The Texas Travel Awards shine a spotlight on the most exciting, innovative, and inviting places around the state. The 2023 winners represent uniquely Texas places and experiences worthy of any traveler’s itinerary.
South Padre Island took home the top award for Destination of the Year for the second year in a row!
We asked the public to help decide four categories: the best destinations for arts & culture, families, foodies, and outdoor adventures. Sixty other categories split into two sections with statewide winners and winners by three population breakdowns were scored by our elite panel of judges that included travel industry professionals, travel journalists, and a touring musician. See them all below and stay tuned for the 2023 Texas Travel Awards magazine coming soon.
Destination of the Year
BY POPULATION
Art Festival or Event
Small Market
Sandcastle Days (South Padre Island)
Big Market
The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival (The Woodlands)
Bar
Mid Market
Magnum (Grapevine)
Big Market
Sidecar at Prince Solms Inn (New Braunfels)
Community Event
Small Market
Alpine Christmas Stroll (Alpine)
Mid Market
Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom (Baytown)
Big Market
First Friday (Bryan)
Destination Marketing Campaign
Mid Market
The Temple Ticket (Temple)
Big Market
Our Bottlenecks Are Better Than Theirs (San Angelo)
Destination Social Media Account
Small Market
Hill Country Mile (Boerne)
Big Market
Destination Bryan (Bryan)
Food Festival or Event
Small Market
Spirits of the West Wine & Beef Festival (Alpine)
Big Market
#SaveTheTacos (Arlington)
Hotel
Small Market
The Kendall (Boerne)
Mid Market
Hotel Vin, Autograph Collection (Grapevine)
Big Market
Hotel Viata (Austin)
Instagrammable Spot
Small Market
“Wild Bill” Hickok Sculpture (Boerne)
Mid Market
“Love Your Vibe” Mural (Mansfield)
Big Market
Reunion Tower (Dallas)
Live Music Venue
Small Market
Clayton’s Beach Bar and Grill (South Padre Island)
Mid Market
Third Rail (Grapevine)
Big Market
Gruene Hall (New Braunfels)
Museum
Small Market
Museum of the Big Bend (Alpine)
Big Market
New Braunfels Conservation Society (New Braunfels)
Music Festival or Event
Small Market
Viva Big Bend (Alpine, Fort Davis, Marfa, Marathon, Terlingua)
Mid Market
Music Alley (Mansfield)
Big Market
Wild West Fest (San Angelo)
Outdoor Activity
Small Market
Parasailing (South Padre Island)
Mid Market
Glow Kayak Tours (San Marcos)
Big Market
Natural Bridge Caverns (New Braunfels)
Restaurant
Small Market
Ninety Six West (Brenham)
Mid Market
Black Sugar Caffe (Cedar Park)
Big Market
Ronin Farm & Restaurant (Bryan)
Sports Venue
Big Market
Legends Event Center (Bryan)
Under the Radar Activity
Small Market
Mineral Wells Fossil Park (Mineral Wells)
Mid Market
Birding Boat Tour (Baytown)
Big Market
San Angelo Revolution Film Festival (San Angelo)
Unique Lodging
Small Market
Holistic & Historical 1882 Grote Ranch (Castell)
Big Market
Cotton Court (Lubbock)
Visitor Center
Small Market
Mid Market
Baytown Visitor Information Center
Big Market
STATEWIDE
Agritourism
Dry Comal Creek Vineyards (New Braunfels)
Beach
South Padre Island Beaches (South Padre Island)
Brewery
Guadalupe Brewing Company (New Braunfels)
Golf Course
Landa Park Golf Course (New Braunfels)
Hiking/Biking Trail
Panther Canyon Trail (New Braunfels)
Historic Site
El Paso’s Historic Mission Trail (El Paso)
Iconic Tourist Attraction
Blue Bell Creameries (Brenham)
Lake
Boerne City Lake Park (Boerne)
Park
Kingsbury Commons at Pease Park (Austin)
Place to Dance
Gruene Hall (New Braunfels)
Public Art
Pop Art Museum (San Angelo)
Resort
Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country (New Braunfels)
Revitalization
Mineral Wells Downtown (Mineral Wells)
Shopping District
Market Street (The Woodlands)
Swimming Spot
Landa Park (New Braunfels)
Views
Sunrise at the Jetties (South Padre Island)
Winery
William Chris Vineyards (Hye)
