Cheap Thrills
Texas cities rank among most affordable travel destinations in America
Texas cities pack a lot of bang in a buck — and it looks like travelers are taking notice. According to Travel + Leisure readers, four metro areas in the Lone Star State rank among the Best U.S. Cities for Affordable Getaways.
Kansas City takes the top spot on the list, earning recognition for cheap hotel prices, "fun factory-style tours" of Hallmark and Boulevard Brewing Company, and budget-friendly (read: burnt) barbecue. But San Antonio is right on its heels at No. 3, thanks to free historic attractions (remember the Alamo!) and for the affordable option to B-Cycle along the Riverwalk for just $10 per day.
Houston comes in at No. 7. The travel magazine recommends dining out on "the city's old-school Tex-Mex — like Ninfa's on Navigation" and enjoying the values at La Maison, a new "urban bed and breakfast" in Midtown that offers luxurious rooms starting at $159 a night.
At No. 9, Austin is recognized for wallet-friendly food truck fare and cheap outdoor thrills. (Admission to Barton Springs is just $3, but the unmentioned Barton Creek Greenbelt is free.) Dallas-Fort Worth lands at No. 16, but that's 10 spots higher than last year. Progress!
Travel + Leisure notes the (recently admission-free) Dallas Museum of Art, "value-minded" sports bars, and $9 minor league baseball games with downtown Fort Worth views.