Where to travel around Texas: Go glow-in-the-dark kayaking + 9 more tips for May

Surf season is back and better than ever in … Waco? Yep, don’t let the land-locked geography fool you, all of the best surfing is happening at Waco Surf’s Water Park, which will reopen for the 2024 summer season on Saturday, May 11. To help celebrate the opening of the park, they’re hosting weekly live music sessions on select Sundays throughout the summer, from 2-3 pm. Additionally, the park is now offering Summer Stay and Surf sessions for guests who want to surf all day long and enjoy a booked stay at the Waco Surf Hotel. Waco Surf sessions start at $149, and Stay and Surf inquires can be made by emailing stayandsurf@wacosurf.com.

The highly anticipated Hotel Herringbone in downtown Waco is now open, offering 21 boutique rooms all made from converted shipping containers. Visitors can dine or drink at four on-site restaurant concepts: Mediterranean restaurant Red Herring, Lucky Buck’s rooftop sports bar, wine and charcuterie bar Songbird, and Nightlight Donuts and Coffee. Nightly rates begin at $233.

The Hotel Herringbone in Waco takes inspiration from Art Deco and mid-century modern design styles.Photo by Shelby Sorrel

In the Hill Country

Here’s a new family daytrip idea for the month: Take a drive down to New Braunfels to visit Schlitterbahn’s new Storybrook Park, and the park’s first-ever children’s water coaster. The Storybrook Park was the most anticipated new Schlitterbahn attraction in more than a decade when it opened at the end of April, according to a release. In addition to the Bow Wow Blaster water coaster, the park debuted three new “mini-lands” for children to play: Schatze’s Paw’nd, the Fur-Bidden Forest, and the Fairy Tail Trail. Schlitterbahn New Braunfels admission starts at $39.99.

The highly praised Hotel Emma in San Antonio has done it again. The esteemed lodging was named in the May 2024 print issue of Travel + Leisure’s “Readers’ 500 Favorite Hotels and Resorts in the World.” The annual list is determined by readers who vote for the highest quality luxury hotels and resorts with consistently outstanding service and amenities. Rates at Hotel Emma begin at $463 per night.

If you’ve never been to the darling town of Round Top, now’s your chance. Boutique luxury retreat Hotel Lulu is offering guests 50 percent off on weeknight stays all summer long from May 28 through August 31 with the code “SUMMER50.” The hotel boasts 14 comfortable rooms across six restored bungalows. When guests are ready to relax after a full day of exploring the town, they can enjoy a swim at the pool, dine at Lulu’s restaurant, or enjoy a drink at the hotel bar Il Cuculo.

Along the Gulf Coast

Idyllic seaside escapes are becoming more tempting with each passing day as the summer approaches. There’s plenty to do to satisfy those yearnings in Corpus Christi, where visitors can enjoy colorful bicycle nighttime tours, or similar glow-in-the-dark kayaking excursions, or private fishing adventures. Retro – the city’s newest restaurant, bar, and arcade concept – is a must-see for 21-plus adults who want to enjoy live music, all-you-can-play arcade games, and check out the the largest glass floor in Texas.

In-the-know travelers who want to avoid crowded seashores this month will be heading to Matagorda Bay Nature Park to spend time kayaking, fishing, exploring a guided adventure tour, or enjoying a round of mini-golf. At night, campers in the remote beach destination can relax in one of the on-site cozy beach bungalows, Airstream campers, or RV campsites. Vacation rentals start at $247.50 for a two-night minimum, or $49.50 per night for an RV full hookup.

Airstream camping along the coast? Count us in.Photo courtesy of LCRA Parks

Across North Texas

Theater buffs won’t want to miss out on the 13 best local shows happening throughout Dallas-Fort Worth in May. From productions that explore the founding of America or the Civil Rights movement, to performances that ponder about the dystopian future that might lay ahead, there’s something for all type of audiences to enjoy this month.

In Austin

With the return of Texas’ warm weather, plenty of locals and visitors will be flocking to Lake Austin or Lake Travis to get the most out of a sunny weekend. For travelers looking for a stress free and unique experience during their next boat day, online rental service GetMyBoat offers unique captained yacht charters throughout the Austin area. Lake lovers can rent eccentric boats such as a double decker tiki pontoon, the “Floatin’ Saloon Pontoon,” or even a personal pirate ship. Hourly rental prices start at $100 an hour.