One of my favorite parts about Austin is that it is nestled in the heart of Texas and only a few hours away from endless adventure! Whether you are looking for a luxurious resort, a beach getaway, wildlife encounters, or to have fun in a new city this summer – Texas has just about everything you need for a quick family staycation. With endless choices, I’ve rounded up the top Staycation Spots in the Lone Star State!
Alongside the banks of the Colorado River (less than an hour away from Austin), Hyatt Regency Lost Pines offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy horseback riding, golf, a lazy river pool, and nature trails, making it an ideal getaway for families seeking both serenity and excitement.
Discover America’s largest indoor waterpark at Kalahari Resorts (just 15 minutes up 35). With thrilling water slides, a lazy river, and an exciting arcade, this resort is a paradise for water lovers and adventure seekers alike. With close proximity to Austin, you can either stay in the family suites or go to the park just for the day.
A few hours north in the DFW area you can find yourself in the heart of the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Hotel Drover is an unbelievably beautiful hotel where you can enjoy western-inspired decor, upscale dining, and nearby attractions like the Stockyards Championship Rodeo and the Fort Worth Zoo.
Not far down the road in the DFW area, step into a world of fun at Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine. From water slides and pools to interactive games and themed activities like MagiQuest, every moment at Great Wolf Lodge promises family-friendly excitement. If that’s not enough to keep you entertained, Grapevine is about half way between Dallas and Fort Worth. Both of which have plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to offer for the whole fam.
For a unique staycation experience, visit The Exotic Resort Zoo in Johnson City. This place is seriously so CUTE and looks to be both a kid and adult dream! Stay in safari-style cabins and enjoy up-close encounters with exotic animals on guided tours. It’s an unforgettable adventure for animal lovers of all ages.
A few hours East on 290 (North of Houston) you can escape to paradise at Margaritaville in Conroe, where island-inspired vibes meet Texas hospitality. Relax by the pool, dine at waterfront restaurants, and enjoy activities like paddleboarding and live music, creating the ultimate laid-back getaway for families.
This beachfront community is so charming and offers resort like amenities with direct access to the beach. As a Texas native, I grew up visiting Port A – and I promise you this Texas beach will definitely not disappoint. The homes in cinnamon shores are perfect for groups and larger families who appreciate vacation rentals over small hotel rooms.
Just south of Houston – you can find yourself at Moody Gardens in Galveston, TX. Here, you can explore the Aquarium and Rainforest Pyramid, and enjoy a spa treatment or round of golf, all within this tropical oasis on the Gulf. The nearby Pleasure Pier also offers a classic amusement park fun that is so special for littles (and adults like me!). Galveston is right outside of Houston – so definitely try to make a pitstop at NASA or one of the endless of options of amazing restaurants H town has to offer.
Although only an hour south of Austin, San Antonio feels to me like a whole other world. The food, the people, and history this city has to offer are a few reasons to not count this city off of your list for family staycations. The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is one of many highly rated hotels San Antonio has to offer – which has beautiful scenery and world-class amenities including a lazy river, two golf courses, and a rejuvenating spa. Nearby attractions like Six Flags, the Alamo, and the Riverwalk ensure endless entertainment for the entire fam.
If you want an adventure a little farther away, head to Lajitas in West Texas. Here you can enjoy golf, horseback riding, stargazing, and river rafting along the Rio Grande. It’s a picturesque retreat where adventure and relaxation come together seamlessly, ideal for families looking to explore the natural wonders of Texas.
