• Home
  • popular
  • Events
  • Submit New Event
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • News
  • Restaurants + Bars
  • City Life
  • Entertainment
  • Travel
  • Real Estate
  • Arts
  • Society
  • Home + Design
  • Fashion + Beauty
  • Innovation
  • Sports
  • Charity Guide
  • children
  • education
  • health
  • veterans
  • SOCIAL SERVICES
  • ARTS + CULTURE
  • animals
  • lgbtq
  • New Charity
  • Series
  • Delivery Limited
  • DTX Giveaway 2012
  • DTX Ski Magic
  • dtx woodford reserve manhattans
  • Your Home in the Sky
  • DTX Best of 2013
  • DTX Trailblazers
  • Tastemakers Dallas 2017
  • Healthy Perspectives
  • Neighborhood Eats 2015
  • The Art of Making Whiskey
  • DTX International Film Festival
  • DTX Tatum Brown
  • Tastemaker Awards 2016 Dallas
  • DTX McCurley 2014
  • DTX Cars in Lifestyle
  • DTX Beyond presents Party Perfect
  • DTX Texas Health Resources
  • DART 2018
  • Alexan Central
  • State Fair 2018
  • Formula 1 Giveaway
  • Zatar
  • CityLine
  • Vision Veritas
  • Okay to Say
  • Hearts on the Trinity
  • DFW Auto Show 2015
  • Northpark 50
  • Anteks Curated
  • Red Bull Cliff Diving
  • Maggie Louise Confections Dallas
  • Gaia
  • Red Bull Global Rally Cross
  • NorthPark Holiday 2015
  • Ethan's View Dallas
  • DTX City Centre 2013
  • Galleria Dallas
  • Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty Luxury Homes in Dallas Texas
  • DTX Island Time
  • Simpson Property Group SkyHouse
  • DIFFA
  • Lotus Shop
  • Holiday Pop Up Shop Dallas
  • Clothes Circuit
  • DTX Tastemakers 2014
  • Elite Dental
  • Elan City Lights
  • Dallas Charity Guide
  • DTX Music Scene 2013
  • One Arts Party at the Plaza
  • J.R. Ewing
  • AMLI Design District Vibrant Living
  • Crest at Oak Park
  • Braun Enterprises Dallas
  • NorthPark 2016
  • Victory Park
  • DTX Common Desk
  • DTX Osborne Advisors
  • DTX Comforts of Home 2012
  • DFW Showcase Tour of Homes
  • DTX Neighborhood Eats
  • DTX Comforts of Home 2013
  • DTX Auto Awards
  • Cottonwood Art Festival 2017
  • Nasher Store
  • Guardian of The Glenlivet
  • Zyn22
  • Dallas Rx
  • Yellow Rose Gala
  • Opendoor
  • DTX Sun and Ski
  • Crow Collection
  • DTX Tastes of the Season
  • Skye of Turtle Creek Dallas
  • Cottonwood Art Festival
  • DTX Charity Challenge
  • DTX Culture Motive
  • DTX Good Eats 2012
  • DTX_15Winks
  • St. Bernard Sports
  • Jose
  • DTX SMU 2014
  • DTX Up to Speed
  • st bernard
  • Ardan West Village
  • DTX New York Fashion Week spring 2016
  • Taste the Difference
  • Parktoberfest 2016
  • Bob's Steak and Chop House
  • DTX Smart Luxury
  • DTX Earth Day
  • DTX_Gaylord_Promoted_Series
  • IIDA Lavish
  • Huffhines Art Trails 2017
  • Red Bull Flying Bach Dallas
  • Y+A Real Estate
  • Beauty Basics
  • DTX Pet of the Week
  • Long Cove
  • Charity Challenge 2014
  • Legacy West
  • Wildflower
  • Stillwater Capital
  • Tulum
  • DTX Texas Traveler
  • Dallas DART
  • Soldiers' Angels
  • Alexan Riveredge
  • Ebby Halliday Realtors
  • Zephyr Gin
  • Sixty Five Hundred Scene
  • Christy Berry
  • Entertainment Destination
  • Dallas Art Fair 2015
  • St. Bernard Sports Duck Head
  • Jameson DTX
  • Alara Uptown Dallas
  • Cottonwood Art Festival fall 2017
  • DTX Tastemakers 2015
  • Cottonwood Arts Festival
  • The Taylor
  • Decks in the Park
  • Alexan Henderson
  • Gallery at Turtle Creek
  • Omni Hotel DTX
  • Red on the Runway
  • Whole Foods Dallas 2018
  • Artizone Essential Eats
  • Galleria Dallas Runway Revue
  • State Fair 2016 Promoted
  • Trigger's Toys Ultimate Cocktail Experience
  • Dean's Texas Cuisine
  • Real Weddings Dallas
  • Real Housewives of Dallas
  • Jan Barboglio
  • Wildflower Arts and Music Festival
  • Hearts for Hounds
  • Okay to Say Dallas
  • Indochino Dallas
  • Old Forester Dallas
  • Dallas Apartment Locators
  • Dallas Summer Musicals
  • PSW Real Estate Dallas
  • Paintzen
  • DTX Dave Perry-Miller
  • DTX Reliant
  • Get in the Spirit
  • Bachendorf's
  • Holiday Wonder
  • Village on the Parkway
  • City Lifestyle
  • opportunity knox villa-o restaurant
  • Nasher Summer Sale
  • Simpson Property Group
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2017 Dallas
  • Carlisle & Vine
  • DTX New Beginnings
  • Get in the Game
  • Red Bull Air Race
  • Dallas DanceFest
  • 2015 Dallas Stylemaker
  • Youth With Faces
  • Energy Ogre
  • DTX Renewable You
  • Galleria Dallas Decadence
  • Bella MD
  • Tractorbeam
  • Young Texans Against Cancer
  • Fresh Start Dallas
  • Dallas Farmers Market
  • Soldier's Angels Dallas
  • Shipt
  • Elite Dental
  • Texas Restaurant Association 2017
  • State Fair 2017
  • Scottish Rite
  • Brooklyn Brewery
  • DTX_Stylemakers
  • Alexan Crossings
  • Ascent Victory Park
  • Top Texans Under 30 Dallas
  • Discover Downtown Dallas
  • San Luis Resort Dallas
  • Greystar The Collection
  • FIG Finale
  • Greystar M Line Tower
  • Lincoln Motor Company
  • The Shelby
  • Jonathan Goldwater Events
  • Windrose Tower
  • Gift Guide 2016
  • State Fair of Texas 2016
  • Choctaw Dallas
  • TodayTix Dallas promoted
  • Whole Foods
  • Unbranded 2014
  • Frisco Square
  • Unbranded 2016
  • Circuit of the Americas 2018
  • The Katy
  • Snap Kitchen
  • Partners Card
  • Omni Hotels Dallas
  • Landmark on Lovers
  • Harwood Herd
  • Galveston.com Dallas
  • Holiday Happenings Dallas 2018
  • TenantBase
  • Cottonwood Art Festival 2018
  • Hawkins-Welwood Homes
  • The Inner Circle Dallas
  • Eating in Season Dallas
  • ATTPAC Behind the Curtain
  • TodayTix Dallas
  • The Alexan
  • Toyota Music Factory
  • Nosh Box Eatery
  • Wildflower 2018
  • Society Style Dallas 2018
  • Texas Scottish Rite Hospital 2018
  • 5 Mockingbird
  • 4110 Fairmount
  • Visit Taos
  • Allegro Addison
  • Dallas Tastemakers 2018
  • The Village apartments
  • City of Burleson Dallas

where to travel right now

10 ways to spend spring break in Texas that don't involve crowded beaches

Amber Heckler
Mar 4, 2025 | 1:15 pm
Waco Magnolia Silos, Spring at the Silos

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

Photo by Ruthie Martin

Who says you have to battle the crowds on popular beaches to enjoy spring break? Even if the sand and seas call to you, you don't have to visit the most congested shorelines in Texas. From a desert escape at a newly renovated far West Texas hotel, to a weekend shopping spree at the Magnolia Silos in Waco, March is full of spring travel ideas.

Dallas travelers looking for ideas on where to go in March for spring break vacation or a blissful weekend trip can find them here, in our big monthly roundup of top travel tips around the state.

Throughout Texas

Great Wolf Lodge – which operates locations in Dallas and Houston – is offering spring breakers big discounts on stays just in time for the park's annual "Spring Breakout" celebration from March 6 through April 27. Guests who use promo code "FLASH" can receive a 40 percent discount on stays booked by March 9. The "Spring Breakout" programming includes seasonal games, yoga trails, spring-themed craft activities, dance parties, storytimes, and much more family-friendly fun. Nightly room rates vary by location.

Along the Gulf Coast

ICYMI: Three hidden-gem Texas beaches were singled out on a national list of best destinations for a beachy spring break in 2025, and surprisingly, none were located in Port Aransas or South Padre Island. Crystal Beach, located in the Galveston Bay southeast of Houston, ranked among the top 10 best spring break getaways, while Surfside Beach and Jamaica Beach (both on Galveston Island) also earned some time in the spotlight.

In West Texas

The small, friendly town of Buffalo Gap will be one of seven Texas communities that will host a new national exhibition from the Smithsonian Institute, "Crossroads: Change in Rural America." The exhibit explores the landmark 150-year legacy of Buffalo Gap, and the changes that have evolved throughout its history. The exhibit will run March 15-April 26 at Buffalo Gap Historic Village, and each of the six weeks will have a different theme related to the town. Admission is free.

For Texans who seasonally crave an escape to the desert before it gets too hot outside, Big Bend Station in Terlingua has recently completed a massive renovation to upgrade its 72 hotel rooms, duplexes, and RV accommodations. New amenities include plush furniture for the utmost comfort, modern appliances, and bold contemporary Western decor. Travelers can also take advantage of the hotel's proximity to Big Bend National Park and really immerse themselves in the desert landscape. Room rates begin at $196 per night in March, while tent and RV sites range from $24-$49 per night.

Big Bend Station hotel The newly renovated guest rooms at Big Bend Station boast bold pops of color.Photo courtesy of Aramark Destinations

In Waco

Magnolia's annual Spring at the Silos event is returning every weekend from March 6 through April 26, featuring lots of live music performances, local artisan pop-ups, and immersive activities. Texas musicians scheduled to perform include SUNNN (March 14-15 and March 28-29), Dallas native Molly Chapin (March 28-29), Grace Lillies (April 11-12), and many more. The weekend events are free, and weekend passes to Magnolia Market's rooftop lounge have already sold out.

In Austin

The Loren Hotel on Austin's iconic Lady Bird Lake is celebrating spring with discounted stays booked in March featuring complimentary daily breakfast for two. Guests can use promo code "SPRING25" to get 15 percent off their stay, with room rates beginning at $289 per night in March. Visitors can also check out the latest art exhibit at Paggi House at The Loren, "Unstable Territory: Reflections on Memory," which explores the different ways identity can be shaped through experience.

In Houston

Travelers staying in the Bayou City can enjoy live music every weekend in March during the Thompson Houston's inaugural country concert series on the hotel's rooftop, 6:30-9 pm. Guests and locals are invited to lounge poolside while enjoying live performances from local country stars from all over Texas, such as Allan Henrickson, Elle Townley, Chris Ryan, and Bubba Westly. The rooftop bar Sol 7 will also offer a new specialty rodeo cocktail for the occasion, Wrangler’s Whiskey, which features rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and maraschino cherry. Tickets for the Thompson Country Takeover are $70 per person.

Around Dallas-Fort Worth

North Texas families can enjoy 16 fun-filled days of dinosaurs at EpicCentral in Grand Prairie from March 8-23. In addition to checking out large animatronic dinos, families can also participate in dinosaur storytimes, fossil digging, dino-themed games, and more during The Ext-ROAR-dinary Dino Fest on Saturday, March 15. Events are free to the public and suitable for children of all ages.

The Ext-ROAR-dinary Dino Fest at EpicCentral in Grand Prairie Get ready to see some big dinos at EpicCentral.Photo courtesy of EpicCentral

Additionally, Grand Prairie's Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark is ready to welcome vacationers during its "Epic Spring Break" events from March 7-23. Special programming includes live entertainment three times daily, creative family-friendly activities, a dance party, arcade challenge, and much more. Visitors should also be on the lookout for special mermaid appearances throughout the break. General admission prices vary.

For luxury seekers: Renowned chef Stephan Pyles and award-winning cheesemaker Paula Lambert are teaming up for an exclusive Italian culinary getaway from March 21-23 at Interstate Inn in Stephenville. The weekend will begin with a welcome reception at Pyles' restaurant The Seeker on Friday night, followed by a cooking class at Interstate Inn's Cork Room on Saturday morning. Guests will dine on a curated selection of food and wine from Puglia in the evening, and Sunday's activities include a brunch feast and laid back afternoon. Package prices are $1,250 per person for a double occupancy room, and $1,500 for a single-occupancy room.

travel spring break vacations waco
news/travel

most read posts

High 5 Exchange bowling and entertainment mega-center rolls into Allen

Hottest foodie trend in U.S. is going bananas in Dallas

Warm retreats and natural details are top home design trends this fall

coming in 2027

Texas hotel near NASA to get a Margaritaville makeover with lazy river

Eric Sandler
Sep 11, 2026 | 11:56 am
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Nassau Bay
Rendering courtesy of Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Nassau Bay
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Nassau Bay will open in late 2027.

One of the signature hotels of the Houston Bay Area is undergoing a massive transformation. When it opens in late 2027, the new Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Nassau Bay will bring a boutique-style experience to one of the most popular vacation destinations in the state.

Located roughly 250 miles, about four hours, from Dallas in the former Hilton Houston NASA Clear Lake (3000 E NASA Parkway), the Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Nassau Bay will feature a comprehensive set of upgrades. Launched in 2020, Compass Hotels carry on the brand’s vibes in smaller markets and without the full resort price point.

Plans call for four Margaritaville-themed restaurants, a lazy river, conference and meeting spaces, and “fully reimagined guestrooms,” according to press materials. Once complete, the 229-room property will also offer marina access, boat parking, and a store.

“We are excited to introduce Compass Hotel Nassau Bay and bring this new destination to the Clear Lake community, just minutes from NASA/Space Center Houston,” Nassau Bay Resorts LLC CEO Kam Miramadi said in a statement. “We look forward to transforming this property into a welcoming hotel and recreational experience that reflects the character of the surrounding area while providing guests with a comfortable place to stay and explore.”

Nassau Bay Resorts LLC acquired the property in 2025. In June, it filed a notice with the Texas Workforce Commission that it would lay off all of its employees on July 31 to facilitate the renovations.

Margaritaville, named after the Jimmy Buffett hit, has expanded the singer’s easygoing vibes into a global empire. The company is also working on a $250 million, 334-room property on Galveston Island.

hotels bay area galveston margaritaville openings
news/travel
CULTUREMAP EMAILS ARE AWESOME
Get Dallas intel delivered daily.
Loading...