45 Best Weekend Getaways in Texas

Texas is a diverse state with an array of things to do, from wine country escapes, unique castles, lakes, sandy beaches and romantic getaways to family Texas vacations, fun day trips and coastal spots. Unwind in a natural setting while exploring a new destination like Corpus Christi, South Padre Island, Fredericksburg or Plano. Photo: Oleksandr Dibrova/Fotolia

The Tremont House in Galveston is a romantic trip idea from Houston, offering couples a great base for exploring the attractions and the beaches in the area. Guest rooms and suites feature high ceilings, hardwood floors and custom period furnishings. Luxury amenities include HD television with premium channels, free Wi-Fi, an iPod docking and Wolfgang Puck Coffee. Celebrate a special occasion in style by booking the spacious Belmont Suite which has a separate living area, wet bar and romantic plantation shutters.

Dining options at the Tremont House include the casual Tremont Cafe, the historic Toujouse Bar which dates back to 1888, and the scenic Rooftop bar which offers spectacular views of downtown Galveston and the harbor. Rooms start at $119 USD per night. Things to Do in Galveston

2300 Ship's Mechanic Row, Galveston, TX 77550, Phone: 409-763-0300 Photo: The Tremont House

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Lake Austin Spa Resort is a romantic luxury getaway located on 19 lakefront acres 30 minutes from Austin. The resort offers all-inclusive spa packages that range from three to seven nights in length, and is one of the top girlfriend getaways in Texas. You can get away for a long weekend, or enjoy an extended stay. The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate since there are only 40 guest cottages.

The rooms feature handcrafted furnishings, soaking tubs, cotton spa robes and luxurious down bedding. The resort has beautiful gardens with 200 species of plants, herbs, vegetables, spices and wildflowers. There is a great number of activities to choose from, including kayaking on the lake, hiking, swimming in the resort's indoor Junior Olympic-size pool, and many fitness classes. The 25,000-square-foot LakeHouse Spa offers more than 100 different body treatments and therapies. Things to Do in Austin

1705 S. Quinlan Park Rd, Austin, TX 78732, Phone: 800-847-5637 Photo: Lake Austin Spa Resort

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Sage Hill Inn Above Onion Creek is a romantic getaway in the Texas Hill Country, offering 15 guest accommodations, a gourmet restaurant and a new spa. Choose from individually furnished guest rooms, suites and private cottages with fireplaces, porches and entertainment centers. The Garden Spa has four treatment rooms, a plush lounge and an outdoor deck where you can relax in a garden setting. Couples can get side-by-side massages, facials and other spa treatments on their weekend trip. The Restaurant at Sage Hill serves a Prix Fixe menu which incorporates fresh local ingredients, including vegetables grown in the inn garden. The inn is located on 88 acres above Onion Creek. The property has a 14-person hot tub, outdoor pool, Bocce court and a fire pit. Rooms start at $279, including breakfast and a 3-course dinner. Read more

4444 W. FM 150, Kyle, TX 78640, Phone: 800-579-7686 Photo: Sage Hill Inn Above Onion Creek

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Exuding an elegant and classical charm in historic downtown Brenham, Texas, the Ant Street Inn is a comfortable sanctuary and perfect base from which to explore the town. Rich oriental rugs, stained glass and exquisite antique furnishings create havens of tranquility in each of the fifteen beautifully appointed guestrooms in the hotel. Guests enjoy lovely en-suite bathrooms with deluxe bath products, individual climate control, flat screen televisions, and high-speed wireless Internet throughout the hotel. In the morning, a delicious made-to-order breakfast is served at the Brenham Grill. The large verandah overlooking the gardens behind the hotel is the perfect place to relax with a coffee. Situated in the middle of historic downtown Brenham, there is much to see and do just steps from the hotel. Taste award-winning homemade ice cream at the Blue Bell Creamery or sip wine at one of the outstanding Washington County wineries in the area. Rooms start at $150 per night.

107 W. Commerce St., Brenham, TX 77833, Phone: 979-836-7393 Photo: Ant Street Inn

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Tucked away in historic Fredericksburg, Cotton Gin Village is surrounded by gardens and koi ponds. Rustic wooden cabins take you back into the time of ‘Little House on the Prairie’ with timber and stone walls, tin ceilings and large wood-burning fireplaces. If you are looking for best places to visit in Texas, this is the perfect spot. Comfortable furnishings, spacious en-suite bathrooms and modern amenities abound, while wide porches offer the perfect place to relax in a rocking chair and soak up the views. Dine Texas-style at the award-winning Cabernet Grill-Texas Wine Country Restaurant which serves an array of succulent seafood, wild game and ranch fare accompanied by some of Hill Country’s best vintages. The village is close to a number of attractions in the area, including Enchanted Rock and LBJ National & State Park. Cabins start at $179 per night. Things to Do in Fredericksburg TX

PO Box 609, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, Phone: 830-990-8381 Photo: Cotton Gin Village

The Inn on Lake Granbury is a romantic lakeside retreat with 15 guest rooms, a saltwater pool, waterfall and lush grounds. You will be just a couple of blocks from downtown Granbury where you will find unique shops, restaurants and a live theater. Ask for a room with a stone fireplace, jetted tub and a balcony on your romantic weekend getaway. The suites on the west side have the best lake views and more contemporary decor. Two of the suites have a spiral staircase that leads up to a sitting area.

Nearby activities include golf, boating, kayaking, hiking, wine tasting and biking. Rooms at the Inn on Lake Granbury start at $215; suites from $285, including full breakfast and afternoon appetizers. Browse weekend getaways from Dallas.

205 West Doyle Street, Granbury, TX 76048, Phone: 817-573-0046 Photo: The Inn on Lake Granbury

Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa is a golf getaway located in the Texas Hill Country, 15 minutes west of downtown Austin. If you are looking for Texas vacations for golfers, this is a great place to visit. There are four championship golf courses, a tennis center and a spa. Fazio Foothills, Barton Creek's signature golf course was designed by Tom Fazio. Along the way, you will see waterfalls, cliffs and natural caves. The newest course, Fazio Canyons, offers many scenic holes with trees. Located two miles from the resort's main clubhouse, it has its own pro shop and practice areas where you can improve your game on your golf trip. Lakeside golf course, 25 miles west of the resort, features panoramic lake views. It was designed by Arnold Palmer and opened for play in 1986. The fourth golf course, Crenshaw Cliffside Course, was designed by Ben Crenshaw. All four courses have been recognized for their commitment to the environment and have achieved designation as a Certified Audubon Sanctuary System.

After a round of golf, get pampered at the Spa & Fitness Center. Services offered include Swedish massage with aromatherapy, therapeutic sports massage, self-heating marine mud, French seaweed treatment and facials. Guests can get a massage at one of the private massage studios. The indoor pool is designed for individual and group aquatic activities. There is also a full service beauty salon. There are 12 outdoor tennis courts, 10 with lights for night play. Guests can relax next to the new outdoor resort pool or walk the 1/2 mile Nature Trail. The Kid's Club offers activities for children, including arts and crafts, sports and board games. The 295 guestrooms are furnished in regional style. Sixteen suites offer expansive views of the Texas Hill Country and the golf courses. The resort offers tasty Southwestern cuisine as well as low-fat options for the health conscious. Spring and fall offer warm weather and mild temperatures, perfect for a round of golf.

8212 Barton Club Drive, Austin, TX 78735, Phone: 512-329-4000 Photo: Omni Barton Creek Resort

Hotel Derek is a stylish getaway in Houston. The hotel is located in the uptown Galleria area at the intersection of Westheimer and West Loop 610 South. fter a day of sightseeing, relax next to the outdoor pool, get a spa treatment or work out in the 24-hour fitness center. There are 314 guest rooms including 10 generous suites and 16 business studio rooms. Rooms feature cowhide rugs, English wingback chairs, pinstriped duvets, and soothing earth tones. High-speed Internet access, voice mail, and in-room FedEx supplies are several of the amenities designed to appeal to the business traveler.

Guests receive twice-daily maid service and have access to a concierge. If you are traveling with your pet, there are several pet-friendly accommodations. Bistro Moderne offers French cuisine and warm service in a comfortable atmosphere. Room service is available 24/7. The property is 35 miles from George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Rates at Hotel Derek start at $125 per night. Things to Do in Houston

2525 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77027, Phone: 713-961-3000 Photo: Hotel Derek

The Fairmont Dallas is a great place to stay if you are interested in visiting the city's museums ad theaters. Located in the West End Historic District of Dallas right next to the Arts and the Financial Districts, the hotel is surrounded by cultural attractions, unique shops and nightlife. The Dallas Museum of Art, Symphony Hall, Arts District Theatre and the Nasher Sculpture Center are within three blocks. The interior of the hotel is decorated in grand style and is popular for weddings and other special events. After exploring the city, have a casual meal by the pool or an elegant dinner in Pyramid Restaurant which serves Continental and New American Cuisine. The outdoor Olympic size swimming pool is open seven days a week. It is located on the Terrace Level, offering stunning views of the Dallas skyline. Enjoy food and drinks by the pool. Massages can be enjoyed in-room and appointments made through the hotel concierge. Located on the 'O' Level in the South Tower, the health club features high performance TechnoGym equipment, free weights and a stretching area. Of the 545 guest rooms and suites, the best ones are on high floors - you'll be able to enjoy scenic city views. Things to Do in Dallas

1717 N. Akard Street, Dallas, TX 75201, Phone: 800-257-7544 Photo: The Fairmont Dallas

Three Robert Trent Jones Sr. golf courses, three pools, a marina, tennis courts, a luxury spa and numerous gourmet dining options ensure that guests of Horseshoe Bay Resort in Texas can enjoy a wide range of activities during their stay. The property has three different pools to relax by as well as one of the world's largest adult whirlpools. If you are looking for some adventure on the water, rent a runabout, ski boat, pontoon boat or a wave runner at the Marina. Ram Rock, Apple Rock and Slick Rock are the three Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed courses. If you prefer tennis, then you can play on clay, hard, or even grass courts. The property has 349 rooms each with two phone lines, high-speed Internet access, coffee maker and tea service, refrigerator, and panoramic views of the surrounding Hill Country and Lake LBJ in Texas. Sleep comfortably on Marriott's newly designed beds with plush pillows and duvet covers. Dining options include Lantana Bar & Grill, Highlands Bar and the Poolside Grill & Bar. Dishes at the Lantana are prepared over an open flame in the exhibition-style kitchen, mixing fire and spice. The restaurant also has chef's tables and two private dining rooms, including a wine room.

For golfers the main attraction at the resort are its three Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed golf courses. The Slick Rock course, built in 1971, is a 6,834-yard-long par-72 course. The 14,000-square-foot clubhouse is located on this course. The Ram Rock course, built in 1981, has narrow fairways, 62 deep sand traps and water hazards on 10 holes. The Apple Rock course was completed in 1986 and has views of the lake. If you need to improve your putting, head to the Whitewater Putting Course and Adventure Park. The Putting Course is billed as the most expensive 18-hole putting course in the country. The course is surrounded by rose gardens, fitness trail and outdoor entertainment pavilion. The property is approximately 60 miles from Austin and 85 miles from San Antonio. If you fly into either Austin or San Antonio, you can drive or arrange for a shuttle to meet you at the airport. If you happen to own your own plane, the hotel has a private runway that you can land on and be on the course in minutes. Rates start at around $219 per night.

200 Hi Circle North, Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657, Phone: 830-598-2511 Photo: Horseshoe Bay Resort

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas is a luxury hotel with an elegant lobby, spacious rooms and central location near the American Airlines Center and the Dallas Museum of Art. If you are looking for luxury city vacations, with a 2-to-1 staff-to-guest ratio, this getaway provides prompt service and attention to detail. Guests enter through a 32-foot-high marble rotunda complete with a beautiful floral arrangement. The lobby features antiques, lounge chairs and sofas arranged around the fireplace. The nine-story building has 143 custom furnished guest rooms and luxury suites featuring antiques, fine fabrics and original works of art. Guest rooms measure 450-square feet in size and offer a sitting area, large closet, marble bath and separate vanity. Custom bath amenities were created exclusively for the hotel. There is a fitness studio, a salon and a business center. The outdoor swimming pool is heated during the colder months and has a poolside bar in the summer. Guests receive offers a complimentary sedan service within a five-mile radius.

The restaurant, housed in the 10,000 square foot Sheppard King Mansion, serves Southwestern cuisine for lunch and dinner. The restaurants includes a main dining room with an enclosed veranda as well as several intimate private dining areas if you want to celebrate a special occasion on your luxury city vacation. Alternatively, guests can dine at The Bar, decorated with 18th-century hunting theme paintings, lithographs and hunting trophies. Breakfast is served in The Promenade, a garden-style room with floor-to-ceiling windows and beautiful floral arrangements. Doubles start from $230 USD, depending on the season and availability. The hotel concierge can arrange a car transfer from the airport to the hotel.

2821 Turtle Creek Blvd., Dallas, TX 75219, Phone: 214-559-2100 Photo: Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

Plan a long weekend adventure at Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa, a 27,000-acre private estate nestled between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend State Park. The entire resort theme is inspired by the Old West. If you are looking for vacation spots in Texas where you can enjoy spectacular scenery, a great golf course, and rejuvenating spa treatments, Lajitas offers them all. Resort rooms, suites and villas offer guests a choice of a range of styles in four very different hotels. There are twenty-six individually decorated rooms at the Cavalry Post. Each room evokes a feeling of cowboy chic with cowhide rugs, rough-hewn saddles, and clawfoot tubs. La Cuesta's 12 guestrooms are ideal for families since several of the rooms can be made to adjoin a standard room with a double queen. The 16 junior suites in the Officers' Quarters are the most luxurious the resort has to offer. The patios and balconies of the Officers' Quarters overlook the Ambush Golf Course and Big Bend. The four restaurants at the vacation resort give guests plenty of different dining options for the duration of their vacation. Chef Jeff Blank offers fine dining at the Ocotillo Restaurant. Enjoy Southwestern dining and views of the golf course at the Candelilla Cafe. For a more casual atmosphere try the Thirsty Goat Saloon or the Trading Post Cafe.

The Ambush is an 18-hole 7,042-yard (from the back tees) championship golf course that is every bit as unique as the rest of the resort. The course has four holes on an island in the Rio Grande, and hole 11A - a par one in Mexico. A golf vacation will give a lucky few the opportunity to make an international hole-in-one. Agavita Spa has three massage rooms, a facial room, a salon, and offers a wide range of treatments designed to make you look and feel good on vacation. Choose from a whole range of outdoor activities that allow you to be as active or as relaxed as you wish. Texas vacation resort.There are up to five different resort activities offered every day. Swim in the pool, take a historical tour of the property, or rent a mountain bike and tour part of the 1 million acres of conservation land that surround the property. The resort is 450 miles from San Antonio, 600 miles from Dallas and 300 from El Paso. The fastest way to reach it is to fly into the private airfield right at the resort. Packages are available for around $480 per night an up.

HC 70 Box 400, Lajitas, TX 7952, Phone: 432-424-5000 Photo: Lajitas

Centrally located in Austin, Texas, The Driskill Hotel was originally built in 1886. Today, this luxury property is favored by business travelers who enjoy its attentive service and everybody else who wants to take a step back in time to the Gilded Age. If you are planning a getaway to Austin, this is one of the best places to stay. The experience at the Driskill begins in its unique lobby which features a hand-painted ceiling, hand-laid marble floor and a custom-made stained glass dome.

If you want to stay in one of the guest accommodations which are located within the original 1886 building, ask for one of the Historic Rooms when making your reservation. They feature beautiful Brazilian marble bathrooms, high ceilings and lavish fabrics. For those who like to stay active while traveling, the property offers a Fitness Studio with large windows, a choice of cardiovascular machines, and strength training equipment. 1886 Cafe & Bakery offers contemporary, Southern dining as well as homemade pastries and desserts. The four-diamond Driskill Grill serves a changing menu of innovative cuisine. Doubles start at USD $315 per night.

604 Brazos Street, Austin, TX 78701, Phone: 512-439-1234 Photo: Driskill Hotel

Fun and stylish, the NYLO Dallas Southside is a trendy and eco-friendly lifestyle hotel that reflects Dallas’ passion for art, music and the environment. Old meets new in this city retreat where the building's historic character has been maintained to merge seamlessly with a new, contemporary design and modern amenities. Well-appointed guestrooms and suites are decorated in an industrial style with polished concrete floors, exposed brick walls, high ceilings and large windows offering spectacular city views. Local artists’ work adorns the walls, and deluxe facilities, such as complimentary wired and wireless Internet and signature NYLO NYTE beds add extra comfort. Guests can enjoy entertainment and fine dining right on their doorstep. Terrace Bistro & Bar is a favorite amongst locals who gather here for excellent cuisine in a industrial-Victorian setting, while the hotel's rooftop SODA Bar features a chic lounge area, outdoor pool and amazing views of the Dallas skyline. Rooms start at $157 per night.

1325 South Lamar, Street Dallas, TX 75215, Phone: 214-421-1080 Photo: NYLO Dallas Southside

Located 10 minutes from downtown Houston, the Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa is one of the top Texas resorts, situated on 18 calm wooded acres. Guest rooms and suites feature floor to ceiling windows, oversized working desks and fresh greenery. Rooms located on the Concierge Floor offer additional privacy, continental breakfast, evening hors d'oeuvres and cocktails in the Concierge Floor sitting room.

The Health Club measures 175,000 square feet in size and comes with 30 personal trainers, exercise machines, swimming pool and a Youth Center for kids ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Among the numerous programs and classes offered are: boxing, martial arts, Yoga, rock climbing, basketball, tennis, squash and racquetball - plenty to choose from on your weekend getaway.

The 17,000 square foot Trellis spa offers a range of treatments and services for men and women which incorporate products from the leading cosmetic lines. There are 21 treatment rooms including 12 rooms for body treatments, 7 facial rooms and a couples' room. The spa has an indoor float pool, a lounge with a fireplace and a quiet room for before and after treatments. The u-shaped Mediterranean-style spa building overlooks an inner courtyard with a garden. If you are looking for resorts in Texas with plenty to do on vacation, the Houstonian is a great choice. Rooms start at $162 per night.

111 North Post Oak Lane, Houston, TX 77024, Phone: 713-680-2626 Photo: The Houstonian Hotel

In the heart of the Texas Hill country, overlooking the tranquil Lake Travis, Lakeway Resort offers modern rustic refuge from the modern life with eight condos with two and three bedrooms and 168 rooms and suites.

All rooms are beautifully decorated and feature private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, high-definition TVs, fireplaces and fridges. Suites have private balconies and spacious sitting rooms with writing desks. Three inviting swimming pools, a well-equipped gym, a spa, a lobby bar and waterfront restaurant are there to make guests’ stay memorable.

101 Lakeway Dr, Austin, TX 78734, Phone: 512-261-6600 Photo: Lakeway Resort and Spa

Vast, beautiful and diverse, Texas is the perfect place to live and explore. Whether you love beaches, hills full of blossoms or the wealth of activities that big cities offer, there are vacations in Texas for everyone. If you live in one of the major cities, we've already written about getaways from Houston, Dallas and Austin. Those who like to visit romantic castles and relax next to beautiful lakes also have plenty of Texas destinations to choose from. Below is a list resorts in Texas and other unique places to stay for couples and families. Photo: dfikar/Fotolia