In This Article

1. Hotel Galvez and Spa

Hotel Galvez and Spa

© Hotel Galvez and Spa

Location:

Galveston, Texas

Highlights:

Steeped in elegance and history, Hotel Galvez and Spa is a century-old beachfront icon offering luxury, charm, and Gulf views—right on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Recommended For:

History buffs, spa seekers, and couples or families looking for a stylish, AAA Four-Diamond beachside stay with top-tier amenities.

What I Love: ♥

Ocean-view rooms, guided history and ghost tours, and a Sunday brunch that’s ranked among the best in the country.
  • Stay in warmly decorated guest rooms and suites featuring beach or city views, rainfall showerheads, iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges for your convenience.
  • Relax with upscale amenities like a full-service spa, a fitness room, and complimentary loaner bikes for cruising Galveston’s scenic streets.
  • Indulge in the hotel’s award-winning Sunday brunch—recognized as one of the top 100 in the U.S.—with delectable coastal cuisine and elegant atmosphere.
  • Explore the hotel’s rich past with free audio tours, weekly guided history walks, and spooky fun at monthly ghost tour dinner events.

Address:

Hotel Galvez and Spa, 2024 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550
Phone: 409-765-7721

2. Colton House Hotel, Austin

Colton House Hotel, Austin

© Colton House Hotel

Location:

Austin, Texas (South Congress)

Highlights:

If you're looking for the perfect mix of modern luxury and Austin cool, Colton House Hotel is the go-to boutique stay—ideal for a stylish romantic escape in the heart of South Congress.

Recommended For:

Couples, digital nomads, and travelers seeking spacious suites, local charm, and boutique vibes in one of Austin’s trendiest neighborhoods.

What I Love: ♥

Elegant studios with kitchenettes, poolside cocktails, and the hotel's “coolest in Austin” crown—all just steps from SoCo's iconic spots.
  • Stay in one of 80 beautifully designed studios and suites, each with upscale toiletries, kitchens or kitchenettes, cozy seating areas, and modern home-away-from-home appeal.
  • Relax by the outdoor pool with loungers and service for drinks and snacks, or unwind in the stylish coffee and cocktail lounge.
  • Move your body in the on-site fitness room or the serene yoga studio—perfect for keeping your wellness routine on track.
  • Dine casually with rotating food trucks on-site and easy access to the countless restaurants and eateries just down the road on South Congress Avenue.

Address:

Colton House Hotel, 2510 S. Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: 512-220-1795

Affordable Tours in Austin, Texas:

3. Berry Springs Park and Preserve, Texas

Berry Springs Park and Preserve, Texas

© achkin/stock.adobe.com

Location:

Georgetown, Texas (Williamson County)

Highlights:

If you're looking for a peaceful escape just outside Georgetown, Berry Springs Park and Preserve is a scenic hidden gem offering shaded trails, picnic spots, and some of the area’s best freshwater fishing.

Recommended For:

Nature lovers, families, hikers, cyclists, and RV campers looking for a quiet, tree-lined retreat close to town.

What I Love: ♥

Shady pecan groves, 2.5 miles of multi-use trails, and the chance to unplug and reconnect with nature in one of Georgetown's most beloved secret spots.
  • Relax under the canopy of oak and pecan trees while enjoying a picnic, barbecue, or a laid-back afternoon of lawn games.
  • Explore a 2.5-mile hiking and biking trail that connects to Georgetown’s wider Parks and Recreation trail system—perfect for casual strolls or active adventures.
  • Fish the peaceful waters of Berry and Dry Berry Creeks, a local favorite for freshwater fishing year-round.
  • Camp at primitive or electric hookup sites scattered throughout the park, or stay nearby at Berry Springs RV Park for added convenience.
  • Ride the equestrian trails if you're bringing your horse, making this a great destination for trail riders looking for scenic routes.

Address:

Berry Springs Park and Preserve, 1801 Co Rd 152, Georgetown, TX 78626
Phone: 512-930-0040

4. Bryan Beach

Bryan Beach

© st_matty/stock.adobe.com

Location:

Brazoria County, Texas (just south of Freeport)

Highlights:

For a quiet stretch of unspoiled coastline perfect for sun, sand, and birdwatching, Bryan Beach offers 878 acres of serene Gulf-front beauty and natural dune habitat along the Texas coast.

Recommended For:

Beachgoers, nature lovers, birdwatchers, and families seeking a peaceful, undeveloped seaside escape away from crowded shorelines.

What I Love: ♥

Sweeping sand dunes, wide-open spaces for kite flying, and the chance to spot native wildlife and migratory shorebirds in a protected habitat.
  • Relax on the scenic Gulf shoreline with plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, and playing in the surf.
  • Explore the natural habitat of the Bryan Beach State Recreation Area, home to unique species like grasshopper mice, opossums, rice rats, and more.
  • Birdwatch in one of the region’s prime spots for seeing migratory birds and native coastal shorebirds in their natural environment.
  • Enjoy outdoor recreation like kite flying, beachcombing, and peaceful walks along the undeveloped shoreline.
  • Appreciate the quiet charm of this lesser-known beach destination, named for pioneer James Perry Bryan and preserved for public enjoyment since 1973.

Address:

Bryan Beach, Brazoria County, TX

Romantic Getaways in Texas for Outdoor Fans:

5. Camp Creek Recreation Area, Texas

Camp Creek Recreation Area, Texas

© ananaline/stock.adobe.com

Location:

Marble Falls, Texas (Lake Travis, northern shore)

Highlights:

Whether you're after peaceful lakeside camping or a relaxing day of fishing, Camp Creek Recreation Area is a hidden gem on Lake Travis that offers scenic beauty and outdoor adventure across 40 acres of parkland.

Recommended For:

Anglers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a quiet getaway near Marble Falls with easy lake access and shaded picnic spots.

What I Love: ♥

Free public boat ramp, shaded pecan grove picnic areas, and prime white bass fishing all year long.
  • Fish for white bass and more at this favorite spot for local anglers—ideal for casting from the shoreline or a boat.
  • Paddle the calm waters with year-round opportunities for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and boating on Lake Travis.
  • Launch from the park’s free public-access boat ramp, making it easy to get out on the lake with no fuss or fees.
  • Picnic beneath the shade of stately pecan trees, with day-use pavilions, barbecue grills, and fire pits available throughout the grounds.
  • Camp overnight at scenic sites, including group-friendly areas for 20+ guests—perfect for gatherings or nature retreats.

Address:

Camp Creek Recreation Area, 1221 Co Rd 343, Marble Falls, TX 78654
Phone: 512-473-3366

6. Crockett Hotel

Crockett Hotel

© Crockett Hotel

Location:

San Antonio, Texas (Across from The Alamo)

Highlights:

For a stay rooted in Texas history with all the modern comforts, Crockett Hotel offers an unbeatable location across from the iconic Alamo, blending colonial heritage with boutique hospitality in downtown San Antonio.

Recommended For:

History buffs, couples, and anyone looking for charming, centrally located accommodations near the River Walk and Alamo Plaza.

What I Love: ♥

Alamo-facing rooms, the classic architecture from 1909, and fun touches like Texas-shaped waffles at breakfast.
  • Stay in one of 138 beautifully appointed rooms or suites featuring flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, and free Wi-Fi—plus upgraded rooms with private balconies and views of the Alamo.
  • Step Back in time at a hotel that has operated independently since 1909, restored in 1982, and proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Relax by the outdoor swimming pool or enjoy a nightcap at Ernie’s Bar, a stylish and welcoming on-site lounge.
  • Dine at the Landmark Restaurant, serving up hearty Texas breakfasts with fun local flavor—including those famous Texas-shaped waffles and signature Southwestern dishes.
  • Explore nearby San Antonio attractions with The Alamo, River Walk, and other historic landmarks just steps from your door.

Address:

Crockett Hotel, 320 Bonham, San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: 800-292-1050

7. Davis Mountains State Park, Texas

Davis Mountains State Park, Texas

© Zack Frank/stock.adobe.com

Location:

Fort Davis, Texas

Highlights:

For mountain scenery, historic charm, and budget-friendly adventure, Davis Mountains State Park is a West Texas gem offering trails, stargazing, and a stay at the adobe-style Indian Lodge.

Recommended For:

Nature lovers, hikers, history buffs, and travelers seeking a peaceful mountain escape near Fort Davis National Historic Site.

What I Love: ♥

Rustic lodging built by the CCC, scenic hiking trails, and the park’s proximity to Fort Davis’ rich historical attractions.
  • Explore 2,709 acres of rugged beauty within the Davis Mountains, with four miles of scenic hiking trails and additional equestrian routes for horseback riders.
  • Stay at the historic Indian Lodge, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, featuring adobe-style guest rooms with rustic charm and comfort.
  • Visit the neighboring Fort Davis National Historic Site, just minutes from the park—perfect for a day of exploring 19th-century military history.
  • Camp under the stars at one of the park’s scenic campsites, offering both primitive and RV options in a serene, high-desert landscape.
  • Enjoy birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and photography opportunities, all framed by the dramatic Davis Mountain backdrop.

Address:

Davis Mountains State Park, TX-118, Fort Davis, TX 79734
Phone: 432-426-3337

Relaxing Romantic Getaways in Texas:

8. Emerald Beach Hotel

Emerald Beach Hotel

© Emerald Beach Hotel

Location:

Corpus Christi, Texas (Corpus Christi Bay)

Highlights:

For a breezy waterfront getaway in the heart of Corpus Christi, Emerald Beach Hotel offers beachfront access, modern amenities, and easy access to top attractions like the Texas State Aquarium.

Recommended For:

Families, couples, and beachgoers looking for a laid-back coastal resort with great amenities and a prime bayfront location.

What I Love: ♥

Private beach access, volleyball courts by the water, and drinks with a view at Kokomo’s Outdoor Bar.
  • Stay in one of 368 comfortable guest rooms and suites featuring pillowtop mattresses, LCD flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, and a relaxed coastal decor vibe.
  • Upgrade to rooms with private balconies offering scenic bay views or direct beach access for an extra splash of luxury and convenience.
  • Relax in the indoor pool and hot tub or keep up your routine at the fully equipped fitness center on-site.
  • Play beachside volleyball or soak up the sun on the hotel’s private stretch of sand, ideal for families and leisure travelers alike.
  • Unwind with a drink at Kokomo’s Outdoor Bar, open seasonally from March through October and just steps from the shore.

Address:

Emerald Beach Hotel, 1102 S Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Phone: 361-883-5731

9. Enchanted Rock State Park

Enchanted Rock State Park

© luis sandoval/stock.adobe.com

Location:

Fredericksburg, Texas (Texas Hill Country)

Highlights:

For panoramic views, epic hikes, and a magical pink granite summit, Enchanted Rock State Park is a must-visit natural landmark that’s perfect for couples, climbers, and stargazers alike.

Recommended For:

Outdoor-loving couples, hikers, and campers seeking unforgettable views and peaceful nights under the stars in Texas Hill Country.

What I Love: ♥

The 360° views from the Summit Trail, thrilling rock climbing routes, and primitive campsites perfect for a starry romantic night.
  • Explore 11 miles of scenic hiking trails including the famous Summit Trail, which leads to sweeping vistas atop the park’s iconic pink granite dome.
  • Climb the rugged rock faces or boulders within the park—rock climbing is allowed in designated areas, offering unique challenges for beginners and pros alike.
  • Camp beneath the stars at one of the park’s campsites, with both primitive and hookup options available for every style of outdoor enthusiast.
  • Stargaze from one of the darkest night skies in the region, where Enchanted Rock’s remote location makes for spectacular nighttime views.
  • Appreciate the park’s rich natural and cultural history—it’s a designated National Natural Landmark and a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark since 1971.

Address:

Enchanted Rock State Park, 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Phone: 830-685-3636

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