Vacation Homes

5 wow-factor vacation homes you can rent across Texas

Summer is here, and that means vacations are in full swing. But who wants to have the same old, boring vacay? If you’re looking to hit the road for a family trip, we’ve rounded up some of the most unique properties in the Lone Star State. From tipis to a Texas ranch that makes a splash, every one of these rentals has a definite wow factor.

No matter where you decide to hang your hat, there's no need to settle for boring when vacation possibilities like these exist.

Modern tipis, New Braunfels
The first mention of tipis may conjure up images of people roughing it in the great outdoors, but at these incredibly luxurious tents in historic New Braunfels, you’ll discover what glamping is all about. Each large tipi is authentically built, but the interiors feature air conditioning, beautiful bedding, private bathrooms, and kitchenettes. Three of the tipis also have pull-out sofas.

On the grounds, you’ll find a communal treehouse game room with a large-screen TV and pingpong table, fire pits, picnic tables, barbecue areas, and hammocks. Rates start at $116 per night.

One-of-a-kind architectural complex, Kyle
The award-winning Plant at Kyle, situated on land that was once part of the Kuykendall Ranch, is an easy drive from Dallas. Lake | Flato Architects took a 1920s shed from the defunct Alamo Cement plant in San Antonio and completely reassembled it here, repurposing it to create a stunning three-section complex using corrugated metals, limestone, and steel framing.

This dramatic space offers three bedrooms, a covered outdoor pool, hammocks, and the “world’s largest screened-in porch.” Rental rates start at $750 per night (with a two-night minimum).

Stone lighthouse, Johnson City
Unique stays don’t get much more unusual than a towering lighthouse. This 86-foot-tall structure was inspired by Germany’s Saxon towers and sits on a hill providing 50 miles of jaw-dropping views — the entire fourth floor is a window-filled observatory.

The lighthouse sleeps up to 15 and goes from $720 per night (for two guests). It is part of Lighthouse Hill Ranch, with several other rental homes and guest suites, making it perfect for groups or events.

Ranch and river resort, Mason
Trying to accommodate a large group of people for a family reunion or big get-together and want lots of recreational amenities? Check out the private Red Sands Ranch, with multiple dwellings, including four rock cabins, two bunk buildings, and a vintage Airstream. The features would satisfy almost any checklist: a party shed with big-screen TV, billiards, and pingpong table; massive 53-foot grotto pool with spa; four-story waterslide; basketball and tennis courts — it even boasts a private airstrip.

All of this sits on a half-mile of the beautiful Llano River between Mason and Fredericksburg, perfect for floating and rafting. The base rate, $995-$1,895 per night, includes three units and accommodates up to 12 guests. In total, there are seven units that can house up to 37 people.

Loft house built in mining ruins, Terlingua
If West Texas and Big Bend National Park are calling, you can’t get much more unique than this updated stone house built by miners in the heart of the authentic ghost town. With incredible views of the Chisos Mountains and living spaces that completely open to the outdoors, this charming place really lets you get in touch with nature.

At $140 per night, this place is a steal.

The Plant at Kyle boasts the "world's largest screened-in porch."

The Plant at Kyle/Facebook

The Plant at Kyle boasts the "world's largest screened-in porch."

holidays hotels

Best of the South

Southern Living lauds Hill Country hotspot among best towns in the South

Photo by Steve Rawls

undefined

The famous German Hill Country town of Fredericksburg is getting the spotlight as a must-visit destination in Southern Living's 2026 South's Best Awards.

Fredericksburg claimed the coveted No. 3 spot in the publication's ranking of the Best Small Towns in the South.

The annual awards are determined through third-party online surveys of Southern Living consumers from July 9 to September 9, 2025. Over 17,000 respondents rated their favorite places across the South, the report said.

The top two best small Southern towns were St. Augustine, Florida (No. 1), and St. Simons Island/Golden Isles, Georgia (No. 2).

Specifically, Southern Living gave a nod to Fredericksburg's growth and the recent addition of The Albert Hotel, which opened in 2025. The Albert Hotel was ranked the 10th best new hotel in 2026.

"The city’s premier full-service luxury hotel revives a cluster of 19th-century landmarks, from a historic saloon to a former pharmacy that is now a cafe, deli, and artisan market," the report said. "Alongside the 105 minimalist guest rooms, a holistic spa and a limestone pool provide moments of quiet relaxation."

We all need a relaxing day poolside at the Albert Hotel pool oasis.Photo by Chase Daniels

As the Fredericksburg area grows, Southern Living said, it still maintains its cozy, small-town feel.

"Fredericksburg still wears its German heritage on its sleeve, evident throughout Main Street architecture and a lively cluster of biergartens and long-running seasonal festivals," Southern Living wrote. "Wine lovers will feel particularly at home thanks to more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms scattered throughout town and the surrounding countryside."

It's no wonder Southern Living decided to locate its 2026 Idea House there.

Popular events like the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival and locally focused programs like the Texas Hill Country Wineries wine passports draw in crowds from all parts of Texas. The town is about a five-hour drive from downtown Dallas, which makes it a great weekend or spring break escape. North Texas travelers might even spot small patches of bluebonnets during their road trip through the Hill Country.

No matter which route you take, travelers should make a pit stop through another small Texas town called Marble Falls, which is home to one of Southern Living's most legendary Southern restaurants: Blue Bonnet Cafe. According to the report, its longstanding staff members embody the idea of "southern hospitality" every day.

"There’s one real reason the Blue Bonnet Cafe is so widely respected: The folks who run the place have been holding this small-town diner to high standards for years," the report said.

Blue Bonnet Cafe opened in 1929 and was later bought by the Kemper family in 1981, who still own and operate it today. Southern Living recommends ordering one of the blue plate specials, and a slice of pie is a mandatory treat.

"With 15 options — from luxuriously creamy to bright and fruity — you’re guaranteed to find one you’ll love," the report said.

Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls, Texas Ordering a slice of pie is a requirement, not a suggestion.Blue Bonnet Cafe - Marble Falls, TX/Facebook

The only other Texas destination to earn recognition in Southern Living's annual awards was the iconic Franklin Barbecue in Austin, which was crowned the best barbecue joint in Texas by the publication's readers.

"Fans from around the world queue up for hours to experience the craftsmanship that has made Franklin a barbecue celebrity," the report said. "Flawless prime-grade brisket with a sweet, tangy glaze is still the showstopper here, and it’s accompanied by the quintessential Central Texas lineup of pork ribs, turkey, and jalapeño-Cheddar sausage."

travel southern living awards fredericksburg marble falls barbecue austin