The Complete Guide to a Romantic Honeymoon in Texas

A honeymoon in Texas is a unique and diverse US honeymoon destination, perfect for couples looking to explore rich history, vibrant culture and stunning natural landscapes. The Lone Star state is full of opportunities for adventure, from wine tasting in Hill Country to evenings in big cities like Dallas and San Antonio. A Texas honeymoon should also include local Tex-Mex and live music, both staples at restaurants throughout the state.

The accommodations in this honeymoon destination are also diverse and unique, from luxury spa resorts set on golf courses to cozy log cabins with fire pits. A honeymoon in Texas is easily accessible for travelers around the US, making it ideal for newlyweds who want to spend more time adventuring on their honeymoon, and less time in the air.

From the bustling cities of Houston and Dallas to the scenic Hill Country, honeymooning in Texas provides a variety of settings for romantic getaways. Read on for expert travel advice and honeymoon planning tips.

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Texas Honeymoon Tips in this Article:

• Best Time to Honeymoon in Texas
• Texas Honeymoon Planning Tips
• Best Texas Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts
• Texas Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
• What to Pack for a Texas Honeymoon

Photo: Todd Leckie | Getty

Best Time to Honeymoon in Texas

Late March and early April are the best times to visit Texas for a honeymoon. The spring breakers will have cleared out, and temperatures will be on the rise but still remain mild. Expect 70-degree weather throughout the state. If you visit at this time, you'll also get to see the bluebonnets paint the state blue and white.

Best weather: March to May, September to November.
Festival highlights: The South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin in March is a major event for music, film and technology. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in March is another must-see, offering a glimpse into Texas culture with rodeo events, concerts and carnivals. For food lovers, the Texas State Fair in Dallas in late September to October showcases big Texan flavors and the famous Big Tex statue.

Texas Honeymoon Planning Tips

Because Texas is such a short flight for travelers around the US, it's one of the best honeymoon destinations for couples seeking a romantic weekend getaway for a minimoon. You'll have plenty of time to explore an area or two and get a taste of the Texan lifestyle before heading home.

If you have more time, you'll really be able to dig into all the Lone Star State has to offer, though. Outdoor adventures like horseback riding, biking and kayaking are all popular. Texas is also full of history, culture, art and delicious food. When you need a moment to chill, spa resorts offer massages and hot tubs.

Entry requirements: You won't need your passport, but bring your IDs.
Language: English.
Location: Texas is located in the southern region of the United States and shares borders with Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and the international border with Mexico to the south.
Currency: USD.
Flight time to Destination: Flights to Dallas from New York City are around 3.4 to 4 hours.
Getting around: Texas is vast, and having a car is often essential for exploring widely, especially in rural areas. Major cities offer public transportation options like buses and light rail, and ridesharing services are widely available in urban areas.

Pro tip: Browse honeymoon planning experts near you on The Knot Marketplace for Texas honeymoon advice, reviews, testimonials and more.

Best Texas Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts

When planning a honeymoon in Texas, consider what type of experiences you want to prioritize and book your stay from there. Here are our top picks.

Photo: Roschetzky Photography | Shutterstock

JL Bar Ranch, Resort and Spa

This popular honeymoon resort is situated on 13,000 acres of land and combines the rustic, bucolic ambiance of the region with modern luxuries. Newlyweds staying at JL Bar Ranch, Resort and Spa can choose between spacious guest rooms or cabins and have access to fun excursions, like horseback riding and wine tasting. Spa treatments include a couple's retreat, which features an otherworldly side-by-side massage.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

BlissWood Bed and Breakfast

Feel like you've truly made a getaway by retreating to this secluded working ranch 65 miles from downtown Houston. The grounds of BlissWood Bed and Breakfast exude natural beauty, with majestic oak trees and glistening lakes creating a serene atmosphere. Guests can enjoy activities like horseback riding and ax throwing. BlissWood's honeymoon packages include accommodations with private hot tubs.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Austin Marriott Downtown

Austin Marriott Downtown is refined and convenient. It's nearby the state capitol building and plenty of spots to take in live music. And the rooftop pool and bar allow newlyweds to take in the city from above. The rooms' floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to pour in and serve as a more welcome alarm clock than a cell phone.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

The Joule

The Joule, a four-star hotel in Dallas, is within walking distance of shopping and the arts district. It's ideal for those couples who want to feel pampered every moment of their stay. The outdoor pool is lined with daybeds and gives way to city views, and some rooms have private balconies. A spa and fitness center ensures couples can keep up with their wellness goals.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Hilton Americas-Houston

Hilton Americas-Houston is in the heart of the downtown area and 25 miles from the airport. It boasts an infinity pool and two restaurants serving delectable Tex-Mex fare. The team has tastefully decorated rooms with colorful artwork, and some offer skyline vistas. Hoops fans are especially in luck. The hotel is within walking distance of the Toyota Center, where the Houston Rockets play.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

This sophisticated Dallas hotel is ideal for couples who want to indulge in arts and culture during their romantic honeymoon. Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek is less than two miles from popular venues like the Dallas Museum of Art and the AT&T Performing Arts. Though it's in the city, the private estate-style accommodations still feel like an escape. The mansion overlooks the peaceful Turtle Creek and some rooms feature foyers, kitchenettes and private balconies.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa

This Texas Hill Country Resort is not your average place to stay. The nine-acre resort has its own waterpark complete with a lazy river, a pair of golf courses and a spa. JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa is also within close proximity to favorite attractions including Shops at La Cantera and Hill Country wineries in San Antonio. When it's time to sleep, the plush beds are it.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Pro tip: Texas hotels and resorts offer plenty of comfort and character, but you may be hoping for something more unique, like a secluded log cabin in the woods. (Not so off-the-beaten-path that it lacks internet access, however.) Some vacation rentals may offer sweet perks, such as private fire pits or kayak access. Check out Airbnb or VRBO for the perfect spot to rest your legs and bond with your loved one.

Texas Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

Texas boasts big cities and small towns brimming with charm. Each area presents romantic activities for unforgettable Texas honeymoon itineraries. Here's how to make the most of your getaway in the Lone Star State.

Photo: Bo Zaunders | Getty

Austin

Austin is not only the state capital but it's also known as The Live Music Capital of the World. The lively city is home to a range of venues like the famed Austin City Limits (ACL) Live at The Moody Theater. Local dive bars let under-the-radar talents star nightly. Couples can cool off in Barton Springs Pool, an outdoor pool filled with natural spring water from nearby Main Barton Spring. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Texas State Capitol building, while outdoorsy types can see all Mother Nature offers on the Lady Bird Hike-and-Bike Trail or at McKinney Falls State Park. Bonus: Discover the most romantic restaurants in Austin.

Texas Hill Country

Texas Hill Country is picturesque and noted for its wine tasting excursions. The wine trail includes more than four dozen wineries where newlyweds can toast to new beginnings. Chauffeured wine tours allow couples to savor their day trips guilt-free. The city of Fredericksburg is full of inns, mom-and-pop shops, an idyllic Main Street and vineyard views. Wimberley, a small ranching town, is another must-stop for its natural springs, wine tasting experiences and ziplining adventures. Twenty minutes away, Dripping Springs has wineries, plus hip breweries and distilleries.

San Antonio

You've likely learned about the Battle of the Alamo in school, but a visit to San Antonio offers honeymooners a chance to see the site in person. Guided tours of the former mission and site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo are available. Engage in retail therapy al fresco at The Shops at La Cantera, home to department stores like Neiman Marcus, or shop and dine local along the San Antonio River Walk.

Houston

Science, luxury and culture converge within the largest city in Texas (and fourth largest city in the United States). Couples who love stargazing will want to make a trip to the Space Center Houston. It's the official visitor center of the NASA Johnson Space Center, which is the sight of Mission Control and astronaut training. The bustling downtown Theater District is an ideal spot to take in a play or performance by a symphony orchestra. The numerous restaurants in the area provide ample opportunities to make it a full night out (Tex-Mex and cocktails, included). Houston also serves as a good home base for a trip to Galveston, where couples can float down a lazy river at Schlitterbahn Waterpark.

Dallas

The quintessential Texas city lives and dies for the Cowboys. Honeymooners can cheer on the home team in the fall and winter, and tour AT&T Stadium throughout the year. History lovers will want to visit the John F. Kennedy Memorial as part of a guided tour. The stunning blooms at The Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens will make it feel like an oasis in a city. There's no shortage of things to do and romantic restaurants in Dallas. Plus, Fort Worth is about 30 miles away. It's worth the trip if only for the twice-daily cattle drives at Fort Worth Stockyards.

Pro tip: Include your favorite Texas honeymoon experiences on your gift registry so your loved ones can contribute to your post-wedding adventures.

What to Pack for a Texas Honeymoon

Photo: Skylar Dawn | Shutterstock

The weather in Texas tends to be fairly mild during most winters. Still, it's not a bad idea to pack your honeymoon luggage for layering—even the AC can cause a little chill. Lightweight short-sleeve and long-sleeve tops, cardigans and jackets should do the trick.

Couples will want to pack for hiking and biking adventures, and those fancier nights out. A solid pair of hiking shoes, long pants, sweatshirts and T-shirts are perfect for outdoor day trips. Sunscreen, bug spray, hats and sunglasses will provide added protection from the elements, and water will keep you hydrated. Your packing checklist should also include a pair of jeans or nice pants, cute tops or polos and flats and nice sneakers for shopping and museums.

Collared shirts, nice slacks and dress shoes or black dresses are best for the most upscale fine dining experiences.

Brittany Barber contributed to this article.