labor day vacay

Coastal oasis near Houston makes 2025 list of best Labor Day getaways

Crystal Beach is a popular place for vacationers heading to Bolivar Peninsula.

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Crystal Beach/Facebook

A new national list naming the 10 best Labor Day vacation destinations has ranked Bolivar Peninsula near Houston the 10th best vacation spot for 2025.

Vacation rental marketplace HomeToGo's "Labor Day Travel Report" analyzed "traveler search patterns" to determine the 10 best places to spend the Labor Day weekend in the U.S. and abroad.

Bolivar Peninsula was the only Texas destination to earn acclaim on the list. Edisto Island in South Carolina was named the No. 1 best destination for the holiday.

According to the report's findings, 63 percent of Americans are planning to travel domestically during Labor Day weekend. Search trends for Bolivar Peninsula vacation rentals have skyrocketed 309 percent since last year. The region is located less than 100 miles from central Houston, making it an easy getaway for locals that want to explore a blossoming coastal area that isn't Galveston or Port Aransas.

Bolivar Peninsula is home to stunning retreats like Camp Margaritaville that boast breathtaking views of the sunny Texas coastline. The RV resort also offers access to 27 miles of beaches, including popular Crystal Beach, which was ranked the seventh best destination for spring break earlier this year.

Overall, search volume for vacation rentals during Labor Day weekend has increased 26 percent since 2024, and HomeToGo spokesperson Eleanor Moody says interest in traveling to international destinations is also on the rise.

"Just over one-third of U.S. travelers are eyeing international destinations," Moody says. "With places including Italy’s L’Aquila, Lagos in Portugal, and Vourvourou in Greece seeing substantial spikes in interest for visits over the holiday weekend, it appears that Americans are looking to live out their ‘Euro Summer’ dreams while there is still time left this year."

In HomeToGo's separate ranking of the best budget-friendly domestic destinations for the holiday weekend, Tarpon Springs, Florida took the top spot with a median price of $170.20 per night for a vacation rental.

The top 10 best Labor Day vacation destinations in the U.S. are:

No. 1 – Edisto Island, South Carolina
No. 2 – Indianapolis, Indiana
No. 3 – Annapolis, Maryland
No. 4 – North Wildwood, New Jersey
No. 5 – Beaufort, South Carolina
No. 6 – Lake Keowee, South Carolina
No. 7 – Bellingham, Washington
No. 8 – Saint Augustine Beach, Florida
No. 9 – McCall, Idaho
No. 10 – Bolivar Peninsula, Texas

travel vacations labor day holiday beach

Family Fun at the Fair

State Fair of Texas introduces new kid-friendly attractions for 2026

Kiddie bumper boat ride at the State Fair of Texas

Photo by Kevin Brown

The 2026 State Fair of Texas has added rides and reimagined the experience for young kids.

The State Fair of Texas is expanding the fun for its youngest visitors in 2026, adding a new dedicated area called Little Lone Stars Land, along with a redesigned Kidway and more kid-focused rides, food, and entertainment.

According to a release, the new Little Lone Stars Land will offer toddlers, young schoolchildren, and their families rides, food, entertainment, and attractions designed with the age group in mind.

The State Fair has also redesigned its Kidway, bringing an all-new layout, expanded footprint, and additional family-friendly rides and attractions to the State Fair Midway. The majority of rides will "cost" five coupons, dropping to three coupons on Tuesdays.

Located next to the Gurley Gate and Craft Pavilion, Little Lone Stars Land will bring multiple elements together in one location, including:

Four-coupon kiddie rides and fun houses, with three-coupon kiddie rides on Tuesdays
10-Coupon kid-friendly games
Little Lone Stars Refillable Drinkware for 10 coupons and refills for five coupons
Additional value-priced food and beverage items
The Coop, a dedicated kids’ play area specially designed for toddlers and preschoolers to roam, play, and explore
Oak Farms Dairy Petting Zoo, offering little animal lovers the opportunity to get up close with some furry and feathered friends
The Fringe Stage with daily shows from fan-favorite street performers, like strongman, Mighty Mike

The Oak Farms Dairy Petting Zoo was previously located in the Pan Am Arena, while The Fringe Stage was located along Nimitz next to Cotton Bowl Stadium.

The area will be enhanced by cartoon-style imagery of State Fair characters such as Little Big Tex, Amy Dillo, and Champ. Amy Dillo and Champ will also make their debut as roaming characters.

“We know that some of the most memorable State Fair experiences begin when our youngest Fairgoers see their first ride, meet a favorite character, or discover something that makes them smile,” said Mitchell Glieber, State Fair of Texas president, in a statement. “Little Lone Stars Land and the reimagined Kidway give families even more opportunities to create those memories together, while expanding the ways our youngest guests can experience the Fair.”

The 2026 State Fair will run September 25-18 at Fair Park in Dallas. The announcement of the kid-friendly attractions follows news that the Fair is lowering ticket and parking prices and adding new discounts on rides and food — all to increase attendance after a low year in 2025.

Daily tickets for the State Fair of Texas are now available at BigTex.com/Tickets.

kids families state fair of texas fairs-festivals

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Family Fun at the Fair

State Fair of Texas introduces new kid-friendly attractions for 2026