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    On the Road

    Seafood and sand await in Cameron County's Rio Grande Valley

    CultureMap Create
    Aug 25, 2022 | 12:05 pm
    Cameron County highway
    Part of the Rio Grande Valley, Cameron County is an intersection of fun things to do on a Texas road trip.
    Photo courtesy of Explore RGV

    The title for the southernmost county in Texas belongs to Cameron County, part of the Rio Grande Valley. And heading due south on a road trip pays off, with everything from sand and surf to the best local seafood — and even a taste of outer space.

    Consult this short list of not-to-be-missed attractions.

    South Padre Island
    As the Sandcastle Capital of the World, South Padre Island has the beach sculptures — and sculptors — to prove it; you can even take a lesson to work on your sand skills when you’re not swimming, snorkeling, or exploring the barrier island.

    You can also go fishing, and then have your catch cooked at a local restaurant. Or just grab a seat at one of more than 40 local dining and live music spots for amazing seafood, entertainment, and bayside views.

    For the nature tourist, the South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center boasts premier birdwatching and Sea Turtle, Inc. harbors the endangered Kemp’s Ridley species.

    Plus, there are fireworks nearly every night, all summer long.

    SpaceX
    Just across the bay from South Padre Island is the SpaceX Boca Chica launch site, where some of the most advanced rockets are being tested for everything from near orbital satellite deployments to the Mars mission.

    One of the best places to watch a launch is the Isla Blanca Park, which you’ll want to go to anyway for its mile-long pristine beach on the southernmost tip of South Padre Island.

    Gladys Porter Zoo
    The Gladys Porter Zoo is located on 31 acres in central Brownsville, where there’s a diverse ensemble of 377 species of animals and 225 species of plants.

    The park is divided into four zoogeographic areas: Africa, Asia, Tropical America, and Indo-Australia.

    There is also a herpetarium for reptiles and amphibians, a free-flight aviary, a macaw canyon, bear grottos, a Komodo dragon exhibit, and even a “small world” baby-animal nursery.

    Port Isabel
    As one of the oldest cities in South Texas, Port Isabel has a long and interesting history that dates back to 1519, when it was charted by Spanish explorer Alonzo de Pineda.

    You’ll definitely notice the historic lighthouse that’s right in the center of town, where you can climb to the top of the 70-foot tower to see the expansive view. During the summer, movies are projected on the side of the lighthouse every Thursday night, too.

    Make sure to swing by Treasures of the Gulf Museum for a fascinating look at the Spanish fleet that shipwrecked in 1554 with artifacts ranging from silver coins to ship cannons.

    Long heralded as the best seafood in Port Isabel, Pelican Station is a delicious place to grab a bite; it’s located at the historic site of the original Rio Grande Railroad. And with one of Texas’s longest lighted fishing piers, this is definitely the place to cast a line.

    Palo Alto Battlefield
    The Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park is the site of the first major battle of the U.S.-Mexican War. During the half-mile walk to the battlefield overlook, you’ll see a landscape very much like the one experienced by soldiers in 1846.

    Two additional trails lead out to the U.S. and Mexican battle lines. But Palo Alto is more than just a battlefield — the park contains an assortment of habitats and an abundance of animal life, including many species unique to the U.S-Mexico border region.

    Resaca de la Palma State Park
    An especially rich birding environment, Resaca de la Palma State Park is a great place to take in nature at every turn with three main habitats, including 60 acres of wetland, 420 acres of mature woodland with ebony trees, and 720 acres of woodland and savannah with mesquite.

    You can hike more than eight miles of trail while you’re there and then watch for wildlife from four different decks overlooking the resaca, or riverbed.

    There is a fast, convenient, and affordable way to travel on SH 550 all throughout Cameron County, even all the way to South Padre Island: Fuego Tag. Enjoy discounted toll rates, automatic toll deductions from your prepaid balance, and easy online access.

    Learn more about Cameron County and the Rio Grande Valley at ExploreRGV.com.

    Part of the Rio Grande Valley, Cameron County is an intersection of fun things to do on a Texas road trip.

    Cameron County highway
      
    Photo courtesy of Explore RGV
    Part of the Rio Grande Valley, Cameron County is an intersection of fun things to do on a Texas road trip.
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    where to travel right now

    Hill Country wine fest tops the 13 best Texas travel getaways for July

    Amber Heckler
    Jul 1, 2025 | 5:38 pm
    Hacienda del Rio pool
    Photo courtesy of Hacienda del Rio
    No matter how cosmopolitan the hotel gets, nothing can beat the trees around this pool at Hacienda del Rio.

    Options abound for a fun-filled vacation around Texas in July, from a just-opened hotel in Gruene to a cowboy-themed celebration at a San Antonio art museum. There are also great ways to "escape" closer to home Dallas-Fort Worth, such as booking a staycation at a Frisco hotel or relaxing in a cabana at an iconic Fort Worth Stockyards retreat.

    Here are our top picks for summer travel events, hotel deals, and more in July.

    Houston

    The Thompson Houston hotel is ready to dazzle guests with a once-in-a-lifetime, over-the-top July 4th package for a whopping $25,000. It includes a two-night stay in the hotel's penthouse suite; dinner for two with butler champagne service on the 36th-story rooftop helipad, with 360-degree views of the Houston skyline and fireworks displays; a couples massage at the luxurious Thompson Spa; and private, first-class ground transportation to and from the airport. The package will be available exclusively on Friday, July 4.

    Austin

    Austin visitors who want to relive the fun of going to a summer camp can recapture the magic with these 24 à la carte activities, from horseback riding in Lockhart to ceramic classes at a newly opened pottery studio on Austin's iconic South Congress Avenue. Prices for the activities vary, and several are free or under $50 per person.

    Hacienda del Rio pool
      

    Photo courtesy of Hacienda del Rio

    No matter how cosmopolitan the hotel gets, nothing can beat the trees around this pool at Hacienda del Rio.

    For weary travelers in need of a self care day, Viva Day Spa is celebrating its 20th anniversary with 20 days of specials until Thursday, July 12. Among the deals are a 50-minute full-body Swedish massage or a custom designer facial with a neck and shoulder massage for $100 (both valued at $150 each), or a "Viva Sampler Spa Package" that includes a 45-minute Swedish massage, Viva Express facial and pedicure, and a limited edition take-home gift for $300 (valued at $400). Services can be booked online.

    The world-renowned Balloon Museum, a highly Instagrammable interactive art installation, has just opened its doors in Austin. The family-friendly exhibit is perfect for visitors who love a good psychedelic and immersive experience, featuring works from 19 artists from around the world, such as aerial installations, lighting displays, and (of course) many balloons. Tickets range from $34 to $50, depending on a guest's age and time of day, and are available online.

    "Hyperstellar" installation at the Balloon Museum"Hyperstellar" by Hyperstudio is one of the mind-bending works at the Balloon Museum internationally. It won't be coming to Austin, but more work from Hyperstudio will. Photo courtesy of the Balloon Museum

    Swim Club, the refreshing pool-turned-restaurant at the Downright Austin hotel, is hosting a "dive-in" movie series this summer, including showings of iconic films like The Meg (July 9), a 50th anniversary screening of Jaws (July 10), and Sharknado (July 24). Free night swim will begin at 7 pm, and screenings will take place by the pool and on the lawn starting at around 8:15 pm (depending on when the sun sets). Admission is free.

    The Hill Country

    The Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival is planning special wine pairings and culinary experiences for its second-ever "Preview Week" from July 21-27. The lineup of events include a conversation with Women for WineSense on July 21, an oyster and martini mixer on July 23, a boozy brunch at The Albert Hotel on July 26th, and much more. Ticket prices start at $25 per person and vary by event.

    The Lower Colorado River Authority has debuted a cool glamping solution for those unbearably hot Texas summer days: The Ööd Mirror Houses, located at Lake Bastrop South Shore Park. The two pet-friendly tiny homes feature floor-to-ceiling mirrored glass walls for guests to immerse themselves into nature while enjoying complete privacy. Rates start at just over $200 per night before fees, and increase to more than $300 before fees during certain times.

    Carter Creek Winery Resort and Spa, a road trip-worthy retreat in Johnson City, is launching its new "Hidden Gems of the Texas Hill Country Package" for guests booking two-night stays to explore the region's best wine, beer, and whiskey. Guests will be treated with tastings for two at the resort restaurant Old 290 Brewery, Hye-based Garrison Brothers Distillery, and at Wildseed Farms Winery in Fredericksburg. Rates for two-night stays begin at $401; use the promo code "CCWGEMS". The package will be available through August 2025.

    Carter Creek Winery Resort & SpaCarter Creek Winery Resort & Spa is located in Johnson City, a Hill Country town 235 miles from Dallas.Photo courtesy of Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa

    After a two-year renovation and rebranding, Hacienda Del Rio Hotel and Bar has opened in Gruene, a historic district within New Braunfels. The property now has 48 renovated midcentury-style rooms, updated pool amenities, and much more. The hotel will also partner with Paddle Texas to offer river adventures like kayaking or paddle boarding. Rates at Hacienda Del Rio Hotel begin at $125 per night, and introductory rates are available for those who book through December 31, 2025.

    San Antonio

    The beloved Briscoe Western Art Museum is saddling up for National Day of the Cowboy with a free, all-day celebration on Saturday, July 26, from 10 am to 4 pm. The museum and McNutt Sculpture Garden will offer free admission all day, and families can enjoy watching local rodeo cowboys practice lasso and roping demonstrations, as well as live demonstrations from local artists, and many more cowboy-themed activities.

    The DoSeum, San Antonio's interactive museum for kids, was recently hailed as one of Condé Nast Traveler's best children's museums nationwide. The list of acclaimed winners are "powerhouses of play" that inspire curiosity and creativity among their young patrons, according to the national publication. Admission is $18 for both adults and children, and free for children under one year old.

    At home in Dallas-Fort Worth

    Taking a summer trip doesn't necessarily mean having to travel long distances. Residents can relish some summer fun closer to home with a weekend trip to Frisco, where several local hotels are offering discounted stays with nightly rates up to 30 percent off when booked through Visit Frisco's website. Additional summer savings are available from KidZania and Strikz Entertainment. The "Summer Family Fun Sale" will run through September 2025.

    Fort Worth's award-winning Hotel Drover is offering guests a "Midweek Cabana Retreat" from Monday through Thursday, complete with special cabana rates, complimentary overnight valet, and enhanced Wi-Fi. The Veranda Bar + Pool is also unveiling its new summer menu with new refreshing cocktails and mocktails, plus new dishes like parmesan truffle fries and a barbacoa quesadilla. Cabanas can be reserved online.

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