From luxury resorts, family-friendly locations, RV resorts and more, Texas has it all. If you can withstand the summer heat, the Lone Star State is a great option for a summer vacation, whether you’re traveling alone, with your partner, or with the family.
So if you want to book a trip to see the vast blue skies, enjoy some delicious barbecue and experience a little Southern hospitality, here are some of the best options to visit this summer.
Horseshoe Bay Resort – Best Golf and Luxury Resort
As one of the nation’s largest golf resorts, located on over 25,000 acres of scenic Texas Hill Country, Horseshoe Bay Resort is located on the shores of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson. Located a 45-minute drive from Austin, the resort features four championship golf courses and the 18-hole Whitewater Putting Course on natural grass.
It is one of the few waterfront resorts in Texas and the property recently invested more than $350 million in renovations and new construction of the entire property. With plans to have the Horseshoe Bay Resort Golf Academy operational in fall 2024, it will become the region’s new state-of-the-art teaching academy. It offers a captivating dining experience with 20 miles of panoramic views and unique vistas. It is even home to a 6,000-foot lighted runway that can handle all personal and business aircraft.
Margaritaville South Padre Island – #1 Beach Resort
With a prime oceanfront location overlooking the Gulf Coast, Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island offers travelers a tropical twist on Texas tourism. Travelers can enjoy first-class accommodation, an assortment of dining options, poolside bliss and relax with indulgent treatments at their spa. With the “Summerzcool” packages, guests can set their clocks to island time and immerse themselves beneath the swaying palms along the Gulf of Mexico. With the “Summerzcool” package, the longer they stay, the more they save. A three-night stay will save you 15%, while a stay of four or more nights will reward guests with a 20% discount.
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country – for water activities with kids
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is nestled among 600 acres of oak-covered hills in the Texas Hill Country. Near wineries, SeaWorld, shopping at La Cantera, Natural Bridge Caverns and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, the resort is home to River Bluff Water Experience, a 3-acre water park with a 1,100-foot lazy river. With 1,002 rooms, a world-class spa, a 36-hole PGA TOUR golf course and seven dining options, this country retreat combines tranquility and sophistication. It’s true that everything is bigger in Texas, as the property is one of the largest JW Marriott resorts in the world.
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort – Best Family SPA Resort
Just 20 minutes from the Riverwalk in downtown San Antonio Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa is a secluded resort and spa in the Hill Country. Located on 300 acres in San Antonio next to SeaWorld, the newly renovated property features a 5-acre water park and golf club and is home to 500 guest rooms.
The property has a luxurious, ranch-inspired aesthetic and reflects the peaceful charm and hospitality of the Texas Hill Country. It is home to a spa with 21 treatment rooms, numerous culinary experiences and other amenities.
Margaritaville Lake Resort – Best Lake Resort and great for kids
Near the shores of Lake Conroe, just an hour’s drive north of Houston, Margaritaville Lake Resort features an 18-hole golf course, 303 luxury suites and 32 waterfront cottages. Ideal for all types of travelers, whether you are on a family vacation, a romantic retreat, a friends trip or simply looking for fun, the resort is the perfect blend of lake and island atmosphere.
Guests who book the resort With the “Stay and Play” package you can enjoy overnight stays in a suite, with a private furnished balcony or terrace and two rounds of golf per day. The package also includes access to a variety of other fun amenities such as Jolly Mon Water Park, their private beach, Fins Up Fitness Center, Parrot Island Mini Golf, Tennis, Pickleball and much more.
Marriott Marquis – Best Summer Pool and Rooftop Parties
In the heart of downtown Houston is the Marriott Marquis Houston features 1,000 rooms and more than 150,000 square feet of meeting space, including Houston’s largest ballroom. Along with their full-service spa and fitness center and six food and beverage options, the hotel’s Altitude Rooftop & Pool is home to the famous, uniquely Texas-shaped rooftop lazy river.
The hotel has announced a slate Programming “Summer Increased”. with poolside events including their weekend DJ series, rooftop concerts under the stars (June 13: Sinatra, June 27: Queen of Tejano, July: 18 ABBA and August 10: Taylor Swift Tribute) along with their Full Moon Soiree. Guests will dance amid the moonglow on May 23, June 21, July 21 and August 19 alongside live music, karaoke and a ‘Bites of the Moon’ tasting.
Gulf Waters Beach Front – for RV enthusiasts
Gulf Waters beachfront RV Resort is the first luxury RV resort on Mustang Island in Port Aransas, TX, a 40-minute drive from Corpus Christi, TX. With 158 uniquely designed RV sites, visitors can rent a site daily, weekly or monthly and own a piece of paradise on Mustang Island.
All sites have level concrete camper pads, parking for your tow vehicle, a picnic area, 30/50 amp power, water, sewerage and free TV and WiFi. Along the 600 feet of beach on the Gulf of Mexico, the resort features a large heated pool, Jacuzzi spa, and activity center with many scheduled events.
