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    where to travel for v day

    Enjoy a romantic getaway with these 10 Texas hotel deals in February

    Amber Heckler
    Jan 31, 2025 | 1:30 pm
    Hiatus Day Spa + Med Spa
    A couples massage sounds like a great way to relax together.
    Photo courtesy of Hiatus Day Spa + Med Spa

    February is a month for celebrating love, and there's nothing more romantic than surprising your partner with a much-needed spa day, an exciting weekend vacation, or a relaxing staycation. Houstonians looking for ideas on where to celebrate the most amorous month of the year can find them here, in our big monthly roundup of top travel tips around the state.

    Throughout Texas

    There's still plenty of time to plan the perfect dinner date for Valentine's Day, and CultureMap has rounded up all the swoon-worthy restaurants to indulge in a sumptuous meal for two in Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston.

    All Hotel ZaZa locations in Dallas, Houston, and Austin have planned an intimate "Bed, Breakfast and Blooms" package that provides an overnight stay in a luxurious room or suite, and breakfast in bed for two accompanied by the delivery of a dozen red roses. The hotel will also have a special Valentine's menu featuring charming dishes like strawberry bruschetta, lobster and mushroom risotto, and cherry vanilla tiramisu. Rates for the package begin at $490.

    In the Hill Country

    Romantic getaways are practically synonymous with Hill Country escapes, and Horseshoe Bay Resort has Valentine's Day weekend covered with its luxurious "Romance" package that includes a welcome bottle of bubbly paired with delicious chocolates, daily breakfast, nightly valet service, and late check-out. Nightly rates at the resort begin at $359 for February.

    Valentine's Day doesn't have to be just a one-day or weekend affair. The Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk Hotel has love on the brain all month long with its "Lust and Leisure" package that offers a $200 spa credit, a $100 breakfast credit, a secret romantic welcome amenity, and complimentary early check-in and late check-out. Nightly rates with the package begin at $638 in February.

    Skyline Suite at the Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk HotelThe Skyline Suite at the Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk features a beautiful soaking tub.Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk

    The award-winning La Cantera Resort and Spa has lined up a special hotel package perfect for exploring the Hill Country. Two-night stays booked with the "You, Me + Hill Country" package will feature a 60-minute Hill Country Texan Spa Treatment, and three-night stays will add on an exclusive Texas Hill Country Wine Experience at the prestigious William Chris Vineyards. Plus, the Loma de Vida Spa + Wellness' seasonal "Romantic Renewal" package, available through the end of February, features a 60-minute "Sugar Kiss" body scrub and a 60-minute custom massage with a glass of bubbly for $400.

    Along the Gulf Coast

    Port Aransas-based master planned community Cinnamon Shore is celebrating the season of love with a special discount on multi-night stays throughout February. The community offers a variety of vacation rentals, such as cottages, townhomes, condos, and pet-friendly accommodations. Guests who use the promo code "VAL2025" will get a complimentary bottle of wine and save 10 percent on two-night stays. Guests booking three-night stays can use the code "VALENTINE2025" to enjoy a 25 percent discount, late check-out, a complimentary bottle of wine, a couple's heart-shaped bonfire, and a set of beach chairs.

    Cinnamon Shore in Port Aransas Valentine's Day discountsEveryone knows the beach is a top-tier romantic paradise. Photo courtesy of Cinnamon Shore

    In Austin

    The Loren Hotel Austin has prepared an indulgent retreat for couples who want to relax along the city's beautiful downtown skyline while sipping on some bubbly. The hotel's "A Taste of Romance" package, valid for stays from February 13-16, includes a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and macaroons, a daily couple's breakfast at Nido, and one complimentary couple's dinner from Nido. Room rates for the package begin at $570 per night.

    Rather than just treating your partner to a comforting massage, why not treat yourself, too? The ultimate spa day awaits at Austin's Hiatus Day Spa + Med Spa, where couples can book a 90-minute Love Birds massage that also includes a hot stone shoulder massage and sugar foot soak. The spa will also provide a complimentary glass of bubbles and EarlyBird full spectrum CBD gummies for the utmost relaxation. The spa's Love Birds package is $399 per couple.

    The esteemed Commodore Perry Estate is offering couples a dreamy getaway from February 12-16 with promo code "ROMANCE." Guests will receive a $100 dining credit to Lutie's Garden restaurant, a chilled half bottle of champagne, and rose petals for turndown. The resort is also offering several intimate experiences throughout the holiday weekend, like a tea party, floral arrangement workshop, and more. Room rates begin at $907 per night.

    Around Dallas-Fort Worth

    Take the heat up a notch by planning a super sweet staycation at The Joule with the "Heart's Desire" package available throughout February. The package includes a Valentine's Day-themed flower arrangement, a custom sweet treat and bottle of bubbly, a bath concierge service, a $50 in-room breakfast in bed dining credit, two complimentary drink tickets that can be redeemed at any on-property dining establishment, and a $200 hotel spa credit. Stays must be booked 48 hours in advance, and nightly rates begin at $929.

    texastravelvacationsstaycationvalentine's day
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    New year, fresh air

    Gear up for a 'first day hike' at a Texas park on New Year’s Day 2026

    Stephanie Allmon Merry
    Dec 30, 2025 | 9:30 am
    Couple hiking
    Photo courtesy of San Marcos CVB
    This beats the stair-stepper at the gym any day.

    Here's a way to start your health-focused new year's resolutions that won't make you want to hit the snooze button on January 1: Plan a "first day hike."

    According to Texas Parks & Wildlife, First Day Hikes is a nationwide program to encourage hiking on New Year's Day. State parks near Houston and throughout Texas are offering the chance for people of all ages and fitness levels to stretch their legs and explore the great outdoors on the first day of 2026.

    "First day hikes vary from short, leisurely nature walks on forested trails; boardwalk strolls through wetlands or to the beach; or climbs into the mountains of the Chihuahuan Desert," the agency says on its website. "Some first day hikes aren't hikes at all: We also lead bike rides, paddling tours, and maybe even horseback rides. Choose the event that's right for you."

    State parks offer both guided and self-guided hikes on January 1. If you choose a self-guided hike, look for tables or stop at headquarters for hike information and maps, they advise. "After your hike, stop back by to report on your hike and collect a memento of your visit," they say.

    Note that most state parks charge an entry fee or day use fee. For those who plan to visit several times throughout the year, a Texas State Parks Pass could help save money.

    Here are all the Texas state parks offering first-day hikes on January 1, 2026, clustered by region. All are self-guided walking hikes that do not require registration, unless otherwise indicated. Find out more details about each one here.

    Gulf Coast & Coastal Bend

    • Galveston Island State Park (Sunrise beach walk with a ranger.)
    • Mustang Island State Park (Ranger-guided walk at sunrise.)
    • Goose Island State Park (Bird hikes)
    • Sea Rim State Park (First Day Paddle)
    • Brazos Bend State Park (Guided hike)
    • Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center (Guided hike and dog walk)
    • Huntsville State Park (Chinquapin Challenge)
    • Lake Livingston State Park (Guided hike)
    • Stephen F. Austin State Park

    East Texas & Piney Woods

    • Tyler State Park (Guided tour)
    • Daingerfield State Park
    • Lake Tawakoni State Park
    • Martin Creek Lake State Park (Birding hike)
    • Atlanta State Park (Guided hike)
    • Mission Tejas State Park
    • Caddo Lake State Park
    • Cooper State Park (South Sulphur & Doctors Creek. Hike or bike.)
    • Martin Dies, Jr. State Park (Guided and unguided hikes)
    • Village Creek State Park

    Hill Country & Central Texas

    • Honey Creek State Natural Area (Registration required.)
    • Blanco State Park
    • Guadalupe River State Park
    • Palmetto State Park (Self-guided hike and sunrise bird hike)
    • Lockhart State Park
    • Pedernales Falls State Park (Guided hike)
    • Government Canyon State Natural Area
    • Lake Somerville State Park
    • Lost Maples State Natural Area
    • Inks Lake State Park (Guided hike)
    • Old Tunnel State Park (Guided hike)Hill Country State Natural Area (Gu
    • Hill Country State Natural Area (Guided hike)
    • Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site (First Day Bird Walk)
    • Dinosaur Valley State Park (Guided hike)
    • Meridian State Park (Story Book Stroll)
    • Colorado Bend State Park (Guided hike)
    • Lake Brownwood State Park
    • Bastrop State Park (Ranger-guided birding)
    • Buescher State Park

    North Texas

    • Ray Roberts Lake State Park (Johnson Branch & Isle du Bois. Guided and unguided hikes.)
    • Eisenhower State Park
    • Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway (Guided hike)
    • Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site
    • Palo Pinto Mountains State Park (Registration required)
    • Lake Whitney State Park (Guided mindful walk)
    • Bonham State Park (Guided hike)
    • Lake Arrowhead State Park
    • Purtis Creek State Park
    • Possum Kingdom State Park

    South Texas & Rio Grande Valley

    • Falcon State Park (Guided hike)
    • Choke Canyon State Park
    • Lake Corpus Christi State Park
    • Goliad State Park & Historic Site (Guided hikes)
    • Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
    • Resaca de la Palma State Park
    • Lake Casa Blanca International State Park

    West Texas & Panhandle

    • Palo Duro Canyon State Park (Guided and unguided hikes.)
    • Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway
    • Copper Breaks State Park
    • Abilene State Park
    • San Angelo State Park
    • Big Spring State Park (Guided hike)
    • Davis Mountains State Park
    • Franklin Mountains State Park
    • Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
    • Big Bend Ranch State Park (including Chinati Mountains)
    • Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site (Guided and unguided)
    state parksnew year's daynew yearsexercisehiking
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