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Featured Replies

Looking for some ideas for a long weekend trip in a couple of weeks.  Somewhere easily accessible from either AUS or DFW.  We prefer beaches/water over the mountains but that isn't a deal breaker.

Depends on what you are looking for, couple ideas 

PVR is a direct flight from both lots of resort options. 

Chicago in the summer is usually amazing, tons to do from museums to beaches to MLB, and the food…

 

I suggest you go somewhere that intrigues you.  Drive or fly (you didn't specify travel method) to a beach location that is reasonable, but one you have never been to.  Or, go to one that you've been to and enjoyed.

 

There.  I've officially spent as much effort on the answer as you did on the question.

Edited by TexasHooch

30A in Florida is a good spot. We flew into Panama City beach from Austin and got a car through Turo. Rosemary Beach is solid. 

  • Author

Too expand a little on my original post. Looking to fly somewhere relatively close (within a few hours). Looking for something laid back and relaxing with good food.

  • Author
Depends on what you are looking for, couple ideas 
PVR is a direct flight from both lots of resort options. 
Chicago in the summer is usually amazing, tons to do from museums to beaches to MLB, and the food…
 

I like the PVR idea. I haven't been to Mexico in a decade but always up for an adventure.
15 minutes ago, milkman said:

Too expand a little on my original post. Looking to fly somewhere relatively close (within a few hours). Looking for something laid back and relaxing with good food.

I will re-urge my 30-A rec. Good restaurants out there. Nothing extremely fancy, but very good. I’ll try to find some names. We were traveling with folks who had been before and they kind of showed us around. 

  • Author
I will re-urge my 30-A rec. Good restaurants out there. Nothing extremely fancy, but very good. I’ll try to find some names. We were traveling with folks who had been before and they kind of showed us around. 

I agree but have already been with the family to the Emerald Coast this summer. Looking for some different scenery for just the adults.
  • Author
What’s the furthest you can be from a good wine list?

Have wine, can travel!
1 hour ago, milkman said:

Too expand a little on my original post. Looking to fly somewhere relatively close (within a few hours). Looking for something laid back and relaxing with good food.

Belize

2 hours ago, squib said:

Mexico City

Mexico City is a great choice for culture and we've done it with success on a 3-day. Monterrey is another easy choice from DFW for a quick flight and Mexican culture. For beaches, you could easily do Costa Mujeres with a good deal on a 3-day that would be relaxing. 

Edited by SimonBolivar

St. Pete FL.  Good night life and restaurants. Nice beaches

 

Sonoma County. You can fly into Santa Rosa direct from DFW. Then, plenty of options for food and wine, or rent car and drive 45 minutes and rent a house on Bodega Bay. 

1 hour ago, Fred Garvin said:

Sonoma County. You can fly into Santa Rosa direct from DFW. Then, plenty of options for food and wine, or rent car and drive 45 minutes and rent a house on Bodega Bay. 

Was planning to suggest this one! That nonstop DFW-STS flight on AA makes it worth it. Plus the Santa Rosa airport is super easy and quick, as soon as you step off the plane you know you're in wine country. Both legs of the flight were not full at all, increasing your chances of an upgrade/empty row (may have been due to my timing last month though). I joked to myself it was probably the highest socioeconomic passenger ratio I've ever seen in economy. AKA lots of wealthy people who have flown before and aren't going to watch a movie on their phone with their speakers turned up loud. 

So yeah, assuming you live in DFW this is a great recommendation. 

26 minutes ago, Exposition said:

Was planning to suggest this one! That nonstop DFW-STS flight on AA makes it worth it. Plus the Santa Rosa airport is super easy and quick, as soon as you step off the plane you know you're in wine country. Both legs of the flight were not full at all, increasing your chances of an upgrade/empty row (may have been due to my timing last month though). I joked to myself it was probably the highest socioeconomic passenger ratio I've ever seen in economy. AKA lots of wealthy people who have flown before and aren't going to watch a movie on their phone with their speakers turned up loud. 

So yeah, assuming you live in DFW this is a great recommendation. 

This is excellent validation for our first DFW-STS flight in two weeks.  Thanks!

22 hours ago, milkman said:

Looking for some ideas for a long weekend trip in a couple of weeks.  Somewhere easily accessible from either AUS or DFW.  We prefer beaches/water over the mountains but that isn't a deal breaker.

Pensacola Beach was awesome and only a 9.5 hour drive from DFW!  The water is crystal clear and most importantly there is ZERO Sargassum which is plaguing all of the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera. If you have a dog, there is Dog Beach East and Dog Beach West, where no one cares about you taking them off leash to play fetch in the ocean (only go 30 minutes at a time and bring lots of fresh water to avoid salt poisoning). Panama Beach is also awesome with a dog beach at the Pier. If you don't have a dog, anywhere between Pensacola Beach and Panama City Beach along 30A is awesome (particularly the Seaside/Water Color/Blue Mountain Beach/Seacrest area).   

Edited by UT Lax

11 minutes ago, UT Lax said:

Pensacola Beach was awesome and only a 9.5 hour drive from DFW!  The water is crystal clear and most importantly there is ZERO Sargassum which is plaguing all of the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera. If you have a dog, there is Dog Beach East and Dog Beach West, where no one cares about you taking them off leash to play fetch in the ocean (only go 30 minutes at a time and bring lots of fresh water to avoid salt poisoning). Panama Beach is also awesome with a dog beach at the Pier. If you don't have a dog, anywhere between Pensacola Beach and Panama City Beach along 30A is awesome (particularly the Seaside/Water Color/Blue Mountain Beach/Seacrest area).   

 

8 hours ago, baboso said:

Sanibel/Captiva.

I’m all for this recommendation, but don’t go if you want anything other than sitting on the beach. Everything commercial is still scarce from the hurricane recovery. There are a few restaraunts open, but still limited from what it was.

Also, no way would I do 30A in the next few weeks. It will be a shit show with summer winding down from a school perspective. If you like lots of people, then go for it. 

If you want gulf beaches, the north portion of Anna Maria Island would be worth a look as long as long as you stay north. You have to drive in would be the only issue. If you don’t mind Atlantic beaches, some of the high end resorts outside of Charleston would be worth a look like what you can find on Sullivans or even Palmetto Bluff south of Charleston especially if you get into late August.

Past that, pick whatever direct flight option ends up in the Caribbean, Mexico, Belize, etc. We did this a few weeks ago and just found a direct flight to somewhere we haven’t been and went.

  • Author
Past that, pick whatever direct flight option ends up in the Caribbean, Mexico, Belize, etc. We did this a few weeks ago and just found a direct flight to somewhere we haven’t been and went.


This is pretty much what I have decided at this point. Punta Mita looks pretty nice!

Mexico, Belize, Caribbean etc is all hot as fuck in the summer. Winter is the time to head there. 

  • Author
Mexico, Belize, Caribbean etc is all hot as fuck in the summer. Winter is the time to head there. 

Very true! I prefer women in less clothing.

If onky wanting to do a couple hours flight, Mexico City is a great answer. 

Charleston, SC is another decent answer. 

Florida is yuck all around. 

 

On 7/15/2025 at 8:54 PM, milkman said:


I agree but have already been with the family to the Emerald Coast this summer. Looking for some different scenery for just the adults.

Did Grand Velas Boutique (adults only) with the wife 3 nights over the 4th.  Pricy but amazing.   Michelin star restaurant included in all inclusive (most restaurants are at main Grand Velas property short walk down the street/beach).  Fantastic food/drink and never any issues with plenty of lounge chairs and servers at the pool.

  • Author
Did Grand Velas Boutique (adults only) with the wife 3 nights over the 4th.  Pricy but amazing.   Michelin star restaurant included in all inclusive (most restaurants are at main Grand Velas property short walk down the street/beach).  Fantastic food/drink and never any issues with plenty of lounge chairs and servers at the pool.

Glad to hear. I typically steer clear of the all inclusive types. This place is on my short list!

Also in the mix is Villa Santa Cruz in Todos Santos.
14 hours ago, milkman said:


Glad to hear. I typically steer clear of the all inclusive types. This place is on my short list!

Also in the mix is Villa Santa Cruz in Todos Santos.

Yeah it definitely kind of ruined me for future family trip all inclusives.   I think 3 nights was probably perfect as we would have probably gotten a bit bored staying longer (or found some type of off site excursion), but as far as getting away and relaxing for a few days while eating and drinking well it hit the spot.  If you end up booking email hotel in advance to make sure you get a reservation at Cocina de Autor (that is their michelin star restaurant).  We ended up booking all our dinners in advance but at least when we were there that was the only one I think could have been tough to get at a good time if we waited until we showed up.

On 7/17/2025 at 4:03 PM, Your Mom said:

Mexico, Belize, Caribbean etc is all hot as fuck in the summer. Winter is the time to head there. 

This is true but a few things.  It's hot in Texas anyway.  Prices are lower because its off season.  There is the ocean and pools to cool off.  You usually get a coastal breeze. 

5 hours ago, midtown said:

This is true but a few things.  It's hot in Texas anyway.  Prices are lower because its off season.  There is the ocean and pools to cool off.  You usually get a coastal breeze. 

I would take any day in the tropic or sub tropic temperature range over the heat and humidity of the southern US this time of year. We spent summers in south Florida for years and it was hot, but it was more manageable than TN is this week. We would just head in or to the pool during the mid day, mornings and evenings were perfect for being outside. It doesn’t really cool down at night, but that was still manageable. If you’re trying to escape the heat right now, you’re out of luck most places. We’re in Denver for Mumford and Sons this week and it has been right at 90 the last three days.

Edited by Brew

  • 2 months later...
On 7/16/2025 at 2:46 PM, After irth said:

This is excellent validation for our first DFW-STS flight in two weeks.  Thanks!

How was the flight and trip? 

On 7/21/2025 at 6:50 AM, PenelopeWitherspoon said:

If onky wanting to do a couple hours flight, Mexico City is a great answer. 

Charleston, SC is another decent answer. 

Florida is yuck all around. 

 

Charleston in the Fall is amazing. I have stayed at Daniel Island several times in October and love it. 

 

21 hours ago, Exposition said:

How was the flight and trip? 

It was fantastic.  Flying into Santa Rosa is the only way to go!

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