Summer is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean Texas travel has to slow down, too. There are still plenty of museums, festivals, and new luxury hotels to visit throughout the month for a fun-filled vacation weekend or relaxing getaway. Texans looking for travel ideas can find them right here in our big roundup of the best tips for a fun-filled Texas getaway this September.
In Austin
Pumpkin Nightsan immersive artistic event that highlights 7,500 carved jack-o'-lanterns exposed and sets up a series of scenes along a winding path through Pioneer Farms in North Austin, returns for a spooky season, September 19 through October 31. The exhibit is the perfect setting for a haunting stroll through historic buildings, ancient trees and woodland retreats, in addition to many other activities. Visitors can check the calendar to be sure what they’ll see on a given date, but some things to look forward to include face painting, live fire dancing and live pumpkin carving by world-renowned artists. Discounted tickets are available at Pumpkinnights.com.
In San Antonio
The highly anticipated InterContinental San Antonio River Walk East now open and ready to serve customers along the River Walk at 111 E. Pecan St. Formerly the Wyndham San Antonio River Walk, this hotel has been sold The hotel has been extensively renovated to include 390 rooms and four new bar and dining concepts. The 21-story hotel is ideal for walking, but guests can also opt for a water taxi. Other notable features include a rooftop pool and the Club InterContinental Lounge, which is not a members-only lounge but a perk for guests who book a luxury rate. Nightly rates start at $215.
It's definitely a hot month for San Antonio hotels: The Kimpton Santothe city's first Kimpton so far and the largest in all of Texas, has officially debuted in the Alamo City. Part of the hotel’s design comes from the property’s scholastic history, with 19th-century school buildings preserved and used to house eight guest suites today. The cultural sensibility follows other common threads, however, including “vintage craftsmanship fused with modernist touches and Spanish-inspired décor,” according to a release. Rates start at $262 per night.
Around Houston
THE Webster location of the famous Lodge of the Great Wolf indoor water park chain opened its doors before Labor Day weekend, with 532 rooms, a 92,000-square-foot indoor waterpark and a 61,000-square-foot family entertainment complex. The latter includes an indoor ropes course traversed by a climbing harness, a 150-foot indoor zip line that offers riders panoramic views of the entire park and Great Wolf Lodge's live role-playing game MagiQuest.
Climb or jump on structures throughout the park.
Photo courtesy of Great Wolf Lodge
Along the Gulf Coast
Visit Corpus Christi has launched its first-ever official website Corpus Christi Barbecue Trail that highlights eight different barbecue spots in the city. Participants can earn points to redeem exclusive products every time they check in at one of the participating locations. Points can be redeemed at the Gulf Coast Capital Store located inside the Corpus Christi Visitor Information Center. More information about the Corpus Christi Barbecue Trail and its participating locations can be found at visitcorpuschristi.com.
South Padre Island Taco and Tequila Festival comes back for a two-day extravaganza September 14-15, to pay tribute to Mexico’s rich culinary traditions with chef demonstrations, tequila tastings, and live music. Other activities include taco and jalapeño eating contests, a grito contest, Lucha Libre matches, an arm wrestling contest, a Loteria zone (a traditional Mexican game similar to bingo), kid-friendly activities, and more. Ticket prices range from $10 to $155, including one- or two-day GA or VIP passes.
Across Dallas-Fort Worth
Le Méridien Fort Worth Downtowna boutique hotel located in the former Texas Annex Hotel building, is now open at 811 Commerce St. Première announcement By the end of 2023, the 14-story hotel will have 188 rooms and suites, featuring a mid-century modern design, floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of downtown. Other amenities include a fitness center and a rooftop pool on the sixth floor, as well as nearly 5,000 square feet of event space, including a ballroom and meeting rooms for events, weddings and meetings. Rates at Le Méridien start at $197 per night.
With the Texas State Fair coming end of September, The Joule Dallas raises the rodeo bar with its new “Texas State Fair” offer. The package includes two tickets to the fair, a $50 food and beverage credit that can be redeemed at any of the hotel's dining establishments, transportation to the fairgrounds and overnight accommodations in one of Joule's luxurious guest rooms. Nightly rates for the special package start at $509.
Disney is bringing its iconic royal heroes (and villains) to Arlington Museum of Art with a a breathtaking experience for fans of all ages. Beginning Friday, September 14, two new exhibits will feature more than 300 artifacts, costumes, props and more from Disney films and shows from the past 65 years: Heroes and Villains: The Art of Disney Costume And All That Glitters: Crown Jewels from the Walt Disney ArchivesOnce open, the exhibitions will be accessible to visitors until March 23, 2025. Ticket prices vary.