Top Texas destinations

9 Texas state parks make new list of America's best for 2025

South Llano State Park has two miles of river frontage for visitors to explore.

tpwd.texas.gov/

Nine beautiful Texas state parks earn acclaim in a new ranking of the 100 best state parks in the U.S. "for great value stays," and Garner State Park in the Hill Country makes it inside the top 10.

The 2025 HomeToGo State Park Index ranks 100 state parks to determine "the 100 most affordable options for superb state park stays in the USA," they say.

To come up with the rankings, HomeToGo (a vacation rental marketplace) uses factors such as affordability (based on the lowest median nightly cost per person at a nearby lodging); a "hidden gem" score based on search volume; the overall size, number of trails, and diversity of wildlife of each state park; and a "scenic score" based on the number of photographs taken at each park.

The No. 1 best state park in the U.S. for an affordable getaway is Ohiopyle State Park in Pennsylvania.

No. 8-ranked Garner State Park, located about 285 miles from Houston in the Hill Country, was the only Texas park to earn a spot among the top 10 nationwide. Garner climbed one place from its 2024 ranking of 9th best.

Garner State Park spans 1,774 acres of land, boasting 16 miles of trails for hiking enthusiasts and 2.9 miles of Frio River access for swimming, tubing, fishing, paddle boarding, and much more. The summer evening dances are popular events that bring in visitors of all ages, according to the park's website.

"Since the 1940s, young folks (and the young at heart) have been gathering at the park’s concession building on summer evenings for a jukebox dance," the site says.

Texans already know Garner State Park is among the best parks in the nation. tpwd.texas.gov/

HomeToGo said it costs about $66 per person to book a stay at a vacation rental near Garner State Park. However, budget-conscious visitors can likely save more money by choosing to stay on-site at various campsites and screened shelters for as little as $15 per night. The park also has several cozy cabins with and without fireplaces for $130-$400 per night.

South Llano River State Park was the only other Texas site to earn a spot among the top 50 U.S. state parks, coming in at No. 25. This park is located 315 miles west of Houston, and also offers numerous opportunities for biking, nature watching, stargazing, and swimming. The park also has nearly 23 miles of hiking trails at varying difficulties to accommodate both beginners and expert hikers.

South Llano State Park is also designated as an International Dark Sky Park, meaning the park has "an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value, its cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment."

The report says visitors can find accommodations near South Llano River State Park for about $63.77 per night, though the park offers three different types of campsites for visitors: Hike-in primitive campgrounds ($10 nightly), campsites with water ($15 nightly), and campgrounds with electricity ($20 nightly).

"Most campsites have water and electric hookups, and a restroom with showers nearby," the park's website says. "Our six walk-in sites have water and a restroom with showers nearby, while the five primitive hike-in sites have a chemical toilet nearby, but no water."

The remaining state parks that earned spots among the top 100 include:

No. 51 – Goose Island State Park
No. 72 – Buescher State Park
No. 73 – Galveston Island State Park
No. 78 – Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site
No. 79 – Caddo Lake State Park
No. 84 – Fort Boggy State Park
No. 91 – Balmorhea State Park

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all routes lead to rome

New nonstop flight connects Houston with Rome for the first time

Photo courtest of Houston Airports

Houston Mayor John Whitmire listens as Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, discusses the addition of ITA Airways at IAH.

Thinking of a Roman holiday? The good news for Houstonians is that George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will begin offering direct, nonstop flights to Rome starting next spring. It will be the first time IAH and Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Fiumicino, Italy have connected nonstop.

“We welcome ITA Airways to Houston, as it reflects our city's prominence on the global stage," said Houston Mayor John Whitmire in a press conference held on Tuesday, December 2. "The first ever route between Houston and Rome will strengthen our business, diplomatic, and cultural ties with Italy. It will also bring more visitors to experience Houston's vibrant culture, world-class healthcare, and diverse industries."

Starting May 1, 2026, ITA Airways will offer three flights a week between Houston and Rome, expanding to five flights a week beginning June 1. Houston is ITA's ninth North American destination.

“Nonstop service to Rome is a defining moment for Houston and a direct result of the strength and credibility of our airport system. This route will bring new visitors, new investment, and new business opportunities into our region,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “It expands Houston’s presence in Europe and proves that disciplined, strategic growth at Houston Airports delivers measurable economic impact. Strong airports don’t just move people. They shape markets, expand opportunity and help define a city’s place in the world.”

Flights will be made via a Airbus A330-900. The model is renowned for its comfort on long flights, including ergonomic seats, ample personal space, and a quiet cabin. Appropriately, many of the interior cabin components are made in Italy and reflect an elegant European design.

Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta, currently serving as America's ambassador to Italy, also welcomed the new route that connects his hometown with his current job.

“As a Texan and as the U.S. Ambassador to Italy, I’m thrilled by ITA’s new direct route between Houston and Rome," Fertitta said. "It strengthens the economic links that drive mutual understanding and shared prosperity. It was great working with ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart, Mayor John Whitmire, and all the partners that helped make this possible.”

The new route to Rome continues the international expansion that has been happening at IAH over the last several years. Last year, the airport announced new non-stop flights to recent vacation hotspot, Puerto Escondido, Mexico. It was part of Houston Airports' goal of making Houston the gateway to America ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Now, it looks like IAH will be welcoming Italian soccer fans, as the routes open up just in time for the sports event next summer.

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