2026 Texas Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

Tired of the same old island vacations? Looking for a vibrant seaside town that's off the beaten path? Today, we're sharing a hidden gem in Texas - Kemah Sign, a small town that promises a unique seaside vacation experience! Itinerary Originally, we planned to visit Galveston Island, but on the way, we realized that while the beach is beautiful, the activities are limited, and the scenery is similar to Corpus Christi's Padre Island. So, we changed our plans and headed straight to Kemah, a small town by Galveston Bay. It turned out to be a wise decision! Transportation Driving to Kemah is convenient, with scenic views along the way and the flexibility to change routes as you please. The town has convenient transportation and plenty of parking, although it's paid. We recommend arriving early, as there were still many cars waiting for parking spaces when we left, showing how popular it is. Must-visit attractions 🎡 Amusement Park: The first thing you'll see by the sea is a fun-filled amusement park. Here, I saw a wooden roller coaster for the first time in my life. The thrill of the ride was exhilarating, but it was too fast to take photos. Besides the roller coaster, there are various family-friendly rides, ensuring fun for both kids and adults. 🏖 Beach Walk: Stroll along the coastline, feel the sea breeze, and listen to the waves. It's so relaxing. Many people sunbathe and play beach volleyball, enjoying a leisurely afternoon. 🍷 Beach Bar: After a day of fun, head to a beach bar, order a cocktail, and enjoy the stunning bay views. Relax and unwind. Food recommendations The town offers a variety of restaurants, from seafood feasts to American BBQ. We recommend trying the local seafood, with fresh shrimp, crab, and shellfish cooked to perfection. There's also a Mexican restaurant with delicious tacos and grilled meats. Accommodation options If you want to stay overnight, there are various options. Beachfront hotels offer beautiful bay views from your room, while B&Bs provide a local experience at a more affordable price. We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment during holidays. Tips 1. The town is crowded during holidays, so plan your trip, especially parking and dining. 2. The sun is strong by the sea, so bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sun hat. 3. Some amusement park rides have height and age restrictions, so check if you're bringing kids. Kemah is a vibrant and fun seaside destination, perfect for family trips, romantic getaways, or solo adventures. Add it to your travel list, and you'll fall in love with this hidden gem!

The Texas Ski Ranch is a prime spot for water activities and has a reputation for being one of the world’s greatest locations for such sports. The outdoor sports complex covers 70 acres of ground set on a man-made lake perfect for people of all ages. At Texas Ski Ranch, a wide range of sports in the water are offered. You can go boating, wakeboarding, or water skiing as intensely as you like. There are also other sports, like skateboarding, paintball, skating, snowboarding, and even a trampoline park. Private lessons are offered throughout the year for grown-ups and kids alike, so you’ll always get the chance to learn. An immensely exciting location and one of the city’s key points of interest, the Texas Ski Ranch also boasts Loki’s Axe Haus, where you can throw axes, and the Ironsides Craft Bar for delicious beer. There’s even a beach near the edge of the water that is a great way to take some steam off when you’re done with all that excitement! Address: 6700 I-35, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States #beaches

If you’re looking for things to see that take you back in time, check out the Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theatre, which is the best way to get a blast from the past in New Braunfels! It’s a family-owned establishment that is open all throughout the year, showcasing three different films across three gigantic screens every Friday to Sunday night. At the Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theatre, you’ll get to buy double feature tickets so you can view two films at one price. If you need something heavier to eat, a 50s-style cafe provides affordable snacks and small meals to fill your tummy while maintaining the aesthetic of yesteryears. Address: 1178 Kroesche Ln, New Braunfels, TX 78130, United States

The South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is an absolute haven for nature lovers. It is a small and peaceful park cemented among Corpus Christi attractions, approximately 15 miles from the downtown area. With 180 acres to its name, it boasts nature trails packed with different flora in the form of shrubs, trees, herbs, cacti, and grasses. There are even fauna, such as coyotes and deer, roaming around! At the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, you’ll be able to visit many different gardens and areas filled with various flowers. There’s a plumeria garden, a sensory garden, an orchid conservatory, a rose garden, a hibiscus garden, and an exotic Exhibit House. There’s even a hummingbird garden, a playground for kids, and the opportunity to get up-close and personal with reptiles and birds. Established in the year 1987, this Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is a Corpus Christi educational and recreational resource. Throughout the year, many different events are held for guests, ranging from garden shows to fantastic sales. It’s a lovely location that’s family-friendly and relaxing! Address: 8545 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78413, United States

The USS Lexington was commissioned in the year 1943 and became a large part of World War II’s Pacific theater. It was a key player at Pearl Harbor in the 5th Fleet, where it served as a carrier for combat aircraft. Its dark blue color, which afforded it impressive camouflage that tricked Japanese forces, earned it a special nickname: The Blue Ghost. Today, the USS Lexington has more than earned its retirement after its prolific career – something it has found in the bay of Corpus Christi since 1992. Here, it is a museum that educates visitors on the history and function of naval battles and aviation, as well as showcasing its own tale and legacy. In addition, it hosts a flight simulator, a special escape room, a 3D movie, and virtual battle stations! The USS Lexington has five different routes to take on a self-guided tour, so there’s no shortage of what to do when it comes to ways to explore its 1,000 square-foot interiors. You’ll get to see the crew quarters, the flight and hangar decks, the command central, the forecastle, and even multiple different vintage aircraft. Special tours, like paranormal hunt tours or camping overnight tours, give you access to even more parts of the ship. Address: 2914 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, United States

Houndstooth takes their coffee very seriously yet still manages to be a warm and welcoming place to spend a couple hours. There’s three locations in Dallas, but swing by the Sylvan Thirty joint to discover industrial design touches and the secret speakeasy bar, Jettison. #café

Secret watering holes are a Texas staple, and they don’t get more iconic than this turquoise pond in a box canyon, encircled by a natural stone grotto and fed by a 50-foot waterfall. (Fittingly, it’s actually located in the town of “Dripping Springs,” a 40-minute drive from Austin.) Keep an eye out for pink and yellow chatterbox orchids and golden-cheeked warblers in the surrounding 30,428-acre preserve, and check the website ahead of time if you want to swim—recent falling rocks have caused local authorities to shutter the pool aspect for the current season (we blame 2020). #summervacation#beachvacation#hikingtrails#hotelstay#urbanexplorer

The Galleria is visited by 26 million shoppers each year making it one of the most visited destinations in Houston area. The mall consists over 400 shops and restaurants, two high rise hotels, and three office buildings. The shopping opportunities are unlimited at world class stores - Neiman Marcus, two Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom. Highly recommended to families and friends for a fun weekend hangout! 🥳 #summervacation#hotelstay#urbanexplorer

Pennybacker Bridge is really pretty 🎉

on my way to Houston with my flight ticket from trip be tripping on a budget no complaints about that. enjoy my stays I book on this hotel site really do get my stays and tickets on a budget. all worth the experiences I get to experience #tripaway

This Tomball route combines family-friendly play with food and independent shopping. Start with a generous barbecue spread at Tejas Chocolate + BBQ, then explore the western-themed building at Once Upon a Cowboy. The Book Attic offers a quieter change of pace with a reading chair tucked between long shelves. Continue through Tomball Farmers Market to look for Texas-made products such as local wine, and finish by browsing the spacious interior of The Shabby Heart Boutique. Confirm current operating hours and age requirements before visiting the play venue, and check the farmers market schedule because it may not run every day. Leave room in the itinerary for browsing, since the bookshop, market, and boutique are not quick in-and-out stops. #travel#thingstodo#myitinerary#localfood

I've put together the expenses for our 9-day, 8-night trip! ✈️ This time, we focused on the Grand Circle, enjoying the World Cup! We saved money by using Airbnb and accommodations with kitchens, shopping at supermarkets, and bringing food from Japan. 🍜 For transportation, we checked gas stations on Google Maps and refueled at the cheapest ones possible. ⛽️ Sharing a rental car and other transportation among five people was a huge plus! On the other hand, we splurged a little on "The View Hotel," a place I'd always wanted to stay. ✨ We enjoyed ourselves where we could, and saved money where we could. Even during the World Cup, we managed to keep costs down surprisingly well with a little ingenuity! 🇺🇸✈️ I've summarized how to bring food into the US and important points to keep in mind in a separate post, so please check that out too! ✨ #USAtravel #UStravelexpenses #WorldCup2026 #GrandCircle #overseastravelsavings #budgettravel #GrandCanyon #MonumentValley #LasVegas #overseastravelpreparation

My experience with Bunda Tika in Bali was truly unforgettable. From the moment I met her, I felt welcomed, safe, and at peace. She has such a calming presence and a genuine heart for helping others. During my time in Bali, I was already falling in love with the beauty, culture, and peaceful energy of the island, and my experience with Bunda Tika made it even more meaningful. She created a space where I felt comfortable reflecting, healing, and reconnecting with myself. Whether you’re looking for guidance, encouragement, or simply a peaceful experience while visiting Bali, I highly recommend connecting with her. Thank you, Bunda Tika, for your kindness, wisdom, and the beautiful energy you shared. I will always remember my time in Bali with gratitude and hope to visit again one day. My reading was thoughtful, uplifting, and gave me a lot to reflect on. It was an experience I’ll always remember. Sending you love from Texas. 🤍

Hotel Therese is a delightful gem in Paris. The staff were some of the kindest, friendliest, and most accommodating people I’ve ever met outside of Texas! The rooms were spotless and featured high-quality linens. Although we experienced a few mishaps that could have derailed our trip (our own fault), the staff went above and beyond to resolve everything. We were incredibly thankful and truly enjoyed our stay at Hotel Therese.

My partner booked this spot for my 50th while we were on a family vacation. It was advertised as a wine tasting...😂. We got there just before 7 pm, and there were already a few people there, about 15 or so, with more arriving later. Once we sat down, Miguel came right over with glasses of rosé, warmly welcoming us and asking about where we were from and who we were. We even chatted with some lovely folks from Texas while waiting for the tasting and tour to begin. When everyone had arrived, Miguel took us to the vineyard and gave an excellent explanation of the wine they produce, the reasons for their wine-making methods, and their organic practices. Miguel was so friendly, funny, and personable—it really added to the experience. After about ten minutes in the sun, we headed to the house where Miguel was born to begin the tasting. His wife explained the wines, and it did not disappoint. We tried white, rosé, and red wines, and they just kept coming! The wines were outstanding, and the food was equally incredible. They served freshly baked bread with the farm’s olive oil and local salt, alongside meats, olives, and cheese. The highlight was an amazing seafood paella, followed by a delightful homemade Ensaimada for dessert. We drank plenty of wine, enjoyed delicious food, and were treated so kindly by the staff. Miguel even gave me a personal tour of the beautiful house he’s renovating—it was such a thoughtful gesture. Miguel is not just a great host but a truly wonderful person. I’d highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Majorca.

Daniel was an incredible guide, impressively revealing hidden treasures of Paris. The tour was both enjoyable and educational. Upon discovering I was from Texas, he promptly took us to the location of the former Embassy of the Republic of Texas, which I greatly appreciated since I’d planned to search for it myself. The bikes were ideal, and Daniel ensured everyone was well-acquainted with the ebikes. Thanks so much, Daniel!

#footballmatchfoodmap Ready for a Texas touchdown? Arlington is home to AT&T Stadium, a must-see for sports fans and anyone who loves jaw-dropping architecture! Whether you’re here for a game, concert, or just want to tour the massive home field of the Dallas Cowboys, this spot is a blast. Must-See Place: AT&T Stadium Address: 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011, United States This isn’t just any sports venue—inside you’ll find one of the world’s largest HD video screens and stadium art installations to explore. Pro tip: If you’re not seeing a game, book the behind-the-scenes tour to step right onto the field, peek inside locker rooms, and snap those envy-worthy photos! The staff are super friendly and know all the trivia if you ask. How to get around: Arlington isn’t big on public transit, so rideshare or parking at the stadium is key, especially on event days (lots can fill up fast, so pre-book your spot if possible!). Where to eat: Don’t miss stadium classics like brisket nachos or the local BBQ stands inside—everything’s bigger and tastier in Texas! Head over to Texas Live! (across the street) for post-game eats and drinks. Quick tips: Bring a small clear bag for events (big bags aren’t allowed). Summer games? Hydrate and dress light—it gets HOT. Tickets often go fast, so snag yours early on trip.com. #arlingtonstadium #texastravel #sportsbucketlist

Houston was full of surprises! Beyond NASA and the skyline, I found beautiful parks, great food, and so many fun places to explore. 🚀 NASA Space Center Houston I've visited five times, and every trip feels different! The Saturn V Rocket, moon rocks, and changing exhibits never get old. 🚀 🌊 Waterwall Park One of Houston's most iconic photo spots! Just note that the waterfall may be turned off during dry periods to conserve water—hopefully you'll catch it flowing! 💦 🌳 Museum District, Hermann Park & Houston Zoo These are all close together, so I recommend spending a full day here. Walk around Rice University, relax in Hermann Park, visit the zoo or Museum of Fine Arts, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at Miller Outdoor Theatre. 💚 🥩 Taste of Texas A must for steak lovers! Great steak, a famous salad bar, and a true Texas dining experience. 🤠 🎉 Annual Events 🤠 March - Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo** Rodeo, BBQ, concerts, carnival rides, and all things Texas! 🏰 November — Texas Renaissance Festival** A magical medieval village filled with castles, costumes, jousting, and live performances. Such a fun day trip! 💡 My Tip Rent a car! Houston is huge, and driving makes exploring so much easier. ❤️ Houston surprised me in the best way space, food, nature, and unforgettable memories all in one city! #houston #texas #spacecenterhouston #nasa #waterwallpark #museumdistrict #hermannpark #houstonzoo #tasteoftexas #houstontravel #tripmoments

Cameron Ranch Glamping has enough variety for a getaway that feels both design-focused and connected to nature. The mirrored side of the cabin creates a striking first impression, while the wooden exterior keeps the space warm and inviting. Inside, the record-player station is a fun detail that encourages a slower evening in the cabin. The elevated view of the deck shows how the fire pit fits into the larger outdoor setup instead of standing alone as a decorative feature. Nearby, the wellness area has broad steps and multiple places to sit and unwind among the trees. This mix is helpful for understanding the full stay because it shows the architecture, interior personality, outdoor gathering space, and wellness area rather than repeating five views of one feature. #CameronRanch #MirrorCabin #TexasGlamping #CabinDesign #ColdspringTexas #travel2026#couplestrip#staycation#naturalwonders

One of the most interesting parts of Cameron Ranch Glamping is how the Mirror House changes with the light and reflects the trees around it. From the back of the cabin, the deck and fire-pit area become part of that reflection, creating a view that feels different throughout the day. Inside, the bed, television, and glass walls show how the room balances comfort with the outdoor setting. The bathroom is compact but thoughtfully arranged for a private cabin stay. A separate wellness deck adds more room to relax, including an elevated view of the sauna area and an outdoor soaking tub. Together, these spaces make the property feel like more than a place to sleep. It is a comfortable base for a slow, scenic Texas escape focused on privacy and relaxation. #TexasGlamping #MirrorHouse #CameronRanch #PrivateGetaway #TexasTravel #travel2026#couplestrip#staycation#naturalwonders

The experience at Cameron Ranch Glamping starts with a quiet country arrival and continues into a modern cabin stay surrounded by trees. The entrance sign helps set the scene before the path leads to the Mirror House, where the wooden side and glass front give the property a warm contrast to its reflective walls. Inside, the broad room layout has space to settle in comfortably rather than feeling like a tiny sleeping pod. Outdoors, the grill makes it easy to prepare dinner and enjoy more time on the property. The sauna feels especially atmospheric after dark, giving the day a memorable finish. This would be a good Texas getaway for travelers who enjoy having several experiences in one stay, including distinctive architecture, a cozy room, outdoor cooking, and nighttime wellness. #CameronRanchGlamping #TexasRoadTrip #MirrorCabin #ColdspringTexas #GlampingLife #travel2026#couplestrip#staycation#naturalwonders

A stay at Cameron Ranch Glamping can easily become a full day of relaxing without needing a complicated schedule. The mirrored back of the cabin reflects the surrounding trees and makes the outdoor space feel connected to the landscape. Inside, the welcome and record-player area adds personality to the room before you head back outdoors. The sauna is bright during the day, and the soaking tub creates another peaceful place to unwind with a book. Later, the fire pit gives the evening a natural gathering point and a reason to stay outside after sunset. This combination works especially well for a couples getaway because each part of the stay feels distinct, from the modern cabin interior to the wellness experience and the quiet wooded deck. #GlampingTexas #SaunaGetaway #CameronRanch #TexasWeekend #OutdoorWellness #travel2026#couplestrip#staycation#naturalwonders

The Mirror House at Cameron Ranch Glamping offers a comfortable mix of modern design and a wooded Texas setting. Arriving along the path, the reflective exterior gives the cabin a completely different look from a traditional rustic stay. Inside, the kitchenette is practical for snacks and simple meals, while the bed faces large windows that keep the trees visible even when you are relaxing indoors. The bathroom continues that indoor-outdoor feeling with a glass shower framed by the forest. Outside, the wellness deck has a table where you can sit near the water before or after using the spa amenities. I would recommend this stay for a quiet couples trip when you want distinctive architecture, private downtime, and several ways to enjoy the scenery without leaving the property. #MirrorHouse #TexasCabin #CameronRanchGlamping #Coldspring #WeekendGetaway #travel2026#couplestrip#staycation#naturalwonders

Cameron Ranch Glamping is a peaceful option for a nature-focused getaway near Coldspring, Texas. The mirrored cabin blends into the trees, while the pond view makes the setting feel especially calm in the morning. Inside, the dining area gives you a comfortable place to slow down between outdoor activities. The deck and fire pit are ideal for an easy evening outside, and the separate wellness area adds a sauna and soaking-tub experience surrounded by woods. I also liked that the walking path gives the stay more variety than simply spending the entire visit inside the cabin. This is a great choice for couples who want a quiet Texas escape with modern comforts, reflective architecture, outdoor relaxation, and plenty of scenery without a packed itinerary. #TexasGlamping #CameronRanch #ColdspringTexas #CabinGetaway #TexasTravel #travel2026#couplestrip#staycation#naturalwonders

My husband and I recently visited Palafitos to celebrate our 20th anniversary. We stayed in an elite, ocean-facing bungalow, and I can confidently say it was the BEST vacation I’ve ever been on! Coming from Texas, we wanted a bungalow experience without traveling across the globe. While we were familiar with El Dorado resorts, this was our first time at the Palafitos section. Initially, we debated between the slightly cheaper beach-facing bungalows and the ocean-facing ones. I’m so glad we splurged for the ocean view! It offered unmatched privacy, and waking up to the ocean sunrise each morning was magical. The porch, private pool, and lower deck area were outstanding—it was amazing to walk directly into the ocean or take a dip in the pool whenever we wanted. The room exceeded our expectations, with incredible features like glass floors where we spent hours watching fish. There were even glass panels in the bathroom and indoor shower, and the outdoor shower was a delightful touch too. The bed was very comfortable, and the provided pillow menu allowed us to choose our preferred type of pillow. Housekeeping kept the room immaculate daily, and everything we needed was restocked without fail. While the accommodations were a definite 10/10, the service was even better! Our butler, Yassir, was phenomenal. He took care of all our needs and made helpful suggestions for excursions. His kindness and attentiveness truly stood out—I'd request Yassir again in a heartbeat! Alberto, who drove us around the El Dorado section, was also fantastic. He was so funny and clearly passionate about helping guests. We really cherished getting to know him and will miss his humor. Throughout our stay, every single staff member we interacted with was kind and helpful—there wasn’t a single negative experience. I cannot recommend this place enough. Book this trip! My husband and I had a truly dream-worthy vacation, and nothing went wrong. We loved every moment and were heartbroken to leave. We will absolutely be back!

Goda was absolutely amazing! He was prompt with all of his service, very friendly, and incredibly kind. I even watched how he handled a guest who seemed to be having a bit of an attitude for some reason. Goda managed to calm him down and reassure him that he would get what he needed. When I found out he was Egyptian, I asked if fresh mango juice was served here like it is in Egypt. He said he would check and promised to ensure I got some mango juice no matter what—and he delivered! He made sure I was taken care of throughout my entire morning. He is truly excellent. Please take care of him! My husband and I will definitely be back! Love from Texas, Kindry Khattab

The overall experience at Universal Studios, combined with our stay at the Hilton hotel, was truly outstanding. We had family visiting from Texas, and they thoroughly enjoyed our time together as well as the incredible accommodations at the Hilton. We live in San Diego and often visit Universal Studios, and Hilton at Universal Studios is by far our favorite hotel. We've also stayed at Hilton hotels in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and other locations, but this one remains unmatched.

Step into Serenity at San Antonio’s Japanese Tea Garden 🍵🏯 Find an unexpected oasis right in the heart of San Antonio—lush, tranquil, and oh-so-photogenic! The Japanese Tea Garden blends winding stone walkways, vibrant koi ponds, and arched bridges, letting you soak up peaceful vibes and a real taste of Asia in Texas. Here’s how to make the most of your visit: 🗺️ Start at the stone pavilion near the entrance for sweeping views of the koi ponds below—this is your classic “insta-worthy” shot, especially in the morning light. Stroll the looping paths, taking in the blooming lilies, bamboo, and waterfalls (another great photo op: stand on the main stone bridge with the waterfall in the background). 🌸 Must-dos: Pause in the pagoda for a moment of true zen, listen to the bubbling brooks, and watch the radiant koi glide gracefully by. If you need a snack break, stop by the on-site Jingu House Café for tea and light bites—the iced matcha is especially refreshing! 🕰️ Practical tips: The garden opens at 7 AM, so arrive early for quieter moments and softer lighting—perfect for photos and reflection. Paths are mostly easy, but there are a few rocky spots; comfy shoes recommended. Parking is free close by, but it can fill up on weekends. ⚠️ Precautions: Keep an eye on young kids by the ponds and bridges, as railings are low. Texas sun gets intense—bring a hat and sunscreen. #SanAntonio #JapaneseTeaGarden #UrbanOasis #TravelTips #PhotoSpots