It's time to take advantage of the season's mild weather and embark on a fun spring getaway. April is in full swing for travel ideas, from a Hill Country hot air balloon festival to a cocktail cruise on the San Antonio River Walk. There's plenty of fun to be had right at home in Central Texas, like checking out an award-winning rental property or heading to a renaissance fair.
Texas travelers looking for ideas on where to go this month for a spring staycation, vacation, or a weekend trip can find them here, in our big monthly roundup of top travel tips around the state.
In Houston
A multimillion-dollar makeover has finally come to an end at Houston's lavish Hotel Granduca. Upgraded amenities include a completely redesigned lobby, courtyard, library, and the hotel's signature restaurant Remi and Bar Remi. The hotel has also renovated its guest accommodations to feature "the timeless beauty of a European estate with warm Texas hospitality." Room rates begin at $332 per night.
Hotel Granduca has completed its multimillion-dollar renovation.
Photo by Julie Soefer
Around Central Texas
A highly anticipated hot air balloon festival is returning to Horseshoe Bay Resort for an over-the-top Easter celebration April 18-20. The three-day extravaganza will feature wild "zoofari" animal shows, food concessions, petting zoos, live music, giant kites, and more. A variety of packages allow visitors to pick what parts of the festival they want to attend. Some portions are available only to guests who book stays at the resort, while Saturday passes remain available to the public. Hotel packages start at $459 for a single night.
An extraordinary resort-style home and entertainment barn in the Austin-area suburb of Dripping Springs became the sole Texas property to make Vrbo's list of 2025 Vacation Rentals of the Year. The spacious nine-bedroom rental features panoramic views of the gorgeous Hill Country, a 6,070-square-foot primary residence that can accommodate up to 20 guests, and includes luxurious amenities like a resort-style pool and hot tub, and much more. Nightly rates begin at $1,875 in April.
Dripping Springs Social is the perfect venue for an escape into the Hill Country. Photo courtesy of VrboIn the Central Texas village of Salado, about 50 miles north of Austin, the restaurant at the historic Stagecoach Inn has finally reopened after a two year break for renovations. Guests can now expect reimagined versions of old favorites, such as the famous hushpuppies, which were on the menu when the restaurant first opened back in 1947. Nightly rates at the Stagecoach Inn begin at $109 in April, and restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Wednesdays through Sundays, 11:30 am-8 pm.
Texas' beloved Sherwood Forest Faire was recently named the Best Medieval Festival in the Renaissance Festival Awards. The faire is located in McDade, about 40 miles east from Austin. Every weekend through April 20, the faire features 150 shows, from jousting and falconry to underwater escape artists, as well as artisan markets, storytellers and jesters, and much more. One-day general admission tickets range from $14.40-$30, and can be purchased on etix.com.
In San Antonio
The Westin Riverwalk is reveling in the spring months with its "Sip & Savor" cruise events from now through all of May. Guests and visitors can sip and chat while touring the famous San Antonio River Walk during a Sunday brunch cruise on April 13, or embark on a Saturday evening cocktail cruise on April 12 and 19. Ticket prices for the cocktail cruises are $75 per person, and admission for the brunch cruise begins at $85 per person. Regular room rates at The Westin Riverwalk begin at $205 nightly.
The first Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott in San Antonio, called Sol Cypress, is now welcoming guests for stays after its grand opening in mid-March. After spending two years undergoing renovations, the hotel features 131 rooms, a park for "furry companions," 4,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, and a private event space called The Tree House that overlooks the river and the skyline. Room rates begin at $193 per night.
In El Paso
Friend groups looking for a spring escape can head to Hotel Paso del Norte in El Paso, which offers the luxurious amenities one can only get at Autograph Collection Hotels. Guests can indulge on handcrafted cocktails at the Dome Bar or the rooftop bar El Mirador, or host small spa events at the private Cantala Room at The Desert Spirit Spa. The hotel also has three different eateries, including a steakhouse, a Southwestern restaurant, and a cafe. Room rates begin at $228 per night in April.
The Dome Bar is a stunning feature of the hotel.Photo courtesy of Hotel Paso del NorteAcross Dallas-Fort Worth
The Crescent Hotel in Fort Worth is offering guests a springtime escape with its "Art of Bloom" package for stays throughout April. The package includes overnight accommodations, two seasonal floral cocktails at The Circle Bar, and a rejuvenating Texas Wildflower manicure and pedicure at Canyon Ranch Wellness Club + Spa. Rates for the "Art of Bloom" package begin at $559 per night.
There's a new social hub coming to one of Fort Worth's most luxurious properties: The Yard at Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection will open its doors for hotel guests and visitors on April 1. The Yard will offer a special menu daily from 3-10 pm on a walk-in only basis, and a "Bricks & Horses" menu before 3 pm. Live music performances from local musicians will take place every Thursday starting on April 3.
The Graduate Dallas hotel has quietly made its debut across from Southern Methodist University, located in the former Hotel Lumen, at 6101 Hillcrest Ave. The hotel sets itself apart based on the unique way designers incorporate elements that reference the heritage and history of the university and its hometown. Graduate Dallas specifically features a subtle retro vibe, from the vintage font used for its logo to its nostalgia-driven furniture and decor. Room rates begin at about $250 per night.
