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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.

hotels travel austin houston dallas central texas west texas museums spring break vacations

Checking in

Clara Hotel debuts in Plano with chef-driven dining and late-night lounge

Photo by Dan Padgett

Cocktail and food offerings at the Archer.

A newly reimagined hotel in Plano aims to be as much a dining destination for locals as it is a place for visitors to stay: The Clara Hotel has officially opened in the Legacy Corridor with a chef-driven restaurant and chic new cocktail bar - all part of a $4 million transformation of the former NYLO Dallas/Plano Hotel.

Located at 8201 Preston Rd. on the Plano-Frisco border, The Clara remains part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection but has been overhauled by Dallas-based investment firm NewcrestImage, which acquired the property in 2025. The company has refreshed nearly every guest-facing space, from the hotel's 176 guest rooms to its food and beverage offerings.

Leading the debut are Field & Vine, the hotel's signature restaurant, and Archer, a new day-to-late-night cocktail lounge.

The Clara Hotel is now open at 8201 Preston Rd., Plano.Photo by Greg Ceo Studio

"The Clara was always envisioned as more than a hotel," says Mehul Patel, managing partner at NewcrestImage, in the release. "We wanted to create a place that locals would visit whether they were staying overnight or not. Field & Vine and Archer are central to that vision. Together, they create an experience that evolves throughout the day, from breakfast meetings to date nights, celebrations and late-evening cocktails."

Field & Vine is led by executive chef Daniel Armand, whose nearly four-decade career has included restaurants in Haiti, France, New York, Nantucket, the Hamptons, and Dallas before joining The Clara.

His menu blends French technique, Haitian influences, Texas ingredients, and seasonal produce. Highlights include:

Clara Ceviche with Gulf shrimp, citrus, and coconut water
Harissa Honey Wings with Texas honey
Steak Frites with herb butter and truffle fries
Heritage Chicken with roasted root vegetable purée
French-style Braised Short Rib
Citrus Shrimp Linguine
Wild Mushroom & Truffle Risotto
Herb-Crusted Salmon with citrus-sage beurre blanc

Field & Vine, Clara Hotel Clara ceviche at Field & Vine.Photo by Dan Padgett

The all-important hotel breakfast ranges from avocado toast and smoked salmon plates to Belgian waffles, breakfast tacos, fresh-pressed juices, overnight oats, and brioche French toast.

A distinctive feature is the hotel's on-site herb garden, where rosemary, basil, sage, thyme, and other herbs are harvested for both the kitchen and bar.

"Some of my earliest memories are in the kitchen with my mother, learning that food has the power to bring people together," says Armand. "Field & Vine is a reflection of that belief. We want guests to feel welcome whether they are joining us for breakfast, a special dinner or simply gathering with friends. The menu is personal to me, but ultimately it is designed to create memorable experiences around the table."

The cocktail program incorporates fresh herbs and housemade syrups with drinks such as the Clara Bloom, Rosemary Paloma, Smoke & Sage, and Garden Spritz.

For evening drinks, Archer offers a dramatically different atmosphere.

Replacing the Library concept originally announced during the renovation, Archer is a moody cocktail lounge with dark woods, leather seating, and low lighting. The space was inspired by celestial navigation, with signature cocktails named for stars, landmarks, and journeys.

Featured drinks include:

Polaris with vodka, elderflower, lemon, and sparkling wine
The Meridian with reposado tequila, Yellow Chartreuse, lime, and honey
Clara After Dark with bourbon, Amaro Nonino, honey, lemon, and black tea
Fixed Point with bourbon, black walnut, demerara, and bitters
Western Sky with rye whiskey, amaro, sweet vermouth, and chocolate bitters
Long After Sunset with vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and vanilla

The Archer, cocktails, Clara Hotel Cocktails at The Archer.Photo by Dan Padgett

The lounge also serves shareable bites including lamb chops with mint chimichurri, tuna tartare, margherita flatbread, ancient grain hummus, and cinnamon pretzel bites.

"Archer was designed to feel like the room the evening finds after sunset," says Patel. "It offers something different from the traditional hotel bar experience. It's intimate, atmospheric and intentionally designed for guests who appreciate great cocktails, thoughtful conversation and a place that encourages them to stay awhile."

Originally opened in 2007, the property was the first hotel launched under the NYLO Hotels brand and is widely credited as the country's first loft-style lifestyle hotel. Under NewcrestImage's ownership, the hotel has introduced a warmer aesthetic with natural textures, wood finishes, greenery, and a more residential feel throughout its guestrooms and public spaces.

The renovation also refreshed the hotel's heated outdoor pool, landscaped courtyard, and meeting and event spaces, positioning the Clara for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings.

Reservations for dining and hotel stays are available through The Clara Hotel's website.

Photo by Dan Padgett

Cocktail and food offerings at the Archer.

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Checking in

Clara Hotel debuts in Plano with chef-driven dining and late-night lounge