15 Texas Destinations for Labor Day Weekend
Source: People gather to enjoy the beach at the Galveston Seawall on Labor Day weekend Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, in Galveston. (Marie D. De Jesus/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
Labor Day weekend for many is summer’s last “hurrah,” as by the time the weekend is over, most are back in school and fall weather is merely weeks away.
For those living in or near Texas, there’s several great places to spend the weekend and send off summer with a bang. Here’s some places you should considering spending Labor Day weekend in Texas:
1. Austin
Source: Austin, Texas (Chris LaBasco via Getty Images)
There’s plenty to do in the state capitol over Labor Day weekend. From tubing on the San Marcos River, to hiking near the city, renting a boat on Lake Austin or even watching the Lone Star Le Mans at Circuit of The Americas. Whatever you want to do, I’m sure you’ll be able to find something for you.
Distance from Houston: 3 hours
2. Big Bend National Park
Source: Big Bend, Texas (EyeEm Mobile GmbH via Getty Images)
Cooling temperatures around the country heading into the weekend have made Big Bend National Park a more attractive destination for the holiday weekend, as summer temperatures typically make the park a tough and even dangerous outing. With over 100 miles of trails for hiking and great night sky viewing, it makes for a great way to spend Labor Day weekend.
Distance from Houston: 8 hours and 45 minutes
3. Big Thicket National Preserve
Source: The Cypress Slough area on the Kirby Nature Trail in Big Thicket National Preserve Tuesday, May 13, 2008, in Kountze. (James Nielsen/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
Big Thicket National Preserve is a great destination for a variety of outdoor activities over the weekend. With plenty of hiking trails or paddling the rivers and lakes among other possibilities, there’s something for everyone!
In honor of its 50th anniversary, the preserve is encouraging visitors to take part in its “Choose Your Adventure” challenges. This involves fishing, camping and more. Depending on the challenges completed, visitors can receive a bronze, silver or gold pin for their efforts.
Distance from Houston: 1 hour and 45 minutes
4. Burnet
Source: A creek flows over the smooth limestone with the natural beauty of the countryside in this rural Texas Hill Country Park located at Inks Lake State Park, Burnet TX. (Brigitte Thompson Via Getty Images)
Burnet is a great destination for some outdoor holiday weekend adventures, especially if one decides to visit Inks Lake State Park. The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking along the trails and taking in the limestone rock formations or enjoying what Inks Lake has to offer. The limestone caves at Longhorn Cavern state park offer another fun way to explore the area. .
Burnet also has Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park, with 14 hiking trails and fishing on Lake Buchanan. It’s also situated near two wineries nestled in the heart of hill country.
Distance from Houston: 4 hours
5. College Station
Source: The Texas A&M University Aggies hit the field to play in their first ever Southeastern Conference football game against the University of Florida, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, at Kyle Field in College Station. (Nick de la Torre/Houston Chronicle)
Labor Day weekend is one of the biggest weekends any colleges across the country, as it signals the return of NCAA football. Head out to Kyle Field in College Station to watch the University of Texas A&M Aggies take on the University of Notre Dame fighting Irish on Saturday.
If football and tailgating aren’t your thing, College Station has many other places and activities to try out.
Distance from Houston: 1 hour and 45 minutes
6. Corpus Christi
Source: Downtown Corpus Christi skyline cityscape buildings along the Gulf Of Mexico beaches in Texas on a cloudy day (Jaclyne Ortiz via Getty Images)
The coastal city of Corpus Christi offers a range of holiday weekend activities for visitors, even if a weekend at the beach near its beautiful teal waters won’t float your boat. The city is home to Texas State Aquarium, something that can be fun for the entire family. For the war and/or history buffs out there, a trip to see the USS Lexington could make a weekend.
The Sports Entertainment and Arts District has a variety of other options to spend time over the holiday, and the city’s nightlife has enough options for the younger adult crowd.
Distance from Houston: 3.5 hours
7. Dallas-Fort Worth
Source: Dallas, Texas (Art Wager via Getty Images)
The Dallas-Fort Worth area has numerous events going on over Labor Day weekend, including music festivals, a mimosa walk, events at the Dallas Arboretum, Texas Food Fest, kids events and baseball games among everything else. Plan travel accordingly, as the highways are sure to be packed.
Distance from Houston: 3 hours and 45 minutes
8. Fredericksburg
Source: Fredericksburg, Texas (Bob Weston via Getty Images)
Head to Fredericksburg and experience a bit of German culture and historical architecture. The town has a variety of breweries and wineries to choose from, along with several great German-style restaurants.
Tours of the National Museum of the Pacific War are also available for those interested in the history of World War II’s Pacific theater. The town isn’t too far from Enchanted Rock State Natural Area either.
Distance from Houston: 4 hours and 15 minutes
9. Galveston Island
Source: The Gulf Coast beach of Galveston, Texas (Art Wager via Getty Images)
Galveston has plenty going on over Labor Day weekend, miles of beaches along the coast available. If the beach is too sandy, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark may be more your speed. Too much fun in the sun? Head over to Moody Gardens for a variety of entertainment, which will also be hosting the Brewmasters Craft Beer Festival. Visit The Strand for tons of options for local bars, restaurants and shops. Head to Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier for amusement park rides and entertainment.
There will also be a firework show and a drone show on the island over the weekend.
Distance from Houston: 1 hour
10. Houston
Source: Downtown Houston as seen from Eleanor Tinsley Park on August 4, 2024. (David McCue via Getty Images)
Houston has several events going on over the holiday weekend. For more on those, check out our article for how you can spend Labor Day Weekend in Houston.
Distance from Houston: 1 hour (Houston is an hour away from Houston)
11. Mustang Island
Source: Amazing colors for this incredibly beautiful sunset on Mustang Island State Park in Texas. (Randy Evoy via Getty Images)
Mustang Island is home to the state park of the same name. There you can go hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, wildlife watching and swimming on its five miles of coastline. In total, the island features 18 miles of coastline with plenty of options for activities on our near the water.
Distance from Houston: 4 hours
12. New Braunfels
Source: People float down the Comal River on Saturday, July 15, 2023 in New Braunfels, TX. (Sergio Flores for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Another town proud of its German heritage, New Braunfels is home to several water-based activities given the two rivers that cut through it and Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort. Fishing, tubing or paddling the river can be great options for some fun with family and friends. After a day spent outdoors, a night out at Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas, for some country and blues acts may be right up your alley.
Distance from Houston: 3 hours
13. Port Aransas
Source: Horace Caldwell Pier at Sunrise in Port Aransas, Texas. (Olga Melhiser Photography via Getty Images)
The perfect place to visit for those seeking a beach enviorment, Port Aransas has plenty to offer, with boating, fishing, swimming and wildlife watching. Camping on the beach is permitted in some areas.
There’s also golfing as an option, museums, a state park and plenty of restaurants to check out.
Distance from Houston: 4 hours and 15 minutes
14. San Antonio
Source: Aerial view of San Antonio’s downtown skyline with the Riverwalk and lush trees in the foreground. (Davel5957 via Getty Images)
San Antonio has a variety of family-friendly options to try over the holiday weekend. Featuring Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Sea World San Antonio and Morgan’s Wonderland, there’s plenty to do in the city. Want more of an outdoors feel? Check out the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch or the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.
As always, the Riverwalk is great for taking in the sights of the city, and there’s plenty of restaurants and other events to choose from.
Distance from Houston: 3 hours and 15 minutes
15. South Padre Island
Source: Large waterpark near Isla Blanca Beach in resort town South Padre Island. (Trong Nguyen via Getty Images)
Regarded as one of the best places for beaches in Texas, South Padre Island is sure to have something for you along its 34-mile stretch of sandy shores. The island also features Beach Park Waterpark and plenty of other family-friendly activities.
Distance from Houston: 6 hours
15 Texas Destinations for Labor Day Weekend was originally published on 93qcountry.com
