September 03, 2026 – Austin, Texas -- Texas is rolling out a string of new hotels, parks and dining honors this year, giving travelers fresh reasons to plan a trip to the state.
New hotels target wellness and accessibility
1 Hotel Austin, a sustainability-focused property, opens in September. In San Antonio, Morgan's Hotel is designed with technology and trained staff to serve travelers of all abilities. Canyon Ranch Texas opens Oct. 15 in Spicewood, spreading a wellness retreat across 600 acres overlooking Lake Travis.
State parks expand hiking and stargazing options
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, 75 miles west of Fort Worth, opened in March as Texas' newest state park, offering nearly 4,900 acres for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing and stargazing. Near Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area added a rugged backcountry section, more than doubling the park's size.
Three restaurants earn first Michelin Stars
The 2025 MICHELIN Guide Texas awarded first-time Stars to Mamani in Dallas and Isidore and Nicosi in San Antonio. The 2026 guide, including Stars, Bib Gourmands and Recommended restaurants, will be announced digitally on Oct. 8 via guide.michelin.com.
Hill Country wineries win first gold medals
Four Texas Hill Country wineries -- Ab Astris Winery in Stonewall, Turtle Creek Vineyard in Kerrville, Adega Vinho in Johnson City and Spicewood Vineyards in Spicewood -- earned the state's first gold medals at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards.
Family attractions bring surfing and construction play to North Texas
Universal Kids Studio in Frisco marks Universal's first park built for families with children age 10 and under. Dig World in Grapevine lets visitors operate real construction equipment, while Cannon Beach Surf & Adventure Park in McKinney offers year-round surfing. In Amarillo, Wonderland Amusement Park marks 75 years of operation.