Whether for a weekend getaway hitting the trails in the mountains of West Texas or a summer escape to beat the heat with a dip in Hill Country watering holes, Texas is teeming with outdoor adventure in every corner of the state. And you don’t have to rough it to experience all that the vibrant urban hubs, Gulf Coast beaches, and vast mountain landscapes have to offer.
Make plans to get your adrenaline pumping on a choose-your-own-adventure vacation, then head back to your basecamp at one of more than 60 hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio dotting the state where respite, relaxation, and abundant wellness amenities await.
From luxurious spas and bucket-list worthy infinity pools shaped like the Lone Star State to pickleball courts and health-forward food and mocktails, Marriott Bonvoy Hotels are your homebase for any Texas adventure, from Dallas to Houston and everywhere in between.
Hit the trails in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
While the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex may be celebrated as a cultural urban hub thanks to its ample museums, unbeatable shopping, and top-tiered professional sports teams, the outdoor fun awaiting in and near the city limits is worthy of exploration. Start the day with a scenic run on Dallas’s Katy Trail, a 3.5-mile paved route that winds through Uptown. Just outside of downtown Dallas, White Rock Lake invites runners to take it to the next level on a marathon training session (the next Dallas White Rock Marathon is coming up in mid-December) on a 9.5-mile loop around the 1,200-acre scenic reservoir.
Swap the paved roads for a little more rugged terrain that’s ideal for trail running or mountain biking northwest of Dallas at Lake Grapevine. The Northshore Trail follows along Grapevine Lake for just over 9 miles on unpaved, slightly rocky landscape.
Fuel your body and mind after your run with gourmet, locally curated cuisine at JW Dallas Marriott at the Arts District. Tucked away in downtown Dallas, the on-property restaurant, Margaret’s, offers a seasonal, locally sourced menu that is the perfect pairing for a well-fueled adventure.
In the heart of Dallas’s business district, stop by Sheraton Dallas for “Mixology Mondays” to jumpstart your week with a mocktail and seasonal yoga offerings. This July, the hotel’s rooftop garden patio, Herb ‘N Jungle, is hosting “Chakras, Charms, and Charcuterie” with a flow, bracelet making, and artisanal plates.
Just twenty minutes from Dallas in the upscale neighborhood of Irving, The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas, is a retreat all its own with its 176,000 square-foot wellness facility, the Nelson Sports & Golf Club. Soothe your muscles with a restorative day at The Ritz-Carlton spa. Or get your cardio in with a spirited game of pickleball at the championship tennis and pickleball courts — it’s the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for a reason.
Downward facing dog plus an extra serotonin boost is on the menu during The Westin Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas yoga classes. With a variety of offerings, the goat yoga class, paired with brunch and libations after, is just the ticket for unexpected fun and wellness.
Take adventure seeking to new heights in Houston
Adventure travel doesn’t always mean putting miles on the trail — sometimes it’s all about the thrills. In Houston, revel in the quest to get your adrenaline pumping. Houston’s Greenspoint Spring Recreation Area is the largest skatepark in the U.S. with 78,000 square feet of competition-scale pipes, Texas bowls, and banked walls. Or, feel the rush of skydiving through Texas open air with Skydive Spaceland Houston, ideal for novice and experienced skydivers. With state-of-the-art gear and professional instructors, this premier skydiving facility is chocked full of freefall exhilaration.
If your thrills are more apt for a Lutz followed by an edge jump, take to the ice at Ice Skate Memorial City and choose from public skate time or hockey and figure skating programs for all levels. Bonus points that this year-round ice arena is just a skywalk away from Westin Houston, Memorial City. Soothe your muscles with a swim after in the rooftop pool for the best of all seasons: pool time and ice time.
After the thrills, nothing beats a soak in a lazy river, bonus if it’s shaped like the state of Texas. Drift your cares away as you cruise the Texas-inspired river at Marriott Marquis Houston. Then, take in the stunning cityscape from the hotel’s Altitude Rooftop & Pool and recap the day’s adventures and what’s to come while under poolside cabanas. Cap off your visit with a new HydraFacial experience at PureSpa for a hydrating, luminous glow.
Hit your fitness goals before the day begins at The Westin Galleria Houston, abutting the iconic Galleria Mall. The WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio offers state-of-the-art fitness equipment from Peloton bikes to free weights, with panoramic views of Houston.
Ocean expeditions of all calibers await in the Gulf Coast
Beaches, deep-sea fishing, and surfing just barely scratch the surface of all the unbeatable outdoor adventures at your fingertips in the Texas Gulf Coast. With 32 miles of Gulf of Mexico coastline, adventure can be as simple as a day soaking in ocean views on the beaches of Galveston. Or Galveston Island State Park unlocks unparalleled scenic backdrops with ample activities like bird watching, biking Clapper Rail Loop, and canoeing the paddle trails.
Anglers from across the globe head to the Corpus Christi to drop a line in the coastal waters in hopes of hooking their next great catch. To get the most out of your outing, book a guided excursion with any of the professional outfitters like South Texas Outcast Guide Service and Clear Water Adventure and vie for a trophy-size redfish or flounder.
In Texas, fun on the beaches isn’t limited to water sports. Cool off with a brisk horseback ride along the sandy beaches of South Padre or catch some serious air parasailing over the Gulf of Mexico, both offered from Island Adventure Park.
Rest and relax poolside, without skimping on ocean views, at Courtyard South Padre Island. The beachfront saltwater pool is not only relaxing but rejuvenating. The saltwater boost helps soothe aching muscles, the perfect regime to prepare for what tomorrow brings.
Uncover the unexpected in San Antonio
Experience the rich history of San Antonio by boat or by bike. The San Antonio River Walk now offers year-long kayaking along its 3.5-mile stretch winding through the city’s business district. Two-hour kayak rentals are available from Mission Kayak. The San Antonio Marriott River Walk is the spot to launch your River Walk fun, by land or by water. After you take in the sights paddling downstream, head back to the hotel for refreshing drinks on the outdoor terrace and find a little haven of calm in the city. Nearby, the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the River Walk brings the tastes of the city to you at the signature on-property restaurant Tributary. Tributary’s authentic, southern Texas cuisine is sourced from local farms for farm-to-table done San Antonio-style.
While the River Walk is the pulse of the city, the rich history of San Antonio Missions is the heart. Step back in time at this world-renowned historical site on the 15-mile paved San Antonio Mission Reach trail. Including the Alamo, there are five unique historic missions steeped with a rich and varied history. In the summer, however, this trail can be hot — opt for an early morning cycle or run, then head back to newly opened Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, the city’s only Autograph Collection Hotel, where a lush garden oasis nestled in the Southtown neighborhood provides sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Welcome the day with mindfulness during a daily tea ceremony at the Anaqua Tree by the Elmendorf-Tyler House, a signature piece of the Autograph Hotels collection and a calming ritual before embarking on the adventure ahead.
Dive into the Hill Country’s hidden wonders
Austin and the Hill Country are a celebrated gem of Texas for a reason. From live music and vibrant downtowns to eclectic shopping with a Texas flare, there’s no doubt why this is a hotspot for summer getaways — and the hidden treasures like cool, vibrant watering holes dotting the region are worth uncovering, too.
A part of the nearly 400-acre Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool is a three-acre diamond of the capital city. Underground springs cap the temperature of this watering hole at around 70 degrees, making it a perfect place to beat the heat and soak up that quintessential Austin vibe. An hour and a half northwest of Austin in Burnet, Longhorn Cavern State Park is a geological wonder that allows visitors to explore the depths of the cool, ancient underground riverbeds that carved out each chamber. Opt for a walking tour to uncover the wonders below, or dive deep on a Wild Cave Tour to the lower level of the cavern.
There might not be anything as quintessentially Austin as the iconic Lady Bird Lake located in the heart of downtown. Take to the water on a paddleboard, kayak, or SUP excursion with the best views of downtown while you paddle the scenic reservoir of the Colorado River. W Austin partners with local nonprofit Austin Rowing Club to give hotel guests a discount on rentals. Grab a vessel of choice and soak in natural spaces amidst urban fun.
There’s something extra relaxing about cozying up in a plush bed with a good book or movie. Cap your day exploring the hidden finds of the Hill Country with room service from Morning Bird, the onsite restaurant at the new Downright Austin, a Renaissance Hotel. The retro-deco-style rooms are the perfect match for the eclectic vibes of Austin and beckon guests to chill, reset, and relax.
Summers in Texas are all about keeping it cool amidst the summer fun. No matter where your outdoor adventures take you, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Austin Parmer/Tech Ridge and Courtyard Austin North/Parmer Lane have just the ticket to cool off and cure that sweet tooth. Both hotels have partnered with the Museum of Ice Cream located in the Domain, offering guests admission discounts and a credit toward a sweet treat on property. Explore the whimsy and fun of this immersive museum that invites patrons to explore their inner child.
Explore off the beaten path in El Paso
Located in the foothills of the Franklin Mountains and the Chihuahuan Desert, El Paso is a hiker’s paradise. Famed for nearly 300 days of sunshine and more than 100 miles of trails, this rugged West Texas terrain is a high elevation desert that is part of the Rocky Mountains. Just 20 miles from El Paso, you’ll find hiking of all calibers in Franklin Mountain State Park. Start your day at the Aztec Cave Trail, a short three-fourths of a mile hike that ascends 400-foot elevation to a breathtaking view of the Chihuahuan Desert shaded by the Aztec Caves.
For the experienced hiker, the Franklin Mountain Summit Trail is a seven-mile out-and-back climb to the highest peak in El Paso, soaring at just over 7,000 feet elevation. With a gradual incline and rugged terrain, this steady climb has ample rewards with incredible views stretching all the way to Mexico, but it is not for the novices.
And while the desert landscape surrounding El Paso is a rich panorama of colors, views, and sights, Hotel Paso del Norte, Autograph Collection, is the cultural equivalent. Featuring an iconic downtown view and century-old stained-glass ceiling, Hotel Paso del Norte holds a place in the history books all its own. And luxury was built into its foundation — built by the famed architect Henry Trost, it was dubbed the million-dollar hotel. After a rugged day in the mountains, indulge in the luxurious offerings at Desert Spirit Spa. From massages and facials to manicures, each service is a piece of paradise.
