Holiday Escapes

Trade Dallas winter chills for the sights and thrills of sunny Panama

Pool and canal views from the Westin Playa Bonita.

Photo by Jody Diamond
View from the Westin Playa Bonita of the cruise ships lining up to enter thePanama Canal.

Photo by Jody Diamond
Dug-out canoe ride to the Embera Indian Village.

Photo by Kristy Alpert
Cascada Bonita

Photo by Kristy Alpert
Peaceful day on the Chagres River on the way to the Embera Indian Village.

Photo by Kristy Alpert
View from the MiraFlores Locks at the Panama Canal.

Photo by Kristy Alpert
Lobby to the new Sensory Spa by Clarins at the Westin Playa Bonita.

Photo by Jody Diamond

From dimly lit midnight wine tastings through the romantic Casco Viejo district to venturing out in a hollowed-out canoe to an authentic Indian village, Panama has plenty to keep you warm this winter.

When it comes to traveling south of the border, Panama tends to get passed over like the red-headed step child of Central America for more mainstream destinations such as Costa Rica and Guatemala. But this idyllic isthmus offers a similar sense of exotic exploration with a unique cosmopolitan opulence that has remained refreshingly unscathed by tourists and crowds.

Unlike other Central American hot spots, Panama remains refreshingly unscathed by tourists and crowds.

With a year-round temperature averaging around 84 degrees, this time of year is the country’s prime travel season to escape the unknown winters of Dallas-Fort Worth. (Will it snow or is it time to pull out those shorts again?)

While a certain amount of mystery is what draws many of us to travel. Allow me to take out a bit of the logistical guesswork for your trip to Panama. Here is where you should stay, eat and play in Panama’s capital city:

Stay
Westin Playa Bonita is less than a year old and already it’s become one of the best spots to stay while exploring Panama City. Because it’s located 20 minutes from the city center, this beachfront hotel feels like a retreat, with gorgeous views of the rainforest on one side and that of ships preparing to enter the Panama Canal on the other. Plus, the onsite restaurants are amazing, and the beds are truly heavenly.

Bonus feature: the hotel just opened up a new Sensory Spa by Clarins with a hydrothermal wellness circuit that claims to stimulate circulation, cleanse the skin and relax sore muscles.

Eat
Not only does Miraflores Restaurant at the Panama Canal provide a decadent buffet including local Panamanian favorites and a lust-worthy dessert station, but it also offers arguably the best way to view the ships passing through the canal from its expansive patio overlooking the Miraflores Locks.

DiVino Enoteca is a charming hole-in-the wall located in the heart of Casco Viejo, Panama City’s old town. If walking the dimly lit cobblestone streets amidst stunning architecture in this romantic quarter doesn’t warm your spirits, sipping on one of the exquisite wines from the restaurant’s expansive wine menu while watching old movies on the original brick-walled interior will surely do the trick.

Play
While the Panama Canal is a must-see, a trip to Panama City would not be complete without a visit to the Embera Indian Village, where a loin-cloth-wearing tribesman guides you along the Chagres River in a dug-out canoe to an island of friendly Indians eager to share their culture and cuisine, which includes tilapia and plantains.

If you get the chance, request a trip to the Cascada Bonita (Beautiful Waterfall), where a short hike through the rainforest will lead you to a pristine pool where you can swim beneath a crystal clear waterfall. To commemorate the day, allow the tribesman to apply a temporary tattoo made with vegetable dyes.

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Toast to Texas

Texas Hill Country uncorks No. 3 ranking among best U.S. wine regions

Texas Hill Country Wineries

Texas Hill Country wine

The Lone Star State's booming Hill Country wine scene is about to get a lot busier, as it was just declared the No. 3 best wine region in the country for "a grape getaway."

The Hill Country was honored in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for the Best Wine Region in 2026. The 10Best awards program puts a spotlight on the best travel destinations, the best food and drink spots, local attractions, and must-visit shopping locations. A panel of experts and 10Best editors select their top picks to present to readers, who then vote to decide the winners.

The Texas Hill Country was ranked higher than some of the most well-known wine regions in the U.S., including California's esteemed Temecula Valley, Anderson Valley, and Paso Robles.

USA Today estimates there are over 60 wineries spread across scenic towns like Fredericksburg, Stonewall, Lampasas, and New Braunfels. National acclaim for the Hill Country has transformed its vineyards into can't-miss tourist destinations for locals and out-of-towners alike.

"This American Viticultural Area is one of the largest in the country, growing varietals like tempranillo, viognier, cabernet sauvignon, and an increasing acreage of warm-weather grapes," editors wrote.

The Hill Country previously ranked as the 9th best wine region in the nation in 2025, so its elevation to the top three this year is a testament to local wineries' dedication to providing top-notch wines and excellent service for patrons.

This summer is teeming with events and festivals in the area, such as grape-stomping shindigs and seasonal passes for discounts and deals at participating members of trade organization Texas Hill Country Wineries. Dallasites can take the scenic route to traverse the region's small towns, and there are plenty of hotels, cabins, campgrounds, and resorts for an overnight stay.

"Being named the No. 3 Wine Region in the country by USA Today readers is a huge honor for our entire Hill Country wine community," said THCW executive director January Wiese. "We've been proud to see this region recognized among the nation's best before, and this year's ranking is a testament to the incredible growers, winemakers, and hospitality teams who make Texas Hill Country a true wine destination. We can't wait to welcome visitors to experience it for themselves."

Grape Creek Vineyards has three locations in the Hill Country. Courtesy of Grape Creek Vineyards

One Fredericksburg winery also offers an immersive tour that rivals the most prestigious California wineries. Grape Creek Vineyards ranked No. 5 nationally in USA Today's separate list of the Best Winery Tours. The signature Taste & Tour features a tram ride through Grape Creek's estate, with stops inside production facilities where attendees can try tastings right out of the barrel.

Heath Family Brands CEO and owner Brian Heath, who owns Grape Creek, was honored by the award recognition and praised the brand's dedicated team members "who work every day to make sure every guest leaves with a story to tell."

"Fredericksburg is home to some of the best wine tourism in the country, and it means the world to be recognized alongside it," Heath told CultureMap.

Taste & Tour experiences are offered at Grape Creek Vineyards' Highway 290 location for $45 per person. Tours are limited to six guests per group, and must be booked in advance.

The top 10 best wine regions in the U.S. in 2026 are:

No. 1 – Rogue Valley, Oregon
No. 2 – West Elks, Colorado
No. 3 – Hill Country, Texas
No. 4 – Paso Robles, California
No. 5 – Augusta, Missouri
No. 6 – Anderson Valley, California
No. 7 – Loudoun, Virginia
No. 8 – Willamette Valley, Oregon
No. 9 – Yakima Valley, Washington
No. 10 – Temecula Valley, California

hill country wineries fredericksburg travel usa today awards

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Toast to Texas

Texas Hill Country uncorks No. 3 ranking among best U.S. wine regions