February is the ultimate month for celebrating love, but that’s not all that’s happening around Texas this month. From Mardi Gras celebrations, to rodeo season, to romantic hotel escapes, there are plenty of ways to fill an itinerary in all of Texas’ hot spots. Need help deciding where to take a quick vacation, road trip, or staycation? Here are nine events and happenings to help plan a fun-filled getaway in February.
At home in San Antonio
Valentine’s Day preparations are in full swing at the Thompson San Antonio-Riverwalk, with two romantic offerings for couples. For stays between February 9-18, guests who use the code “SATROM” to book the SuiteHart Romance Package will receive a rose petal-decorated suite, an additional “welcome amenity,” and a $200 credit that can be used on an intimate meal at the hotel’s famous restaurant Landrace, relaxing hotel spa treatments, and more. For even more idyllic bliss, the hotel will also offer a special Cabana Cuddle Up experience, which begins with an 80-minute massage for two, followed by a champagne picnic in one of the hotel’s poolside daybed cabanas. Nightly rates begin at $550.
In the Hill Country
Texas’ beautiful Hill Country destinations are getting a lot of love from top national publications, and most recently, the Gruene Historic District in New Braunfels and the ever-popular town of Fredericksburg were named among the 50 best U.S. travel destinations in 2024 by Forbes Advisor. The report highlighted the abundance of wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms in Fredericksburg and suggested several outdoorsy activities like hiking up Enchanted Rock, or floating on the Comal River in New Braunfels.
In Austin
The award-winning Commodore Perry Estate has lined up several romantic events leading up to Valentine’s Day, beginning with a wine dinner on Wednesday, February 7, featuring PlumpJack head winemaker Aaron Miller, who will take guests on a journey through Napa Valley’s famous Cade and PlumpJack Estate wines. For a more whimsical experience, guests can join champagne purveyor Laurent Perrier for an afternoon of wine tasting and floral arrangement design on Friday, February 9. And for the traditionalists, Commodore Perry will host a Valentine’s Day-themed baking class on February 13 and a romantic dinner for two on February 14. (Most of these are only open to hotel guests.) More information about the deluxe experiences and ticket pricing can be found on aubergeresorts.com.
Round Rock’s The Ruby Hotel also has special plans for Valentine’s Day getaways, such as its “Romance Package” that decorates a guest’s room in silky flower petals, chocolate, bottles of champagne, and an optional personalized postcard. For solo guests, the hotel will also offer a special flight-for-one that includes a 375-milliliter bottle of wine, and a charcuterie board with Antonelli’s cheese, salami, seasonal fruit, and chutney. Rates at The Ruby Hotel start at $112 per night, and the Romance Package is a $75 add-on plus tax, and the Solo Flight is $45 plus tax.
As the Live Music Capital of the World, there’s more to Austin’s local music scene than Austin City Limits Festival or concerts at the Moody Center. The 10th annual Outsider Fest will be held February 15-18 at The Vortex, promising boundary-pushing music, theater, and drag performances, from vogue troupes to LGBTQIA mariachi. Early access badges start at $109 for general admission and $49 for students/youth.
In Dallas
For any romantic planning, the Omni Dallas Hotel is partnering with Longhorn Helicopters to offer lovebirds a breathtaking skyline tour on Valentine’s Day, and a “Luxury Romance” package with plenty of sweet treats for you and your beloved. The hotel spa will also offer three relaxing Valentine’s Day specials in addition to their regular treatments all month long, from a tension-relieving massage to a nourishing facial. Rates at the Omni Dallas Hotel begin at $284 per night in February.
In Houston
Texas’ rodeo season is hot on the horizon, and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is set to be the biggest one yet. From the popular concert series that name drops Blake Shelton and the Jonas Brothers, to the buzzy drone shows, to exclusive rodeo-themed fashion statements, there will be plenty to talk about when the three-week-long event kicks off on Tuesday, February 27. Ticket prices vary and can be purchased via rodeohouston.com.
Where to stay? Hotel ZaZa in Houston’s Museum District is offering a “Cowboys and Caviar” experience for guests who book stays with up to five friends, February 22 to March 24, with the code “CAVIAR.” The package includes a complimentary bottle of champagne, a bucket of Lone Star Beers, and a luxurious caviar tray for all six guests at one of the hotel’s spacious suites. Nightly rates begin at $400 for the package.