New Braunfels named top destination in Texas. See the other spots that made the list

Ryan Maxin, Austin American-Statesman
·2 min read

2024 is Central Texas' year to shine.

New Braunfels was named Destination of the Year by the Texas Travel Awards, and several other cities, including Austin, Georgetown, Bastrop and San Antonio, dotted the list for various accomplishments.

The awards' organizers honored New Braunfels with the top spot because of the city's "vibrant downtown" and "historic architecture housing one-of-a-kind shops, art galleries, speakeasies, craft breweries and eateries." They also wrote New Braunfels blended its European roots and the beauty of Texas Hill Country.

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The awards are supported and curated by the publishers of Austin Monthly and Texas Music magazines and are meant to "shine a spotlight on the most exciting, innovative and inviting places around the state," according to the awards' website.

The awards' organizers asked the public to score cities on four main categories: best destinations for arts & culture, families, foodies and outdoor adventures. A panel of travel industry professionals, journalists, and a musician also judged cities on 45 other categories.

Here are the categories each Central Texas city brought home the bacon in.

New Braunfels

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Austin

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Georgetown

Bastrop

  • Best small/medium market music festival or event (Bastrop Music Festival)

  • Best destination for families

  • Best destination for outdoor adventures

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San Antonio

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: New Braunfels named top destination of 2024 by Texas Travel Awards