Texas travel

2 Texas tourist destinations hike onto new ranking of best U.S. state parks

Travel to state parks has been incredibly popular in this summer of social distancing — and lucky Texans have two of the best right here in the Lone Star State.

HomeToGo has unveiled its 2020 U.S. State Park Index, which ranks and scores 20 state parks across the U.S. Palo Duro Canyon State Park (near Amarillo) lands at No. 2 on the list, while the Houston-area Brazos Bend State Park follows at No. 3.

And this is no small feat considering there are a staggering 8,565 state parks nationwide.

The website based its ranking on four factors deemed important to visitors and that help find the best state park. Those factors are:

Solitude: Annual park visitors / size of the park
Wildlife: Diversity of plants and animals
Activities: Types of activities permitted
Accommodations: Number of vacation rentals nearby

Palo Duro Canyon State Park scored 9.90 for solitude (ahhh), 6.00 for activities, 8.37 for wildlife, and 9.21 for accommodations — for a total score of 33.48.

Meanwhile, Brazos Bend State Park scored 9.57 for solitude, 6.67 for activities, 7.28 for wildlife, and 9.46 or accommodations — for a total score of 32.73.

Nestled in the Texas Panhandle close to Amarillo, Palo Duro (dubbed the “Grand Canyon of Texas”) is the second largest canyon in the country, just after the Grand Canyon. The natural wonder is 20 miles wide and almost 1,000 feet deep, and boasts dozens of hiking trails, “mind-blowing vistas,” says the survey, adding that “this underrated beauty will impress even the most discerning guest.”

About 45 miles outside of Houston, Brazos Bend State Park offers numerous ponds and lakes — many, however, that contain hungry alligators, so watching signs are a must. Fortunately, the survey notes, the park features 5,000 acres of space — “plenty of room for visitors and wildlife to coexist happily together.”

And for travelers who’d like to visit the top-ranked park in the country, according to HomeToGo? They should plan a trek to Letchworth State Park in Upstate New York.

Rounding out the top 10 are: Blue Spring State Park in Florida (No. 4), Valley of Fire State Park (No. 5), Rainbow Springs State Park in Florida (No. 6), Tettegouche State Park in Minnesota (No. 7), Baxter State Park in Maine (No. 8), Bear Mountain State Park in New York (No. 9), and Devil's Lake State Park in Wisconsin (No. 10).

Palo Duro Canyon is known as "the Grand Canyon of Texas."

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon is known as "the Grand Canyon of Texas."

vacation trends parks

where to travel right now

Hill Country glamping + 8 more Texas travel tips for December

Photo courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas

We hear Santa can also visit hotels on Christmas night.

Winter has finally arrived in the Lone Star State, which means there is an abundance of fun-filled and holiday-themed vacation ideas and events to experience in December. Texans looking for ideas on where to travel can find them here, in our big monthly roundup of top tips around the state.

All around Texas

ICYMI: Holiday happenings abound throughout Texas, and CultureMap has rounded up the best holiday light displays to visit in Austin this winter. For those who will be traveling to other major cities in Texas, we've got you covered with the ultimate holiday light displays across Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, too.

In the Hill Country

It's never too late to get out into the Hill Country for a luxe glamping trip under the great Texas sky. Star Studded Nights, a 14-acre private glamping site in Valley Mills, has everything travelers need to enjoy a comfortable stay: fully furnished (and temperature controlled) safari tents with plush bedding and ensuite bathrooms, a common area with a firepit and outdoor games, and a provisional store for any last-minute necessities or s'mores ingredients. Nightly rates begin at $229.

In San Antonio

The innovative culinary scene in San Antonio has earned it a new title as one of the best places to travel in 2025, according to a recent report by Travel + Leisure. The publication's annual "Where to Go" list reviews nearly 120 notable places around the globe and chooses only 50 for its collection of best destinations. T+L named two recently opened hotels in its report: Kimpton Santo, a boutique hotel that repurposed 19th century schoolhouses, and the fully renovated InterContinental San Antonio RiverWalk.

Across North Texas

The Adolphus in Dallas is ready to provide the coziest stays this winter, starting with the hotel's "Holiday Glow Package" that provides guests with a a $100 dining credit and an Adolphus Signature Holiday Candle, handcrafted in partnership with Dallas-based fragrance designer Niven Morgan. The package is valid for stays of two nights or more, and can be booked using the code "ES6" for stays from now until December 30. Rates at The Adolphus begin at $254 per night.

For families who want to ring in the New Year in style, The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas has a luxurious "Diamonds & Bowties" package that includes luxury accommodations, two kids amenities and Ritz Kids experience passports, a special breakfast with Santa (for up to two adults and two children), complimentary valet parking, late checkout, and much more. The package package is valid for one-night stays on December 31, and includes two tickets to the hotel's Diamonds & Bowties New Year's Eve party. Rates with the Diamonds & Bowties package start at $1,039.

Along the Gulf Coast

If a wintery camping trip is on the itinerary this month, South Padre Island is the place to be, according to online campsite marketplace Campspot. A recent survey by the website ranked South Padre Island the No. 5 best destination in the South for travelers seeking "nostalgia-driven escapes" that remind them of the "straightforward charm" of the 1980's. Nearby campgrounds that Campspot highlighted included Brownsville's 55-plus Winter Haven Resort, We RV Champions of Rio Hondo, and more.

At home in Austin

Guests who want to spend part of their happy holidays hanging by the pool at the Downright Austin can use the promo code "HOL" to get a holiday-themed welcome amenity, a $20 daily credit to the hotel's breakfast and lunch bar Morningbird, and a one-time $20 food and beverage credit for Morningbird or Swim Club. And starting December 15, Swim Club will transform into a winter wonderland pop-up called Après Swim, complete with holiday-themed cocktails, bites, and various holiday events. Nightly rates at Downright Austin begin at $264 in December.

Houstonians traveling to Austin with their dogs are more than welcome to enjoy all the pet-friendly amenities the Hotel Van Zandt has to offer, including complimentary Yeti brand dog bowls, plush pet beds, and special dog guest door hangers. The hotel is additionally offering branded dog robes for purchase, so your furry best friend can relax in style. Hotel Van Zandt doesn't employ size, weight, or breed restrictions for dogs, and there is no extra charge for bringing Fido along for the stay. Room rates start at $195 a night.

The Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa is all dolled up for Christmas with an impressive lineup of holiday offerings for guests and visitors alike. The resort boasts two luxurious experiences for December stays: An exclusive "Santa Suite" package with a 20 percent discount on stays in one of the whimsical holiday-themed suites, plus a $100 hotel credit; and a "Magical Memories" package that includes 20 percent off stays with a $25 food and beverage credit. The Santa Suite package is valid for stays through January 3, while the Magical Memories package is available through January 19. Room rates begin at $329 per night.