• 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

    life's a beach

    Gulf Coast getaways from Galveston to Padre beckon with a perfect Labor Day weekend escape

    Steven Devadanam
    Gabi De la Rosa
    Aug 30, 2023 | 5:55 am

    Labor Day weekend offers the perfect three-day respite before the full reality of back to school and the fall fury gets underway. Here in the Greater Houston area, that means a beachy getaway is a short drive away to Galveston and the surrounding communities.

    For those up for a longer road trip, Gulf Coast cities such as Port Aransas, Corpus Christi (three hours or more) and South Padre Island (six hours) boast white, sandy beaches, blue water, palm trees, and coastal community charm. Consider them balmy versions of Cape Cod or 30A – but with a Texas ZIP code. Even better, a flight is as fast than an average commute from the 'burbs to downtown.

    With that in mind, we've rounded up a list of favorite getaways in each city. Given the myriad options via Airbnb, Vrbo, boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, and discount sites, we placed particular focus on high-end hotels and resorts that offer choice amenities for couples or families. As publication time, reservations are still available at each destination for that warm, sunny, last-minute beach escape.

    Galveston

    Grand Galvez

    Long known as the only truly historic beachfront hotel on the Gulf Coast, the Galvez has seen guests since 1911. The AAA 4-Diamond landmark hotel and spa known as the "Queen of the Gulf" has just undergone a massive renovation and update throughout the entire space and all 219 rooms, courtesy of new owners Mark and Lorenda Wyant.

    Grand Galvez GalvestonThe sweeping East Loggia at the Grand Galvez.Photo via Grand Galvez Galveston

    True to its name, the Galvez dazzles with iconic, beachside and pool views, a grand entry and communal spaces, and lavish, old world design evoking Great Gatsby-era living. Don't let the fact the Galvez is considered the most haunted hotel in Texas deter from booking a room at 20 percent off the published rate for Labor Day (be sure to call the hotel directly to book).

    2024 Seawall Blvd; 409-765-7721

    Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

    Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention CenterThe Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center is a no-brainer, one-stop-shop for on-site attractions and upscale lodging. Photo via Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center

    A Galveston landmark, the complex is known as an oasis within the city. Comprised of 242 acres, the palm-tree-lined destination includes an upscale hotel and spa near next to the aquarium, discovery museum, golf, zip line, ropes course, an on-site palm beach, and even its own boat dock/slip and marina for visiting boaters. The iconic, glass rainforest pyramid is visible from miles away and is a year-round attraction. One part resort, one part beach theme park overlooking the water, Moody Gardens is a no-brainer for families or those who want to maximize the on-site fun. (The Moody Gardens hotel sits across the street from Schlitterbahn Waterpark.)

    Currently, available rooms include island view, bayou view, and pyramid view — all distinct. Look for a Summer Fintastic Package: Sharks in Depth and Planet Earth: Deep Sea Adventure exhibits in the Discovery Museum, a 20,000 Leagues show in the Audience Recognition Theater, One 3D theater film in the MG3D theater, and two Deep plushies. Other packages include an Explore Moody Gardens for couples and families.

    7 Hope Blvd.; 409-741-8484

    The San Luis Resort, Spa and Conference Center

    Like the Galvez, Tilman Fertitta's massive resort sits on Galveston's seawall, offering guests the famed Houston billionaire's brand of over-the-top luxury. Enjoy pampering via spa treatments, dine at upscale in-house restaurants Grotto and The Steakhouse, and stroll the palm-lined compound. Opt for a standard room or for even more luxury, book one of the five private, secluded villas with their own controlled pool and private bar.

    For Labor Day weekend, the San Luis is hosting Pickleball Paddle Battles, where guests and the public can face off in a fun, open-play format for all skill levels (Friday through Sunday). Or, grab that yoga mat and stretch out with an adorable goat yoga session on the grounds, in partnership with Goats On The Bayou farm. (Book here; free for kids aged 10 and younger.)

    5222 Seawall Blvd.; 409-744-1500

    The Tremont House

    One of the oldest standing properties in Galveston, the Tremont dates back to 1839, when it was originally constructed. Nestled in a historic area in the city, the Tremont is a local and state favorite for its rooftop bar (a must for any visit) overlooking the city and site to sweeping sunsets and 360-degree views. Now part of the Tribute hotel group, the Tremont has also seen major updates and renovations to all 135 guestrooms and suites. In a nod to the hotel's past, the Tremont now is home to the 1872 Toujouse Lobby bar, on loan from the Galveston Historical Foundation, but the live piano sessions are also a draw. Unlike many hotels, the Tremont is entirely pet friendly and provides water bowls outside of the main entrance, dog beds, and a pet amenity.

    For Labor Day, the Tremont is promoting a Stay For Breakfast in Galveston package, which includes breakfast in the hotel restaurant for up to two adults and children 12 years old and under (registered in the same room).

    2300 Ship Mechanic Row St.; 409-763-0300

    Port Aransas

    Cinnamon Shore

    San Luis Resort pool
      
    Photo courtesy of The San Luis Resort

    Tilman Fertitta's San Luis Resort offers over-the-top luxury.

    Sitting on Mustang Island, Cinnamon Shore is a picturesque community of beach homes, condos, gulf view homes, large-family rental homes, pet-friendly rentals, and townhomes in Port Aransas. Rental guests can look forward to beach homes and condos with golf cart boardwalk access to the beach. Beachfront and gulf view rentals offer room for couples, families, or themed getaways with up to eight bedrooms in modern, handsomely appointed houses. Other outdoor draws (besides the obvious Gulf Coast waters and Mustang Island beachfront) include charming parks, lakes, and onsite pools, parks. Staff are on hand to direct guests to on-site dining and amenities, as well as island attractions.

    Port Aransas, Cinnamon ShoreCinnamon Shore brings a bit of Cape Cod to Texas. Photo courtesy of Cinnamon Shore

    Travelers checking in during Labor Day weekend can take advantage of a reduced, three-night minimum stay. Hope on a golf cart and head to themed summer activities like surfing and sandcastle lessons, live music, and s’mores nights at community fire pits. Lake fun includes outdoor movie nights and fishing lessons for kids and adults. For a romantic or memorable night, book a private beach bonfire session. Find more Labor Day information here.

    Those charmed by the destination or who can't make it for Labor Day can check out a Late Summer/Fall Special, offering 50 percent off an additional night for when booking two or more nights. (The promotion excludes holiday weekends, including Labor Day; other restrictions apply.)

    5009 TX-361; (888) 893-0658

    Corpus Christi

    Omni Corpus Christi

    Situated on the Corpus Christi Bayfront, the Omni Corpus Christi is perfect for families or couples looking for a relaxing getaway. The hotel offers four restaurants and bars, including South Texas' only AAA Four Diamond restaurant, The Republic of Texas. Located at the top of the hotel, the restaurant serves a delicious Texas and seafood-forward menu with stunning views of Corpus Christi Bay.

    The hotel is also minutes away from some of the area's most sought-after attractions, including The Texas State Aquarium, Whataburger Field, USS Lexington, and the Harbor Bridge. Guests can choose from nearly 500 comfortable rooms or luxurious suites. The hotel also offers indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, a full-service spa, and racquetball courts.

    900 N Shoreline Blvd.; (361) 887-1600

    Located on Corpus Christi Bay, Omni Corpus Christi Hotel offers accommodations with ocean views and close proximity to the many area attractions.Photo courtesy of Omni Corpus Christi

    South Padre Island

    Isla Grand Beach Resort

    This South Padre Island resort offers the exclusive perk of private beach access and a lush 10-acre tropical paradise just waiting to be explored. The resort also boasts two resort-style swimming pools and tennis and sand volleyball courts catering to relaxation and play.

    When it comes to accommodations, Isla Grand Beach Resort has something for everyone. For those seeking space and luxury, the resort has two-bedroom, high-rise condominiums with panoramic views of the stunning Gulf of Mexico. Guests can also choose from cabana rooms, each offering scenic views of the beach, garden, or swimming pools.

    The resort offers families a seasonal array of children's activities and convenient access to various beach services, including adventures like parasailing and banana boat rides. The resort has daytime and evening live entertainment between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Daily schedules include family-friendly comedy shows, live music, and fun events like crab races – and don't miss the Thursday evening fireworks show to cap off a fantastic stay.

    500 Padre Blvd. South; 800-292-7704

    Isla Grand Beach Resort is right on the beach and includes two swimming pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, beach volleyball, and more.Photo by Isla Grand Beach Resort

    Margaritaville Beach Resort at South Padre Island

    When guests arrive at the brand new Margaritaville resort, they will immediately recognize its familiar tropical charm. The resort offers a selection of 200 thoughtfully appointed guest rooms and an additional 50 luxurious beachfront condos, all providing panoramic views of the Gulf.

    The resort has three restaurants and bars on-site, each seamlessly encapsulating the well-known brand. Margaritaville South Padre Island also has amenities, including the region's largest temperature-controlled hotel pool, outdoor fire pits, and hammocks.

    Guests can choose from relaxing on the beach or exciting adventures like windsurfing, banana boat rides, and parasailing. Offshore fishing, dolphin-watching sessions, and wave runner rentals are also available. Margaritaville has a fully equipped exercise center and a full-service spa, Sapphire Spa, which offers a full menu of luxurious treatments and services, and a professional hair salon.

    310 Padre Blvd.; 956-761-6551

    Enjoy a daycation at Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island, a premier oceanfront resort.Photo by Margaritaville Beach Resort at South Padre Island

    news/travel
    popular

    tourism news

    Houston rises on new list of best summer travel destinations

    Amber Heckler
    May 14, 2025 | 4:00 pm
    Houston skyline downtown at night
    IdeasLaboratory.com
    undefined

    Not even triple-digit heat will deter tourists from visiting Space City this summer: The Houston metro has climbed into the No. 35 spot on WalletHub's list of the "Best Summer Travel Destinations" in 2025.

    The report annually ranks 100 U.S metros based on attractions, safety, activities, weather, local costs, and travel costs and hassles. Factors that determine each city's ranking include flight costs, the number of affordable restaurants with high ratings, crime rates, and more.

    The Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro area in Florida is the No. 1 most sought after summer travel destination this year.

    Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land moved up 10 spots from its 2024 rank, and it previously ranked 38th in 2023.

    Here's how WalletHub broke down Houston's ranking in each of the six main categories:

    • No. 7 – Attractions rank
    • No. 16 – Local costs rank
    • No. 26 – Activities rank
    • No. 50 – Weather rank
    • No. 88 – Safety rank
    • No. 89 – Travel costs and hassles rank

    Houston ranked the highest in the attractions and local costs categories, proving that the city's affordability is a major benefit for visitors as well as locals. There's surely no shortage of things to do in the city, from dining at a new steakhouse, to checking out a local bookstore, or enjoying a summer concert series at Meow Wolf.

    But there's so much more that goes into choosing the right place for a memorable summer trip, says WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. Creating and sticking to a vacation budget that considers all costs of a trip, such as meals and local transportation costs, is a good place to start.

    "[C]hoosing a destination that’s not only entertaining but also affordable is important when travel, dining, and activity costs have surged so much in recent years," Lupo says. "It can also allow you to have a longer, more relaxing trip."

    The study's scope isn't just limited to just Houston proper, which also means tourists may flock to suburbs like The Woodlands to explore its inviting new restaurants. It also includes Conroe, where tourists can relax with a drink in hand at the popular Margaritaville resort.

    Other top Texas summer travel destinations
    Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown (No. 5) and Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington were the only two Texas metros to earn spots in the top 10 summer travel destinations.

    Surprisingly, El Paso (No. 31) ranked four spots ahead of Houston. The final two Texas metros that earned spots in the study are Corpus Christi (No. 80) and McAllen-Edinburg-Mission (No. 97).

    The top 10 best summer travel destinations in 2025 are:

    • No. 1 – Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, Florida
    • No. 2 – Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, Georgia
    • No. 3 – Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-Virginia-Maryland-West Virginia
    • No. 4 – Urban Honolulu, Hawaii
    • No. 5 – Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, Texas
    • No. 6 – Cincinnati, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana
    • No. 7 – Salt Lake City, Utah
    • No. 8 – Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Delaware-Maryland
    • No. 9 – Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, Florida
    • No. 10 – Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas
    wallethubrankingssummer vacationtravelsan antonio
    news/travel
    popular
    Loading...