Notable milestones, new attractions, and quirky experiences make the Lone Star State an ideal destination for groups in 2026
Add your own art to Cadillac Ranch, a classic stop along Route 66.
Thirty minutes from downtown Amarillo, Palo Duro Canyon is the United States’ second-largest canyon and home to the group-favorite TEXAS Outdoor Musical.
Thirty minutes from downtown Amarillo, Palo Duro Canyon is the United States’ second-largest canyon and home to the group-favorite TEXAS Outdoor Musical.
Explore retired spacecraft, touch a Mars rock, and tour an Astronaut Training Center at Space Center Houston.
Groups connect with Texas heritage at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards cattle drive.
Texas’ stretch of Route 66 is home to some of the most iconic stops along the route.
Midway between Chicago and Los Angeles, the MidPoint Café in Adrian is a must-stop for groups traveling along Route 66.
Texas has long been a go-to road trip destination, offering seven distinct geographic regions, world-class museums and dining, a deep cultural heritage, and standout outdoor experiences. In 2026, milestone anniversaries such as the centennial of Route 66 will shine a spotlight on some of the state’s most iconic attractions, while new and exciting openings give planners even more reasons to build Texas into their itineraries. Together, these timely celebrations and fresh experiences make the Lone Star State a compelling choice for group travel year after year.
Travel Texas Insider
SAVOR THE FLAVOR
Texas barbecue is not to be missed, and the arrival of MICHELIN in the state confirmed it. Nearly a quarter of all restaurants recognized in the MICHELIN Guide Texas were barbecue spots. Groups that make their way to Austin can indulge in truly legendary cuisine, as la Barbecue, InterStellar BBQ, and LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue were each awarded One Star.
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
In a state as big as Texas, it is not difficult to find group accommodations for any occasion. Luxury hotels and resorts, cozy guest ranches, and versatile vacation rentals can be found across the state. Visit traveltexas.com/meetings to discover the perfect stay for groups of any size.
Route 66 Centennial in Texas
Texans are preparing to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in a way that reflects the state’s bold heritage and deep appreciation for the American road trip. The Texas portion of Route 66 stretches across the panhandle and packs in some of the route’s most unforgettable stops.
Notable roadside attractions include the U-Drop Inn Café in Shamrock, Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, and the aptly named Midpoint Café in Adrian, which marks the exact midpoint of Route 66.
Amarillo, the largest Texas city along the route, will host the annual Texas Route 66 Festival from June 4–13. The event will feature car shows, live music, historic tours, and more in celebration of classic American road trip culture.
Several buildings, establishments, and personalities along Texas’ stretch of Route 66 served as inspiration for the movie Cars.
Lone Star Launches
Dallas is now home to Netflix House, a 100,000-square-foot entertainment venue at Galleria Dallas that features rotating interactive experiences, themed merchandise, and food and drink offerings inspired by Netflix’s top series.
Groups traveling with kids can head to Frisco in summer 2026 for a visit to Universal Kids Resort, a new park concept designed to inspire fun for families with young children. The park includes family-friendly attractions, interactive and playful shows, character meet and greets, unique merchandise, and fun food and beverage venues designed to delight.
Nature lovers can head south to McAllen’s urban ecology and world birding center Quinta Mazatlan, which is undergoing a major expansion to include a research lab, education center, and Children’s Discovery Center, as well as meeting and event space.
Wine and Wildlife
Groups can tour the popular Hill Country wine region, one of the most well-known destinations in the area. Fredericksburg is home to more than 75 wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms, and hidden among them is The Rhinory, a combined winery and rhino reserve on 55 acres of Hill Country land. Visitors can sip a glass of award-winning wine while viewing the resident Southern White Rhino, who is part of a rhino survival and breeding program. The winery has a dedicated concierge to assist with large group reservations.
Group Favorites
There’s a reason Texas is celebrating so many milestones this year, and there are a number of well-known and beloved activities groups continue to enjoy year after year.
- Steeped in Texas heritage, the Fort Worth Stockyards proudly hosts the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive.
- San Antonio’s famed River Walk can easily be explored on a river cruise that accommodates up to 40 guests.
- Space enthusiasts will love a visit to Space Center Houston, which allows guests to explore a shuttle carrier aircraft, the NASA Johnson Space Center, and enjoy hundreds of artifacts and experiences. Space Center Houston offers group ticket discounts and generous onsite parking for buses and motorcoaches.
- The State Fair of Texas—the nation’s first and oldest state fair—celebrates its 140th anniversary in 2026. Widely known for its deep-fried culinary creations that make for viral social media content, the 24-day festival is a celebration of all things Texas and a crowd-pleasing addition to any itinerary.
For more travel inspiration, including dining, accommodations, and group-friendly activities throughout Texas, visit traveltexas.com. Each of the Texas convention and visitor bureaus is also ready to provide tour planners with resources that are guaranteed to make their event a success. Find local experts at traveltexas.com/meetings/meet-in-texas.
Travel Texas works with its partner CVBs, chambers of commerce, and other travel organizations and associations to promote Texas as a premier travel destination.
Travel Texas |traveltexas.com, (512) 936-0292
Photo credits: Travel Texas; Travel Texas; Visit Amarillo/Liz Sinclair; Visit Amarillo/Jackie Phommahaxay Murguia.
