Nicknamed the Lone Star State as it was once an independent republic, Texas is no longer alone but it is certainly still a shining star. The second-largest state in the United States of America, Texas is home to many exciting cities and picturesque towns. There’s lots of gravity-defying fun to be had, live music venues to visit, and sports matches to cheer your head off at.
If you can’t decide which city to spend your vacation in, take a look at these gorgeous HomeAway and Vrbo vacation rentals for some inspiration:
1. Austin: Light Bright Urban Oasis in Coveted Travis Heights (From 175 USD)

This elegant mid-century townhome is located in Travis Heights, a lovely green neighborhood in Austin, the capital of Texas state. The location is prime and you are just a few minutes from South Congress Avenue (SoCo) and downtown. With high vaulted ceilings and white walls, the house conveys a sense of space and air, and it is cheery and welcoming. The living room is furnished with a soft rug and a plump sleeper sofa. If the afternoon heat has you nodding off, switch on the air-conditioning and plop yourself onto the couch for a nap. Get creative with your cooking on the gas range, under a large stainless steel vent hood. The fully equipped kitchen features stainless steel appliances and a ‘waterfall’ island counter, which opens to the living room so you can turn on the TV and make your meal along with the cooks of MasterChef. The 2 bedrooms are both artfully designed and feature queen-sized beds outfitted with silk high-thread-count sheets. Brought lots of clothes with you? No problem, the master bedroom has a large walk-in closet. In the early morning or evening, head out to the wooded patio for some fresh air. You can make use of the outdoor grill should you feel like hosting a Texan barbeque party.
Light, Bright Urban Oasis: in Coveted Travis Heights near SoCo and Downtown
Area: Reagen Terrace, Travis Heights, Austin
Price: From 175 USD
Number of Guests: 5
2. Dallas: relaxing sanctuary for 6 (from USD 397)
Situated near Highland Park Village, this exclusive listing is within a 5-mile (8-kilometer) radius of downtown Dallas, museums, shopping, the Design District, and UT Southwestern Medical Center. A portrait of Buddha overlooks the living room, which is decked in rich golden tones and also features a massive fireplace for cold winter nights. Glass doors lead out to the calm backyard patio. The modern kitchen is a chef’s dream, fully equipped with everything you will need. A skylight lets natural light in, as if shining a spotlight on the dishes that will be born in this kitchen. Head upstairs to the loft. The master bedroom is a peaceful sanctuary, with a king-sized canopy bed and a rose window. The bathroom is exquisite, with double sinks and a sunken hot tub. Go ahead and indulge yourself.
HIGHLAND PARK Retreat - Great for Couples/Family getaway or remote office space.Accommodates: 6
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the place is beautifully decorated with comfortable beds and furnitureHost:
very pet friendly and donna the owner was very helpful and welcomingthe owner made sure we had everything we needed and was very friendly and helpfuland i don't see how you could get a more perfect owner in donnadonna was generous kind and very accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was perfectgreat place for girls tripif your looking for location comfort and convenience this is the place for yousweet retreat was the perfect place for my extended stay in dallas
3. Hill Country: enchanting and romantic hilltop escape (from USD 380)
Nestled within Hill Country, seclusion and style describe this luxurious property. Perfect for a romantic getaway, this home takes you far away from the chaotic pace of city life. Close to Blanco County, you are also close enough to enjoy the amenities of the surrounding towns. Perched on a small hilltop, the views and atmosphere here are unbeatable. It will just be you and your partner, enjoying the luxury of having this home and this view all to yourself. Be prepared to have your breath taken away as you make your way in along the stone pathway. The verdant treetops and blue sky create a harmonious picture through the glass windows. Retire to the master bedroom, a calm oasis surrounded by nature. You have direct access to an outdoor porch where you can chill under the stars. The open-concept shower area will get you in the right mood for romance. In winter, the fire feature is available for your use, so you can soak as long as you want in the hot tub. Night or day, the views you will get from the outdoor plunge pool are stunning. Cool off on balmy evenings in the pinkish gold light as the sun sets on the horizon and the stars come out to play.
Luxury Escape! The Most Romantic Get-away You Will Experience. 5 StarAccommodates: 2
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we found unobstructed views as well as cool breezes and crisp pools to enjoy the summer heatCleanliness:
home is clean and had everything on site needed such as cook ware toiletries barbecue pitRead more reviewsLocation:
we loved this home and location
4. Dallas: Home of the Laughing Doves in West Highland Park (from USD 850)
Perfect for a multi-generational family getaway, this 3-bedroom property that can sleep 8 is located in West Highland Park. Leafy and tranquil, it’s one of Dallas’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. It is easy to reach everything, including shopping hotspots, dining, museums, and many of the attractions of Dallas. Outdoors and indoors, everything is beautiful here. Step into the tranquil courtyard and meditation garden where you can wind down over a glass of wine. You will fall in love immediately once you see the pool area. Replete with a hot tub, an outdoor fireplace, a grill, and ample seating space, you can spend hours here relaxing in the comforting glow of the fire. If you prefer an informal setting, the open gourmet kitchen is great for a quick bite or a round of drinks. Otherwise, there is a dining room that seats 10 for a more formal dining occasion. All the bedroom suites are self-contained so guests can retire to the privacy of their sleeping quarters without being disturbed. The master suite boasts a large sunken tub and separate dressing rooms for you and your partner. It also has direct access to the pool / patio area.
West Highland Park Oasis- Pool, Outdoor Fireplace and Hot-tubDallas, TX, US
5. Blanco, Hill Country: green luxury estate with an unbelievable pool (from USD 726)
Let the good times roll! Staying at this estate in Hill Country, you’re only a 45-minute drive from Austin, San Antonio, Frederiksberg, Marble Falls, and Greune Hall. In 25 minutes, you will reach Canyon Lake, the Guadalupe River, Luckenbach, and Fischer Hall. Set within nature, you can explore the wet-weather creek behind the house or enjoy the sounds of the resident turkeys as you have your morning coffee on the front porch. Keep an eye out for the deer grazing by the creek or around the house. The kitchen is large with top-of-the-line appliances and plenty of counter space so everyone can help out with meal preparations. Enjoy your meals at the kitchen bar or move over to the cosy dining room. Tiffany blue paint coats the walls of the large master suite, adding a touch of simple elegance to the room. There’s nothing like the sound of meats sizzling on the grill to signal the start of a holiday. The back patio is great for hosting a BBQ party. The swimming pool will take you pleasantly by surprise. No, you’re not in a resort; this pool is right in the backyard of the house! Surrounded by lush leafy trees and colourful flowers, the pool has a water slide and rock waterfall. Adults and kids alike will certainly enjoy the lovely pool.
5 Bedroom Luxury Estate with a pool you have to see to believe!Accommodates: 10
Minimum Nights: 2
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
loved the living room area high ceilings and large coucheach room provides privacy and the beds are good toothe pool the house set up the great atmosphere is so relaxing and so enjoyableCleanliness:
the home was clean and just as describedit was secluded immaculate clean and the pool and outside cabana were fabulousHost:
the owner is very responsivethe owner was so helpful and easy to work withalso the owner was available for questions and very accommodating thank you so muchthe owners were so kind and communicative and dropped off some extra thingsthe owners are very friendly and helpful very highly recommendRead more reviewsLocation:
we saw deer and foxes what a great place for kids and adultswe absolutely loved the place and really hope to return
7. East Cesar Chavez, Austin: Stylish midcentury farmhouse (from USD 1190)
Experience a relaxing time away from the city bustle and book a few days in this superb 3,000 sqft (279 sqm) farmhouse, decked with modern midcentury interiors and promising amenities. It’s big enough to accommodate 12 guests in 5 uniquely designed bedrooms, with high-quality linens and mattresses to guarantee a good night’s rest. Guests also have access to four separate and fully functional bathrooms for privacy and convenience. Walk into a charming living room with a comfy seating area, and big windows to let a ton of light in. The kitchen is spacious with stainless steel appliances and updated cookware to give guests some ease when preparing their meals. There is a dining table that can accommodate eight guests for breakfast, lunch, or dinner while overlooking the outdoor greenery. An outdoor patio and seating area await guests who wish to just relax with a glass of wine after a long day exploring the locale since it’s just walking distance from the property. Check out Native Hostel Bar and Restaurant, or Cenote Coffee and Cafe for some amazing grub you’ll enjoy.
Backyard Oasis + Private Pool + Walk to Downtown - Eastside Oasis!Austin, Texas, United StatesPremier Host
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beds were very comfortableCleanliness:
eastside farmhouse was perfect for our girls weekend the house was very clean and nicely decoratedvery clean spacious awesome backyard and plenty of space for our group of 15had a great weekend with friends home was very clean and accommodatingbut the bedrooms were spacious lovely bathrooms and an ample kitchenHost:
kevin was responsive and easily accessible for any questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
location was also amazingwe enjoy walking so the location was great for walking to downtown areaease to walk to breakfast places niceit is walkable you a couple cute restaurants and bars tooeveryone enjoyed the back patio and ability to walk to great local spots
9. Old East Dallas: Eclectic house with superb outdoor amenities (from USD 730)

Enjoy a staycation away with your friends and family in this promising vacation home in Dallas. It boasts 2,800 sqft (260 sqm) of space complete with a fully decked living room, kitchen cum dining area with high quality, and stainless steel cookware for preparing meals indoors. There are 4 stylishly designed bedrooms decked with flat-screen TVs, with 2 private and fully functional bathrooms with walk-in closets. The best part of this home is its outdoor facilities, complete with an outdoor patio, with loungers, dining seating for dinners and gatherings, as well as a heated pool and hot tub. This rental also has an outdoor bar, and superb barbecue facilities, ideal for gatherings, and guests who just a relaxing stay indoors without having to explore the locale
NEAR IT ALL! BACKYARD OASIS, HEATED POOL & SPA, OUTDOOR KITCHEN/BAR FIREPLACEDallas, TX, US
10. Irving: Tasteful two-story home with backyard pool
Enjoy luxury and space in this tasteful holiday home just a few minutes away from downtown Dallas. It’s decked with stylish interiors and superb amenities families and groups of friends would enjoy. The home is big enough for 16 people, with 6 spacious bedrooms, and 3 full bathrooms and a half bath for guests’ convenience and privacy. The first floor boasts a well-lit living room with seating, an indoor fireplace, and a flat-screen TV to keep guests entertained. The dining area has a round table with six chairs and a comfy lounger. The kitchen area is stylish and decked with modern appliances that will help in preparing meals for family and friends. Outdoor amenities boast a swimming pool, loungers, patio seating, and a basketball court for those who would rather make the most of their staycation than spend time outdoors. However, for some shopping or restaurant dining experience, downtown Dallas is nearby and is just a few minutes away from the property.
Pool, Hot Tub and only a few minutes from Downtown Dallas and the DFW Airport!Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we enjoyed the pool hot-tub grill ample backyard patiothere were a few cabinets in the kitchen that needed some tweaking but overall excellent stayproperty was perfect for our large group super comfortable bedsCleanliness:
everything was comfortable and cleanall beds were comfortable was very clean and just a great houseHost:
brittany was an amazing host who was very accessible when neededbrittany was very easy to work with very accommodating and family friendlybrittany was very helpful and readily available by text if we needed anythingRead more reviewsLocation:
an amazing house within close proximity to airport downtown grocery store and restaurantsperfect location perfect amount of room for all of us
Terrific and tantalising Texas
Texas is huge. There are so many cities you could visit, and each one of them will offer you a host of exciting activities and natural beauty. After seeing these amazing HomeAway and Vrbo vacation rentals, are you tempted by any of them? Start packing, it’s time for Texas!
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