Deciding how to spend the upcoming Labor Day weekend in Texas?
Labor Day weekend is a popular time for festivals in Texas. Like the famous Texas Hot Sauce Festival in Houston and the Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival, to name a few. To make it a beach trip, head to Galveston Island, South Padre Island, or Corpus Christi, where you’ll swim in the Gulf of Mexico, soak up the sun, and go fishing, boating, or kayaking.
Enjoy any of the following Texas destinations for the best Labor Day weekend getaway. Whether you’re headed to a charming small town or a bustling city, explore the mix of new and old that makes this state so great.
Houston
Houston
Houston has so much to offer throughout Labor Day weekend. Look for performances at the White Oak Music Hall, or see Broadway shows at the Hobby Center For The Performing Arts. Green Street and City Centre offer premium shopping and happy hours, and a day split between downtown park Discovery Green and the charmingly eclectic neighborhood The Heights is a must. Or you can enjoy the outdoors at Memorial Park, Buffalo Bayou Park, or Hermann Park. Choose from cuisines like Tex-Mex, BBQ, and more at popular foodie spots like the Houston Farmers Market, the Houston Food Park, and the Saint Arnold Brewing Company. Check the Houston calendar of events for this year’s attractions.
South Padre Island
South Padre Island
South Padre Island is a top travel destination in Texas and an excellent bet for Labor Day weekend. Rent a beach house, grill out, or order in. Taking a DIY approach to food and drink (i.e., buying beers and having a BBQ) feels more like Labor Day than going to a restaurant. Take a dolphin-watching cruise to see these magnificent creatures in their habitat. Check out the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge to see native animals like songbirds, raptors, deer, and more. South Padre is an easy drive from most major cities in Texas.
Galveston
Galveston
Hop in your car and drive to Galveston for a good time at the beach and Pleasure Pier. Have fun on amusement park-style rides, or eat somewhere touristy like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., just for the heck of it. Enjoy roller coasters at Moody Gardens, have a tour and a taste at Galveston Island Brewing, and bring in the night at the Tremont House rooftop bar. A walk on the Strand is a perfect way to wrap things up.
San Antonio
San Antonio
Another road trip-worthy destination in Texas for a fun Labor Day weekend in San Antonio. The River Walk and adjacent hotels offer a luxury getaway. Visit the Alamo for a walk-through of Texas history, and pop into museums filled with hidden gems, like a recreation of Bonnie and Clyde’s car. If you want to unwind and relax, enjoy an overnight trip to one of San Antonio’s luxury hotels, like the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa.
Austin
Austin
There are always a variety of festivals, concerts, and other events happening in Austin, especially on Labor Day. Check out local events calendars to discover what attractions suit your interest and budget. While you’re visiting, see a film at filmmaker Richard Linklater’s favorite, the Alamo Drafthouse, or catch a live act at Austin’s hundreds of concert venues. For a more relaxing Labor Day weekend option, check out the top hotels in Austin. Or you can save a buck by enjoying the day at Lady Bird Lake and going for a massage at a spa in South Congress, where you’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants, and more options for passing the time. Make sure to grab a breakfast taco or two before heading home!
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg
Surrounded by cities, Fredericksburg is a small town that pays tribute to the German founders in the form of excellent comfort food (classic German dishes with a Texas twist). It also boasts the most unique Main Street you’ll find anywhere and galleries where Texan artists have their work shown. Fredericksburg is located in the Texas Hill Country and is home to several wineries. Go for a tasting and buy your favorite bottle; open container laws don’t exist here in keeping with the small German town feel.
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi
Arguably the prettiest beach town in Texas, Corpus Christi provides plenty of options for beachgoers and a chance to get up close and personal with ocean dwellers at the Texas State Aquarium. Laguna Madre is great for kayaking and fishing and for arts and culture; take a chance to learn more about one of Corpus Christi’s famous natives at the Selena Museum (ask what part of the statue to touch for good luck), and visit the Texas surf museum for unique Corpus Christi flair.
