As always, one large Lone Star State destination didn't score as high.
By Heide BrandesMay 14, 2025
As summer travel planning heats up for millions of Americans, the Lone Star State stands out with three cities earning spots among the nation's most desirable summer destinations for 2025. According to a comprehensive new report by WalletHub, the cities and regions surrounding Austin, Dallas and San Antonio have all secured positions in the top-20 best summer travel spots across the United States, reinforcing Texas's reputation as a premier vacation hub.
The personal finance website analyzed 100 major metropolitan areas across 41 key metrics, including travel costs, local affordability, attractions, weather conditions, safety and variety of activities. With a reported 82 percent of Americans planning summer getaways this year, these Texas destinations shine as ideal options that balance entertainment value with affordability.
Austin
The historic Sixth Street mural in Austin. The capital city of Texas was named one of the top summer travel destinations of 2025, per WalletHub.
Austin Tourism
Austin continues its upward track in the rankings, claiming the No. 5 spot nationally for summer 2025 travel. The Texas capital rose from No. 6 in 2024 and has made progress since its No. 14 ranking just two years prior.
Known for its live music scene, eclectic food culture and outdoor recreation opportunities, Austin scored particularly well in the "attractions" category. Lady Bird Lake offers a cool escape with paddleboarding and kayaking opportunities in the heart of the city. Meanwhile, Barton Springs Pool provides a natural swimming experience with its constant 68-degree spring-fed waters, which visitors say was perfect for beating the Texas summer heat.
Although Downtown 2023 visitor traffic was around 90 percent of 2019 levels, traffic at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport hit record highs, and the tourism impact of Downtown events like SXSW, the CMT Music Awards, Moontower Comedy Festival, Free Week, and the Texas Book Festival brought in major numbers.
Last year, Austin saw $9 billion in total travel spending, $750 million in travel spending tax revenue and 8,190 jobs generated, according to the 2024 annual State of Downtown Report.
The city's hotel scene is booming with several noteworthy properties opening or undergoing renovation. The 1 Hotel Austin, set to become part of the state's tallest tower in the Rainey Street district, will offer 251 luxury guest rooms when it opens in 2026. The 13-floor Hotel Trinity breaks ground this fall with 258 rooms and a rooftop pool planned for downtown, while Graduate Austin will bring 194 rooms near the University of Texas campus by 2027.
Austin visitors can also enjoy enhanced cultural offerings this summer with newly expanded food festivals. Restaurant Weeks, scheduled for August 2025, will showcase the city's acclaimed dining scene with special pricing at top venues, all supporting the Central Texas Food Bank.
Dallas
The Fort Worth Stockyards, a critical tourist attraction in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Dallas and its vicinity earned a top spot on a recent list of summer travel destinations in the U.S.
travelview/Getty Images
Dallas made a giant leap to secure the No. 10 position in this year's rankings, up from No. 29 in 2024. The city's combination of high-end shopping, cultural attractions and family friendly activities contributed to its rise.
More than 27 million international and domestic tourists visited Dallas in 2023. Each year, Dallas receives an average of 25 million visits, but in 2021, around 22.5 million tourists visited Dallas. Those numbers rose in 2022 to 25.7 million.
In 2023, the figure climbed to 27 million, a 5 percent increase compared to the previous year.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex impressed evaluators with its accessibility, diverse entertainment options and relatively moderate travel costs for a major urban destination. Visitors can explore the Arts District, featuring venues like the Dallas Museum of Art, the Perot Museum and the Nasher Sculpture Center, or step into history at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.
Families visit the area's numerous theme parks, including Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor in Arlington, while shoppers gravitate to NorthPark Center or the historic Galleria. The nearby Fort Worth Stockyards offer an authentic Texas experience with twice-daily cattle drives and Western heritage sites.
"Dallas succeeded by offering a wealth of cultural institutions, historical sites, and easy flight access, particularly for travelers from East Coast and Midwest cities," WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo told Chron.
San Antonio
The San Antonio River Walk remains one of the top tourist attractions in Texas, making the city on of the top-20 summer travel destinations in the U.S. for 2025.
Visit San Antonio
San Antonio/New Braunfels secured the No. 18 position nationally, continuing its tradition as one of Texas' most known summer destinations. Though it slipped slightly from its previous rankings, the historic city remains a top choice for travelers seeking authentic Texan culture blended with family friendly attractions.
The iconic River Walk continues to be the city's top attraction, with its winding waterways lined with restaurants, shops, and hotels creating a picturesque setting for summer evenings. The five historic missions, including the famed Alamo, offer cultural immersion and essential Texas history lessons.
San Antonio earned special recognition in Travel + Leisure's "Where to Go" list for 2025, praised specifically for being "on the cutting edge of culinary innovation." The city's 13 restaurants recognized in the first-ever Texas Michelin Guide, and its numerous James Beard award-nominated chefs have elevated the area's status as a food destination. The city also offers attractions like Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Splashtown water park, and SeaWorld San Antonio.
Meanwhile, the neighboring New Braunfels offers tubing adventures on the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers, along with the popular Schlitterbahn Waterpark. With 3 million visitors annually and more than 3,000 hotel rooms, the hospitality industry in New Braunfels had a $1.3 billion economic impact in 2023.
"There are so many reasons to visit New Braunfels because there truly is something for everyone," said Tanya Pence, president of New Braunfels Convention and Visitors Bureau. "If adventure is your style you can choose from exploring caves, an African safari 'Texas-style,' or experience the thrill of Schlitterbahn's rides including uphill water coasters."
For those that want to relax a little more, Pence suggested floating the river, listening to live music every day of the week, or strolling the Downtown and the Gruene historic areas for shopping, dining and entertainment.
Texas dominates summer travel
Industry experts attribute Texas' strong showing to several factors, including the state's ability to offer diverse experiences at competitive prices. Florida and Texas emerged as the only states with multiple cities among the top 15 destinations.
"Choosing a destination that's not only entertaining but also affordable is important when travel, dining and activity costs have surged so much in recent years," Lupo said. "It can also allow you to have a longer, more relaxing trip."
Texas destinations benefit from relatively affordable hotel rates, numerous free or low-cost attractions, and better than average transportation connections. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport's ongoing expansion, including the Barbara Jordan Terminal West Gate project that will add three new gates by 2026, further enhances the state's accessibility.
Additionally, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport embarked on its nearly $9 billion capital improvement plan in late 2024, called "DFW Forward." The plan includes transforming terminals, adding new facilities and amenities, growing the number of gates, improving roadways and connectivity and enhancing the airfield. The improvements mark the airport’s largest capital investment since opening in 1974.
Whether visiting the cultural sophistication of Austin, the urban buzz of Dallas, or the historic riverside charm of San Antonio, Texas travelers have some of America's best summer destinations right in their backyard.