where the locals stay

Texas beach town tops Airbnb list of 'best Labor Day getaways'

South Padre Island is a top destination city booked by locals on Airbnb during Labor Day.

Photo courtesy of Visit South Padre Island

What's the point of going out of state for the Labor Day holiday, when there's plenty of fun and relaxation to be had at home in Texas? A new Labor Day travel trends report from Airbnb has revealed the top destinations where Dallasites can make the most of their three-day weekend, and the options span from a revitalizing North Texas "staycation" to a seaside trip down on the coast.

Airbnb discovered that stays booked within 300 miles from home have nearly doubled over the last five years. And here's one other discovery they made: Local travel rates have grown twice as fast as long-distance travel.

During the first half of 2024, more than half of all Airbnb stays in Texas were booked by in-state residents, and that trend shows no sign of slowing down as the year continues.

South Padre Island was listed among Airbnb's top destinations booked by Texans for last-minute Labor Day road trips. The tropical paradise has something for everyone, from family-friendly resorts like Margaritaville (which celebrated its one-year anniversary in June) to outdoor recreational activities like dolphin watching, fishing, horseback riding, and more.

Horseback riding on South Padre Island Start or end the day with a fun horseback ride over the dunes on South Padre Island.Photo courtesy of Visit South Padre Island

Many Texas-based Airbnb guests were particularly enamored of a three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse that's within a two-minute walk to public beach access on the island. The home can accommodate up to eight guests, and there's a shared outdoor pool on-site for those who want to have some extra swim time.

If a beach trip isn't in the cards this year, the Hill Country is always a suitable alternative destination. Airbnb shared that Dallas roadtrippers adored "The Casita at Scenic Loop" in northwest San Antonio. This cozy tiny home can accommodate up to four guests, and the abode's location on two acres of land allows for some secluded downtime while still being away from the city.

Visitors are welcome to explore the area, which encompasses four total acres, and they may make some new animal friends during their stay.

"You can feed the deer, Wilbur, the pig, or our big red dog named Blue," the listing says. "Our cats, Earl and Birdie may come check you out!"

Two other highly sought after staycation destinations most loved by Dallasites are:

"Gorgeous Spacious Safe & Quiet Stay" – A three-bedroom home in Frisco (29 miles north of Dallas)
"Charming Victorian Home" – A historic three-bedroom home in Rockwall (26 miles northeast of Dallas)

"By using Airbnb to travel locally, guests can discover off-the-beaten path destinations close to home, all while saving time and money," the report said. "Families can forgo pricey flights, spend more time relaxing rather than coordinating logistics, and find a unique Airbnb listing that offers an experience in and of itself."

Other top Labor Day travel destinations, according to Airbnb, are:

Louisville, Kentucky
Flagstaff, Arizona
Providence, Rhode Island
Somerville, Massachusetts
Syracuse, New York
Big Bear Lake, California
New Haven, Connecticut
North Topsail Beach, North Carolina
Ocean City, New Jersey

The report can be found on news.airbnb.com.

travel south padre island beach labor day holiday hill country destinations

Exploring Texas

Texas' new Palo Pinto State Park opens just a 2-hour drive from Dallas

Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park opens March 1

Texans will be able to hike, fish, camp, and explore a brand-new state park — the first new Texas state park in 25 years — starting on Sunday, March 1.

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, located at 100 Park Road 77 in Strawn, spans 4,871 acres of former ranchland between Abilene and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (about a two-hour drive west from downtown Dallas).

According to a press release, the land was originally purchased by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in 2011 and the park was expected to open three years ago, but construction delays impeded the opening. Funding for the park was provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF), the Texas Legislature, the Sporting Goods Sales Tax, the federal government, and $10 million was raised by TPWF through private donations.

The park offers more than 16 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riding, and the park's website states 1.25 miles are ADA compliant, and all-terrain wheelchairs are available for some non-accessible trails. Campers and overnight guests also have three campsites to choose from, including RV sites, walk-in tent spots, and primitive camping areas.

Visitors are also welcome to swim, fish, and boat (note: motorboats are not allowed) in the 68-acre Tucker Lake using the park's accessible kayak/canoe launch, fishing pier, and fish cleaning station. Visitors don't need a license to fish at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, and the park will loan fishing gear upon request.

Tucker Lake at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park Visitors are welcome to kayak and canoe at Tucker Lake, but motorboats are not allowed.Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Birding enthusiasts might spot golden-cheeked warblers during their visit, as the endangered species take residence in the park's oak and Ashe juniper trees in the spring and summer months. Many other migratory birds can be seen at the park throughout the year.

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is anticipating high visitation in March with the spring season's temperate weather and Texas schools' spring breaks. TPWD strongly encouraged visitors to reserve day passes in advance to avoid being turned away if the park has reached its capacity limit.

"This is a tremendous moment for Texas State Parks and the state of Texas," Texas State Parks director Rodney Franklin in the release. "Opening Palo Pinto Mountains State Park represents the culmination of collaborative efforts that includes our Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation as well as private donors. I am proud of the dedication of our TPWD team but also the unwavering support of the Texas Legislature and the voters of Texas that have brought us to this moment. State park staff stand ready to welcome families far and wide to begin making memories at Texas’ newest state park."

Day passes are available up to one month in advance, are non-transferrable to another person or park, and are valid all-day until 10 pm unless the park closes earlier. Day passes can be reserved online or by calling TPWD's 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.

state parks travel parks texas parks and wildlife department