Hit the Road

Launch your next Texas trip with this essential guide to its biggest cities

Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the state itself. At 268,597 square miles, it's a lot to traverse — but luckily there's plenty to see, do, eat, and drink along the way.

No matter what kind of trip you're planning around Texas, Marriott Bonvoy Hotels can be the launchpad for your next travel or culinary adventure. Its hotels and resorts are as diverse as the Lone Star State and offer amazing culinary, spa, and destination experiences in each city.

Plan your next trip from this guide below:

People stand-up paddleboarding in Austin See Austin from the water.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Austin
At a glance: Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin is also home to the State Capitol. University of Texas at Austin helps "Keep Austin Weird," but it's also a growing tech hot spot with a vibrant, culinary-focused atmosphere.

Must-see spots: Ladybird Lake, Texas Capitol, Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, Pennybacker Bridge, Blanton Museum, ACL Live at Moody Theater, Rainey Street, UT Austin.

Must-try eats & sips: Head to the new Dean’s Steakhouse Austin at JW Marriott Austin for a special occasion or business dinner, and try the Wagyu beef cuts in addition to an acclaimed raw bar and generous happy hour.

Travel north to Renaissance Austin’s restaurant, Knotty Deck & Bar, for an urban retreat with patio views of the Texas Hill Country. It serves elevated Austin cuisine with a spacious backyard for bean bags and other outdoor games to enjoy with family and friends.

Austin easily features the highest density of rooftop bars in the state, including the popular Zanzibar, a tropical oasis serving up inventive Tiki cocktails. Toast to “golden hour” nightly at Otopia Rooftop Lounge with craft cocktails high above the nearby university.

Must-attend events: SXSW Conference & Festivals (March), Blues on the Green (all summer long), Pride in Local Music Festival (June), Austin City Limits (October), Austin Film Festival (October).

Must-experience vibes: Get your retro music fix with unique vinyl record programs at the Otis Hotel Austin and the W Hotel Austin.

Family at Las Colinas Resort Take the whole fam to Las Colinas Resort.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Dallas-Fort Worth
At a glance: A pair of cities that have undergone true transformation, beginning as cattle hubs and railroad centers and blossoming into Texas' current window to the world with incredible art museums and performing arts centers (the largest arts district in the nation, in fact).

Must-see spots: Dallas Museum of Art, Katy Trail, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Reunion Tower, Fair Park, Meyerson Symphony Center, Kimbell Art Museum, the Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts neighborhoods, Mesquite Rodeo Arena, Fort Worth Stockyards, NorthPark Center.

Must-try eats & sips: Dallas’ dining scene is highlighted by Margaret’s, the restaurant at the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District that opened in June. It offers farm-to-fork ingredients in a dramatic setting with sweeping views of the city and a lively bar with handcrafted cocktails from seasoned mixologists.

Head to Uptown Dallas for its sophisticated restaurant, shopping, and boutique fitness scene highlighted by Good Graces in Marriott Uptown Dallas, a bright and airy brasserie where you can indulge in fresh oysters, charcuterie boards, crisp salads, and a variety of steak and seafood dishes.

In the northwest suburb of Irving, visit LAW at Las Colinas Resort to experience the very best of land, air, and water elements, alongside locally sourced ingredients. Mesa Mezcal at the Westin Irving is the spot for modern Mexican fare, curated mezcal cocktails, and YogaRitas on the patio, a partnership series with YogaSix Studio.

Head west to Fort Worth to dine al fresco at 97 West, where a Southwestern ambiance beckons adventurous spirits and serves up classic Texas heritage dishes.

In the heart of Cowtown, experience the convivial dining culture of Central and South America at Toro Toro in the Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth. Slip outside afterward to take in a movie on its rooftop deck via a partnership with Rooftop Cinemas, complete with a food truck for snacks and drinks.

Marriott Bonvoy’s restaurants aim to incorporate local and regional breweries in their beverage menus whenever possible, so ask your bartender for his or her favorite brew. Explore DFW's robust brewery scene, from Martin House Brewing Company to Deep Ellum Brewing Co., Celestial Beer Works to Manhattan Project Beer Co., and Peticolas Brewing to Texas Ale Project.

Must-attend events: Dallas Pride Parade (June), Homegrown Music & Arts Festival (June), Riverfront Jazz Fest (September), State Fair of Texas (September-October), Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (January-February).

People on rooftop in Houston The best way to see Houston? From a rooftop.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Houston
At a glance: Founded as a bustling commercial center and shipping port in the mid-1800s, with major influence from Charlotte Baldwin, known as the "Mother of Houston," today H-Town is statistically the most diverse major city in Texas with a thriving gastronomic scene, world-class museums, and the Houston Space Center.

Must-see spots: The Museum District (18 institutions within walking distance; includes the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston), The Galleria, Houston Aquarium, Buffalo Bayou Park, POST Houston entertainment district, Chinatown, Houston Graffiti Park, Discovery Green, Houston Zoo.

Must-try eats & sips: Located inside the Magnolia Houston, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is The Dispatch, which pays homage to its building’s rich history as the home of the Houston Post-Dispatch paper. The Art Deco vibes complement the eatery’s contemporary American cuisine and enticing cocktails.

After a day of shopping at The Galleria mall, stop by White Oak Kitchen + Drinks for a collection of fresh ingredients, a curated wine and cocktail menu, and weekend brunch.

Explore Houston’s culinary melting pot with an experience at Xin Chao, a modern Vietnamese restaurant owned by MasterChef winner Christina Ha. Locals also hail Killen’s BBQ as some of the best in the state.

Houston visitors will also find food trucks dotted around the city, offering inventive cuisine with global fusion showcasing Houston’s diversity.

Must-attend events: Freedom Over Texas Festival (July), Houston Restaurant Week (August), Fiestas Patrias (September 2023), Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (February-March).

Must-experience vibes: Stay cool in the Houston heat this summer by diving into the city's best urban party playground: the iconic, Texas-shaped lazy river at the Altitude Rooftop & Pool at Marriott Marquis Houston.

It's always a party on the San Antonio River Walk.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

San Antonio
At a glance: Remember the Alamo! Explore San Antonio’s famed River Walk or journey further south to the San Antonio Missions National Park, where some of the Lone Star State's most pivotal moments occurred. Northwest of the city, treat your family to a thrill at world-class amusement parks.

Discover the emerging arts and culinary scene while touring historic, trendy neighborhoods like the impressive King William District, dotted with colonial mansions, and Dignowity Hill, sporting the Hays Street Bridge and a deep-rooted sense of community.

Must-see spots: The Alamo, the San Antonio Missions, River Walk, San Antonio Botanical Gardens, San Antonio Zoo, Southtown, Brackenridge Park, SeaWorld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Historic Pearl Brewery, Tower of the Americas, La Villita, Market Square.

Must-try eats: Check out incredible South Texas fare on the River Walk such as Tributary restaurant in the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter Hotel, with seasonally rotating menus and ingredients sourced from regional farming partners and purveyors.

Escape to the Texas Hill Country at 18 Oaks for an outstanding quality of meats and seafood prepared with style and expertise, ideally enjoyed after a day of golf at TPC San Antonio or a splashy time at the nine-acre waterpark at the JW San Antonio Hill Country Resort.

Take the kids or pups and head to the Historic Pearl Brewery, where you'll find everything from upscale bistros to an array of dining choices inside the Food Hall at Bottling Dept. Enjoy a picnic on the green spaces and a family-favorite splash pad while taking in the quaint European vibes in this special area of Alamo City.

Must-sip drinks: Visit the new 1 Watson rooftop deck atop the AC Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk for downtown views and a cocktail or two by a fire pit.

Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Gather at Knotty Deck & Bar in Austin.

Hop on the city’s shared bike or scooter systems to explore local-favorite breweries and coffee shops such as Merit Coffee, Freetail Brewing, Weathered Souls Brewing, and Alamo Beer Co.

Must-attend events: Fiesta San Antonio (April), Pride San Antonio (June), Día de los Muertos (November), San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo (February).

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Comprised of 30 unique brands, Marriott Bonvoy is a travel program that goes beyond rewards to connect members to more of what they love through hotel and resort stays, elevated dining, and endless experiences.

Marriott Bonvoy member benefits include free membership, special member rates, ability to earn and redeem points, contactless mobile and contactless service, free WiFi, and more.

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where to travel right now

A new Hill Country winery opening tops Texas travel ideas for October

Photo courtesy of Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa

Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa is only 52 miles from Austin.

Houston travelers with a soft spot for the arts — and a thirst for some Texas wine — will have an easy time planning a weekend getaway with all of the music festivals, art fairs, and other cultural showcases happening around Texas this month.

From the grand debut of an international museum exhibition in San Antonio to Central Texas music festivals, travelers have plenty of ways to engage in artistic experiences all over the state. We've also included some news about a new winery opening in Fredericksburg, and an affordable vacation package at a Hill Country winery resort.

Houstonians can also stay close to home and check out two unique local art fairs or mosey over to Margaritaville for a relaxing weekend at a discount.

This is everything you need to know to plan a quick getaway in October.

Houston
Two creative festivals will take over Houston's George R. Brown Convention Center in October, drawing in art purveyors, collectors, and travelers on the prowl for their next statement piece. Prestigious contemporary art fair Untitled Art will return for its second annual show from October 2-4, showcasing several galleries from both local and Texas-based artists. Next is the Affordable Art Fair running from October 15-18, which will feature works from 350 artists from across the globe, including 17 Houston galleries. Single-day admission for Untitled Art starts at $40, and general admission tickets to the Affordable Art Fair is $20 per person.

Just up the road, Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe is giving weary travelers a discount to make the most of an extended lakeside getaway. Guests can receive 20 percent off the best available rate and get a $50 daily resort credit when they book stays from October 9-12 using the promo code "FALL2026". The Fall Break Weekend will be packed with events, such as a wine tasting with Bernhardt Winery, a comedy showcase, a poolside gameday watch party, and much more.

A major college town one-and-a-half hours from Houston will transform into a lively stage for emerging and established songwriters from October 9-10. The Bryan, Texas Songwriter Festival in Historic Downtown Bryan will have a free Main Stage open to the public, but the a VIP add-on wristband ($246) gives exclusive access to intimate performances, experiences, and additional perks at various venues. The artist lineup includes Radney Foster, Blue Water Highway, Beat Root Revival, Macie Hanna, and more.

Austin
October is a busy month for Austin residents and visitors with back-to-back weekends of Austin City Limits Music Festival, Hot Luck Festival, and the Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix — but there's plenty to do outside the city limits if you're avoiding the frenetic festival vibes.

One calming choice is the 2026 Autumn Art Stroll in the Downtown Georgetown Cultural District on October 16, where visitors can fill out a stroll passport at participating locations while enjoying live music, artist demonstrations, tours, and art shopping from 4-8 pm. The event is free to the public.

The Hill Country
Longtime family-owned winery Formando Vineyards is celebrating the grand opening of its new tasting room at 11835 N. State Highway 16 in Fredericksburg on October 1. The new taproom will serve wine by the glass, light bites, and three guided tasting experiences. All wines made under the Formando brand are made with fruit sourced from Hill Country growers and the family's own estate in Gillespie County.

Carter Creek Winery Resort in Johnson City has a new October-exclusive overnight package that makes planning a weekend getaway much easier and tastier. The Texas Wine, Bourbon & Beer Package is available Tuesdays through Saturdays and includes a one-night stay at the resort, plus a wine tasting for two, a beer tasting experience, and a whiskey flight at Garrison Brothers Distillery. Rates for the package start at $169 and can be booked online, with additional nights available by calling 877-935-7101.

Wine enthusiasts and Americana music lovers have a new reason to gather in the cozy Hill Country town of Gruene this fall: The Gruene Music & Wine Fest from October 8-11. The four-day festival will have wine and beer tastings, an auction, a catered dinner, live music, and much more. The festival also serves as a fundraising event for United Way of Comal and Guadalupe Counties. Event and concert tickets for October 9 are sold out, but tickets are still available for two other Gruene Hall concerts. Admission is free for the kickoff party (October 8) and the Tastings & Tunes event (October 10), but attendees can pre-purchase tasting tickets online. General admission for the Sunday All-Star Playlist is $97 per person.

Photo courtesy of Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa

Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa is only 52 miles from Austin.

San Antonio
The San Antonio Museum of Art will debut an extraordinary and impressive collection of cultural artifacts predating the Roman Empire on October 31. The new international exhibit, The Etruscans: From the Heart of Ancient Italy, will feature 130 works from more than 20 museums from around the world, including artifacts on loan from the Vatican Museums, the British Museum, and the Louvre. SAMA is one of only two U.S. museums where the exhibition will be shown, making it a can't-miss exclusive treasure for Texas travelers to explore for themselves. The Etruscans: From the Heart of Ancient Italy will be on view through March 14, 2027, and the exhibit is included with regular museum admission ($24 per person with discounts for seniors, military, and students).

Dallas-Fort Worth
The 35th annual Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering & Western Swing Festival will return to the Fort Worth Stockyards for an authentic Western weekend from October 23-25. The festival honors cowboy culture, ranching heritage, and "rich traditions of the Western world" with a chuck wagon competition, ranch rodeos, live music, poetry readings, a cookoff, swing dancing, and more. Ticket prices start at $67.27 including fees before taxes, and Western Swing tickets must be purchased separately.

ICYMI: The Transport Security Administration has launched a new program, called Gateside by TSA PreCheck, allowing members to pass through security and enter the gates at 13 U.S. airports (including Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport) without having to purchase a plane ticket. The initiative is intended to make it easier for TSA PreCheck members to visit a gate for welcomes and send-offs, or visit with friends during a layover, according to TSA's website.

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