SAN ANTONIO — New Braunfels was selected as the Destination of the Year in the 2024 Texas Travel Awards.
The Texas Travel Awards highlight the most “exciting, innovative, and inviting places around the state” and winners represent uniquely Texas places and experiences, according to their website.
Winners in the 45 total categories were scored by an elite panel of judges that included travel industry professionals, travel journalists, and a touring musician.
The awards also included four "people's choice" categories where people voted for the best destinations for arts and culture, families, foodies, and outdoor adventures.
New Braunfels took the top award for destination of the year. The city is praised on the Texas Travel Awards website for its blend of “historical charm and modern fun.”
The city, just over 30-minutes from San Antonio, won eight Texas Travel Awards in separate categories:
- Bar: The Phoenix Saloon
- Best Community Event, Big Market: Thru the Chute Boat Race
- Instagrammable Spot, Big Market: 8Sages-The Dolly Cottage
- Outdoor Activity, Big Market: Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
- Under the Radar Activity, Big Market: Thru the Chute Boat Race
- Iconic Tourist Attraction: Gruene Hall
- Shopping District: Gruene Historic District
- Winery: Dry Comal Creek Winery
The San Antonio Zoo also scored its fourth-consecutive Texas Travel Award in the statewide category for Zoo/Aquariums.
Other San Antonio winners from previous years include La Cantera Resort & Spa in 2022 and 2021 in the Resort category, and Dorrego’s at Hotel Valencia Riverwalk in 2021 for Big Market Restaurant.
Winners of the award not only earn bragging rights, but also, a spotlight in the Texas Travel Awards publication and social media pages.
For more information about the 2024 Texas Travel Awards and its winners, you can visit their website.
