Discover the Top 5 Senior-Friendly Travel Spots in Texas

If you love cowboy culture, Tex-Mex, and southern hospitality, a trip to Texas is a must! This huge state offers cities large and small with diverse scenery and activities. Whether you prefer to hang out on the beach and stroll along a boardwalk or visit a rodeo and listen to a mariachi band all on the same day, there is something for everyone at any age. Plus, Texas is great for retirees! You can enjoy warm, mild weather, thriving cultural centers, and a sense of community. Check out these top five picks for senior-friendly travel spots in Texas and learn about their attractions, activities, hotels, and cuisine. 

1. Dallas-Forth Worth

The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is one of the biggest urban areas in the state. It’s in Northeast Texas near the Oklahoma border and comprises two major metropolitans and numerous suburbs. It’s well known for its renowned museums, rich history, Western culture, and delicious BBQ. And it has numerous natural areas, perfect for taking casual strolls through relaxing gardens. You can take a museum day and spend your time in the Cultural District or visit the stockyards and witness a cattle drive!

Things to do and see: Forth Worth Stockyards, The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Klyde Warren Park, Dallas Museum of Art, Fort Worth Water Gardens, Reunion Tower, The Sixth Floor Museum

Where to stay: Gaylord Texan Resort (4-star property with dining and shops), Omni Dallas Hotel (sleek 4-star hotel), The Las Colinas Resort (upscale 5-star lodge with golf and a spa)

Where to eat: Ojeda’s (long-running Tex-Mex spot), Terili’s Restaurant (lively Italian eatery with live jazz)  

2. Austin

Texas’ capital city is a recreational paradise and popular for its eclectic music scene. While Austin is a chic city featuring all the amenities you could ask for in a large metro area, it’s surrounded by 14,000 square miles of Texas Hill Country, with vineyards and historic towns. And don’t forget about the city’s food scene. You can dine on everything from Tex-Mex and BBQ to tacos and kimchi fries. When you’re not eating, you can walk through scenic trails, attend a live music event, explore a sculpture garden, or tour a historic landmark.

Things to do and see: Texas Capitol, Zilker Metropolitan Park, Barton Springs Pool, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Mckinney Falls State Park, LBJ Presidential Library, Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve, Zilker Botanical Garden, Blanton Museum of Art

Where to stay: The Driskill (historic 4-star hotel with luxury rooms and dining), Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa (upscale resort with golf courses and a spa)

Where to eat: Stella San Jac (contemporary Southern eatery and lounge), Eddie V’s Prime Seafood (upscale steak and seafood)

3. El Paso

Located in far West Texas along the Mexico border, El Paso gets over 300 days of sunshine each year and is famous for its delicious food and unique border town culture. It’s on the Rio Grande and features a dramatic and rugged landscape with an extreme desert climate. But the city offers a unique experience with many outdoor opportunities, scenic drives, and historical sites.

Things to do and see: El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens, El Paso Museum of Art, Magoffin Home State Historic Site, Vista Point Overlook, The Plaza Theatre, El Paso Holocaust Museum, San Jacinto Plaza, El Paso Museum of History, Hueco Tanks State Park

Where to stay: Hotel Paso Del Norte (stately 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool), Stanton House (modern hotel and luxury spa)

Where to eat: Good Luck Cafe (homemade Mexican fare with some of the best breakfast in the state), Los Bandidos De Carlos & Mickey’s (Tex-Mex with giant margaritas) 

4. San Antonio

San Antonio is a major city in South-Central Texas and is famous for its rich history, stunning architecture, historic landmarks, museums, art galleries, and sports culture. San Antonio is one of the safest large cities in America, and you can enjoy yourself in a relaxed environment.

Things to do and see: The Alamo, San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Japanese Tea Garden, San Antonio Museum of Art, San Antonio Botanical Garden, Natural Bridge Caverns, Majestic Theatre, Brackenridge Park 

Where to stay: Drury Plaza Hotel (casual 3-star hotel with multiple pools), Omni La Mansion del Rio (upscale hotel with dining)

Where to eat: The Guenther House (historic venue serving American breakfast and lunch), La Fonda on Main (staple Mexican spot with a large patio)

5. Corpus Christi

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Corpus Christi is a coastal city with beautiful beaches and abundant outdoor recreation. You will find many natural areas, a diverse food scene, museums, gardens, and shopping malls. Corpus Christi is also an excellent destination for sailing and kite flying due to its gulf winds.

Things to do and see: USS Lexington, Texas State Aquarium, Selena Museum, Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History, South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, Mustang Island State Park, Whitecap Beach, the Art Museum of South Texas, La Palmera, Padre Island National Seashore

Where to stay: Lively Beach (resort condominiums), Mustang Towers (3-star beach hotel)

Where to eat: Doc’s Seafood and Steaks (open-air eatery on the water), Water Street Oyster Bar (oysters and mesquite-grilled seafood)

Senior-Friendly Travel Spots in Texas: A Recap of the Top 5

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Barbara Smyers/Shutterstock.com

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