best in Texas
Dallas-Fort Worth hot spots take home 7 Texas Travel Awards in 2024
The Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas took home two Texas Travel Awards in 2024.
Dallas-Fort Worth is home to several of the best attractions in the state, according to the 2024 Texas Travel Awards. North Texas hot spots took home seven awards this year, compared to the 14 that were awarded in 2023.
The Texas Travel Awards were created by Austin Monthly, San Antonio Magazine, and Texas Music publishers to "shine a spotlight on the most exciting, innovative, and inviting places around the state." The winners are decided by a panel of industry professional judges, travel journalists, and one musician.
The 49 awards were split into two smaller groups: statewide best attractions and best attractions by population. The latter was further divided into market size: small/mid and big market.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza came away with two awards this year; it was designated the best "Historical Site" in Texas, and the best "Big Market" museum. The Texas Travel Awards praised the Sixth Floor Museum for its dedication to preserving the legacy of President John F. Kennedy, calling it an "unrivaled cultural gem" in Dallas.
"Beyond a mere chronicle of Kennedy’s life and presidency, the displays delve into the broader historical context, political climate, and the enduring impact of the assassination," a museum overview said. "By encouraging critical thinking and reflection, the museum becomes a dynamic space for learning; it serves as a platform for deepening public understanding of historical complexities."
The only other Dallas attraction to earn an accolade was Crown Block in Reunion Tower, which won a statewide award for the "Best Revitalization." The steakhouse was brought to life in 2023 thanks to hospitality duo Elizabeth Blau and Kim Canteenwalla, who brought an "unmatched level of hospitality" to the space and high attention to detail across every dish on the menu, the judges said.
"The plates, brunch stations, cocktails, and refined wine list offer guests a sense of adventure and whimsey, with fresh, unexpected flavor combinations and a bit of Las Vegas-inspired flair," the award overview said.
Other North Texas attractions that won Texas Travel Awards include:
- City of Corsicana's 175th Celebration – Best "Small/Mid Market" Destination Marketing Campaign
- Taste of Plano Foodie Pass Breaks Records – Best "Big Market" Destination Marketing Campaign
- Texican Court in Irving – Best "Big Market" Unique Lodging
- Historic Downtown McKinney – Best Statewide Destination for Foodies
Awards outside of North Texas
The Hill Country was the region that won the most awards, further solidifying the area's soaring popularity among travelers. New Braunfels earned the highest number of accolades, even going so far as to be designated 2024's "Destination of the Year."
"The city’s vibrant downtown is full of character, with historic architecture housing one-of-a-kind shops, art galleries, speakeasies, craft breweries and eateries," its overview said. "Only blocks from the spring-fed Comal River, visitors and patrons can spend a day tubing or lounging riverside, then meander to downtown for live music, dining, shopping, wandering, and exploring."
New Braunfels won five awards in the “Big Market” awards by population. One business triumphed twice. They are:
- Phoenix Saloon – Best Bar
- Thru the Chute Cardboard Boat Race – Best Community Event and Best Under the Radar Activity
- 8Sages-The Dolly Cottage – Best Instagrammable Spot
- Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch – Best Outdoor Activity
- Gruene Hall – Best Iconic Tourist Attraction
- Gruene Historic District – Best Shopping District
- Dry Comal Creek Vineyards – Best Winery
The full list of winners in the 2023 Texas Travel Awards can be found at texastravelawards.com.
The Hill Country surrounds the Loma de Vida Spa. Photo by Mark Knight 
