• Home
  • popular
  • EVENTS
  • submit-new-event
  • CHARITY GUIDE
  • Children
  • Education
  • Health
  • Veterans
  • Social Services
  • Arts + Culture
  • Animals
  • LGBTQ
  • New Charity
  • TRENDING NEWS
  • News
  • City Life
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Home + Design
  • Travel
  • Real Estate
  • Restaurants + Bars
  • Arts
  • Society
  • Innovation
  • Fashion + Beauty
  • subscribe
  • about
  • series
  • Embracing Your Inner Cowboy
  • Green Living
  • Summer Fun
  • Real Estate Confidential
  • RX In the City
  • State of the Arts
  • Fall For Fashion
  • Cai's Odyssey
  • Comforts of Home
  • Good Eats
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2010
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2
  • Good Eats 2
  • HMNS Pirates
  • The Future of Houston
  • We Heart Hou 2
  • Music Inspires
  • True Grit
  • Hoops City
  • Green Living 2011
  • Cruizin for a Cure
  • Summer Fun 2011
  • Just Beat It
  • Real Estate 2011
  • Shelby on the Seine
  • Rx in the City 2011
  • Entrepreneur Video Series
  • Going Wild Zoo
  • State of the Arts 2011
  • Fall for Fashion 2011
  • Elaine Turner 2011
  • Comforts of Home 2011
  • King Tut
  • Chevy Girls
  • Good Eats 2011
  • Ready to Jingle
  • Houston at 175
  • The Love Month
  • Clifford on The Catwalk Htx
  • Let's Go Rodeo 2012
  • King's Harbor
  • FotoFest 2012
  • City Centre
  • Hidden Houston
  • Green Living 2012
  • Summer Fun 2012
  • Bookmark
  • 1987: The year that changed Houston
  • Best of Everything 2012
  • Real Estate 2012
  • Rx in the City 2012
  • Lost Pines Road Trip Houston
  • London Dreams
  • State of the Arts 2012
  • HTX Fall For Fashion 2012
  • HTX Good Eats 2012
  • HTX Contemporary Arts 2012
  • HCC 2012
  • Dine to Donate
  • Tasting Room
  • HTX Comforts of Home 2012
  • Charming Charlie
  • Asia Society
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2012
  • HTX Mistletoe on the go
  • HTX Sun and Ski
  • HTX Cars in Lifestyle
  • HTX New Beginnings
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2013
  • Zadok Sparkle into Spring
  • HTX Let's Go Rodeo 2013
  • HCC Passion for Fashion
  • BCAF 2013
  • HTX Best of 2013
  • HTX City Centre 2013
  • HTX Real Estate 2013
  • HTX France 2013
  • Driving in Style
  • HTX Island Time
  • HTX Super Season 2013
  • HTX Music Scene 2013
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2013 2
  • HTX Baker Institute
  • HTX Comforts of Home 2013
  • Mothers Day Gift Guide 2021 Houston
  • Staying Ahead of the Game
  • Wrangler Houston
  • First-time Homebuyers Guide Houston 2021
  • Visit Frisco Houston
  • promoted
  • eventdetail
  • Greystar Novel River Oaks
  • Thirdhome Go Houston
  • Dogfish Head Houston
  • LovBe Houston
  • Claire St Amant podcast Houston
  • The Listing Firm Houston
  • South Padre Houston
  • NextGen Real Estate Houston
  • Pioneer Houston
  • Collaborative for Children
  • Decorum
  • Bold Rock Cider
  • Nasher Houston
  • Houston Tastemaker Awards 2021
  • CityNorth
  • Urban Office
  • Villa Cotton
  • Luck Springs Houston
  • EightyTwo
  • Rectanglo.com
  • Silver Eagle Karbach
  • Mirador Group
  • Nirmanz
  • Bandera Houston
  • Milan Laser
  • Lafayette Travel
  • Highland Park Village Houston
  • Proximo Spirits
  • Douglas Elliman Harris Benson
  • Original ChopShop
  • Bordeaux Houston
  • Strike Marketing
  • Rice Village Gift Guide 2021
  • Downtown District
  • Broadstone Memorial Park
  • Gift Guide
  • Music Lane
  • Blue Circle Foods
  • Houston Tastemaker Awards 2022
  • True Rest
  • Lone Star Sports
  • Silver Eagle Hard Soda
  • Modelo recipes
  • Modelo Fighting Spirit
  • Athletic Brewing
  • Rodeo Houston
  • Silver Eagle Bud Light Next
  • Waco CVB
  • EnerGenie
  • HLSR Wine Committee
  • All Hands
  • El Paso
  • Avenida Houston
  • Visit Lubbock Houston
  • JW Marriott San Antonio
  • Silver Eagle Tupps
  • Space Center Houston
  • Central Market Houston
  • Boulevard Realty
  • Travel Texas Houston
  • Alliantgroup
  • Golf Live
  • DC Partners
  • Under the Influencer
  • Blossom Hotel
  • San Marcos Houston
  • Photo Essay: Holiday Gift Guide 2009
  • We Heart Hou
  • Walker House
  • HTX Good Eats 2013
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2013
  • HTX Culture Motive
  • HTX Auto Awards
  • HTX Ski Magic
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings 2014
  • HTX Texas Traveler
  • HTX Cifford on the Catwalk 2014
  • HTX United Way 2014
  • HTX Up to Speed
  • HTX Rodeo 2014
  • HTX City Centre 2014
  • HTX Dos Equis
  • HTX Tastemakers 2014
  • HTX Reliant
  • HTX Houston Symphony
  • HTX Trailblazers
  • HTX_RealEstateConfidential_2014
  • HTX_IW_Marks_FashionSeries
  • HTX_Green_Street
  • Dating 101
  • HTX_Clifford_on_the_Catwalk_2014
  • FIVE CultureMap 5th Birthday Bash
  • HTX Clifford on the Catwalk 2014 TEST
  • HTX Texans
  • Bergner and Johnson
  • HTX Good Eats 2014
  • United Way 2014-15_Single Promoted Articles
  • Holiday Pop Up Shop Houston
  • Where to Eat Houston
  • Copious Row Single Promoted Articles
  • HTX Ready to Jingle 2014
  • htx woodford reserve manhattans
  • Zadok Swiss Watches
  • HTX Wonderful Weddings 2015
  • HTX Charity Challenge 2015
  • United Way Helpline Promoted Article
  • Boulevard Realty
  • Fusion Academy Promoted Article
  • Clifford on the Catwalk Fall 2015
  • United Way Book Power Promoted Article
  • Jameson HTX
  • Primavera 2015
  • Promenade Place
  • Hotel Galvez
  • Tremont House
  • HTX Tastemakers 2015
  • HTX Digital Graffiti/Alys Beach
  • MD Anderson Breast Cancer Promoted Article
  • HTX RealEstateConfidential 2015
  • HTX Vargos on the Lake
  • Omni Hotel HTX
  • Undies for Everyone
  • Reliant Bright Ideas Houston
  • 2015 Houston Stylemaker
  • HTX Renewable You
  • Urban Flats Builder
  • Urban Flats Builder
  • HTX New York Fashion Week spring 2016
  • Kyrie Massage
  • Red Bull Flying Bach
  • Hotze Health and Wellness
  • ReadFest 2015
  • Alzheimer's Promoted Article
  • Formula 1 Giveaway
  • Professional Skin Treatments by NuMe Express

    time for a roadie!

    5 of the best road trips from Houston for a fun weekend getaway

    Jayme Lamm
    Sep 27, 2018 | 3:24 pm
    Austin Hyatt Regency exterior
    Austin's Hyatt Regency makes for a great Houston getaway.
    Photo courtesy of Austin Hyatt Regency

    Direct flights are a dime a dozen in Houston, but there’s just something about the adventure of the open road (to the tune of a good playlist) and a mid-trip stop at a country store. We’ve put the miles on our car and done our research to find five of the best road trips from Houston. This guide covers everything you need to make a solid road trip itinerary, find the best food, hotel options, festivals, and more. All you have to do is plug in the destination and fill up the gas tank.

     

     New Orleans
     From Houston: Approximately 350 miles; roughly a six-hour drive

     

     Highlights: Houstonians already know the drive to New Orleans is one of the best road trip ideas ever (but the drive back can be brutal, so plan ahead!). It’s such a favorite road trip option, you don’t even need a map (just jump on I-10 East and watch your speed). Now is the time to visit, as the city is celebrating its Tricentennial and has received a ton of national recognition in the past six months.

     

    In fact, The New York Times featured New Orleans as the No. 1 destination on its list of 52 Places to Go in 2018. The historic and modern charm of New Orleans is the ultimate setting for a romantic getaway, fun family vacation, or productive but enjoyable business trip. If you’re looking for a fun and fast way to see the city and cover a lot of ground, check out FreeWheelin’ Bike Tours, plus the city is completely flat, which makes for easy riding.

     

     Stay: Loews New Orleans
    At Loews New Orleans, you’ll find amenities and services that make you feel like you’ve just checked into an oasis of tranquility in a city that never stops; thankfully, it’s comfortable and convenient for if and when you choose to stop. And thanks to programs like Loews Loves Kids and Loews Loves Pets, everyone in the family is sure to have a great time. Start your trip with a boozy concoction from Bar Peters before stepping outside the hotel doors and into the heart and charm of The Big Easy.
     
     Don’t miss: The Country Club is one of the most enthusiastic and champagne-charged scenes in the city, hidden away in New Orleans’ charming Bywater neighborhood. Go for brunch, cocktails, or get a day pass for the pool and enjoy.

     

     Baton Rouge, Louisiana
     From Houston: 269 miles; roughly a four-hour drive

     

     Highlights: Influenced by the music and festival culture of New Orleans and the Cajun roots of Lafayette, Baton Rouge is Louisiana’s melting pot, and, thankfully, it’s a quick trip from Houston. The city is home to a unique, dynamic culture full of history, celebration, and amazing food. Experience the city’s immersive music and arts scene, as well as the expanding food scene, complete with Southern staples like Poor Boy Lloyds and modern spots like Venezuelan-Dutch restaurant Cocha and the ever-popular Magpie Café (go for breakfast or infused cocktails). Don’t miss the newly opened White Star Market — Baton Rouge’s first gourmet food hall — featuring everything from wood-fired pizzas to Asian street food.

     

     Stay: Watermark Hotel 
    What was once the headquarters of the Louisiana Trust & Savings Bank has been transformed into an art deco-inspired luxury boutique hotel. Paying homage to its former life, the interior of the hotel includes many of the original handpainted murals, marble walls, staircases, and old bank vaults of the Gatsby-era building. The hotel also houses elevated Southern restaurant The Gregory, a nod to the muralists behind the restaurant’s walls.

     

     Don’t miss: At Teddy’s Juke Joint on Highway 61 (known as the famed “Blues Highway”), you can experience Baton Rouge’s signature “Swamp Blues,” which heavily influenced bands in the British Invasion. If you have a special place in your heart for music and charm, this is your spot.

     

     Austin
     From Houston: Approximately 175 miles, roughly a three-hour drive
     
     Highlights: The Live Music Capital of the World has one of the most expansive event calendars in Texas, so there’s never a bad time for a visit. Take a paddleboard for a ride; go for a run in the super-fit city; pose at the photo-ops on nearly every corner; and indulge in some of the finest food at hot spots like Corner downtown (check out their craft tequila scene), Il Brutto for authentic Italian on East Sixth Street, the best food trailers, and more. After dinner, hit up Austin’s buzzing urban backyard party at Upstairs at Caroline and then catch one of the 250-plus music venues throughout the city.

     

     Stay: Hyatt Regency Austin
    Located on the shores of downtown Austin’s Lady Bird Lake, the Hyatt Regency Austin boasts an ideal location, with close access to Sixth Street entertainment, the Austin Convention Center, and South Congress Avenue. Don’t miss the Ultimate YETI Experience package, which includes drink vouchers at the neighboring YETI flagship store’s BARRR.

     

     Don’t miss: If you only have time for one food truck visit, don’t miss Gourdoughs Airstream on South First Street, and order Mama’s Cake (yellow cake batter filling with chocolate fudge icing). Afterward, burn some calories walking down the SoCo strip, or go for a dip in Barton Springs.

     

     Dallas
     From Houston: Approximately 251 miles, roughly a four-hour drive

     

     Highlights: Visits to the Dallas Museum of Art, Perot Museum, and Klyde Warren Park are musts, but don't leave without a trip to Reunion Tower, where the rotating dining room offers exceptional views of the city skyline and amazing food. If you have time, Dallas has easy access to multiple surrounding cities that include their own must-visit attractions, such as The Star in Frisco (Dallas Cowboys Headquarters), Epic Waters Waterpark in Grand Prairie (the largest indoor waterpark in the nation), and Legacy Food Hall (Plano's newest foodie hot spot).

     

     Stay: The Joule
    The high-end, revitalized 1920s neo-Gothic Joule features one of the best pools in the U.S. — an infinity pool that hangs off the hotel, overlooks the famous Eye sculpture, and provides a great view of the Dallas skyline. Nosh at CBD Provisions, the delicious hotel restaurant, and hit the uber-cool speakeasy, Midnight Rambler. And, of course, you can’t miss the world-class spa that guests (and some celebs) rave about.

     

     Don’t miss: Go where the locals go and visit Deep Ellum, where you'll find eclectic vibes at every stop, including murals, live music, rooftop bars, and one-of-a-kind restaurants.

     

     Driving tip: If you're in the mood to experience some countryside views (and don't mind adding a few miles to your drive), take Highway 290 to Highway 6 and cut over to I-45 via Highway 90. Along this 260-mile, four-hour drive, you'll take the backroads, see cows and small towns, and cut your amount of interstate driving in half (Highway 90 drops you off in Madisonville, about halfway to Dallas).

     

     San Antonio
     From Houston: Approximately 215 miles, roughly a three-hour drive

     

     Highlights: Known for the River Walk and the Alamo, San Antonio boasts many other attractions and a vibrant, cutting-edge arts scene. Ready to get spooked? Plan your visit around Texas' largest Day of the Dead festival, October 20 through November 3. This year will be even more special as the city hosts more than 20 official Dia de los Muertos events, part of its larger year-long Tricentennial celebration.

     

     Stay: Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa
    Located about 20-minutes from downtown San Antonio, this beautiful resort has everything from a five-acre water park, with a lazy river designed after the Guadalupe River, to 27 holes of championship golf at Hill Country Golf Club and signature treatments at the Windflower spa. With easy access to famous attractions like the River Walk, guests can easily take advantage of everything the city has to offer.

     

     Don’t miss: Road trippers should take some time to explore the great microbreweries in the area, like Ranger Creek Brewing, Freetail Brewing Co., and Alamo Beer Company.

     
    hotelstexasvacation
    news/travel

    2025 world's best awards

    6 Houston hotels ranked with the best in the world by Travel + Leisure

    Amber Heckler
    Jul 8, 2025 | 2:30 pm
    The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
    Photo courtesy of The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
    The Houstonian is back on top as the best resort in Texas.

    Several renowned Houston hotels and resorts were just declared the best in the world by Travel + Leisure readers, according to the publication's annual World's Best Awards.

    The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa was honored as the No. 1 best resort in Texas, while the prestigious Post Oak Hotel ranked as the No. 7 best hotel in the nation. Among T+L's list of the 15 best hotels in Texas, four more distinguished Houston properties made the cut.

    Every year, Travel + Leisure surveys its readers to determine the ultimate travel experiences around the world, which include the top hotels, resorts, travel destinations, and more. The 2025 survey had more than 180,000 responses from T+L readers with over 657,000 votes across 8,700 accommodations, cruise lines, and other properties.

    The Houstonian Hotel reclaimed the top spot for 2025 after previously slipping into No. 4 in 2024. The publication celebrated this "serene sanctuary" for its numerous sports and fitness activities, plus its rejuvenating 26,500-square-foot spa, pool, and jacuzzi. The resort's location next to Memorial Park also provides guests with the feeling that they've escaped the hustle and bustle of the city.

     The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa “The staff treats you like you are a long-awaited family member," said a T+L reader.Photo courtesy of The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa

    "Resort guests receive complimentary access to the fitness club, which has dedicated spaces for a myriad of sports, including nine tennis courts, a shaded jogging trail, an indoor track, and a lap pool," the report said. "On top of the unbeatable facilities and location, the Houstonian’s memorable hospitality had our voters eager for repeat visits."

    In a press release, general manager Steve Fronterhouse said the entire Houstonian team was honored to receive the worldwide recognition.

    "To be named the best resort in Texas by the discerning readers of Travel + Leisure is not just a reflection of our 27 acres and amenities; it’s recognition of the Southern hospitality and warmth our staff delivers every day," he said. "We are grateful to all of our guests who continue to make The Houstonian their home away from home.”

    The full list of best Texas resorts, in order, are:

    • The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, Houston
    • Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa, Frisco
    • JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, San Antonio
    • Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin
    • Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine
    Best hotels in the U.S.
    In addition to being ranked among the top 10 best hotels in the U.S., The Post Oak Hotel was also hailed as the No. 1 best hotel in Houston. The hotel succeeds at providing guests with a flawless level of service and accommodations, while its on-site restaurants and bars add to the overall opulence of the property's amenities.

    "And naturally, there's a world-class spa on site and a Rolls‑Royce showroom in case you need to pick up a new ride," the report said.

     The Post Oak Hotel Stay in style at The Post Oak Hotel.  Photo courtesy of The Post Oak Hotel  

    A T+L reader said The Spa at The Post Oak Hotel is "a destination in itself" and noted that guests could still have a memorable experience in Houston even if they never step foot off the 700,000-square-foot premises. But if guests did choose to explore everything the city has to offer, the hotel provides an over-the-top travel method.

    "There is a rooftop helipad so that you don't even have to sit in Houston traffic if you don't want to," the reader said.

    The full list of Houston winning hotels, in order, are:

    • No. 1 – The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
    • No. 2 – Hotel ZaZa
    • No. 3 – Four Seasons Hotel Houston
    • No. 4 – JW Marriott Houston Downtown
    • No. 5 – Hilton Americas-Housto

    Other Texas awards
    San Antonio's Hotel Emma and Fort Worth's Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection were the only two other Texas properties to earn acclaim in T+L's list of the "15 Best City Hotels in the U.S."

    San Antonio was also deemed one of the best U.S. travel destinations in 2025, ranking 12th out of 15 total cities.

    In a release, Travel + Leisure editor in chief Jacqui Gifford said the 2025 World's Best Awards "reflect a travel landscape in motion."

    "From a high-desert city in the American Southwest to a quiet Greek island, our readers are seeking depth, character, and a strong sense of place," Gifford said. "We're thrilled to honor the hotels, destinations, and travel companies that are delivering those transformative experiences."

    travel leisurehoustonhotelsresortstravelvacations
    news/travel
    Loading...