Operated by the Hicks Family for the last 50 years, this Texas ranch is quintessential for a dude ranch Texas style experience: lots of open space, horseback riding, and BEEF!! 12 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Texas - Enchanting Texas My favorite getaway is Rough Creek Lodge and Resort, about 90 miles southwest of the DallasFort Worth area near Glen Rose. You can do as much or as little as you want during your visit. Why you should stay: A private airport and upscale lodges are just some of what make this five-star ranch resort feel so luxurious. Sure, there are the usual suspects like horses, cattle, and deer, but there are also some interesting characters like miniature donkeys, ostriches, and peacocks. Bandera, Texas, United States. Others are more simplistic affairs, offering a down home way to unplug and reconnect with nature. The 640-acre Drowsy Water Ranch welcomes children of all ages, even infants. Also called a guest ranch, dude ranches can be 100% operational (or working dude ranches) or strictly cater to luxury dude ranch guests. Happiness might be a warm puppy, but its also a dream getaway in Vacationland with your canine friend. Rides are as short as one hour and as long as a full day with lunch served lakeshore. Whats the Deal With All-Inclusive Dude Ranches? If youre staying overnight here (there is the option to just do a day visit), your activities are actually included along with all your meals for the day. Discounts are given for in-state residents visiting Tanque Verde. Yes please! At 320 Guest Ranch, the bluebird skies, high mountain meadows, and ebb and flow of the river feel infinite. WebUnforgettable Texas Family Vacations The perfect setting for fun-filled Texas family vacations is at BlissWood Bed and Breakfast Ranch. All are equipped with refrigerators, heated bathroom floors, and Keurig coffee machines. The wranglers are very experienced. Visit Family Vacation Critic on Facebook! Private patios provide a peaceful place to listen to the morning birdsong. Pick up the daily schedule the night before to plan your day! From Rustic To Luxury: 7 Best Ranches To Visit In Texas De Su Mama is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. Dude ranches also often present an even safer and more attractive vacation option right now since many offer standalone cabins and most ranches feature plenty of space for social distancing and focus on spending time outdoors. We participated in skeet shooting and archery and then relaxed in the infinity pool and hot tub. Pros: If you're looking for family fun within an easy drive from New York City, this is the jackpot. Flying L Ranch Resort. Cons: The ranch feels somewhat corporate rather than authentically Western. The second kind of dude ranch is a resort dude ranch. You can ride horses twice daily, swim in the vast pool, play tennis, enjoy the Medina River that horseshoes through the ranch, and go on an arrowhead hunting expedition. Best All-Inclusive Resorts In Texas In 2022: Budget And Adult Get expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for your family all year round! Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Off-road UTV riding, karaoke, cooking classes, whiskey tastings, trap shooting, and horseback psychology are just a sampling of their offerings. The West 1077 Guest Ranch, 10 miles from Bandera, was established on an old 230-acre cattle ranch and boasts a peaceful atmosphere and stunning Texas Hill Country beauty with plenty of modern amenities. Its rustic elegance all around at The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, which has 16 cabins plus 16 guest rooms. Getting away to a log cabin for a weekend or a week can be an amazing escape from real life. Upscale guest rooms and remodeled cabins feature stone fireplaces, exposed beams, and reclaimed timber trim that serve as characteristic complements to the Continental Divide surroundings. WebWelcome to Dixie Dude Ranch in Bandera, Texas. The first is a working dude ranch. So we packed up our best cowboy gear and got ready to visit a highly rated Texas dude ranch all-inclusive with the perfect mix of luxury and rugged Bandera ranch appeal. This 3,000-acre Sonoran Desert oasis has been owned and operated by the same family for generations. The family-owned business has 120 guestrooms, and guests can go horseback riding in the morning and can cool off at the indoor water park in the afternoon. WebPlan your own all-inclusive getaway in the Lone Star State today! Sugar & Spice Ranch is a mother-daughter experience that features Western style horseback riding at its heart. from $1,999. Top 12 Best Dude Ranches in Texas - Trips To Discover Big Kids: 7-9 Tweens: 10-12 Teens: 13-17. Typical starting/peak prices:$790/$1,200. Everyone enjoys a BBQ lunch before heading back to the corral. And dont forget, if you need some help choosing the perfect dude ranch vacation, you can always ask our expert for advice. 6 Best Dude Ranch Vacations in the U.S. - Travel + Leisure Their property stretches from the lowlands of the Medina River which is beautiful for swimming to high up in the hills that offer stunning panoramic views. Email us at reviews@insider.com. Be sure to reserve your activity at least 24 hours in advance though so that they can check the availability and secure your spot. Open year-round, Rocking Horse Ranch offers winter activities, too, such as ice-skating, skiing and snow tubing. Every dude ranch offers plenty of activities and outdoor fun to keep you busy, whether you want to head out on a trail ride or lounge poolside back at camp. Passport to Culture Travel Party for Kids: Hawaiian Culture, KOA Ventura Ranch: California Glamping At Its Best. Infants and toddlers have their own age-appropriate nursery while older siblings may attend day camp. Cons: Though the quality of the food is high, some guests complain that menu prices reflect the big city rather than the Big Sky. On the propertys many trails, you may spot deer, armadillos, roadrunners, wild turkeys, and more. Ready to giddy up and get going? The popular Barn Buddies program gives up-close access to the horses while teaching grooming and saddling skills, while tractor rides, a petting zoo, horseshoe pit, and s'mores by the campfire offer nostalgic fun. Many dude ranches are all-inclusive, providing three meals a day and snacks for the entire family. Weekly rodeos are held in town during the summer months, and a number of the ranches host their own rodeos throughout the year, too. Dude & Guest Ranch Vacations - The Dude Ranchers Association The town of Banderra is the self-proclaimed Cowboy Capital of the World, and features some of the finest dude ranches in the state. For children ages 6 to 13 in the Range Riders program, rides are held twice a day. WebOR CALL 830-275-7991. However, other guest ranch stays have a la carte options. About 100 horses, primarily quarter horses and paints, make their home at the Drowsy Water. She writes for CNN, USA TODAY 10 Best, USA TODAY Go Escape, Travel Channel, HGTV, Shermans Travel, Travel Squire, Emirates Open Skies Magazine and numerous other publications. Pros: Many guest rooms and casitas have panoramic views that exploit the desert location. You can reconnect with nature on a private horseback ride with the ranch cowboys, who will tell you tales about the Old West. Texas is home to romantic getaways every couple will love. From sunset trail rides to jeep tours to tomahawk throwing, you and your travel companions definitely wont be bored here. Locally owned, this classic dude ranch sits on 8,500 pristine acres within an unspoiled landscape that supports a wealth of plant life and colorful wildflowers. Visit Family Vacation Critic on Instagram! A filling breakfast is including in the rate, and dinner at on-site McGill's leans local, with just-caught trout and bison on the menu. You'll build up an appetite as well and three full meals are included in the daily rate. The ranch offers a variety of comfortable accommodations including lodge rooms, cabins, glamping tents, and decked-out tipis. If you eat meat, do NOT miss their famous steak buffet meal. Pros: The standard trail ride lasts for 45 minutes, which is an excellent length for beginners and rusty riders. 8 Ranches to Visit Ranch Texas If youre traveling to Texas, its a great dude ranch near Austin and San Antonio (I would even drive to it from Houston, too!) Related Read:11 Best Texas Swimming Holes to Beat the Summer Heat. The most budget-friendly place of the bunch, this 800-acre working cattle ranch offers a relaxing escape from the city. Surrounded by rolling hills and mountain peaks, the area is home to numerous caves filled with otherworldly stalagmite formations. Sign up for our newsletter to get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. Texas ResortsandLodges.com is a trademark of, Big Bend Texas (2), Gulf Coast Texas (1), Hill Country Texas (15), Piney Woods Texas (1), Prairies and Lakes Texas (4), Flying L Hill Country Resort & Conference Center. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. Nestled in a wisp of a valley in the San Juan Mountains, explore your inner cowboy and a taste of the Wild West along the banks of the Rio Grande River. One horseback ride per stay is included in the rate, as are free daily pony rides for young children. Updated March 31, 2023. Youll receive a deluxe hotel room, award-winning three-course dinner by Chef Gerard Thompson, Rough Creeks signature breakfast, and all on-site activities for a set price per person for double occupancy, weeknights, or weekends. The separate large marble showers, deep soaking tubs, and bathrooms can easily accommodate two or a family. Whether she's participating in a wine tasting, restaurant review, or local craft beer or distillery tour, Janie posts her adventures at Journey Mapped. Tanque Verde Ranch is one of those dude ranches with a spa and tennis court, mountain biking trails and other activities, in addition to horseback riding. Plus the ranch is home to a border collie rescue, so be prepared to see lots of cute pups too! Instead of uselessly flipping the switch of your burned-out bulb, 1998 - 2023 ResortsandLodges.com All rights reserved. A short walk from the corral is Hicksville, a fun playground for the kids and a great place for photo opps. Learn additional cowboy skills such as ranch roping, or if you prefer to kick-back, enjoy the scenery on an escorted Jeep tour. Dude Ranch Vacation Map Trade your skirt for blue jeans, your tie for a red bandana, and your stress for a peaceful Hill Country sunset at the Silver Spur Guest Ranch near Bandera. But, of course, thats not all this spot has. Some ranches are quite luxurious, with guests dressing for dinner and indulging in local wines. The manyaccommodation options make this dude ranch for families an obvious choice. All activities are available exclusively for registered guests and must be booked in Cons: Conestoga Ranch is more of an immersion into nature than it is a deep dive into cowboy culture. Pros: Excellent cuisine is a hallmark of the resort. Cat Spring. You can also get a deal by asking for non-rider discounts if someone in your family is not able to or would prefer not to ride. Finally, a water park, nightly entertainment, and arcade ensure kids are never bored. If youre just after a low-key meal, dont worry they have you covered there too with their restaurant, Branding Iron Bar and Grill. In addition to unlimited activities, the all-inclusive option also covers food and drinks. We enjoyed the rocking chairs on the back porch and the views across the valley to the Brazos River below. Fly-fishing, hiking, a dip in the soothing natural hot springs, and evening campfires are also all on the daily schedule. This resort has an all-inclusive Laphams Lodge and the Colonels Quarters, with 10 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms each, both accommodate up to 22 people. Rooms and suites feature cozy wood-burning fireplaces, plus tasteful accents like reclaimed barn wood paneling, and fine linens covering the pillow-soft beds. They take pride in offering personalized service, a welcoming atmosphere, and excellent value. High ceilings and porches with panoramic views accentuate the sense of space. The propertys 19th Hole Grill serves breakfast and lunch, grab-and-go items, beer, wine, coffee, and more. During your stay, each guest gets two 50-minute rides a day one of the morning and one in the afternoon. Theyre so strong and healthy! Additional horsemanship activities include team penning and lessons on equine behavior. of acres of land offering plenty of wide-open spaces and on-site trails, ponds, lakes, and more. Set high in the Colorado Rockies at nearly 9,000 feet of elevation, Waunita Hot Springs Ranch is filled with snow-covered mountain views at every turn. Book the popular breakfast ride to start your day with an easy trail ride before indulging in a Chuckwagon breakfast served by a crackling campfire. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. 10 Best All-Inclusive U.S. Resorts for Families. Lodging Experience an authentic Western experience the next time you travel to Texas at a bona fide dude ranch. Dude Ranch. Dude Ranches Office of the Governor, Economic Development & Tourism 1100 San Jacinto, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 463-2000. A dude ranch is a western-style resort with horseback riding, fishing, campfires, BBQs, and more. You can also enjoy biking, hiking, swimming, kite flying, hayrides, pickleball, basketball, smores, a family pool with a lazy river, trampolines, and more. Local artwork adds panache, and the sprawling five-bedroom hacienda is a good choice for groups. Wildcatter Ranch is just 90 minutes from the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in the Texas Hill Country near Graham and Possum Kingdom Lake. Southern love stories are spun in the Best Romantic Texas Bed and Breakfasts. Parents are welcome to accompany their children for activities or retreat to the resorts Sonoran Spa, play tennis or just relax. In fact, the daily rate at Dixie Dude Ranch includes two horseback rides and three meals a day. However, if picky eaters and dinner table tantrums are a concern, look for a guest ranch that has kitchen facilities in accommodations. Which Ranches Do You Recommend?Tanque Verde Ranch Tucson, Ariz. Texass dude ranches will make you think you are in a Western movie filled with cowboy history, folklore, and pure Hill Country magic. Guests are saturated in serenity without lacking creature comforts. Yes, send me expert advice, handpicked recommendations, and tips for my family. Wine trails, outdoor adventures, swimming holes and luxurious resorts await. All Material 2023 Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism. Hill Country Texas All Inclusive Resorts Additionally, take a swim in the pool, swing a tennis racquet, and play a round of mini-golf. After a career in advertising and sales, Janie knows what makes compelling, substantial content. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Today, four all of which are all-inclusive continue to open their gates to city slickers. The infinity-edge pool is the perfect place to watch the sunset while sipping a glass of local wine. Cons: This rambunctious ranch is not the place to vacation if you're seeking tranquility. My brother lives in San Antonio, Texas. She speaks fluent Italian. 13 Gorgeous Log Cabins with Private Hot Tubs Across the U.S. In fact, golf in Texas is spectacular. We found fossils embedded in the boulders and looked for slate arrowheads. And my husband? Its a better experience for the rider and horse. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. Guests can also enjoy bullwhip and shooting demos, fossil hunting, hiking, buckaroo rides, stargazing, ranch animals, lasso lessons, a playground, and more. Related Read:10 Best Weekend Road Trips from San Antonio, Texas. Sitting on 348 acres, its not hard to understand why Mayan Ranch is one of the best dude ranches for families. The Mayan Dude Ranch 350 Mayan Ranch Rd, Bandera, Texas; phone: 830-796-3312 Rates: Rooms start at $170/day and include meals and horseback riding. A delicious family-style breakfast is served each morning at the lodge. The extensive riding program is led by experienced wranglers and there are 50 miles of trails dipping through verdant glens, grass-covered hills, and riverbanks. For a western-themed adventure that doesn't sit on its high horse, consider a dude ranch vacation. Nine individual cabins snuggled beside the creek offer lodging for families. Far from the West, Rocking Horse Ranch, offers a taste of the country on the East Coast. Many dude ranches do not offer an all-inclusive option. The Dude Ranchers Association was formed in 1926 to preserve this special way of life Beginning riders may enjoy a leisurely walking ride while experienced riders walk, trot, and lope.