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10 ideas for the ultimate spring break trip around Texas in March 2026

Texas is saying goodbye to its mild winter, and with the arrival of spring come long-awaited spring break vacations. North Texas adventurers can take a road trip to a West Texas museum to visit a groundbreaking fashion icon's legacy, go antiquing in Big Top and book a stay at a luxe farm cottage, or check out a family-friendly circus on the Gulf Coast.

Here are CultureMap's top picks for a refreshing spring break escape around Texas in March.

Across Texas

Travelers that want to learn more about Black history and landmarks in Texas can take self-led tours using The Texas Historical Commission's recently updated guide: African Americans in Texas: A Lasting Legacy. The guide identifies schools, universities, monuments, churches, and cultural sites established by Black communities during segregation, which includes landmarks in East Austin and San Antonio. The guide is available to download for free online.

West Texas

Road trip enthusiasts won't want to miss this: A rare exhibition honoring American fashion designer Halston has popped up at the Ellen Noël Art Museum in Odessa, about 350 miles west of Dallas. Called "Halston: Inventing American Fashion," the 75 mannequins on display are outfitted with showstopping ensembles from flowing Ultrasuede daywear to dramatic draped gowns. "Halston: Inventing American Fashion" will run through March 22, and museum admission is free.

$Halston: Inventing American Fashion exhibit Ellen No\u00ebl Art Museum$ The exhibits includes photos of the Halstonettes, models who walked most of Halston's runway shows. Photo courtesy of Ellen Noël Art Museum

Central Texas

It's almost time for Spring at The Silos in Waco, a celebration of the season of renewal and growth held every Friday and Saturday from March 6 through April 25. The extravaganza is hosted at the sprawling Magnolia property owned by Fixer Upper stars and Magnolia moguls Chip and Joanna Gaines. This year's festivities include mahjong classes, spring craft workshops, live music, outdoor movie nights, an Easter egg hunt, and shopping, of course.

Travelers heading to Round Top to shop for the best antiques at the 2026 Spring Show from March 22-28 can book their overnight stays at Hideaway Round Top, a newly opened elevated farm retreat. The 21-acre property is located less than 10 minutes from the Big Red Barn, and is just over 200 miles from Dallas. Hideaway is also near other Round Top attractions like The Compound and Marburger Farm. Rates begin at $450 per night in March.

The iconic Central Texas renaissance festival Sherwood Forest Faire, located about an hour from Austin in the town of McDade, has begun its 2026 season running every weekend through April 19, plus one extra day, on March 20. An average day at the fair includes 150 shows — from full-contact jousting and falconry to live music, and a castle siege — and 170 artisans. Tickets ($16.59-$33.48 for one day) are available online via etix.com.

San Antonio

San Antonio's Briscoe Western Art Museum has prepared a whole week of family-friendly craft events in anticipation of spring break visitors from March 9-13. Each day will have its own theme: Native People of the Americas (Mar. 9), Cowboy and Vaqueros (Mar. 10), Wildlife and the Land (Mar. 11), Tejanos and Spanish Heritage (Mar. 12), and Full STEAM (Science, Technology, Education, Art, and Mathematics) Ahead (Mar. 13). These Spring Break Roundup events are included with museum admission ($16 for non-members, with discounts for active duty military, seniors, and children), and admission is free on March 11 for Wild West Wildlife Wednesday.

After years of development, San Antonio's newest luxury hotel is finally ready to welcome its first guests. The Monarch San Antonio, a 17-story, 200-room boutique hotel featuring three on-site restaurants, will make its debut on March 3. The property's design was inspired by the monarch butterfly's migration journey, and includes sustainable design elements like native landscaping, while its water features will mirror the natural beauty of Balcones Escarpment. Nightly rates start at $465 in March.

The lobby bar at The Monarch has a striking, tree-like centerpiece. Rendering courtesy of The Monarch San Antonio

Houston

The Lancaster Hotel, located in the heart of Houston's Theater District, is celebrating its 100th anniversary with special events and a dedicated "Centennial Package" for bookings made from March 4 until December 31, 2026. Per a release, the package includes "a custom Lancaster candle infused with the hotel’s signature scent and a beautifully designed booklet chronicling a century of timeless hospitality and unforgettable stays." The hotel will also host quarterly centennial celebrations, with the first two planned on March 4 and May 20.

Along the Gulf Coast

The Zoppé Italian Family Circus is heading to Galveston's Stewart Beach from March 6-30 for several weeks of fun-filled shows under a 550-seat big top tent. Attendees at this family-friendly affair will be no more than 20 feet from the action, which includes acrobatics, equestrian and canine performances, antics from Nino the Clown, and more. General admission starts at $28 per person, and VIP tickets begin at $48.

At home in Dallas-Fort Worth

ICYMI: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) opened the state's first new state park in 25 years on March 1. Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is located about a two-hour drive west from downtown Dallas, and offers 4,871 acres of former ranchland plus a 68-acre lake for visitors to explore. Ahead of spring break, TPWD encourages visitors to reserve day passes in advance, which can be reserved online or by calling the Customer Service Center during regular business hours at (512) 389-8900. Entrance fees are $7 daily for adults and children aged 13 and older, and admission is free for children 12 years old and younger.

Waco Magnolia Silos, Spring at the Silos

Photo by Ruthie Martin

The Magnolia Silos in Waco are a beautiful backdrop for some spring break shopping.

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Exploring Texas

Texas' new Palo Pinto State Park opens just a 2-hour drive from Dallas

Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park opens March 1

Texans will be able to hike, fish, camp, and explore a brand-new state park — the first new Texas state park in 25 years — starting on Sunday, March 1.

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, located at 100 Park Road 77 in Strawn, spans 4,871 acres of former ranchland between Abilene and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (about a two-hour drive west from downtown Dallas).

According to a press release, the land was originally purchased by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in 2011 and the park was expected to open three years ago, but construction delays impeded the opening. Funding for the park was provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF), the Texas Legislature, the Sporting Goods Sales Tax, the federal government, and $10 million was raised by TPWF through private donations.

The park offers more than 16 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riding, and the park's website states 1.25 miles are ADA compliant, and all-terrain wheelchairs are available for some non-accessible trails. Campers and overnight guests also have three campsites to choose from, including RV sites, walk-in tent spots, and primitive camping areas.

Visitors are also welcome to swim, fish, and boat (note: motorboats are not allowed) in the 68-acre Tucker Lake using the park's accessible kayak/canoe launch, fishing pier, and fish cleaning station. Visitors don't need a license to fish at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, and the park will loan fishing gear upon request.

Tucker Lake at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park Visitors are welcome to kayak and canoe at Tucker Lake, but motorboats are not allowed.Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Birding enthusiasts might spot golden-cheeked warblers during their visit, as the endangered species take residence in the park's oak and Ashe juniper trees in the spring and summer months. Many other migratory birds can be seen at the park throughout the year.

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is anticipating high visitation in March with the spring season's temperate weather and Texas schools' spring breaks. TPWD strongly encouraged visitors to reserve day passes in advance to avoid being turned away if the park has reached its capacity limit.

"This is a tremendous moment for Texas State Parks and the state of Texas," Texas State Parks director Rodney Franklin in the release. "Opening Palo Pinto Mountains State Park represents the culmination of collaborative efforts that includes our Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation as well as private donors. I am proud of the dedication of our TPWD team but also the unwavering support of the Texas Legislature and the voters of Texas that have brought us to this moment. State park staff stand ready to welcome families far and wide to begin making memories at Texas’ newest state park."

Day passes are available up to one month in advance, are non-transferrable to another person or park, and are valid all-day until 10 pm unless the park closes earlier. Day passes can be reserved online or by calling TPWD's Customer Service Center during regular business hours at (512) 389-8900. Entrance fees are $7 daily for adults and children aged 13 and older, and admission is free for children 12-years-old and younger.

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