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Seasonal Highlights

Fall 2024 #TexasToDos

This fall, Texas invites travelers to enjoy the state’s cooling weather and full lineup of cultural events, outdoor adventures and culinary experiences. From the newest hot spots to historic festivals, this is your guide to autumn across Texas.

 

Accommodations

In early September, the MICHELIN Guide revealed the latest additions to its list of Key hotels, recognizing the most outstanding accommodations in the country. Twenty Texas hotels were added to this esteemed list, recognized for architecture and design, service, personality and character, value for the price and a significant contribution to the guest experience. Notably, Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection in Austin, Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection in Fort Worth and Hotel Emma in San Antonio were awarded Two Keys for offering exceptional stays.

Newly opened hotels in Texas are blending luxury, adventure and global experiences in the heart of the Lone Star State.

  • Opened in August, the Kimpton Santo brings vintage charm and modern luxury to downtown San Antonio. Inspired by a 19th-century schoolhouse, this property is the city's first Kimpton and the largest in Texas. Overlooking Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, it features 347 beautifully designed guest rooms, a variety of vibrant bars and restaurants and a touch of nostalgic elegance.
  • Just 20 minutes from Dallas in The Colony, WorldSprings is Texas’ first outdoor mineral springs destination and the largest of its kind in the U.S. This $32 million resort features 46 outdoor soaking pools, eight saunas, a world-class 12-room spa and an exceptional food and beverage program. Inspired by nine global destinations such as the Dead Sea and The Blue Lagoon, WorldSprings delivers an unforgettable, globally-inspired retreat.

 

Culinary Experiences

The inaugural MICHELIN Guide Texas will be announced later this year. The famously anonymous Michelin Guide inspectors have been in the field finding culinary gems in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. Filled with multicultural flavors, the state is home to a vast array of cuisines heavily influenced by homegrown ingredients. This announcement is a big step in amplifying the great work Texas chefs and restaurateurs have been doing for generations to a global stage.

 

Attractions

Opened in August 2024, La Nube Children’s Museum is El Paso’s new hands-on center of imagination, exploration and creativity. This four-story, 70,000 square foot museum was designed to blend science, technology, engineering, art and math in an inclusive environment for guests of all abilities. With nine themed learning zones, permanent exhibits and regularly updated programming and activities, La Nube pushes the boundaries of imagination beyond the clouds and makes each visit feel like a new experience.

 

DÍa de los Muertos

Travelers can celebrate life and heritage as Texas honors Día de los Muertos with vibrant festivals, parades, and cultural events across the state.

San Antonio hosts the nation’s largest Día de los Muertos celebration, featuring vibrant parades, altar-making workshops, and authentic Mexican cuisine. During the Day of the Dead River Parade on Oct. 25, barges will be adorned with altars, catrinas, and costumed riders.    

On Oct. 26, tradition and culture will converge in downtown Corpus Christi during the 17th annual Día de los Muertos Festival. Recognized as a top celebration in Texas, this free event has become a marquee festival where attendees celebrate the tradition of remembering and honoring deceased loved ones through music, dance, ofrendas, art, food and fun.

 

Annual Events

Wurstfest is a celebration of German culture near the headwaters of the Comal River in New Braunfels. What started as a modest sausage festival quickly grew into a ten-day party, complete with food, music, dancing, carnival rides and loads of people wearing lederhosen. This year’s festival is scheduled from Nov. 1 - 10.

The Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival is a premier event for birding enthusiasts, taking advantage of the region's location at the convergence of two major flyways. From Nov. 6 - 10, attendees can enjoy a range of activities including guided field trips to top birding locations, informative workshops and photo opportunities. The festival also features a Birders Bazaar with vendors offering birding gear, books and art.

The annual Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of Americas in Austin takes place this year from October 18 - 20. The event will feature 36 hours of entertainment including high-speed racing and performances by global superstars Sting and Eminem.