Our Top 5 Travel Trends for 2025 and the Texas Heritage Destinations to Experience Them
In 2025, travelers are turning to destinations that offer more than just a getaway—they’re searching for meaningful adventures steeped in culture and history. Luckily, Texas is the perfect canvas for exploring this year’s top travel trends. Whether you’re retracing your family’s journey at a historic port of entry, exploring film locations from Hollywood classics, or saddling up for a cowboy-style vacation, Texas delivers unforgettable experiences. So, pack your bags and discover how the Lone Star State transforms these 2025 travel trends into unforgettable journeys.
Trend #1: Day Trip Detours: Small-Town Gems Beyond the City
Travelers in 2025 will be embracing "detour destinations" to enrich their itineraries by exploring charming towns near major hubs.
Mineral Wells
Just a short drive west of Fort Worth, Mineral Wells offers a blend of history, wellness, and relaxation. Highlight the Mineral Wells State Park, famous for its healing mineral waters and historical significance as a wellness destination. Nearby Lake Mineral Wells State Park offers miles of trails, kayaking, climbing, and camping for those who want to get outside. The revitalized downtown features unique shops, galleries, and restaurants housed within historic buildings. A few must see or must visit places include the Famous Mineral Water Company where you can still sit at the bar and enjoy the water that made the town famous, the Crazy Water Hotel, and the Baker Hotel, an iconic landmark which is now undergoing restoration. Mineral Wells draws those looking for a mix of quirky charm and Texas history.
Canyon
Located off I-40 just south of Amarillo, Canyon is home to the stunning Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the United States’ second-largest canyon. It’s a perfect detour for those visiting Amarillo but wanting to experience some wide-open spaces. While there, you can explore the hiking trails or attend a performance of the Texas Outdoor Musical drama, which immerses visitors in the region’s Native American and pioneer history.
Canyon is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, Texas' largest history museum. Visitors can learn about life in the American West, view priceless Native American art and artifacts, or imagine what it was like when dinosaurs roamed the area.
Trend #2: “Set-Jetting”: Pop Culture Tourism Meets Heritage
Fans of TV shows and films will travel to iconic locations to immerse themselves in the stories they love.
Doan’s Crossing (Featured 1883, the Yellowstone prequel):
In 1881 the first Wilbarger County settlers, the Doan family, built a store and home near a low-water crossing of the Red River. They catered to cowhands herding longhorns up the Great Western Trail, America’s longest cattle trail. While only a modest adobe building remains, you can still experience the spirit of the Old West that continues to inspire Hollywood. Doan’s Crossing was the location for a general store scene in the show 1883 of the Yellowstone TV universe.
Marfa/Hotel Paisano (Featured in Giant):
Marfa, known for its minimalistic art scene and mysterious lights, was featured in the 1956 film Giant, starring Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean. The Hotel Paisano, where cast members like James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, and Rock Hudson stayed, is a must-visit.
Trend #3: Cowboy Travel: Living the Western Dream
Western-themed adventures are surging in popularity as travelers seek to embrace the cowboy lifestyle.
Bandera:
Known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” Bandera is the ultimate destination for cowboy enthusiasts. In Bandera, you can stay at a dude ranch, tour a working ranch, saddle up for horseback rides, or watch traditional cowboy skills demonstrations like roping and herding. Bandera offers an authentic, immersive cowboy experience that aligns perfectly with the growing trend.
Visit the Frontier Times Museum to learn about cowboy heritage. And in the evening, have your dinner sitting on a saddle at the O.S.T. Restaurant. If immersing yourself in the rugged lifestyle that defined Texas is what you’re looking for, then Bandera is where you’ve got to be.
Trend #4: Escaping Crowds: Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures
Travelers are increasingly seeking destinations away from the crowds, focusing on nature and solitude to recharge.
Big Bend National Park:
A remote gem in West Texas, Big Bend National Park offers unparalleled beauty and serenity. Its rugged landscapes, vast desert, and mountain vistas provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of more crowded destinations. Big Bend is very popular during peak seasons, so plan ahead if you want a less crowded experience.
Big Bend features vast landscapes and dramatic desert vistas that are perfect for hiking. There are also opportunities for stargazing in one of the darkest night skies in the U.S. The entire Big Bend area is also rich in cultural history, including Native American rock art and Mexican-American heritage.
Big Bend is where history, nature, and solitude combine, offering a perfect escape from crowded tourist hotspots. The park’s vastness and natural wonders provide visitors with a peaceful retreat, allowing them to truly connect with nature.
Trend #5: Ancestral Tourism: Discovering Roots and Heritage
Ancestral tourism, or pilgrimages to sites tied to family history, resonates with travelers seeking deeper connections. People are exploring their roots and connecting to their family’s past. This can also include visiting places of historical significance for ethnic or cultural groups.
Galveston (The Ellis Island of the West):
Galveston was once a major port of entry for immigrants coming to the United States, particularly from Europe. It is often referred to as the “Ellis Island of the West.”
Visitors wanting to trace their family’s roots can explore the Galveston Immigration Database at the Galveston Historic Seaport Museum. While there, take in the exhibits and photographs that document Galveston’s role in immigration to the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries. Other helpful genealogical resources can be found at the Galveston & Texas History Center and the Rosenberg Library.
Galveston offers a gateway to uncover personal and collective histories, making it ideal for ancestral travelers.
In Texas, every corner tells a story, and the travel trends of 2025 are your guide to discovering them. Explore the detours, uncover your roots, or step into a scene from your favorite movie—all while experiencing the rich heritage that makes Texas so special. Start planning your next Texas adventure and let history guide the way.