. While the individually owned condos might be a bit more dated, the location and amenities are excellent. A pier provides easy walking access to the beach, reducing the need for a buggy. Family activities include water slides, sports courts, sandcastle lessons, dive-in movies, and even aqua Zumba. Dining options include a swim-up bar, food truck, and restaurant. It offers a great balance of beachfront access, large pools, and planned activities for your travel ideas texas.
The large lagoon pool at Port Royal Ocean Resort, Port Aransas
The Mayan Princess | Port Aransas, TX
Comprising 60 individually owned beachfront condos, The Mayan Princess offers direct, steps-away access to the beach, eliminating the need for a buggy rental. Condos range from 1 to 3 bedrooms, feature large patios or balconies with views of the Gulf and three lagoon pools, and are equipped with full kitchens and laundry. Although an older property, ongoing updates keep the condos comfortable. It’s a straightforward, no-frills option known for its easy beach access, ideal for those prioritizing simple, direct access to the sand and waves when considering travel ideas texas. It is located about 10 miles from downtown Port Aransas.
Exterior view of The Mayan Princess condos overlooking a pool and the Gulf
Austin Area Travel Ideas
Austin, the state capital, is famous for its “Keep Austin Weird” mantra, live music scene, delicious food, and outdoor recreation around its lakes and green spaces. While the city center buzzes, the surrounding areas offer tranquil resort experiences. The Austin area provides dynamic travel ideas texas for blending urban exploration with resort relaxation.
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa | Bastrop, TX
Spread across 405 acres along the Lower Colorado River near Bastrop, Hyatt Lost Pines is a highly-regarded family-friendly resort known for its authentic Texas ambiance. While on the pricier side, the resort offers an impressive list of activities including horseback riding, shotgun trap shooting, archery, family fishing, an 18-hole golf course, a waterpark with a lazy river, and a high-end spa. Nightly s’mores add a classic touch. The resort hosts numerous holiday events that are particularly magical. Beyond the resort, nearby attractions like zip lining, exploring quaint Bastrop, and UTV tours provide additional adventure options for your travel ideas texas.
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa | Austin, TX
Secluded on 4,000 acres in the rolling Austin Hill Country, the recently renovated Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa offers a luxurious retreat. This property features one main pool, four award-winning golf courses, a spa, and seven distinct dining venues. It’s a great option for golf enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful escape. The resort caters to families with tennis and golf lessons for kids and seasonal events like poolside crafts, live music, nature walks, and even snow during the Christmas season, providing diverse activities within a serene setting.
Lakeway Resort & Spa | Lakeway, TX
Overlooking Lake Travis in the Texas Hill Country, Lakeway Resort & Spa offers beautiful waterfront views and family-friendly amenities. Located about 25 miles from downtown Austin, it provides a tranquil base with plenty to do in the Lakeway area. The resort features a dedicated kids’ pool with an adventure slide and splash pad, heated during winter weekends. Family activities include outdoor movies, evening s’mores, and access to the Lakeway marina for boat rentals. It also boasts a spa and a Southern-inspired restaurant and bar.
Lakeway Resort & Spa pool complex overlooking Lake Travis
Kalahari Resort | Round Rock, TX
Home to America’s largest indoor waterpark, Kalahari Resort in Round Rock is a massive destination where you could easily spend days without leaving the property. Located just outside Austin, it’s a superb option for a winter getaway or beating the Texas heat. The resort features a 223,000 sq. ft. indoor waterpark with numerous pools and slides, an adults-only swim-up bar, a lazy river, and wave pool. Beyond the water, there’s an 80,000 sq. ft. adventure park with rock climbing, bowling, and laser tag, plus retail space, a luxury spa, and 20 on-site dining options including signature restaurants. Waterpark admission is included with your stay.
Interior view of the massive indoor waterpark at Kalahari Resort in Round Rock
Georgetown, TX
Georgetown, a charming town just north of Austin, offers a delightful getaway with a beautiful historic downtown square. While lacking large resorts, it provides unique lodging options like the centrally located Sheraton Hotel or quaint rental cottages. The town is rich in outdoor activities, including kayaking, nearby Natural Bridge Caverns, hike and bike trails, and swimming at the Blue Hole right in the city center. Seasonal events like the Christmas Parade and Market and the annual Poppy Fest showcase local culture and draw visitors.
Sweet Eats Farm is a popular year-round destination. Georgetown offers a relaxed pace and authentic local experiences, making it a wonderful addition to your travel ideas texas list, especially if you appreciate historic architecture and community events. For those exploring texas where to go for charm and local life, Georgetown is a gem.
Historic courthouse square in Georgetown, Texas decorated for Christmas
Houston / Galveston Area Travel Ideas
This region offers a mix of big-city attractions in Houston and coastal charm on Galveston Island. The travel ideas texas provides here range from sprawling resorts with extensive amenities to beachfront escapes.
The Woodlands Resort | The Woodlands, TX
Located about 30 minutes north of downtown Houston, The Woodlands Resort is a large property featuring two championship golf courses, a Lazy River & Waterpark, tennis courts, hiking trails, bike rentals, a spa, and an arcade. It also offers unique activities like goat yoga. With three on-site restaurants and luxury cabanas, it provides a comprehensive resort experience close to a major metropolitan area.
Aerial view of The Woodlands Resort waterpark and pools
The San Luis Resort | Galveston, TX
Situated on 32 acres on Galveston Island, The San Luis Resort is a beachfront hotel and spa offering lavish accommodations and multiple pools, including private cabanas and poolside service. With several restaurants on-site, it provides a self-contained resort experience. Its location makes it a great base for exploring Galveston’s historic downtown area and enjoying the beach, adding a coastal city option to your travel ideas texas.
Margaritaville Lake Resort | Lake Conroe, TX
An hour north of Houston on Lake Conroe, Margaritaville Lake Resort offers a waterfront escape with tropical flair. Amenities include a 3.5-acre waterpark with pools, slides, a lazy river, splash pad, and a private beach. Water rentals like pedal boats, pontoon boats, and jet skis are available. The resort also features an 18-hole golf course, tennis, pickleball, mini-golf, multiple restaurants, bars, and poolside service. They offer traditional rooms and larger cottages. It promises a lively, fun-filled atmosphere on the lake.
Lake Conroe view from Margaritaville Lake Resort in Texas
Dallas / Fort Worth Area Travel Ideas
The Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex offers a diverse range of cultural attractions, entertainment, and accommodation options, blending cosmopolitan flair with Western heritage. For those seeking metropolitan travel ideas texas, this region provides numerous choices.
Gaylord Texan | Grapevine, TX
Located on Lake Grapevine, the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center is a massive property ideal for families. It features a ten-acre outdoor water park (open seasonally), an indoor pool, and four-and-a-half acres of stunning indoor garden atriums. The resort boasts four award-winning restaurants, bars, and a spa. The Gaylord is particularly famous for its impressive holiday events, including snow tubing, ICE sculpture experiences, and themed meals, making it a magical destination during festive seasons. Its scale and variety of attractions offer a comprehensive resort experience.
Great Wolf Lodge | Grapevine, TX
Also in Grapevine, Great Wolf Lodge is specifically designed for families, centering around an 80,000 sq. ft. indoor water park. This resort offers a wide range of kid-friendly activities, a kids’ spa, character meet-and-greets, various dining options, and large suites suitable for families. Like Kalahari, it’s a destination where you can easily spend your entire trip without leaving the property. They host special events for holidays like Halloween and Christmas.
Water slide tower inside the Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park, Grapevine TX
Other notable hotel options in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for families include the Western-themed Hotel Drover in Fort Worth and the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, which features the impressive JadeWaters resort pool complex. These offer more traditional hotel stays with family-friendly amenities within their respective cities.
Large resort pool complex at Hilton Anatole’s JadeWaters in Dallas
Texas offers a remarkable range of travel ideas texas for any traveler, from the rolling hills and historic towns to the sandy beaches and vibrant cities. Whether you’re seeking adventure on a dude ranch, relaxation at a luxury resort, or fun-filled days at a waterpark, the Lone Star State has something to offer. These destinations represent just a glimpse of the unique experiences waiting to be discovered. Start planning your Texas getaway today and explore the diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality that make this state a truly special place to visit.