Launch your next Texas trip with this essential guide to its biggest cities

Hit the Road

Courtesy photo

Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the state itself. At 268,597 square miles, it's a lot to traverse — but luckily there's plenty to see, do, eat, and drink along the way.

No matter what kind of trip you're planning around Texas, Marriott Bonvoy Hotels can be the launchpad for your next travel or culinary adventure. Its hotels and resorts are as diverse as the Lone Star State and offer amazing culinary, spa, and destination experiences in each city.

Plan your next trip from this guide below:

People stand-up paddleboarding in Austin See Austin from the water.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Austin
At a glance: Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin is also home to the State Capitol. University of Texas at Austin helps "Keep Austin Weird," but it's also a growing tech hot spot with a vibrant, culinary-focused atmosphere.

Must-see spots: Ladybird Lake, Texas Capitol, Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, Pennybacker Bridge, Blanton Museum, ACL Live at Moody Theater, Rainey Street, UT Austin.

Must-try eats & sips: Head to the new Dean’s Steakhouse Austin at JW Marriott Austin for a special occasion or business dinner, and try the Wagyu beef cuts in addition to an acclaimed raw bar and generous happy hour.

Travel north to Renaissance Austin’s restaurant, Knotty Deck & Bar, for an urban retreat with patio views of the Texas Hill Country. It serves elevated Austin cuisine with a spacious backyard for bean bags and other outdoor games to enjoy with family and friends.

Austin easily features the highest density of rooftop bars in the state, including the popular Zanzibar, a tropical oasis serving up inventive Tiki cocktails. Toast to “golden hour” nightly at Otopia Rooftop Lounge with craft cocktails high above the nearby university.

Must-attend events: SXSW Conference & Festivals (March), Blues on the Green (all summer long), Pride in Local Music Festival (June), Austin City Limits (October), Austin Film Festival (October).

Must-experience vibes: Get your retro music fix with unique vinyl record programs at the Otis Hotel Austin and the W Hotel Austin.

Family at Las Colinas Resort Take the whole fam to Las Colinas Resort.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Dallas-Fort Worth
At a glance: A pair of cities that have undergone true transformation, beginning as cattle hubs and railroad centers and blossoming into Texas' current window to the world with incredible art museums and performing arts centers (the largest arts district in the nation, in fact).

Must-see spots: Dallas Museum of Art, Katy Trail, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Reunion Tower, Fair Park, Meyerson Symphony Center, Kimbell Art Museum, the Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts neighborhoods, Mesquite Rodeo Arena, Fort Worth Stockyards, NorthPark Center.

Must-try eats & sips: Dallas’ dining scene is highlighted by Margaret’s, the restaurant at the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District that's opening in June. It offers farm-to-fork ingredients in a dramatic setting with sweeping views of the city and a lively bar with handcrafted cocktails from seasoned mixologists.

Head to Uptown Dallas for its sophisticated restaurant, shopping, and boutique fitness scene highlighted by Good Graces in Marriott Uptown Dallas, a bright and airy brasserie where you can indulge in fresh oysters, charcuterie boards, crisp salads, and a variety of steak and seafood dishes.

In the northwest suburb of Irving, visit LAW at Las Colinas Resort to experience the very best of land, air, and water elements, alongside locally sourced ingredients. Mesa Mezcal at the Westin Irving is the spot for modern Mexican fare, curated mezcal cocktails, and YogaRitas on the patio, a partnership series with YogaSix Studio.

Head west to Fort Worth to dine al fresco at 97 West, where a Southwestern ambiance beckons adventurous spirits and serves up classic Texas heritage dishes.

In the heart of Cowtown, experience the convivial dining culture of Central and South America at Toro Toro in the Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth. Slip outside afterward to take in a movie on its rooftop deck via a partnership with Rooftop Cinemas, complete with a food truck for snacks and drinks.

Marriott Bonvoy’s restaurants aim to incorporate local and regional breweries in their beverage menus whenever possible, so ask your bartender for his or her favorite brew. Explore DFW's robust brewery scene, from Martin House Brewing Company to Deep Ellum Brewing Co., Celestial Beer Works to Manhattan Project Beer Co., and Peticolas Brewing to Texas Ale Project.

Must-attend events: Dallas Pride Parade (June), Homegrown Music & Arts Festival (June), Riverfront Jazz Fest (September), State Fair of Texas (September-October), Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (January-February).

People on rooftop in Houston The best way to see Houston? From a rooftop.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Houston
At a glance: Founded as a bustling commercial center and shipping port in the mid-1800s, with major influence from Charlotte Baldwin, known as the "Mother of Houston," today H-Town is statistically the most diverse major city in Texas with a thriving gastronomic scene, world-class museums, and the Houston Space Center.

Must-see spots: The Museum District (18 institutions within walking distance; includes the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston), The Galleria, Houston Aquarium, Buffalo Bayou Park, POST Houston entertainment district, Chinatown, Houston Graffiti Park, Discovery Green, Houston Zoo.

Must-try eats & sips: Located inside the Magnolia Houston, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is The Dispatch, which pays homage to its building’s rich history as the home of the Houston Post-Dispatch paper. The Art Deco vibes complement the eatery’s contemporary American cuisine and enticing cocktails.

After a day of shopping at The Galleria mall, stop by White Oak Kitchen + Drinks for a collection of fresh ingredients, a curated wine and cocktail menu, and weekend brunch.

Explore Houston’s culinary melting pot with an experience at Xin Chao, a modern Vietnamese restaurant owned by MasterChef winner Christina Ha. Locals also hail Killen’s BBQ as some of the best in the state.

Houston visitors will also find food trucks dotted around the city, offering inventive cuisine with global fusion showcasing Houston’s diversity.

Must-attend events: Freedom Over Texas Festival (July), Houston Restaurant Week (August), Fiestas Patrias (September 2023), Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (February-March).

Must-experience vibes: Stay cool in the Houston heat this summer by diving into the city's best urban party playground: the iconic, Texas-shaped lazy river at the Altitude Rooftop & Pool at Marriott Marquis Houston.

It's always a party on the San Antonio River Walk.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

San Antonio
At a glance: Remember the Alamo! Explore San Antonio’s famed River Walk or journey further south to the San Antonio Missions National Park, where some of the Lone Star State's most pivotal moments occurred. Northwest of the city, treat your family to a thrill at world-class amusement parks.

Discover the emerging arts and culinary scene while touring historic, trendy neighborhoods like the impressive King William District, dotted with colonial mansions, and Dignowity Hill, sporting the Hays Street Bridge and a deep-rooted sense of community.

Must-see spots: The Alamo, the San Antonio Missions, River Walk, San Antonio Botanical Gardens, San Antonio Zoo, Southtown, Brackenridge Park, SeaWorld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Historic Pearl Brewery, Tower of the Americas, La Villita, Market Square.

Must-try eats: Check out incredible South Texas fare on the River Walk such as Tributary restaurant in the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter Hotel, with seasonally rotating menus and ingredients sourced from regional farming partners and purveyors.

Escape to the Texas Hill Country at 18 Oaks for an outstanding quality of meats and seafood prepared with style and expertise, ideally enjoyed after a day of golf at TPC San Antonio or a splashy time at the nine-acre waterpark at the JW San Antonio Hill Country Resort.

Take the kids or pups and head to the Historic Pearl Brewery, where you'll find everything from upscale bistros to an array of dining choices inside the Food Hall at Bottling Dept. Enjoy a picnic on the green spaces and a family-favorite splash pad while taking in the quaint European vibes in this special area of Alamo City.

Must-sip drinks: Visit the new 1 Watson rooftop deck atop the AC Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk for downtown views and a cocktail or two by a fire pit.

Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Gather at Knotty Deck & Bar in Austin.

Hop on the city’s shared bike or scooter systems to explore local-favorite breweries and coffee shops such as Merit Coffee, Freetail Brewing, Weathered Souls Brewing, and Alamo Beer Co.

Must-attend events: Fiesta San Antonio (April), Pride San Antonio (June), Día de los Muertos (November), San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo (February).

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Comprised of 30 unique brands, Marriott Bonvoy is a travel program that goes beyond rewards to connect members to more of what they love through hotel and resort stays, elevated dining, and endless experiences.

Marriott Bonvoy member benefits include free membership, special member rates, ability to earn and redeem points, contactless mobile and contactless service, free WiFi, and more.

Photo by Andrea Calo

Dip your toes into these 7 Austin pools with passes, snacks, and summer events

Wet Hot Austin Summer

Memorial Day is here, which means so are the days of sitting in a lounge chair and sweating while looking unreasonably fabulous. Whether it's to beat the summer heat or to show off a new swimsuit, Austinites may have more options than they think to take a swim at the many pools around town. Even if you haven't committed to an overnight stay, most hotels offer day passes, and some even offer other deals or poolside programming.

One great way to find passes not just to pools around town, but also to spas and other hotel amenities, is to browse ResortPass. (Not sponsored, just cool.) There are 26 Austin options on the site right now.

But we wanted to let you know what's going on beyond the pass — who will set you up for a great meal, who lets you drink out of a coconut, and whose views (or lack thereof) provide the best ambiance for your day off. Some of our choices aren't even on the platform.

Go grab your sandals, and save us a towel.

Greater Austin YMCA
Let's start with the less glamorous before we break out the poolside fashion. The YMCA is a family staple for a reason, and if your goal is just to get in the water regularly throughout the summer, especially with kids, it's a great place to start. There are "interactive hours" at the outdoor pools (more fun than swimming laps) at the East Communities, Hays Communities, Northwest Family, Southwest Family, and Springs Family YMCAs, as well as the YMCA at Camp Moody. The Y is semi-affordable; It would probably be cheaper to visit a hotel pool once or twice, but a Y membership includes a month of access, guest passes, and much more, and may replace your gym membership for the summer. $69 per month, with age and household discounts. austinymca.org

Hotel Van Zandt
If your pool visit doesn't include spritz and giggles, why are you even there? Hotel Van Zandt is opening up its stylish rooftop pool for the "Spritz & Giggles Poolside Happy Hour & Sunset Swim" event series. Every Monday through Thursday, visitors can enjoy $8 frozen Aperol spritzes, $8 specialty cocktails, and a special pool menu with items like a refreshing green salad, pork belly al pastor tacos, and a spicy fried chicken sandwich. Geraldine's, the main restaurant, is right inside for even better drinks, expanded bites, and sometimes live music. Starting at $48 per day for adults, $15 for kids. hotelvanzandt.com

Carpenter Hotel
If one day at the Carpenter Hotel pool is just not enough, the hotel has now added monthly passes. In addition to unlimited access to the secluded pool in the Zilker neighborhood, a pass gets a $30 discount for the new monthly BBQ Pool Parties (bringing attendance down to $25). That will include a great spread of less commonly seen barbecue items like grilled bay scallops, mushroom skewers, elotes, deviled potato salad, and more. Monthly pass holders also get to bring one child under 8 for free. $40 daily, $200 monthly. Both Monday through Thursday. carpenterhotel.com

South Congress Hotel
The South Congress Hotel is right in the middle of where many Austinites want to be on a summer day, if it weren't so dang hot. This rooftop pool solves that problem in style, with daily pool passes every day of the week, as well as cabana rentals. Café No Sé supplies poolside drinks and snacks, and downstairs, Austin's Best New Restaurant Maie Day offers a hearty meal after a day of napping in the sun. Cabanas can be rented for four people and include self-parking, bottled water, and a bottle of champagne or bucket of High Noon. Days for $40 and cabanas for $300 on weekdays; days for $75 and cabanas for $400 on weekends. southcongresshotel.com

Hotel Viata
Hotel Viata is a bit of a sleeper hotel among Austin boutiques, as it's located a little beyond West Lake Hills. Still, if you want a taste of Italy, the drive to this retreat will be worth it. Not to mention, with the extra room these downtown hotels can't offer, a pool pass includes access to a hot tub, fire pits, and great views of the hills around the city. Pool passes are available, but if you want to see it for free before you spend, wait for June 10; The hotel invites guests 21 and up to check out the pool for free at the "Summer Festa in Piscina" party, with a "Taste of Italy" add-on ($55) for Aperol Spritz, limoncello lemon drops, and negronis all day. $45 per day for adults, $25 for children. resortpass.com

Wax Myrtle's
This rooftop bar and pool is known for its never-ending events calendar, and of course that energy extends to poolside entertainment. There will be live music on the weekends, plus live DJ sets on Saturday nights, alongside whatever other programming happens to be going on inside. Even if it's a do-nothing day, these large, over-the-top drinks will give you a delicious challenge. The "Boot Scootin Fruity" mixes rum, an aperitivo, hibiscus, and lime in a cowboy hat punch bowl ($90); the luxe "Mojito 75" combines Moët & Chandon with rum and mojito must-haves in a disco ball ($230); and an unnamed cocktail is worth trying just to enjoy it from a real coconut. Starting at $15 for adults, $10 for children, and more for daybeds and cabanas. waxmyrtles.com

Austin Motel
Perhaps one of the best known pools in Austin for its retro vibes, fun events, and accessibility to on-foot wanderers is the Austin Motel. This is a great, less expensive choice that's probably more fun for casual pool revelers who would feel a little put out by having to dress up and behave in a more luxe hotel setting. There are also frequent poolside events at this motel, like the free "Bounce Motel" series with live DJs, or the body-positive "Chunky Dunk." The pool is offers daily passes every day, even when there's nothing on the calendar. $25 on weekdays, $45 on weekends, or $600 in three-and-a-half-month "waves." austinmotel.com

Photo by Andrea Calo

Austinites don't need to stay at a hotel to be invited to the pool. (Pictured: The Carpenter Hotel)

Photo courtesy of Visit Frisco

Sink a hole-in-one with a Frisco golf getaway that's fit for the pros

The New Home of Golf

If you're someone who likes to hit the links and dreams of a vacay where "driving" isn't just a way of getting there, consider Frisco for your next golf getaway.

World-class courses designed by Tom Fazio, Gil Hanse, and Beau Welling, coupled with remarkable golf resorts, make Frisco an unmatched Texas golf destination.

Of course, this North Texas community is also the home of PGA Frisco, a public-private partnership that brings together PGA of America, Omni Hotels & Resorts, the City of Frisco, and the Frisco Independent School District.

Those not ready to get on the golf course will find plenty to love about their Frisco golf getaway. An array of dining options, poolside experiences, luxurious spa treatments, shopping, and more await, along with everything from family-friendly outings to music and art.

Wondering where to stay? Here are two top-notch suggestions:

The Westin Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa
Renovated in 2020, The Westin Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa features a WestinWORKOUT fitness studio, pool area with private cabanas, water slide, and splash pad, plus a full-service Well & Being Spa, Westin Family Kids Club, and an activities lawn with games for all ages. Golfers can play the Fazio Course and at the unique Topgolf Swing Suite.

Omni PGA Frisco Resort
The recently opened Omni PGA Frisco Resort is steps away from the new PGA of America headquarters and offers golf for players of all ages and skill level. In addition to the two championship courses, Fields Ranch East and Fields Ranch West, golfers can enjoy a lighted 10-hole par 3 short course, a two-acre putting green, and virtual game experiences.

Omni PGA Frisco Resort has four pools, including an adults-only rooftop infinity pool, plus a full-service Mokara Spa, 13 dining options, a retail village, meeting and event space, 10 four-bedroom ranch houses, and 500 guest rooms.

Itching to play a public course while in town? Reserve a tee time at Frisco Lakes Golf Club, Plantation Golf Club, and The Trails of Frisco Golf Club.

Start planning your golf getaway to Frisco now.

Photo courtesy of Visit Frisco

Omni PGA Frisco Resort has two championship courses.

Photo courtesy of Graduate Hotels

New hotel finds a home in the heart of downtown Austin

18 FLOORS OF FUN

Travelers wanting to immerse themselves in the center of the bustling city are getting some new accommodations.

An 18-story Graduate Austin hotel at the corner of Guadalupe Street and West 18th Street is currently in the works, with an expected opening date in 2025.

Graduate Hotels was founded in 2014 by Ben Weprin and currently has 33 properties in the United States and United Kingdom. The hotels are often located near universities, hence their characteristic name. Graduate currently has another location in progress in Dallas.

The Austin Graduate will incorporate the city’s “weirdness” with signature eclectic patterns and design techniques that bring University of Texas culture inside the walls of a guest’s hotel room. The building will have glazed terracotta finishes, checkered cement tile, and the interior will feature grasscloth wallpaper with warm-toned color palettes.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy the hotel’s event space, fitness center, and meeting room for any exercise or workplace needs. The ground floor will have a café and bar, and the rooftop will also have its own bar, restaurant, and pool.

Graduate Hotels CIO Tim Ryan said in a press release that a hotel in the Lone Star Capital City has “long been a dream location” for the company.

“The city’s distinct personality, creative energy and adventurous spirit align perfectly,” Ryan said. “We’re huge fans of this community and all things UT, and we look forward to delivering a space that reflects and celebrates those sentiments through design that’s rooted in storytelling, gracious hospitality, best-in-class food and beverage offerings and more.”

More information about Graduate Austin can be found on graduatehotels.com.

img.texasmonthly.com

Two elegant Austin hotels book spots on Texas Monthly’s list of best stays

stay here

Though we are in the era of short-term rentals, Texas Monthly is out on the prowl to recognize those truly local hotel gems scattered across our wonderfully vast state. And two Austinhotels have earned spots on theirrecommendation list.

In the four years since their 2019 edition of “Where to to Stay Now,” Texas Monthly has proved not every home on Airbnb offers as luxe of an experience as a business that was designed for it. Plus, a hotel isn’t going to charge you ridiculously high cleaning fees.

Sliding into No. 5 of the 2023 release is newly-opened The Loren at Lady Bird Lake. The Monthly describes The Loren as Austin's "best-kept secret in a city that doesn't tend to keep them" which is some extremely high praise in a city full of influencers and tech enthusiasts. What looks like any unassuming hotel exterior holds a lush greenhouse oasis with modern touches on the inside. Floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the city skyline are just one jaw-dropping feature of these suites.

The Loren also hosts some exquisite accommodations like rooftop bar and restaurant Nido and a luxurious Milk + Honey spa. With ten miles of trails to walk or bike just steps away from their lobby elevator, this hotel has everything a traveler needs for exercise and relaxation.

Topping this year's recommendations is Houston’s own La Colombe d’Or, the landmark mansion that overlooks the historic Montrose neighborhood. It was built over a century ago and named after an inn and restaurant of the same name in France. As CultureMap reported, the hotel underwent a major transformation in 2019, reopening in 2021 with a newly renovated house and bungalows, and a 34-story tower.

Rounding out Texas Monthly's list is the treasured Central Austin inn Commodore Perry Estate, which was built in 2020. The three-story private resort was most recently ranked the third best hotel in Texas by US News and World Report, and earned an exclusive spot in Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List 2023.

Commodore Perry mixes Texas' signature hospitality with upscale, European-inspired elements such as antique furniture, breathtaking gardens, a circular pool, and a library full of well-loved books. Lutie's Garden Restaurant is a gem of its own, if you get the chance to visit one of their public events.

Commodore Perry Estate mixes Texas' signature hospitality with upscale, European-inspired elements. Photo courtesy of Commodore Perry Estate

All 10 hotels on 2023’s "Where to Stay Now" list have either recently opened or undergone massive renovations since the publication's previous edition. Commonalities between the hotels include a love of art, historic preservation, and attention to those tiny details that truly outshine the convenience of a short-term rental.

Texas Monthly's full list of recommendations include:

La Colombe d’Or in Houston
Hotel Lulu in Round Top
Lively Beach in Corpus Christi
Hotel Drover in Fort Worth
The Loren at Lady Bird Lake in Austin
Stanton House in El Paso
Grand Galvez in Galveston
Thompson Dallas
Willow House in Terlingua
Commodore Perry Estate in Austin

Texas Monthly also included the Austin Proper Hotel on their list of honorable mentions, noting the "smart and chic interiors" and thoughtfully designed bathrobes by celebrity designer Kelly Wearstler in partnership with Parachute Home.

Austin Proper Hotel scored an honorable mention. Austin Proper Hotel & Residences

The 10 honorable mention hotels are:

The Barfield, Autograph Collection in Amarillo
Hall Arts Hotel in Dallas
Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa
Cotton Court Hotel in Lubbock
Hotel Dryce in Fort Worth
Thompson San Antonio-Riverwalk
Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk
Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park in El Paso
Austin Proper Hotel
Hotel Turkey in Turkey

More information about the hotels can be found on texasmonthly.com.

Photo by John Arano on Unsplash

Austin is the most expensive city in Texas for a night out, and 3rd priciest in the U.S.

OPEN YOUR WALLET

Inflation isn’t the only thing bringing down the vibes (and the balance) of your bank account. A night out in Austin has always been pricey, but it has only become even more expensive in recent years.

In fact, it has become so costly that Austin is now the third most expensive city in the country for a night out. That’s according to a new study by price-monitoring website PriceListo.

The study looked at cost-of-living data from US cities with populations over 500,000 to discover the average prices of a cocktail, cab fare, bottle of wine, and a pint of beer. They also collaborated with hotel deal-finders Vio to determine the median price for a single-night stay in the city.

The overall cost for that late-night buzz adds up to $221.23, which is a pretty penny considering how expensive it is to live in the area. The median single-night price for a hotel stay in Austin will set you back $169.74, while the cost of a three-mile cab fare is $7.49. One cocktail at a downtown club costs an average of $13, while a bottle of good-quality red wine for the table is $16. If you cap off the night at a pub, a pint of beer is just $6. And if you need to eat some food to offset the impending hangover, a McDonald’s combo meal costs $9. All of that adds up to the third most expensive night out in the United States. Don't forget to close out your tabs.

Only two cities were slightly more expensive than Austin: San Diego (No. 1) and Charlotte, North Carolina (No. 2). A night out in those two cities will cost $225.27 and $224.75, respectively.

How did other Texas cities fare? Better than Austin, that’s for sure. Houston is home to the No. 9 most expensive city for a night out with their overall cost adding up to $209.54. Dallas, on the other hand, ranked No. 24 with the most expensive price for a cocktail ($25) but the cheapest three-mile cab fare at $5.41.

The top 10 most expensive cities for a night out are:

No. 1: San Diego – $225.27
No. 2: Charlotte, North Carolina – $224.75
No. 3: Austin – $221.23
No. 4: Memphis, Tennessee – $216.25
No. 5: Columbus, Ohio – $212.47
No. 6: Boston – $211.16
No. 7: Seattle – $210.61
No. 8: Washington, D.C. – $210.39
No. 9: Houston – $209.54
No. 10: Tucson, Arizona – $203.39

Two Texas cities made it into the top 10 in a comparison of the most affordable cities: San Antonio (No. 2) and Fort Worth (No. 9). A night out in San Antonio has the second most affordable cost in the country at $134.56, only to be beaten by Las Vegas, whose night out costs $120.76. Fort Worth has the No. 9 most affordable price for a night out at $172.14.

The top 10 cities that are the most affordable for a night out include:

No. 1: Las Vegas – $120.76
No. 2: San Antonio – $134.56
No. 3: Oklahoma City – $136.98
No. 4: San Francisco – $142.94
No. 5: Fresno, California – $145.55
No. 6: Albuquerque – $157.47
No. 7: Jacksonville, Florida – $162.42
No. 8: Philadelphia – $168.74
No. 9: Fort Worth – $172.14
No. 10: Chicago – $173.81

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Austin pedals into the 5th-best ranking for naked biking among U.S. cities

Skin in the game

Austinites just will not do things clothed, apparently. We slid in our ranking for naked gardening in 2023, but No. 2 ain't bad. Naked biking sounds a lot less appealing, but Austin is a great place to do it, coming in at No. 5 overall.

According to LawnStarter, who compiled the research out of the 200 largest cities in the U.S., Austin beat every other Texas locale, with Houston coming in at No. 13, San Antonio at No. 45, Dallas at 58, and everyone else doing pretty abysmally.

Austinites interested in trying this fringe sport can look into the World Naked Bike Ride, with the slogan, "Less Gas, More Ass." The next ride is scheduled this month, which is what inspired LawnStarter to do this important work. Austinites will have to travel to Houston to participate officially on September 9.

Not that having a black plastic bike seat between your cheeks in the blazing sun isn't a good idea in Texas — it just doesn't sound like a great one. Still, naked biking is surprisingly popular among Ausitnites, earning the city the 12th ranking in that category, tied with Madison, Wisconsin, and Boston, Massachusetts. If you're racking your brain for the last time you saw a naked biker cruising by in Austin, you're not alone. It may be more popular than it is in most other states, but it's certainly not the norm.

Austin's top category ranking was in friendliness to nudists (No. 2), which definitely fits our image as a city, and often comes back to our legally-protected toplessness, even in public places without nudist designations — a rarity in the United States. We were beat by Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in that category and overall; The City of Brotherly Love also loves biking with their bits out.

Austin's worst ranking was in safety (No. 182), which was dragged down by our prevalence of sex offenders. Apparently, almost any U.S. city is better to live in if you don't want to live near a sex offender.

One would think Austin's climate would be anything but conducive to biking with nothing but sunscreen between your vulnerable human form and the punishing summer rays, but the city achieved No. 81 in the category, which is basically average.

The worst city for naked biking is one called Surprise, Arizona, which is a pretty sad surprise. Naked biking is decidedly unpopular, and the city's worst rank is in biker friendliness. If you're going to be out on the street like a modern-day Lady Godiva on gears, it does seem important that your city like bikers. The worst Texas city is Pasadena, for similar reasons.

Women and Gen Z are the most financially stressed — and how that fits with recent local findings in Austin

show them the money

Money may not buy happiness, but financial stress affects every generation — some groups more than others. Point, a home equity lender, did some research and found that personal finance was negatively impacting the mental health of 55 percent of respondents, especially Gen Z and women.

The study covered four broad sources of stress: personal finances, climate change, geopolitical issues, and social issues. Both Gen Z and women were most stressed in all categories except geopolitical issues, where men and Boomers took the lead. Actually, despite Boomers' financial stability, they worried about every other category the second-most after Gen Z, coming in almost even on the issue of climate change.

The report measured the frequency of responses that impacted "mental health 'a great deal' or 'quite a bit,'" indicating that the reported stress was significant. It does not include data about milder stress.

Adult Gen Z was most worried about their ability to save to buy a house, followed closely by not being able to find jobs that pay enough for general living expenses — two sides of the same coin, or credit card. Gen Z was least worried about losing their jobs, perhaps because they're not paying enough to begin with, and most of Gen Z hasn't had their jobs for more than a few years.

There was not a further breakdown of women's stressors, but Austin women are surely feeling the pressure of our pay gap. Women in the capital city are making nearly $11,000 less than men, even though Texas at large is supposedly a great place for women in business.

Thankfully for Austinites stressed about being able to save for a home, the housing market has been stabilizing, according to the Austin Board of Realtors. First-time homebuyers who can get their credit together and afford a down payment may find relief in refinancing, and have at least five excellent neighborhoods to look in, or perhaps they'll even leave the city proper in favor of nearby suburbs.

Georgetown, one Austin's closest neighbors, is the fastest-growing city in the country, and should have improved access around Austin after Project Connect's light rail fills in the gaps left by the 40-minute commuter rail. If renting in Austin is more appealing than moving, renters can expect to afford about 714 square feet for $1,500 — only slightly less than the 782-square-foot national average.

Like any city, Austin has its roses, buds, and thorns, but across the board, things in this city seem to be stabilizing for the first time in years. Maybe that's why, despite the stress, we're still one of the happiest cities in America.

9 grilled, chilled, and oddity-filled events on Father's Day weekend

Father's Day Weekend Events

With all its events and activities, Austin is always a good place to spend some time with dad. But this Father's Day is even more packed with opportunities to celebrate fathers and father figures with the gift of an unforgettable experience. Connect with family and loved ones June 16-18 in local-approved style.

Keep things traditional by breaking bread with your old man at brunch day parties and with special dinner menus. For the dads who prefer a bit of spontaneity, live concerts and curiosity collections on display offer up alternative ways to create memories during this family-focused holiday.

Check out these nine cool things to do with your dad this Father’s Day Weekend, and come back for more ideas as we hear about them.

Friday, June 16

Oblivion Access Festival
This local Austin indie music festival is the perfect experience gift for all the dads who rock. The four-day event will occur at various venues across the city, including Mohawk, Valhalla, and Empire Control Room & Garage. More than 60 bands and musicians pepper the setlist, with Faust, Duster, TR/ST, Tim Hecker, and Godflesh as some of the headliners. Get a full schedule of events and tickets at oblivionaccessfestival.com.

Saturday, June 17

Lake Austin Spa Resort's Father’s Day packages
Give Pops the gift of indulgent relaxation with the help of Lake Austin Spa Resort’s newest father-focused packages. Gift cards are available for Dad to use on his own, or couples celebrating together can try the “My Guy and I” package, which includes a massage for two, lunch from the spa’s Aster Cafe, a pool cabana rental, and more. Guests can also take advantage of a 60-minute facial experience featuring a range of products from the luxe Swiss skincare line, Valmont. Visit lakeaustin.com for booking details.

Oddities & Curiosities Expo
Tap into you and your Dad’s shared inner quirkiness when you explore all things strange and unusual on display at the Palmer Events Center. The expo will showcase oddities from 150 vendors offering wares including taxidermy, Halloween-inspired artwork, skulls, antiques, and more. Guests can also enjoy photo ops, tarot readings, concessions, and sideshow performances. Get more details at odditiesandcuriositiesexpo.com.

Sunday, June 18

Meanwhile Brewing Co. presents a Father’s Day Party with Thinkery
Meanwhile Brewing Co. welcomes fathers and their kiddos to the brewery morning of family-friendly fun for all ages. Thinkery will host two STEAM-inspired children’s projects while parents enjoy their own age-appropriate activities in the taproom. Food trucks on locations will serve lunch and brunch menu offerings to fuel the creative process. Admission to this event is free and open to the public with reservation. RSVP on meanwhilebeer.com.

Mozart Coffee Roasters presents a Father's Day Cherry Pie Eating Contest
Encourage your father’s sweet tooth with a side of friendly competition at Mozart's Coffee Roasters. Participants will have eight minutes to eat as much cherry pie as possible, with the winner being the person who eats the most. Prizes include Mozart's coffee, swag, gift cards, and a sunset boat ride on Lake Austin for the 1st place winner. Admission is free and open to the public. Get more information on how to enter the contest on Eventbrite.

EncoreATX presents a Father's Day Brunch + Day Party
Party with your parents at this lively XO Nightclub Austin event. Highlights of this midday bash include a full bar, a brunch menu featuring chicken and waffles, greens, mac and cheese, yams, and DJ sets. In addition to brunch, the venue makes a slight departure from its usual hip-hop soundtrack, promising "RnB vibes." Large parties are welcome, so the whole family can get in on the fun. Get tickets and more menu information on Eventbrite.

Father’s Day at Perry’s
Elevated Texas steakhouse Perry’s invites fathers and their families to a culinary experience of dad-approved fare. Dine with Dad early for brunch and enjoy a variety of specialty, off-the-menu cocktails. Evening menu items include a three-course pork chop supper, a 22-ounce, bone-in prime rib steak, and other decadent dishes suitable for a king. Reserve a table and get additional menu information on perryssteakhouse.com.

William Chris Vineyards presents its Annual Hog & Goat Roast
Venture out to the acclaimed William Chris Vineyards and give your dad a day off from manning the grill. Guests to the annual roast can feast on slow-cooked hog and goat prepared by the winery’s on-site culinary team, while taking in views of the vineyard and the Texas Hill Country. Wine specials will also be available throughout the event. Purchase tickets to the roast at shop.williamchriswines.com.

Sway presents a Father’s Day Grill Out
Swanky Austin Thai eatery Sway brings "an interactive grill station" to its patio for a family-style culinary experience with Father’s Day flair. Special dishes include smoked meat options, the restaurant’s first-ever burger, and a Thai coffee ice cream sandwich. If a day at Sway sounds great without the grilled options, the regular menu will still be available. Make your reservations on swaythai.com.

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