Texas
Destination Overview
As the largest state in the continental U.S, iconic Texas has a lot to offer romantic travelers. From rolling mountains to bluebonnet-quilted prairies, Austin’s thriving music scene to San Antonio’s famous River Walk, you and your love are sure to find all the elements of a perfect country honeymoon within this state’s vast borders. Breathtaking natural vistas and vibrant urban centers aside, it’s been said that the only thing bigger than the state of Texas is the heart of its residents. Texas is united by a distinct cultural identity that has both delighted and intrigued visitors for ages. The laid-back, family-friendly southern hospitality of Texans could be just what you need to let loose after the stress of planning the big day.
Newlyweds seeking an urban retreat need not look far in the Lone Star state. In fact, three of America’s top ten most populous cities are located in Texas. Stroll arm-in-arm along San Antonio’s pretty shop-lined River Walk, and get a history lesson at the Alamo Mission. Immerse yourselves in Austin’s funky music scene, and indulge in a tasting at one of the nearby wineries. Eat to your heart’s content at the Crawfish & Music Festival in Houston, and get lost together in the botanical gardens at Dallas Arboretum. Don’t forget to include a visit to a Texas ranch resort or a charming bed & breakfast for a bit of authentic Texas flavor.
With perennial warm weather and diverse geography, Texas is an ideal destination for outdoorsy types, too. The dramatic landscapes of Big Bend National Park and Rio Grande never cease to inspire awe. Watersports abound in lakes across the state, and the pristine stretch of Padre Island National Seashore is a haven for nesting sea turtles and several species of birds. All of this beauty and more can be found within the great state of Texas, with rolling hills, rustic ranches, and springtime fields of bluebonnets dotting the space between.
About Texas
At a Glance
- Big Bend National Park: Located on the boundary line between the US and Mexico, Big Bend consists of more than 800,000 acres of dramatic landscapes. Be sure to check out the Santa Elena canyon, which was carved out by the impressive Rio Grande.
- Ranches: Dude ranches and ranch resorts are a quintessential part of the “Wild West” experience. Each ranch resort is a little different from the others, but most will afford you and your new spouse quality time with horses and a true escape into the great outdoors.
- San Antonio River Walk: This charming waterway is lined with tasteful shops, bars, restaurants, and parallel sidewalks, all at one level down below the road. A day spent on the picturesque River Walk is a wonderful retreat. Check out the “floating” floats in the annual river parade.
- Austin: There’s a little bit of everything in Texas’ funky state capital and college town. The area’s government buildings, booming music scene, universities, hills, lakes, and wineries contribute to a culture you won’t find anywhere else in the state.