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Hill Country wine fest tops the 13 best Texas travel getaways for July

Options abound for a fun-filled vacation around Texas in July, from a just-opened hotel in Gruene to a cowboy-themed celebration at a San Antonio art museum. There are also great ways to "escape" closer to home Dallas-Fort Worth, such as booking a staycation at a Frisco hotel or relaxing in a cabana at an iconic Fort Worth Stockyards retreat.

Here are our top picks for summer travel events, hotel deals, and more in July.

Houston

The Thompson Houston hotel is ready to dazzle guests with a once-in-a-lifetime, over-the-top July 4th package for a whopping $25,000. It includes a two-night stay in the hotel's penthouse suite; dinner for two with butler champagne service on the 36th-story rooftop helipad, with 360-degree views of the Houston skyline and fireworks displays; a couples massage at the luxurious Thompson Spa; and private, first-class ground transportation to and from the airport. The package will be available exclusively on Friday, July 4.

Austin

Austin visitors who want to relive the fun of going to a summer camp can recapture the magic with these 24 à la carte activities, from horseback riding in Lockhart to ceramic classes at a newly opened pottery studio on Austin's iconic South Congress Avenue. Prices for the activities vary, and several are free or under $50 per person.

Photo courtesy of Hacienda del Rio

No matter how cosmopolitan the hotel gets, nothing can beat the trees around this pool at Hacienda del Rio.

For weary travelers in need of a self care day, Viva Day Spa is celebrating its 20th anniversary with 20 days of specials until Thursday, July 12. Among the deals are a 50-minute full-body Swedish massage or a custom designer facial with a neck and shoulder massage for $100 (both valued at $150 each), or a "Viva Sampler Spa Package" that includes a 45-minute Swedish massage, Viva Express facial and pedicure, and a limited edition take-home gift for $300 (valued at $400). Services can be booked online.

The world-renowned Balloon Museum, a highly Instagrammable interactive art installation, has just opened its doors in Austin. The family-friendly exhibit is perfect for visitors who love a good psychedelic and immersive experience, featuring works from 19 artists from around the world, such as aerial installations, lighting displays, and (of course) many balloons. Tickets range from $34 to $50, depending on a guest's age and time of day, and are available online.

"Hyperstellar" installation at the Balloon Museum "Hyperstellar" by Hyperstudio is one of the mind-bending works at the Balloon Museum internationally. It won't be coming to Austin, but more work from Hyperstudio will. Photo courtesy of the Balloon Museum

Swim Club, the refreshing pool-turned-restaurant at the Downright Austin hotel, is hosting a "dive-in" movie series this summer, including showings of iconic films like The Meg (July 9), a 50th anniversary screening of Jaws (July 10), and Sharknado (July 24). Free night swim will begin at 7 pm, and screenings will take place by the pool and on the lawn starting at around 8:15 pm (depending on when the sun sets). Admission is free.

The Hill Country

The Fredericksburg Food and Wine Festival is planning special wine pairings and culinary experiences for its second-ever "Preview Week" from July 21-27. The lineup of events include a conversation with Women for WineSense on July 21, an oyster and martini mixer on July 23, a boozy brunch at The Albert Hotel on July 26th, and much more. Ticket prices start at $25 per person and vary by event.

The Lower Colorado River Authority has debuted a cool glamping solution for those unbearably hot Texas summer days: The Ööd Mirror Houses, located at Lake Bastrop South Shore Park. The two pet-friendly tiny homes feature floor-to-ceiling mirrored glass walls for guests to immerse themselves into nature while enjoying complete privacy. Rates start at just over $200 per night before fees, and increase to more than $300 before fees during certain times.

Carter Creek Winery Resort and Spa, a road trip-worthy retreat in Johnson City, is launching its new "Hidden Gems of the Texas Hill Country Package" for guests booking two-night stays to explore the region's best wine, beer, and whiskey. Guests will be treated with tastings for two at the resort restaurant Old 290 Brewery, Hye-based Garrison Brothers Distillery, and at Wildseed Farms Winery in Fredericksburg. Rates for two-night stays begin at $401; use the promo code "CCWGEMS". The package will be available through August 2025.

Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa is located in Johnson City, a Hill Country town 235 miles from Dallas.Photo courtesy of Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa

After a two-year renovation and rebranding, Hacienda Del Rio Hotel and Bar has opened in Gruene, a historic district within New Braunfels. The property now has 48 renovated midcentury-style rooms, updated pool amenities, and much more. The hotel will also partner with Paddle Texas to offer river adventures like kayaking or paddle boarding. Rates at Hacienda Del Rio Hotel begin at $125 per night, and introductory rates are available for those who book through December 31, 2025.

San Antonio

The beloved Briscoe Western Art Museum is saddling up for National Day of the Cowboy with a free, all-day celebration on Saturday, July 26, from 10 am to 4 pm. The museum and McNutt Sculpture Garden will offer free admission all day, and families can enjoy watching local rodeo cowboys practice lasso and roping demonstrations, as well as live demonstrations from local artists, and many more cowboy-themed activities.

The DoSeum, San Antonio's interactive museum for kids, was recently hailed as one of Condé Nast Traveler's best children's museums nationwide. The list of acclaimed winners are "powerhouses of play" that inspire curiosity and creativity among their young patrons, according to the national publication. Admission is $18 for both adults and children, and free for children under one year old.

At home in Dallas-Fort Worth

Taking a summer trip doesn't necessarily mean having to travel long distances. Residents can relish some summer fun closer to home with a weekend trip to Frisco, where several local hotels are offering discounted stays with nightly rates up to 30 percent off when booked through Visit Frisco's website. Additional summer savings are available from KidZania and Strikz Entertainment. The "Summer Family Fun Sale" will run through September 2025.

Fort Worth's award-winning Hotel Drover is offering guests a "Midweek Cabana Retreat" from Monday through Thursday, complete with special cabana rates, complimentary overnight valet, and enhanced Wi-Fi. The Veranda Bar + Pool is also unveiling its new summer menu with new refreshing cocktails and mocktails, plus new dishes like parmesan truffle fries and a barbacoa quesadilla. Cabanas can be reserved online.

dallas fort worth austin san antonio houston hill country hotels museums resorts spas travel vacation summer vacation

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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