More evidence that Austin and Georgetown are hot destinations: They've collectively earned six accolades in the 2025 Texas Travel Awards.

The awards were created by the publishers of Austin Monthly and Texas Music, and the winners were decided by a panel of five industry professional judges. The awards were split into two smaller groups: statewide best attractions and best attractions by population. The latter was further divided by market size into small/mid and big markets.

The Austin area took home one fewer award than it did in 2024, and the region earned three awards in 2023.

The best "big market" live music venue in 2025 is Geraldine's, the restaurant and bar inside the Hotel Van Zandt. This venue is located in Austin's Historic Rainey Street District, with live music performances seven days a week.

Popular rooftop bar Zanzibar won the title as the best "big market" Instagrammable spot, thanks to its vibrant tropical theme and stunning views of downtown Austin.

Waterloo Greenway earned a statewide accolade as the best revitalization project. The multi-million-dollar plan to re-envision Waller Creek has been ongoing for several years, spanning from a transformation of Waterloo Park to the construction of the 1.5-mile greenway connecting the park to Lady Bird Lake.

Awards in Georgetown
Georgetown, which is located 30 miles from Austin, won three awards this year. We Call It Georgetown won in the category for the "Best Small/Mid Market Destination Marketing Campaign," and the city's recently opened speakeasy Brass Peacock was named the "Best Small/Mid Market Bar."

Brass Peacock is located in Georgetown's bustling downtown square, hidden beneath the upscale restaurant City Post Chophouse. The speakeasy is only open on Thursdays through Saturdays, and is known for its intimate atmosphere, Prohibition-inspired cocktails, and live jazz nights.

Brass Peacock doesn't offer reservations, but guests must dress in upscale cocktail attire.Photo courtesy of Texas Travel Awards

Georgetown's final award went to its iconic Two Step Inn country festival, which was named the "Best Small/Mid Market Music Festival." The 2025 fest featured country stars such as the legendary Alan Jackson, Sturgill Simpson, Miranda Lambert, and more.

Awards in the Hill Country
Three Hill Country neighbors won several awards this year: New Braunfels won five awards total, and its historic neighbor Gruene came away with two awards, while Johnson City and Burnet each earned one.

Notably, Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country, a resort situated just a one-hour drive northeast of San Antonio, was hailed as the Best Texas Resort for 2025, while the Gruene Historic District won the statewide award as the Best Shopping District for the second year in a row.

Camp Fimfo is a popular destination for summer vacations thanks to its numerous amenities, such as spacious pools, a water playground, zip-lining activities, and more. The resort has also earned national recognition on Camspot's annual list of the best campgrounds in America over the last several years.

The Gruene Music & Wine Festival was declared the best "Big Market Music Festival or Event" in 2025, and was the only other attraction to earn an award in the small town.

The seven additional attractions in the Hill Country that won awards in the "big market" by population category include:

• Art Haus, New Braunfels – Best "Big Market" Art Festival or Event
• Sidecar at Prince Solms Inn, New Braunfels – Best "Big Market Bar" Bar
• Wurstfest, New Braunfels – Best "Big Market" Food Festival or Event
• The Sophienburg Museum, New Braunfels– Best "Big Market" Museum
• Comal River, New Braunfels– Best "Big Market" Outdoor Activity
• Johhny Yurts, Johnson City – Best "Small/Mid Market" Unique Lodging
• Inks Lake State Park, Burnet – Best Park