Who says you have to battle the crowds on popular beaches to enjoy spring break? Even if the sand and seas call to you, you don't have to visit the most congested shorelines in Texas. From a desert escape at a newly renovated far West Texas hotel, to a weekend shopping spree at the Magnolia Silos in Waco, March is full of spring travel ideas.

Houston travelers looking for ideas on where to go in March for spring break vacation or a blissful weekend trip can find them here, in our big monthly roundup of top travel tips around the state.

Throughout Texas

Great Wolf Lodge – which operates locations in Dallas and Houston – is offering spring breakers big discounts on stays just in time for the park's annual "Spring Breakout" celebration from March 6 through April 27. Guests who use promo code "FLASH" can receive a 40 percent discount on stays booked by March 9. The "Spring Breakout" programming includes seasonal games, yoga trails, spring-themed craft activities, dance parties, storytimes, and much more family-friendly fun. Nightly room rates vary by location.

Along the Gulf Coast

ICYMI: Three hidden-gem Texas beaches were singled out on a national list of best destinations for a beachy spring break in 2025, and surprisingly, none were located in Port Aransas or South Padre Island. Crystal Beach, located in the Galveston Bay southeast of Houston, ranked among the top 10 best spring break getaways, while Surfside Beach and Jamaica Beach (both on Galveston Island) also earned some time in the spotlight.

In West Texas

The small, friendly town of Buffalo Gap will be one of seven Texas communities that will host a new national exhibition from the Smithsonian Institute, "Crossroads: Change in Rural America." The exhibit explores the landmark 150-year legacy of Buffalo Gap, and the changes that have evolved throughout its history. The exhibit will run March 15-April 26 at Buffalo Gap Historic Village, and each of the six weeks will have a different theme related to the town. Admission is free.

For Texans who seasonally crave an escape to the desert before it gets too hot outside, Big Bend Station in Terlingua has recently completed a massive renovation to upgrade its 72 hotel rooms, duplexes, and RV accommodations. New amenities include plush furniture for the utmost comfort, modern appliances, and bold contemporary Western decor. Travelers can also take advantage of the hotel's proximity to Big Bend National Park and really immerse themselves in the desert landscape. Room rates begin at $196 per night in March, while tent and RV sites range from $24-$49 per night.

In Waco

Magnolia's annual Spring at the Silos event is returning every weekend from March 6 through April 26, featuring lots of live music performances, local artisan pop-ups, and immersive activities. Texas musicians scheduled to perform include SUNNN (March 14-15 and March 28-29), Dallas native Molly Chapin (March 28-29), Grace Lillies (April 11-12), and many more. The weekend events are free, and weekend passes to Magnolia Market's rooftop lounge have already sold out.

The Magnolia Silos in Waco are a beautiful backdrop for some spring break shopping. Photo by Ruthie Martin

In Austin

The Loren Hotel on Austin's iconic Lady Bird Lake is celebrating spring with discounted stays booked in March featuring complimentary daily breakfast for two. Guests can use promo code "SPRING25" to get 15 percent off their stay, with room rates beginning at $289 per night in March. Visitors can also check out the latest art exhibit at Paggi House at The Loren, "Unstable Territory: Reflections on Memory," which explores the different ways identity can be shaped through experience.

In Houston

Travelers staying in the Bayou City can enjoy live music every weekend in March during the Thompson Houston's inaugural country concert series on the hotel's rooftop, 6:30-9 pm. Guests and locals are invited to lounge poolside while enjoying live performances from local country stars from all over Texas, such as Allan Henrickson, Elle Townley, Chris Ryan, and Bubba Westly. The rooftop bar Sol 7 will also offer a new specialty rodeo cocktail for the occasion, Wrangler’s Whiskey, which features rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and maraschino cherry. Tickets for the Thompson Country Takeover are $70 per person.

Of course, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo runs March 4-23. Each night features a concert with superstar performers, including Bun B (March 7), Brad Paisley (March 10), Journey (March 14), Post Malone (March 18), and Luke Bryan (March 23). Don't miss our look at the Rodeo's new attractions such as virtual barrel racing and a new rollercoaster.

Around Dallas-Fort Worth

North Texas families can enjoy 16 fun-filled days of dinosaurs at EpicCentral in Grand Prairie from March 8-23. In addition to checking out large animatronic dinos, families can also participate in dinosaur storytimes, fossil digging, dino-themed games, and more during The Ext-ROAR-dinary Dino Fest on Saturday, March 15. Events are free to the public and suitable for children of all ages.

Get ready to see some big dinos at EpicCentral.Photo courtesy of EpicCentral

Additionally, Grand Prairie's Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark is ready to welcome vacationers during its "Epic Spring Break" events from March 7-23. Special programming includes live entertainment three times daily, creative family-friendly activities, a dance party, arcade challenge, and much more. Visitors should also be on the lookout for special mermaid appearances throughout the break. General admission prices vary.

For luxury seekers: Renowned chef Stephan Pyles and award-winning cheesemaker Paula Lambert are teaming up for an exclusive Italian culinary getaway from March 21-23 at Interstate Inn in Stephenville. The weekend will begin with a welcome reception at Pyles' restaurant The Seeker on Friday night, followed by a cooking class at Interstate Inn's Cork Room on Saturday morning. Guests will dine on a curated selection of food and wine from Puglia in the evening, and Sunday's activities include a brunch feast and laid back afternoon. Package prices are $1,250 per person for a double occupancy room, and $1,500 for a single-occupancy room.