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12 Best Memorial Day Weekend Getaways in Texas

The unofficial start to summer, Memorial Day weekend in Texas means sunshine, time spent near a body of water, and plenty of outdoor barbecues. Whether you want to attend a patriotic tribute, indulge in fresh seafood at a crawfish festival, or sunbathe at one of the sun-kissed beach areas, the Lone Star State boasts an array of family-friendly vacation destinations to suit your travel needs. Perfect for a long weekend away with friends and family, here are some of the best Memorial Day getaways in Texas.

San Antonio San Antonio, Texas
Credit: San Antonio, Texas by © Sean Pavone | Dreamstime.com

San Antonio

A vibrant city with a sparkling skyline, San Antonio is nestled on the southern end of Texas Hill Country. Boasting an extensive list of attractions, theme park enthusiasts will love the area’s opportunities for thrills, from slides and rides at Six Flags Fiesta Texas to the numerous water parks. Visitors can travel the city on a Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour or cruise along the river in a vessel. The San Antonio Zoo is the perfect destination for animal lovers, while the historic San Antonio River Walk is a must-see attraction. If you’re interested in browsing for local treasures, handmade crafts can be found at the Memorial Day River Walk Artisan Show.

South Padre Island South Padre Island
Credit: South Padre Island by © Amy Nicolai | Dreamstime.com

South Padre Island

One of Texas’s most popular vacation destinations, South Padre Island, is bustling throughout the year. Savor the area’s beautiful beaches while the water is calm and indulge in the area’s abundance of outdoor recreation that caters to beachgoers of all ages. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy a day of spotting diverse wildlife like dolphins and sea turtles, while bird watching is also a popular pastime. Relaxing on the white sand beaches and idyllic waters is enough for most, but those looking to kick up their long weekend up a notch might want to participate in thrilling water sports, from surfing to windsurfing. To explore the area’s history, head over to the postcard-worthy 19th-century lighthouse.

New Braunfels Schlitterbahn New Braunfels
Credit: Schlitterbahn New Braunfels by schlitterbahn.com

New Braunfels

Named after Braunfels, Germany, New Braunfels is famously home to the three-mile Comal River and the Bavarian-themed Schlitterbahn Water Park. While it’s a great place to cool off on Memorial Day weekend, the area offers plenty of other things to do for those who want to steer clear of the crowds. Head to Landa Park to explore scenic walking trails and relax under the giant oak trees or reflect on life as you try your hand at catching fish along the pier. The Natural Bridge Caverns is a unique attraction, while the area’s two pristine rivers are great for swimming and tubing.

Galveston Island Porretto Beach, Galveston
Credit: Porretto Beach, Galveston by Porretto Beach Galveston

Galveston Island

Located on a barrier island on the Gulf Coast of Texas, Galveston Island offers tons of family-friendly fun. Only 50 miles south of Houston, visitors can meander through the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier or relax on the miles of pristine coastline, as visitors will find a wide range of outdoor activities to choose from. Spend your long weekend spotting dolphins, browse the quaint Historic District or head to nearby Schlitterbahn Galveston Waterpark for a full day of thrills. Catch a show at the beautiful Grand 1894 Opera House or explore the Aquarium Pyramid and Rainforest Pyramid at Moody Gardens.

Arlington Arlington
Credit: Arlington by QuesterMark

Arlington

Just 20 minutes outside the bustling big cities of Fort Worth and Dallas, Arlington has a long list of exciting thrills. Home to the popular Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor theme parks, families will find plenty of fun to fill up an entire weekend. Enjoy the sunshine at the lush 1,031-acre River Legacy Park to find the River Legacy Living Science Center, where an aquarium, nature trail, and children’s playground caters to visitors of all ages. For a dose of culture, catch a live show at the Levitt Pavilion or visit the fascinating Planetarium at the University of Texas Arlington.

Austin The scenic Lady Bird Lake in Austin
Credit: The scenic Lady Bird Lake in Austin by © Noamfein | Dreamstime.com

Austin

There are a lot of attractions to choose from in the capital of Texas, as Austin is not only the “Live Music Capital of the World” but offers year-round sunshine and plenty of outdoor recreation that will appeal to the entire family. Head to Zilker Park for the famous Barton Springs Pool to swim in a three-acre underground spring with 70-degree temperatures. Go fishing and paddling at nearby Inks Lake State Park, or try your hand at archery in McKinney Falls State Park. Don’t forget to sample the city’s delicious BBQ before you leave in one of the many downtown joints and walk off your meal exploring the famous 6th Street.

Wimberley Wimberley, Texas
Credit: Wimberley, Texas by © Roberto Galan | Dreamstime.com

Wimberley

A picturesque city filled with shady oaks and winding roads, Wimberley is a compact area that packs a lot of punch for its size. Perfect for kicking off the summer, head to the refreshing swimming spot in Blue Hole Regional Park for a dip in the cool waters shaded by trees or take a scenic road trip along Devil’s Backbone. Sip wine at the Wimberley Valley Winery or browse the area’s local art galleries and shops for a weekend enjoying the simple pleasures in life. The Memorial Day Rodeo is sure to bring the thrills on Memorial Day weekend, where you can catch all the action and indulge in delicious food offerings from local vendors.

Fredericksburg Fredericksburg Historic District, Texas
Credit: Fredericksburg Historic District, Texas by Wikimedia Commons

Fredericksburg

Boasting a proud German heritage, Fredericksburg is full of beauty and charm. Here you’ll find charming historic architecture, breweries and wineries, and a quaint downtown area. One of the most popular annual events in the city, the Fredericksburg Crawfish Festival offers food and fun for all ages over Memorial Day weekend. Those looking to soak up views of a natural wonder can head to nearby Enchanted Rock State Natural Area to see the famous pink granite dome. With one of the top World War II museums in the country, make sure to explore the exhibits at the National Museum of the Pacific War. On Memorial Day, the Memorial Courtyard in the museum will have an observance for those who have given their lives to protect our country.

Kerrville Kerrville-Shreiner State Park, Texas
Credit: Kerrville-Shreiner State Park, Texas by © Martha Marks | Dreamstime.com

Kerrville

A small town filled to the brim with charm, Kerrville is a great vacation destination with excellent dining, shopping, and scenic vistas. Meander down the quaint downtown district, look at exhibits in the Museum of Western Art or appreciate nature with a day of fishing, birding, or hiking. One of the biggest events over the Memorial Day weekend is the Kerrville Folk Festival. The longest continuously running music festival of its kind in North America, it not only boasts an extensive lineup of entertainment and musicians but hosts workshops and offers opportunities for canoeing, biking, and camping.

San Marcos San Marcos River
Credit: San Marcos River by Shane Sullivan/shutterstock.com

San Marcos

Escape the hustle and bustle of big city life and head to San Marcos for Memorial Day weekend, where you’ll find plenty of outdoor adventures. The biggest city between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos boasts crystal clear spring-fed waters, an outlet-mall shopping at Prime Outlet and a downtown area full of music venues, restaurants, and bars. You’d be amiss if you didn’t spend your long weekend enjoying the San Marcos River, where tubing, kayaking, and stand-up paddling are popular pastimes. With a refreshing 72-degree temperature, taking a dip in the river is the perfect activity to beat the heat at the end of May.

Burnet Inks Lake State Park
Credit: Inks Lake State Park by Vlad Turchenko/shutterstock.com

Burnet

Only an hour outside of Austin, outdoor enthusiasts will revel in the chance to spend a long weekend in Burnet, a perfect getaway for those who want to surround themselves with nature on Memorial Day weekend. Get away from the crowds and stressors of daily life in one of the city’s many natural escapes. Soak in the interesting rock outcrops or play out in the water at Inks Lake State Park, or take in the majestic views of the unique limestone cave system at Longhorn Cavern State Park. Adventurous travelers will want to explore the Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park, where hiking trails are in abundance, or relax at Lake Buchanan for a day of bass fishing.

Marble Falls The town of Marble Falls is along Lake Marble Falls.
Credit: The town of Marble Falls is along Lake Marble Falls. by marblefallstx.gov

Marble Falls

Nestled in the perfect location for a weekend escape, Marble Falls is located near five picturesque lakes and some of the state’s top wineries. Boasting rich Texas history, this city is only 50 miles from Austin but feels like a world away. Rent a kayak and paddle along Lake Marble Falls, or enjoy a day out at Lakeside Park. Lake LBJ is home to a water park open throughout the summer, while Pace Bend Park is filled with hikers and nature enthusiasts. After a day of adventure, head to one of the craft breweries in Marble Falls or wander around the quaint downtown area to find souvenir treasures in boutique shops.

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