Why go out of state for the Labor Day holiday, when there's plenty of fun and relaxation to be had at home in Texas? A new Labor Day travel trends report from Airbnb has revealed the top destinations where Austinites can make the most of their three day weekend, and the options span from a revitalizing staycation to a seaside trip down on the coast.
Airbnb discovered the rate of stays that are booked within 300 miles from a guest's home have nearly doubled over the last five years. The short-term rental site also reported that local travel rates have grown twice as fast as long distance travel.
During the first half of 2024, more than half of all Airbnb stays in Texas were booked by in-state residents, and that trend shows no sign of slowing down as the year continues.
South Padre Island was listed among Airbnb's top destinations booked by locals for last-minute Labor Day road trips. The tropical paradise has something for everyone, from family-friendly resorts like Margaritaville (which celebrated its one-year anniversary in June) to outdoor recreational activities like dolphin watching, fishing, horseback riding, and more.
Start or end the day with a fun horseback ride over the dunes on South Padre Island.Photo courtesy of Visit South Padre Island
Airbnb's top Central Texas destinations for Labor Day
If a beach trip isn't in the cards this year, the Hill Country is always a suitable alternative destination. Airbnb shared many guests in the Austin area loved staying at "Getaway Hill Country" in Wimberley, a small town less than 40 miles southwest from Austin. The secluded tiny cabin is located on a private 60-acre ranch and provides guests a much-needed cozy escape from the city.
"Our Outpost is surrounded by low-hanging trees that open up to stunning views of Old Baldy and wide open skies," the Airbnb listing says. "Immerse yourself in nature along our onsite trail, take a dip in the nearby natural swimming hole, or stop by our General Store offering quality goods in the great outdoors."
A second highly sought after Hill Country Airbnb destination is "Olive Ranch Cottage #4" in Johnson City. Similar to the Wimberley Airbnb, the cottage is situated on a quiet and secluded 25-acre property that's only a five-minute drive to Pedernales Falls State Park. The one-bedroom cottage is perfect for a couples' getaway, and the hosts even allow guests to bring their furry best friends to stay on-site.
The Olive Ranch Cottage is a one hour drive (42 miles) from Austin.Photo courtesy of Airbnb
But the fun doesn't stop there: Guests are welcome to explore the Canyon Road Olive Ranch's orchards and more.
"We have a large deck in the north orchard which is perfect for sunsets and stargazing," the listing says. "The covered pavilion has a gas grill and mini refrigerator – perfect for dinner gatherings. And don't miss the fire pit in the cooler months."
For locals looking for a "staycation" much closer to home, this "Bright, Cozy Home North of Austin" in Pflugerville was another top choice by Airbnb guests living in the Austin area. This newly renovated home can accommodate up to eight guests, and the abode's earthy yet modern interior design has drawn attention from national design magazines and blogs like Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, and more.
The property is conveniently located five miles from Pflugerville's Typhoon Texas Waterpark, and is less than 10 miles from Kalahari Resort in Round Rock.
"By using Airbnb to travel locally, guests can discover off-the-beaten path destinations close to home, all while saving time and money," the report said. "Families can forgo pricey flights, spend more time relaxing rather than coordinating logistics, and find a unique Airbnb listing that offers an experience in and of itself."
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Flagstaff, Arizona
- Providence, Rhode Island
- Somerville, Massachusetts
- Syracuse, New York
- Big Bear Lake, California
- New Haven, Connecticut
- North Topsail Beach, North Carolina
- Ocean City, New Jersey
The report can be found on airbnb.com.
Gauguin in the World is on display at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston from now until February 16, 2025.
Photo courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
William Chris Vineyards has done it again.
Photo courtesy of William Chris Vineyards