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    hospitality awards

    Storied Dallas hotel crowned best Texas resort for 2025 by U.S. News

    Amber Heckler
    Feb 18, 2025 | 3:25 pm
    Rooftop pool at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas

    Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek is the best resort in Texas.

    Photo courtesy of U.S. News & World Report

    Nearly two dozen of Dallas' most luxurious hotels have earned new accolades in U.S. News & World Report's just-released rankings of the best hotels and resorts in Texas for 2025.

    The 15th annual report by U.S. News analyzes more than 31,000 properties across the United States, Europe, Bermuda, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. Hotels are ranked based on industry awards, star ratings, published opinions from travel experts, and online guest reviews.

    Dallas' prestigious Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek claimed the No. 1 spot in the publication's list of Best Resorts in Texas.

    This resplendent hotel has been on the radar for many locals and out-of-towners who want the most extravagant experiences in the city. Oil heriess Caroline Rose Hunt first turned the property into a hotel in 1981, and it underwent extensive renovations in 2020 to upgrade its luxe guest accommodations.

    "Rosewood Hotels & Resorts' flagship property sits north of the vibrant Dallas Arts District, providing the tranquility needed for a good night's sleep alongside the convenience of a relatively central location," the hotel's profile says. "Now, the property envelops guests in elegant decor, with guest rooms sporting French doors opening up onto private balconies."

    Guest room bathroom at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle CreekEveryone deserves a relaxing stay at a top-tier hotel.Photo courtesy of U.S. News & World Report

    But a stay there won't come cheap, U.S. News warns, considering its numerous amenities and on-site activities.

    "When you're not admiring your digs, take advantage of the hotel's temperature-controlled outdoor pool and deck or head to one of the nearby parks for a little fresh air," the publication says. "And to satisfy your taste buds, executive chef Charles Olalia cooks up new American cuisine with French influences at The Mansion Restaurant."

    The esteemed hotel has received many top awards of late, including earning one Michelin Key in its inaugural Texas guide. The One Key status is awarded for hotels that provide exceptional stays with guest services that go above and beyond what other similar hotels would offer.

    Rosewood Mansion's attentive staff inspired many five-star reviews, which is what U.S. News says helped the hotel cinch the win over all other Texas resorts.

    Five other Dallas-Fort Worth resorts ranked among the statewide top 25 as follows:

    • No. 4 – Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa
    • No. 5 – The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas, Irving
    • No. 10 – Dallas/Fort Worth Marriott Hotel & Golf Club at Champions Circle, Fort Worth
    • No. 11 – The Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa, Frisco
    • No. 15 – Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine

    The best hotels in Texas
    In U.S. News' separate ranking of the best Texas hotels for 2025, Dallas-Fort Worth took home the highest number of awards with 18 total hotels earning spots on the list.

    San Antonio's Hotel Emma continued to reign as the No. 1 best statewide, and ranked No. 19 in U.S. News' nationwide rankings.

    Meanwhile, The Joule in downtown Dallas' historic district ranked highest out of all DFW-area hotels on the list, and climbed into the No. 3 spot in Texas.

    According to the hotel's profile, the Joule's vast modern amenities and its contemporary chic design are extremely deserving of reviewers' high praise.

    "Recent guests say they were beyond impressed with the decor, as well as the numerous amenities, including a library and several shops," U.S. News says. "The Joule's stunning infinity pool is also worth a look: Its daring rooftop design earned it a spot on our list of the Prettiest Hotel Pools."

    Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek also appeared in the top 10, landing at No. 9 statewide.

    The 16 other Dallas-Fort Worth hotels that earned recognition among the top 50 best hotels in Texas are:

    • No. 4 – Hotel Crescent Court
    • No. 5 – The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas
    • No. 6 – Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection, Fort Worth
    • No. 7 – HALL Arts Hotel Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton
    • No. 8 – Hôtel Swexan
    • No. 9 – The Adolphus, Autograph Collection
    • No. 19 – Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa
    • No. 25 – Hotel Vin, Autograph Collection, Grapevine
    • No. 27 – The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas, Irving
    • No. 29 – Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection, Fort Worth
    • No. 38 – The Crescent Hotel, Fort Worth
    • No. 40 – Grand Hyatt DFW, Grapevine
    • No. 42 – The Westin Dallas Southlake
    • No. 43 – Live By Loews, Arlington
    • No. 46 – Embassy Suites by Hilton Denton Convention Center
    • No. 47 – Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star
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    New year, fresh air

    All the Texas parks hosting 'first day hikes' on New Year’s Day 2026

    Stephanie Allmon Merry
    Dec 30, 2025 | 9:23 am
    Couple hiking
    Photo courtesy of San Marcos CVB
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    Here's a way to start your health-focused new year's resolutions that won't make you want to hit the snooze button on January 1: Plan a "first day hike."

    According to Texas Parks & Wildlife, First Day Hikes is a nationwide program to encourage hiking on New Year's Day. State parks near Dallas and throughout Texas are offering the chance for people of all ages and fitness levels to stretch their legs and explore the great outdoors on the first day of 2026.

    "First day hikes vary from short, leisurely nature walks on forested trails; boardwalk strolls through wetlands or to the beach; or climbs into the mountains of the Chihuahuan Desert," the agency says on its website. "Some first day hikes aren't hikes at all: We also lead bike rides, paddling tours, and maybe even horseback rides. Choose the event that's right for you."

    State parks offer both guided and self-guided hikes on January 1. If you choose a self-guided hike, look for tables or stop at headquarters for hike information and maps, they advise. "After your hike, stop back by to report on your hike and collect a memento of your visit," they say.

    Note that most state parks charge an entry fee or day use fee. For those who plan to visit several times throughout the year, a Texas State Parks Pass could help save money.

    Here are all the Texas state parks offering first-day hikes on January 1, 2026, clustered by region. All are self-guided walking hikes that do not require registration, unless otherwise indicated. Find out more details about each one here.

    North Texas

    • Ray Roberts Lake State Park (Johnson Branch & Isle du Bois. Guided and unguided hikes.)
    • Eisenhower State Park
    • Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway (Guided hike)
    • Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site
    • Palo Pinto Mountains State Park (Registration required)
    • Lake Whitney State Park (Guided mindful walk)
    • Bonham State Park (Guided hike)
    • Lake Arrowhead State Park
    • Purtis Creek State Park
    • Possum Kingdom State Park

    East Texas & Piney Woods

    • Tyler State Park (Guided tour)
    • Daingerfield State Park
    • Lake Tawakoni State Park
    • Martin Creek Lake State Park (Birding hike)
    • Atlanta State Park (Guided hike)
    • Mission Tejas State Park
    • Caddo Lake State Park
    • Cooper State Park (South Sulphur & Doctors Creek. Hike or bike.)
    • Martin Dies, Jr. State Park (Guided and unguided hikes)
    • Village Creek State Park

    Hill Country & Central Texas

    • Honey Creek State Natural Area (Registration required.)
    • Blanco State Park
    • Guadalupe River State Park
    • Palmetto State Park (Self-guided hike and sunrise bird hike)
    • Lockhart State Park
    • Pedernales Falls State Park (Guided hike)
    • Government Canyon State Natural Area
    • Lake Somerville State Park
    • Lost Maples State Natural Area
    • Inks Lake State Park (Guided hike)
    • Old Tunnel State Park (Guided hike)Hill Country State Natural Area (Gu
    • Hill Country State Natural Area (Guided hike)
    • Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site (First Day Bird Walk)
    • Dinosaur Valley State Park (Guided hike)
    • Meridian State Park (Story Book Stroll)
    • Colorado Bend State Park (Guided hike)
    • Lake Brownwood State Park
    • Bastrop State Park (Ranger-guided birding)
    • Buescher State Park

    Gulf Coast & Coastal Bend

    • Galveston Island State Park (Sunrise beach walk with a ranger.)
    • Mustang Island State Park (Ranger-guided walk at sunrise.)
    • Goose Island State Park (Bird hikes)
    • Sea Rim State Park (First Day Paddle)
    • Brazos Bend State Park (Guided hike)
    • Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center (Guided hike and dog walk)
    • Huntsville State Park (Chinquapin Challenge)
    • Lake Livingston State Park (Guided hike)
    • Stephen F. Austin State Park

    South Texas & Rio Grande Valley

    • Falcon State Park (Guided hike)
    • Choke Canyon State Park
    • Lake Corpus Christi State Park
    • Goliad State Park & Historic Site (Guided hikes)
    • Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
    • Resaca de la Palma State Park
    • Lake Casa Blanca International State Park

    West Texas & Panhandle

    • Palo Duro Canyon State Park (Guided and unguided hikes.)
    • Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway
    • Copper Breaks State Park
    • Abilene State Park
    • San Angelo State Park
    • Big Spring State Park (Guided hike)
    • Davis Mountains State Park
    • Franklin Mountains State Park
    • Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
    • Big Bend Ranch State Park (including Chinati Mountains)
    • Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site (Guided and unguided)
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