With Labor Day weekend just ahead, Texas beckons with experiences that linger in memory long after the holiday fades. Picture a lakefront resort where evenings are spent tracing constellations with an astronomer’s guidance, a city hotel where the clink of cocktail glasses is paired with tales of saloon days past, or a riverside retreat where balconies overlook the steady rhythm of passing barges and river parades. Each destination blends refined hospitality with a sense of place, offering travelers one last chance to let summer unfold in its own, unhurried tempo.

For those seeking an activity-rich Labor Day, Horseshoe Bay Resort offers a lakeside experience set against the rolling beauty of Texas Hill Country. The weekend begins with a Texas-style Blues & BBQ feast on Friday, followed by Saturday’s array of water and land activities. Guests can unwind in the one-of-a-kind Waterfront Floating Pool, take to the water with lake excursions, or enjoy family-friendly programming across the resort.

The Lady Bird II yacht cruise delivers sweeping lake views, while the evening’s Star Party Experience brings guests under the Milky Way with expert astronomers guiding celestial discoveries. Sunday’s program features Breakfast with the Birds, an end-of-summer lawn party, and a performance from The Spazmatics, the high-energy ’80s tribute band.

Those booking the Love The Lake package can extend their time on Lake LBJ with daily breakfast at J’s Restaurant and a $100 nightly marina credit, ideal for jet ski rides or a pontoon cruise. Horseshoe Bay’s blend of dining, stargazing, live music, and on-the-water recreation creates an ideal close to summer.

Anchored in the heart of historic Sundance Square, The Worthington offers a modern interpretation of Old West charm. The Cowboys in Cowtown Ultimate Experience package includes guided tours of the Fort Worth Stockyards, museum visits, Western-inspired shopping, a $50 dining credit at Toro Toro by celebrity chef Richard Sandoval, and the indulgence of a late checkout.

A distinctive highlight is The Cowtown Ritual, held Monday through Thursday at 5 p.m. in the hotel’s grand lobby. This story-driven cocktail experience revives 19th-century saloon culture, complete with curated complimentary cocktails served from a cattle cart, honoring the legendary barkeeps Wyatt & Zeke. Guests can conclude their evening with an open-air movie night—one of just seven such offerings in the U.S.—for a cinematic experience beneath the Texas stars.

Set along the iconic San Antonio Riverwalk, The Westin Riverwalk offers an urban retreat with both relaxation and cultural immersion. The Escape to San Antonio package features a $30 food and beverage credit, complimentary valet, and late checkout, making it a seamless choice for a long weekend.

Balconies with river views, Italian dining at Zocca Cuisine d’Italia, and live music create a vibrant on-property atmosphere. The location also places guests within walking distance of landmarks such as The Alamo, Spanish Governor’s Palace, and the Aztec Theatre, with The Pearl District and San Antonio Zoo just a short drive away. Seasonal river parades and cultural events ensure the city’s energy is part of the stay, blending leisure with exploration.