SUMMER IN THE CITY

Austin ranks as best summer travel spot in Texas, report says

Barton Springs Pool is among the Austin attractions that draw visitors during the summer.

Courtesy of AustinTexas.gov

Summer travel season is upon us, and as more Americans continue to get vaccinated and COVID-19 restrictions lift around the country, travelers in search of a safe, budget-friendly, and attraction-packed getaway are looking to Texas.

According to a recent report from finance site WalletHub detailing 2021’s Best Summer Travel Destinations, the Lone Star State boasts seven hot spots ideal for escaping the doldrums. In order to create the list, WalletHub analyzed 100 of the largest metro areas across 42 key indicators, including the cost of the cheapest flight to each destination and the number of local attractions.

The Austin/Round Rock/Georgetown area was the highest-ranking Texas metro on the list, coming in at No. 4 with an overall score of 70.4 out of a possible 100. The report also notes the Austin area’s relatively low local costs, good weather, and an array of local attractions that draw travelers, particularly during the summer months, like Barton Springs Pool, the Congress Avenue bats, and plenty of outdoor activities.

Not far behind was the San Antonio/New Braunfels metro area, which landed at No. 13 on the list, with an overall score of 64.3.

Other Texas communities named among the best summer travel destinations include:

Dallas/Fort Worth/Arlington, No. 29, with a total score of 59.43
Houston/The Woodlands/Sugar Land, No. 46, with a total score of 57.43
El Paso, No. 51, with a total score of 56.75
Corpus Christi, No. 64, with a total score of 54.38
McAllen/Edinburg/Mission, No. 93, with a total score of 45.12

The border town of McAllen is the only Texas destination named in the top five for the report’s specific metrics. Though its ranking as the No. 5 spot with the highest travel costs and most hassles won’t win McAllen any awards, the city also ranked as the No. 1 destination with the lowest local costs.

The overall No. 1 summer destination, according to the report, is the Orlando/Kissimmee/Sanford, Florida area, home to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, as well as other theme park attractions.

families wallethub lists rankings

hottest headlines of 2024

Hill Country escapes beckon in Austin's top 10 travel stories of 2024

Photo by Jeff Jones

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Editor's note: As 2024 comes to a close, we're looking back at the stories that defined Austin this year, and that includes travel — in and out of the Texas capital. Austinites were most interested in escaping to the Hill Country and exploring San Antonio. To fuel your wanderlust, here are the top 10 travel headlines of 2024.

1. Texas has 2 of the country's top 10 state parks, says new list. Palo Duro Canyon State Park came out as the No. 2 best state park in the country. Travelers who don't want to make a drive to the Texas Panhandle can head to the Hill Country to visit Garner State Park, which landed at No. 9.

2. San Antonio rodeo rounds up Jon Pardi and Pesado for 2025 lineup. Austinites have a few key reasons to travel to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo each year, such as seeing big music stars like Nelly, Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes, Turnpike Troubadours, and more.

3. New downtown San Antonio hotel debuts with 4 bar and dining concepts. Overnight visitors to Alamo City may remember the Wyndham San Antonio River Walk, but things are looking very different now. After a transformation that has been in the works for at least three years, the InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel opened for visitors in August.

A rooftop pool 21 stories up completes the new InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel. Photo courtesy of InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk Hotel

4. Texas predicted to be No. 1 destination tourists will hit for the eclipse. Great American Eclipse predicted Texas would see over a million tourists during April's solar spectacle — the highest number out of the 48 continental states.

5. Hill Country resort inflates its 10th annual hot air balloon festival. The annual Balloons Over Horseshoe Bay Resort includes more than balloons, with live music, tastings, and more.

6. Self-flying air taxis to take flight at airports in major Texas city. Keep an eye on the sky in 2025 — maybe you'll spot one of the new electric and autonomous air taxis expected to take flight in Houston.

7. New Hill Country treehouse resort tops Texas travel ideas for October. Our October monthly roundup of travel tips highlighted the recently opened Onera resort in Wimberley, which features 28 treehouses and "earth home-style units" with panoramic views of the Hill Country.

8. Stunning Hill Country resort lodge gets a chic update. TheAntlers Lodge at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa in San Antonio got a major makeover that also included a new chef and updated menu.

9. 15 best eclipse watch parties and events across Central Texas on April 8. Central Texas and the Hill Country were the hottest destinations for eclipse-watchers, and we compiled the ultimate list of viewing parties and events for the occasion.

10. Buzzy Hill Country hotel featuring VIP Austin chef sets opening date. Located right on the main street of charming Fredericksburg, the Albert Hotel is officially accepting reservations as of January 3, 2025.